Irmgard “Irm” A. Becker

Irmgard “Irm” A. Becker, 88, of Charles City, died Sunday, May 29, 2011, at the Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City.

Funeral services for Irm Becker will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor David Werges will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Charles City.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at the church an hour prior to the service.

Irmgard Anna Knock Becker was born May 8, 1923, in Allison, the daughter of Henry and Marie (Siefkes) Knock. She graduated from Shell Rock High School and attended Wartburg College, Waverly. Irm worked at the Lutheran Children’s Home in Waverly and served as a parish worker at First Saint John Lutheran Church in Toledo, Ohio. While serving in Toledo, she met Erwin “Erv” Becker, and they were married on August 6, 1946, at Saint John’s Lutheran Church in Clarksville. Irm and Erv moved to Charles City where she became involved in Church and community. A member of Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Irm loved her church and served in many ways. Her faith in Christ shaped her identity and her life. Irm served as an auxiliary volunteer “Pink Lady” at the hospital and volunteered with Heart to Home Hospice, receiving the Hospice Volunteer of the Year Award in 1995. She also enjoyed her involvement with the Charles City Women’s Club. Irm’s vocation as a home maker was important to her, as was her work for 23 years as office manager for the family business, Becker Home Improvement.

Irm is survived by a son, Mark (Judy) Becker of Woodbury, Minn.; two daughters, Karen (Max) Brandau of Nora Springs and Kathy (Monte) Waldorf of Charles City; eight grandchildren, Amy Becker, Katy Becker, Daniel (Bryce) Becker, Justin Brandau, Dawn (Clint) Harrell, Renae (Greg) Adams, Susanne Waldorf and Correne (Todd) Larsen; six great grandchildren; and a brother, Sike Knock of Lakeland, Fla.

Irm was preceded in death by her parents; and husband of 59 years, Erv, on June 17, 2006.

Memorials may be directed to Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 200 South Main Street, Charles City, IA 50616 or to ELCA Disaster Response through Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hauserfh.com.

William K. Ehling

William K. Ehling, 90, of New Brighton, MN and formerly of Charles City, passed away Saturday, May 28, 2011 at the Brightondale Assisted Living in New Brighton, MN.

A funeral service will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, 701 1st Avenue in Floyd on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Martha Bennett officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Charles City. A visitation will be held at Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt Street in Charles City on Wednesday, June 1 from 4 to 7 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Floyd Grace United Methodist Church. Stories, thoughts and condolences may be shared with the family on the funeral home web site at www.Fullertonfh.com.

Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Blunt Street, Charles City, IA. (641) 228-4211. www.fullertonfh.com

Beulah M. Carson

Beulah M. Carson, 104, of Charles City, died Saturday, November 27, 2010 at the 9th St. Chautauqua Guest Home, Charles City.

In celebration of Beulah's life, there will be a gathering of family and friends on Saturday, May 28, 2011 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt Street in Charles City. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Rudd.

Fullerton Hage Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Blunt Street, Charles City, IA. (641) 228-4211. www.fullertonfh.com

Goldie Marrs

Goldie Marrs, 100, of Rockford died Thursday, December 23, 2010 at Cedar Health Care Facility in Charles City.

A celebration of Goldie’s life will be held on Sunday, May 29, 2011 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Rockford Senior Center, 206 W. Main Avenue, in Rockford. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Iowa Hospice.

Fullerton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Blunt Street, Charles City, IA. (641) 228-4211. www.fullertonfh.com

Sara J. Kelly

Sara J. Kelly, 64, of Marble Rock, passed away peacefully Monday morning, May 23, 2011, at her home after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

A funeral Mass for Sara Kelly will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church – Roseville. Monsignor Walter Brunkan will celebrate the Mass. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Roseville.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church – Roseville Gymnasium where there will be a Scriptural Prayer Service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue after 9:30 a.m. Thursday in the gymnasium.

Sara Jane Warner was born July 25, 1946, in Charles City, the daughter of Ceo D. and Sadie M. (McMullen) Warner. Growing up in Rockford, she was the eighth of nine children. In 1964, she graduated from Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock High School. On October 23, 1965, she was united in marriage to Norman Kelly at St. Mary’s Catholic Church – Roseville. Together they made their home on the Kelly family century farm near Marble Rock where they raised their four children. In addition to helping on the farm, Sara also had various other jobs over the years including Marble Rock town librarian, waitress at Clancey’s, Farmers Cooperative, and media aide for RRMR School for 15 years, retiring in July of 2010. Sara was also a long time active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church - Roseville and Rosary Society. Above all, she was devoted to her family and friends and was a very patient and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. Sara loved life and some of the things she loved most were family gatherings for birthdays and holidays, hours spent in her large vegetable garden and among her perennial flower beds, watching the many birds that visited her feeders, cross country skiing, reading by herself and to the grandchildren and visiting and traveling with friends or family. Over the years, she was involved in many activities including Hi-Neighbor Club, Cub Scouts, 4-H, Bowling League, canoeing and camping. Sara’s family was very important to her and her grandchildren will especially remember her tea parties, sunflower houses, garden “jungle”, and “adventures” including 4-wheeler rides, time at the river and sandpit. She was always ready to try new things and visit new places. It is hard to put into words everything Sara’s life was, but she will be missed greatly.

Living family members include her husband, Norm Kelly of Marble Rock; four children, Bob Kelly of Mason City, Mardel (Rod) Brockett of Reinbeck, Andy (Dr. Corey) Kelly of Sherrill and Frank (Mary) Kelly of Mason City; eight grandchildren, Kelly, Sadie and Paul Brockett, Skyler, Liam and Bryce Kelly and Ryan and Avery Kelly; two sisters, Bethel (Ronald) Ritter of Charles City and Ethel Ann Lane of Frederic, Wis.; four brothers, Allan (Betty) Warner of Charles City, Charles (Audrey) Warner of Sheffield, David (Cheryl) Warner of Greene and Gary (Virginia) Warner of Denver; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Gordon and Max Warner.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hauserfh.com.

Elsie R. Gordon

Elsie R. Gordon, 95, of Charles City, died Saturday afternoon, May 21, 2011, at the Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City.

Funeral services for Elsie Gordon will be held 11 a.m. Friday at Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Dennis Niezwaag will officiate. Burial will be in Sunnyside Memory Gardens, rural Charles City.

Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until service time Friday.

Elsie Rebecca Holien was born April 1, 1916, on the farm north of Ossian, the youngest of fourteen children, to Halver H. and Sire (Sandvik) Holien. She received her education from rural schools. Elsie married Richard Gordon and they later divorced. She is the last of a generation in the Holien family. Elsie was an active member of Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church. Interests included playing cards, vegetable gardening and canning. Her pride in her family and their Norwegian heritage was evident to anyone who knew her.

Elsie is survived by her former husband, Richard Gordon of Nashua; a son, LaVern (Rose) Gordon of Cedar Rapids; four grandchildren, Timothy (Dawn) Johnson, Sarah (Ryan) Holdmeyer, Paul (Sarah) Johnson and Christine (Chad Ballagh) Gordon; two great grandchildren, Kennedy and Kinley Holdmeyer; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Nancy Johnson; a grandson, Neil Gordon; six sisters and seven brothers.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church or a charity of choice.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hauserfh.com.

Clarence F. Prange

Clarence F. Prange, 92, of Charles City, died Wednesday, May 18, 2011, at Windsor Nursing and Rehab Center in Cedar Falls.

Funeral services for Clarence Prange will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday at Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastors Dennis Niezwaag and David Werges will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Charles City. Military honors will be conducted by the Charles City Ceremonial Unit.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday and at the church on Monday an hour prior to the service.

Clarence Frank Prange was born January 1, 1919, in Butler County, the son of Fred and Alma (Constien) Prange. He attended rural school and then helped his dad on the family farm. In 1940 he graduated from Reppert’s School of Auctioneering in Decatur, Ind. Shortly after that he enlisted in the United States Navy and served aboard various warships during World War II. He was discharged in November of 1945 and returned to Iowa. On April 26, 1946, he was united in marriage to Lucille DeBower at Vilmar and relocated to Charles City where he remained until 2006. Clarence was an auctioneer for 54 years, a profession he truly enjoyed and was inducted into the Auctioneer’s Hall of Fame. He was a member of the State and National Auctioneer’s Association and was always willing to donate his services for community events. Clarence was also a member of the American Legion and served in the Charles City Ceremonial Unit for many years. He took great pride in his Appaloosa horses which he raised and showed for over 50 years.

Living family members include a daughter, Mavis Prange of Minneapolis, Minn.; two grandchildren, Josh (Suzzanna) Dell and Martha Dell; four great granddaughters; a brother, Cliff (Darline) Prange of Ames; and a sister, Lorene St. John of Cedar Rapids.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife in 1992; and two daughters, infant Karen Prange in in 1958 and Eunice Dell in 2008.

Memorials may be directed to the family or charity of choice.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hauserfh.com.

Dean A. Rivers

Dean A. Rivers, 84, of Oelwein, formerly of Floyd, died Friday, May 13, 2011 at Grandview Health Care Center in Oelwein.

Funeral services for Dean Rivers will be held 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City. Pastor Paul Fohs of Saint John Lutheran Church at Arlington will officiate. Burial will be in Sunnyside Memory Gardens rural Charles City.

Visitation will be at the Hauser Funeral Home Monday from noon until service time.

Dean Alfred Rivers was born July 1, 1926, in Mitchell County, the son of Alfred and Myrtie (Dawley) Rivers. He attended Charles City High School. On June 1, 1944, he was united in marriage to Rita Hagarty and they later divorced. Dean married Ruby Larson on March 21, 2008. Over the years he worked in construction, farmed and was employed at Salsbury Laboratories. His interests included dancing, singing and playing the piano. He will be remembered as a great whistler and one who enjoyed mowing grass and blowing snow.

Living family members include his wife, Ruby Rivers of Oelwein; six children, Ronald Rivers of Nashua, Edna Rivers of Winthrop, Gerald (Sue) Rivers of Keil, Wis., Roger Hagarty of Seattle, Wash., Kenneth Rivers of What Cheer and Teresa Rivers of Waverly; 15 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; five step children, Mardelle (Leon) Streicher of Lamont, Roger (Mario) West of Unionville, Mo, Diane Smith of Lamont, Sheryl (Randy) Sherman of Maynard and Larry (Annette) West of West Union; 13 step grandchildren and 25 step great grandchildren; a sister, Unis Hughes of Charles City; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Brett Rivers; a brother, Ryal Rivers; and six sisters, Ruby Polluck, Lois Marks, June Lynch, Avis Brown, and Opal Porter.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hauserfh.com.

Evelyn M. Zierath

Evelyn M. Zierath, 94, of Charles City died peacefully with her family at her side, Saturday, May 7, 2011, at the Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City.

Funeral services for Evelyn Zierath will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the First Wesleyan Church. Pastor Dennis Bachman will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery at Rockford. Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday. Visitation will continue Tuesday at the church an hour prior to the service.

Evelyn Mae Buckner Zierath was born February 19, 1917, at Rudd, the daughter of Clarence and Mary (Langman) Buckner. She received her education from the Prairie Center country school and Rockford High School. On July 20, 1940, she was united in marriage to Lloyd Zierath at Charles City. To this union one son, Robert was born. Lloyd died in December of 1967. Over the years Evelyn worked at Hoover Hatchery, C & J Restaurant, and Bergos Department Store. For 10 years she participated in the Foster Grandparent Program and was named Grandma of the year in 2007. She enjoyed coloring, putting puzzles together, playing dice and Bingo and writing to her family. Cooking and baking were also important with pies and “baked beans” being her specialty. Evelyn was a member of the First Wesleyan Church and served in various positions in the church. She was an inspiration to her family and to all who knew her. As a prayer warrior she will be remembered as one who had a “direct line to heaven” as she prayed continuously for her family and friends.

Living family members include a son, Robert (Peggy) Zierath of Cedar Rapids; two granddaughters, Sondra Dunham and Candace Zierath; two great grandchildren, Whitney Readshaw and Courtney (Jeff) Weng; a brother, Chester (Mary) Buckner of Reed Springs, Mo.; and two sisters, Joyce (Rolland) Cook and Carol (John) Miller both of Charles City; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and four sisters, Rose Ryan, Margaret Nauman, Ruby Phillips and Virginia Buckner in infancy.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the First Wesleyan Church, 913 South Main, Charles City, IA 50616 or Hospice of North Iowa, 232 2nd Street SE, Mason City, IA 50401.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hauserfh.com.

Almeda A. Obermeier

Almeda A. Obermeier, 98, of Charles City, died Sunday, May 1, 2011, at Cedar Health in Charles City.

A funeral Mass for Almeda Obermeier will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City. Reverend Carl Ries will celebrate the Mass. Burial will be in Sunnyside Memory Gardens, rural Charles City.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the Church.

Almeda Alice Kneisel was born August 14, 1912, in Floyd County, the daughter of Charles and Lida Ann (McCarty) Kneisel. She graduated from Charles City High School. On October 15, 1930, she was united in marriage to Anthony “Tony” Obermeier in Austin, Minn. Almeda was employed at Davis Paint and retired from Sears. For many years Almeda was a Girl Scout Leader. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, St. Anthony’s Circle, McKinley Home Craft Circle and Wildwood Ladies Golf Association. Her interests included golfing, crocheting, knitting, needle point work and mowing her lawn.

Living family members include her three daughters, Darlene Weiss of Janesville, Sheila Fisher of Charles City and Karen (Dick) Keating of Banning, Calif.; nine grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; five step great-grandchildren; and one great great-granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son-in-law, Roger Fisher; four sisters; and two brothers.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hauserfh.com.