Wendell E. Knauss - Age 80

     As a veteran of World War II, he served in Germany with the Army of Occupation. While on leave, Wendell was united in marriage to Doris Jean Plath, also of Logan on December 12, 1945. Five children were born to this union: Richard, Reta, Ronald, Rhonda, and Regena.

     He was involved in farming in the Logan, Magnolia, and Beebeetown areas for several years. In the early 50's, they moved to Beebeetown where Wendell worked as head of maintenance at the Beebeetown School and continued his work in the newly-consolidated Tri-Center Schools. In 1963, the Knauss family moved to Persia. He became owner and operator of A-OK Sales and Service Hardware Store and continued his employment at Tri-Center until he retired in 1991.

     After Doris passed away in December 1988, Wendell remained in the Persia area where he continued as a member of the Persia Improvement Club, the American Legion Swanger Post No. 314, Persia Fire Department, serving as Chief, and was on the Board of Directors for the Persia Senior Citizen Housing, and the Board of Directors of the Home Savings Bank of Persia.

     On April 14, 1990, Wendell married Marilyn Hoien; and they resided in Harlan, where he later became the manager of the Regency Villa Apartments until the fall of 2006. Wendell enjoyed woodworking, spending time with his friends and family, going to Taco Night in Westphalia, and golfing, sitting on the Board of Directors for the Shelby County Golf Course.

     Wendell died on Friday, October 5, 2007, at Elmcrest Retirement Community in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty years, one month, and six days. He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Doris, and his sister Donna Thomas.

     He is survived by his wife Marilyn of Harlan; his children: Richard Knauss and his wife Marilyn J. of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Reta and her husband Don Lantis of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota; Ronald Knauss and his wife Lucy of Portsmouth, Iowa; Rhonda and her husband Gary Nordby of Logan, Iowa; Regena and her husband Greg Weihs of Harlan; and step-daughter, Jodie Bridges of Ringsted, Iowa; twelve grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one brother Garry Knauss and his wife Connie of Logan, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other family members, and many friends.

Gordon D. Knights - Age 80

     On February 18, 1962, John was united in marriage to Patricia Rasmussen at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan, Iowa. Three sons were born to this union: Rodney, Gaige, and Corey. After their wedding, John and Patricia moved south of Corley where they farmed for six years. In 1968, John and Patricia moved west of Avoca where they farmed for an additional six years. Then in 1974, John and Patricia moved onto the Knudson home farm outside of Harlan where they farmed for thirty-three years. During his farming days he also sold seed with DeKalb for twenty years.

     During his free time, John enjoyed fishing, hunting, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. John was a very active individual and served on numerous committees at the Altamont Baptist Church and on the Corley Community Board for several years. He was an active member at the Altamont Baptist Church and served several terms as trustee.

     John died on Thursday, August 30, 2007, at Bergan Mercy Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska having attained the age of sixty-seven years and twelve days. He is preceded in death by his father J. Wallace Knudson.

     He is survived by his mother, Ila, of Harlan, Iowa; his wife of forty-five years, Patricia, of Harlan; his children: Rodney Knudson and his wife Rhonda, Gaige Knudson and his wife Heather all of Harlan, and Corey Knudson and his wife Kelly of Atlantic; seven grandchildren: Tara, Ethan, Kyle, Austin, Delaney, Josie, and Henry; and one sister, Karen and her husband Jeffrey of West Chester, Pennsylvania; other family members, and many friends.

     Funeral services were held on Monday, September 3, 2007, at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa with Rev. Diana Holland officiating the 10:30 AM service. Interment was held at Cuppy’s Grove Cemetery in Rural Harlan, Iowa, with Neil Ohms, Marty Schuemann, Robert Scheel, Dick Andersen, Brent Rasmussen, and Doug Robinson serving as casket bearers.

Arnold C. Knudtson - Age 91

     Arnold Christian Knudtson, son of Christian and Clara (Krueger) Knudtson, was born on February 11, 1918, in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. He was baptized and confirmed at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in LaCrosse and attended Emmanuel Lutheran School through the eighth grade. He then graduated from Logan High School in LaCrosse with the class of 1936. Arnold continued his education at the Western Wisconsin Business University for two years and was employed as an accountant for Swift & Co. in LaCrosse; Dubuque, Iowa; Beatrice, Nebraska; and Minot, North Dakota.

     On June 26, 1943, Arnold entered the United States Navy at Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was stationed in the Central Pacific and Okinawa during World War II where he was in the Sea Bees Construction Battalion and was awarded two bronze stars. Arnold was honorably discharged on December 17, 1945, at Great Lakes, Illinois, having attained the rank of Storekeeper First Class. After returning from the service, Arnold continued to work at Swift & Co. in Dubuque and then was transferred to Atlantic, Iowa where he met his future wife, Shirley.

     On September 6, 1947, Arnold was united in marriage to Shirley Irene Dreager in Atlantic, Iowa. Three children were born to this union: Lynn, Lucinda, and Lee. After a year in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Arnold and Shirley moved to Harlan, Iowa, where Arnold was employed as an accountant, office manager at Wilson Seeds in Harlan. He later became a partner and continued to work there for thirty-four years.

     When Arnold wasn’t busy working, he enjoyed traveling with Shirley to many areas including: Germany, Austria, England, and all the states in the Union; collecting stamps; forecasting the weather; playing cards, especially solitaire; and watching sports, in particular the Harlan football and basketball games where he was a frequent spectator. Arnold also raised raspberries and strawberries and made rhubarb wine. His strawberry patch was in the backyard where the kids could pick them for Lynn to sell. Arnold loved spending time in the garden especially when the grandchildren were with him. Arnold was also an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan.

     Arnold became a resident at the Alzheimer Unit at Elm Crest Retirement Community in Harlan on July 3, 2007 and it was there that he died on Thursday, June 11, 2009, having attained the age of ninety-one years and four months. He is preceded in death by his parents and his mother-in-law.

     He is survived by his wife Shirley, of sixty-one years, of Harlan; their children Lynn Knudtson and his wife Maria; Lee Knudtson and his wife Cathy; and Cindy and her husband John Masters all of Omaha, Nebraska; six grandchildren: Brian (Amy) Knudtson, Katie (Chris) Saab, Andrew and Emily Masters and Peter Knudtson all of Omaha and Christopher Knudtson of Lawrence, Kansas ; four great-grandchildren: Madelynn, Lillian and Natalia Knudtson and Brenden Saab all of Omaha; a special cousin Catherine Gunn of LaCrosse, Wisconsin; other family members and many friends.

     Funeral Services were held on Monday, June 15, 2009, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan, Iowa. Pastor Heather Ploen officiated the 10:30 Am service with interment at the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa. Acting as honorary casket bearers were: Doris Towne, Charles and Ester Gearhart, Forrest and Dorothy Petersen, Georgene Peters, Marvin Miller, and Nels Block, Jr. Serving as casket bearers were: Brian Knudtson, Katie Saab, Christopher Knudtson, Peter Knudtson, Andrew Masters and Emily Masters.

John H. Kock - Age 86

     John Henry Koch, the son of Henry and Minnie Hartje Koch, was born on October 30, 1921 on the family farm southeast of Neola. He attended country school in York township until the eighth grade. John then went to work with his father on the family farm.

     John was united in marriage to Vonda Schories on August 20, 1950 at Minden Congregational Church. To this union three children were born: Sheila, Robert and Timothy. John farmed his whole life on the family farm raising cattle, hogs, chickens, milking cows and raising a large garden along with raising corn, beans, oats, hay and wheat. John was part of many baling, thrashing and corn shelling crews.

     John’s hobbies were few but he enjoyed watching a good ball game, and going to sale barns and auctions. He was very kindhearted and many called him Johnny.

     John passed away at the home of his birth on Monday, September 15, 2008 having attained the age of eighty-six years, ten months and sixteen days. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters: Alice Koch, Esther Trede and Hazel Trede.

     He leaves to mourn his passing his wife of fifty-eight years, Vonda; his children: Sheila and her husband Chris Pederson; Robert Koch and his wife Cindy and Timothy Koch and his wife Doreen, of Neola, Iowa; three grandchildren: Nancy Koch and her friend Craig; Brenda Koch; Brenda Lee and her husband Charlie Vogl; step grandchildren: John Hansen; Clint Hansen and Andrea Hansen; two great grandchildren; two step great grandchildren; sister Lucille Zach of Council Bluffs, Iowa; special friend Jim Pope; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

     Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 10:30 AM at the Minden United Church of Christ in Minden, Iowa with burial at the Minden Cemetery. Serving as Honorary bearers were Jim Pope, Ronnie Kay and Walt Ausdemore with Ted Trede, Clint Hansen, Tom Trede, Charlie Vogl, John Hansen and Tom Schories as the active bearers.

Margaret "Mary" Kock - Age 77
     Margaret "Mary" Kock, daughter of Leo and Lucine (Kramer) Klein, was born on March 2, 1933 in Earling, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Earling. She attended St. Joseph's Catholic School until the fourth grade when the family moved north of Harlan. Mary then attended and graduated from Kirkman High School in 1951 as valedictorian.
     After high school, Mary attended business school in Omaha and worked as a secretary until her marriage to Charles Kock at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Harlan on November 29, 1952. To this union seven children were born: Debbie, Pat, Dean, Brian, Lisa, Sharon, and Steve.
     Charles and Mary were engaged in farming in the Walnut, Avoca, and Hancock area most of their adult years. Mary was a devoted mother and homemaker. She was very active in choir, and also helped with many church activities over the years. Mary loved baking for her family, friends and especially with her grandchildren. As a 4-H leader she helped her children and other 4-H members with their projects. She enjoyed quilting, sewing and attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and school activities. Mary was very selfless; always a care giver to those in need.
     Mary died on Friday, December 31, 2010 at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa having attained the age of seventy-seven years, nine months and twenty-nine days. In addition to her father, Mary was preceded in death by her husband Charles, daughter Debbie Kock Karstens, and brother Delbert Klein.
     Mary is survived by her children: Pat Sievers of Avoca, Iowa, Dean Kock and his wife Mary Beth of Hancock, Iowa, Brian Kock and his wife Linda of Harlan, Iowa, Lisa and her husband Nick Niedermayer of Indianola, Iowa, Sharon and her husband Dave Doud of Stuart, Iowa, Steve Kock and his wife Jennifer of Hancock, Iowa; fifteen grandchildren: Shane Sievers and his wife, Carrie of Mason City, Iowa, Allison and her husband, Mark Petersen of San Fransisco, California, Andrea and her husband Derrelle Murray of Omaha, Nebraska, Jennifer and her husband Cody Jensen of Champaign, Illinois, Evan Kock of Ames, Iowa, Ben Kock and Jen Kemmerer of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mallory Kock of San Fransisco, California, Emma and Ryan Niedermayer of Indianola, Iowa, Gayle, Gabrielle and Vince Doud, all of Stuart, Iowa and Sophie, Olivia and Julia Kock all of Hancock, Iowa; eight great grandchildren: Cassie, Kennedy and Katie Sievers, Katelynn Kock, Lauren and Nora Petersen and Derrelle and Karina Murray; her mother Lucine Klein of Harlan; her brothers and sisters: Alice and her husband Leo "Spike" Kloewer of Harlan, Kenneth Klein and his wife Mary of Omaha, Nebraska, Sylvan Klein and his wife Bonnie of Harlan, Rita and her husband Gail Hatcher of Omaha, Gary Klein and his wife Mary of Memphis, Tennessee, Kathy Feldman of Omaha, and her sister-in-law Leona Klein of Westphalia, Iowa; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.
     Mass of Christian Burial was concelebrated by Rev. Tom Dooley and Rev. John Frost and assisted by Deacon Marvin Klein on Monday, January 3, 2011 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Avoca, Iowa. Interment was held in Graceland Cemetery in Avoca. Serving as casket bearers were her grandchildren. Honorary casket bearers were Doug and Betty Kiesel, Agnes and Eldon Riesgaard, Tom and Janiece Rau, Janiece Schroeder, Mick and Eilen Denning and Charlotte Wise.

Alvin "Oscar" Koester - Age 79
     Alvin "Oscar" Rudolph Koester, son of Anthony and Johanna (Zimmerman) Koesters, was born on November 7, 1931 on a farm near Earling, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Earling. After his schooling, Oscar worked on neighborhood farms.
     On October 24, 1950, Oscar enlisted into the United States Army in Omaha, Nebraska. While he was in the army, Oscar was stationed in Frankfort, Germany for over two years until his honorable discharge on September 30, 1953.
     On October 20, 1956, Oscar was united in marriage to Jacqueline Hastert at St. Mary’s of the Assumption in Panama, Iowa. Three children were born to this union: Larry, Mona and Frank. After their marriage, Oscar and Jacqueline made their home in Omaha, Nebraska for twelve years where Oscar worked for Omaha Steel and Cooks Paint. In 1968 they made their home in Earling until 1970 when they made their home back in Panama, Iowa. In 1970, Oscar worked for Transcon driving truck until his retirement in 1990.
     Oscar was a longtime member of St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church in Panama and after his retirement he enjoyed playing cards and going to the casino with his sisters. After the death of his wife, Oscar continued to make his home in Panama.
     In May of 2011, Oscar became a resident of the Elm Crest Retirement Community in Harlan and this is where he died on Friday, August 12, 2011 having attained the age of seventy-nine years, nine months and five days. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
     He is survived by his children: Larry Koester and his wife Janet of Westphalia, Iowa; Mona and her husband Randy Schwarte of Westphalia; and Frank Koester of Panama, Iowa; five grandchildren and one great grandchild; his brothers and sisters: Francis Koesters and his wife Mary Ann of Earling, Iowa; Madonna Kramer of Earling; Alice and her husband Harold Schwery of Westphalia; Janice and her husband Pete Mahlberg of Earling and Robert Koesters and his wife Jackie of Dunlap, Iowa; nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.
     Rev. John Dorton celebrated the 10:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, August 15, 2011 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Panama, Iowa. Jodie Wingert was the accompanist and Ellen Schmidt the vocalist. Serving as casket bearers were Scott Pauley, Joe Schwarte, Jerry Pauley, Allan Koesters, Rick Kramer, and James Koesters. Military Rites were conducted by Panama American Legion Post No. 601 at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Panama.

Louis C. Koesters - Age 93

     Louis Casper Koesters was born on April 20, 1913, to Robert and Theresa (Schneider) Koesters in Earling, Iowa.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Earling where he also attended St. Joseph's Catholic School.  He then began helping his father on the farm which led to his own farming career.

Celestine "Sally" Kohles - Age 86

     Following their wedding, the couple returned to Illinois until October 25, 1944, when Delbert was drafted into the United States Army. After his honorable discharge, Delbert accepted a job with Pauley Furniture, and they relocated to Harlan, Iowa, for a short time before purchasing a café and tavern in Panama. The establishment, known as Kohles Café, kept Sally busy making homemade pies and dinners every day. Delbert and Sally operated the café until 1963, when they moved to San Bruno, California, where Delbert was employed by the U.S. Postal Service.

     While living in California, Sally worked for Skyline Donut Shop in San Bruno and the Lake Merced Country Club in San Francisco before accepting a position at Skyline Community College in San Bruno. The couple returned to Iowa and made their home in Panama after Delbert’s retirement in 1977. Sally then worked as a cook for the Gold Slipper in Dunlap, Iowa, until her retirement. Sally was a great cook and loved to bake bread. She also enjoyed quilting and made many hand-stitched quilts.

     In 2004, Sally became a resident of the Elm Crest Assisted Living facility in Harlan. Sally died on Monday, March 26, 2007, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty-six years and nine months. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Delbert, three brothers: Archbishop Leo Arkfeld, Vince Arkfeld, and Clem Arkfeld, and three sisters: Florence Ohlinger, Lucille Arkfeld, and Mary Arkfeld.

     Sally is survived by her children: Gary and his wife Beverly Kohles of Portsmouth, Iowa; Karen and her husband Alf Wingert of Panama, Iowa; Carol and her husband Phil Wegner of Panama; Jerome "Speed" and his wife Connie Kohles of Harlan, Iowa; Michael and his wife Janet Kohles of Rancho Cordova, California; Joe and his wife Janet Kohles of Panama; Ron and his wife Meg Kohles of Panama; and Jo Ann and her husband Joseph "Jay" Townsend of Wawa, Pennsylvania; thirty-one grandchildren; fifty-three great-grandchildren; two sisters: Rita and her husband John Kelley of Woodbine, Iowa and Sylvia and her husband Jerry Bissen of Earling, Iowa; and one brother George and his wife Josephine Arkfeld of Oceanside, California; nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

     A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, March 28, 2007. Rev. John Dorton officiated the 11:00 AM service at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Panama, Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were John Kohles, Dan Wingert, Jeff Kohles, David Kohles, Steve Wegner, Dennis Kohles, Robert Wegner, Joe Townsend, Marvin Kohles, Glenn Wingert, Patrick Kohles, and John Townsend. Interment was at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Panama.

Rodger J. Kohles - Age 70
     Rodger J. Kohles, son of Arthur and Irene (Rodgers) Kohles, was born on January 23, 1939, in Des Moines, Iowa.

     Rodger died on Monday, October 19, 2009, at St. Joseph’s Hospital West in Lake St. Louis, Missouri, having attained the age of seventy years, eight months, and twenty-six days. He is preceded in death by his parents.

     Burial was in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Earling, Iowa, on Saturday, October 24, 2009.

     He is survived by his wife Elizabeth of O Fallon, Missouri; his children: Mark Kohles of Roland Park, Kansas; Geri and her husband Scott Berdak of New York, New York; Scott Kohles and his wife Dawn of St. Louis, Missouri; his brother Ron Kohles and his wife Norma of Omaha, Nebraska; and his sister Mary Lou Schimerowski of Earling, Iowa; nieces; nephews; other family members and many friends.

Iona V. Koos - Age 92

     Iona Verlee Koos was born on June 28, 1916, to Joseph and Mary (Custer) Noble in Kirkman, Iowa. She graduated with the Class of 1933 from Harlan High School.

     On March 11, 1936, she was united in marriage to Ervin J. J. Koos in Walnut, Iowa. Three children were born to this union: David, Karen, and Kathleen. Iona and Ervin farmed together for forty-four years, the last thirty years spent on the family farm south of Shelby. They retired from farming in 1980 and in 1996 made their home at Peace Haven in Walnut, Iowa. After the death of her husband on September 2, 2004, Iona continued to reside at Peace Haven where she lived for twelve years. Iona died on Wednesday, March 11, 2009, at the Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn, Iowa, having attained the age of ninety-two years, eight months, and eleven days. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, son-in-law Jon Kasner, brother Harry, and sisters Orpha, Mae, and Lotus.

     Iona kept busy with her children, serving as a 4-H leader and on the Pottawattamie County 4-H committee. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and held most offices of the Women’s Auxiliary. She served as Matron of the Eastern Star organization, was an honorary member of Myrtue Hospital’s Auxiliary, having served as a board member, and was past president of Iowa Association of Conservation District Commissioner’s Auxiliary.

     Iona found time to bake her "world famous" chocolate chip cookies and had a real stinker of a collection. What else do you call hundreds of skunks? She was an avid game player: games, cards, but especially Scrabble.

     She is survived by her children: David Koos and his wife Kay of Chandler, Arizona, Karen Kasner of Crofton, Maryland, and Kathleen and her husband Larry Kock of Walnut, Iowa; eight grandchildren: Jon Kasner, Jr. and his wife Nancy of Poolsville, Maryland, Nancy Kasner of Gaithersburg, Maryland, Matt Kasner and his wife Jeanne of Crofton, Maryland, Tom Koos and his wife Debbie of Coto de Caza, California, Todd Koos and his wife Raquel of Pineville, North Carolina, Katie (Kock) and her husband Bryan Wright of Omaha, Nebraska, Charles Kock and his wife Sarah of Walnut, Iowa, and Chris Kock of Sacramento, California; sixteen great-grandchildren: Kevin, Michael, Stephanie, Colin, Timothy, Ryan and Jon Kasner; Ashley, Kyle, Trevor, Caris, McKenzie, and Joshua Koos; Emma and Megan Kock; and Isaac Wright; other family members and friends.

     A funeral service was held on Saturday, March 14, 2009 with Pastor Dennis Reich officiating the 2:30 PM service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa. Casket bearers were Matt Kasner, Jon Kasner, Jr., Chris Kock, Todd Koos, Charles Kock, and Tom Koos. Interment was held at the Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut, Iowa.

Leonard F. Kramer - Age 78

     Leonard Francis Kramer was born on February 21, 1930 on the family farm near Earling, Iowa, to Joseph and Eleanor (Assmann) Kramer. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling and attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Earling, graduating with the Class of 1948.

     After completing high school, he began farming with his brother Joseph (Jack) near Earling. On September 13, 1950, he was united in marriage to Marie Bissen at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling. Four children were born to this union: Joe, Leonard, Karen, and Ron.

     In 1976, he ended his farming career and became the owner of the Circle K Bar in Earling. He operated that bar until 1983 when he went to work at The Turf Lounge in Omaha, Nebraska with his brother Leo.

     Leonard was married to Anna Mae Hansen on July 9, 1988, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa. He remained a member of St. Michael’s.

     He loved growing up on the farm and especially enjoyed animals. He liked to watch horse racing and playing cards. His favorite games were Pitch and 500. He was a great bartender and made many friends over the years.

     Leonard became a member of Little Flower Haven in Earling in February of 2004. He died at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan on Saturday, December 6, 2008, having attained the age of seventy-eight years, nine months, and fifteen days. He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandson Joseph, Jr., brothers and sisters: Joseph, Albert, Marie, and Alphons "Mike".

     He is survived by his wife Anna Kramer of Harlan, Iowa; his children: Joe Kramer and his wife Janice of Westphalia, Iowa, Leonard Kramer and his wife Joyce of Surprise, Arizona, Karen and her husband Frank "Rocket" Herning of Harlan, Ron Kramer and his wife LuAnn of Earling; his step-son David Hansen and his wife Denise of Harlan; eleven grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters: Margaret Klein of Harlan, Leo Kramer and his wife Marjorie of Omaha, Nebraska, and Robert Kramer and his wife Marjorie of Harlan; other family members and friends.

     A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, December 10, 2008, with Rev. Tom Coenen leading the 11:00 AM service at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan. Concelebrant was Msgr. Gerry Stessman. Homilist was Rev. Mr. Pat Davitt. Casket bearers were Michael Kramer, Dan Schumacher, Joey Hansen, Kent Bushnell, Jeff Garrison, and Larry Klein with interment held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Earling.

Bernice Adele Krantz - Age 86

         Bernice Adele Krantz, the daughter of Sidney and Ella (Husmann) Hulsebus, was born on July 17, 1920, on her family’s farm near Defiance, Iowa. Her family later moved into Defiance and she attended the Defiance Public School.

          On September 20, 1937, Bernice was united in marriage to Walter Krantz in Harlan, Iowa. Two children were born to this union: Gerald and Richard. After their marriage, they made their home at various farms in the Shelby county area. They then moved to St. Charles, Minnesota, where they farmed and also owned and operated The Cozy Café where she was an excellent cook. In 1957, Bernice and Walter returned to Iowa where they again made Harlan their home.

          In 1970, Bernice attended nurses college at Iowa Western Community College in Harlan and received her license as a practical nurse. After graduation, she was employed at what was then known as the Baptist Memorial Home in Harlan where she worked for several years. She was a dedicated wife and loving mother. She devoted much of her time to St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan where she was a long time member.

          Bernice became a resident of the Elm Crest Retirement Community in Harlan in November of 2006 and this is where she died on Friday, April 6, 2007, having attained the age of eighty-six years, eight months and twenty days. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter, her son, Richard; her great grandson, Payton and three brothers: Oliver "Ollie" Hulsebus, Stan Hulsebus and Ed Hulsebus.

         She is survived by her son Gerald "Jerry" Krantz of Rochester, Minnesota; her four grandchildren: Cindy Ochoa, Nancy Krantz, Rick Krantz, and Debbie Miller; seven great grandchildren; her brother Douglas Hulsebus and his wife Kathy of Tulsa, Oklahoma; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

         A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, April 10, 2007, with Rev. Bob Hoefler officiating the 11:00 AM service at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were Joey Hansen, Henry Scheffler, Dan Garrison, Jeff Garrison, Steve Henkleman, and Steve Hulsebus. Interment was held at the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa.

Vincent W. Krantz - Age 83
     Vincent "Vince" William Krantz was born on September 18, 1926 to Joseph and Anna (Mages) Krantz on a farm west of Panama, Iowa. He was baptized at St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church in Panama and confirmed at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa.
     He attended school in Harlan and graduated with the Class of 1947. Vince loved to run and was captain of the track team while in high school.
     He worked at many jobs including Green Bay Lumberyard, the Airbase in Lincoln, Nebraska, and for Morris Fredrickson in construction.
     He was united in marriage on September 20, 1950 to Norma Theulen in Defiance, Iowa. One daughter, Sherry, was born to this union.
     In 1953, Vince started working at the Harlan Newspaper as a printer’s devil, pressman, advertising salesman, and finally as an ad manager. He reluctantly retired at age eighty only because of his vision loss. He loved working at the newspaper.
     He was a member of the Toastmasters Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and a past member of the Knights of Columbus. He was strong in his faith as a member of St. Michael’s Parish and served on the parish council and as a lector. He was part of the Family of God Prayer Group that met in the chapel in his home since 1986.
     Vince was admitted to Myrtue Medical Center on August 6, 2010, and it was there that he died on Tuesday, August 10, 2010, having attained the age of eighty-three years, ten months, and twenty-three days. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Norma, his brothers Walter and Urban, and sisters Viola, Ruth, and Violet.
     He is survived by his daughter Sherry Krantz of Harlan, Iowa; his sisters: Elaine Jacobs of Northwood, Iowa, Patty Henkelman of Oxford, Iowa, Annamae Kramer of Harlan, Iowa, and Cleo and her husband Merle Lawyer of Harlan, other family members and friends.
     A 10:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Rev. John Frost and concelebrated by Pat Davitt at St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Friday, August 13, 2010. Honorary casket bearers were Steve Mores, Terry Holdren, Larry Hull, Bill Theulen, Dick Joy, and Al Mores. Serving as casket bearers were R. J. Bielenberg, David Hansen, Steve Henkelman, Rex Buckley, Dan Garrison, and Joey Hansen. Interment was held at the Harlan Cemetery.