The Des Moines Register from Des Moines, Iowa • Page 19

Des Moines Register GC OBITUARIES ALMANAC Tuesday, September 21, 2004 Page 5B JAMES A. McCARTHY Des Moines James A. McCarthy, 87, died a peaceful death at Taylor House in Des Moines on September 18, 2004. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 22 at St.

Peter's Catholic Church, 618 E. 18th with burial immediately following at Chapel Hill Gardens, 4400 Merle Hay Rd. Family will be present for visitation at 6 p.m. with rosary at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 21 at Merle Hay Funeral Home, 4400 Merle Hay Road.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Benedict's Abbey or Taylor House. James was born in Des Moines on January 2, 1917. He was the son of Kathryn and Cornelius McCarthy who had seven children. He is survived by his twin brother, Joe, who is residing currently in Idaho.

James was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Lorraine and their eldest son, James (Joyce). Other children include Anne Marie Valdez, Bill McCarthy (Linda), Helen Villirillo (Joe), Mary McCarthy, twin sons, Jon and Joe McCarthy (Bonnie), Kevin McCarthy (Liz), Margaret McCarthy and Christine McCarthy. Jim and Lorraine have 24 grandchildren and 20 -grandchildren. James was an army veteran of WWII, having served in the Philippines as a forward observer. He attended Drake University School of Music and was a professional musician.

Prior to the war he and his twin brother traveled the national big band circuit and played with the Beverly Brothers All Twin Band, sponsored by the Fitch Band Wagon. James was employed by IPALCO in Des Moines for 38 years until retirement in 1979. He was a devout catholic with an unshakable faith who will be deeply missed by his loving family and friends. MERLEHAY at Chapel Hill WALTER ARTHUR JENSEN Rogers, AR Walter Arthur Jensen, 72, died Monday, September 13, 2004 at his home. Funeral services were held September 16 at Peace Lutheran Church of Rogers, AR.

Full military honors were provided by the American Legion, Post in Rogers, AR. Walter was born on January 14, 1932 in rural Van Meter, the son of Arthur Carl and Emma Eleanor Marquardt Jensen. He moved to Northwest Arkansas from lowa in the fall of 1989. In lowa, he was a farmer for many years and also worked with the USDA covering the entire state checking for TB in cattle. While living in Rogers, he had worked for several years with a local printing company.

Walter was an avid golf player and loved bowling. He served his country with the United States Army and was a chaplain with the American Legion Post He was very active with the churches he attended. At Bethany Lutheran Church in Kelley, IA, he was the Past President of the church, Sunday school teacher and treasurer. At Peace Lutheran Church of Rogers, Walter was also a Sunday school teacher, part of the "property team" and helped to organize "The Opportunity Tree." He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Dorothy Jensen of the home, whom he married February 10, 1957 in Adel; two daughters, Rhonda Jensen of Kelley, IA, and Madonna (Ken) Jaeger of Cincinnati, OH; a son, Alan (Phyllis) Jensen of Rogers, AR; two sisters, Vera Van Pelt and Eleanor (Don) Noack, both of Des Moines; and five grandchildren. Mr.

Jensen was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Pauline McKown. G. LORRAINE LEO Des Moines Memorial Mass for Lorraine Leo will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, of which she was a member.

Lorraine was born in Chariton, Iowa and graduated from high school in Osceola. She owned and operated a ceramics product company. She enjoyed arts and crafts and was a member of St. Anthony's Altar and Rosary Society. Lorraine will be missed by her husband of 35 years, Joseph; her children, Don (Cindy) Young, Bonnie (Mike) O'Tool, Arlene (Verle) Akes and Darlene (Mike) Smith; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Jack Young. Memorial contributions suggested to her church, the American Cancer Society or Mercy Hospice. ROBERT K. CONNER Indianola Funeral services for Robert Keith Conner, 82, who died Sunday, September 19, 2004, at the Westview Care Center will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday September 22 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola.

Burial will be in the 1.0.0.F. Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Indianola. Bob, son of Glenn and Wessie Fulton Conner, was born February 4, 1922 on a farm near Humeston in Wayne County, lowa. He was raised in the Derby, Iowa area and graduated from Derby High School in 1939. Until August 1942, when he enlisted in the United States Navy, he farmed with his father in Lucas County.

On October 8, 1942, following boot camp, Bob was united in marriage with Marcelene Patterson in a simple ceremony at the Baptist Church in Russell, lowa. Bob then returned to 37 months of active duty, 16 of which were in the South Pacific as an ordinance man in the Naval Air Corps. Bob received several commendations and honors for military service. In September, 1945, Bob was discharged from the Navy at the naval base in San Diego, California. Following his return to lowa, Bob and Marcie established their home in Indianola, where it has remained with the exception of two years spent on a farm near Chariton in Lucas County.

Dianna Lea, later known as Dee Gee, was born on April 28, 1946. For eleven years Bob owned and operated Conner Feed and Supply in Indianola. He later owned Redi-Temp, a clerical help service in Indianola from which he retired 11992. At an early age, Bob became a Christian and remained faithful to his church and religious activities. He was an avid Bible student and a daily Bible reader.

He was also a strong historian and was able to answer many questions from his daughter and granddaughters, especially about General Custer. Bob enjoyed young people, especially the college students that made the Conner home their home while attending Simpson College. Many students continued to visit the Conner home bringing their families with them. Even though Bob didn't play an instrument or sing solos, he did enjoy listening, especially when mother and daughter were at the piano and organ. He also enjoyed watching Dee Gee direct handbell choirs and play the pipe organ.

He was a very proud dad and loved his family. Bob was a member of First United Methodist Church, the American Legion Post VFW and Masonic Lodge AF AM He is survived by one daughter, Dee Gee and husband David Blair of Cherokee, lowa; three granddaughters, Jennifer Lea Blair, Elizabeth Eva Blair and Kathleen Conner Blair; brother-in-law, Chuck Maguire of Des Moines; one nephew, Paul Maguire and his wife Penny of Sun City, AZ; one niece, Deborah Stanton and her husband James of Clear Lake; three greatnephews, Todd Maguire and his wife Erica, Jerrod Maguire and Mark Stanton and his wife Melinda; one great-niece, Melissa Cookman and her husband Luke; one great-great-nephew, Beck Maguire and one great-great-niece, Makenna Stanton; and many special He was preceded in death by his wife, Marcie; his parents; and sister, Mary Lee Maguire. Visitation will be held 3 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 21 at Overton Funeral Home where the family will be present to greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be a Masonic service at 8 p.m.

Tuesday evening. Memorial contributions may be designated to the First United Methodist Church or Chapel of Faith Church. GERTIE KNUTSON Radcliffe Funeral services for Gertie Knutson, 107, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 22 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Radcliffe. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday at Boeke Funeral Home in Radcliffe. from cancer. He was born October 13, 1928 in Lacona and was the son of Charles H. and Amelia (Konrad) Beeler. Al moved to Des Moines at the age of three and graduated from Dowling in 1946.

He spent most of his adult life in the electric motor business and he and his wife, Ann were owners and operators of A Electric Motor Service until 1993 when he sold it and retired to his farm in New Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Ann of New Virginia. Also surviving are three sons, Stephen of New Virginia, Allen of Woodburn and Jack of New Virginia; two daughters, Joyce Borchert and Linda Dickerson, both Des Moines; and stepchildren, Jack Williams of Des Moines, Rick Harter of Des Moines, Bill Harter of Indianola, Don Harter of Des Moines, Susan Gannon of Phoenix, AZ, Chris Baker of West Des Moines. He also has two sisters, Charlotte Jones of Burlington and Louise Hensley of Pasadena, CA. There are 24 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and six sisters. A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Hamilton's Funeral Home, where the family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Memorials may be made to either the John Stoddard Cancer Center or Hospice of Central lowa. AL BEELER New Virginia Services for Alfred "Al" Beeler will be held at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, September 22 at Visitation Catholic Church in Des Moines, with burial at Rosemont Cemetery in Lacona. Al passed away Sunday morning at home FRANKA NORDELL Des Moines If we wish to know angels for what they truly are, perhaps it is we who learn to Nordell was taken to heaven September 18, 2004. Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 22 beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a rosary service at 7 p.m. at Hamilton's Funeral Home on Lyon St.

Memorial mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, September 23 at St. Pius Catholic Church, with burial at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines. Franka was born September 5, 1943 in in Hesse, Germany. Upon coming to the United States at a young age, she lived the majority of her life in Des Moines, Iowa.

She was a graduate from St. Joseph's Academy. She worked for over 25 years for US West. Franka always managed to find time for family and friends. She was actively involved in donating her time as she was a coach, scout leader and foster mother among many other things.

One of her biggest joys in life were her all of whom adored her. Left to cherish in her memory are her husband of 43 years, Curtis Nordell; her children, Melanie Nordell-Morris and Melissa Nordell-Earp; son-in-laws, Mark, Craig and Doug; granddaughters, Lauren, Ella and Josephine; and mother, Annelie Eggert. She will be reunited in Heaven with her beloved daughter, Michelle. Heaven must be the perfect place all hearts are dreaming of, for only Heaven is lovely enough for the cherished souls we ILA V. IRWIN Altoona Ila V.

Irwin, 95, died Sunday, September 19, 2004 at InTrust Taylor House. Services are 2 p.m. Thursday, September 23 at Altoona Funeral Home, with burial in the Altoona Cemetery. lla was born June 22, 1909 in Plano, IA, to Mary Belle Fenton and Elmer Ellsworth Curtis. She had lived in Mystic, IA, Bellingham, VA, and Des Moines, IA, prior to moving to Altoona.

She did clerical work for the State of lowa for twelve years and was a member of Mitchellville Christian Church. She is survived by her son, Jack Irwin of Bellingham, WA; three sisters, Vivian Sharpe of Tucson, AZ, Evelyn Cort of Des Moines and Caroline Bills of Pleasant Hill; a brother, Bob Curtis of Centerville; eleven grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Myra June Olmstead and one son, Richard Harold Irwin. Visitation will be from 12 to 2 p.m. Thursday prior to services at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Mitch- SERVICE AND VISITATION announcement Thelma L. Bergman Evelyn A. Schmitt 1 PM Wednesday at Westover 10:30 AM Wednesday at Greeting 12-1 PM Wednesday St. Boniface Catholic Church, Waukee Family at Westover Funeral Home 276-4567 Family Greeting PM Tuesday westoverfuneralhome.com with a 7 PM Vigil Service at Westover Funeral Home 276-4567 Dorothy E. Clark westoverfuneralhome.com 1 PM Thursday at Capitol Hill Lutheran Church Robert Schultz Family Greeting 6-8 PM Wednesday 11 AM Wednesday at at Dunn's Funeral Home 244-2121 Holy Trinity Catholic Church dunnsfuneralhome.com Family Greeting 5-7 PM Tuesday with a 7 PM Vigil Service at Leo A.

"Lee" Koester Westover Funeral Home 276-4567 10:30 AM Thursday at westoverfuneralhome.com Holy Trinity Catholic Church Family Greeting at the church 5-7 PM Wednesday with a 7 PM Vigil Service Westover Funeral Home 276-4567 westoverfuneralhome.com LEO A. KOESTER Des Moines Leo A. Koester (Lee), 76, died Sunday, September 19, 2004 at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown from Alzheimer's disease. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 23 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Lee was a veteran of the Korean War after which he married Kay and began his teaching career, moving from Harlan to Des Moines in 1956 where he taught 35 years mostly at North High. He helped pioneer the Model Cities home remodeling class which he taught for 15 years at North. Lee was a partner in Contractors, painting and remodeling homes during the summers until he and his partner founded Waterfun, Inc. in 1969 to manage the swimming beach, concessions and boat rentals at Gray's Lake. Lee loved his family, water activities and building.

He incorporated these passions into construction of the family "cabin" at Lake Panorama, building the home with his seven boys and enjoying many good times with their friends. A founding member of the Holy Trinity Church, Lee participated in choir, parish council, building programs and the daily mass group. He was a devoted husband and friend to anyone in need. Lee is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kay; six sons, Kevin (Linda), Paul (Beth), Dave (Coby), Steve (Donna), Pat (Carrie) and John (Kathy), all of the Des Moines area; 15 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Mike.

Visitation will be at the church Wednesday from 5 p.m. until the 7 p.m. vigil service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Trinity Building fund or the Lee Koester Memorial fund. Westover Iles Funeral Homes THELMA L.

BERGMAN Des Moines Thelma L. Bergman, 89, died Sunday, September 19, 2004 at Mercy Medical Center. Services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 22 at Westover Funeral home, with visitation one hour prior to services. Burial will be at the Berwick Cemetery in Berwick, IA.

Thelma was born in Moberly, MO, and lived most of her life in Des Moines. She was a graduate of Lincoln High School and Open Bible College, both in Des Moines, and a veteran of WWII. Thelma and her late husband had retired to Florida where they lived from 1978 until 2000. She is survived by three sons, Allen (Sandi) Bergman of Waukee, Harry Bergman of Waukee and John (Chris) Bergman of Urbandale; and five grandchildren, Amanda, Andrew, Amy, Becca and Anastasia Bergman. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold Bergman and a brother, Edward Louthan.

Westover Iles Funeral Homes MAGGIE LEE FOSTER Kellogg Services for Maggie Foster, 84, will be held at 11. a.m. Thursday, September 23 at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell. Visitation hours will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home, where the family will be present from 6 to 8 p.m.

MAYTHA L. HIBBS Cedar Rapids Services for Maytha, 87, formerly of Ames, are 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at United Church of Christ-Congregational in Ames, with burial in Ames Municipal Cemetery. Visitation with family present is from 4 to 6:30 p.m. today at Adams Funeral Home.

DEBRA KAY BRYANT Fort Collins, CO Debra Kay Bryant passed away peacefully on Friday evening, September 10, 2004 after a long battle with cancer. Memorial services are 5 p.m. today, September 21 at Evangelical Covenant Church, 4825 S. Lemay Ave. in Fort Collins, CO.

DUANE BOERSMA Manning Duane Boersma, 65, died September 16, 2004. Services were held Monday, September 20 at Faith Evangelical Church in Audubon. Burial will be today, September 21 at the Manning Cemetery. Arrangements by Ohde Funeral Home. TERRENCE EDWIN FREWING Jerome Terrence E.

Frewing, 60, died September 16, 2004 at home. Funeral services are 9 a.m. today, September 21 at Thomas Lange Funeral Home in Centerville, with visitation one hour prior to services. Burial will follow at Jerome Cemetery. EMIL P.

VECCHI Des Moines Emil P. Vecchi, 87, died Saturday, September 18, 2004 at his home. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Thursday, September 23 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with burial following at Glendale Cemetery.

Emil was a finish carpenter and retired as a supervisor of the carpenters and painters for the state of lowa. He was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church, a marine veteran of WWII and a member of the AMVETS Post where he had served as a commandant and a chaplain. He enjoyed his family and friends, woodworking and gardening. He is survived by his two daughters, Rose Marie (Jim) Cunion and Rhonda (John) Richardson; six grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Angeline and his son, Ronald. The family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Southtown Funeral Home where there will be a 7 p.m. rosary service. EVELYN A.

SCHMITT Waukee Evelyn A. Schmitt, 80, died September 19, 2004 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, Funeral services 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 22 at St. Boniface Church in Waukee, with burial at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines. Evelyn was born September 9, 1924 in St.

Lucas, lowa, to Louis and Barbara Johanna Winter. She was married to Clarence Schmitt on August 29, 1944 in Waucoma, lowa. Clarence and Evelyn farmed in Fort Atkinson for 24 years. In 1968, after a construction accident, Clarence and Evelyn moved to Marion, lowa, where she worked at a dental lab. In 1993, they moved to Waukee, Iowa.

In addition to Waukee being close to family, Evelyn formed many great friendships with the parishioners in the St. Boniface Church family and others. Her joy in life was the time she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Evelyn is survived by son, Robert Schmitt of White Bear Lake, MN; daughter, Kathy Simeno of Urbandale; daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Tom Baughman of Williamsburg, IA; son and daughterin-law, Dennis and Cheryl Schmitt of Clarinda, IA; sisters, Dorothy Holthaus and Marie Schissel; brother, Linus (Doris) Winter; five grandchildren; and four greatgrandchildren. Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence; her parents; eight brothers and sisters; and grandchildren, Kelly Jo Schmitt and Timothy Baughman.

Visitation is from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 21 at Westover Funeral Home in Des Moines, lowa, where a Vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Memorials may be made to St. Boniface Catholic Church Building Fund in Waukee, Iowa. Westover Iles Funeral Homes LUCILLE PFANNKUCH Manning Lucille Pfannkuch, 76, died September 18, 2004.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, September 21 at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning, with burial at the Manning Cemetery. Arrangements by Ohde Funeral Home in Manning. BARBARA ANN BARNES Oskaloosa pServices for Barbara, 76, will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 22 at Central United Methodist Church, with burial at Forest Cemetery.

Visitation with family present is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Garland-Van Arkel-Langkamp Funeral Chapel. KATHY VAN ESSEN WHITTLESEY Newton Kathy Van Essen Whittlesey, 52, died Saturday, September 18, 2004. Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Wallace Family Funeral Home, where friends may call from 9 to 11 a.m.

prior to services. Wallace Family Funeral Home Newton, Iowa WILLIAM L. "BILL" BROWN Murray Memorial services for Bill Brown, 48, will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Kale Funeral Home in Osceola, with burial at the Murray Cemetery in Murray, IA. The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday at the Kale Funeral Home in Osceola. Kale Funeral Home "Five Generations of Family Serving Families" IN TIME OF SETE HILDA SEELEY Afton Hilda Seeley, 89, died Saturday, September 18 in Afton. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 21, 2004 at the St. Edward's Catholic Church in Afton.

Burial will be at the St. Edward's Cemetery. Arrangements by the Powers Funeral Home in Afton. Survivors include a daughter, Sharon (Paul) Calkins of Des Moines; a son, Doug (Joy) Seeley of Afton; and four grandchildren, Brian, Evan, Jackie and Nancy. PAUL IVERSON Des Moines Memorial services will be 10 a.m.

Wednesday at Union Park Baptist Church. Paul will be missed by his parents, Marvin and Penny Iverson; sisters, Karen Iverson and Valerie Wedgeworth; stepsister, Vicki Danford; and stepbrothers, Larry, Rick and Terry Miller. Paul was preceded in death by his mother, Mary and a brother, Eric. A Special Thanks from the family of John Harvey Simmons September 4, 1924 September 2, 2004 Scripture is very clear on this point. 1st Corinthians 13:13 tells us that three things will abide forever hope, and love, and the greatest of these is love." CLARA M.

HACKER Audubon Clara M. Hacker, 90, died September 18, 2004 at Audubon County Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 22 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Audubon, IA.

Burial will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Carroll City Cemetery in Carroll, IA. Family visitation begins after 6 p.m. today at Kessler Funeral home in Audubon. A Rosary by St.

Patrick's Catholic Women will be held at 6:30 p.m. and a Wake service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Clara is survived by her children, Ted and wife Lynne Hacker of Cambridge and Becky and husband Dale Hankemeier of Elkhart; and five grandchildren. DES MOINES BIRTHS IOWA LUTHERAN HOSPITAL ALLEN Julie and Scott of Des Moines, a son, Sept. 11.

LINN Carrie and Alan of Colfax, a daughter, Sept. 13. MEDINA Ivette Melendez and Carlos Medina of Des Moines, a daughter, Sept. 14. VERDUZCO -Teresa and Rafael of Des Moines, a daughter, Thursday.

WEEMS Jami and Jay of Des Moines, a daughter, Sept. IOWA METHODIST MEDICAL CENTER BUTTS Stephanie Ott and Allen Butts, a daughter, Sept. 12. CHU- Yingyu Zheng and Hai Zhu of Johnston, a son, Wednesday. DENOTTER: Jamie and Tug of Altoona, a son, Thursday.

Funeral Service Schedule Hamilton's 605 Lyon Street 243-5221 Alfred "Al" Beeler 10 AM Wednesday at Visitation Catholic Church Ralph V. Fetters, Sr. 9 AM Tuesday at the funeral home Franka Nordell PM Wednesday at the funeral home Darwin P. Sadler 1 PM Tuesday at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery Southtown 5400 SW 9th Street 285-3911 Jerry A. Miller 11 AM Wednesday at the funeral home Gerald E.

Reeves, Sr. 10 AM Tuesday at the funeral home Hamilton's near Highland Memory Gardens 121 NW 60th Avenue 289-2442 Norman Corbin 1 PM Tuesday at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery Information 243-5221 Travis Ackelson Sharon Rose Crosley Geraldina Green Ila V. Irwin Norma McDade Emil Vecchi www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com Floral Tributes Satisfaction Guaranteed Boesen THE FLORIST 274-4761 Sensitive Care, Sensible Price. Exceptional personal attention. Traditional funeral service that can save you thousands of dollars.

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