Joann E. Thome

Joann E. Thome, 76, of Charles City, died Saturday, October 25, 2008, at the Colonial Manor in Elma.

A funeral Mass for Joann Thome will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City. The Reverend Carl Ries will celebrate the Mass. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Charles City.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 5 to 7 p.m. where the Rosary will be recited at 5:30 p.m. Visitation will continue an hour prior to the Mass at the church on Wednesday.

Joann Elizabeth Julius Thome was born July 29, 1932, at Parkers Prairie, Minn., the daughter of Wright and Dora (Gross) Julius. She graduated from Little Cedar. On February 5, 1951, she was united in marriage to Clarence Thome at Austin, Minn. She was employed at Trowbridge, Red Owl Pharmacy for 10 years and the Spencer Pharmacy for 10 years. Joann was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, St. Francis Circle and Immaculate Conception funeral choir. She volunteered at many
church functions and was a Foster Grandparent for many years. Her interests included crafts, word scrambles, playing cards, games, singing and listening to Country and Gospel music.

Living family members include her six children, Michael (Becky) Thome of Charles City, Diane Moore of Spencer, David (Kathy) Thome of Lakewood, Colo., Barbara (Dan) Erickson of Nora Springs, Cheryl (Eddie) Begley of Charles City and Gary Thome of Englewood, Fla.; 11 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; sister, Janice Canny of Lake Mills; and two brothers, Lee (Delia) Julius of Mason City and Larry (Ruth) Julius of Riceville.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Alta Counsell and Verla Kindschuh.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, www.hauserfh.com, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements.

Wayne H. Miles

Wayne H. Miles, 79, of Charles City, Iowa, died Friday, October 24, 2008, at the Good Shepherd Health Care Center in Mason City.

Funeral services for Wayne Miles will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Charles City. Pastor Jane Keel will officiate. Burial will be in Sunnyside Memory Gardens, rural Charles City. Military honors will be conducted by the Charles City Ceremonial Unit.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday. Visitation will continue an hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

Wayne Harold Miles was born August 31, 1929, at Clear Lake, the son of Maurice and Delle (Miner) Miles. He graduated from the Ventura High School in 1947. He served in the United States Navy from 1947 to 1951. On January 31, 1951 he was united in marriage to JoAnn Peterson at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Ellsworth. Wayne grew up on a farm and after serving in the Navy he returned to farming in Iowa. He was a member of the Messiah Lutheran Church, American Legion, V.F.W., Isaac Walton League, Forty & Eight, Pheasants Forever and Ducks Unlimited. Wayne was Department Vice Commander of the American Legion Department of Iowa and elected Charles City Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year in 1991. His interests included fishing, hunting, gardening, singing, ceramics, his children and grandchildren.  And, he loved his Christmas lights.

Living family members include his children, Joyce (Tom) Hopfensperger of Cedar Rapids, David (Loree) Miles of West Des Moines and John (Linda) Miles of Kansas City, Mo.; three grandchildren, Allan Hopfensperger, Ahafia Jurkiewicz-Miles and Kestrel Jurkiwicz-Miles; four step grandchildren, Michelle (Dave) Boyd, William Hopfensperger, Erik (Laurine) Raker and Michael (Jen Cruz) Raker; five step great grandchildren; two brothers, Gerald (Lois) Miles of Bella Vista, Ark. and Dean (Meriam) Miles of Maryland; sister-in-law, LaVonne Miles of Mason City; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and brother, Allan Miles.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, www.hauserfh.com, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements.

James R. Eggena

James R. Eggena, 61, of Charles City, Iowa died Thursday, October 9, 2008, at his home in Charles City.

Funeral services for James Eggena will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City. Pastor Dennis Niezwaag of the Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church will officiate. Inurnment will be at a later date. Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Tack Barnett Post 268 of Greene.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Visitation will continue an hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Wednesday.

James Richard Eggena was born July 22, 1947, at Charles City, the son of John and Gertrude (Hayungs) Eggena. He graduated from the Greene High School. James served 25 years in the United States Marines. His interests included hunting, fishing, gardening, helping others and spending time with his daughter.

Living family members include his daughter, Grace Amanda Eggena Chambers of Waterloo; his mother, Gertrude Eggena of Charles City; three sisters, Ellen Paulus of Littleton, Colo., Liz Brooks of Charles City and Linda (Mike) Carroll of Marion; brother, Joe (Julie) Eggena of Greene; special friend, Tammy Chambers of Waterloo; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father; and sister, Judy Eliasen.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, www.hauserfh.com, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements.

Alvin R. Wilson

Alvin R. Wilson, 74 of 302 15th Ave., Charles City, Iowa died Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at Floyd County Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, October 25, 2008 at Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt Street, Charles City. Officiating will be Pastor Phil Corr. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 8:00 on Friday at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Sunnyside Memorial Gardens. Stories, thoughts and condolences may be shared with the family on the funeral home website at www.Fullertonfh.com.

Alvin was born on July 5, 1934, the son of Virgil and Lucille (Cross) Wilson in Charles City. He lived in Charles City most of his life. Alvin was a mill worker most of his adult life, most recently at Mason City Millwork, where he retired in 1995 after 27 years of service. He was a member of the First Congregational Church and the Senior Bowling League. In his spare time he enjoyed drinking coffee at Hy-Vee, watching his grandkids play sports and mowing yards. He was a fan of the Charles City Comets, the Minnesota Vikings and the Iowa Hawkeyes. He also loved his loyal dog, Maxine.

Those left to honor Alvin’s memory include his wife, Arlie of Charles City; children, Terry (Rich) Schrader of Charles City, Peggy (Dan) Bast of La Porte City, Todd Wilson of Charles City, and Paula (Brad) Wolf of Osage; sisters, Madeline (Mike) Knowlton of Charles City, Margaret (Gary) Cline of Charles City, and Carol Roy of Cedar Rapids; brother, Ed Wilson of Urbana; sisters-in-law, Norma Hamm and Rhonda Wilson; grandchildren, Paul (Amy) and Ryan Schrader, Shane and Ashly Bast, Samantha Jo and Brex Wilson, and Danielle Wasem and Brody Wolf; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Bert Wilson; siblings, Milton, Janet and Clair Wilson; and granddaughter, Heather Wilson.

Fullerton-Hage-Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Blunt St., Charles City, IA 50616. (641) 228-4211 www.fullertonfh.com

Julia E. Neal

Julia E. Neal, 91 of 613 8th Ave., Charles City, Iowa died Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at Cedar Health.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, October 25, 2008 at Bethany Alliance Church, 1100 Clinton, Charles City. Officiating will be the Rev. Kent Sovine. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 8:00 pm Friday at the church and again one hour prior to services. Interment will be in Sunnyside Memorial Gardens. Stories, thoughts and condolences may be shared with the family on the funeral home website at www.Fullertonfh.com.

Julia was born on December 27, 1916 the daughter of William and Nina (May) Crandall in Waterloo. A rarity, but certainly a privilege in her day, she worked as a housekeeper while attending high school in Charles City, graduating in 1934. On August 21, 1938 she was joined in holy matrimony William Earl Neal in Powersville, Ia. They lived near there and later moved near Nashua from 1948 until 1952 when they moved to the Colwell area. In 1973 they moved to Charles City, where Julia had been working at Trowbridge’s Red Owl store. She later worked at the Chautaqua Rest Home. At home she was an excellent seamstress and made quilts for all of her children and grandchildren. She loved to read. She made two trips to Venezuela to visit her sister, once with her husband and once with her sister, Phyllis. She and her husband, Bill made
trips to Texas and one to Oregon. Julia was a member of Bethany Alliance Church, being very active with the WMPF ladies aid and women’s club and the Friendly Birthday Club. Many spoke of here easy going nature and her caring and gentle ways.

Those thankful in sharing Julia’s life include her four children William Earl (Becky) Neal, Nashua: Richard (Josie) Neal, Charles city; Shirley (Robert) Wheat Aurora, Co: Robert (Faye) Neal, Wheaton, IL. 10 grandchildren, Andrew (Angie) Gibson; Adam (Michelle) Gibson; Kathy (Brian) Whipple; Rochelle (Todd) Stewart; Doug Neal, Jacki Neal; Heidi (Richard) Thomas; Tony Wheat; Charley (Jacki) Neal; Joshua (Rachelle) Neal. 10 great grandchildren, one great-great grandson, John Neal, and two surviving sisters Phyllis (Richard) Gabel, Rockford, IA and Mary Lou Dautant, Caracas, Venezuela and one sister-in-law Wilma Crandall.

Her parents, husband in February 2003, one daughter in infancy Barbara, one grandson Andrew Neal, one sister Jerri Marquez, and nine brothers Edward, Jack, Robert, Ralph, Charles, James, Donald, Theodore, and Larry Crandall all preceded her in death.

Fullerton-Hage-Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Blunt St., Charles City, IA 50616. (641) 228-4211 www.fullertonfh.com

Roy Edward Schilling

Roy Edward Schilling, 82, Charles City, Iowa, died Thursday morning, October 16, 2008 at home after an extended illness, cared for and surrounded by his wife and family.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 18, 2008 at Grace Episcopal Church, 905 5th Ave., Charles City. Officiating will be the Rev. Judith Jones. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery, Charles City. Thoughts, condolences, and stories may be shared with the family on the funeral home website at www.Fullertonfh.com.

Roy Edward was born on December 20, 1925, on a farm 5 miles south of Charles City. The son of Emil and Myrtle Osterhage Schilling, he was raised with his sister and two brothers. Roy was baptized and confirmed at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charles City and was later confirmed at Grace Episcopal Church, where he remained a member the rest of his life. Roy graduated from Charles City High School in the class of 1943. He joined the United States Navy in April 1944 and honorably served his country with the Naval Armed Guard as a signalman on merchant ships. He was discharged in May of 1946.

Roy met his future wife, Demetra Tgiros, at the roller skating rink. After their courtship, they were united in marriage on December 20, 1950 (on his 25th birthday) at Grace Episcopal Church. His joys were his wife, a love story for 57 years, his four daughters, six grandchildren, and their many accomplishments. Roy never missed a concert or activity for his kids and grandkids.

Roy's time in the Navy instilled in him a desire to see the world, taking multiple trips with his wife to Germany, Greece, and Mexico and visiting many of the states around the U.S. Roy was an avid reader and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles. He also enjoyed playing 500 in his card group, which he belonged to until his health started to fail. For 16 years he drove a gas tank truck for Mefford Oil and then joined the Post Office as a clerk from 1964 until his retirement in 1992. Roy was an eternal environmentalist and enjoyed recycling even before it was the popular thing to do.

Those left to cherish Roy's memory include his wife Demetra, four daughters, Christine (Rex) Pruess, Iowa City; Mary Schilling McManis,Burlington; Julie (Brian) Zimmerman, Hiawatha; and Rene (Dennis) Arps, Riverside; six grandchildren, Kelly and Alex McManis, Maria and Kyle Zimmerman, Deanna and Megan Arps; and one brother Melvin (Kathy) Schilling, Charles City.

His parents, sister Irma Volbrecht in 1972, and brother Dale Schilling in 1945, preceded him in death.

Fullerton Hage funeral home and cremation services, 401 Blunt, Charles City, Iowa 50616 641-228-4211 www.Fullertonfh.com

Donald E. Barth

Donald E. Barth, 67, of Greene, died Friday, October 10, 2008, at the Liebe Care Center in Greene.

Funeral services for Donald Barth will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City. Pastor Gary Hatcher of the St. Peter Lutheran Church will officiate. Burial will be held in Riverside Cemetery, Charles City.

The family will greet the public beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Donald Eugene Barth was born August 8, 1941, at Charles City, Iowa, the son of Claude and Lillian (Hildebrand) Barth. He grew up on a farm outside of Marble Rock and graduated valedictorian from Rockford Senior High in 1959. From there, he went on and graduated from Iowa State University with the highest graduating grade point of his college. He received his Masters from Harvard and Ph.D. from Yale University in 1969. Donald's early career was centered on chemistry but his interests soon changed to computers and computer programming. He worked in several positions including Assistant Director of Computer Services at Harvard and later Director of Computer Services at Yale. He taught computer workshops at both Harvard and Yale. His outside interests included hiking, photography, attending science fiction conventions and collecting Roy Roger's Memorabilia.

Living family members include his brother, Roger (Victoria) Barth of Chaska, Minn.; two nephews, Trevor Barth and Tyler (Lori) Barth; four great nieces, Taylor, Hailey, Hannah and Mackenna. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, www.hauserfh.com, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements.

Georgianna F. Lutz

Georgianna F. Lutz, 61, of 24 Cedar Terrace, S. Charles City, Iowa died Monday, October 06, 2008 at Floyd County Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 Thursday, October 9, 2008 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Officiating will be the Rev. Carl Ries. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 8:00 Wednesday at Fullerton-Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St., Charles City and again one hour prior to services at the church. A St. Anthony’s Circle rosary will be held at 5:00 pm followed by a parish wake service at 7:00 pm. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Georgie Lutz memorial fund. Thoughts, condolences, and stories may be shared with the family on the funeral home web site at www.Fullertonfh.com.

Georgianna Frances was born February 19, 1947 in South Hampton, New York the daughter of George Palmer and Virginia Elizabeth “Bartman” Merrill. They moved to Charles City in 1957 and she graduated from the Charles City High School with the class of 1966. She was engaged as a direct care worker for Comp Systems for four and one half years. She also was in sales with Tupperware and Stamp-N-up and home products for children to adults. As her daughter grew up she spent three years as a Girl Scout Leader. She was faithful to her church and was a member of the Rosary Society and St. Anthony’s Circle. She was also a member of the VFW auxiliary and the Charles City and Mason City CB clubs. She crocheted bed dolls, and collected many items including religious items, angels and teddy bears. On April 1st, 1967 she was united in marriage to David LeRoy Lutz at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. She was very saddened when a year later it was destroyed by the tornadoes. In her early years she loved to ride horses and kept one at her father-in-laws place. She and David went roller-skating, attending dances, and going for drives. Georgie was very easygoing in her attitude about life and her disability.

Surviving Georgianna is her husband David of 41 years, her daughter Theresa and her husband Douglas Deetz and their four children Rick, Tiffany, Emily, and Caleb Deetz.

Her parents and her sister Beverly Alderman preceded her in death.

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

Clair F. Roethler

Clair F. Roethler, 85, of Charles City, Iowa died Wednesday, October 8, 2008, at the Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minn.

A funeral Mass for Clair Roethler will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City. The Monsignor Stanley J. Hayek will celebrate the Mass. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Charles City.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday where the Rosary will be recited at 4:30 p.m. and a Vigil Scriptural Wake Service will be held at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue an hour prior to the Mass at the church on Saturday.

Clair Florian Roethler was born September 29, 1923, at West Bend, the son of Herbert and Clara (Fischbach) Roethler. He graduated from high school in Chickasaw County. On January 5, 1953, he was united in marriage to Norma Hillsman at St. Bernard‚s Catholic Church in Alta Vista. Clair and his wife farmed in the Floyd County area for over 60 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City. His interests included wood working, puzzles, helping out with K.C. events, having morning coffee with the guys at the K.C. Hall and spending time with his grandchildren.

Living family members include his son, Chris Roethler of Jewell; two grandchildren, Cassondra Roethler of Waverly and Levi Roethler of Waverly; brother, Herbert Roethler of Ionia; brother-in-law, Ronald (Judy) Hillsman of Waterloo; and two sister-in-laws, Janice Ableitner of Pine Island, Minn. and Veronica Roethler of Alta Vista.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and brother, Francis Roethler.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, www.hauserfh.com, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements.

Betty A. Ottengheime

Betty A. Ottengheime, 85 of 209 Park Dr., Charles City, Iowa died Sunday, October 5, 2008 at Floyd County Memorial Hospital.

Memorial services will be held11:00 am, Saturday, October 11, 2008 at Bethany Alliance Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Officiating will be the Rev. Kent Sovine. Thoughts, Condolences, or stories may be shared with the family on the funeral home website at www.Fullertonfh.com

Fullerton-Hage-Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Blunt St., Charles City, IA 50616. (641)228-4211 www.fullertonfh.com

Kathy Van Wert

Kathy Van Wert, 57, of Charles City, Iowa, died Friday, October 3, 2008. Kathy's beautiful spirit slipped away to return to God as she slept in the early morning hours at the Old Faithful Inn, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. She and Gary were on a get-away vacation together enjoying the beautiful fall colors of Colorado, Utah, Idaho and Wyoming.

Funeral services for Kathy Van Wert will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Charles City. Pastors Ron Hall and Bob Culbertson will officiate. Burial will be at 3:45 p.m. Thursday in the Hampton Cemetery at Hampton.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. Visitation will continue an hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Kathy Jeanne (Baldwin) Van Wert was born July 28, 1951, at Hampton, the daughter of George E. and Helen (Mutzel) Baldwin. She graduated from the Hampton Community High School in 1969. She attended Marycrest College and graduated with honors from Marshalltown Community School of Nursing, earning the Mae McCombs Award for Maternity Nursing. She was employed as a Registered Nurse throughout her career life, at Marshalltown Area Community Hospital, as the office nurse for Dr. Richard Weidner at Wolfe Clinic in Marshalltown, and as a nurse consultant for The Bankers Life (now The Principal Financial Group) from which she retired in July of this year. She had been a member of T.T.T., P.E.O., the Case Manager Association, the United Methodist Women, and the Trinity United Methodist Church. Kathy married Gary on August 8, 1971, in Hampton and had lived in Marshalltown, Des Moines, Urbandale, Cedar Rapids, Coon Rapids and Charles City. Three children were given to this union: Michelle (David Kosalka) Van Wert Kosalka, of Milwaukee, WI, Jeffrey (stillborn), and Kim of Cedar Falls. Kathy was a wonderful and devoted wife, mom, and grandma who enjoyed being with people of all walks of life. Her smile, her perseverance, her determination, and her courage have been an inspiration to many, many people. She was determined to never give up, to never have a bad day, and to show the love of Christ to all who came along her path. Her smile and her sparkle linger on in the hearts of those she has loved. God blessed Kathy with many loving friends and a great family.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Rev. Gary Van Wert, of Charles City; her two daughters, Shelly and Kim; her grandson, Christopher Charles Van Wert; her brother, David Baldwin of Manhattan, KS; her special aunt, Lillian Craighton, of Hampton; several close cousins, nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Jeffrey.

Memorials may be directed to the Trinity United Methodist Church, 601 Milwaukee Street, Charles City, IA 50616.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, www.hauserfh.com, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements.