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Quality Funeral & Family Care

Main Location
Pauley Jones

P.O. Box 70

1304 9th Street

Harlan, Iowa 51537-0070

(712) 755-3135
(800) 831-6805

Proudly Serving Southwest Iowa with locations in Harlan, Walnut and Avoca

Link to Past Obituaries

Pauley Jones Funeral Homes

"Avoca Chapel"

Charles "Chuck" Theulen - Age 79

Charles Junior "Chuck" Theulen, was born on September 26, 1925, in Bayard, Iowa. His parents were Charles and Elma Main Theulen. His family moved to Defiance, Iowa in 1937. He finished his education in Defiance graduating from St. Paul’s Catholic School.

In January of 1944, he entered the Navy serving in the South Pacific until his discharge in May 1946. On February 9, 1948, Chuck was united in marriage to Marita Daeges. From this union two sons were born: William and Jeff. Chuck operated the Phillips 66 Service Station from 1949 to 1978 when he started Chuck’s Radiator Repair which he operated until he retired in 1989. He served as a volunteer on the Defiance Fire Department for twenty-five years and was a member of the City Council for many years. He also enjoyed making things from wood.

Chuck died on Saturday, April 2, 2005 at Creighton Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska after having attained the age of seventy-nine years, six months and six days. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters: Evelyn Chipman and Norma Krantz. In addition to his wife Marita, Chuck is survived by his sons William Theulen and Jeff Theulen and his wife Janet all of Defiance; six grandchildren: Deron, Rachel, Eric, Kim, Stacy, and Todd; two sisters: Dorothy Weatherman of Huxley, Iowa and Juanita and her husband Larry McCool of Tennant, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, April 5, 2005, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance, Iowa, at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Michael Berner as the celebrant. Military Rites were conducted in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Defiance, Iowa, by the American Legion Post No. 707 of Defiance and Westphalia. Serving as casket bearers were Joe Daeges, Jerald "Bud" Bieker, Pat Goeser, Todd Theulen, Deron Theulen and Eric Theulen.

Leola M. Thielen - Age 81 Leola "Omer" Thielen

Leola Marie Thielen, the daughter of Michael A. and Theresa H. (Bayer) Wilwerding, was born on March 6, 1923, in Westphalia Township, Shelby County, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa. Leola attended St. Joseph’s Catholic High School in Earling. Upon graduating from high school, Leola was employed at the Earling Telephone Office.

On August 24, 1943, Leola was united in marriage to John "Bud" Leroy Thielen at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling. Six children were born to this union, Cheryl, Jackie, Theresa, Maxine, Julie and James. After their marriage, Leola and John farmed in the Earling, Iowa area. Leola took pride in being a homemaker and a loving mother. She became an Avon Representative in 1965. In 1979, John retired from farming and they moved into Earling. John died on March 13, 1987, and Leola continued to make her home in Earling. She retired from selling Avon in 2002.

Leola was a lifetime member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, the Altar and Rosary Society and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court of St. Katherine of No. 266 Earling, Iowa. The greatest joy of Leola’s life was dancing.

Leola died Saturday, July 17, 2004, at her home in Earling, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty-one years, four months, and eleven days. In addition to her parents, Leola was preceded in death by a son, Jackie, her husband, John, and her sister, Ethel Schnuettgen.

Survivors include her children, Cheryl and her husband, Walter Bruck of Dow City, Iowa; Theresa and her husband, Dean Schnitker of Neola, Iowa; Maxine and her husband, Larry Gaul of Earling, Iowa; Julie Thielen of Sioux City, Iowa; James Thielen and his wife, Tina of Harlan, Iowa; ten grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; her brother, LeRoy Wilwerding and his wife, Joanne of Omaha, Nebraska; her dancing partner, Jerry Schafer of Panama, Iowa, other relatives and many friends.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in earling, Iowa with Rev. Michael Berner as the Celebrant. Honorary Casket Bearers were Mel Book, Jerry Schafer, Joe Wilwerding, Ray Wilwerding, Bob Thuelen and LeRoy Wilwerding. Serving as casket bearers were Jeff Bruck, Bil Lockwood, Scott Schnitker, Jessy Thielen, Allan Boettger, Brian Bruck and Jason Minahan. Interment was in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Earling, Iowa.

Maxine I. Thielen - Age 67

Maxine Irene Thielen was born on May 20, 1939, to Bernard and Viola (Stoll) Thielen on a farm near Kirkman, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Michael’s Catholic Church where she remained a member her entire life. She attended Harlan Community High School and graduated with the class of 1957. Maxine was a cheerleader in high school and kept that enthusiasm and spirit for everyone in her life.

After high school, she began employment as a secretary for R. C. Booth Enterprises, later becoming an owner of the company. In 1981, she began taking care of her mother who had been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Maxine was a lifelong Harlan resident but she loved to travel. She attended several World Series and would hunt for antiques wherever she went. Maxine was involved with Galen selling many of their antiques on ebay and also enjoyed using her computer to keep in touch with family and friends. She was a great golfer and enjoyed playing whenever she could.

Maxine survived a bout with cancer and encouraged all new patients to keep fighting and to never give up. She kept this attitude until the day she died, Sunday, April 1, 2007. She had attained the age of sixty-seven years, ten months, and twelve days. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Maxine is survived by her husband, Galen "Red" Sorensen of Harlan, Iowa, a relationship that continued for fifty-two years; her brothers and sisters: Bernard Thielen and his wife Agnes of Huntington Beach, California, Ken Thielen and his wife Pat of Greenfield, Missouri, Alice Thielen of New York, New York, and Gary Thielen and his wife Gail of Kalama, Washington; a sister-in-law Bev and her husband Bob Vigue of West Salem, Wisconsin; nieces and nephews, twenty great-nieces and nephews, other family members and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, April 4, 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 Joe Klein, James Macheledt, Tony Thielen, Michael Thielen, Andy Moenkedick, and Mark Thielen. Interment was at the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa.

Edna M. Thomsen - Age 97

Edna Maria (Holst) Thomsen was born December 8, 1910 in Shelby County, Iowa. She was the daughter of Henry and Doris (Plagman) Holst and grew up on the family farm two miles east of Shelby, Iowa. She was the oldest of five children. Edna attended country school until the third grade, then went to the Shelby Public school, graduating with the Class of 1929.

On July 7, 1938, Edna was united in marriage to Lester Ralph Thomsen. They moved into their home on Frost Avenue in Avoca, Iowa. Lester owned the Thomsen Oil Company. They were the parents of three daughters, Delores Ann, Karen Lou and Linda Marie. After sixty three years of marriage, Lester passed away on December 3, 2001. Edna continued to live at home for an additional six years.

Edna was baptized and confirmed at the United Evangelical Lutheran Church in Shelby, but after her marriage, she transferred membership to the Lutheran Church in Avoca. She was active in the ladies aid and bible study group.

Outside of her family and church, Edna loved her garden and spent many happy hours growing food for her family and tending to her flowers. She loved anything to do with nature. She was an active member of the Garden Club and also PEO. For several years she bowled on the Thomsen Oil Company ladies team. She enjoyed the competition and the ladies on her team. She was an avid card player and seldom turned down a chance to play. After Lester's retirement, they both started the day with a game of solitaire to "see how the day would go."

In the fall of 2007, Edna moved to the Avoca Assisted Living Lodge. She became ill in January of 2008 and then moved to Oakland Manor Nursing Home and this is where she entered her eternal rest on March 3, 2008, having attained the age of ninety-seven years, two months and twenty-three days. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Lester; three sisters: Elva Jave, Gladys Kielley and Margaret Piittmann; her brother, Edward; a son-in-law, Roger Eble and a granddaughter, Holly Eble.

Edna is survived by her three daughters: Delores and her husband, Clifton Woodworth of Winter Springs, Florida, Karen Eble of Missoula, Montana and Linda and her husband, Tom Eitmann of Treynor, Iowa; seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren and another one due in July, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral Services were held on Friday, March 7, 2008 at 10:30 AM at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa with Pastor Dennis Reich as the clergy. Serving as casket bearers were Charles Eble, Kris Eitmann, Matthew Woodworth, Kevin Woodworth, Shannon Copps, Chad Eitmann and Michelle Willett. Interment was held at the Graceland Cemetery, Avoca, Iowa.

Arrangements and Services For

Raymond N. Thomsen - Age 90

Who died on Monday

April 21, 2008

No Public Visitation

Funeral Service

Friday, April 25, 2008 - 10:30 AM

Trinity Lutheran Church

Avoca, Iowa

Interment

Graceland Cemetery

Avoca, Iowa

Raymond is survived by his wife Jeanette (Ives) Thomsen of Avoca, his daughter Rae Jeanne (Jerry) Christensen of Avoca, and his son Terry (Peggy) Thomsen of Apache Junction, AZ; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Please call the Avoca Chapel

at 1-800-447-2588

for more information

Merle Thrasher- Age 84

Merle Thrasher, Jr. was born on November 30, 1922, in Fort Madison, Iowa, to Merle and Maud (Shawver) Thrasher. He attended school in Fort Madison and graduated from high school with the Class of 1940. He entered the United States military in 1943 and left for basic training to Denver, Colorado.

While on a three-day pass in Denver on May 5th 1943, he was united in marriage to Valeria "Val" Bentler. Five children were born to this union: Tom, Ron, Randy, Greg, and Jan.

After he was honorably discharged from the service during World War II, he joined the Schafer pen company in Fort Madison, Iowa. The family moved several times within the Fort Madison and Houghton, Iowa, areas.

He ventured into the feed and grain business and had also worked at the United States post office for a while. He sold fur coats and steel grain bins. In 1966, he sold his feed business and moved to Earling, Iowa, and bought a Purina dealership. He retired twenty-seven years later in 1993.

Merle loved boating on the Mississippi river and fishing in Canada. He enjoyed mushroom hunting. He went on many fishing trips to Canada with his boys and friends over the course of 60 years. He had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh, but was also a very respectful man. He joined the Catholic faith as a gift to his wife for their twentieth wedding anniversary.

Merle was admitted to the Nebraska Medical Center on May 31, 2007, and it was there that he died on Wednesday, June 13, 2007, having attained the age of eighty-four years, six months, and fourteen days. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Val Thrasher of Earling, Iowa; his sons: Tom Thrasher and his wife Janet of Omaha, Nebraska, Ron Thrasher of Omaha, Randy Thrasher of Dana Point, California, and Greg Thrasher and his wife Nancy of Omaha; his daughter Jan and her husband Mike Haye of Wall Lake, Iowa; ten grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; his brother Robert Thrasher and his wife Joan of Burlington, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other family members, and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, June 16, 2007, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa. Rev. Bob Hoefler officiated the 11:00 AM service. Casket bearers were Gene Sibenaller, David Thrasher, Dan Thrasher, Brady Haye, Kevin Thrasher, and Vince Heese. Military Rites were held by the Earling American Legion Post No. 615 at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Earling.

Jean A. (Henning) Thurston - Age 93

Jean Arvilla Henning Thurston was born on March 14, 1914, to Fred and Jessie (Rains) Smith in Harlan, Iowa. She was baptized at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and remained a member of that congregation throughout her lifetime. She attended Harlan Community Schools and graduated with the Class of 1934. After graduation she worked for her step-father (E. Olson) at Harlan Contracting as a bookkeeper.

Jean was united in marriage to Maurice "Bill" Henning on April 2, 1938, in Boone, Iowa. Three daughters were born to this union: Jan, Nancy, and Alice. Jean enjoyed many years of raising her daughters and being a housewife and homemaker. She was always there for her children and their activities. She also spent ten years working in the food service department at the Baptist Memorial Home.

After Maurice’s death in 1966, Jean kept busy with her friends and her crocheting. She was a founder of Mickels Tuesday Coffee Club, a member of St. Katherine’s Guild, serving as their Treasurer, and a member of the Eastern Star.

In 1971, Jean was married to William Thurston in Harlan. Her excellent memory made her a Harlan Historian; she was able to tell you who lived where or who someone had married. She loved to take car rides but never had a driver’s license herself. Jean loved to spend time with her friends. Saturday nights would find her watching the Lawrence Welk show. She was loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed.

Jean died on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, having attained the age of ninety-three years, six months, and eighteen days. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband Maurice Henning, her husband William Thurston, her sister Arlene Gould, and her step-brother Stellan Olson and his wife Iva.

She is survived by her daughters: Jan Mendel of Harlan, Iowa, Nancy and her husband Howard Wilwerding of Boca Raton, Florida, and Alice and her husband John Evans of Oakley, California; six grandchildren: Debra and her husband Donny Lake, Jeanne Hodgden, Dan Wilwerding, Tina Mendel, Billie Jean Ring, and Shane Mendel; ten great-grandchildren: Jessica Hodgden, Joey Hodgden, Drew Lake, Troy Lake, Alissa Lake, Jenna Jean Lake, B. J. Pauley, Jessica Mendel, Taylor Ring, and Connor Mendel; her cousin Tommy Rains and his wife Jo Hanna of Des Moines, Iowa; her long-time friend Opal Peavler of Harlan; many nieces and nephews; other family members and friends.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, October 6, 2007, with Rev. Glenn Ranking officiating the 11:00 AM service at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Harlan. Casket bearers were Dan Wilwerding, Howard Wilwerding, Joey Hodgden, Fred Olsen, Shane Mendel, and B. J. Pauley. Interment was held at the Harlan Cemetery

Fern Tucker - Age 85

Fern May Tucker, the daughter of Charles William and Vera Viola (Comstock) Tucker was born on the family farm near Tennant, Iowa, on March 10, 1922. She attended grade school at the Pleasant Ridge Country School and continued her education at the Tennant Consolidated School and graduated with the Class of 1938.

She attended Commercial Extension Business School in Omaha, Nebraska, and began to work at Barnhart Press in Omaha after graduating from business school. She worked as a secretary at Barnhart Press until she retired after more than forty years in their employment.

She was a devoted daughter, sister, and aunt. Her nieces and nephews were her pride and joy.

Fern died on Wednesday, September 6, 2007, at Jennie Edmundson Memorial Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa, having attained the age eighty-five years, five months, and twenty-seven days. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Kenneth Tucker, her sister-in-law Doris Tucker, and an infant nephew, Craig Tucker.

Fern is survived by her sisters Frances and her husband Glen Wilson of Hemet, California and Eunice and her husband Clifford Smith of Walnut, Iowa; sister-in-law, Jacquetta Tucker of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; her nephews: Kit Wilson and his wife Mary of Orange, California, Tom Tucker and his wife Diane of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mark Smith and his wife Barb of Elk Horn, Iowa, and David Smith and his wife Diane of Cook, Nebraska; her niece Susan Tucker of Kansas City, Missouri; other family members and friends.

A funeral service was held on Monday, September 10, 2007, at the Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa. Pastor Orris Drake officiated at the 2:00 PM service. Marge Ahrenholtz was the accompanist and Barb Smith was the vocalist. Serving as casket bearers were Tom Tucker, Bradley Tucker, Brian Tucker, Mark Smith, Tom Gaer, and David Smith. Interment was held at the Shelby Cemetery in Shelby, Iowa.

Kenneth M. Tucker - Age 86

Kenneth Marshall Tucker, the son of Charles Tucker and Vera Comstock was born on the family farm near Tennant, Iowa, on July 10, 1920. He attended grade school at the Pleasant Ridge Country School and continued his education at the Tennant Consolidated School.

On October 3, 1951 he married Doris May Green and had two children: Susan Linnette and Thomas Marshall. Doris and the couple’s second son, Craig William, died during childbirth in 1960. On February 10, 1964, Kenneth was united in marriage to Jacquetta June Hockett at the home of Jackie’s brother in Tennant, Iowa. They continued to live on the farm where Kenneth had been born. Kenneth worked as a farmer, drove a truck for Hockett Trucking, and drove a school bus for the Tennant Schools.

Ken’s hobbies were amateur radio and free-flight and remote controlled model airplanes. He was an amateur radio operator and a member of the American Radio Relay League, Inc. since 1954, the Academy of Model Aeronautics, and a member of the Midwest Model Net until they disbanded approximately five years ago.

Kenneth died at his home in rural Persia on Saturday, October 21, 2006, having attained the age of eighty-six years, three months, and eleven days. In addition to his parents, Kenneth was preceded in death by his first wife, Doris, and their son, Craig.

Kenneth is survived by his wife Jackie of Persia, Iowa, his daughter Susan of Kansas City, Missouri, and his son Thomas and his wife Diane of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, his sisters: Fern Tucker of Harlan, Frances Wilson of Hemet, California and Eunice Smith of Walnut, Iowa; four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family, and several friends.

Funeral services were officiated by Rev. Orris Drake at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, October 24, 2006, at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa. Interment was held at the Harlan Cemetery with Bradley Tucker, Ron Peters, Brian Tucker, Gabriel Assel, Jamie Hockett and Mark Smith serving as casket bearers.

Carol Ann Throlson - Age 61

Carol Ann Throlson, the daughter of Harold and Mildred (Darnell) Hull, was born in Carroll, Iowa, on January 20, 1945. She attended country school at Jackson Twp. No. 3 then graduated from Harlan High School with the class of 1964. Carol Ann later continued her education at Iowa Western Community College graduating from the School of Nursing in 1984.

Even though her education was in nursing, Carol Ann pursued an occupation in hotel/motel and restaurant management. She worked in several towns and cities including Harlan, Shelby, Underwood and Carroll in Iowa and other places in Missouri and Oklahoma. She continued this work until 1998, when her health began to fail and she retired and returned to Harlan.

In 1982, she was Baptized at the Harlan Church of Christ. Carol Ann was a very creative person who enjoyed painting, crocheting and making flower arrangements. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and cooking and baking for her family.

Carol Ann died on Thursday, October 12, 2006, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa having attained the age of sixty- one years, eight months and twenty - two days. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son Jerry, an infant brother Harold and sister Rosalene Hardy and nephew Joe Hull.

Survivors include her daughter, Yvette and her husband Terry Draper of Chelsea, Michigan; son Tom Throlson of Shelby; nine grandchildren - Joseph Kimmen and his wife Melissa, Tony Kimmen, Kara Kimmen, Erin Draper, Katelyn Draper, Cassidi Throlson, Jessica Throlson and Emily Throlson; brothers and sisters; Larry Hull and his wife Kathy of Harlan, Rose Marie and her husband Clarence of Westphalia, Lois Eriksen of Palm Bay Florida, Delbert Hull of Kirkman and Mary Sue and her husband Bill Murtaugh of Harlan, nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

A memorial service was held at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, October 15, 2006, by Rev. Robert Hoefler at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa. A family inurnment was held at the Harlan Cemetery prior to the service.

Raymond I. Thomsen - Age 84

Raymond Ivan Thomsen, the son of Louie John and Alma Gruhn Thomsen, was born on December 26, 1921, on a farm near Botna, Iowa in Crawford County. He attended school at Manning, Iowa, and grew to adulthood on the family farm.

On September 20, 1942, Raymond was united in marriage to Fern Doonan at Monroe Methodist Church in rural Shelby County, Iowa. Three children were born to this union: Judy, Dennis, and Beverly. After their marriage, the couple farmed in Monroe and Jackson Township. They raised AKC dogs, including St. Bernards and West Highland Terriers. In 1993, Fern became a resident of the Elm Crest Retirement Community in Harlan, Iowa. She died on September 1, 2003.

Raymond and Fern enjoyed camping in Minnesota and at Prairie Rose State Park. Raymond was a serious person who understood his role as a farmer. His legacy to his family and friends was his work ethic and his lifetime of devotion to his wife, Fern, as a husband and as a caregiver.

Raymond became a resident of the Elm Crest Retirement Community in Harlan in 1999, and it was there that he died on Sunday, January 22, 2006, having attained the age of eighty-four years and twenty-seven days. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Fern.

Survivors include his children: Judy and her husband, Gary Hansen, Dennis Thomsen and his wife, Janet and Beverly and her husband, Tom Schmitz all of Harlan, Iowa; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sisters and brother: Doraine Wigg, Marvel Jacobsen, and Roger Thomsen and his wife, Pat all of Harlan, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 25, 2006, at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa, at 10:30 A.M. with Pastor Dave Swinton officiating. Interment was in the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa, with Neil Hansen, Michelle Leinen, Kris Milcher, Mark Schmitz, Tammy Lynam, Brent Hansen, Jeanne Hansen, Kevin Hansen and Becky Schmitz serving as casket bearers.

Delores Tremel - Age 85

Delores JeanTremel, the daughter of George H. & Vera (Dougal) Stolz, was born on November 2, 1920, at Panama, Iowa. She was baptized at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Panama and confirmed at St. Peters Catholic Church in Defiance. Delores attended country school and St. Paul’s Catholic School. She grew to adulthood on the family farm.

On January 10,1940 Delores was united in marriage to John N. Tremel at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa. Four children were born to this union, Karen, Joan, Jerry and Allen. After their marriage, the couple farmed near Earling, Iowa where Delores lived most of her married life. In 1992, John and Delores Tremel moved into Earling. This was her residence until December 26^th 2005, when she became a resident of Little Flower Haven.

She was privileged to celebrate her 66^th wedding anniversary this past week. Her faithful married and family life was an inspiration to others. At their granddaughter’s wedding this summer ,Delores and John were chosen to light the candles because of their long period of devotion.

During her lifetime, Delores prided herself on her care and concern for others. This was exemplified by her years of volunteer work at Little Flower Haven. She was an avid gardener when she was able and enjoyed her travels with John to Hawaii, Europe, Canada and Las Vegas. Delores enjoyed music and even played the harmonica.

Delores died on Wednesday, January 18, 2006, at Little Flower Haven in Earling, Iowa having attained the age of eighty-five years, two months, and sixteen days.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Romaldus, Allan, and Roman Stolz and her sister Veronica Stolz. She is survived by her husband John Tremel of Earling, Iowa; her children: Karen and her husband Larry Gardner and Joan Stiner both of Omaha, Nebraska; Jerry and his wife Jane Tremel of Dunlap, Iowa and Allen and his wife Carol Tremel of Harlan, Iowa; ten grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters; Melvin Stolz and his wife Alice of Harlan, Merrill Stolz of Harlan, Lois Koesters of Earling, Louis Stolz and his wife Helen of Dunlap, Iowa, George Stolz and his wife Jetty of Earling, and Wilma Mohr of Denison, Iowa; nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, January 21, 2006, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa, at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Chuck Kottas and Rev. Paul Strittmatter as the celebrants. Interment was in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Earling, Iowa, with Mike Stiner, Scott Johnson, Andrew Juranek, and Staff Sgt. Robert Putnam serving as honorary casket bearers. Serving as casket bearers were Tom Noble, Mike Olmstead, Chris Miller, Chad Tremel, Scott Gardner, and Todd Tremel.

Leland E. Tresner - Age 56

Leland Earl Tresner, the son of Lee and Lenora Sharp Tresner, was born on July 17, 1947, in Parsons, Kansas. He attended and graduated from Garden City, Kansas school. He then attended Fort Hayes State College, where he was the National Wrestling Champion in 1969. After attending Fort Hayes, he was employed in sales and continued this until his death.

On July 27, 1996, Leland was united in marriage to Rozann Lauritsen on Harlan, Iowa. Since that time they have made their home in Peculiar and Burlington Junction, Missouri. For three years after their marriage, he and Rozann enjoyed being foster parents. They had ten foster children with the last two staying with them seventeen months.

Lee enjoyed playing cards with friends, hunting, fishing tournaments with his wife, golfing, and generally being with family, especially grandchildren.

Leland died on Sunday, March 7, 2004, at St. Francis Hospital in Maryville, Missouri, having attained the age of fifty-six years, seven months, and twenty-one days. He was preceded in death by his father, Lee, a step-son, Danny Warnoch, grandparents, and second wife, Glenda Tresner.

Survivors include his wife, Rozann of Burlington Junction, Missouri; his mother, Lenora Tresner of Garden City, Kansas; his children, Renee and her husband, Miles Jacobs of Oologah, Oklahoma; Melissa and her husband David Pike of Claremore, Oklahoma; Shane Tresner of Collinsville, Oklahoma; his step-children, Johnny Warnoch of Belle Plaine, Kansas; Debra Wicker of Independence, Kansas; Barbara and her husband Joe Stallbaumer of Wellington, Kansas; Andrew Lauritsen of Bedford, Iowa; Regina and her husband Mike Giesken of Ravenwood, Missouri; his three grandchildren; several step-grandchildren; several step-great grandchildren; his sisters, Noralee and her husband Phil Berthoff of Dodge City, Kansas; Norma Lee and her husband Jim White of Wichita, Kansas; Natalie Tresner of Garden City, Kansas; his brothers, Leon Tresner and his wife, Kathy of Pratt, Kansas; LeWayne Tresner and his wife, Becky of Pratt, Kansas; Lee Edward Tresner and his wife Mary of Nacogdoches, Texas; Leslie Tresner of Dodge City, Kansas; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 12, 2004, at 10:00 A.M. at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa, with Dale Gessert officiating. Interment was in the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa, with Rusty Wirth, Delbert Bruck, Byron Jensen, Dick Olson, Lenny Herbst, and Lee Tresner, Jr. serving as honorary casket bearers. Serving as casket bearers were Leslie Tresner, Leon Tresner, LeWayne Tresner, Kenneth Doyle, Chuck Sharp, and Jim Chapman.