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Amber Kraft
Amber Kraft, age 93, of Storm Lake died Thursday, September 23, 2004 at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake.
Funeral Services will be Saturday, September 25, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Newell. Visitation will be held Saturday at 11:30 a.m. until service time. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Newell is in charge of the arrangements.
Amber V. Wessel was born May 9, 1911 in Calhoun County, Iowa to Frank and Mae (Jacobs) Wessel. She attended country school in Calhoun County. She was united in marriage to Harry Kraft on August 4, 1928 at Rockwell City, Iowa; she and Harry were married for 65 years. Their marriage was blessed with five children: Dale, Leroy, Harry, Wanda and Fred. Amber and Harry moved to Fonda and spent their entire married life there. In the spring of 1993, she moved to Buena Vista Manor in Storm Lake.
Amber was a housewife who cherished her time with her family. She also was an accomplished seamstress. During her life, Amber enjoyed sewing, gardening, canning and knitting, as well as fishing and hunting.
Surviving Amber are her sons: Harry and Ann Kraft of New York Mills, MN and Fred and Karen Kraft of Fonda, IA; grandchildren: Becky and Stewart Jessen of Linn Grove, IA, Jeff and Dee Dee Kraft of New York Mills, MN, Brenda and Harold McGowan of Sebeka, MN, Todd and Emily Kraft of Japan, John and Dawn Miller of Piedmont, SD, Julie and Jon Bright of Sioux Rapids, IA, Dave and Lisa Miller of Marathon, IA, Dale and Judy Kraft of Laurens, IA, Paul and Kelli Kraft of Albert City, IA, Deb and Neal Lindgren of Fonda, IA, Donna and John Weiss of Rockwell City, IA, Fred and Shannon Kraft of New Boston, MO; great-grandchildren: Jeremiah and Joshua Jessen, Tina Ness, Rachel and Daniel Kraft, Jacob and Regina McGowan, Damen Kraft, Cody, Eric and Alex Miller, Kirk and Kayla Bright, Sara and Tara Pritchard, Kaleb and Colton Miller, Todd and Josie Kraft, Jennifer and Tony Kraft, Josh, Samantha and Savannah Lindgren, Alan and Matthew Weiss, Jesse, Derrick, Casey and Beau Kraft; 10 great-great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law Ina Mae Kraft of Fonda, IA; and son-in-law Jack Miller of Sioux Rapids, IA; as well as other extended family members and a host of friends.
Amber was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Harry Kraft; two sons: Leroy and Dale Kraft; daughter Wanda Miller; sisters: Mildred, Lauverne, Opal, and Iona; and brothers: Elgie and Clayton.
Bob M. Johnson
Bob M. Johnson, age 89, of Newell died Saturday, January 10, 2004, in the Newell Good Samaritan Center.
Funeral services will be Thursday, January 15, 2004, at 11:00 a.m. at Nain Lutheran Church in Newell. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Newell is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will be 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the church prior to the funeral services on Thursday.
Bob Johnson was born on July 23, 1914, on a farm near Moneta in Clay County, Iowa, to Wilber J. and Minnie (Brackle) Johnson. Bob spent his childhood in his parents’ home and attended rural schools in Clay County before graduating from Royal High School in 1932.
He worked for his dad and eventually for his brother, “Stub” Johnson, who owned and operated the Jersey Dairy in Spencer, Iowa. These were the depression years, but Bob always found a job, such as working construction on the hotel in Spencer; trucking and harvesting and working on the family farm. Then came World War II. Bob knew he would be called, so he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was sent to serve on a new battleship, the USS South Dakota, and served in both the Atlantic and the Pacific theaters during the war. He was honorably discharged in December of 1945 as a Chief Petty Officer.
On July 8, 1944, Bob was united in marriage to Muriel Nelson in Los Angeles, California. They were blessed with two children, Kay and James. Bob took pride in his family. He loved the mountains and took his family on several trips west. He especially enjoyed hiking, skiing and camping with his children and grandchildren. He also liked to go bicycling and enjoyed visiting with friends.
Bob remained interested and active with the USS South Dakota memorial. He stayed in touch with his shipmates and attended all reunions of that group as long as he was able.
Bob purchased the hardware store in Newell in April of 1946 and his family moved to Newell, where he has since resided. In 1999, he entered the Good Samaritan Center at Newell and lived there until his death. He was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ at Newell.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Muriel of Newell; one son, James J. Johnson of Newell; a daughter, Kay and husband Royden James of Torrington, Wyoming; grandsons: S. Scott and wife Melissa James of Wheatland, Wyoming, Trevor James of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Jonathan and wife Laura James of Aloha, Oregon, Corey James of Greeley, Colorado, Travis Johnson of Iowa City, Iowa, and Evan Johnson of Omaha, Nebraska; great-grandchildren: Briley, Cole and Paige James of Wheatland, Wyoming and Tyler James of Aloha, Oregon; and many extended family members and friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and brothers and sisters-in-law: Lawrence and Maureen Johnson, A.M. “Stub” and Vi Johnson, and James O. and Marjorie Johnson.
William H. Ericksen
William H. Erickson of Lakeside, formerly of Holstein, Iowa, died Wednesday July 30, 2003 at the Newell Good Samaritan Center in Newell, Iowa.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, August 2, 2003 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in the BV Memorial Park Cemetery in Storm Lake. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
Friends may call anytime after 3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 1 at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake where the family will be present from 6-8:00 p.m.
William Ericksen was born November 15, 1914 in Holstein, Iowa, the son of William and Alvena (Hogrefe) Ericksen. He was baptized and confirmed in the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Holstein. Bill graduated from Holstein High School in 1932.
On April 27, 1940, he married Doris Carnes of Holstein—the couple recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. Bill served in the United States Army in Tyler, Texas during World War II. After the war, he returned to Holstein where he owned and operated the Standard Oil Station and the Star Motel for 30 years. He was a member of the Holstein Fire Department for 20 years and served as the assistant fire chief for a number of those years.
Upon retirement, Bill enjoyed his winters in Arizona and returned each spring for the summer season. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling and especially golf—he’d had the thrill of making two holes-in-one. He enjoyed professional sports of all kinds and had a special place in his heart for his beloved Cubs. Bill enjoyed life to the fullest; he had a sharp wit and a great sense of humor. His children and grandchildren were always a very important part of his life.
William Ericksen leaves to mourn his passing his wife Doris; two sons: William of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Robert and wife Jill of Dallas, Texas; two daughters, Diane Henrichsen of Rogers, Arkansas, and Joanie and husband Doug Clausen of Storm Lake, Iowa; eleven grandchildren: Scott Ericksen of Houston, Texas, Wendy Ellis of Wakefield, Nebraska, Sean and Bruce Ericksen of Dallas, Texas, Ruth, Elizabeth and Anthony Henrichsen of Rogers, Arkansas, Ryan and Trisha Clausen of Omaha, Nebraska, and Lindsay and Aaron Clausen of Storm Lake, Iowa; two great-grandchildren: Paige and Emily Ellis of Wakefield, Nebraska; and one sister, Emily Curtis of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Preceding Mr. Ericksen in death were his parents and one sister.
Caroll K. Sargent
Caroll K. Sargent, age 66 years, 11 months, 15 days, of Storm Lake passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 22, 2004 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines following a lengthy illness.
Memorial Services will be held Wednesday, February 25 at 3:00 p.m. at the Faith United Assembly of God Church in Storm Lake, Pastor Darrell E. Schmid officiating. There will be no visitation.
Caroll Moeller was born in Sac City, Iowa on March 7, 1937 to Andrew and Helen (Firth) Moeller. She grew up in Sac City, where she graduated from high school and then attended business college in Omaha, Nebraska. She married Robert M. Sargent on December 27, 1959 and was blessed with two daughters and a son.
Caroll and her husband lived in Omaha for 2 years and then moved to Sioux Falls, SD, where her first daughter, Lori, was born. Seven years later they moved to Oskaloosa, Iowa, where she gave birth to Victoria. Two years later they moved to Storm Lake, where Steven was born.
Caroll was a homemaker until she went to work babysitting. She later worked in food services at Buena Vista University. She was baptized and joined the United Faith Assembly of God. Caroll enjoyed her grandchildren, and traveling with her sister, Esther, and her friend, Nancy.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Lori and husband Stephen O’Connor and their daughters Shelbi and Sydney of Vacaville, CA; her son, Steven and wife Kim Sargent and their sons Alexander and Aiden of Fort Dodge; her sister, Esther Schulte of Storm Lake; her brothers: Dean Moeller of Sac City and Jimmie Joe Moeller of Oshkosh, WI; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Preceding Caroll in death were her parents, Andrew and Helen Moeller; her daughter, Victoria; her sister, Betty; and her brothers: Robert, John, Darrell and George.
David Joplin
David Joplin, age 48, of Storm Lake, Iowa, died Saturday, September 18, 2004 at his home.
Memorial services will be held at Faith Bible Christian Outreach Center in Storm Lake on Thursday, September 23, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is assisting with the arrangements.
Born to James and Linda (Holling) Roberson in Camp Zama, Japan on August 22, 1956, David received his education at various schools around the United States while his father was in military service. He attended high school at Red Wing, Minnesota, then went on to Rochester Community College in Rochester, Minnesota before graduating from the University of Minnesota with his B.A. in Microbiology and a minor in mathematics.
On March 24, 1980, David was united in marriage to Amber Baluczynski in Hastings, Minnesota. Their marriage was blessed with a daughter, Valerie Lee Joplin. The couple made their home in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area where David worked as a computer programmer. They later moved to Eagle Grove, Iowa, where he was employed as a microbiologist. He later worked as a biological science technician at the National Soil Tilth Lab until his retirement in 1996.
After moving to Storm Lake, David attended Faith Bible Christian Outreach Center, where he assisted the church in keeping its computer systems operating and functional.
David was a loving husband and a devoted father who strongly believed that family should help one another. One of his happiest days was the wedding day of his only daughter, Valerie. She and Anthony Lee Richardson of Onawa, Iowa were married in a ceremony at Central Park, New York City, on May 1, 2004. David was very pleased when Val and Tony moved back to stay with him, Amber and Babcia (Grandma Zina) in Storm Lake.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of more than 24 years, Amber Joplin of Storm Lake; his daughter, Valerie Joplin and husband Anthony Richardson of Storm Lake; his parents, Reverend Dr. James and Linda Roberson of Knoxville, Tennessee; his brother, Paul and wife Joan Roberson of Knoxville, Tennessee; his sisters: Martha Roberson of Dallas, Texas and Ruth Roberson of St. Paul, Minnesota; his mother-in-law, Zina Baluczynski of Storm Lake; brother-in-law, Alex and wife Diane Baluczynski of Eagle Grove, Iowa; precious nieces and nephews who David dearly loved and greatly enjoyed: Rachel, Jacob, Aaron, Dena, Maren and Adam; as well as other extended family and friends.
Deborah Tope
Deborah Francis Tope, age 55, of Storm Lake died Thursday, August 19, 2004 at her home in Storm Lake.
Funeral Mass for Deborah Tope, age 55 of Storm Lake will be Tuesday, August 24, 2004 at 10:00 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery at Storm Lake. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home of Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
Friends may call Monday anytime after 3:00 where family will greet friends from 6-8 at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. There will be a Legion of Mary Rosary at 3:30 and a vigil service at 7:00 pm that evening.
Deborah Francis Bedell was born June 14, 1949 in Detroit, Michigan to Walton and Patricia (Prichard) Bedell. She lived with her parents in Detroit, Michigan before moving to Lapeer, Michigan and then Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. After her father’s death, her mother remarried Keith Stull and they moved to Storm Lake, Iowa. Deb attended Storm Lake Community High School where she graduated in 1967. She went on to attend Oregon State and later graduated from the American Institute of Business in Des Moines, Iowa.
On December 4, 1994, Deb was united in marriage to H. James Tope in Deadwood, South Dakota. They made their home in Storm Lake.
Deborah was baptized at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake where she was an active member. She worked as a secretary at Citizen’s 1st National Bank in Storm Lake. Deb’s hobbies included sewing, knitting and traveling. She loved the time she had playing with her grandchildren and was an active member of the Storm Lake Relay for Life Organization.
Those thankful for sharing her life include: her husband, H. James Tope of Storm Lake; her mother, Patricia Stull of Storm Lake; her children: Nathan Sutton and wife Amy of DeWitt, IA, Bradley Sutton of Sioux City, IA, Don Tope of Des Moines, IA, Francis Tope and wife Carrie of Sioux City, and David Tope and wife Cherri of Sioux City, IA; grandchildren: Samantha, Josh, Nicholas, Jordan and Connor; brothers: David Bedell and wife Donna, Daniel Bedell, Lee Bedell and wife Jody; sister, Toni Butler and husband Jim; step-brother, Terry Stull and wife Margaret; step-sister, Bonnie Zetterman; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as a host of friends.
Preceding Deborah in death were her father, Walton Bedell, step-father, Keith Stull and step-brother, Tim Stull.
Donald L. Wiersma
Donald Leroy Wiersma, 82, of Mission, Kansas, and formerly of Storm Lake, Iowa, passed away Thursday, December 9, 2004 at Shawnee Mission Medical Center, Overland Park, Kansas.
Funeral Service will be Friday, December 17, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at the Storm Lake First Baptist Church, with Reverend Tom Hinshaw and Reverend Dr. Geran Dodson officiating. Burial will be in the Storm Lake Cemetery. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
Friends may call on Thursday, December 16, 2004 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake, where the family will be present.
Don was born December 21, 1921 in Hospers, to Gerrit and Jennie Wiersma and was reared in Sheldon. After serving as a Sergeant in the Army with the 133rd Infantry in WW II, he married Elva Davis Dodson on August 10, 1946 in Jackson, Minnesota. Throughout their married lives, Don and Elva operated businesses together, including a café in Laurens, Iowa and a dry cleaning service in Anita, Iowa and later Don worked for Thermogas, Farm Service and Skelgas in Storm Lake. He also was a member of VFW Post 15016.
He served on the Anita School Board. Don and Elva were members of the Serpaci Car Club and Don served as president in 1979. In addition, he was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Storm Lake. Don enjoyed many years living on the lake with his wife and children.
Don was preceded in death by his parents Gerrit and Jennie Wiersma, sister Iva Calsbeek, and his wife Elva.
He is survived by two brothers, Orville and wife Beverly Wiersma of Spencer, Iowa and Jim Wiersma of El Cajon, California; daughters Janet Wiersma of Mission, Kansas; Janice and husband Jim Ungerman of Bloomington, Minnesota; Darlys and husband Don Plaisance of Storm Lake; Glenda and husband Randy Gerard of Lenexa Kansas; step-son Geran and wife Brenda Dodson of Loganville, Georgia; grandchildren Michelle and husband Chris Bowers; John and wife Lara Plaisance; Timothy Ungerman and Thomas Ungerman; step-grandchildren Christopher and wife Kim Dodson; Patrick and wife Jennifer Dodson; Dawn and husband Leonard Diprima; great–grandchildren Dalton and Abby Bowers; Hope, Evan and Abigrace Diprima; Caroline, Caitlin and Kaelie Dodson.
Edith Evelyn Blackmun
Edith Evelyn Blackmun, age 93, of Storm Lake, Iowa died December 21, 2004 at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake.
Memorial Service will be Thursday at 2:30 at the Lakeside Presbyterian Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be at 1:30 at the Storm Lake Cemetery. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Friends may call anytime on Wednesday between 4-8:00 p.m. with family present 6-8:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake.
A memorial fund to the Lakeside Presbyterian Church, 110 E 3rd St, Storm Lake, Iowa 50588 has been established.
Edith Evelyn Draznik was born on January 18, 1911 in Coal City, Illinois to Alexander and Barbara (Broz) Draznik. She lived with her family in Joliet, Illinois where she attended Ridgewood School and Joliet Township High School. Following high school, Edith became a beautician, serving her apprenticeship at the French Beauty Shop in Joliet
Edith worked as a beautician at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chicago. It was there that she met her husband, after he was discharged from the Army after WWII.
On May 10, 1946 Edith was united in marriage to William Blackmun in his mother’s home in Hammond, Indiana. To this union, a daughter, Donna was born.
Edith was baptized at the First Presbyterian Church in Hammond, Indiana, where she taught Sunday School and remained a faithful member. She moved to Storm Lake and transferred her membership to the Lakeside Presbyterian Church, where she was a member of Presbyterian Women.
There were many groups and organizations Edith was a member of, such as PEO, Tuesday Club, Lakeside Presbyterian Church P.W. She loved activities with her daughter and grandchildren. Until the age of 92, Edith would spend hours at a time, working in her garden, which she cherished deeply. She was a dedicated mother and full-time homemaker, who was a grandmother figure for all her grandchildren’s friends.
Those thankful to have shared Edith’s life are her daughter, Donna Queen and her husband Duane of Storm Lake; grandchildren: Philip Queen and wife Tracy of Webster City, Paula Queen of Lincoln, Nebraska, Lara Plaisance and husband John of Shawnee, Kansas; great-grandchildren: Shelby Queen, Chase Huber and Carly Huber, all of Webster City; as well as a host of extended family and friends.
Preceding Edith in death are her parents, Alex and Barbara Draznik; husband William on August 5, 1976; brothers: Hubert Draznik, Alex Draznik, Robert Draznik, Edward Draznik, Ervin Draznik and Leonard Draznik; and sisters: Saveta Pedersen and Estelle Draznik.
Edythe Crutchfield
Edythe Crutchfield, age 83, of Schaller, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, February 03, 2004, at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake.
Funeral Services will be 1:30 p.m Friday, February 6, 2004, at the United Methodist Church in Schaller, under the direction of the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home of Schaller. Pastor Carol Gailey will officiate.
Friends may call after 2:30 on Thursday February 5, 2004 at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Schaller where the family will be present from 6 until 8:00 p.m. Friends who wish to send condolences may do so online.
Edythe Maye Martin was born on May 30, 1920 at Rembrandt, Iowa to Arthur and Agnes (Webster) Martin. She was baptized in the United Methodist Church in Rembrandt and later confirmed at the United Methodist Church in Schaller. Edythe spent her childhood in her parents’ home in Schaller, where she attended grade through high school, graduating from Schaller High School with the Class of 1938.
On October 19, 1941, Edythe was united in marriage to Raymond Blum in South Sioux City, Nebraska. Their union was blessed with three sons: Loren, Richard and Randy, and a daughter, Colleen. Raymond and Edythe were together for nearly 27 happy years before Raymond passed away in 1968. On May 31, 1973, Edythe married Charles Crutchfield.
Edythe was a loving wife and a devoted mother, whose first priority was always making a warm and comfortable home for her family. She also worked outside the home at Dr. Potter’s office, Franzen Grocery Store and at Andy’s Café. She was a member of the United Methodist Women, C-Con and Social Hour Club. Edythe enjoyed working crossword puzzles, collecting bells and Santas and going to Midnight Sun for cappuccino. She delighted in spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved to play Dominos and Hearts with them.
Left to cherish her memory are her children: Loren “Butch” and wife Fran Blum, Richard and wife Rosemary Blum, and Randy and wife Elaine Blum; and her daughter: Collen and husband Jerry Woodke, all of Schaller; grandchildren: Brian and Marcia Woodke of Schaller, Butch, Jr. and Lisa Blum of Ireton, Ray and Lynette Blum of Jension, Michigan, Stephanie and Mike Brinkman of Early, Kurt and Deb Blum of Fort Collins, Colorado, Kent and Stacy Blum of Nebraska City, Nebraska, Kory and Tonia Blum of Schaller, and Nathan and Jamie Blum of Schaller; 23 great-grandchildren; her brother, Charles Martin of Greeley, Colorado; her sisters: Marguerite Anderson of Schaller, Joan Martin of Blair, Nebraska, Bernice Bell of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Dorothy Lindstrom of Loveland, Colorado; her sisters-in-law: Pauline Dublinske of Odebolt, Mardell Schade of Lake View, Darlene Ends of Savannah, Georgia, and Hazel Blum of Storm Lake; and many other extended family members and friends.
Preceding Edythe in death were her parents; her first husband, Raymond Blum; her second husband, Charles Crutchfield; her brothers, Lloyd and Abe; her granddaughter, Lori Rimmer; and her great-grandson, Christopher Rimmer.
