Kale Funeral Home

Merna P. Ruth [10/23/1926 - 05/22/2013]

Merna Pauline Ruth, daughter of William Frank Routh and Goldie Eva (McVey) Routh was born October 23, 1926 in Clarke County, Iowa near Woodburn and passed from this life Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at Southern Hills Specialty Care in Osceola, Iowa at 86 years of age. Merna grew up in Clarke County. She was united in marriage to Leslie Ray Ruth on May 25, 1943 at Bethany, MO and six children blessed this union. Merna was a loving mother and homemaker. She and Les had lived in Woodburn, Osceola, Leroy and Des Moines prior to moving to Lucas in 2000. Merna worked at Snowdons, Riley's Cafe and the Clarke County Hospital over the years. She enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting, crocheting, writing poems and teaching her grandchildren silly songs. Merna was very active in the churches she attended, teaching Sunday school and helping with Bible school. Merna was preceded in death by her parents, William and Goldie; brothers, Chester, Kenneth, Russell, Maurice and Larry Routh; and sister, Mary Ruth. She leaves to cherish her memory; husband of 70 years, Leslie Ray Ruth of Lucas; son, Robert (Diane) Ruth of Lucas; daughter, Joyce (Ralph) Hart of Orleans, NE; daughter, Sharon (Ron) Lehman of Grimes; daughter, Shirley (Clay) Hines of Polk City; son, Kenneth (Sue) Ruth of Indianola; daughter, Anne Davis of Norwalk; brother, Lowell (Donna) Routh of Des Moines; brother, Donald (Clementine) Routh of Des Moines; brother, Galen (Pat) Routh of Texas; sister, Shirley Richards of Liberty Center; 24 grandchildren; many great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren; as well as other relatives and many friends.

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Gordon Keith "Tinker" Harris [09/10/1932 - 05/20/2013]

Gordon Keith "Tinker" Harris, son of Hylvin Harris and Edith (Williams) Harris was born September 10, 1932 in Freemont Township in Clarke County, Iowa and passed from this life Monday, May 20, 2013 in Greer, South Carolina at 80 years of age. Tinker grew up in New Virginia, Iowa and graduated with the New Virginia High School Class of 1950. He was married to Mary Ellen Marks on May 19, 1950. This union was blessed with seven daughters. Tinker farmed and worked for Iowa Southern Utilities from 1960 to 1962. He was a member of the New Virginia Lions Club and Habitat for Humanity in Hawaii. He worked for Colonial Pipeline which took his family to New Jersey for 30 years. He married Dorothy Smith Woodson on May 13, 1975, and her three daughters were added to his family. He retired from Colonial in 1993 as a Supervisor, working for 29 years. Tinker enjoyed gardening and took great pride in everything he grew. He moved to Hawaii where he lived for two years before moving to Greer, South Carolina eight years ago. Tinker was preceded in death by his parents, Hylvin and Edith Harris; sister-in-law, Phyllis Shoup Harris; wife, Dorothy Harris; brother, Doyle Harris and grandson-in-law, Bobby Thomason. He leaves to cherish his memory; seven daughters, Mary Elizabeth "Beth" (Richard) Potter of Pleasant Hill, IA, Ramona Kathleen �Kathy" (Mike) Keith of Lyman, SC, Diana Jeanne (Jerry) Duquette of Pleasant Hill, IA, Rachel Lynne Schroeder of Lebanon, TN, Rebecca Lea Harris of Norwalk, IA, Naomi Jeanette Stewart of Lebanon, TN, Faith Marie (Paul) Odenthal of Bonne Terre, MO, three step-daughters, Brenda Jean (Robert) Hermanson of Elkins, WV, Joan Carolyn Miles of Sicklerville, NJ, Jayne Ellen Woodson of Elkins, WV, two goddaughters, Rebecca Kapualeimomi Mahaulu, Lebanon, TN and Shavon Sabrina Pearce of Greenville, SC; two brothers, Gene (Darlene) Harris of Midland, TX, Charles "Brownie" Harris of Carlisle, IA, four sisters, Virginia Shaver of Des Moines, IA, Carolyn (Larry) Goodrich of Osceola, IA, Elaine (LaVern) Bullard of Panora, IA, Vicki (Jim) Asmus of Osceola, IA, sister-in-law, Margaret Harris of Iowa City, IA, 17 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 1 step-great grandchild, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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John Henry Strawn [10/12/1915 - 05/17/2013]

John Henry Strawn was born October 12, 1915 in St. Charles IA, the son of Charles and Jessie May Martin Strawn. John began celebrating his eternal life with Christ at Mercy Hospice in Johnston IA on May 17th, 2013. He was united in marriage to Northa Glee Johnson March 4, 1939 in Indianola. In 1948, they bought a farm north of St. Charles where together they raised six children. John started working at John Deere Des Moines Works in 1948 where he would spend the next 27 years, along with farming, milking cows, and raising beef cattle. In 1980, John & Northa moved into town. In 1998, Northa passed away. John would remain in St. Charles until 2007 when he entered assisted living, first in Norwalk and later into Legacy Point in Waukee IA, where a truly wonderful staff ensured his comfort. John was a life-long member of St. Charles Parish, a fifty year member of Model Lodge #315 A.F.&A.M., Model Chapter #174 O.E.S., U.A.W. Local #450 and the Rolling Wheels Camping Club. John will always be remembered as a great father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great- grandfather. Not only an excellent role model for his family of 109, but truly an inspiration to us all. John is survived by five sons, Charles (Audrey); Dean (Jane); Russel (Joyce); Phillip (Carmen); Dennis; one daughter, Alice (Garald) Slye; 18 grandchildren, 46 great- grandchildren, 6 great- great-grandchildren; sister Wilmarie McDonald; brothers, Dale (Rose) and Wayne (Sallie); sister-in-law, Dorothy Strawn as well as numerous family and friends. John was preceded in death by wife, Northa; daughters-in-law, Pat & Marilyn; two grandchildren, Shari Medick & Leslie Strawn and 1 great-grandchild, Dominic Johnson; parents, Charles & Jessie, and brothers, Ralph (Red); Ronald; and sister, Shirley Nicholl.

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Martha Alice Rowland [03/25/1918 - 05/08/2013]

Martha Alice Banker Rowland, daughter of William Lloyd Banker and Blanche Pauline Delong Banker was born March 25, 1918 in Clarke County near Murray, Iowa and passed from this life Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at Southern Hills Specialty Care at 95 years of age. Martha received her education in the Clarke County Country Schools and graduated from the Osceola High School. While there she played girls basketball. She was very athlelic and always smiled. She was united in marriage to William Bechtel "Bech" Rowland on November 12, 1936 in Missouri and two sons, Richard and William blessed this union. Martha was a member of Business and Professional Women in Osceola and a past member of the Osceola Country Club. She was an active member of the First Christian Church in Osceola and was also sales representative of Avon products for many years. She enjoyed playing golf, sharing a cup of coffee with friends and working with word search puzzles. She was also an avid bowler traveling out of town with her team to many tournaments. Those relatives who preceded Martha in death were her parents; husband, William Bechtel Rowland; son, Richard "Dick" Keith Rowland; sister, Louise Horton; brother, Harold Banker and brother, Roy Banker. Martha leaves to cherish her memory; son, William "Bill" Rowland of Englewood, OH, daughter-in-law, Carol Rowland of Aurora, CO; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren as well as other relatives and many friends.

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Sungheu Kim [09/12/1940 - 05/07/2013]

Sungheu Kim, son of Jaeeun Kim and Junghee Lee Kim was born September 12, 1940 in Kyung Gi Do, Korea and passed from this life Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at Clarke County Hospital in Osceola at 72 years of age. He was united in marriage to Kyesoon Chun Kim on January 23, 1969 in Seoul, Korea and three children, Taechung, Taekyun and Edward blessed this union. Sungheu and Kyesoon lived in Seoul, Korea for a number of years before immigrating to the United States to create a home in Osceola. Sungheu received his early education in Korea and later graduated from Southwestern Community College in Creston with a degree in electronics repair. He owned and operated his own repair business for ten years in Osceola. He later worked at the Paul Mueller Company in Osceola for nearly eighteen years, retiring in 2005. Sungheu enjoyed hunting, fishing and many home improvement projects over the years. He had a knack for tinkering and built numerous things to help with everyday chores. His greatest joys came from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Those relatives who preceded Sungheu in death were his father, Jaeeun Kim, mother, Junghee Kim and his brother, JooheuKim. Sungheu leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of forty-four years, Kyesoon Kim of Osceola, IA; sons, Taechung Kim and his wife Shay of Olathe, KS; Taekyun Kim and his wife Lisette of Woodinville, WA; and Edward Kim and his partner Erin Lindstone of Denver, CO. Also surviving are his grandchildren Madison and Alex Kim of Martensdale, IA; Andrew and Avery Kim of Olathe, KS; Joshua and Amelia Kim of Woodinville, WA; step-grandchildren, Deighton Urbanek of Olathe, KS and Bailey Urbanek of Midland, MI; sisters, Youngsoon Kim of New York, NY; and Kyungsoon Vandenmooter of Tampa, FL; brother, Chulheu Kim of New York, NY as well as many other relatives and many friends.

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Phillip H. Brommel [10/31/1935 - 05/07/2013]

Phillip Henry Brommel, son of Wilbur Bernard Brommel and Ellen "Nellie" Marie Hanrahan Brommel was born October 31, 1935 in Des Moines, Iowa and passed from this life Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at Bright Kavanagh House in Des Moines at 77 years of age. Phil grew up on a farm in St. Mary's, Iowa receiving his early education in the schools near St Mary's and graduating from St. Mary's High School. A handsome young man, Phil met the love of his life, Joyce Elaine Murphy. They were united in marriage on August 31, 1957 in Anaheim, CA and soon after started their family of nine children. Phillip began his career, which lasted nearly fifty-three years, as an Ironworker and soon became a union man and a member of Local 67. Phil retired from iron working in 1991 and opened B & B Tire in Des Moines along with his wife Joyce. They operated B & B for nearly 10 years before actually retiring in order to travel. In his early days, Phil loved tractor pulls and actually built his own hot rod, a Massey Harris. He also designed and built the very first mechanical pulling sled. Phil also enjoyed his boys wrestling meets and always loved and took pride in his yard work. So much so, that he was even nicknamed the "Lawn Ranger". In later years, Phil and Joyce enjoyed several years of camping and boating with their children. They later purchased a larger motor home for traveling after selling the tire shop. They toured the United States for a couple of years before purchasing a winter home in Texas. Even while in retirement, Phil just couldn't sit still. Whether it be in Truro or Texas, everyone seemed to come to Phil for nearly any type of repair. He acquired a new nickname, "Fix It Phil." However, the only thing that Phil couldn't seem to fix was his broken heart after the loss of his wife Joyce in October 2012. Those relatives who preceded Phil in death were his wife of fifty-five years, Joyce Elaine Brommel, parents; daughter, Debra Jean Brommel; sister-in-law, Lucy Stevens; sister-in-law, Janice McKinstry; brother-in-law, Larry Murphy; sister, Florence Cairo; sister, Virginia Brommel; sister, Marilyn Brommel; brother, Dan Brommel; sister-in-law, Peggy Brommel. Phil leaves to cherish his memory; his children, Loran (Debbie) Brommel of Leon, IA; Stefanie Fuller of Nixa, MO; Alan (Jane) Brommel of Norwalk, IA; Mark (Christy) Brommel of Indianola, IA; Lynn Brommel of Des Moines, IA; Stacy (Russ) Watrous of Des Moines, IA; Todd (Carsen) Brommel of Altoona, IA; Niki Brommel of Des Moines, IA; 16 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; brothers, Bernard Brommel of MI; and Denny Brommel of Indianola, IA; sisters, Mary Alice (Floyd "Mitch") Cunningham and Patti (Charles) Eskra, as well as many nieces, nephews other relatives and many friends.

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Richard Ries [04/11/1934 - 05/06/2013]

Richard Clare Ries, son of Leland I. Ries and Mona Maxine (Rice) Ries was born, April 11, 1934 in Murray, Iowa. He passed from this life on Monday, May 6, 2013 at Mercy Hospital Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa at 79 years of age. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Thursday at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola, family will greet friends one hour prior to services. Interment will be in the Murray Cemetery. Richard grew up in Murray then moved to Des Moines where he was a heavy equipment operator, driving a cat for Nelson Development for over 20 years. He lived in St. Charles, Iowa for 15 years before moving back to Des Moines 3 years ago. Richard was a member of the Eagles Lodge #109 in Des Moines and the Central Hawkeye Gas Engine and Tractor Association. He enjoyed restoring and rebuilding his tractors and gas engines showing his grandson Jeremy the love of old tractors. He always looked forward to attending the Old Threshers Reunion, catching up with old friends and seeing tractors and equipment that was different from the year before. He is survived by his daughter, Debra (Jim) Turner of Des Moines, son, Randy (Rhonda) Ries of Bondurant, son, Rick (Shauna) Ries of Des Moines, son, Jeff (Julie) Ries of Prole, IA, grandson, Jeremy (Shannon) Turner of Des Moines as well as other grandchildren and great-grandchildren and many friends. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Deloris and brother Larry.

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Mabel D. Oehlert [12/08/1921 - 05/04/2013]

Mabel Darline McLaughlin Oehlert, the only daughter of Marion Martin McLaughlin and Cora Eliza Baker was born at the family home near the community of Groveland, December 8, 1921 and passed from this life Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Clarke County Hospital at 91 years of age. Mabel was a happy child being raised in a home that practiced truthfulness and loyalty always. Being the only daughter, she was loved and spoiled by her five older brothers. Life on the farm was exciting, with each day being entirely different. Times were hard during the depression era but with a large garden and an orchard, the family was very fortunate. She received her elementary education at the Groveland country school. Later, graduating from the Osceola High School in 1939. She also received her degree in teaching after attending Simpson College and Drake University. Her career in teaching lasted nine and one half years in the rural schools with the exception of Weldon and Murray. She was united in marriage to William Bryan �Bill" Oehlert, a resident of Woodburn on April 15, 1950 at her mother's home in Leslie. Rev. Charles Miller officiated. Three sons and three daughters blessed this union. Mabel enjoyed being a farm-wife for twenty-four years in the Woodburn Community. She loved to do volunteer work and help where needed. She was a former member of the Woodburn United Methodist and Osceola United Methodist. While attending church at Woodburn she was instrumental in organizing the Women's Methodist Society. She attended church regularly and played the piano and taught bible school. After eleven years, membership was transferred to the Willow Creek Baptist Church where she and Bill were baptized. Mabel was also a past member of the Woodburn O.E.S. and the White Shrine of Jerusalem. She enjoyed helping others, all kinds of music, playing bridge and cooking. But most of all, Mabel had a great love for her family. Those relatives who preceded Mabel in death were her parents; father and mother in-law, Herschel and Emily Oehlert; brother in law, Allen Oehlert; brothers, Gerald McLaughlin in infancy Orvie McLaughlin and wife Beverly, Allie McLaughlin and wife Bronna, Garl McLaughlin and wife Velda, Frederic McLaughlin and wife Juanita, Doyle McLaughlin and wife Bev and also her son, Brian Oehlert. Mabel leaves to cherish her memory, husband, Bill Oehlert; daughter, Emily Miller of Tiffin, IA; daughter-in-law, Mary Oehlert of Woodburn, IA; son, Martin (Rebecca) Oehlert of Osceola, IA; son, William (Terri) Oehlert of Galesburg, IL; daughter, Elizabeth (Charlie) Harger of Eldridge, IA; daughter, E'Lynne (Lonnie) Stone of Woodburn, IA; grandchildren, Jason (Michelle) Miller of North Liberty, IA; Jeremy Oehlert of Tuscon, AZ; Erica Miller of Tiffin, IA; Tiffany (Travis Johnson) Oehlert of Woodburn, IA; Brian Allen Oehlert II of Woodburn, IA; Ryan Oehlert of Rockford, IL; great-grandchildren, Alexander William Miller; Madison Dawn Johnson; Bryce Lee Johnson; Ashlyn Dawn Oehlert; Tucker Allen Oehlert; Olive Mae Miller; Angus Paul Miller. Also surviving are brother-in-law, Bob (Jean) Oehlert of Osceola, IA; brother-in-law, J.D. (Liz) Oehlert of Stockton, CA; several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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Norma Patterson [06/22/1927 - 05/02/2013]

Norma Patterson, age 85, of Ida Grove, Iowa, died Thursday, May 2, 2013, at Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove. She was the wife of Honorary IFDA Member Robert Patterson. Born June 22, 1927, in Stuart, Iowa, Norma Ann (Shaw) Patterson was the daughter of Arthur C. and Inez M. (Barr) Shaw. She graduated from Stuart High School. On June 16, 1952, Norma was united in marriage to Robert Patterson in Storm Lake, Iowa. The couple made their home in Battle Creek, where they were employed by Christensen Funeral Homes in Battle Creek and Ida Grove. Norma worked alongside her husband in the funeral homes, which they purchased in 1972. In 1976, she and Robert moved to Ida Grove. Norma was a hard worker and always kept busy maintaining her home and business in an immaculate fashion. Norma possessed a deep faith and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek. In earlier years she participated in ladies aide and PEO Chapter CB. She enjoyed bird-watching and knitting. Norma always had a smile and will be remembered as a good, kind, and faithful woman with a straight-forward manner and quick wit. Survivors include her husband, Robert; and many nieces and nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Merritt C. Shaw, Edward B. Shaw, and J. Leland Shaw. Condolences may be sent online to www.christensenhuffman.com.

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Robert Lee Pritchard [03/02/1943 - 04/28/2013]

Robert Lee Pritchard, of Elkhorn, IA was born March 2, 1943 in Osceola, Iowa, and passed away on April 28, 2013 at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, IA at the age of 70 years. He was the son of Hazel Irving Pritchard and Glenn Pritchard. Bob grew up in the Van Wert area. He graduated from Van Wert High School. Shortly after graduation, he went to work driving for Gilbert Trucking. Later he worked at Hills McCanna, in Creston. Soon after, he was drafted into the Army. He was sent to the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in MD for diesel mechanics training and served in Germany and two tours in Viet Nam as a mechanic. After he was discharged from the Army, he worked as a truck driver and drove for various companies. He drove for Farmland in Denison, IA for many years until his early retirement due to health problems. Bob loved seeing his friends and visiting. He would spend time chatting with truckers at a favorite truck stop in Ames where he lived briefly. Van Wert school reunions gave him the opportunity to see old friends, too. For several years he took his 5th wheel to southern Texas for the winter. He loved being behind the wheel of his truck. On Dec. 22, 1972 he married Dianna Hartley Hainline. To this union was born a daughter, Barbara Dianna Pritchard. Bob is survived by his daughter, Barbara (Neil) Schaben, Harlan; step-children, Brenda (Dan) Moore, Frisco, TX; Brad (Lynne) Hainline, Mt. Pleasant; brothers Art (Evelyn) Pritchard, Osceola; Roger (Judi) Pritchard, Ames; grandchildren, Dylan Schaben, Michael (Terra) Verbik, Anthony (Kiah) Verbik, Zachary Moore, Ethan Moore, Amber Hainline, Shelby Hainline, Peyton Hainline Bob was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and a sister in infancy.

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