Author: NIT Publisher

Steven F. Smith, 83, of Northwood, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at his home, surrounded by loved ones. Just months after the passing of his beloved wife, Patricia, Steve’s heart was ready to be with her again. After 63 years of marriage and a lifetime spent side by side, it seems only fitting that he would follow her lead once more, never a Valentine’s Day alone.

A time to greet friends and relatives will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Conner Colonial Chapel.

Laura J. Walton, 72, of Joice and recently of Good Shepherd in Mason City, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 13, 2026, after a decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. A Celebration of Laura’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in Northwood.

Jay Sturges, 88, of Clear Lake and formerly of Rockwell, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Apple Valley Assisted Living, surrounded by those he loved. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Faith United Church of Rockwell.

Alice Ann Barloon age 90 of Little Turkey, IA, died Saturday, February 14, 2026, at New Hampton Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

Christopher Bernard Huber, 68, of New Hampton (Jerico), Iowa, passed away at home on Saturday, February 14, 2026, of a rapid battle with small-cell carcinoma, with his wife and beloved pet companion, Thelma, by his side.

Debra Kay Fox, 67, of Sumner, died Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Home in West Union. A Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Friday, February 20, 2026, at the Westgate American Legion. A prayer service will be held at 5:00 PM on Friday.

Rita Mae Heusinkveld, 100, of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026, at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake, Iowa.

Marty Jay Ehret, age 74, passed away at his home on Friday, February 13, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved.

Marcella Smith, age 97 of Emmetsburg, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Lakeside Lutheran Home in Emmetsburg. Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until the time of service at the church. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Emmetsburg. Martin Mattice Funeral Home of Emmetsburg is assisting the family.

Dorothy L. Hill, 90, of Forest City passed away with her family by her side on Friday February 13, 2026 at the Good Samaritan Society in Forest City. Memorial services celebrating Dorothy’s life will take place at 10:30 A.M., Saturday March 14, 2026 at Schott Funeral Homes.

Michael Alan Hogfoss, 60, of Manly, passed away unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and services will be announced at a later date.

Mona Arends, 92, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, just shy of her 93rd birthday.

Charles “Chuck” Kenyon Marquardt, 71, of Mason City, Iowa, passed away February 11, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapels.