Robert “Bob” Pieper

Robert “Bob” Pieper, 70, of Charles City, died Wednesday, September 28, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

Memorial services for Robert Pieper will be held 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 5, 2011, at Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City. Pastor Debra Lincoln of Jordan River will officiate. Inurnment will be at a later date.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday and an hour prior to the service on Wednesday.

Robert Joseph Pieper was born March 8, 1941, at Charles City, the son of Eldon and Zora (Keefer) Pieper. He graduated in 1959 from Immaculate Conception School. On August 19, 1961, he was married to Judie Moore. They later divorced. Bob then married Toni Steward on July 18, 1998. During most of his working career Bob was a regional sales representative in California returning to Charles City in 1996. However, from 1985 to 1987 he was co-owner of the Home Base. He was a member of the Cedar Ridge Golf Course. Bob was an avid outdoorsman enjoying such activities as golfing, fishing, hunting and camping. For a number of years he also coached Little League baseball.

Living family members include his wife, Toni Pieper of Charles City; four children, Diana (Philip) Smith of Charles City, Jodie Pieper, Michael Pieper and Joseph Pieper all of Santa Clarita, Calif.; two step sons, Joseph (Stephanie) Acord of Oklahoma City, Okla. and James Acord of Norman, Okla.; ten grandchildren; a step granddaughter; three great grandchildren; and two brothers, Greg (Rosie) Pieper of Charles City and Jim (Jackie) Pieper of Clear Lake.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family.

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.

Tracie Rae Garbes Edelen

Tracie Rae Garbes Edelen, 35, of Clear Lake, IA and formerly of Charles City, IA, passed away Thursday, September 22, 2011 in a hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Africa following recent health complications.

Memorial services will be held 2:00 pm, Friday, October 14, 2011 at Fullerton Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt, Charles City, Iowa. Officiating will be the Rev. Joyce Sandberg of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Waverly. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Inurnment will be at a later date in Osage Cemetery. Those wishing to extend memorials or expressions of sympathy may direct them to the Tracie R. Edelen Memorial Fund. Condolences and stories may be shared with the family at visitation, at www.Fullertonfh.com or Facebook.com/Fullertonfuneralhome. A luncheon will be offered at the Knights of Columbus Hall following the service.

Tracie was born on September 17, 1976 in Charles City to parents, Roger and Barbara (Head) Garbes, when they lived in Nashua. She was baptized at First United Methodist Church, Nashua and attended kindergarten and first grade before she and Barb moved to Charles City in 1984. She took piano lessons as a youngster and enjoyed playing alto sax in the school bands. She also wrote for the Charles City Highlights newspaper. Tracie and her Grandma Donna Mae had a very special relationship and spent much time together. During high school, Tracie waitressed three years at Granny’s Kitchen and enjoyed serving her customers there. She was recognized in Who’s Who Among American High School Students nationwide, and received the Senior Achievement Award in her graduating class of 1995. Tracie moved to Phoenix that summer where she worked as Assistant Office Manager for Doubletree Guest Suites Hotel for 3-1/2 years. She met many interesting people there including outfielderJose Herrera of the Oakland A’s baseball team. She once drove alone across country to see Jose play in New York, and traveled to his homeland in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic several times. Leaving Arizona in 1999, Tracie returned to Ft. Dodge and began working as Home Store Manager for Younkers. She had quite a flair for managing her team, fashion/merchandising/designing store setups, and received many accolades for exceeding sales projections. She attended Iowa Central Community College for business management courses. Upon moving to Des Moines in 2003, she took a position with the historical Hotel Fort Des Moines as Front Office Operations Manager. During that time, she also was a promotions ambassador for Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino in Altoona. Tracie was elated to be featured in TV commercials and on several Des Moines area billboards as a “Giddy-up Girl” on their dance team.

Always striving to better herself professionally, Tracie obtained her Iowa Real Estate License and was a sales associate for Next Generation Realty and Hunziker & Associate Realtors in Ankeny. She sold several high-dollar homes in the area during 2005-2006. Tracie worked hard but also loved spending time with friends, her Dad, Susan and family, shopping, reading and traveling. She accompanied her Dad’s family on their yearly summer vacations and visited Fort Lauderdale several times when her mother lived there.

On June 3, 2006, Tracie was united in marriage to Michael Edelen. Tracie worked with Mike in his Ankeny construction business helping to design new homes and loved picking out the interior finishes. They had two Bichons named Chloe and Lilly who were the light of her life. In 2006, Tracie was employed by CBK, Ltd., a home décor/gift wholesale distributor, as the IA District Account Manager servicing 200 retail stores. She later worked from home taking a District Sales Manager position with Avon which entailed traveling extensively to the East Coast. Following their divorce, Tracie served as Marilyn’s Hallmark store manager in Altoona. She eventually hired her Mom and they both enjoyed working there together. In 2009, Tracie joined Barb and her friend Tom in Clear Lake and began working as a beauty consultant for Clinique cosmetics at Younkers, Mason City. Tracie felt she had finally found her ideal career! She loved fashion, sharing beauty tips, giving makeovers and the general camaraderie with her clients. Tracie began experiencing hip/leg pain and after several months, it was determined she had severe bone deterioration. In July 2010, she had double hip replacement at Rochester Methodist Hospital. No words can express the appreciation her family extends to her surgeon, Dr. Rafael J. Sierra, who made the surgery possible and provided her the opportunity to walk again. We thank the Mayo Clinic physicians, Drs. Patrick Loftus, Aravind Sugumar, R. C. Shields, and entire staff of the Mayo Clinic for all their concern and support throughout her many visits the past year and a half. Many thanks go to Rod Schlader and staff of Mason City Mercy Hospital for their help in receiving medical care locally. A special thank you goes to treating physician, Sue Mullenbach, P.A., for her never-ending tenacity and genuinely caring for her patient in need. On August 29^th, Tracie was looking forward to a month-long trip to visit her special friend, Jerome Kisima (formerly from Mason City) and his family in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Tracie and Jerome exchanged vows in a small chapel on her 35^th birthday, September 17. Five days later she was taken to the hospital where she died suddenly. Her parents and family are thankful knowing Tracie was happy the last few weeks of her life traveling to Africa, and that Jerome fulfilled one of her greatest life-long dreams of sharing her love and getting married.

Left to mourn her passing are her husband Jerome of Dar es Salaam; her parents Barbara Garbes of Clear Lake, and Roger (Susan) Garbes of Waverly; half-brother, Ryan Garbes, Iowa City; two step-brothers, Aaron (Kristin) Lentz, their children Abby, Cam and Brody of Louisville, CO; Patrick (Brittney) Lentz and their children Kollyn, Caleb and Lucas of Plainfield; paternal grandparents Raymond and Jeanette Garbes, Nashua; three aunts Linda Sue Baker and Debra (Tom) Clark of Osage, and Janice (Jeff) Edson, Nashua; uncle, Ron (Dawn) Garbes, Nashua; along with their extended families.

She was preceded in death by maternal grandparents Donna and Robert Bertelson, LeRoy Head, her aunt Jean (Garbes) Brown, and special family friend Tom Woodard.

Fullerton Hage Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Blunt, Charles City, Iowa 50616. 641-228-4211 www.Fullertonfh.com Facebook.com/Fullertonfuneralhome

Ruth M. Keeling

Ruth M. Keeling, 88, of Charles City, died Tuesday, September 20, 2011, at the Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City.

A funeral Mass for Ruth Keeling will be held 11 a.m. Friday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City. Reverend Carl Ries will celebrate the Mass. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Charles City.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday where the Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue after 10 a.m. Friday at the Church.

Ruth Mary Merfeld was born July 26, 1923, in Marble Rock, the daughter of George H. and Cecelia Bridget (Loughren) Merfeld. She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Greene. On December 5, 1943, she was united in marriage to Ercyl E. Keeling at Camp Adair, in Corvallis, Ore. Over the years, Ruth was employed at Salsbury Laboratories and Oliver/White Farm. Ruth was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, longtime member of the choir and Sacred Heart Guild. Her interests included sewing, needle work, crocheting, big band and classical music, gardening and growing flowers. She especially enjoyed her time doing crossword puzzles and Sudoku. Ruth taught English to Vietnamese immigrants and generously helped others.

Living family members include her four children, Denise (Marvin) Bates of Evansville, Ind., Linda Dannan of Manchester, Mo., David Keeling of Davenport and Mark Keeling of Comanche; eight grandchildren; two great grandchildren; two sisters, Margaret (Russell) Tolliver of Charles City and Lucille (Tom) Cronin of Nashua; brother, Maurice “Mick” (Sharon) Merfeld of Nashua; and three sisters-in-law, Eunice Merfeld of Tucson, Ariz., Pauline Merfeld of Sun City, Ariz. and Grace Merfeld of Des Moines.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband on August 8, 2011; and five brothers, Louis, Paul, James, Eugene and Charles.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Meals on Wheels.

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.

Gertrude “Trudy” M. Street

Gertrude “Trudy” M. Street, 88 of 28 Cedar Terrace, Charles City, died Sunday, September 18, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center, Mason City

Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm, Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at Fullerton Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt, Charles City. Officiating will be the Rev. Paul Phillips, of Floyd Gospel Lighthouse Church. Visitation will be from 5 until 8:00 pm, Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Charles City. Those planning and expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Foster Grandparents Organization. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.Fullertonfh.com

Gertrude May was born on July 7, 1923 at Clear Lake, Wisconsin the daughter of James and Olive (Hough) Knowlen. She received her education in Floyd and was so happy when she received her GED from NIACC in the 80’s. For many years she worked in the Rose Department at Sherman Nursery, later working as a nurses aid at the Riverside Chautauqua guest home. On November 26, 1946 she was united in marriage to Milton Niensteadt in Dubuque. In her early years she loved to fish and when catching was slow she liked to just sit and look at the water and surrounding beauty. She loved listening to music especially Gospel and Country Gospel. She camped with her family, doing crossword puzzles, crocheting, and being active in her church at the Floyd Gospel Lighthouse Church. She was most content when she was with the little ones in her family, being at family reunions and just being around family. She was a fan of college football and basketball games.

Survivors include her son Gary Hedrick, Charles City; Roy Street, Hampton, Iowa; grandchildren Leslie Klemme, El Paso, TX; Milton Hedrick, California; Derek Hedrick, Charles City; Granddaughters Ila Cheney, Concordia, MO; Denise Guilory, California; Great Grandchildren Jesse, Bobby, and Tammy Cheney, Amy Delatte, David, Ryan, and Steven Klemme, Roel and Cassandra Lechuga, Great Great Grandchildren Chasidy, and Carson Cheney, Michael-aiden Chapa, Marquise Nance, Ashley and Andrew Guilory, and a nephew Jim Witherspoon.

Her husband, parents, step-father Andrew Bogart, Daughter Nola Vosburgh, Grandsons LaVerne and David Vosburgh, Brother William Knowlen, Sister Mildred Townsend, preceded her in death.

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

Dennis Joseph Knecht

Dennis Joseph Knecht, age 60, died September 17, 2011, at Charles City, Iowa, in a farm/construction accident.

Dennis was born December 1, 1950 in Algona, Iowa, to Herbert and Esther Knecht. He was the first of fourteen children born to the Knechts. He attended school in Wesley and Forest City, Iowa, before graduating from Charles City High School in 1969. He attended NIACC and graduated in 1971 with an A.A.S. in automotive technology. After completing college he returned to Algona and worked with his uncle as a mechanic. He returned to Charles City in 1976 and again engaged in automotive repair. He established Knecht Farm Drainage with his father and brother and continued his work as a mechanic. He enjoyed annual salmon fishing trips, working in the farm shop, and assisting his brothers and nephews as part of the crew in the “pits” during the annual demo derby. For the last 15 years he has worked side by side with Kisch Excavating and with his brother at T&C Machine.

Dennis was a talented, caring, innovative person who used his talents to assist his family, friends, church and community. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Charles City and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Dennis’ final act of giving is evidenced by the gift of bone and tissue donation.

He is survived by his mother, Esther Knecht of Charles City; his siblings, Irvin Knecht of Orchard; Brian Knecht of Centerville; Mary (Paul) Hurley of Greeley, Colorado; Diane (Mike) Lavenz of Cedar Falls; David (Tami) Knecht of Charles City; Daniel (Bette) Knecht of Ionia; Mark (and special friend, Kathleen Tlusty) of Nashua; Steven (Julia) Knecht of Charles City; Jean (Bruce) Oudekerk of New Hampton; Theresa (Ron) Stewart of Floyd; Catherine (Russel) Groesbeck of Charles City; Charles (Teresa) Knecht of Charles City; Francis (Steph) Knecht of Tripoli; 36 nieces and nephews; and 27 great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Herbert Knecht, and by his grandparents and several aunts and uncles.

Funeral arrangements are being made through Fullerton Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 4:00 until 8:00 pm Tuesday at Fullerton Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt, Charles City. A scripture service will be held at 7:00 pm followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary Tuesday evening.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 21^st at 10:30 AM at Immaculate Conception Church in Charles City, Iowa. Officiating will be the Rev. Father Carl Ries with Sister Diana Blong conduction the scripture service. In lieu of flowers the family would ask that you make a donation in Dennis’ name to Immaculate Conception School, Immaculate Conception Church or the Knights of Columbus.

Fullerton Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt, Charles City, Iowa 50616, 641-228-4211 www.Fullertonfh.com Facebook.com/Fullertonfuneralhome

Donald F. Holthaus

Donald F. Holthaus, 68 of 506 9th St., Charles City, died Thursday September 15, 2011, at Floyd County Medical Center, Charles City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Charles City. Officiating will be the Rev.’s Dennis Niezwaag and David Werges. Interment will be in Sunnyside Memorial Garden, Charles City. Visitation will be from 4 until 8 p.m. Monday at the Fullerton HageFuneral Home, 401 Blunt, Charles City. Memorials in Don's honor may be given to St. John Lutheran or Hospice of North Iowa. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.Fullertonfh.com or Facebook.com/Fullertonfuneralhome.

Donald Frederick was born the second oldest of four children to Harley and Mabel (Duesenberg) Holthaus on October 14, 1942, in Colesburg, Iowa. At a young age Donald moved with his family to Rockford, Iowa. He graduated with the class of 1960 from Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock Schools. Don began his police career as a dispatcher in March 1972, and became a police officer in December 1973, taking his law enforcement training at Camp Dodge in Des Moines. Over the years he continued his police education at North Iowa Area Community College. Don met his future wife through his sister and love bloomed. He married Marlene Ann Slinger on May 27, 1972, at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, where they have been long time members. Two children were born from this union. In their early years, they bowled on Friday nights and got together with friends. In September 1990, Don retired from law enforcement due to his failing eyesight. After retirement, he worked for the Parks Board mowing lawns, and maintained the Calvary Cemetery. Don remained active tending his garden, having “coffee” with the guys, and collecting Duesenberg model cars. The original Duesenberg car was built by his great-uncles. Recently, Don mowed lawns and removed snow for his neighbors. Don shared his love of life and laughter with his family and friends until the very end.

Don was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Farm Bureau, Heritage Club at First Citizens National Bank, and served on the Flood Creek Cemetery Board.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 39 years, Marlene; two children: Joel Donald Holthaus, Waverly, IA, and JoAnn Marie (Edgar) Hervert, Charles City, IA; Sister Marilyn Thoe, Lake City, MN; three grandsons Branden, Josiah, and Isaac Hervert; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews; and special friends Vern “Bud” and Jeanne Castle, Waterloo, IA; Dennis Ginther and Bonnie Marth, both of Rockford, IA.

Those preceding him in death are his parents, brothers Herbert (in infancy) and Lester, and brother-in-law Norman Thoe.

Fullerton Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt, Charles City, Iowa 50616 641-228-4211 www.Fullertonfh.com Facebook.com/Fullertonfuneralhome

Loretta Wiltse

Loretta Wiltse, 69, of Charles City, died Wednesday, September 14, 2011, at the Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City.

Funeral services for Loretta Wiltse will be held 1:30 p.m. Monday at Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Dennis Niezwaag will officiate. Burial will be in Sunnyside Memory Gardens rural Charles City.

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

Loretta Jean Wiltse was born March 3, 1942, in Mitchell County the daughter of Leonard and Anna (Anderson) Whitmarsh. She graduated from Charles City High School in 1961. On July 23, 1960, she was united in marriage to Orme Wiltse, Jr. at Lyle, Minn. From 1986 to 2007 she worked at Mediacom in Charles City. She was a member of Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church. Loretta enjoyed watching shopping networks, walking, riding her bicycle, cooking, baking and going on trips with her family.

Living family members include three sons, Richard Wiltse of Colo., Randall (Minessa) Wiltse and Ryan Wiltse both of Charles City; three grandchildren, Ashley Wiltse and fiancé Jerad Damjanovic, Shane Wiltse and special friend Lindsay Aspholm and Tyler Wiltse; two great grandchildren, Mikenna Wiltse and Payten Damjanovic; a sister, Betty Spurbeck of Charles City; two brothers, Charles Whitmarsh of Waterloo and Mike Whitmarsh of Calif.; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband on June 16, 2010; and a sister, Janice Whitmarsh.

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.

Robert “Bob” Ewen

Robert “Bob” Ewen, 83, of Charles City, died Tuesday, September 13, 2011, at the 9^th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.

A funeral Mass for Bob Ewen will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Reverend Brian Shepley will celebrate the Mass. Inurnment will be at a later date in Calvary Cemetery at 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 4 to 8 p.m. Friday where there will be a Scriptural Prayer Service at 7 p.m. followed by the Rosary led by the Knights of Columbus. Visitation will continue Saturday at the church an hour prior to the service.

Robert Franklin Ewen was born January 5, 1928, at Charles City, the son of Andrew and Cecilia (Stoeffler) Ewen. He graduated from Charles City High School in 1945. Bob proudly served in the United States Navy from 1945-1948 during which time he spent over two years in China. On December 11, 1948, he was united in marriage to Valentine Imshinetskaya at San Francisco. Bob worked at Oliver Corporation from 1948 - 1952 and with the United States Post Office from 1952-1988. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus. Other memberships included the American Legion, YMCA, Heritage Club, Cedar Bend Golf Course and Elks Club where he had served as an officer for two years. Bob had also been a Hospice volunteer. His interests included golfing, walking, reading and watching sports on television, especially the New York Yankees, Dallas Cowboys and Iowa Hawkeyes.

Living family members include his wife Valentine “Val” Ewen of Charles City; four children, Dian (John) Hauenstein of Scottsboro, Ala., Linda (Michael) Wandro of Coupeville, Wash., Douglas Ewen of Ashville, N.C. and Joan (Bobby) Merrill of Joplin, Mo.; four grandchildren, Brian (Shannon) Mitchell and John, Joe and Jake Hauenstein; three great grandchildren, Zach, Andrew and Jake; a sister, Irene Ferch of Charles City; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Matthew; three brothers, Ray, Lawrence and Kenneth Ewen; and two sisters, Katherine Ewen and Eleanor Shepley.

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.

Larry D. Rouse

Larry D. Rouse, 71, of Charles City, died Monday, September 5, 2011, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Funeral services for Larry Rouse will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City. Pastor Jim Beranek of the Trinity United Methodist Church will officiate. Inurnment will be at a later date.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and after 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Larry Dean Rouse was born January 22, 1940, in Emmetsburg, the son of Vernon and Catherine (Staver) Rouse. He graduated from Mallard High School and later attended Lake Shore Industry Management Training and North Iowa Area Community College for manufacturing. On May 1, 1965, he was united in marriage to Shirley (Jackson) Jones at the First Methodist Church in Park Ridge, Ill. Over the years, Larry was employed at 3H Construction Company in Niles, Mo, Sylvania Electric in Illinois, Bendix Corp. in St. Joseph, Minn., Sudenga Inc. in George, D & A Construction Company in Charles City, Park Construction in Minnesota, L & J Welding in Charles City, Henke Manufacturing and GMT in Waverly. His interests included remodeling homes, working on automobiles and trucks, rebuilding and repairing Volkswagen Rabbits and Jettas, watching the Hawkeyes, gambling with Shirley and spending time in the backyard in the gazebo. Larry’s greatest joy was his family and he always looked forward to spending time with them and his friends. He will be remembered for being a devoted husband, loving father, hard worker and talented welder. Larry was a man of few words, but the words he spoke were heart felt and meaningful. He will be truly missed by many.

Living family members include his wife of 46 years, Shirley Rouse of Charles City; two children, Gene Jones of Florida and Linda Sisson of Waukee; six grandchildren; and six great grandchildren; mother, Catherine Rouse of Colorado; and a brother, Arnie (Marylin) Rouse of Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; father; and three children, Rodney Rouse, Paul Jones, Sr. and Vivene Jones Goodman.

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.

Dorothy L. Groesbeck

Dorothy L. Groesbeck, 100, of Charles City, died Sunday, September 4, 2011 at the Faith Lutheran Home in Osage.

A Funeral service will be held at Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St., in Charles City on Wednesday, September 7 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Martha Bennett officiating. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Charles City.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2:00 p.m. at Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home in Charles City on Wednesday.

Stories, thoughts and condolences may be shared with the family on the funeral home website at www.Fullertonfh.com

Dorothy Louise Groesbeck was born October 2, 1910 in Charles City, IA the daughter of Amos H. and Emma M. (Wulff) Swant. She was baptized at St. John Lutheran Church. Dorothy attended country school and graduated from Charles City High School, class of 1927. She was united in marriage to George A. Groesbeck on August 20, 1930 in Rochester, MN. She had lived most all of her life on a farm North of Charles City. The couple had farmed for over fifty years, before moving into town.

Dorothy liked to travel, do fancy work, solve jig-saw puzzles, gardened and farm work. She also enjoyed country music and was a big NASCAR race fan.

Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and friends. Dorothy will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.Grateful for having had the privilege of sharing in Dorothy’s life are her son, Donald Groesbeck and his special friend, Phyllis Staab, both of Charles City; two grandsons, Dennis (Theresa) Groesbeck of Lyle, MN and Russel (Catherine) Groesbeck of Charles City; nine great grandchildren, Amanda, Candice, Melissa, Kylie, Veronica, Jacqueline, Caroline, Josephine and Alexander and four great-great grandchildren, Angelynne, Avery, Ella and Evan.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, George A. Groesbeck on December 15, 1995; daughter-in-law, Marilee Groesbeck and her brother, Wayne E. Swant.

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

Lee Phearman

Lee Phearman, 71, of Charles City, died Friday, September 2, 2011, at his home.

Funeral services for Lee Phearman will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at Messiah Lutheran Church. Pastor Jane Keel will officiate.  Inurnment will be at a later date in Riverside Cemetery.

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

Lee Roy Phearman was born November 27, 1939 at Iowa Falls, the son of Roy and Frankie (Carter) Phearman.  He graduated from Mason City High School and Parson College where he received his degree in education.  On March 23, 1962, he was united in marriage to Sharon Lincicum at Mason City.  Lee taught school in Wells, Minn. for five years before moving to Charles City in 1967 where he taught math at the junior high school for 31 years.  He was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church and the Isaac Walton League.  As well as being a teacher he enjoyed hobby farming.  Lee and Sharon always looked forward to camping at South Padre Island, Tex.  Family was always very important to Lee and he looked forward to sharing life’s experiences with them.

Living family members include his wife, Sharon Phearman of Charles City; two children, Scott (Gina) Phearman of Watertown, Minn.; and Kris (Jerry) Sehr of Iowa City; seven grandchildren, Ellyn, Alex and Anna Phearman, and Kelsey, Nick, Kate and Jordan Sehr; a brother, Larry (Cathy) Phearman of Mason City; and four nieces and a nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clyde and Mary Lincicum.

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.

Betty J. Grossmann

Betty J. Grossmann, 86, formerly of Charles City, now from 2400 West Acacia Ave., Hemet, California, who died July 5, 2011 at The Village Assisted Living Center.

Graveside inurnment services will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, October 8, 2011 at Riverside Cemetery, Charles City. Officiating will be the Rev. David Werges of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. Condolences may be shared with the family at Fullertonfh.com or facebook.com/Fullertonfuneralhome

Other arrangements are incomplete at Fullerton Hage Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Blunt, Charles City, Iowa. 50616 641-228-4211 www.Fullertonfh.com facebook.com/Fullertonfuneralhome