Charles W. Cook Obituary

Charles W. Cook, 89, passed November 23, 2012. He was born on January 2, 1923 in Woodburn, IA of rural Clarke County where he resided until 1945 when he joined the army. In 1948 he moved to a farm in Lucas Co. north of Russell Iowa. Charles farmed and drove truck for Etter Livestock until his retirement in 1997. After retirement he moved to Southgate Apartments in Chariton, IA. After moving to town Charles found a passion in working with the Lucas County Humane Society where he volunteered and enjoyed walking the dogs.

In January 1949 Charles married Catherine Jones. When they went to be married Charles called Rev. Beals from Irving Station, they were married that Friday in Rev. Beals rural Russell home. With their union they had 3 children Florence, David, and Gene.

Charles is preceded in death by his father Orval L. Cook and mother Margaret E. Smith-Cook.

Charles is survived by his wife Catherine, children Florence (Marshall) Comstock, David (Barbra) Cook, Gene (Sabrina) Cook, former daughter in-law Jeannie Tuttle-Cook, 9 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren.

Gertrude Henrietta (Holst) Larson Obituary

Gertrude Henrietta (Holst) Larson, 91, died peacefully on Wednesday, Octobe 24, 2012 while under the care of Hospice of Central Iowa.  She resided at Pleasant Care Living Center at Pleasantville, Iowa where she had been a resident from complications of Alzheimer's Disease.  Previously she lived in rural Wayne County and Russell, Iowa.

She was born on August 27, 1921, the 7th of 10 children of Henry and Alvina (Stahlbock) Holst in Deer Creek Township of Webster County, Iowa.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Trinity Lutheran Church, Deer Creek Township, Webster County, Iowa.  She married Stanley Casper Larson on November 18, 1945.  To this union of 47 years, six children were born.

After her marriage she and Stanley lived at rural Humboldt for about 4 years; then moved to Southern Iowa, near Confidence, to their farm.  She and Stanley farmed 120 acres together - raising corn,  beans and hay as well as livestock including milk cows, stock cows, a few pigs and chickens.  She was a hard worker.  In 1976 Stanley retired and they sold the farm and moved from the country to Russell.  She then cleaned homes in the Russell and Chariton areas and was employed for nearly 20 years at Piper's Store in Chariton, starting first doing general cleaning but ended up a "candy lady" making several varieties of candy and helping out in the deli department.  She very much enjoyed her years at Piper's.  She treasured her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Chariton.

She will be greatly missed by her three daughters:  Sarah (Clifford) Kitzman of Beaman; Linda (Dennis) Senecaut of Altoona; Lorraine (Richard) Forkner of Des Moines; three sons:  Harold of Des Moines, Russell (Pok) of Osan, Korea and Verne (Elaine) of Monument, CO.; and other family members.

Services were held October 30, 2012 at the First Lutheran Church in Chariton with Pastor Rich Gates officiating. 

Arrangements were in care of Fielding Funeral Home.  Interment was in the Russell Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family, Pleasant Care Living Center, Hospice of Central Iowa or the Alzheimer's Association.  On line condolences may be sent to www.fieldingfuneralhomes.com

Bonnie (Mary Ann) Kern, 87, Obituary

Family received friends, Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton.  No services were planned.

Mary Ann Culp was born August 5, 1925 in Des Moines to Jess and Maude (Stout) Culp.  She was raised in Des Moines, Iowa and was an RN in her younger years; she enjoyed taking care of the elderly.  She was married to Clarence Kern and they were blessed with three children; Patty, Tommy and Rollie.

Bonnie enjoyed life and is described by family as crazy and fun.  She loved to laugh and have fun with her grandchildren, great, and great-great grandchildren and she loved babies.  She also loved the outdoors and loved to fish, trap and hunt; and taught many of her grandchildren to shoot.

Bonnie passed away on November 3, 2012.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Kern; children:  Patty Cahhal and Tommy Kern; grandchildren: Blue and Tammy; and siblings:  Lolly, Bill, Gene, and Nann

Bonnie is survived by her son, Rollie (Twyla) Kern of Russell; grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and brother Pate Culp.