Phyllis A. Townsend

Phyllis A. Townsend, 68, of Charles City, died Saturday afternoon, April 25, 2009, surrounded by her family, at the St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minn.

Funeral services for Phyllis Townsend will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Charles City. Pastor Gary Van Wert will officiate. Inurnment will be at a later date.

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

Phyllis Ann Griswold Townsend was born May 30, 1940, at St. Ansgar, the daughter, of Ferris and Mary (Pappas) Griswold. She attended school in Osage. On August 18, 1957, she was united in marriage to Robert Townsend at the Methodist Church in Osage. Phyllis was employed at the 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City for 24 years. She was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, Faith Circle and Women of the Moose. Her interests included baking cookies, talking on the phone and spending time with her grandchildren. Phyllis will be remembered for always helping others and her devotion to the church.

Living family members include her husband, Robert Townsend of Charles City; six children, Sherry (Randy) Miller of Ionia; Douglas (Mary) Townsend of Greer S.C., Nancy (Larry) Pint of Manchester, Scott (Julie) Townsend of Charles City, Gregory (Angela) Townsend of North Mankato, Minn. and Tammy (Jim) Springer of Charles City; 17 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Alice (Terry) Morthland of Galva, Ill. and Linda Vorce of Ankeny; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a son, Dennis Townsend.

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

Helen M. Stiles

Helen M. Stiles, 89, of Charles City, died Friday evening, April 24, 2009, at the Iowa Odd Fellows & Orphans Home in Mason City.

Funeral services for Helen Stiles will be held 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Charles City. Pastor Jim Stiles of the First United Methodist Church in Mason City will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Charles City.

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

Helen Mary Erickson Stiles was born February 20, 1920, at Algona, the daughter of Peter and Johanna (Massdam) Erickson. In 1938, she graduated from the Algona High School. On October 5, 1941, she was united in marriage to Charles Stiles in Charles City. Helen taught country school for two years near Algona and later was employed at Montgomery Ward Catalog Office in Charles City. From 1954 to 1970, Helen and Charles owned and operated Stiles Grocery on the corner of 9th and E St. in Charles City. She was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, Church Circle, L St. Coffee Club and Sewing Circle. Her interests included being an avid Comettes Softball fan, cross stitching, PLAYING CARDS, and making quilts to share with others.

Living family members include her children, Jim (Jeanette) Stiles of Mason City, Jane (Harvey) Johnson of Mason City, John (Roberta) Stiles of Lewiston, Minn. and Jean (Randy) Christensen of Mason City; nine grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and a sister, Johanna Baker of St. Louis, Mo.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles on July 21, 2005; three sisters; and three brothers.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Trinity United Methodist Church, 601 Milwaukee Charles City, IA 50616.

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

Stacey Bryant

Stacey Bryant, 45, of Charles City, passed away Thursday, April 23, 2009 at the Floyd County Memorial Hospital in Charles City. A private family service followed by cremation is planned. Stories, thoughts and condolences may be shared with the family on the funeral home website at www.Fullertonfh.com.

Stacey was born on September 20, 1963 in Washington D.C., the daughter of Eric William and Linda (Voorhies) Youmans. She graduated from Maconaquah High School in Bunker Hill, Indiana and then graduated top in her class from Stenotype Institute of South Dakota in Sioux Falls. Stacey had worked for 23 years at the Child Support Recovery Department of the DHS. She was united in marriage to Terry Bryant at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Charles City, where Stacey was also a member. They had been married for almost 18 years.

Stacey loved to collect various objects, including seashells, ladybugs and snow babies. She also enjoyed the outdoors, soaking up the sun and thinking about palm trees, usually with a margarita in her hand. Stacey took pride in everything she did, from her dedication to her job to making sure her vehicle was spotless. Most of all, she loved the company of her friends, family and her wiener dog, Max.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Terry; sons, Taylor Dean and Hunter William Bryant; mother, Linda Houston; and siblings, Rick, Jeff, Tracy and Jackie.

She was preceded in death by her father; father-in-law, Dennis Underwood; nephew, Keelan McIntire; and cousin, Lamonz Simpson.

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

Bernd “Bernie” Richter

Bernd “Bernie” Richter, 68, of Charles City, died Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at the Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City.

Private services are being planned by the family.

Bernd Walter Horst Richter was born April 12, 1941, in Dresden, Germany, the son of Horst and Ingeborg (Schlotzig) Richter. He received his education in Germany. On May 8, 1968, Bernie came from Germany to work at Hydrotile in Nashua and continued there until 1982. Bernie married Mary Lou Boge on October 26, 1969, at Kirksville, Mo. In 1982 they moved to Colorado where Bernie worked at Carter Concrete until January of 1989. Returning to Charles City they continued operating the Saxony clothing stores in Charles City, Mason City and Cedar Falls. Bernie’s interests included playing cards, trains, nature photography, traveling, enjoying the Richter Prairie, and family barbeques.

Living family members include his wife, Mary Lou Richter of Ionia; a daughter, Lisa Richter of Cedar Falls; his mother, Ingeborg Ferkinghoff of Germany; a sister, Heide “Ellen” Lunkenheimer of Germany; two brothers, Werner (Gabi) Richter and Lothar (Lilo) Richter both of Germany; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father; step father, Horst Pfeiffer; a brother, Udo Richter; and a beloved grandmother, Margarethe Schlotzig.

Memorials may be directed to the family at 1061 210th Street, Ionia, IA 50645.

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

Erma Amsden

Erma Amsden, 99, of Charles City, died Saturday, April 18, 2009, at the Ninth Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.

Funeral services for Erma Amsden will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday at the First Christian Church. Pastor Margaret Hutchens will officiate. Burial will be in Sunnyside Memory Gardens rural Charles City.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Visitation will continue at the church an hour prior to the service.

Erma Irene Draheim Amsden was born January 14, 1910, at Charles City, the daughter of Edward and Edna (Ellsworth) Draheim. She received her education at Charles City. Erma married Elmer Amsden at New Hampton. In 1946 they moved to Charles City where Elmer was employed at the Oliver Corporation. She was a member of the First Christian Church. Erma enjoyed playing cards, reading and going on sightseeing trips. The last 15 years Erma was a resident at the Ninth Street Chautauqua Guest Home where she will be remembered for her joking and teasing of the staff.

Living family members include two sons, Robert (Lillian) Amsden of Elk Horn, Wis. and Elmer (Sandy) Amsden of McMinnville, Ore.; 24 grandchildren; several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; and two sisters, Bonnie Meighan and Marilyn Hoppe both of Waterloo.

She was preceded in death by her husband on September 3, 1978; two sons, Duane and Jimmie Amsden; two daughters, Janet Walker and Jeanne DesForges; two grandsons, Roy and Randy Walker; a sister, Dorothy Toeppfer; and a brother, John Draheim.

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

Bernice I. Thompson

Bernice I. Thompson, 94, of Charles City, died Wednesday, April 15, 2009, at the Colonial Manor in Elma.

Funeral services for Bernice Thompson will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City. Pastor Gary Van Wert of the Trinity United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will be in Sunnyside Memory Gardens, rural Charles City.

The family will greet friends at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until service time.

Bernice Irene Otto Thompson was born December 14, 1914, at Rockford, the daughter of William and Clara (Gelhaus) Otto. In 1933, she graduated from the Rockford High School. After high school she married Joe Klink. They later divorced. On June 13, 1964, she was united in marriage to Kermit Thompson at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Bernice was employed for eight years at the Rockford Nursing Home. She was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, church circle, 60 plus, card club and Senior Center. Her interests included embroidery work, playing cards, flowers, traveling and taking care of the farm animals.

Living family members include her five children, Patricia Walters of Elma, Leroy (Susan Terry) of Chicago, Ill., Gerald (Aurelia) Klink of Cedar Falls, JoAnn (Paul) Le Roux of Parma, Idaho and Jon (Judy) Klink of Klemme; 10 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; three step-children, Janice (Robert) Westendorf of Mason City, Diane King of Fla. and Robert (Donna) Thompson of Rockwell; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Richard Klink; granddaughter, Jeanne Walters; two sisters; and six brothers.

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

Verlon "Chuck" Weiss

Verlon "Chuck" Weiss, 73, of Charles City, died Tuesday, March 31, 2009, at Mountain
Vista Hospital in Mesa, Ariz.

Memorial services for Chuck Weiss will be held 2 p.m. Saturday at the Trinity United Methodist Church. Pastor Gary Van Wert will officiate. Internment will take place at a later date.

The family will greet friends at the church from 1 p.m. until service time.

Verlon Harold Weiss was born September 26, 1935, at Charles City the son of Roy and Olive (Momberg) Weiss. He graduated from the Charles City High School in 1953 and attended the University of Iowa. In 1959, he was united in marriage to Shirley Meyers at Austin, Minn. For 23 years he was employed as a fire fighter and 45 years in the insurance business. Chuck was veteran of the Army Airborne Paratroopers. He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, American Legion, Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge where he was a trustee for eight years. Chuck was Northeast Iowa's 1st Conference Wrestling Champion and in 1998 he was inducted into River City's Softball Hall of Fame. His interests included golf, hunting, softball, dancing, chess, playing pool and cards.

Living family members include his wife Shirley of Charles City; three children, Kelly (Ginny) Weiss of Gilbert, Ariz., Kari (Randy) Majors of Park City, Utah and Kory (Trisha) Weiss of Charles City; eight grandchildren, Megan, Austin, Alex, Hannah, Jordyn, Luke, Callie and Nate; brother, Darwin (Maureen) Weiss of Charles City; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family.

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

Robert C. Turner

Robert C. Turner, 95, of the Hiawatha Care Center and formerly Charles City, died
Monday, April 6, 2009, at the Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids.

Funeral services for Robert Turner will be held 11 a.m. Friday at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Charles City. Pastor Gary Van Wert will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Charles City.

The family will greet friends at the church from 10 a.m. until the service time.

Robert Castle Turner was born September 13, 1913, at Greene, the son of John and Daisy (Ebersold) Turner. He attended school in Greene. On April 1, 1939, he was united in marriage to Josephine Nehls at Charles City. After high school Robert was a painter for Oscar Immer and worked in the shipyards in Fla. Robert also worked many years at Salsbury Laboratories until his retirement in January of 1976. While helping his wife, Jo, raise their three young sons, he was involved in their Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs. He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, Methodist Men's Brotherhood, Pythians, Senior Citizens Center, Heritage Club and Midi's. Robert was an avid fisherman, hunter and he also loved camping. You might have heard him roaring up the Cedar in his airboat. In later years he used his talents in wood working to make many wall hangings and crafts. Both Robert and his wife were active in the church and in their 80's delivering Meals on Wheels
to the "Old Folks".

Living family members include his sons, Don (Janie) Turner of Hot Springs Village, Ark. and Roger (Karen) Turner of Cedar Rapids; three grandchildren; two great grandchildren; brother, David (Jewel) Turner of Jacksonville, Fla.; and sister-in-law, Faith Turner of Jacksonville, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife in 2002; son, Bobby Joe Turner; sisters and their husbands, Ida May (Ray) Ashton, Jean (Bill) Christy and Thelma (Bill) Wenger; brothers and their wives, Charles "Duck" Turner and Russell (Wilma) Turner.

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

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

Clara Amsbaugh

Clara Amsbaugh, 90, of Charles City, died Saturday, April 4, 2009, at the 9th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.

Per Clara’s request there will be no funeral service.

Clara Freerksen Amsbaugh was born April 20, 1918, at Kanawaha, the daughter of Freerk and Elizabeth (Gatena) Freerksen. After graduation she attended beauty school.

Living family members include two children, Jean (Jerry) Nelson of Maskell, Nebr. and Jerry Peters of Floyd; 5 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; four sisters; and a brother.

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

Clara Amsbaugh

Clara Amsbaugh, 90, of Charles City, died Saturday, April 4, 2009, at the 9th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.

Per Clara's request there will be no funeral service.

Clara Freerksen Amsbaugh was born April 20, 1918, at Kanawaha, the daughter of Freerk and Elizabeth (Gatena) Freerksen. After graduation she attended beauty school.

Living family members include two children, Jean (Jerry) Nelson of Maskell, Nebr. and Jerry Peters of Floyd; 5 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; four sisters; and a brother.

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

Mercedes “Cede” Keifer

Mercedes “Cede” Keifer, 89, of Charles City, died Wednesday, April 1, 2009, at Britthaven Nursing Home in Jacksonville, N.C.

A funeral Mass for Cede Keifer will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Reverend Carl Ries, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery at Charles City.

Friends may call at the Hauser Funeral Home from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday where a Vigil Scriptural Wake Service will be held at 5 p.m. Visitation will continue Monday at the church an hour prior to the Mass.

Mercedes Genevieve Havey Keifer was born July 26, 1919, at Ernie, the daughter of John and Margaret (Bockelman) Havey. She graduated from the Immaculate Conception School. On May 31, 1947, she was united in marriage to Hillary Keifer at Kansas City, Kans. Cede was a payroll clerk at the Oliver White Farm Equipment Corporation for over 28 years retiring in 1980. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, St. Patrick Circle, V.F.W. Auxiliary, and the Heritage Club. Her interests included fishing, playing cards, quilting and traveling.

Living family members include a son, Dennis (Denise) Keifer of Jacksonville, N.C., 2 grandchildren, Edmund Keifer and Vondal Keifer; a great granddaughter, Angelica Keifer; and a brother, Richard (Lura) Havey of Nora Springs.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband on November 9, 1984; 2 brothers, Raymond and John Havey; and 2 sisters, Celeste Gabel and Marnie Schaefer.

Memorials may be directed to the Immaculate Conception Roofing Fund, 106 Chapel Lane, Charles City, IA 50616.

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