Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 25 at Grace Lutheran Church with the Rev. Matthew Martens officiating. Interment will be held in North Lawn Cemetery with military honors presented by the V.F.W Post 1856. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday at Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Orville Jensen, the son of William and Linda (Peterson) Jensen, was born March 2, 1919. He graduated from Lehigh and served in the U.S. Army during WWII. On November 4, 1945 he was united in marriage to Ina C. Johnson and the couple made their home in Fort Dodge.

Orville was employed as a meat cutter, working at National T for 30 years and later Randall’s Super Value for 12 years, retiring in 1962. He enjoyed woodworking, repairing furniture and canning work.

Survivors include his wife Ina, his sister Loretta Amo, his sister-in-law Evelyn (Ronald) Fevold, all of Fort Dodge and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Orrin, his brothers Melvin, Kenneth, Donald and sister Evelyn.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family or to the American Heart Association.

Patty was married to Mike Palmer on August 22, 1959. She was the mother of five. Patty will be missed by those who knew her, and spent most of her adult life, helping others, including many who never really knew her. She will be sorely missed, by her husband Mike, but I also know she is in a far better place, as she rests now in the loving arms of her Savior.

There will be a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 25, 2012 at the Mausoleum of North Lawn Cemetery.

Doris was born in East St. Louis, IL on October 28, 1927 to George and Rachael Phillips. She grew up and attended school in East St. Louis and then attended McKendree College in Lebanon, IL. She married Paul F. Brown, the love of her life, on December 21, 1946. They served as medical missionaries in LaPaz, Bolivia for three years. They lived in Maquoketa for 50 years and then moved to Fort Dodge where they have lived for 7 years.

Doris is survived by her husband of 65 years Dr. Paul Brown; children George (Carol) Brown, Ann (Tom) Turner, Janet (Kurt) Pittner, James (Pat) Brown, Paula (Mike) McNabb, Carol (Tony) Hauser and Philip (Meg) Brown; 23 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and her brother Jerry (Wanda) Phillips. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother.

Carol is survived by her children and their spouses; Ellyn and Dave Lemke and Bruce and Deanne Murman and grandchildren, Jordan and Aaron Miller and Brian and Beth Murman all of Fort Dodge. Other survivors include sister Eunice (Carmen) Catania of Arvada, CO, brother Dennis (Carla) Hallberg of Palmer, IA, and sisters-in-law Betty Hallberg and Edna Steere of Pocahontas, IA, Helen Vetter and Mary Lou Hartman of Manson, IA, and Darlene Mohr of Lakeview, IA. She is preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Mytle Hallberg, husband Arthur, brother Paul, half-brother Dwayne Mohr, and brothers-in-law Harris Peters, Leonard Vetter, and Donald Hartman.

Carol Christine Hallberg was born July 11, 1933 in Palmer, Iowa. She graduated valedictorian from Palmer High School in 1951 and went on to the Commercial Extension School of Commerce in Omaha, Nebraska. On August 5, 1954 Carol was united in marriage to Arthur Murman at Elfsborg Lutheran Church in Pomeroy, IA. Carol and Art established their home in Fort Dodge where she worked at Gates Department Store. After her children were born, she became a homemaker until her return to the workforce in 1968 at Marso-Rodenborn Glove Factory and then in the classified ad department of the Messenger for 30 years until her retirement in 1998. Her husband died Art, died on January 7, 2007. In June 2010, Carol moved to the Villa Assisted Living Cottages in Fort Dodge due to declining health.

Carol was a member of Grace Lutheran Church for 58 years where she was a member of Ruth Circle. Carol taught Sunday School and served on the Finance and Mutual Ministry teams in past years. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and enjoyed her family, baking, reading, crosswords, and the activities of the church.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

Survivors include his wife, Donna and son Don Decker and wife Dianne of Fort Dodge, Iowa. Five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren: Dale T. L. Decker of West Des Moines, Iowa; Ashley G. Decker of Los Angeles, California; Mark Decker, wife Jill and their children Hans, Stefan, Maren and Kersten Decker of Burnsville, MN; Craig Decker, wife Nancy and their children Hannah, Morgan and Jacob Decker of Des Moines, Iowa; and Julie Gibson, husband Nate and their children Emma, Calvin and Eva Gibson of Fort Dodge, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents John & Lillian (Newsum) Decker, brothers Loren and Clayton Decker, sister Ruth Peterson and son Duane Decker.

Dale was born on April 10, 1923 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High. He married Donnabelle Simonson on May 24, 1941 in Grant City, Missouri. Dale served as a Private First Class in the U.S. Marine Corps from June of 1943 to December of 1945. In 1945, after earning two Purple Hearts in the Marine Corps, Dale Decker rejoined his brother Loren in the Decker Truck Line, Inc. family business where he participated in all phases of the company’s activities. In 1993 Dale retired as owner of Decker Truck Line, Inc. when their son, Don, acquired sole ownership of the company. Dale continued to spend time at the truck line enjoying his different hobbies and assembling his many collections of stamps, coins, phonographs and glassware to name a few. He was also a regular at auction sales around the area. Dale and Donna would have celebrated their 71st anniversary in May of this year.
Dale was active in the V.F.W. Post 1856, American Legion, Marine Corps League and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. The Deckers will be remembered as ardent supporters of Iowa Central Community College, providing scholarships to students, supporters of the Triton Club and Fort Dodge Amateur Sports. They were instrumental in starting the Iowa Central Community College truck driving courses.

The Decker family would like to extend a special thank you to Friendship Haven and Trinity Hospice for the wonderful care they gave to Dale over the past few months. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Marine Corps League or Trinity Hospice.

The service honoring Isla’s life will be 10:30 a.m. on Friday at Trinity United Methodist Church. Interment will be in North Lawn Cemetery. The visitation is 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

Isla is survived by her daughters, Linda (Phil) Angell, Lovell, Wyoming; Leslie (Don) Yeager, Advance, North Carolina; eight grandchildren, Dean Angell, Jeff Angell, David Angell, Laura Campbell, Sara Welling, Greg Yeager, Emily McAleer and Drew Yeager; 15 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchildren; and a special friend Bob Bellinger, who was like a son to Isla. She was preceded in death by her husband Earl, her parents, her brother Lamoine Bible and her infant sister Marcia.

Isla Maxine Bible, the daughter of James M. and Ida Mae (Stowe) Bible, was born December 2, 1918 in Verona, Nebraska. She graduated from Monroe High School at Monroe, Nebraska. In 1937, Isla was united in marriage to Earl Rupp in Monroe. The couple moved to Fort Dodge in 1946. Isla was employed with Trinity Regional Hospital where she was a pharmacist assistant. The couple retired to Arizona and Earl preceded Isla in death in 1994. In 2005 Isla moved to North Carolina.

Isla was a charter member of Trinity United Methodist Church. She was a former member of the Order of Eastern Star and TTT.

Ron is survived by his wife Joan; son Michael J. (Linda) of Ankeny; daughters Laura L. (Jim) Richman and Julie J. (Mike) Shoopman both of Fort Dodge; 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Mayme (Scharff-Lang) Messerly; his brothers Elmer, Howard, Earl, Russell, Marvin and Julian; four sisters Marie Florea, Mildred Porter, Erma Ludwig and Verna Vinsant and one grandson Jamie Lennon.

Ron was born on July 12, 1929 on the family farm just east of Fort Dodge in Colfax Township. At an early age the family moved to Fort Dodge. Ron graduated from Senior High and then enlisted in the Air Force in June of 1948. On September 8, 1951 he was married to Joan D. Anderson in Fort Dodge. They lived in Louisiana, North Carolina and settled in Fort Dodge. He spent over 40 years in the military (Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and the Air Force Retired Reserve). He worked as a Material Control Supervisor for the Iowa Air National Guard (133rd Tac Con Sqdn) retiring in 1986. Ron was considered a natural athlete. In his junior high days he broke and set new city records in swimming. He was acclaimed as one of the best fast pitch softball catchers ever. He is in the Fort Dodge Fast Pitch Hall of Fame and also the State of Iowa Fast Pitch Softball Hall of Fame. A few hours after their wedding, Ron and Joan left for Phoenix, AZ where Ron was scheduled to play a World Fast Pitch Softball Tournament. He was also selected as an All State Football player in 1947 from a team that only won one game. When in the Air Force he played on both the Base football and softball teams.

Fred was born July 23, 1928 to John and Amanda Ruhnke in Whittemore, Iowa. He graduated from Fenton High School and joined the Army. On October 8, 1949, Fred married Marcella Zinnel at Saint Luke’s Lutheran Church in Fairville, Iowa. After their marriage, they resided in Fort Dodge where he worked at Bock Brothers Welding Supply and adopted their two children, Larry and Peggy. Later he started his own sharpening business.

Fred is survived by his wife Marcella and their children Larry Ruhnke and Peggy (Ron) Anderson, all of Fort Dodge; his sister Esther Steier, of Whittemore, grandchildren Shelby and Jordan Anderson; Tina Rubio, Christine (Rual) Martinez and Michael (Savannah) Ruhnke, and 9 great-grandchildren.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Martha Bierstadt, Malinda Berninghaus, Elna Hannover, Mathilda Thompson and his brother Ervin Ruhnke.

Fred was happiest when he was baking, playing cards and dominoes with friends, dancing and playing his accordion, and watching the Chicago Cubs. Fred enjoyed going to church and spending time with his family. He always looked forward to seeing his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

He is survived by his five children, Jeff (Anne) Hepburn, Scott (Denise) Hepburn, Greg (Kathy) Hepburn, Kim (Craig) Wiles, and Dawn (Tom) Camamo; 11 grandchildren; a very special friend Alice Wiles; and his brother, Harold (Ernie) Younger. Howard is preceded in death by his wife, Georgann; his parents, and a brother, Ivan Younger.

Howard Wayne Hepburn, the son of James and Sarradah Hepburn, was born February 11, 1931 in Quitman, Missouri. On February 24, 1951 he was united in marriage to Georgann Johnson. Howard worked in several sales and management positions the last being with Born Free Industries where he retired from. He loved to travel and has visited all 50 states and Japan. Howard was a family man and loved anything and everything that had to do with family. Georgann passed away on October 8, 1990 after they had been married for 39 years. Howard belonged to Golden K Kiwanis and was a regular for morning coffee at Hy-Vee where he enjoyed talking with many friends.

Myra was born on a farm near Lake City, IA on January 8, 1933 to Lawrence and Alma Roseke. She grew up in the Lake City and Gowrie area and graduated from Gowrie High School in 1951. She then attended and graduated from the Iowa State Teachers College in 1953. She married Harold Allen Christopher on November 5, 1955 at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Farnhamville, IA. She taught school for a few years and then worked in the customer service department for Sears & Roebuck for many years. She was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and was a member of many church choirs over the years. She enjoyed collecting antiques and traveling with Harold. She loved spending time with her family and friends and her two special grandchildren.

Myra is survived by her daughters Pamela Joy Christopher of Des Moines, Gale Sue Johnson of Centennial, CO and Jill Renee Christopher of Urbandale, IA; grandchildren Jessica Joy Johnson of Knoxville, TN and Jay Christopher Johnson of Ames, IA; her brother Lawrence (Delores) Roseke Jr. of Bella Vista, AR; her sister Iris Hinton of Algona, IA and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Harold (June 28, 2000).

He leaves behind his wife Jolleen of 59 years, and their children, Denise Osterberg (Bill), Brian Bockoven (Debra), Diane Mattke (Steve) and Sheila Healey (Leslie) as well as several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, February 11, 2012 at the First Evangelical Free Church in Fort Dodge. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until 11:00 AM Saturday at the First Evangelical Free Church. A luncheon will be served at the church following services. The Gunderson Funeral Home and Cremation Services are in charge of arrangements.

Don was employed by Hormel for 33 years. His job description was machine mechanic. He then became an owner and partner of Superior Siding. Don loved spending time with his family. He was a member of the First Evangelical Free Church for more than 30 years.

Helen is survived by her husband, John; three children, Daniel (Marion) Isben, David (Aniko) Isben, and Anna (Chad) Jones; 11 grandchildren; and her sister, Florence Barnett.

She is preceded in death by her parents, a son, Scott Thomas; her brother, Don; four sisters, Elaine Maas, Ruth Pearson, Marlene Collins, and Rose Gory.

Helen Buck, the daughter of Orval and Ida (Finck) Buck was born October 6, 1936 in Fort Dodge and graduated from Fort Dodge High School in 1954. On July 17, 1967, she married John Ibsen in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Helen was the Display Manager for Sears for 23 years. She loved to crochet, knit and she collected unicorns.

She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Dennis was born in Lehigh, IA on April 5, 1933 to Ray and Effie Marsh. He grew up and attended Lehigh and Fort Dodge Schools. He served in the U.S. Army. He was married in 1952 and later divorced. He married Shirley Wolter on November 17, 1956. He worked for National Gypsum for 18 years and then worked for Lehigh Brick & Tile and was retired at the time of his death. He loved spending time with his family and enjoyed going fishing, being outdoors, playing BINGO and was an avid card player. He also loved playing his harmonica.

Dennis is survived by his children Jean (Joel) Babb, Debbie (Dave) Crouse, Joleen (Randy) Smith, Troy (Sue) Marsh and Paula (Vern) Butrum; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; brothers William Marsh and Richard Marsh and his sisters Doris Swanberg, Kate Noll, Patty Draper and Phyllis Breeden. He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley and siblings Pete, Don, Bobby, Bud, Thelma, Jessie, Margaret and Ruth.

The service honoring Louise’s life will be 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 7 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Interment will be in North Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Tuesday at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Louise is survived by her son Douglas; grandson Ryan; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Howard and MaryLou Vinnes, Massachusetts; Ila Thorson, Arizona; Sharel and Calvin Jones, Georgia; many nieces, nephews and other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Marvin, her parents and her siblings, Elleree, Marvel, Mae, Wade, Herschel, Level, Lee, George, Della, William, Becky and Cecil.

Margaret Louise Pickens, the daughter of William and Idona (Vinson) Pickens, was born December 28, 1924 in Mendota, Missouri. She attended school in Grinnell, Iowa. On March 13, 1946, Louise was united in marriage to Marvin Vinnes in Grinnell. She was employed at the Boston Store and later with the Mitchell Dental Lab. Marvin preceded her in death in 2007.

Louise was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, V.F.W. Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed playing golf and reading.

The service honoring Doris’ life will be 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 6, at Trinity United Methodist Church with the Rev. Stephen Peters officiating. Interment will be in North Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Memorials may be directed to the discretion of the family.

Doris is survived by her children, James E. (Teresa) Peterson, Jerry C. (Barbara) Peterson, Gary M. (Deborah) Peterson, all of Fort Dodge, Robert C. (Cathy) Peterson, Faubush, Kentucky; Ann (Daniel) Hofbauer, Otho; 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles, her parents William and Helen Keough, her sister Marie Zierke and a granddaughter Amber Peterson.

Doris Jeannette Keough, the daughter of William and Helen (Bates) Keough, was born February 2, 1928 in Lehigh. In 1939 she moved to Rockwell City and graduated from Rockwell City High School in 1945. On January 12, 1947, Doris was united in marriage to Charles M. Peterson in Fort Dodge. Doris was a Title I Reading Associate in the Fort Dodge Public School system for 22 years.

Doris was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and a member of the Trinity Mary Circle. She was a member of the Retired School Personnel Association (Webster County Unit), and a member of the Fort Dodge Womens Club. She enjoyed reading, drawing, find-a-word puzzles, driving her car and spending time with her family.

The family is grateful for the love and care shown to Doris by the staff of the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home/ Trinity Hospice.

The service honoring Robert’s life will be 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 7, at the Trinity United Methodist Church with the Rev. Stephen Peters officiating. Interment will be in the Bethel Owen Cemetery at Pilot Mound. The visitation is 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday at the Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Memorials may be directed to the discretion of the family.

Robert is survived by his wife Rhonda; his children, Paula and her husband David Olson, Papillion, Neb.; Kimberly and her husband Thomas Guerra, Dover, Del.; Curtis Dean Olson, Omaha, Neb.; Tina and her husband Pat Cook, Des Moines; seven grandchildren, Anthony & Shannon Olson, Michael & Danielle Olson, Jessica, Mitchell and Christopher Guerra, Olivia and Taryn Cook; and sister Vivian Hutchinson, Fort Dodge. He was preceded in death by his son Steven Dean Olson, siblings, Richard, Raymond and Gene Olson, Ilabelle Greer and his parents.

Robert Dean Olson, the son of Axel and Ebba (Anderson) Olson, was born September 13, 1938 in Fort Dodge. He attended school at Pilot Mound and Fort Dodge Junior College. Robert worked as a salesman for Miller Office Equipment and then was the manager for Automated Business Products before retiring in 1997. On October 29, 1993, Robert was united in marriage to Rhonda Curley in Fort Dodge.

Robert was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church, the Methodist Youth Fellowship and the Roaring Lions Club. He enjoyed traveling both in the United States and abroad including his homeland of Norway. His greatest accomplishment in life was being a father and grandfather as he treasured time spent with his family.

Jim was born on January 15, 1935 in Greene, IA to Eugene and Ruth Viers. He attended Greene Schools where he then went into the U.S. Air Force. He was united in marriage to Georgia “Jo” Alveraz in Reno, NV on June 5, 1954. To this marriage were born five children; James A. Viers, Joseph A. Viers, Carmen M. Smith and Carol (Paul) Rice all of Fort Dodge and John (Val) Viers of NE.

After serving 10 years in the U.S. Air Force, he drove semi trucks for several years, was the bus mechanic for Greene Schools, worked road construction and then for the DNR in Pocahontas County. His hobbies include fishing, playing cards, gardening and watching the Green Bay Packers.

Jim is survived by his two daughters Carmen and Carol; son John; 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife “Jo” of 56 years. (Oct. 3, 2010); 2 sons Joseph (Nov. 21, 1977) and James (Dec. 9, 2009); one great-grandson Michael James in infancy and 3 brothers Ken, Robert and Dennis.

The family would like to thank Trinity Hospice and the staff at Careage Nursing Home for the special care given to Jim and his family.

Services will be 10:30 AM Wednesday at Corpus Christi Church with Rev. Patrick Walsh celebrating the Mass Of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Corpus Christi Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Tuesday at the Gunderson Funeral Home in Fort Dodge.

He was born to Joseph W. and Dorothy B. Woehrle on July 25, 1927 in Chicago, Illinois. The couple was divorced in 1929, and Dorothy later married Bernard J. Lyman of Cherokee, Iowa. Charles was raised in Cherokee, and attended Immaculate Conception School. At age 15 he began working on the Illinois Central RR first as an engine wiper in April 1943, then as a locomotive fireman in December 1943. He was promoted to locomotive engineer in 1960 and worked as locomotive engineer until his retirement in 1984. He served in the United States Navy during WW2 aboard the USS Sierra, and received an Honorable Discharge. After the war, he met Margaret Ann Eastman while working in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They were married on June 1st, 1949, at Saint Joseph Cathedral. The couple raised five children there until 1969, when C.J. accepted a transfer to Fort Dodge with the Illinois Central.

Mr. Lyman held positions as President and Legislative Representative, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and was Second Vice President of the Iowa State Legislative Board of the BLE for several terms. Mr. Lyman was an active voice for the Second Amendment, and wrote numerous Letters to the editor in its defense. He was a Life/Endowment member of the National Rifle Association, held the position of Secretary in The Iowa Sportsmen’s Federation for 12 years, was Secretary/Treasurer for the Iowa State Rifle and Pistol Association for 1 term, and was Secretary and board member of The Iowa Black Powder Federation for several years. He was a competitive rifle, pistol, black powder muzzle loading, and trap shooter, and won several medals in The Iowa Games as a trap shooter. Mr. Lyman had the distinction of breaking 100 straight targets in the 2008 Iowa State Trapshoot at Cedar Falls, Iowa. At this time he is the oldest person on record to do so.

He was an active member of Corpus Christi (later Holy Trinity) Catholic Parish, and a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

He has been a certified Iowa state hunter safety instructor since 1988, and was chief instructor for Webster County Hunter Safety for 7 years until he gave up that job to be a caregiver for his wife, Margaret

He is survived by his children, C. Patrick and wife Mary, Barbara Ann Lyman-Kluck and husband Charles, Mary Ellen Lyman Ryan and husband Kevin, Thomas Joseph, and wife Bette, and Janet Marie Willems and husband Kenn, 12 grandchildren and 2 great grand children
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He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Margaret Ann in 2006, and one grandchild, Elizabeth.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

She is survived by sisters-in-law, Dorothy Theiss and Esther L. Theiss both of Fort Dodge. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and O’Tillie Theiss, brothers, Raymond, Carl, Alvin, Alvin, Elmer, Wilmer and Robert and sisters, Therese and Mamie Theiss.

Alma Mathilde Theiss was born on March 6, 1911, on the family farm outside of Fort Dodge, Iowa to Fred and O’Tillie (Kramer) Theiss. She attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School and graduated from Fort Dodge High School. Alma worked at Mitchell Dental Laboratories for many years until she retired from there.

She was a charter member of Bethel Lutheran Church which later became Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. She enjoyed her family, gardening, birds, being outside and enjoying nature.

Memorials may be left to Trinity Hospice or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.