MCHS 1978: W - X - Y

Ron Wagner October 17, 1959 - May 26, 2023

Ronald Lee Wagner, 63, of Promise City, Iowa, formerly of Ankeny and
Mason City, Iowa, passed away on Friday, May 26, 2023 at the University of Iowa Hospital, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Ron was born October 17, 1959 to William and Mildred (Rivers) Wagner in Mason City, Iowa. He was one of four brothers. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1978 and was a graduate of ISU. During his time at ISU, Ron met his future wife, Judy Sulentic. Ron was united in marriage to Judy on June 4, 1983 and they were married for 21 years. They had one daughter, Elizabeth.

Ron was a teacher for many years, in and around the Des Moines area. Upon retirement, Ron moved to his farm in Promise City, Iowa. Ron was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Judy in 2005; parents, Bill and Mildred Wagner and in-laws, Emil and Joan Sulentic.

Ron is survived by his daughter, Beth and three brothers.

Craig Wales

Mark Walker

Jill Wallskog Huygens

I left Mason City in 1978, attended the College of St. Teresa and graduated in 1982 with a BSN. Jim and I were married in August of the same year. On our honeymoon we had to evacuate our hotel due to a fire, on our first vacation we had to evacuate our hotel due to flash flooding, on our first vacation as a family with two small children we had to evacuate our campsite due to a tornado. See a pattern? Everyday has been an adventure, most have been great fun, some have been kind of crazy and a few have been kind of frightening.

The past 36 years have been spent as a nurse, working in Neuro Intensive Care, Cardiac Triage and Emergency. My children refer to me as “not a real nurse” anymore as I have spent the last 20 years employed in administration. I can still stop bleeding but I can also tell you what requirements must be met to not violate federal regulations.

Jim and I live in West Des Moines with our two obese, poorly behaved basset hounds Mabel and Hank. We are officially “empty nesters,” our daughter Meredith graduated from ISU with a degree in Russian and lives in West Des Moines working for an annuity company. Our son Addison is living in Iowa City working on his PhD in Political Science and International Relations.

Jim and I love traveling, finding odd places to visit and try not to get arrested for trespassing! Several years ago, we started mapping forgotten cemeteries, this has included climbing fences, driving through farm fields and being chased by cows. I am the CEO of Marble Garden Tours, we don’t really give tours or produce anything but I do have official looking business cards. On one trip we were once chased by a black SUV down a gravel road, however this occurred in Rachel, Nevada and may have had something do with being on government property….. We also try to get to as many baseball games as possible including the Iowa Cubs and several major league games around the country. We attended a Packers game in Green Bay, it was a religious experience!

On a serious note, I am a cancer survivor. In 2010 Jim insisted on both of us having an age 50 screening colonoscopy done. I fussed about it and put it off but finally agreed to do it and it saved my life. One month before turning 51 I was diagnosed with Stage III colorectal cancer, I did not have any symptoms. I had a year of chemo, radiation and several surgeries. Today I am in good health and thankful every day. Thankful for treatment, thankful for testing and thankful for a husband who wouldn’t let me skip the test. Please take care of your health, get screenings done and don’t put them off.

I will miss seeing everyone at the reunion, it sounds like a great time. My email address is mimbet@mchsi.com and I would love to hear from you!

Allan Wander

Melody Ward Hartz

Frosty Ward - October 6, 2015

NORWALK | Forrest "Frosty" Ward, 55, of Norwalk formerly of Mason City, died Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015, in Norwalk.

Frosty was born April 13, 1960, in Mason City, the son of Donald A. and Virginia L. (Doughty) Ward. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1978. Frosty attended North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) then received his BA degree from the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls. He later received his master's degree from Western Illinois University. Frosty became a teacher in the Maquoketa school system and later the Mason City school system. Most recently, he was substitute teaching in Saydel. Frosty had been married to Jennifer Yoder. To this union were born two daughters.

Frosty is survived by his children, Carly Ward, a student at the University of Iowa and Maggie Ward of Marion; grandson, Bently; mother, Virginia L. Ward of Mason City; sisters, Beverly (Bob) Horner of Mason City, Rebecca Mackin of Palm Beach, Florida, Jennifer Leisinger of Ventura, California, Donna (Gary Rosenthal) Sklavenitis of Mason City and Mary Beth Coon of Norwalk; several nieces and nephews.

Frosty was preceded in death by his father.

Lori Wastier Alman - November 6, 2001

MESQUITE, Texas - Lori Ann Alman, 42, passed away Tuesday (Nov. 6, 2001) after an arduous, but courageous struggle with pancreatic cancer.

She was born Oct. 14, 1959, in Newton, Iowa to Bonnie and Rollo and was their firstborn. She was also baptized there at First Christian Church.

At an age of one year, her small family moved to Marshalltown, where her brother, Rodney Allen Wastier was born March 5, 1963, followed a mere 12 months later by her sister, Susan Renee Wastier, on March 6, 1964.

At the age of five, her suddenly larger family moved to Mason City where she resided until the age of 19. While there, she attended Garfield Elementary and later, John Adams Junior High, Mason City High School, and North Iowa Area Community College.

During her all too brief life, she had many pets including guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, dogs named Ginger, Taffy, and Spunky; cats named Butch, Bugsy Jr., Sylvester, Fritz, Shadow, Zak, Beau, Samantha, and Miss Kitty a.k.a. One-Ton.

She was employed during her teenage years at Dairy Queen (having to contend with boisterous and hungry crowds after Mohawk football games), Sears in Customer Service (where, little did she know, she would be working with her future in-laws and husband), and finally, at Stevenson's Women's Wear.

After befriending and two years later, dating her present husband, Mark, she moved with him to the warmer climes of Dallas, Texas, in June of 1979, after he was offered a job at Texas Instruments upon graduation from NIACC.

She got an entry-level job at McNeal Real Estate Management, and she and Mark bought a house in Mesquite, Texas, a nearby suburb in August of 1982. She attended four years of college at Richland and Eastfield Community Colleges in Dallas and rose to the positions of accountant and leasing agent.

Mark and Lori were married at the church his parents and grandparents were married at on May 24, 1980, at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in Mason City, after Lori converted to the Catholic faith.

In the summer of 1984, Lori and Mark were blessed by the arrival of their oldest son, Andrew William on July 11th, at Mesquite Community Hospital. He is now a senior in the Renaissance Honors Program at North Mesquite High School, very close to Eagle, employed at Best Buy of Mesquite, and was active in football and soccer, the latter under the sometimes exasperating coaching of his dad, for nine years. He is still active in Boy Scouts in Troop 67, of Northside Baptist where his dad has been Scoutmaster for over three years and will be backpacking next July in the Rockies of Philmont Scout Ranch. He was in Cub Scouts at Range Elementary at Pack 855, where his dad was Cubmaster for five years (He can't get away from this guy!). His mom was Pack Treasurer, Den Leader, and "My-Girl-Friday" for Mark. He plans on attending either Texas A & M or the University of Dallas, after graduating, and majoring in Computer Science or Software Engineering.

Again, in the summer, their second son, Alexander Michael was born two weeks late on Aug. 2, 1988, at Mesquite Community Hospital. He presently is in the eighth grade at McDonald Middle School in the Advanced Placement Program and has played basketball for two years in a row and is on the yearbook staff. Like Andrew, he was in Cubs at Pack 855 in the Flaming Dragons Den, with Lori as Den Leader and is the rank of Star at Boy Scout Troop 67. He will be participating on horseback Calvacade trek with his dad, also at Philmont Scout Ranch in July. After playing several years of soccer, with the assistant coaching of his dad, once again, he switched to baseball where he has been the starting pitcher, and first baseman for the Texans and Indians under the excellent coaching of Chuck Stafford, an ex-minor league pitcher for the Texas Rangers. Chuck has been a great influence on his young lefty and has blossomed nicely under his tutelage! He will be a freshman at North Mesquite next fall.

Finally, Lori and Mark were blessed with their pink bundle of sunshine when Allison Lauren was born, in the summer once again, on July 23, 1993. She is currently a third grader at Range Elementary and is active in softball (Go, Mijas!) and is in Girl Scout Troop 1718 under the fun and exuberant leadership of Sharon Pope. She is and always will be the spitting image of her now dear departed Mom.

In April of 1998, Lori was a founding member of Boy Scout Troop 67 of Vanston Middle School, along with husband, Mark, and Beverly Lanford. Up to the time of her death, Lori served on the Committee, as Troop Treasurer and as sounding board for Scoutmaster and husband, Mark.

In the nineties and up to the onset of her illness, Lori worked for Compass Real Estate Management and, for too short time, at Wilson and Associates and making many, many, friends along the way.

To celebrate her life and cherish her memory, she leaves behind Mark, who regarded Lori as his best friend, soul mate, conscience, critic and all-around buddy of almost 25 years. Aforementioned sons, Andrew and Alex, and daughter, Allison; mother, Bonnie Bryant and her husband, Jim, of Weslaco, Texas; father, Rolo Wastier and his wife, Linda, of Mason City; brother, Rod Wastier, of Dallas, Texas; sister, Susan Garrett, and nephew, Tyler, of Minneapolis, Minn.; mother and father-in-law, William (Bill) and Elizabeth (Betty) Alman, of Mason City; brother-in-law, Jeff Alman, of Nevada, Texas; and nieces, Nicole and Ashley, of Rockwall, Texas; brother-in-law, Brian Alman, and wife, Kim, of Bettendorf, Iowa, and nieces,Brianne and Brooklyn, and nephew, Brent; and sister-in-law, Stephanie Schatzke, and husband, Mike, of Omaha, Neb. A plethora of friends, neighbors, Scouters, and Scouting families in Mesquite, both Boy Scout and Girl Scout, and a vast array of co-workers also will fondly remember her.

We would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for the help, support, thoughts and prayers from the individuals mentioned above and also to the staff at the Texas Cancer Center in Mesquite and at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, the American Cancer Society and, in her final days, Odyssey Hospice for the invaluable help during Lori's six month journey.

Come celebrate and cherish her life and the end of her suffering.

Becky Webner Blair

Hi everyone! To sum up the last 40 (really?) years in a nutshell......married 33 years, raised 3 kids to be decent human beings, worked many different jobs, volunteered everywhere that would have me, live in Texas, and now a Nana. My current job for the last 11 years is in Adult Education helping people earn their GED's. Very rewarding watching them change their lives.

This is the first reunion I will miss, and I was looking forward to it. I have a feeling that this will be the best one yet. We are going on a family trip of a lifetime to Zimbabwe, so when you are partying I will probably be out looking at a giraffe somewhere. I made a pact with Irma Esquivel Toles that we would dance together at the 50th, so I hope to see you all then!

Jeanne Weiss Blutt

Rhonda Wells

Steve Wendel

Connie Wendorf

Paul West - July 4, 2009

WHITEFISH BAY, Wis. — Paul Erick West, 51, of Whitefish Bay, Wis., peacefully bridged the loving arms of his family at home to the open arms of Jesus.

A brain tumor claimed his life, but Paul never allowed it to conquer his subtle sense of humor, his unconditional love for family and friends or his quiet and persistent devotion to caring for his wife, Jennifer, and three sons, Erick, Colin and Parker. He handled his disease as he handled his life — with grace, dignity and more concern for others than himself.

Paul was born to George and Norma West and grew up in Mason City, Iowa, where from an early age, he showed an uncanny ability to make and retain deep and lasting friendships. He remained in close contact with several high school buddies throughout his life and to the end of his days continued to receive shipments of his favorite treat, paximadia, from the mother of a friend.

Paul graduated from St. Olaf College in 1982 with a degree in economics and an eclectic collection of friends and misdemeanors. He began work on an MBA at St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minn. and couch-surfed between the homes of various friends and his brother before landing at a house on Portland Avenue with a group of friends. During this period he played on a softball team with his brother, created time with his father, who had been diagnosed with ALS, and became the proud owner of the Wild, Wild, Webs, a rotisserie baseball team.

He met his future wife, Jennifer, at the wedding of a cousin. They were engaged after three months and married on Aug. 31, 1986. Jennifer dated him because of his wickedly subtle sense of humor; she married him because of his compassionate and unwavering care for his father during his illness. He loved her in spite of the constant projects and causes she roped him into. Paul was a quietly affectionate, devoted husband who truly put the superlative in the term “best friend;” his commitment to his vows and his marriage were a manifestation of his deep and abiding love.

Paul was also a wonderful, giving father to his three sons. He provided the gentlest of nurturing, and always found a creative way to solve problems and lighten moods. He was closely bonded to his boys and did not spare himself in the development of their character. He built a pirate ship and various other structures in the back yard each Halloween to support their charitable “Haunted Backyard” efforts, and spent many days at Kohler-Andrae Park, hiking, camping and sitting around a fire. His sons did not share his love of televised sports, much to his chagrin, but they and other children benefited from Paul’s years of coaching their baseball teams. As a father, he instructed his sons in handy household repairs and yardwork; he also modeled decency, patience, honor and faith.

Music was always an important part of Paul’s life, as were his friends. He was a dedicated employee of Blue Cross & Blue Shield for 20 years. He was an active member of Fox Point Lutheran Church and grateful to serve with Interfaith.

Paul’s favorite places and activities included Camp Aquila; Clear Lake; sailing, golfing, baseball and fishing; St. Olaf, especially Christmas choir concerts; Milwaukee County Zoo; the Kentucky Derby and horse racing; Lake Vermilion, Minn.; Ireland/Wales/Scotland; Kohler-Andrae Park; Galveston, Texas; Disney World; coaching baseball; the Haunted Backyard; WFBHS orchestra concerts and swim meets; gardening with his wife; Irish Fest; Two Harbors, Minn.; Fox Point Lutheran Church; and anything his kids did.

Paul is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and his three sons, Erick, Colin and Parker. Other family includes his mother, Norma West Heiny (Jim) of Mason City; brother George (Anne) of Minneapolis, Minn.; sisters Martha Krone (Phil) of Sioux City and Elizabeth Tusler of Irmo, S.C.; their families; aunt and uncle Ray and Wilma Western and cousins; cousin Gordon Campbell; and loving relatives by marriage. He was preceded in death by his father, George H. West Jr.

Paul’s kind and gentle spirit lives in the hearts of those who loved him and shared his life.

The family would like to thank Drs. Anderson, Krouwer, Kurpad, Malkin, Mueller, and Schulz; Renae; and Wheaton Franciscan Hospice for the care and support they provided Paul.

Barb Westfall

John White

Lisa White Steffen

I am still living on a far west of Forest City. My husband, Jim, and I have been married for almost 28 years. I am employed by Mercy North Iowa East Campus in Mason City as a medical technologist in the laboratory. I have been a tech for 38 years, but I will be celebrating my 2-year anniversary at Mercy this July. I am planning on retiring in the next couple of years or at least working part-time. Then, hopefully, we can be closer to our kids.

Our daughter, Natalie, and her husband, Justin, live in Omaha with our 4-year-old granddaughter, Natalie is an executive assistant to an owner of the "D.J. DugOut's" and Justin works for Farm Credit. Our daughter, Nicole, lives in Des Moines and owns and operates "Preservation" - an awesome shop in the East Village. She is also a photographer. Our son, Nolan, and his wife Katie also live in Omaha. Nolan is an orthopedic representative for Johnson and Johnson/DePuy. And Katie is a property manager. I also have 5 really great grandpups as well!

We enjoy traveling in the winter and I love gardening in the warmer months. I also can and preserve fruits and vegetables. And I love to bake. So looking forward to our class reunion.

David Whitney August 17, 2022

David C. Whitney, 62, of Mason City, died on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at MercyOne North Iowa Hospice Inpatient Unit.

David will be laid to rest at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery surrounded by his loving family.

Memorials may be directed to the family of David Whitney.

David Carter Whitney was born on March 11, 1960, to parents Royal and Barbara (Hartley) Whitney in Mason City. David attended Mason City High School and graduated in 1978. After receiving his diploma, David enlisted in the United States Army, and he worked as an Army Ranger. David was discharged in 1981.

David was united in marriage to Jean Ritter on July 2, 1998, in Albert Lea, Minnesota. The couple just had their 24th wedding anniversary.

Over the years, David worked various jobs in the area, but most recently, he was employed at O’Reilly Auto Parts, and he retired in 2020. David loved to be outdoors; he was a member of the Men’s Gardening Club and he loved to fish. David was known for his lovable sense of humor, his joyous spirit, and starting every day on a positive note, often singing and humming tunes in the mornings. David was a devoted husband, brother and friend and he will be dearly missed by those who knew him and loved him. He will be cherished by many for years to come.

David is survived by his wife of 24 years, Jean Whitney; sister, Mary (Robert) Stearns; sister-in-law, Suzanne (Steve) Volkmer; nieces, Lauren, Sarah, Jessica and Lora; lifelong friends, Tom Kitner and Randy Gourley, and his beloved fur babies, Andy and Bailey.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Royal and Barbara Whitney; and brother, John (Wendy) Whitney.

Michelle Whorley Ligas

Kirt Wike

Jerry Williams

Kim Williams Hill

Julie Wilson Peckham

Tom Wilson - May 15, 2010

HOUSTON, Texas —Thomas Brian Wilson, 49, passed away on May 15, 2010, at his home.

Thomas was born on June 3, 1960, in Des Moines to Don and Dorothy Wilson. He attended Mason City High, NIACC and Iowa State University with a B.S. degree in electrical engineering. He enjoyed his work as an electrical engineer and was a longtime member of IEEE.

Tom spent much of his free time volunteering as a firefighter, enjoying hockey games, riding his motorcycle, swimming, and visiting his family. He also was a dedicated volunteer at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital in Houston.

Tom was a devoted and loving father, son, brother and friend.

Tom is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth Wilson of Madison, Wis., and Vanessa (Brandon) Lindsey of Nevada; grandson, Tucker Lindsey of Nevada; parents, Don and Dorothy Wilson of West Des Moines; brothers, Don (Lisa) Wilson of Roanoke, Va., Greg (Joan) Wilson of Omaha, Neb., and Gary (Jill) Wilson of Kalispell, Mont.

Michele Wiskus Odegaard