Joseph “Joe” Edward Bouska, a Charles City man remembered for his deep Catholic faith, years of farming, sense of humor and love for life’s simple pleasures, has died at the age of 90.

Bouska passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 3, 2026, at 9th Street Chautauqua in Charles City.

OSAGE — Glendon Alvin Borchardt, an Osage man whose long life connected him to family, friends and loved ones across generations, died Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Home in Osage. He was 89.

Michael “Mike” Steven Forbes, a rural Rockford man whose life stretched from farm work and manufacturing to books, gardens, fishing holes and family, has died at the age of 71.

Forbes died Monday, June 1, 2026, at home after a three-year battle with lung cancer.

He was born Feb. 26, 1955, at Park Hospital in Mason City to Charles L. and LeNore V. Forbes.

Jason J. Smith, a man whose life will be remembered by those who knew and loved him, has died at the age of 43.

Smith was born Oct. 13, 1982, and passed away May 29, 2026.

OSAGE – Vera Marie Kasel, an Osage woman remembered for a lifetime of caring for family, serving her church and staying deeply involved in her community, died Saturday, May 30, 2026. She was 90.

PLYMOUTH — Velma Barnes, 85, of Plymouth, a North Iowa woman known by many as the town historian, died on May 23, 2026, leaving behind a legacy tied closely to family, memory and the community she called home.

Over the years, Barnes became known as Plymouth’s “town historian,” someone who carried memories of the community, its people and its past. In small towns, those stories matter. Barnes helped preserve that sense of place, holding onto the names, moments and family connections that help define a community across generations.

BRITT — Jerry F. Barker, a lifelong Britt-area man remembered for his devotion to family, steady work ethic and love of local sports, died Monday, May 25, 2026, at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge. He was 70.

Joan Marie Hartwell Strickler, a north Iowa woman whose life began in Mason City and carried forward through family, community and the many relationships built over 92 years, has died.

Strickler was born April 14, 1934, in Mason City, the daughter of Leland Harold Hartwell and Ruth Marie Treloar Hartwell.

She passed away May 28, 2026, at Rehabilitation Center of Allison.

NORTHWOOD — Craig Edward Zipse, a Northwood man remembered for his work ethic, devotion to family and love of fixing vehicles, has passed away.

Zipse, 63, died unexpectedly in his sleep on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at his home in Northwood. He was born on September 18, 1962, in Mason City, the son of John and Nalda Zipse.

SPIRIT LAKE – Harvey Melven Berg, a Forest City native remembered for his steady presence, caring heart and deep devotion to family, died May 28, 2026, in Spirit Lake. He was 70.

CLEAR LAKE — Gail Marion Harringa, a Clear Lake woman remembered by loved ones for a life centered around family and care for others, has passed away.

Harringa, 89, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on May 25, 1936.

NEW HAMPTON – James Francis Laures, a lifelong New Hampton man remembered for his steady work ethic, military service, love of conversation and devotion to family, died Thursday, May 28, 2026, at MercyOne New Hampton Medical Center. He was 88.

Laures was born January 26, 1938, in New Hampton to Felix and Margaret Laures. He grew up in the community and graduated from New Hampton High School with the class of 1957.

CLEAR LAKE — Sean William Miller, formerly of Clear Lake, is being remembered after his death on May 16, 2026.

Miller, 35, was born on October 12, 1990. He had most recently lived in Denver, Iowa, and had ties to the Clear Lake community.

A Celebration of Life Visitation for Miller will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Avenue North in Clear Lake.

SPIRIT LAKE — Harvey Melven Berg, a Forest City native remembered as a steady, caring family man with deep love for those closest to him, has died at age 70.

Berg passed away on May 28, 2026, in Spirit Lake, Iowa.

CLEAR LAKE — Gail Marion Harringa, a Clear Lake woman remembered for a life built around family, kindness and care for others, has passed away.

Harringa, 89, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on May 25, 1936.

MASON CITY — Patricia Lou Waddell, a Mason City native whose life was marked by kindness, family devotion, hard work and a generous spirit, died May 27, 2026, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf. She was 85.

Patricia was born February 21, 1941, in Mason City, the daughter of Earl and Mildred Gerard. She graduated from Mason City High School with the class of 1959 and later built a working life that included many years as a receptionist with Equipto Company before retiring from Steiner in 2007.

GARNER — A Northern Iowa man whose life was shaped by hard work, Catholic faith, family gatherings, trucking, motorcycles and racing has passed away.

MASON CITY — Darlene “Punkie” Palmer, a strong-willed Mason City woman remembered for her independence, devotion to family, love of gardening and years of work connected to North Iowa schools, has died at age 81.

Palmer passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the IOOF Home in Mason City, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

MASON CITY – Larry Davis, a Mason City man remembered for his devotion to family, his faith, his years of work and his love of hunting, fishing and helping others, has died.

Davis, 83, of Mason City, died May 18, 2026.