News Headlines for July 30, 2026

LATIMER — Beverly Irene Root, 75, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories built around her family, her faith and the friendships she nurtured throughout the years.

A celebration of Beverly’s life is being planned and will be announced at a later date.

ST. ANSGAR — Barbara Jean Groth, 87, of St. Ansgar passed away Monday, July 27, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Home in St. Ansgar, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as a devoted educator, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose influence touched generations of families throughout Mitchell County.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar with Pastor Mark Squire officiating. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Friday at the church. Burial will follow at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, with a luncheon to be served afterward. Memorials may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church or St. Croix Hospice in Barbara’s memory.

GARNER — Sherrie A. Fandel, 61, of Garner, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 27, 2026, at Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt, leaving behind a loving family and many friends who will deeply miss her kind heart, gentle spirit and welcoming nature.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 1, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 810 State Street in Garner, with Rev. Joel Lintner officiating.

Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church, immediately before the memorial service. Memorials may be directed to the Garner Volunteer Ambulance.

MASON CITY — Jim C. Miller spent a lifetime building relationships, both through his work and the simple pleasures that brought family and friends together. Known for his easygoing nature, dedication to his loved ones and enjoyment of Iowa’s outdoors, Miller died Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the Rehabilitation Center of Hampton. He was 88.

A celebration of Jim’s life was held Saturday, July 25, at Major Erickson Funeral Home in Mason City. Memorials have been directed to his family.

MASON CITY — John M. Crowe, 88, of Mason City, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 27, 2026, at his home after receiving compassionate care from MercyOne North Iowa Hospice, leaving behind a loving family and a lifetime of service to the community he called home.

A visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2026, at Epiphany Parish-Holy Family Catholic Church, 722 N. Adams Ave. in Mason City.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the church with the Rev. Dave O’Connor officiating. Interment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City.

KENSETT — Roger Dale Clagett, 99, of Kensett, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 27, 2026, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood, concluding a life marked by steadfast faith, devotion to family and decades of service to his community.

Funeral service arrangements are pending. Roger will be laid to rest at Kensett Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Roger’s family.

GARNER — Anton C. Trca, a Korean War veteran, longtime dairy farmer and familiar figure in the Garner and Duncan communities, passed away peacefully Saturday, July 25, 2026, at his home. He was 92.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 30, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, with Father Nicholas Radloff officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites conducted by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, at Cataldo Funeral Chapel, 160 E. Fourth St. in Garner. A Catholic Workman, now FCSLA, rosary will begin at 3:15 p.m., followed by a Scriptural wake service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice.

MASON CITY — Jim Wardlaw, a 21-year Marine Corps veteran, former Cedar Falls business owner and devoted family man, passed away Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City. He was 89 and was surrounded by his family.

Cremation has taken place according to Jim’s wishes. No services are planned at this time. Memorials may be directed to his family.