Obituaries for Webster County, Iowa Randy Dallman Born: 8/22/1949 Died: 10/17/2001 Services will be held at: Memorial services were held October 20, 2001 at the Gunderson Funeral Chapel. Interment followed in Memorial Park Cemetery. Military honors were presented by VFW Post #1856. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; mother, Marie (Echelberger) Dallman, step-son Benjamin Ruisch, all of Fort Dodge, brothers, Jon of Fort Dodge and Kerry of Colorado Springs, Colo., sisters Denise Wiewel of Otho and Darcy Becker, Fort Dodge, 15 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father. Randy was born August 2, 1949 in Fort Dodge. In 1967 he graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School. He served in the US Army during Vietnam. In 1976 he married Patti Gerk in Colorado. In 1999 he married Barbara Adams Calhoun. He was self employed as a contractor. He love football, hunting, fishing and time with his family including his cats. [Submitted by Melvin B. Echelberger. melbech@charter.net] Adrian O. Echelberger Funeral services for Adrian O. Echelberger, 85, of Dows,(IA), were held from the Presbyterian Church in Dows on Monday, Dec. 27, at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. David Saunders officiating. Burial was in Dows Fairview Cemetery. The Willim Funeral Home in Dows was in charge of arrangements. Adrian died Thursday, December 23, at Mercy Hospital, Mason City. He was born January 27,1897 in Lehigh, Iowa and was the son of George and Minnie Widick Echelberger. His early education was in Alexander and later in Dows. In 1921 he was married to Fern Kughn and during their marriage he engaged in construction. In 1945 his wife died and in 1946 he formed the Dows Construction Company. On December 11, 1949 he married Edna Wedekin at the "Little Brown Church" in Nashua. He continued in the construction business until selling and retiring in 1965 They moved to Belmond in 1975 and on April 26 of this year, Edna died. Adrian moved back to Dows in October of this year, and was a member of Dows Senior Citizens. He is survived by on son, Vern of Green, and one daughter Avonelle (Mrs Thomas Jetmund) of Ogden,IA.; one stepdaughter, Mary L.Dorr of Belmond; 12 grand children; 12 great grand children; one sister Mrs. Faye King of Dows. Besides his wives, Fern and Edna, he was preceded in death by his parents three brothers, two sisters, and one grandson. [Fort Dodge Messenger Dec. 27,1982 - Submitted by Melvin B. Echelberger. melbech@charter.net --- "Ade" Echelberger named Vern after his 1st cousin, Vernon who drowned in the Des Moines River on July 16, 1921. He was the son of Edwin "Link" Echelberger. He was a WWI vet who served in France. As fate would have it Ade's son Vern served with the Marines in the South Pacific during WWII.] Ben Echelberger 74, Dies Suddenly At Lehigh home LEHIGH, FEB. 2,1945----Ben Echelberger, 74, died suddenly of a heart attack at his home here at 9:45 this morning. He is survived by his wife and three children, Mrs. Aleak Kostoff of Lehigh, Ralph of Dayton, and Melvin Echelberger at home. Funeral arrangements in charge of the Foster funeral home are incomplete pending word from out-of-town relatives. Ben Echelberger Rites at Lehigh Sunday at 2:30 LEHIGH, FEB. 3,1945----Funeral services for Ben Echelberger, 74, of Lehigh, who died Friday morning at 9:45 at his home here, will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 at the Lehigh United Brethern church. The services at the church will be preceded by a brief service in the Echelberger home. The Rev. Lester Heck will officiate. Burial will be in West Lawn cemetery Lehigh. Survivors include Mr. Echelberger's wife Bessie, and the following children: Ralph Echelberger of Dayton, Mrs. Ermal Kostoff of Lehigh, and Melvin Benny Echelberger at home. Three grand children, two great grand children, three brothers, George of Dows, Andy of Fergus Falls, Minn., and Harley of Fertile Sackatchewan, Canada, and two sisters, Alice Van Valkenburg of Minneapolis, Minn. and Jennie Crowser of Dowling, South Dakota also survive. ********************* Fort Dodge Messenger Obituary: Rites Sunday at U. B. Church for Ben Echelberger, 74, of Lehigh after a short illness. Benjamin Stephen Echelberger son of George and Julia Echelberger, was born May 2, 1870 on a farm (original Echelberger Iowa Homestead, on Brushy Creek) in Webster county three miles south of Homer, and died at the age of 74, 9 months. He received his education in the rural schools In the fall of 1895 he was united in marriage to Miss Rose Ann Widick. They made their home in Lehigh where he was employed at the Clay Products Company (Campbell) and later with the Sewer Pipe and Tile company (he helped build this plant with horse and wagon) Mrs. Echelberger passed away July 18,1923. On July 17, 1930 he was united in marriage to Bessie Fields in Fairmont, Minn. Mr. Echelberger had to retire from work about three years ago on account of failing health. He is survived by his wife and one daughter, Mrs Ermal Kostoff, and two sons, Melvin Benny of Lehigh, and Ralph of Dayton. Three grand children, Mrs. John (Vivian) Stamschor of Dayton, Mrs. Lavern (Bernice) Fairchild of San Diego, Calif. and Marie Echelberger of Dayton, and two great grand children, Rita Marie Stamschor and Charles Ralf Fairchild. He also leaves three brothers and two sisters, George of Dows, Andy of Fergus Falls, Minn. Harley of Fertile Sackatchewan, Canada, Jennie Crowser of Dowling, South Dakota and Alice Van Valkenburg of Minneapolis, Minn Mr. Echelberger was baptized in the United Brethern Church as a young man and was a member of the church in Lehigh. He was always kind and cheerful and made many friends. He will be greatly missed by his neighbors and in the family circle in which he played a large part. The funeral was held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 from the U. B. Church with Rev. Lester Heck in charge. Burial was in West Lawn cemetery. There were many beautiful flowers. Pallbearers were Dee Bryant, Russel Whipple, Charles Archabald, Wilbur Dale, Clarence Spintig, and John O'Hearn. [Submitted by Melvin B. Echelberger. melbech@charter.net - Further info on Mel's father: "When Ben was about 1, his dad took the family and moved by covered wagon to a Nebraska homestead. They drove a team of "cows" oxen?, it took one month. They lasted 2 years, losing both crops (wheat?) to grasshoppers. Jacob D., George's dad sent them money to come back to the Lehigh area. Aunt Alice (Van Valkenburg) was born (1872) while in Nebraska. Ben, told stories that his father told him of the trip to Neb. His dad walked the whole way driving the team with a long pole with a whip on the end. The whip he would swing around and around them crack it over the oxen's head. He told of trading with the Indians and of seeing large herds of Buffalo on the prairie, which they had to kill one to eat once in a while. Later he found out it was some of the same tribe as Chief Sitting Bull's Sioux. They lived in a Sod House while there. Often trading what ever they had with the Indians who came to the door.] Cecil D. Echelberger Miss Cecil Doll Echelberger, seven year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs George Echelberger Jr. (Geo. Daniel) passed away at the home of her parents in this place Wednesday morning, death being due to consumption. The child was sick with pneumonia last fall and since that time has gradually grew worse until death came to relieve her suffering. The deceased was born Dec. 27th, 1900 and lived to be 7years 4mos, and 2 days old. The child possessed a sweet disposition and her untimely death will be mourned by her large circle of young friends. The Rev Nissen conducted the services, and the remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at Homer. The heart felt sympathy of the community is extended the bereaved relatives." [The Lehigh Valley Argus newspaper obituary May 1,1908 - Submitted by Melvin B. Echelberger. melbech@charter.net] Daniel Echelberger LEHIGH, Nov. 9 Relatives here have received word of the sudden death of George Daniel Echelberger, 75 of Dows, IA. who died at his home following a heart attack. Mr. Echelberger was the son of the late George Echelberger Sr., and Mrs. Julia (Ross) Echelberger, having been born on a farm east of Lehigh where he grew up and married Miss Minnie Widick, also of this vicinity. They were the parents of several children and were former residents having left Lehigh 26 years ago to make their home in Dows where Mr. Echelberger followed the carpenter trade. (note: same as his Dad) He was well known around Lehigh and the surrounding area where he owned and raised mules and horses, (showing them) during summers at fairs and celebrations. He was preceded in death by a daughter Cecile, age 7 years and his wife Minnie, who died about 7 years ago. Funeral services will be held in Dows Thursday, a number of relatives from here plan to attend. Mr Echelberger is and uncle of Ermal Kostoff, and Ina Williams is his aunt. He is also survived by a number of grand children and two great grand children. [Lehigh Valley "Argus" Nov. 9,1949 - Submitted by Melvin B. Echelberger. melbech@charter.net] E. W. Echelberger Dies Following A Brief Illness Ellege Weldon Echelberger 1339 South Twenty-sixth Street, a resident of Webster County all his life, died at Mercy Hospital Sunday morning following a brief illness. He was 57 Years old. BORN IN LEHIGH Born in Lehigh, Dec 15, 1886, he was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Hamilton June 4, 1910. For a number of years he was employed at the Plant of the Lehigh Sewer Pipe and Tile Company, coming to this city 23 years ago where he was employed at the Plaster Board Plant until ill health compelled him to retire. For the past several months he had been with the Liberty Cab Company. He was a member of the Methodist church and the Modern Woodmen. Mr. Echelberger is survived by his wife, four daughters, Mrs. Marjorie Wood, Mrs. Irene Donahoe, Mrs. Harold Brown and Miss Gloria Jeane Echelberger; a son, Francis V. Echelberger, all of this city; three sisters, Mrs. John Taylor of Redding,Calif.; Mrs.Roscoe Newkirk of Otho, and Mrs.William Taylor of this city; three brothers, Floyd and Walter of Fort Dodge and Lyle of Otho, and 13 grand children, two of whom are in the armed forces, PFC Dale Wood, North Africa, and Corporal Robert B. Wood, Santa Maria, Calif. Funeral services will be held at the Marshall Young funeral home at 4 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. The Rev. Arthur Peterson of Rockwell City, former pastor of the Epworth Methodist church will officiate, with burial on the family lot in West Lawn cemetery Lehigh. LAST RITES FOR E. W. ECHELBERGER Funeral services for E. WE. Echelberger 1339 South Twenty-sixth Street, 57 years of age and a life-long resident of Webster County who died at Mercy Hospital Sunday morning following a brief illness, were held at the G. Marshall Young funeral home at 4 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. The Rev. Arthur Peterson of Rockwell City, former pastor of the Epworth Methodist church, officiated. Many members of the Rebekah Lodge attended the services in a group. The many floral expressions which banked the service room were arranged by Mrs. LeRoy Zimmerman,. Mrs. Marie Erickson, Mrs. Paul Hair, and Mrs. L. B. McNutt. Pallbearers were Robert Taylor, Marvin Echelberger, Ray Hilton, Don Bell, William Robbins, and Weldon Echelberger. Burial was made on the family lot in West Lawn cemetery Lehigh. [Fort Dodge Messenger 1943 - Submitted by Melvin B. Echelberger. melbech@charter.net] George Echelberger Geo. Echelberger, dies Saturday Resident of Lehigh for over sixty years of which practically entire time was spent here. George Echelberger, well-known and highly respected citizen of this place, peacefully passed away Saturday night at ten o'clock. He was taken sick with a cold, and grip, and was unable to attend to his regular dray duties last week. At first little was made of the illness and that he would recover, but his cold settled on the lungs and pneumonia set in, and the end came quickly. George Echelberger was born March 13,1869(??) at Clinton, Ohio, and passed at his home in Lehigh January 9, 1926, aged 76 years, 10 months, and 4 days. He came with his parents to Illinois when a lad, and remained there a year or so, arriving at the Echelberger home south of Homer when he was sixteen years of age, and for years they lived in the old log house in what is known as the Missouri Bend neighborhood. March 22, 1889 he was married to Julia Ann Ross, and to this union six children were born. Ben Echelberger of this place; Mrs. Alice Van Valkenburg, of Minneapolis; George Echelberger, of Dows; Mrs. Jennie Crowser, of Dowling, South Dakota; Andrew Echelberger, of Battle Lake, Minnesota; Hartley(??) Echelberger, Wauchope, Canada. The first three named were here to attend the funeral. Mrs. Echelberger died February 13, 1899, and later he was united in marriage to Clara Hays who still survives him. Aside from the short time spent in Humboldt, Mr. Echelberger has made his home in this vicinity for the past sixty years. Besides his wife and children left to mourn his loss he leaves three brothers and one sister all of Lehigh: William, Link, and Charley Echelberger, and Mrs. J. A. Williams. In early life he united with the United Brethren church, and later joined the Methodist church of which he was a member at the time of his death. Geo. Was a good man, and during his life has been a hard worker and his lot has not been the most successful, but throughout it all he has met his duties uncomplainingly and he always had a good word to say to others. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon from the Methodist church Rev. V. C. Fellows and attended by a large concourse of relatives and friends. Interment was made in the Homer cemetery by the side of his first wife. The sincere sympathy of all is extended the bereaved widow, and children in their hour of sorrow. Among the other relatives from out of town to attend the funeral were: W. S. Keyer, Herb Keyer, and Mrs.Will Lincoln, of Ellsworth; S. F. Peyser of Adair; Mrs. Charles Sutpin, of Valley Junction; and Carl Echelberger of Humboldt. ["Lehigh Valley Argus" newspaper, Thursday, January 14,1926 - Submitted by Melvin B. Echelberger. melbech@charter.net] Grace D. Echelberger Grace D. Echelberger, 84, of Friendship Haven, died Mar. 19, 2006, at Tompkins Memorial Health Center. Services will be 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 22, at the Gunderson Funeral Chapel with Chaplain Bill Trembly officiating. Interment will be in North Lawn Cemetery. The visitation is Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Grace is survived by her children Kathy (Dennis) Carroll, Fort Dodge; Ron Echelberger, Anderson, IN; Frank (Judy) Echelberger, Apache Junction, AZ; eight grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, her brother John (Jean) Marchant, Lafayette, CO; Betty Moore, Algona; and Genivieve Schniepp, Pueblo, CO. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Frank in 1973, her sister Darraline and her granddaughter Cherie. Grace D. Marchant, the daughter of Burdette and Grace Marchant, was born Aug. 9, 1921, in Rolfe. She attended schools in Humboldt and Fort Dodge. Grace was united in marriage to Frank Echelberger in Minnesota. Grace was a homemaker and was active in Foster Grandparents, the Cootiette Club and she was a Sunday school teacher. [Fort Dodge Messenger, Monday, March 20, 2006 - Submitted by Melvin B. Echelberger. melbech@charter.net]] Jean Echelberger Mrs. Echelberger of Lehigh is Dead Special to the Messenger LEHIGH, Feb 28,----Mrs Jean Echelberger, 70, of Lehigh died today at 7:00 a.m. in Fort Dodge Lutheran Hospital.. Funeral arrangements in charge of the Swanson Funeral home, Dayton, will be announced later. LAST RITES FOR MRS. ECHELBERGER HELD AT LEHIGH LEHIGH, MAR 6------ Funeral services for Mrs Jean Echelberger, 72 who died at Lutheran Hospital, For Dodge, were held at the home in Lehigh, March 2 at 2:30 p.m. with the Rev. W. H. Knotts of the Lehigh Church of Christ in charge. Interment was in West Lawn cemetery with Swansons of Dayton in charge. THE PALLBEARERS Pallbearers were Edgar Johnson, Robert Johnson, Cass Humphrey, Walter Geist, Lawrence Schmehr and William Taylor. During the services, Mrs. Edgar Johnson and Mrs. Albert Johnson sang, "Rock Of Ages" and "In The Garden." Jean Barrowman was born April 9, 1869, at Bedlington England. She came to America in the spring of 1870 from Shetleson, Glasgow, Scotland, settling in Illinois until 1879 when her parents came to Lehigh were she grew to womanhood. She (Jean Barrowman) was married to Curtis Alonzo Grimes in 1886 and to this union three sons and a daughter were born. The daughter died when she was 4 yrs old. When the boys were small the couple left Lehigh for Montana,** traveling in a covered wagon. She could relate many interesting experiences of her trip through the Black Hills to Montana. She lived in Montana until 1917 when with her oldest son she returned to Lehigh. The two younger sons lived in Virginia where they were engaged in mining. In 1920 she married Edwin L. Echelberger who preceded her in death in 1931. Survivors are three sons B. A. Grimes of Lehigh, William C. Grimes of Berwind, West Virginia; Robert D. Grimes of Banner, Virginia; and two sisters, Mrs. Christina Fleming of Norton,Virginia, and Mrs Margaret Woodle of Fayette; three brothers, William Barrowman of Pilot Mound, David Barrowman of Praise, KY; thirteen grand children and two great grand children She was baptized in the Lehigh Christian Church in 1892. She enjoyed attending church services and was a faithful member and regular attendant as long as her health permitted. NOTE: ** On the Lehigh to Montana trip Curtis disappeared in Indian Country. No record of his fate [Fort Dodge Messenger March 6, 1942 - Submitted by Melvin B. Echelberger. melbech@charter.net] MICHAEL R. “MICK” ECHELBERGER Michael R. “Mick” Echelberger, 62, Fort Dodge, died on Dec. 31, 2001, at his home. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 4, 2002, at Bruce’s Funeral Home Memorial Chapel with burial at Concordia Cemetery, rural Fort Dodge. Visitation will be held Thursday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. Memorials will be left to the discretion of the family. [- Submitted by Melvin B. Echelberger. melbech@charter.net] Ralph Daniel Echelberger Funeral services were held for Ralph Echelberger, 91, Fort Dodge, Friday, June 23,1989 at the Carson Funeral Home, Dayton. Rev Lanny Carlson, pastor of United Methodist Church, Lehigh, conducted the 10:30 am service, Interment was in Dayton Cemetary, (on the lot were his wife Francis is buried). Mr. Echelberger passed away Tuesday, June 20, at Fort Dodge Villa Care Center. During the service Marilyn Anderson sand, "The Old Rugged Cross", and "In The Garden", accompanied by Marilyn Sandholm. Bears were Kerry Dallman, Jon Dallman, Randy Dallman, Frank Wiewel, Brian Becker, Michael Umsted, and Warren Hanson. Ralph Echelberger was born on Monday, June 28, 1897 at Homer, He was the son of Ben and Rose (Widick) Echelberger, Ralph attended schools in the Homer and Lehigh area. On Monday, Dec. 3, Ralph married Francis Umstead at Webster City. Ralph worked for the Lehigh Sewer Pipe and Tile Co. and later for the Forsburg Tile and Drainage Co. in Dayton. The couple lived in Dayton for many years were Francis operated a cafe. Ralph was also known in the area as a baseball and softball umpire. Ralph was a member of the United Methodist Church, Dayton. He had been a resident of Fort Dodge Villa Care Center since 1978. Survivors include daughters, Marie Dallman, Fort Dodge; Vivian Stamschror, Waukesha, Wi; Bernice Leckington, Newton Ks; brother Melvin Echelberger, Oakdale,Ca.; step-mother, Bessie Buthmann, Oakdale,Ca.; 11 grand children; 18 great grand children and one great great grand child. [DAYTON, IOWA "REVIEW' JUNE 28, 1989 - Submitted by Melvin B. Echelberger. melbech@charter.net] Weldon Echelberger Funeral service for Weldon Echelberger, 81, Fort Dodge, Iowa were held Thursday, Oct. 22,1992 at Bruce's Funeral Home, Fort Dodge. Bishop Terry W. Dillon, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Fort Dodge, conducted the 1:30 pm service. Interment was in Memorial Park Cemetery, Fort Dodge. Mr Echelberger passed away Monday, Oct.19,1992 at Marion Home, Fort Dodge. During the service organist was Sherrie Dillon. Bearers were James Echelberger, Joe Echelberger, Jay Echelberger, Donnie Schmidt, Roger Schmelzer, and Gary Williams. Weldon Echelberger was born on Saturday May 13,1911 in Lehigh. He was the son of Floyd and Eugena (Culver Echelberger. He attended Lehigh schools. In 1938 Weldon married Clara Cook in Humboldt. He served in World War II in the European theater of operations from 1943-1945 in the Army. Weldon was awarded a Purple Heart. He drove a city bus for a number for a number of years until he retired in 1973. Weldon was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1856, Fort Dodge. He resided in Fort Dodge most of his life. Survivors include his wife Clara, Fort Dodge; son James Echelberger,Fort Dodge; daughters, Charlotte Schmelzer, West Union,Ia.; and Edna Echelberger, Fort Dodge; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brother Robert Echelberger, Fort Dodge. [Dayton Iowa Review Oct.28,1992 - Submitted by Melvin B. Echelberger. melbech@charter.net] Robert Johnson Funeral services for Robert "Tubby" Johnson, 78 Lehigh, were held Saturday, Oct 10, 1992 at the Christian Church, Lehigh. Rev. Lynn Newbraugh, and Rev. Dale Kelley conducted the 2:30 pm service. Graveside services were by the Lehigh VFW. Arrangements were completed by Carson Funeral Home, Dayton. Mr Johnson passed away Wednesday, Oct. 7, (1992) at Springfield, MO. During the service special organ music was by Larry Larson. Caring for flowers were Genevieve Dosland and Magadaline Lumsden. Bearers were Marion Dosland, Joe Kisch, Jack Estlund, Duane Hoskins, Marvin Lundgren, and Gordon Plahn. Robert Johnson was born on Tuesday, March 28,1914 in Humboldt, Ia. He was the son of Edgar and Olive (Echelberger) Johnson. He graduated from Lehigh schools. On Friday, Aug. 3, 1962 Robert married Gladys Fritts in Fort Dodge. He worked as a rural mail carrier for 30 years before retiring in 1977. He was a veteran of WWII. Robert was a member of Lehigh Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and Lehigh Golden Memories, and a charter member of Lehigh Lions Club. Survivors include his wife Gladys, Lehigh; sons Terry Johnson,Cedar Rapids; Don Fritts,Spiro,OK, and Dale Fritts, Lehigh; daughters Karen Johnson Kennedy,Fort Dodge; Jo Fritts Schrieber,Lake Mills and Kaye Fritts Cooper, San Jose,Ca; 18 grand children; seven great-grand children; brothers, Raymond and Donald Johnson both of Lehigh. [ Submitted by Melvin B. Echelberger. melbech@charter.net] Herbert L. Lee Herbert L. Lee, 81, of Fort Dodge, died Oct. 2, 2006, at Tompkins Memorial Health Center. Services will be 10:30 a.m. on Friday at the First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Marcia Rich, CLP and the Rev. Craig Alwin officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors presented by the V.F.W. Post No. 1856. The visitation is Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Herb is survived by his sons, Scott (Mary) Lee, Eagan, Minn.; Randy (Cheryl) Lee, Waterloo; three grandchildren, R.J., Christin and Nick; and his brother Larry (Joanne) Lee, Fort Dodge. He was preceded in death by his wife and his parents. Herbert L. Lee, the son of Lytle and Gertrude (Messerly) Lee, was born April 18, 1925, east of Fort Dodge in Webster County. He graduated from Fort Dodge High School in 1942, and was a lifelong Fort Dodge area resident. Herb served in the U.S. Army Air Force 451st Division as a gunner on a B-24 Bomber. Herbert was united in marriage to Bonnie Foster in 1946 and she preceded him in death in 1987. Herb farmed for 20 years, worked for Railway Express for 13 years and then was employed with Georgia Pacific for 13 years, retiring in 1984. As a youth, Herb was actively involved in the 4-H. As an adult, he served as a 4-H leader and was a baseball coach for youth in the Otho area. Herb enjoyed watching high school and college sports, especially wrestling. He was an avid Hawkeye fan. John William Linn Lehigh, March 17, (1945) First reported missing in France since Feb 16, PFC John William Linn was killed in action on that date, his parents, Mr and Mrs (Lottie Echelberger) John Linn of Lehigh were notified by a war dept telegram Friday. The 19-year-old soldier was serving with the infantry and had been overseas only three months. Besides his parents, he is survived by five sisters, Mrs Eva Shafer, Mrs Ethel O'Hearn and Mrs Marian Swanson, all of Lehigh, Mrs Clair Doyle of Thompson and Mrs Susan Engelbritsen of Rockton, Ill. A graduate of Stratford High School with the class of 1943, young Linn was employed by the Nissen Packing plant in Webster City before entering the armed forces in February, 1944, He received training at Camp Fannin, Tex. and Camp Van Dorn, Miss. before going overseas in December. BURIED IN MILITARY CEM. IN FRANCE His folks had a marker placed on their lot in McQuire Bend cem. about 5 miles south of Lehigh, Iowa. Johnny Bill was killed shortly after the Battle of the Bulge, in France. [Report to the Fort Dodge Messenger - Submitted by Melvin B. Echelberger. melbech@charter.net] Lydia Sampson Lydia Sampson, 104, of Alexandria, LA., formerly of Ft. Dodge, Iowa, died Tuesday in Alexandria. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Greenwood Memorial Park, Pineville, LA., with burial in Greenwood Memorial Park Cemetery. Hixson Brothers Funeral Home will handle the service. Survivors include daughter, Bonnie Park, Alexandria; sons, Loren, South Holland, IL; Robert, Ontario, CA; Walter, Ft. Dodge; and Richard, Eden Prairie, MN; ten grandchilren, 11 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild; a sister, Adeline Cornell, Calispell, Montana. Lydia Geyer was born 14 October 1886 at Saratov, Russia. She was a school teacher and housewife. [Ft. Dodge Messinger, Thursday, 3 January 1991] Elfreda Charlene Swalla Elfreda “Char” Derrig, age 68, of Duncombe, IA, died Sunday, November 2, 2003 at the Hamilton Hospital in Webster City. Memorial services will be 10:30 AM Wednesday at the Gunderson Funeral Chapel with Rev. Dave Deckard officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Tuesday at the Gunderson Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Fort Dodge. She is survived by her husband, Daryl Derrig of Fort Dodge; children, Lori Robinson and her husband Jim of Altadena, CA; Delayne Segar and her husband Steve of Fort Dodge; Leah Schomburg and her husband Todd of Waukee, IA; John Derrig of Texas; Thomas Derrig and his wife Mindy of Duncombe, IA; Kitty Busick and her husband Robert of Duncombe, IA; William Derrig and his wife Jeri of Webster City, IA; 18 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; sister, Sharon Crouse of Lehigh, IA; and a brother, Charles Swalla and his wife, C. Sue of San Antonio, TX. She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Winona (Williams) Swalla and one grandson. Elfreda Charlene “Char” Swalla was born June 14, 1935 in Lehigh, IA and graduated from Lehigh High School in 1952. She later attended Tobin Business College and married C. Fred May in April of 1954. The couple later divorced. Char married Daryl L. Derrig in July 1956 in Fairmont, MN and after their marriage the couple made their home in Fort Dodge. Char worked at Globe Union in Fort Dodge and in 1966 they moved to Duncombe, IA. She was the superintendent for the water and waste water treatment of Duncombe in the 1970's. Char served as the City Clerk for Duncombe from 1980 until her retirement in 1991. Char was currently running for her 3rd term for the Duncombe City Council. She enjoyed music and was very involved in needle work, crafts, traveling and an avid reader. Char was a member of the Duncombe American Legion Auxiliary. [Submitted by Melvin B. Echelberger. melbech@charter.net] Charles H. Swalla Dayton Review -- Dayton Iowa May 3rd 1971 Services held for Charles H. Swalla Monday May 3: Funeral services for Charles Henry Swalla, 63, Lehigh were held Monday, May 3 at the Lehigh United Methodist Church, Rev Roy Beisemeyer, pastor of the church, conducted the 2:00 pm service. Interment was held in the West Lawn Cemetery at Lehigh with arrangements by Bruces Funeral Home, Fort Dodge. Mr Swalla was pronounced dead at Bethesda General Hospital Friday, April 30. He had become seriously ill at the Lehigh Lumber Company and was rushed to the hospital. During the funeral service special organ music was presented by Tami Scott. Caring for the flowers were Mrs Frank Valashek, Mrs Vera Winders, and Mrs Vickie Ruthart. Bearers were Frank Valashek, Robert Morandi, Theodore Demitroff, Fred Vandi, Herman Larson and Kenneth Gerard. Charles H. Swalla was born at Enterprise, Iowa and was raised and educated in the Madrid School system graduating with the class of 1928. In 1934 he married Winona Williams at Fort Dodge and the couple lived in Lehigh since that time. He had been employed at the Lehigh Lumber Company for more than 30 years. He was a member of the Webster County Conservation Board, the Fort Dodge Elks Club, Fort Dodge Izaak Walton League, past board member of the Iowa State Association of County Conservation Boards, served on the Lehigh School Board for 18 years and was a past president of the group. He had also served four terms on the Webster County Extension Council. Survivors include the widow Winona; two daughters, Mrs Daryl Derrig of Duncombe and Mrs Edwin Crouse of Lehigh; one son, Charles, of Albert Lea, Minn.; seven grandchildren; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Swalla of Lehigh; two sisters, Mrs IIo Dugger of Osage, Minn. and Mrs Lyle Fander of Des Monies; and one brother, Robert of Osage,Minn. [Submitted by Melvin B. Echelberger. melbech@charter.net] Winona Maurine Swalla Born: 2/17/1913 Died: 12/13/2001 Services will be held at: 1:30 PM Monday at the Lehigh United Methodist Church with Rev. Bryon Wixom and Rev. Ed Phillips officiating. Burial will be in the West Lawn Cemetery in Lehigh. Visitation times are: 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM Sunday at the Gunderson Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Fort Dodge. Winona is survived by her two daughters, Elfreda "Charlene" Derrig of Duncombe, IA; and Sharon Crouse of Lehigh, IA; a son Charles Swalla of San Antonio, TX; eight grandchildren, Jana Baxter of San Antonio, TX; Lori Robinson of Altadena, CA; Dee Segar of Fort Dodge; Leah Schomburg of Waukee, IA; John Derrig of San Antonio, TX; Kitty Dickinson of Duncombe; Tom Derrig of Duncombe; and Bill Derrig of Webster City, IA; 18 great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles; three brothers, Merrit, Shelby, and Delmege "Ching"; five sisters, Glyda Woodbury; Vida Ellenwood; Daisy Lynch; Esther Bales; Lavina Williams; and a great grandson, James Clifford Derrig. Winona Williams was born February 17, 1913 in Lehigh, IA and graduated from Lehigh High School in 1931. On April 15, 1934, she married Charles Henry Swalla in Fort Dodge. After their marriage the couple lived in Lehigh. She was the City Treasure of Lehigh for 20 years. She also worked at Ching's Grocery for 20 years and later the Anderson Grocery. Winona retired in 1989 and her husband died April 30, 1971. She loved to crochet and at the age of 80 learning tatting. She also loved to read. She was a member of Lehigh United Methodist Church, First baby to be Baptisted in the current church building, member of Lehigh Golden Memories, Un official Historian of the City of Lehigh. Past member of the Eastern Star, past member of Phil Fox Chapter of Isaac Walton. [Submitted by Melvin B. Echelberger. melbech@charter.net] Mrs J. E. Taylor, 63 dies after brief illness Mrs John E. Taylor (Maude Echelberger), 63, a resident of Fort Dodge and Webster county more than 60 years, died Saturday morning at Mercy Hospital after a brief illness. Mrs. Taylor was taken ill with a heart attack Friday evening at 10 o'clock at her home, 124 North Tenth Street. She was rushed to Mercy hospital for treatment but failed to rally. Mrs. Taylor's many friends,who heard the news with shock and deep regret, feel that her death may have been hastened by the anxiety and sorrow which war brought her and her family. Only a few months ago, the Taylors learned that the elder of their two sons, Dean, was killed in action after nearly three years of Japanese imprisonment. The 26-year-old soldier, a Staff Sergeant in the army air forces lost his life when the freighter on which he was being moved from a prison camp on Mindanao was torpedoed and sunk by an American submarine Sept 7, 1944. Throughout his imprisonment, his family received only four messages from him, all of them from postcards. The earliest did not reach them until December, 1943, 19 long months after the fall of Corregidor and 15 months after the Taylors had been notified from the war department their son was missing. To their worry over Dean was added concern over their other son, Virgil who took part in some of the bitterest fighting in the Pacific. Virgil, a corporal in the Third Marine Division, recently returned to the United States from Iwo Jima. His arrival in Fort Dodge occasioned the reunion of a particularly close-knit and affectionate family, now plunged into sadness by their mother's sudden death. Besides her two sons, Mrs. Taylor is survived by six daughters, Mrs. Gernie Marley, Mrs. Raymond Hilton, both of Fort Dodge; Mrs. Charles B. Wheat of Storm Lake; Mrs Kathryn Ferguson, Mrs. Edward Porter Jr., and Mrs. H. W. Gardzelewski, all of Los Angles. One daughter, Mrs Grace Heesch, her parents, three brothers and one sister preceded her in death. Fifteen grand children survive as do three brothers, Floyd, Walter, and Lyle Echelberger, all of Fort Dodge, and two sisters, Mrs. William Taylor of Fort Dodge and Mrs. Roscoe Newkirk of Otho. Her parents the late Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln Echelberger, well known residents of Lehigh, came to Webster county 61 years ago from Homer, where Mrs. Taylor was born. On May 4, 1910, her marriage to Mr. Taylor took place at Lehigh and the family lived there until 1920 when they moved to Fort Dodge. Mrs. Taylor will be remembered as a pleasant, kindly woman. Rearing her large family endowed her with a sweet motherliness which was felt by her friends as much as by her devoted children. Especially was a favorite of young people. She was a member of the Epworth Methodist church and of the Ladies' Aid Society of that church. The body is at Laufersweiler funeral home. Funeral services will be announced later upon word from the three daughters living in Los Angles. ************************* Funeral Services for Mrs Taylor Tuesday Afternoon Funeral services for Mrs. J. E. Taylor who died Saturday morning at Mercy Hospital, will be held Tuesday at 2:10 o'clock at the Laufersweiler funeral home and at 2:30 at the Epworth Methodist church. The Rev. B. M. Watson will officiate and burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. ************************** [Fort Dodge Messenger 1945 - Submitted by Melvin B. Echelberger. melbech@charter.net] Paul Trueblood Funeral service for Paul Trueblood,78, Lehigh,were held Tuesday, Feb 9,1993 at Harcourt Covenant Church, Harcourt. Rev Craig Vote conducted the 2:00 pm service. Interment was in West Lawn Cemetery, Lehigh. Arrangements were completed by Carson Funeral Home, Dayton. Mr Trueblood passed away Saturday, Feb.6,1993 at Stewart Memorial Hospital, Lake City. During the service vocalist Richard Will sang "The Old Rugged Cross" and "In The Garden" accompanied by Kim Rieken. Bearers were Kevin Sandstrom, Wade Seiser, Jeff Widen, Michael DeVan, Brian Sandstrom, and Michael Barkhaus. Paul E Trueblood was born on Thursday Jan. 21,1915 in Webster City,Iowa. He was the son of Addison and Sarah (Shauver) Trueblood. He attended Burnside Schools. On Thursday, May 9, 1940 Paul married Clara Lang at McQuire Bend United Brethren Church in rural Dayton. He worked for the National Gypsum Company, Fort Dodge, retiring in 1978. Paul was a member of Local 66 of the AFL-CIO and member of International Brotherhood of Boilermakers. Survivors include his wife, Clara; daughters Patricia Seiser, Stratford; Twila Widen, Harcourt, and Sheryl Sandstrom, Fort Dodge; son Gary Trueblood, Lehigh; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister Myrtle Hammitt, Webster City; brothers Ralph Trueblood, and Sam Trueblood, both of Fort Dodge. [ Dayton Review Feb.10,1993 - Submitted by Melvin B. Echelberger. melbech@charter.net] ©2007 Genealogy Trails