News Headlines for November 14, 2026

CHARLES CITY — Janet Lea “Jan” McGovern, 81, of Charles City, a longtime Howard County supervisor whose political career included a notable Democratic National Convention vote and two decades of service to Northern Iowa residents, died Thursday, November 12, 2026, at her home after living with cancer.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home in Riceville. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Saturday, November 21, at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Riceville.

CHARLES CITY — Cynthia “Cindy” Marie Thornton, 51, of Charles City, a lively and outspoken woman whose quick wit, contagious laughter and love for her family left lasting memories with those who knew her, passed away Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at her home.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, November 15, at 3 p.m. at Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home, 1205 South Main Street in Charles City, with Pastor Matt Howlett of First Baptist Church officiating. Visitation will take place from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, immediately before the service. Burial will be held at a later date at Riverside Cemetery in Charles City.

DICKENS — Phyllis Ann Krukow, 97, of Dickens, a devoted mother and grandmother, former school cook and award-winning community volunteer whose generous spirit touched generations of Iowa families, passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at the Ruthven Care Center.

Funeral services will be held Monday, November 16, at 11 a.m. at Geelan Funeral Home, 403 11th Street SE, in Spencer. Visitation will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. before the service. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at Poland Township Cemetery near Marathon. The funeral will also be livestreamed through the funeral home’s website for those unable to attend.

MASON CITY — Gordon C. Kammrad, 97, formerly of Mason City, whose long working life, devotion to his family and involvement in the Lions Club reflected a lifetime of dedication and service, passed away Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at the Sheffield Care Center.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 17, from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 North Pennsylvania Avenue, in Mason City. Funeral services will follow at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor Jani Dahlin officiating. Gordon will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery in Sheffield. Memorial contributions may be directed to his family.

MASON CITY — Jeanne Lenore (Danehy) Argos, 96, a former Cerro Gordo County Recorder, longtime community volunteer and active participant in local politics, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at Nora Springs Care Center, surrounded by her family.

A Memorial Mass will be held Monday, November 16, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Epiphany Parish – Holy Family Catholic Church, 714 N. Adams Avenue in Mason City. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., immediately preceding the service. Inurnment will be held at St. Patrick Cemetery in Dougherty at a later date. Fullerton Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

OSAGE — Frank Joseph Theis, 69, a lifelong North Iowa farmer, devoted family man and active member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, passed away Wednesday, November 11, 2026, on his farm near Osage, doing what he loved most — farming.

A rosary will be offered at 3:30 p.m. Monday, November 16, 2026, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 2985 360th Street in New Haven. Visitation will follow the rosary, beginning at approximately 4 p.m. and continuing until 7 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 17, at the church, with an additional visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home of Riceville is assisting the family with arrangements.