News Headlines for October 8, 2026

ESTHERVILLE — Deanna Kay (Linn) Sorbo, 79, of Estherville, died October 3, 2026, at the Estherville Community Care Center, surrounded by her family after a short but courageous battle with cancer. She leaves behind memories of a woman whose greatest joys were caring for her family, sharing home-cooked meals and serving her community.

Visitation will take place Friday, October 9, 2026, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Estherville Lutheran Church, 208 N. Eighth Street in Estherville. Her funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the church. East Side Cemetery in Estherville is listed as her final resting place.

GARNER — Marsha Lee Johnson, 76, of Garner, passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Methodist Campus, in Rochester, Minnesota. She leaves behind a family she treasured, deep roots in her church and a remarkable circle of friends whose adventures and support made them feel like family.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 10, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner, with the Rev. Scott Kozisek officiating. Inurnment will follow at Concord Township Cemetery. A memorial visitation is planned from 4 to 7 p.m. at Cataldo Funeral Chapel, 160 E. Fourth St., Garner, with additional visitation one hour before Saturday’s service at the church.

NASHUA — Judith “Judy” Ann Merfeld, 85, of Nashua, died Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Mayo Hospital – St. Mary’s Campus in Rochester, Minnesota, surrounded by her family.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, October 7, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Nashua, with Rev. Ray Atwood celebrating the Mass. Interment followed at Calvary Cemetery in Charles City.

Friends greeted the family Tuesday evening at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory – Olson Chapel in Nashua, where a rosary and scripture service were also held. Visitation continued Wednesday morning before the Mass.

NORA SPRINGS — Gary Spencer, 62, of Nora Springs, passed away peacefully October 4, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center, leaving behind memories of a generous heart, deep Christian faith and a special tenderness for animals in need.

Visitation will be held Monday, October 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. until noon at Sheckler Colonial Chapel, 114 N. Hawkeye Avenue in Nora Springs. A private family service will follow the visitation, with burial at Park Cemetery in Nora Springs.

MASON CITY — Charles Edmund “Chuck” Cooper, 73, of Mason City, died October 4, 2026, leaving a remarkable legacy as a music educator, Catholic deacon, Scout leader and advocate for neighbors in need.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 9, 2026, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Epiphany Parish–Holy Family Catholic Church, 722 N. Adams Avenue in Mason City. A Scriptural Wake Service will follow at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, October 10, at 10:30 a.m. at the church, followed by inurnment at Memorial Park Cemetery and a reception in the church basement. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Community Kitchen, Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank or the NIACC Music Department.

MASON CITY — Mardene “Marge” Berding, 80, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, leaving behind memories of a welcoming home, years spent serving customers at North Iowa businesses and a family that always came first.

A visitation will be held Monday, October 12, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue in Mason City. A Celebration of Life will follow at 4 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to a charity of the donor’s choice in Marge’s memory.