The Des Moines Register from Des Moines, Iowa • Page 6

A division of lowa Inc. 1 6A Thursday, January 26, 2006 OBITUARIES The Des Moines Register ST Germans abducted after 2 days in Iraq By HAMID AHMED ASSOCIATED PRESS Baghdad, Iraq Kidnappers of two German engineers seized their captives only two days after they arrived in Iraq, gaining access to their compound by pretending to be soldiers, police said Wednesday. The two men arrived Sunday for a brief assignment at a government owned north detergent in Beiji, 155 miles of Baghdad, German and Iraqi officials said. Iraqi police initially reported the two were grabbed: as they were driving to work Tuesday. But on Wednesday, two policemen Lt.

Arkan Ali and officer Salih alJanabi said the Germans were taken from their compound by armed men who gained access by pretending to be soldiers. In Berlin, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said there had been no contact with the kidnappers, and government spokesman Thomas the reason for the abduction was not known. More than 240 foreigners have been abducted in Iraq since the 2003 fall of Saddam Hussein either by insurgents or criminal gangs. At least 39 captives have been killed. The German government has refused to identify the two hostages.

But the Leipziger Volkszeitung newspaper identified them as Thomas Nitzschke and Rene Braeunlich. The men work for an engineering firm based in Leipzig. At least five foreigners have been abducted this month including two Kenyan communications engineers missing after an ambush in Baghdad on Jan. 18 and American journalist Jill Carroll, who was seized Jan. 7 in the capital.

Her translator was killed. Carroll's kidnappers have threatened to kill the 28-year-old freelancer unless U.S. forces release all Iraqi women in their custody. Iraq's Justice Ministry said six of the nine women in detention would be freed this week, possibly today. The U.S.

command has not confirmed the ministry statement. Meanwhile, the military said Wednesday that a U.S. Marine was killed I by small-arms fire the day before in Karmah, 50 miles west of Baghdad. That raised the number of U.S. military personnel killed since the war began in March 2003 to at least 2,236, according to an Associated Press count.

About 60 journalists have been killed i in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. ODED PRESS At the polls: Palestinian election officials work in a polling station in the village of Abu Dis, in the outskirts of Jerusalem. Palestinians turn out in large numbers By MICHAEL MATZA produced low expectations for the and DION NISSENBAUM election. KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS Ramallah, West Bank Palestinians defied earlier predictions of electoral chaos Wednesday as large numbers turned out for the first legislative elections in a decade. Several exit polls of uncertain reliability showed the ruling Fatah party in the lead and a strong second-place finish by the Islamist militant group Hamas, which was estimated to have garnered 36 percent to 42 percent of the vote.

Preliminary official results are expected today, and they could give an early indication of how big a role Hamas will play in the next Palestinian government. While Hamas operates extensive socialwelfare programs in Palestinian areas, it also has launched repeated terrorist attacks on Israel. A strong showing by Hamas would raise more questions about the Bush administration's push for democracy in the Middle East, where Islamists not moderate democrats have made strong electoral inroads recently in Egypt, Iraq and Lebanon. The electoral participation of a group that is dedicated to Israel's destruction, serious infighting among competing factions of the Fatah party, and questions about how power will be shared had But after weeks of campaignrelated attacks and threats to disrupt the voting, election day ended without any major security problems in what many Palestinians described as a tribute to their nascent democracy. The Central Election Commission said nearly 78 percent of 1.3 million eligible voters had cast ballots.

"We are on the dawn of a new phase of the Palestinian Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said, speaking in Ramallah after the polls closed. In the Gaza Strip, where voter participation topped 80 percent, the mood was calm in what many. described as a "festival In Rafah, a Hamas stronghold, entrances to polling places were crowded with campaign workers handing out sample ballots and party-affiliated caps and scarves. To get to the polls, voters had to walk through virtual honor guards of Hamas supporters holding lime-green flags and Fatah supporters bearing yellow flags. In the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanoun, where Hamas dominates the municipal council, Mohammed Abu Amsha, 40, said the town might be cleaner and more orderly since Hamas took over, but this time he voted for Fatah.

U.S. won't deal President Bush said Wednesday the United States will not deal with Hamas until the radical Palestinian Islamist group renounces its position calling for the destruction of Israel. WHAT HE SAID: "A political party, in order to be viable, is one that professes peace, in my judgment, in order that it will keep the peace," the president said after an apparently strong showing by Hamas in Palestinian parliamentary voting. HE ADDED: "And so you're getting a sense of how I'm going to deal with Hamas if they end up in positions of responsibility. And the answer is: not until you renounce your desire to destroy Israel will we deal with Mr.

Floyd Jack Mann passed away January 23, 2006. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 28, at 12 noon at Morning Star Baptist Church. Interment, Glendale. Visitation with the family will be held Friday, January 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Highland Park Funeral Home.

Henderson's 515-309-6550 FLOYD J. MANN Des Moines VINCENT P. NEALON Mandeville, LA Vincent P. Nealon, 82, passed away January 24, 2006 in Mandeville, LA. He joins his wife, Catherine in paradise.

He is survived by six children, Martin, Patrick, Cathy, Jeanne, Michael, Peter, their spouses and ten grandchildren. Funeral services will be held in Bronxville, NY by Fred McGrath Son. HARLAN D. EASTON Johnston Harlan Easton, 87, died January 23, 2006. A celebration of life will be 10:30 a.m.

Friday at New Hope United Methodist Church, Des Moines. Burial will be at p.m. today at the Mount Hope Cemetery in Maquoketa, Iowa. Westover Iles Funeral Homes DOROTHY GIBBONS BILLINGS Des Moines Dorothy Billings, 98, died January 22, Memorial services will be Saturday at lles Funeral Homes Grandview Park Chapel. Entombment will be at a later date in Eternal Hills Mausoleum in Oceanside, CA.

Grandview Park Iles Funeral Homes HELEN GERSIE Des Moines Helen Gersie, 86, died Tuesday, January 24, 2006, at Mercy Medical Center. A private family service will be held graveside at Mount Emblem Cemetery in Elmhurst, IL. Dunn's Iles Funeral Homes The Des Moines Register runs obituaries at no charge for the first eight lines. Families who choose to present additional information may do so for a fee. Please consult your funeral director or call 515-284-8021.

All obituaries may be viewed online for 120 days at www.DesMoinesRegister.com ROBERT R. ROMINGER Coralville Robert Rominger died Tuesday. Memorial service will be 3 p.m. Friday at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in lowa City.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the of I Holden Cancer Center or lowa City Hospice. ELMER ELLINGSON Alden Elmer Ellingson, 92, died Tuesday, January 24, 2006. Services are 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 27, at Immanuel Memorial UCC in Alden. Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m.

Thursday at the Surls Funeral Home in Alden. DOLLIE MARGARET LAGSDON Cincinnati Dollie Lagsdon, 84, died January 25, 2006. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Schmidt Family Funeral Home, with an open visitation on Friday from 1 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Burial is at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. PATRICIA CREAGAN Centerville Funeral services for Patricia Creagan, 78, will be 10 a.m. Friday at the Thomas Lange Funeral Home. Burial will follow Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home today, with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m.

ROBERT (BOB) ROMINGER Coralville Memorial services for Robert (Bob) Rominger, formerly of Des Moines, will be 3 p.m. Friday at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, lowa City. Memorials can be sent to: University of lowa, lowa Holden Cancer Center, Iowa City, lowa. MAXINE ELDER Shenandoah Graveside services for Maxine Elder, 87, former Des Moines resident, will be 11 a Friday at Resthaven Cemetery, Des Moines.

Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home of Shenandoah is in charge of arrangements. 712-246-2912 ADELINE MEYER Aplington Adeline Meyer, 94, died Monday. Services are 10:30 a.m. Saturday at 1st Presbyterian Church in Aplington. Visitation is 4 to 6 p.m.

Friday at the church. Sietsema Funeral Home of Ackley is in charge of arrangements. CALVIN M. FERRIS Jefferson Services for Calvin Ferris, 81, will be 11 a.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church, Jefferson.

Burial will be at Newton Union Cemetery at a later date. Friends may call at Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home after 11 a.m. Thursday. Perry Emily L. Springer died January 23, 2006 at Dallas County Hospital in Perry.

A memorial service will be held 1:30 p.m. Friday, January 27, at McLaren's Chapel 801 19th Street West Des Moines, IA 50265. Emily was born April 21, 1941 in Des Moines, Iowa to Don and Sara (Albertson) Piersal. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1959. She had lived in Woodward, Iowa and moved to Perry in 1991, where she was employed by Casey's.

Emily enjoyed taking trips to Minnesota, Jazz music, reading, horses, dogs and spending time with her grandchildren. Emily is survived by five children, Jennifer Springer of Perry, Kim Springer of Woodward, Stephanie Springer of Madrid, Kevin Springer of Grimes, Renee Springer of West Des Moines; and six grandchildren, Breyonha Holst, Breelyn Holst, Colista Polich, Octavius Springer, Amelia Springer and Achala Riak. She was preceded in death by her parents and two children, Karen Rae Springer and Christine Marie Springer. Burial will be in Resthaven Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the family.

McLaren's Chapel Dignity at Resthaven Cemetery EMILY L. SPRINGER DARRELL CRITZ Carlera, Alabama Funeral services for Darrell Wayne Critz, 64, will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 28, at the Kale Funeral Home in Osceola. Interment will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, with family present from 6 to 8 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to his family for a memorial to be decided at a later date. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; son, Darrell Critz (Marybeth) of Navarre Beach, FL; daughter, Pamela Stock (Michael) of Calera, AL; brothers, Bernard Critz (Glendoris) of Mason City, IA and Don Critz (Phyllis) of Little Rock, AZ and Doris of Parsons, TN; and SC; sisters, Beulah, Adair (Max) Phoenix, granddaughter, Karen Lyon of St. Augustine, FL. Kite Fanctal Home "Fire Cienerations uf Firmly Serving Families MARY JOHNSTON Montezuma Mary Johnston, 91, of Montezuma, died Wednesday at the Montezuma Nursing Rehab. Center in Montezuma.

Born July 10, 1914 at Deep River, IA, she married Emmett Johnston on June 1, 1938. She is survived by one son, Dennis (Sally) Johnston and one daughter, Diana (Dan) Dawley, both of Montezuma; four grandchildren: nine great-grandchildren; and one sister, Ora Murphy of Middle Amana, IA. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Watts Funeral Home in Montezuma. Burial will be in the Jackson Township Cemetery at Montezuma.

Visitation will be at the funeral home after 6 p.m. Thursday with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Montezuma Volunteer Fire Department. EARL N. HURTO, JR.

Newton Earl N. Hurto, 83, died January Pence Reese Newton, 641-792-5152 24, 2006. Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 28, at First United Methodist Church. Visitation with the family present will be Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.

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3 dinners, 3 breakfasts, giant Deadwood, coal mine Devils tour. Tower way play to and see much the Big more! Apple. Best TRAVEL Northwest Transportation, Phone 877-694-8687 Toll Free for your copy today! JEAN B. KEARNEY Des Moines Des Moines Billie 77, passed home 2006. vice Hamilton's Home, from 6 Thursday, 2006.

Jean was born on Wheaton, MO. She is daughters, Penny Ward OH, Patricia Corben and Elaine Martin of grandchildren, 12 sisters, Dotty Handy of Emma Rose Braun of 1 brother, Keith Utter WA. She was preceded mother, Pearl Utter and Williamson and Randy rial contributions may family in Jean's honor. She moved to lowa year. She liked being kids, going shopping and going on picnics.

be missed very much. MICHAEL JOSHUA CLARK Altoona "Jean" Kearney, away at her on January 23, A visitation serwill be held at Funeral 605 Lyon Street to 8 p.m. on January 26, April 4, 1928 in survived by her 3 of Mt. Vernon, Des Moines, IA Atlanta, GA; 10 great-grandchildren; 2 Jerome, ID and Shoshone, of Walla Walla, in death by her. 2 sons, Michael Dumont.

Memobe made to the from Georgia last around her grandand out to lunch, Mother, you will Michael Joshua Clark, 13, son of Troy and Melissa Clark, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, January 23, Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, January 27, 2006, at New Hope Assembly of God Church, 6800 Townsend Avenue, in Urbandale, with burial at Altoona Cemetery. Michael was a very loving son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend. He loved music, playing computer and video games, watching movies and spending time with his family. He also loved going to his grandparent's house and spending time in their flower garden.

In addition, he loved swimming, making up jokes, a and mowing yard. Michael was fun loving and really loved life. He is survived by his mom and dad; sisters, Alishea and Arin; brother, Isaac; his grandparents, Bill and Gloria Clark, all of Altoona; aunts and uncles, Todd and Dee Pleasant Hill, Terry and Danielle Clark of Dexter; great-grandfather, Lyle Clark of Des Moines; greatgrandmother, Verna Hohrmann of Altoona; many cousins and many, many others who loved him dearly. Michael was loved my many and will be missed by all. Visitation for Michael will be held from 5 to 7 p.m.

on Thursday, January 26, 2006, at Merle Hay Home. Merle Hay Funeral Home HOWARD F. HOGAN Des Moines Howard F. Hogan, 79, died Tuesday, January 24, 2006, of congestive heart failure at Mercy Hospital Medical Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m.

Friday, January 27, 2006, at St. Theresa's Catholic Church. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery. Howard was born on January 9, 1927 to Clarence and Ethel (Keefe) Hogan of Gilmore City, IA, and had lived in Des Moines since 1969. Howard worked for J.A.

Reno and Associates until his retirement in 11995. Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne M. (Herrick) Hogan (1994) and daughter, Susan Hogan (2000). He is survived by his wife, Isabelle Finken-Hogan; son, Thomas (Michele) Hogan of Glen Ellyn, IL; daughter, Kathleen (Michael) Watts of Cedar Rapids; six grandchildren: Colleen, Katy and Sarah Thompson, Jessica Hogan, and Brian and Samuel Ripes. Friends may call after 3 p.m.

Thursday, January 27, at lles Funeral Homes, Dunn's Chapel, where the family will be present from 6 to 8 p.m. A vigil service will begin at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be made to Holy Family School, 1265 E. 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50316. Dunn's Iles Funeral Homes JAMES GEORGE BARNES, JR.

Des Moines James George Barnes, Jr. passed away January 18, 2006 in Colorado. Funeral services will be 1:00 PM, Saturday, January 28, 2006 at Hamilton's Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery. James was born March 26, 1962 to Peggy Norfleet and James George Barnes, Sr.

He enjoyed spending his time with his family, dancing and fishing. James was employed with Sunrise Retirement Center and was a member of the Bethsaida Church. Left to grieve are his children, James Barnes III, Erica Hayes, Ronald Shileds, Romio Jerome Barnes, Destine Barnes and Jasmine Barnes; his mothers, Peggy Dameron and Loretta Braddy; siblings, Marvin (Pat) McCuller, Fred (Linda) McCuller, Cassandra (Cardell) James, Vickie (Carl) Sandars, Zara (Archie) White, Brenda McCuller, Linda Barnes, Carmella (Forest) Oakley, Tamri Dameron and Damita Dameron; grandchildren, Stacy Johnson and Aniah Hall. He was preceded in death by his father, James G. Barnes, Sr.

and brother, Michael E. Barnes. Visitation will be from 6-8 PM, Friday, January 27, 2006 at Hamilton's Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to: New Jerusalem, P.O. Box 41694, Des Moines, Iowa, 50311, in care of James Barnes Jr.

BILL JOE FOUCH Perry Services for Bill, formerly of Rippey, will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Hastings Funeral Home in Perry. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.

The family will greet friends at 10 a.m. Saturday one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Survivors include his daughter, Jody Halling (Scott) of Perry; two sons, Doug Fouch (Jody) and Kevin Fouch (Shelly), both of Grand Junction; and brother, Dr. Jim Fouch (June) of Boise, Idaho. HAROLD A.

SWANSON Ames Harold A. Swanson, 82, died Tuesday, January 24, 2006, in Ames. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday, January 27, at First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Fred Lewis officiating.

Burial will be in Ames Municipal Cemetery. Harold was born January 17, 1924 in Hastings, NE to William Henry and Ethel (East) Swanson. He married Elsie (Jo) Hughes on February 25, 1953 in Denver, CO. He had been a resident of Ames since 1953, and also had resided in Lincoln, NE. Harold had served in U.S.

Army, and was an Design Engineer in Urban Design at the lowa Department of Transportation, retiring in 1986. He was a member of Lancaster Masonic Lodge in Lincoln, Arcadia Lodge Ames, Scottish Rite Consistory, Des Moines, Za-Ga-Zig Shrine Temple; Story County Shrine Club, American Legion and participated in various church activities. He is survived by his wife, Elsie (Jo) of Ames; son, J. Stewart Swanson (Carol) of Rochester, MN; and grandchildren, William and James. Harold was preceded in death by his brother, Eugene Swanson.

Visitation will be held from noon until the service time, Friday, January 27, at First United Methodist Church. Adams Funeral Home is assisting the family. The family suggests memorials, in lieu of flowers, be directed to Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children or First United Methodist Church, Ames. MILDRED E. COOK St.

Paul, Minnesota Mildred E. Cook, 91, of St. Paul, MN, died peacefully on January 19, 2006. Mildred was born and raised in Madison County, Iowa and spent most of her adult life in West Des Moines. She received a teacher's certificate from State Teacher's College of Cedar Falls and taught for several years in rural lowa schools before marriage.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, Cloyd and Elnora Baker and her husband, Delbert Cook. She will be dearly missed by daughters, Connie (David) Phillips and Karen (Stephen) Rudd of St. Paul, MN; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Gene (Phyllis) Baker of Urbandale; sister-in-law, Marge Cook of Marshalltown; and cousins, nieces and nephews. Mildred was a long-time member of WDM Christian Church and thoroughly enjoyed the many positions she held. As an active community volunteer, she was the first PTA president at Clover Hills School.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. at McLaren's Funeral Chapel, 801 19th Street, West Des Moines. A celebration of her life will be on Friday, January 27, 10:30 a.m. at WDM Christian Church, 4501 George Mills Civic Pkwy, followed by burial at Resthaven Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to her church.

McLaren's Chapel Dignity at Resthaven Cemetery GIB HOLLINGSWORTH Ottumwa John Gilbert "Gib" Hollingsworth, 83, died at 2:30 p.m. January 24, 2006 at the Vista Woods Care Center. He was born January 7, 1923 near Ollie to Leslie "Pat" and Edna Mae Sheppard Hollingsworth. He married Marjorie "Marge" Estes on February 9, 1944. She preceded him in death on June 15, 2005.

A graduate of Martinsburg High School in 1940, Gib, served in the Army, farmed north Ottumwa and was a salesman for Moorman Mfg. of Quincy, IL for 35 years. However, he was best known throughout lowa, Illinois and Minnesota as Hollingsworth Stables history- -making Iowa -breeder of American Saddlebreds and second -generation member of the lowa Horsemen's Hall of Fame. Surviving is a daughter, Judy (Peter) Soballe of Washington, D.C.; two sons, Gary (Debbie) Hollingsworth of Hedrick and Terry Hollingsworth of Brighton; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Eloise Haupert of Fairfield; and a brother, Clark Hollingsworth of Little Rock, Arkansas. Funeral services will be 3 p.m.

Saturday at Reece Funeral Home with Rev. Bill Hornback officiating. Cremation will follow the services. Inurnment will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m.

Friday, with the family present from 6 to p.m. Friday. A memorial has been established to the Alzheimer's Association. Ago BONNIE MARIE PATRICK Des Moines Bonnie, 77, passed away January 23, 2006 at USA Healthcare in Urbandale. Iowa.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 28, 2006, at Pine Hill Cemetery. Viewing will be at Arnold's Highland Park Funeral Home from 9 to 10 a.m. prior to the graveside services. Bonnie was born February 18, 1928 in Bayard, Iowa to Earl and Eunice (Russell) Cornelius.

She graduated from lowa Beauty School and worked as a beautician for over forty years including her own shop, Bonnie's Beauty Salon. Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon; her parents and one brother, Ted. She is survived by her brother, Mervin and his wife, Barbara Cornelius, of Des Moines; one uncle, John Rion of Perry, lowa; nieces, nephews, three step-sisters, and one step-brother. Arnold's Highland Park 3500-6th Ave. 288-6551 GERTRUDE WEAVER Greenfield Funeral services for Gertrude Weaver, 84, will be 2 p.m.

Friday at the Greenfield United Methodist Church. Friends may call from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Steen Funeral Home in Greenfield..