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Lona Swain
Lona Swain, age 74, of Storm Lake, Iowa, died Wednesday, December 13, 2006 of injuries received in an automobile accident.
Services for Mrs. Swain will be held Thursday, December 21, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Storm Lake, with Reverend Bruce Lesemann officiating. Burial will be in the Storm Lake Cemetery. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
Friends may call on Wednesday, December 20, 2006 from 4:00 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. Memorials in Lona’s honor may be directed to the Concordia Lutheran School, in care of St. John Lutheran Church in Storm Lake.
Lona Jean Hansen was born August 13, 1932 in Galva, Iowa to Ferd and Tena (Radke) Hansen. She was baptized at St. John Lutheran Church in Galva and as a youth, confirmed her faith in that same congregation. She received her early education in the Galva School, and graduated from Galva High School in 1950. She continued her education, graduating from Buena Vista College in Storm Lake with a degree in education.
On June 24, 1958, Lona was united in marriage to Milton Larry Swain at St. John Lutheran Church in Galva. Their union was blessed with two children: a daughter, Julie, and a son, Scott.
A devoted wife and mother, Lona kept a warm and loving home for her family. She taught school for many years at schools in Battle Creek, Sulfur Springs and Storm Lake, until her retirement in 1995. She also helped in whatever capacity she was needed at Concordia Lutheran School in Storm Lake. Her students received the same devotion and care she showed to all the people who crossed her path in life.
Lona was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church in Storm Lake, where she taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and was very involved in the life and activities of her church.
Lona loved to shop, enjoyed sewing, reading and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. She treasured all the time she spent with her beloved family, but her grandchildren held a special place in her heart. Her caring and kind ways will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 48 years, Milt Swain of Storm Lake; her daughter, Julie and husband Dan Tjaden of Storm Lake; her son, Scott and wife Kari Swain of Altoona, Iowa; grandson Ethan Swain and granddaughter Ellen Swain of Altoona; sister Elmira Alderson of Schaller, Iowa; extended family and a host of friends.
Preceding Lona in death were her parents; her brothers-in-law David Alderson, Myron Swain and Ronnie Swain; and two sisters-in-law: Helen Swain and Toddy Swain.
Margie Hammer
Margie Hammer, age 83, a lifetime resident of Storm Lake, Iowa, died Sunday October 15, 2006 at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake.
Services for Mrs. Hammer are schedule for Thursday, October 19, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Storm Lake, with Reverend Bruce Lesemann officiating. Burial will be in Buena Vista Memorial Park Cemetery in Storm Lake. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
Friends may call on Wednesday, October 18, 2006 from 4:00 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.
Margie Marie Staton was born on August 13, 1923 to George Staton and Florence (Manska) Staton in Denver, Minn. She was baptized in the Lutheran faith at St. John Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. She graduated high school from Sulpher Springs High School.
On June 15, 1947 Marge was united in marriage to Arnold Hammer, Jr. in Storm Lake.
Marge worked for many years at My Lady on Fifth, and The Women's Shop in downtown Storm Lake as a sales clerk. She retired in 1994 after 27 years of retail service. Marge was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. In her spare moments, Marge enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends. Marge and Jr. enjoyed taking their 5th wheel trailer to go camping during the summer months. Marge loved to go to the farmers market and to auctions.
Margie is survived by her son, James and his wife, Vicki, of Mangilao Guam; grandson Joshua of Camp Lejune, North Carolina; granddaughter, Kylie of Mangilao, Guam; brother Leo (Shirley) Staton of Sac City, Iowa; brother Dean (Shirley) Staton of Lake View, Iowa; sister Joan (Leroy) Vauble of Sac City, Iowa; sister Marilyn (Raymond) Mentzer of Early, Iowa; as well as her extended family and a host of dear and special friends including Fern Crowley, Brad and Sondra Raveling, Sally Breecher and Dietrich Reiman.
Marge was preceded in death by her husband Arnold Hammer, Jr.; her parents, George and Florence Staton; her sisters, Martha Breon, Katherine Birt; and her brothers: Lee Staton, Clair Staton, Jimmy Staton and Roland Staton.
Ralph E. Fitchett
Ralph E. Fitchett, age 82, of Storm Lake died on Monday, August 28, 2006 at his home.
Funeral services will be Saturday, September 2, 2006 at 10:30 am at the United Methodist Church in Storm Lake with Rev. Dr. Beverlee Bell officiating. Burial will be in the Buena Vista Memorial Park Cemetery. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will be Friday, September 1, 2006 from 4-8 pm with the family present from 6 to 8 pm at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake, where there will be an Odd Fellow’s Service at 7:00 pm that same evening.
Ralph E. Fitchett was born on September 30, 1923 in Newell, Iowa to Harold and Mazie (Bengston) Fitchett. He attended grade school in Newell and Colorado. In 1941 he graduated from Newell High School. He then entered the United States Army and served his country in World War II. For his honorable service he received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.
On February 15, 1948 Ralph was united in marriage to Clarice Rathbun in Storm Lake. The couple was blessed with three daughters: Becky, Ginny and Rhonda. The family made their home in Storm Lake where Ralph was employed by the U.S. Post Office, culminating his career as postmaster, until his retirement in 1986.
Ralph was an active longtime member of the United Methodist Church, as well as, the I.O.O.F. Odd Fellows. He also enjoyed playing cards and was a member of the VFW and the American Legion. He was a loving husband and devoted father. He loved spending time with his family and took great pleasure in (FFF) Fitchett Family Fun activities. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Left to cherish his memory are his three daughters: Becky Herpst of Rembrandt, Iowa, Ginny and husband Rusty Smith of Sioux Rapids, Iowa and Rhonda Fitchett of Fort Dodge, Iowa; grandchildren: Bonni Herpst and special friend Bill Christjaner, Meredith Smith and husband Ed Cook and Austin Smith; many extended family members and a host of friends.
Agnes Gerken Barr
Agnes Gerken Barr, age 85, of Newell, Iowa died Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at the Newell Good Samaritan Center.
Funeral services for Mrs. Barr will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Nain Lutheran Church in Newell, with Reverend Tom Dettmer officiating. Burial will be in the Newell Cemetery. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Newell is in charge of the arrangements.
Friends may call on Friday, March 14, 2008 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Newell, where the family will be present from 6:00 to 8:00.
The family suggests that any memorials be directed to Nain Lutheran Church, 414 West Jensen St, Newell, IA 50568 or the Newell Historical Society, PO Box 5, Newell, Iowa 50568.
Agnes was born on August 1, 1922 in Newell, Iowa, the daughter of George and Anna (Bodholdt) Haahr. She spent her youth in the Newell and Sulphur Springs (Iowa) area, attending grade school and then graduating from high school with the Class of 1939 from Providence Consolidated School in Sulphur Springs.
On October 9, 1941, Agnes was united in marriage to Eldor L. Gerken in the Nain Lutheran Church parsonage in Newell. The couple was blessed with five children: Judith Ellen, Robert, Roberta, John Allen and Janice Elaine. Agnes and Eldor raised their family on their farm northwest of Newell. After many happy years of marriage, Eldor died in 1979. Agnes was married to Arthur O. Barr on September 11, 1982 in Nain Lutheran Church in Newell.
Agnes was a very capable woman who loved a challenge. She could fly a plane, drive a tractor, make delicious 21-day pickles, and bake wonderful Haahr kringles and yardstick pastries. She took five-minute power naps, and rumor has it that she drove with a lead foot. Agnes loved the Lord and served him in many capacities as an active member of Nain Lutheran Church in Newell, including teaching Sunday School and serving several terms on the Church Council. She was a 4-H Leader and a member of Toastmasters Club and The 99’s Flying Club. Agnes was also an entrepreneur and operated Gerken’s Candle Cottage for many years, and then later, a Shaklee business.
Above all, her family was always her priority. She treasured each individual and made everyone feel special. Despite her busy and varied life, she shunned the limelight and wanted no fuss made over her. She will be remembered by family and friends alike as a kind and caring person, and will be deeply missed by all those who loved her.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Arthur Barr of Newell; daughter Judy (Roger) Anderson of Storm Lake, Iowa; son John (Nancy) Gerken of Jefferson, Iowa; daughter Jan (Gary) Worthan of Storm Lake; daughter-in-law Linda Barr of Renton, Washington; grandchildren: David (Norma) Anderson, Susan (Steve) Webster, Steve (Amy) Anderson, Matt Gerken, Melissa (Matt) Janssen, Emily (Ryan) Helming, Mandy (Tanner) Stoner, Ryan (Amy) Worthan, Gabe (Emily) Worthan, and Shannon (Natalie) Worthan; step-grandchildren: Kurt Barr, T.J. Barr and Tamera Barr; great-grandchildren: Danielle, Malea, A. J., Sydney, Jillian, Addison, Ava, Tegan, Owen and Savannah; extended family and many friends.
Agnes was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Eldor Gerken; infant son and daughter Robert and Roberta Gerken; sisters Alma Wilson, Dorothy GeMeiner and LeVerne Buffington; and step-son, Tom Barr.
T. Q. Smith
T. Q. Smith, age 55, of Nemaha, Iowa, died Sunday, June 24, 2007 after a courageous battle against cancer.
Funeral Services for Mr. Smith will be held on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake, Iowa. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Friends may call from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake, where there will be a 7:00 p.m. parish vigil service followed by a Legion of Mary rosary.
Thomas “T.Q.” Smith was born July 13, 1951 in Storm Lake, Iowa, the son of Mike and Mary (Tryon) Smith. T.Q. was baptized as an infant in the Catholic faith at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake and later confirmed his faith as a youth in the same church. He was educated in the Storm Lake Community School, graduating from Storm Lake High School with the Class of 1969.
T.Q. loved nature and being in the rural outdoors. He spent many years partnering with his father as an auctioneer. He often donated his auctioneer services to various benefits throughout the area. T.Q. enjoyed spending time in his garden. He was a modern-day cowboy who was most comfortable when he sat tall in the saddle on one of his beloved Arabian horses. He also loved dogs and had many throughout his life, but he was especially fond of his German shepherds, Aaram, Ace and Sasha. T.Q. was an outgoing and quick-witted man who drew many friends during his life. There was always laughter and a story to tell when T.Q. was present. He will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Vicki Page of Nemaha; his step-children: Courtney and her husband Davin Engelson of Chicago, Illinois and Tyler Page of Iowa City, Iowa; his mother, Mary Smith of Storm Lake; his brothers: Timothy and Janet Smith of Storm Lake; Ted and Julie Smith of Storm Lake; David and Jane Smith of Hagerstown, Maryland; Tony and Jane Smith of Nemaha; and Dan Smith of Tabor, South Dakota; his sister, Penny and Charlie Neswick of Sioux City, Iowa; extended family and a host of friends.
T.Q. was preceded in death by his father, Mike Smith; and his sister, Becky.
Robert R. Duitsman
Robert R. Duitsman, age 82, of Sac City, Iowa died Saturday, October 13, 2007 as the result of a pickup accident north of Odebolt, Iowa.
Services for Mr. Duitsman will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at Nain Lutheran Church in Newell, Iowa. Reverend Tom Dettmer will officiate. Burial will be in the Newell Cemetery. The Fratzke and Jensen Funeral Home in Newell is in charge of the arrangements.
Friends may call on Friday, October 19, 2007 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Newell, where the family will be present.
Robert Ralph Duitsman was born July 27, 1925 in Williams Township, Calhoun County, Iowa, the son of Fred J. and Marie (Buening) Duitsman. Robert was baptized as an infant in the Methodist faith and later was confirmed as a youth. He received his education at the Williams Township Country School in Calhoun County.
Robert served in the United States Army, entering in 1950. He was discharged and then recalled to serve during the Korean Conflict. A great patriot, Robert was awarded two Bronze Stars during his service to his country.
On November 28, 1950, Robert was united in marriage to Kamma M. Nielsen in Fort Dodge, Iowa. The couple was blessed with three children: Kurt, Thomas and Thorben.
Robert worked the land his entire life, farming in the Newell, Sac City and Arthur, Iowa areas. He enjoyed farming was still actively engaged at the time of his death. Robert was a horseman and even rode in rodeos as a young man. He seemed to have a knack for keeping himself busy. He was a member of Nain Lutheran Church in Newell, where he had served on the church board and also was a past president of the congregation. Robert was a 50-year member of the Newell Masonic Lodge and served as Master for several terms. He loved his family above all and treasured the time he spent with them. He will be missed dearly.
Survivors include his three sons: Kurt Duitsman of Arthur, Iowa; Thomas and wife Leanne Duitsman of Boone, Iowa; and Thorben and wife Cindy Duitsman of Sac City, Iowa; his two granddaughters, Jennifer and Stephanie Duitsman; brother Richard Duitsman of Manson, Iowa; sisters Joann Kaughman of Rockwell City, Iowa and Shirley (Earl) Johnson of Manson, Iowa; sister-in-law Rosie Duitsman of Pomeroy, Iowa; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Preceding Robert in death were his parents; his wife, Kamma on October 4, 2004; his brother, Edward Duitsman; and his sister, Norma Harrison.
Mary “Dee” Foster
Mary Devine “Dee” Foster, age 78, of Storm Lake, Iowa, died Sunday, September 16, 2007 at Buena Vista Manor in Storm Lake.
Funeral services for Mrs. Foster will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Reverend Bruce Lawler will celebrate the Mass of 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 Tuesday, September 18, 2007 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 and a parish vigil service will be held at 7:30 during the visitation hours at the funeral home.
Mary Devine Brennan was born January 25, 1929 in Fort Benning, Georgia, the daughter of Francis Michael and Mary (Devine) Brennan. She was baptized as an infant in the Catholic faith. Dee was later confirmed by Most Reverend Francis Johannes at St. Joseph’s Church in Leavenworth, Kansas and received her first Holy Communion at the Military Chapel at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, both on May 24, 1936. Dee graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in O’Neill, Nebraska, then attended Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa before graduating from Lincoln School of Commerce in Lincoln, Nebraska.
On September 8, 1951, Dee was united in holy matrimony to John Richard Foster in St. Patrick’s Church in O’Neill. The couple was blessed with seven sons: Thomas, Robert, Edward, Richard, John, Andrew and Matthew; and a daughter, Ann.
Dee was a loving and devoted wife and mother who treasured her family and found happiness in keeping a warm and comfortable home for them. In her later years, her grandchildren brought her great joy.
In addition to caring for her family, Dee served as secretary and bookkeeper for the John R. Foster Company for 28 years. She was a faithful, lifelong member of the Catholic Church and currently was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Storm Lake. Dee served three years on the Diocesean Commission for Peace and Justice, six years on the Parish Committee for Peace and Justice. She also served six years on the board of directors for the Harker House in Storm Lake. A friend to many, Dee’s quiet, caring ways will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 56 years, John R. Foster of Storm Lake; sons: Thomas and his wife, Mary Foster of Omaha, Nebraska; Edward Foster of Des Moines, Iowa; Matthew Foster of Iowa City, Iowa; Andrew Foster of New Braunfels, Texas; and John P. Foster of Storm Lake; daughter, Ann and her husband, Dan Braly of Lake Hills, Texas; grandchildren: Aaron and Whitney Boger and Brennan Foster; step-grandchildren Lori and Steven Braly; one brother, John and his wife, Lucy Brennan of Cape Fair, Missouri; sister-in-law Maxine Brennan of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania; extended family and many friends.
Dee was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Richard and Robert; one sister, Patricia Clark; and two brothers: Bert Brennan, USAF pilot lost in Vietnam, and Neil Francis Brennan.
May God bless the memory of Mary Devine Foster.
Marlys Faber
Marlys Faber, age 76, of Storm Lake, Iowa, died Saturday, September 22, 2007 at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake.
Funeral Services for Mrs. Faber will be held on Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in Storm Lake Cemetery. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake, where the family will be present 6:00 to 8:00.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in Marlys’ memory may be directed to St. John Lutheran Church in Storm Lake.
Marlys Ann Biggins was born on October 5, 1930 in Alta, Iowa, the daughter of Raymond and Opal (Peters) Biggins. She graduated from Hayes High School, rural Storm Lake, in 1949, then continued her education at Buena Vista College, graduating in 1951. Marlys taught school for 27 years—two years in Harris, Iowa and 25 years in Rembrandt, Iowa. She was then a substitute teacher in the Storm Lake schools for 29 years.
Marlys was united in marriage to Ed Faber on December 23, 1974 in Sac City, Iowa. They were married 10 years before his death in 1984.
Marlys loved visiting and “coffee time” with her friends. She held a great love for children throughout her many years of teaching. She especially liked to collect ducks, pheasants and geese and thoroughly enjoyed all types of jewelry. Marlys was active in her church and was a long-time member of St. John’s choir, altar guild and also served as a Sunday School teacher.
Survivors include her sisters- and brothers-in-law: Loretta and Bob Rehnstrom, Dolores Zimmer, Joe and Barb Faber; 14 nieces and nephews; extended family and many friends.
Preceding Marlys in death were her parents; her husband, Ed; brothers Richard “Dicky” Biggins and Russell Biggins; and brother-in-law Rich Zimmer.
