Cataldo Funeral Home - Britt Chapel Obituaries

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Cataldo Funeral Home - Britt Chapel is a trusted and compassionate funeral home located in the heart of Britt, Iowa. For generations, our family-owned and operated funeral home has been dedicated to providing exceptional service and support to families during their most difficult times. Our commitment to excellence, integrity, and personalized care sets us apart from other funeral homes in the area.

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At Cataldo Funeral Home - Britt Chapel, we understand that losing a loved one is never easy. That's why we're dedicated to providing a comforting and supportive environment for families to celebrate the life of their dearly departed. Our experienced and empathetic staff is trained to listen, guide, and support you every step of the way, ensuring that your loved one receives the dignified farewell they deserve.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Donald D. Tegtmeyer - September 15, 1928 - June 25, 2022

Departed: 06/25/2022 (Britt)

Obituary Preview: Donald D. Tegtmeyer, 93, of Britt passed away Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa. There will be no visitation.

Donald Dean Tegtmeyer, the son of Carl and Hannah (Amerson) Tegtmeyer, was born September 15, 1928, on a farm north of Woden. He attended school at Woden until the 8th grade and then began working construction for Herman Buns in Woden and Britt. Don served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from October 15, 1952 to August 7, 1954. At the time of his honorable discharge, he achieved the rank of Sergeant and was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart. On December 12, 1958, he married Anna Folkerts at Ramsey Reformed Church near Titonka. They lived in the Woden area until 1968, when they moved into Britt. Don continued to work for Buns Construction and later was employed in the maintenance department at Westview Care Center in Britt. Don enjoyed gardening and spending winters in Texas.

He was a member of First Lutheran Church and the Woden American Legion.

Don is survived by his three children, Karen Tegtmeyer of Johnston, IA, Larry (Kathy) Tegtmeyer of Wichita Falls, TX and Diane Tegtmeyer of Urbandale; three grandchildren, Megan, Andrew and Matthew Tegtmeyer; three sisters, Arlene Gerdis of Colorado Springs, CO, Doreen Felder of Florida and Sonja Brady of Garner; a brother, Ervin (Connie) Tegtmeyer of Woden; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Anna, April 17, 2020; a sister, Frances Swanson; two brothers, Kenneth and Harvey Tegtmeyer; and two brothers-in-law, Roger Brady and Lawrence Swanson.

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Robert "Bob" D. Baack - August 17, 1929 - June 08, 2022

Departed: 06/08/2022 (Britt)

Obituary Preview: Robert “Bob” D. Baack, 92, of Britt passed away Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at his home.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 15, 2022, at First Lutheran Church in Britt with Pastor Anna Wolf officiating. Inurnment will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 16, 2022 at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Memorials may be directed to Gateway Hospice, Britt Fire Department, West Hancock Ambulance Service or First Lutheran Church.

Robert Dean Baack, the son of Herman and Lillie (Blumer) Baack, was born August 17, 1929, on a farm near Klemme. He attended elementary school at Klemme and graduated from Klemme High School in 1949. After graduation, Bob was drafted into the U.S. Marine Corp where he was a cook for the officers. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, he returned home and farmed with his father. On November 20, 1954, he married Ruth Fuller at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City and to this union was born a son, Jeff and a daughter, Kris. Bob and Ruth were partners in farming until moving into Britt. Bob worked for Monte Miller and Sons until he retired. He enjoyed raising flowers and showing his unique designs to everyone who stopped by. Bob had a big vegetable garden and gave most of the excess produce away. Bob also enjoyed fishing trips to northern Minnesota, where he went for many years and also fishing the piers off Lake Michigan. Most of all he enjoyed the times his family came home for visits and being with his grandchildren.

He was a member of First Lutheran Church in Britt.

Bob is survived by his wife, Ruth of Britt; son, Jeff Baack and wife, Tammy of Kansas City, Missouri; daughter, Kris and husband, Tim Heaton of Oregon, Wisconsin; his grandchildren, Martin and Lindsey (Heaton) Casillas of Roseville, CA, Scott and Erin (Heaton) Jaeger of Sheboygan Falls, WI, Kyle and Becky (Baack) Smith of Germantown, TN and Thomas Baack of Kansas City, MO; great granddaughters, Myla and Kylie Jaeger of Sheboygan Falls, WI; sisters-in-law, Jean Baack and Dorothy Lavender; brother-in-law, Donald Fuller and wife, Bernadine; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, sister and in-laws, Caris “Barney” and Ethel Kropp, Edward and Norma Mauritz, Paul and Darlene Baack, Roy and Bernice Baack, Jim and Dorothy Howie, Richard Baack, Cecil Fuller, Neola Horn, Bill Lavender and Walter and Shirley Fuller.

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Nels E. Jensen - March 24, 1924 - April 22, 2022

Departed: 04/22/2022 (Britt)

Obituary Preview: Nels E. Jensen, 98, of Britt passed away Friday, April 22, 2022, at Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 28, 2022, at Britt Evangelical Free Church with Pastor Jon Bliesmer officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday at Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt and will resume one hour prior to services at the church.

Nels Edward Jensen, the son of V. Bernhard and Anna (Peterson) Jensen, was born March 24, 1924, near Britt. He attended the rural schools north of Britt until the eighth grade and then helped his father on the farm. On March 9, 1947, he married Eleanor Chizek at St. Boniface Catholic Church rectory in Garner. They farmed near Eagle Lake and Hayfield before moving to their farm north of Britt in 1975. After Eleanor passed away in 2010, he continued to live on the acreage and farmed with his son, Marlin, until moving to Summit House in Britt in 2018. He enjoyed his family and deer hunting.

He was a member of Upper Flat Evangelical Free Church north of Britt.

Nels is survived by his three children, Janeen Hempler of Lake Havasu City, AZ, Eileen Schutter of Oakdale, MN and Marlin (Donna) Jensen of Mason City; six grandchildren, Anita Hempler, Marie Johnson, Scott (Janice) Schutter, Candace Hempler, Susan (Dan) Lindstrom and Christopher Jensen; four great grandchildren, Ryan and Claire Schutter and Eleanor and Spencer Lindstrom; and several nieces and nephews.

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Brian L. Nedved - May 06, 1964 - February 17, 2022

Departed: 02/17/2022 (Britt)

Obituary Preview: Brian L. Nedved, 57, of Britt passed away Thursday, February 17, 2022, at the University of Minnesota Medical Center – East Campus in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at First Lutheran Church in Britt with Pastor Anna Wolf officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Britt.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Monday at Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Brian Lynn Nedved, the son of Arnold and Leola (Lacey) Nedved, was born May 6, 1964, in Mason City, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Britt, where he was a member. Brian grew up on a small farm outside Britt, where he helped his dad farm. He loved farm work and was a member of the local FFA chapter in high school. After graduating from Britt High School in 1982, he worked at Marting Manufacturing in Britt before taking a job at Winnebago Industries, in Forest City, Iowa, where he worked on the lines with RV manufacturing. He took a break from working to attend North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) in Mason City. After completing an associate degree, he returned to Winnebago Industries, where he continued to work for over 30 years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed local deer hunting and turkey hunting in eastern Iowa, where he also spent much time exploring and fishing the streams there for brown, brook, and rainbow trout. Wherever he went, Brian loved to seek out new breakfast and lunch places, engaging the locals as the “visitor” that he was and making new connections with people. Just before his passing, he was looking forward to a trip to eastern Iowa for the maple syrup season.

Brian is survived by his mother, Leola “Lee” Nedved of Britt; two brothers, Michael (Michelle) Nedved of Downingtown, PA, and Rodney (Shawna) Nedved of Wentzville, MO; nieces and nephews, Josh, Chloe, Kayla, Aaron, and Nicholas Nedved; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

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Lois Darlene Hansmeier - March 07, 1937 - February 05, 2022

Departed: 02/05/2022 (Britt)

Obituary Preview: Lois Darlene Hansmeier, 84, of Corwith passed away Saturday, February 5, 2022 at the Clarion Wellness and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 11, 2022 at the United Methodist Church in Corwith with Pastor Denise Lindemann officiating. Burial will be 3:00 p.m., Friday at Sunny Hill Cemetery in Adair, Iowa.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 10, 2022 at Cataldo Funeral Home, 178 First Ave. S.W., Britt and will resume one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

If so desired, memorials preferred to the discretion of the family.

Lois Darlene Hansmeier, the daughter of Paul and Frances (Wortman) Nilges was born March 7, 1937 near Atlantic, Iowa. She attended Des Moines Township School and graduated from high school. On September 21, 1957 she was married to Donald E. Hansmeier in the parsonage of the United Methodist Church in Crystal Lake. They lived in Corwith where they raised their two children. Darlene was an accomplished musician and taught both piano and organ lessons in her home and at her employer for many years. Among her accomplishments was accompanying students at Corwith-Wesley school for musical competitions. Before being employed by North Iowa Sewing and Music in Algona, Humboldt and Mason City, she enjoyed several years of traveling across the country with her husband and children while Don was employed by Winnebago Industries which included trips to the rallies in New Orleans and Mardi Gras. She then worked at Bill’s Red Owl in Garner, Dollar General in Britt, Bomgaar’s in Algona and finally, Kmart in Algona for close to 13 years. She also played organ for church services at the United Methodist Church in Corwith for many years. She enjoyed teaching music, crocheting and sewing including making most of her children’s clothing. Darlene also had a large collection of bells and a profound love of horses.

Darlene is survived by her daughter, Peggy Sue Smith of West Des Moines; son, Dale (Katie) Hansmeier of Apple Valley, MN; four grandsons, Donovan Smith, Andrew (Tiffany) Smith, Paul Hansmeier and Zachary Hansmeier; two great grandchildren, Reilynn Martin and Rowhen Smith; two step great granddaughters, Madi and Sage Goehry; sister-in-law, Gerry Hansmeier; three nieces, four nephews and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald in 2015; twin brothers, Dean and Dale Nilges; and brother-in-law, Calvin Hansmeier.

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Maxine M. Zeigler - September 12, 1924 - January 28, 2022

Departed: 01/28/2022 (Britt)

Obituary Preview: Maxine M. Zeigler, 97, of Corwith passed away peacefully Friday, January 28, 2022 at Concord Care Center in Garner.

Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at St. John Lutheran Church in Corwith with Pastor Denise Lindemann officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Britt.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, February 7, 2022 at Cataldo Funeral Home, 178 First Ave. S.W., Britt and will resume one hour prior to services at the church.

Maxine Mae Zeigler, the daughter of Samuel and Nellie (McCutcheon) Umstead, was born September 12, 1924 on the family farm near Renwick. A few years later the family moved to Eagle Grove where Maxine attended grade school and graduated from Eagle Grove High School in May of 1943. On October 24, 1943 she was married to Dale Zeigler at her parent’s home in Eagle Grove. Dale and Maxine would make their home on the Zeigler family farm near Corwith until June 10, 1944 when Dale was called to serve his country during WW II. They would go to Fort Ord in Salinas, CA and live there until Dale’s discharge on January 11, 1946. They would then return to the Zeigler family farm and start their farming operation, livestock raising, and milking adventure, which continued on until Dale’s passing away in 1977. They made that farm their home and raised their family there. Maxine stayed on the farm into her elder years with the help of her son, David and her grandson, Jason Dean Tripp. She moved to Concord Care Center in Garner after David passed away in March 2020. Maxine had a large garden and would can and freeze the vegetables for her family. She was a great cook and excellent baker. She enjoyed entertaining her family and friends with her great meals and desserts. Maxine and Dale enjoyed fishing trips to northern Minnesota, taking family members and friends to their favorite place, Kozy Kabin Kamp at Merrifield, MN. Throughout their married life Maxine enjoyed spending time in Eagle Grove with her family, while Dale was auctioneering at the Eagle Grove Sale Barn which was owned by her father and brother, LeRoy. Maxine was always willing to offer a helping hand to family and friends whenever it was needed. After the tornado in Belmond in 1966, she went there with a group of ladies to help cook and serve the people in the community. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and when they were younger, she would have them come and stay a week in the summer with her. She would take them to the town park and to the Kanawha Swimming Pool. Maxine was baptized at the Methodist Church in Eagle Grove in 1942. She took confirmation in the Christian faith at St. John Lutheran Church in Corwith and became a member August 18, 1946. She was a member of the church circles and belong to a neighborhood club DYT Club (Do You Try to Help Your Neighbors). She enjoyed reading and visiting with her neighbors and family. The coffee pot was always on in Maxine’s house.

Maxine is survived by her children, Ronald Zeigler of Britt, Nelda (Kelly) Jackson of Garner and Amber (Steve) Soria of Clear Lake; nine grandchildren, Allan Zeigler, Jason Dean Tripp, Nicole Bruce-Rootkie (Curt), Angie (Josh) Roelofsen, Allison Jackson (Levi), Eric (Suzi) Welsh, Danielle Welsh, Joey Welsh (Mariah) and Michelle Jackson (Chris); six great grandchildren, McKinze Zeigler Berg, Colton Bruce, (Hailey), Adyson Rootkie, Brynlee Rootkie, Zayne Zeigler and Grace Welsh; one great-great grandson, Carson Berg; a sister-in-law, Delores Umstead of Cedar Falls; and many nieces and nephews.

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Patricia K. Chisholm - March 02, 1948 - January 15, 2022

Departed: 01/15/2022 (Britt)

Obituary Preview: Our earthly angel, Patricia “Pat” Kay Chisholm, 73, passed away Saturday, January 15, 2022 at her home in Minneapolis, MN surrounded by her loving family and under the loving care of Hospice.

A memorial visitation will be Saturday, January 22, 2022, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with a service to follow, at the Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt. Inurnment will be in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Duncan.

Pat was born March 2, 1948 in Britt, Iowa to Robert and Phyllis (Holecek) Nedved. She graduated from Britt High School in 1966 and from there went on to Mankato Commercial College. Pat married the late Gerald “Jerry” L. Paulsen, April 10, 1976, in Mason City Iowa. To this union, together they welcomed Jeremy Paulsen in 1976 and Jason Paulsen in 1984. They made their home in Iowa, Oklahoma, KC, CA, and Minnesota until Jerry’s death in 1996.Pat married Jack Chisholm, August 05, 2000, in front of family and friends, at their home in Minneapolis. Pat also welcomed Jack’s son, David Chisholm, to the family. Pat and Jack liked to travel to see family and spend time with their grandkids. Pat’s career spanned from the University of Minnesota for 17 years, and then the public school system until her final position at Hennepin County Family Court. Pat retired at the age of 65 in April of 2014. Pat’s love for her family was undeniable. Pat’s life revolved around her children and her grandchildren making sure everyone was taken care of and that they knew she was there for them no matter what the need. In return, they expressed their love for her every chance they were given. She was their world, and they were hers. Pat loved going anywhere she could find a bargain. If it wasn’t a bargain or free, she wasn’t interested. Nothing at full price. Ever. Pat and Jack bought a home in Britt, and it was there that celebrations of all kinds take place. Especially Hobo Days in August where siblings, kids, grandkids, cousins and friends would gather for the annual event. Pat didn’t drink much but liked her rum and coke on those hot summer days and maybe one to warm her in the winter.

Pat will be lovingly missed by her husband Jack; sons, Jeremy Paulsen and friend Jessica (Justice, Kenzie and Jamison) of Minneapolis, MN and Jason Paulsen (JayLa, Janelle, and Jordan) of Minneapolis, MN; stepsons, David Chisholm of Minneapolis, MN, Terry Schaer of Minneapolis, MN and David (Lisa) Schaer of Mason City; sisters, Jean (Jim) Zigmant, Lemont, IL and Linda (John) Johnson, Britt; brother, Robert (Tandi) Nedved, Britt; sister-in-law, Claudia Skinner, Minnesota; brother-in-law, Tom (Melody) Chisholm, California; sisters-in-law, Geraldine Kruger, Christine Paulsen of Mason City; and so many special nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

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Shirley A. Smidt - December 17, 1934 - January 08, 2022

Departed: 01/08/2022 (Britt)

Obituary Preview: Shirley A. Smidt, 87, of Britt passed away Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 13, 2022 at the United Methodist Church in Britt with Rev. Robert Dodge officiating. The service will be livestreamed on the Cataldo Funeral Home Facebook page. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday at Cataldo Funeral Home, 178 First Ave. S.W., Britt and will resume one hour prior to services at the church.

Memorials may be directed to Britt United Methodist Church or the West Hancock Ambulance Service.

Shirley Anita Smidt, the daughter of Otto and Charlotte (Dunlap) Cook, was born on December 17, 1934 in Belmond, Iowa. Shirley grew up and attended school in Mason City until her father Otto passed. The family moved to Britt where she graduated from Britt High School in 1952. On November 21, 1952 she was married to Lawrence V. Smidt at Wesley Methodist Church in Mason City. Shirley and Lawrence lived in Britt all their married life, where they raised their four children. Over the years, Shirley worked in several local businesses including the Britt Hospital, Britt Tech Corp. and the Vi-Mil Boutique. She was an active member of the community, a founding member and volunteer with WHAS, Britt Lioness Club, Red Hat Society and a served as a member of the Britt City Council. She was also an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching sporting events with family members and was a member of bowling leagues in Britt over the years. It was rare to find Shirley without a book or crossword nearby, she loved reading and testing her knowledge. Shirley was a caregiver of several elderly friends and relatives over the years. She also greatly enjoyed hosting her children and grandchildren on Saturday mornings where she always had a wonderful breakfast meal prepared.

She was an active member of the Britt Methodist Church.

Shirley is survived by her children, Steve (Kim) Smidt of Hastings, MN, Curt Smidt of Britt, Jill (Tom) Olson of Forest City and Brad (Jean) Smidt of Britt; grandchildren, Adam Smidt, Allison (Derek) Preble, Jennifer Smidt, Matt Wellik, Andrea Wellik and Tim Smidt; great grandchildren, Brynnlee, Kylee and Croix Preble, Jordan Brown, Jadyn, Justin, Shay and Liam Wellik; sister, Judy (Kerm) Studer; sister-in-law, LaVonne Smidt; and several nieces and nephews.

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James "Jim" C. Johnson - March 26, 1930 - December 27, 2021

Departed: 12/27/2021 (Britt)

Obituary Preview: James “Jim” C. Johnson, 91, of Britt passed away Monday, December 27, 2021 at United Hospital District in Blue Earth, Minnesota.

A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 7, 2022 at Britt Zion Church of the Nazarene with Rev. Chris Burrell officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Britt Veterans Ceremonial Unit. Inurnment will be at Corwith Cemetery.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church.

James Carl Johnson, the son of David and Dagmar (Sorensen) Johnson, was born March 26, 1930 on a farm near Corwith. He was baptized at the United Methodist Church in Corwith. Jim attended the rural schools near Corwith until the eighth grade and helped his father on the farm. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Corwith and continued to help his family on the farm. On June 14, 1958 he married Glenda Eppens at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They lived on the family farm until moving to Garner in 1973. Jim worked at Marting Manufacturing for two years and Winnebago Industries for 25 years. In 1991 he and Glenda moved to Britt. He enjoyed watching sports and John Wayne movies.He was a member of the Britt Zion Church of the Nazarene.

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Elizabeth "Bettie" L. Johnson - July 29, 1927 - December 08, 2021

Departed: 12/08/2021 (Britt)

Obituary Preview: At the loving age of 94 years young, Elizabeth “Bettie” Johnson passed away December 8th, 2021 at the Westview Care Center in Britt.

A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at the United Methodist Church in Britt with Rev. Robert Dodge officiating. Everybody has a Bettie story, and we would love to hear them all. Inurnment will be at Evergreen Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m., Monday, December 13, 2021 at Cataldo Funeral Home, 178 First Ave., S.W., Britt and will resume one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.

Memorial donations in Bettie’s name may be directed to the United Methodist Church or the Britt Public Library.

The family also wants to thank and acknowledge the numerous caretakers at the Summit House and Westview Care Center who watched over Bettie and listened to her sassy comments. She truly enjoyed her time there.

God definitely broke the mold when Elizabeth Louise Harriman was born to the late William Sr. and Naomi (Trainer) Harriman on July 29th, 1927. Growing up during the depression shaped Bettie’s formative years and resulted in a lifetime of frugality, collecting antiques, and hiding money under the mattress. She was also the oldest of four siblings, which is where we believe she learned how to boss people around.Bettie graduated from Kanawha High School in 1945 and started working as one of the first switchboard operators for the telephone company in Kanawha. It wasn’t long after this she was swept off her feet at the Surf Ballroom by Robert “Bob” Johnson. They were united in marriage on March 24th, 1947 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. To this union Lee, John B. and Scott were born and they tested her patience every day since. Bob and Bettie lived and farmed south of Britt until 1992, when they moved into town.Besides helping on the farm, Bettie worked at Winnebago Industries, and found roles in two of her favorite things: food and gardening. She oversaw the congregate meal program in Britt for many years and then managed the greenhouse at the Britt Food Center. The role that tested her the most though was raising three rambunctious boys who never seemed to listen. Their debate for “favorite son” will live on forever.After the boys “grew up” Bettie really got to enjoy her passions which included buying milk glass dishes at auctions, sewing, gardening, and reading. Over the years she sewed many patches onto her children’s and grandchildren’s clothing and stitched together many creations including a princess Halloween costume for Whitney. She was well-known for her green thumb and her ability to bring plants back to life. Throughout her life, Bettie never stopped learning and was a frequent flyer at the Britt Public Library. She was often referred to as the “expert” in the family because of her wealth of knowledge on a variety of topics, home remedies, and unsolicited advice.

Bettie was very active in the community. She was a member of the Britt VFW and the United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School for many years. She never hesitated to speak her peace at the Britt City Council meetings. And was a huge fan of the National Hobo Convention every year, so much so that she was knighted as an honorary hobo and given the name “Boxcar Bettie.”There is no doubt that Bettie made a lasting impression with everyone she came in contact with, no matter if it was for a few minutes or many years. She had a slew of one-liners including her most infamous reply to when asked how she was doing, “Just as fat and sassy as ever!”Despite her bluntness, Bettie was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. Her family is going to miss her amazing cooking, especially her Christmas Eve apple crisp. Her frequent newspaper clippings, the sassy comments, and her ability to always keep them on their toes.

Bettie is survived by her three sons, Lee (Chris) of Richburg, SC, John B. (Linda) of Britt, and Scott (Tammy) of Britt; three grandchildren, Ryan (Katie) of Britt, Justin (Mary) of Madrid, and Whitney (Aaron) Burke of Denver; seven great-grandchildren, Brody, Lane, Makayla, Payton, Brynlee, Reese, and one on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bob, and her siblings Edith Kay, Bill, and Bob.

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Henry Gremmer - November 05, 1919 - November 26, 2021

Departed: 11/26/2021 (Britt)

Obituary Preview: Henry Gremmer, 102, of Britt died peacefully Friday, November 26, 2021 at Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at First Lutheran Church in Britt with Pastor Anna Wolf officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Britt with military rites by the Britt Veterans Ceremonial Unit.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m., Monday, November 29th at Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt and will resume one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.

Memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church Elevator Fund.

Henry Gremmer, the son of Eppo Sr. and Jenny (Pomp) Gremmer, was born November 5, 1919 on a farm north of Wesley. At the age of 16, the Gibson crime gang car ran out of gas. They took the Gremmer family hostage and stole the family car! While being engaged to Helen Mayland, Henry was drafted in 1942 into active duty. He served in the Pacific Invasion in World War II as a truck driver for the infantry. He was honorable discharged in October of 1945. On December 27, 1945 he married the love of his life, Helen. The couple lived and farmed in the Wesley and Woden areas. In 1988, they moved to their home in Britt. Henry enjoyed playing various card games and dominoes. He also enjoyed going to cards on Tuesdays with his card club. Henry loved all his grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He was very proud that he continued to live at home at the age of 102. On Henry’s 100th birthday, he was honored with a celebration with many family and friends. He cherished making many memories and taking photos. In 2009, Henry was chosen to be on an Honor Flight out of Mason City. He enjoyed it very much and was proud to be a veteran. In 2021, he was honored as the oldest living WW II veteran in Britt and was Grand Marshall of the Hobo Day parade.

He was a member of First Lutheran Church where he served on the church council and folded the bulletins every week until the age of 100.

Henry is survived by his children, Shirley (Norman) Roth of Thompson, Edwin (Karen) Gremmer of Wright City, MO and Julie Ann Alphs of Manson; eleven grandchildren and their spouses; 29 great grandchildren and their spouses; 14 great-great grandchildren; a sister, Gazena Dolphin of Cottage Grove, OR; a sister-in-law, Ina Mayland of Clear Lake; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his life partner, Helen of 69 years; daughter, Kathleen Kay; son-in-law, Rick Plymesser; great grandson, Skylar Roth; and siblings, Peter, Hemme, Hemmo, Stoffer, Jerry, Eppo Jr., George, John, Annie and Anna Grace.

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Charles "Chuck" A. Conaway - February 07, 1939 - November 15, 2021

Departed: 11/15/2021 (Britt)

Obituary Preview: Charles “Chuck” A. Conaway, 82, of Britt died Monday, November 15, 2021 in Highland, Illinois.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 20, 2021 at First Lutheran Church in Britt with Pastor Anna Wolf officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery with military rites by the Britt Veterans Ceremonial Unit.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m., Friday, November 19, 2021 at Cataldo Funeral Home, 178 First Ave. S.W., Britt and will resume one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Charles Andrew Conaway Jr, the son of Charles and Dorothy (Pellum) Conaway, was born February 7, 1939, in Britt, IA. Chuck moved with his family to Bloomington, IL until he was 7 years old when he made his home with Harry Nielson working on a farm outside of Britt, IA along with his brothers Art and Ted. Chuck graduated from Britt High School in 1957. Chuck then joined and served his country in the U.S. Army until he received an honorable discharge in 1962.On August 1, 1958, he married Lois Weiland at First Lutheran Church in Britt. They lived in Britt where they continued to farm south of town. In 1967 they moved to Lake Worth Florida and Chuck became a partner with his brother in-law, Larry Weiland in Larry’s Roof Cleaning and Painting Company. In 1973 they returned to Britt to raise their family. In 1976 Chuck and Lois managed the Britt Country Club, then Chuck went into the Plumbing, Heating and A.C. business. Later buying the Maytag store and sold appliances.

Chuck was a dedicated and well-respected businessman in the Britt community. Chuck went on to retire in 2005. Chuck loved his family. He was an avid fisherman and tried to teach his grandchildren the sport he so dearly loved. He worshiped his God in the beauty of nature. Chuck loved all sports, he enjoyed playing golf, and was a two-time state champion in wrestling for Britt High School.

He was a member of First Lutheran Church and served on the board as a deacon.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Lois (Highland, IL); his four children, Rebecca (Wade) Finch of Britt, IA, Timothy (Quinann) Conaway of Henderson, NV, Tamara (Scott) Stieb of Highland, IL, Michael (Ryan) Conaway of Merrimac, MA.; 14 grandchildren, Lindsey (Josh) Monjure, Tara (Cade) Kelly, Casey (Martin) Jensen, Daniel Finch, Heather (Zach) Kline, Samantha Conaway, Timothy Conaway Jr., Jacob, Zachary, Blake, Cory and Luke Stieb, Cassie (Jeramiah) Hopkins and Abbie (Ryan) Wright; along with 10 great grandchildren; siblings, Patricia Eddy, Virginia (Smitty) Smith and Shirley Graham; and many nieces and nephews.

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Verna E. May - August 10, 1948 - October 27, 2021

Departed: 10/27/2021 (Britt)

Obituary Preview: Verna E. May, 73, of Des Moines, formerly of Britt, died Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at her home in Des Moines.

A graveside service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, June 4, 2022, at Evergreen Cemetery in Britt with Pastor Anna Wolf of First Lutheran Church officiating.

Verna Elizabeth May, the daughter of Vern and Minnie (Freerksen) May, was born August 10, 1948 in Mason City. She graduated from Britt High School in 1966 and continued her education at UNI in Cedar Falls graduating in 1970 with a BA with a major in Psychology and a minor in Journalism. Verna enjoyed watching most sports but especially loved car racing. She was able to support two of her favorite racers as well as getting to be in the pit on several occasions. Verna was an avid amateur photographer, using her skills at weddings, family gatherings, racing events, capturing beautiful landscapes and her albums of cat pictures. She devoted time to volunteering in politics, at a care center, and was celebrated as Volunteer of the Year in 2005 by the South Des Moines Chamber of Commerce. She was employed in a variety of settings over the years, always excelling and bringing her wit and work ethic with her. Her later employment included real estate, land development or property management work, during which she received her Real Estate License, Broker’s License, and became a Notary Public.

Verna is survived by her two sisters, Phyllis Hubler and her husband, Frederick, of Cedar Rapids and Elinor “Elly” Keniston of Arizona; as well as nieces and nephews; and great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother-in-law, Ken Keniston.

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Brittany Renett L'shea Johnson - May 15, 1988 - June 11, 2021

Departed: 06/11/2021 (Britt)

Obituary Preview: Brittany R. L. Johnson, 33, of Britt passed away Friday, June 11, 2021.

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Helen M. Earles - April 19, 1932 - April 28, 2021

Departed: 04/28/2021 (Britt)

Obituary Preview: Helen M. Earles, 89, of Britt passed away Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at MercyOne North Iowa Hospice Unit in Mason City.

A private family graveside service will be held Monday, May 3, 2021 at Evergreen Cemetery in Britt with Rev. Robert Dodge of the United Methodist Church officiating. There will be no visitation.

Helen Marguerite Earles, the daughter of Willie and Florence (Dewey) Earles, was born April 19, 1932 at Kanawha. She lived with her parents until the age of 14 when she moved to the Woodward State Hospital. Helen lived in several other centers for people with disabilities before returning to Britt in 2013 where she resided at Westview Care Center. She loved her dolls, stuffed animals and listening to music.

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Matthew R. Senne - April 23, 1982 - April 26, 2021

Departed: 04/26/2021 (Britt)

Obituary Preview: Matthew R. Senne, 39, of Britt passed away Monday, April 26, 2021 at his home.

A private family funeral service will be held Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt with Rev. S. Kim Peterson officiating. Burial will be at Bingham Township Cemetery south of Woden.There will be no visitation.

Matthew Ryan Senne, the son of Leroy and Donna (Luppen) Senne, was born April 23, 1982 at Britt. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church near Titonka. Matt graduated from Woden-Crystal Lake-Titonka High School in 2000 and continued his education in computer science at NIACC in Mason City. He lived in Britt and was employed in the technology department at several businesses in the north Iowa area including, Stellar Industries, IMT, Christensen Family Farms and most recently, Next Generation Technologies in Buffalo Center. He enjoyed tinkering on anything mechanical, restoring old trucks and collecting train sets.

He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Matt is survived by his parents, Leroy and Donna Senne of Britt; three brothers, Jason Senne (fiancée, Meghan) of Britt, Andrew (Danyelle) Senne of Algona and Adam (Audra) Senne of Woden; many aunts, uncles, cousins and other family; and his cat, Lucky.

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David C. Peterson - October 18, 1940 - January 15, 2021

Departed: 01/15/2021 (Britt)

Obituary Preview: David C. Peterson, 80, of Britt passed away Friday, January 15, 2021 at Westview Care Center in Britt.

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David L. Bernhard - September 04, 1929 - January 04, 2021

Departed: 01/04/2021 (Britt)

Obituary Preview: David L. Bernhard, 91, of Britt passed away Monday, January 4, 2021 at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City.

A private family funeral mass will be held 1:00 P.M., Friday, January 8, 2021 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Britt with Rev. Fr. Joseph Sevcik officiating. Burial will follow at St. Benedict Cemetery with military rites by the Britt Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The service will be livestreamed on the Cataldo Funeral Home Facebook page beginning at 12:50 P.M. Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt is in charge of arrangements.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

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Clarence L. Harringa - March 03, 1931 - December 24, 2020

Departed: 12/24/2020 (Britt)

Obituary Preview: Clarence L. Harringa, 89, of rural Britt passed away Thursday, December 24, 2020 at his home.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 A.M., Monday, January 4, 2021 at Woden Christian Reformed Church, 215 290th St., Woden with Rev. Mark Van Weelden officiating. The service will be livestreamed on the Cataldo Funeral Home Facebook page beginning at 10:20 A.M. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 P.M., Sunday, January 3, 2021 at Woden Christian Reformed Church. Masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed.

Clarence Lee Harringa, the son of John and Lena (Bruns) Harringa, was born March 3, 1931 on a farm near Titonka in Kossuth County. He was baptized and confirmed at Ramsey Reformed Church. Clarence attended the rural schools of Bingham Township and graduated from Woden High School in 1950. He served his country in the U.S. Army for two years in Texas. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home to farm. On March 1, 1957 he married Marjorie Cooper at Woden Christian Reformed Church. They lived on a farm south of Woden where they raised their four children, farmed and raised livestock. Clarence enjoyed maintaining and enhancing his acreage through mowing and landscaping.

He was an active member of the Woden Christian Reformed Church where he served as a deacon, elder and cemetery sexton for many years.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Marjorie; three children, Jana Lynn (Gene) Veltkamp of Orange City, Steve (Eileen) Harringa of Le Mars, and Julie Harringa of Britt, and daughter-in-law Candi Harringa of Indianola; nine grandchildren, Melissa (Jon) Noteboom, Michael (Cassie) Veltkamp, Marcus (Tiffany) Veltkamp, Miles (Noel) Veltkamp, Maria Veltkamp (special friend, Danny), Jessica (Nate) Westra, John (Macie) Harringa, Chris (Lanaya) Harringa and Tristan (Ashlee) Harringa; 20 great grandchildren; two sisters, Deloris (Harlan) Eekhoff of Britt and Shirley (Byron) Ruter of Kanawha; a brother, Roger (Gail) Harringa of Clear Lake; a sister-in-law, Eileen Brouwer of Jenison, MI; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, David; great-granddaughters, Georgia and Grace Noteboom; two sisters and their husbands, Mag (Bob) Penning and Leona (Harry) Peters; and a brother-in-law, Gordon Brouwer.

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Jane E. Wood - January 12, 1938 - December 12, 2020

Departed: 12/12/2020 (Britt)

Obituary Preview: Jane E. Wood, 82, of Britt passed away Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

A private family funeral service will be held 10:30 A.M., Thursday, December 17, 2020 at First Lutheran Church in Britt with Rev. Williie Rosin officiating. The service will be livestreamed on the Britt First Lutheran Church Facebook page. Following the service her body will be cremated. Inurnment will be in the spring of 2021 at Evergreen Cemetery in Britt.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 P.M., Wednesday at Cataldo Funeral Home, 178 First Ave. S.W., Britt. Masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed.

Jane Elizabeth Wood, the daughter of Clarence and Elizabeth (Havlick) Tegtmeyer, was born January 12, 1938 in Orthel Township, Hancock County, Iowa. She attended the rural schools of Orthel Township and graduated from Britt High School in 1955. Jane continued her education at Allen Memorial Lutheran School of Nursing. On May 10, 1959 she was united in marriage to James Hilton First Lutheran Church in Britt. They lived in LaPorte City and in 1963, moved to California. In 1967, they returned to Britt where Jane was employed as a nurse at Hancock County Memorial Hospital and at Hancock County Public Health. She then became school nurse at West Hancock Community Schools retiring in 2001 after 30 years of employment. In 2002, she and Jim moved to Summit House in Britt where she worked in several capacities until retiring in 2018. On June 16, 2013 she was married to Willis Wood at First Lutheran Church in Britt. They made their home at Summit House. Jane loved spending time with her family, reading, watching her children and grandchildren in sports, flowers and music. She was an avid Minnesota Twins and Iowa Hawkeye fan.

She was a lifetime member of First Lutheran Church in Britt and where she sang in the choir and was active in First Lutheran Church Women and altar committee.

Jane is survived by her two children, Deb Schulz of Garner and Cindy (Robert) Denzer of St. Charles, MN; grandchildren, Dustin (Katie) Schulz and children, Kinnick and Carver, Cody (Alexis) Schulz and children, Andres, Ryder and Scout and Trista (Adam) Rowland and children, McKenzie and Carson; step-children, Teresa (Gary) Osby, Todd (Deanna) Wood and Timothy (Siobhan) Wood; siblings, David (Janice) Tegtmeyer of Britt, Forrest (Sheryl) Tegtmeyer of Humboldt and Susan (A.B.) Dietz of Boise, ID; a sister-in-law, Shirley Tegtmeyer of Britt; and many nieces and nephews.

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Jim Puffer - January 05, 1963 - December 06, 2020

Departed: 12/06/2020 (Britt)

Obituary Preview: Jim Puffer, 57, of Britt passed away Sunday, December 6, 2020 at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City.

A graveside service will be held 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 12, 2021 at the Corwith Cemetery. Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt is in charge of arrangements.

Leland James Puffer, the son of Jerry Lee and Venice Ann (Varney) Puffer, was born January 5, 1963 in Mason City. He grew up in Algona and graduated from Algona High School in 1981. Jim lived in several cities in the Midwest including Storm Lake, Diamond, Oklahoma and Sioux City where he worked in various jobs. On November 26, 2010 he married Aida Ventura. They lived in Sioux City before moving to Britt in 2012. Jim was employed at West Hancock High School as a custodian for the past 8 years. He enjoyed fishing, camping and traveling.

Jim is survived by his wife, Aida of Britt; two children, Justin Puffer of Cherokee and Coty (Mike) Sampson of Sloan, IA; six grandchildren, Matthew, Mallorie, Savannah, Colten, Amyllia and Josie; a step-daughter, Kimberly Lim Ventura of Toronto, Canada; a step-son, John Lawrence Lim Ventura of Toronto, Canada; a sister, Rhonda (Garth) Mathews of Litchfield, AZ; a brother, Rock (Kathy) Puffer of Shepherd, MI; and many nieces and nephews.

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Lula Ann Fank Ringham - September 26, 1944 - December 06, 2020

Departed: 12/06/2020 (Britt)

Obituary Preview: Lula Ann Ringham,76 of Punta Gorda, FL passed away Sunday, December 6th, 2020 at her home in Punta Gorda.

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William "Bill" J. Spencer - July 22, 1943 - November 21, 2020

Departed: 11/21/2020 (Britt)

Obituary Preview: William “Bill” J. Spencer, 77, of Britt passed away Saturday, November 21, 2020 at Westview Care Center in Britt.

A graveside service will be held 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at Evergreen Cemetery with Rev. Steve Couch officiating. Masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed at the service. Military rites will be conducted by the Britt Veterans Ceremonial Unit.

William Jay Spencer, the son of Jay and Ruth (Hamre) Spencer, was born July 22, 1943 at Blue Earth, MN. He graduated from Emmetsburg High School and served his country in the U.S. Air Force being stationed in Germany. On September 26, 1976 he married Beverly Gremmer at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They made their home in Britt. Bill was employed at Winnebago Industries in Forest City until his retirement. He enjoyed watching Western shows on TV.

He was a member of First Lutheran Church in Britt.

Bill is survived by his granddaughters, Lorienza (Jerry) Zahrt of Floyd and Leean (Darin) Schmidt of Titonka; many great grandchildren; a brother, Jim (Suzzane) Spencer; a brother-in-law, Kenny (Carol) Gremmer; and many nieces and nephews.

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Arlene R. Wellik - January 08, 1928 - November 20, 2020

Departed: 11/20/2020 (Britt)

Obituary Preview: Arlene R. Wellik, 92, of Woden passed away Friday, November 20, 2020 at Westview Care Center in Britt.

Due to COVID-19, a private family funeral mass will be held 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Britt with Rev. Joseph Sevcik officiating. The service will be livestreamed on the Cataldo Funeral Home Facebook page. Burial will be in Bingham Township Cemetery south of Woden.

There will be no visitation and the family request no memorials or flowers. Cataldo Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Arlene Rose Wellik, the daughter of John and Rose (Paca) Jakoubek, was born January 8, 1928. She graduated from Hayfield School Consolidated Schools in 1945, and married Paul Wellik on October 28, 1947. They farmed in the Britt area, then farmed south of Woden from 1954 to 1983 when they moved into Woden. She enjoyed being a housewife and stayed interested in the farm happenings. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Britt.

Arlene is survived and will be greatly missed by her children, Ruth (Leroy) Meyering of Bloomington, MN, Roger (Sharla) Wellik of Forest City, Jim (Carla) Wellik of Woden and John (Susan) Wellik of Dallas, TX; 12 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; her sisters, Marie Formanek, Gertrude (Leo) Wellik, and Margaret (Paul) Young all of Garner; sister-in-law, Mary Jane Gaffey; and other relatives and friends.

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Pearl E. Smith - September 13, 1929 - November 20, 2020

Departed: 11/20/2020 (Britt)

Obituary Preview: Pearl E. Smith, 91, of Britt passed away Friday, November 20, 2020 at Westview Care Center in Britt.

A public graveside service will be held 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at Evergreen Cemetery with Rev. Robert Dodge officiating. Masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed. The service will be livestreamed on the Cataldo Funeral Home Facebook page.

Memorials may be directed to Britt United Methodist Church or the Britt Food Bank.

Pearl Evelyn Smith, the daughter of Jacob and Marie Nagel, was born September 13, 1929 in Mason City. She graduated from Mason City High School in 1947 and continued her education at Mason City Junior College. On February 4, 1951 she was married to Harry Smith at Central Lutheran Church in Mason City. They lived in Oceanside, CA while Harry served in the U.S. Marines. They returned to Britt and lived on a farm southwest of town for the next 40 years. In the spring of 1992, Harry and Pearl moved to their new home in Britt.

Pearl was active in her community delivering Meals on Wheels, distributing Poppies, decorating graves on Memorial Day, volunteering at Hancock County Memorial Hospital, and being a regular blood donor. She was a member of the Britt United Methodist Church, UMW (past president), active in the church quilting and sewing group, and was a Bible school teacher. She also belonged to the Britt American Legion Auxiliary (past president and past county president), 3 G’s Homemakers Club (past president and charter member), Britt Women’s Club (past president and member), Hancock County Hospital Auxiliary (life member), Hancock County Historical Society (past curator for 9 years and life member), and Order of Eastern Star (past Worthy Matron). Pearl was also a member of “TOPS” Britt Chapter #318, Royal Neighbors, Britt Chairman of the Red Cross Bloodmobile (7 years) and was a 4-H and Cub Scout Leader.

Pearl is survived by her daughter, Michele (James) Kelly of Rocklin, CA; son, Dennis Smith of Arroyo Grande, CA; grandchildren, Lia Patacchi of Honolulu, HI, Cory Patacchi of San Diego, CA, Gavin Smith of Arroyo Grande, CA and Morgan Smith of Arroyo Grande, CA; a sister-in-law, Doris Smith of Britt; and brother-in-law, Kenny Smith of Britt.

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Our Facilities and Amenities

Our beautifully maintained funeral home is designed to provide a peaceful and serene atmosphere for families to gather, reflect, and celebrate the life of their loved one. Our facilities are fully equipped with modern amenities, including comfortable seating areas, private visitation rooms, and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment. We also offer ample parking and convenient accessibility features to ensure that all guests feel welcome and accommodated.

Personalized Funeral Services

At Cataldo Funeral Home - Britt Chapel, we believe that every life is unique and deserves to be celebrated in a personalized and meaningful way. Our experienced funeral directors work closely with families to create customized funeral services that reflect the personality, interests, and spirit of their loved one. From traditional funeral ceremonies to more contemporary celebrations of life, we're committed to helping you honor your loved one in a way that feels authentic and true.

Pre-Planning and Advanced Funeral Planning

We understand that planning a funeral can be overwhelming, especially during a time of grief. That's why we encourage families to consider pre-planning or advanced funeral planning. By making arrangements ahead of time, you can ensure that your wishes are respected, alleviate the burden on your loved ones, and even lock in costs at today's prices. Our knowledgeable staff is happy to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

Cremation Services

At Cataldo Funeral Home - Britt Chapel, we recognize that cremation is becoming an increasingly popular choice for many families. That's why we offer a range of cremation services designed to meet your unique needs and preferences. From direct cremation to memorial services with cremation, we're committed to providing compassionate care and guidance throughout the process.

Veterans' Services

We're proud to serve the veterans of our community who have selflessly served our country. At Cataldo Funeral Home - Britt Chapel, we offer specialized veterans' services designed to honor their sacrifice and dedication. From flag presentations to military honors, we're committed to ensuring that our nation's heroes receive the respect and gratitude they deserve.

Community Involvement

At Cataldo Funeral Home - Britt Chapel, we're deeply rooted in our community and committed to giving back. We regularly participate in local events, sponsor charitable organizations, and support initiatives that benefit the people of Britt and surrounding areas. By doing so, we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those around us and build stronger relationships with the families we serve.

Contact Us

If you're seeking a trusted partner to help you navigate the funeral planning process, look no further than Cataldo Funeral Home - Britt Chapel. Our dedicated staff is available 24/7 to answer your questions, provide guidance, and offer support during this difficult time. Please don't hesitate to contact us at (phone number) or visit our website at (website URL). We're honored to serve you and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It may also include information about their family, accomplishments, and funeral or memorial service arrangements.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to inform friends, family, and community members of a person's passing, allowing them to pay their respects and offer condolences. They also provide a lasting tribute to the deceased, preserving their memory and legacy for generations to come.

Who typically writes an obituary?

The responsibility of writing an obituary usually falls on the family members or close friends of the deceased. In some cases, a funeral home or mortuary may assist with writing the obituary, especially if they are handling the funeral arrangements.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's full name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, military service (if applicable), hobbies, achievements, and surviving family members. It may also mention any charitable organizations or causes that were important to the deceased.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication or online platform where it will be published. Generally, it should be concise and to the point, ranging from 100 to 500 words.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many publications and online platforms allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can be a nice way to personalize the tribute and help readers remember the deceased.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper or online platform?

Contact the newspaper or online platform directly to inquire about their submission process and guidelines. Some may have online forms or email addresses where you can send the obituary, while others may require you to visit their office in person.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies widely depending on the publication or online platform. Some may charge by the word or line, while others may offer package deals or flat fees. Be sure to ask about pricing when submitting your obituary.

Can I write my own obituary in advance?

Yes, it's becoming increasingly common for people to write their own obituaries in advance. This can be a therapeutic exercise and ensure that your life story is told in your own words.

What is a self-written obituary called?

A self-written obituary is often referred to as a living obituary or autobituary.

Is it appropriate to include humor in an obituary?

Absolutely! Humor can be a wonderful way to celebrate the deceased's personality and spirit. Just be sure to keep it tasteful and respectful.

Can I include quotes or lyrics in an obituary?

Yes, quotes or lyrics that were meaningful to the deceased can add depth and personality to the obituary. Just be sure to properly attribute the source.

How do I handle sensitive information in an obituary?

If there are sensitive details about the deceased's life that you're unsure about sharing, it's best to err on the side of caution and omit them. Remember that an obituary is meant to be a celebration of life, not a tell-all.

Can I include information about memorial donations in an obituary?

Yes, many families choose to include information about memorial donations in lieu of flowers. This can be a meaningful way to honor the deceased's memory and support a good cause.

How long after death should an obituary be published?

The timing of publishing an obituary varies depending on cultural and personal preferences. Typically, it's published within a few days to a week after death, but it can be delayed if necessary.

Can I publish an obituary online only?

Yes, many people choose to publish obituaries exclusively online, either through social media platforms or dedicated websites like Legacy.com or Obituario.com.

What is a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of someone's passing, usually including just the basic facts: name, age, date of birth and death. It's often used when a full obituary isn't possible or desired.

Can I write an obituary for someone who died many years ago?

Yes, it's never too late to write an obituary for someone who has passed away. This can be a meaningful way to honor their memory and share their story with future generations.

Are there any specific rules or regulations for writing an obituary?

No, there are no strict rules or regulations for writing an obituary. However, it's generally considered best practice to follow standard grammar and punctuation guidelines and avoid offensive language or content.

Can I use social media to share an obituary?

Absolutely! Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter can be effective ways to share an obituary with friends and family who may not see traditional print notices.

How do I ensure that my loved one's obituary is accurate?

To ensure accuracy, fact-check all information carefully before submitting the obituary. You may also want to have multiple family members review it before publication.

Can I make changes to an already-published obituary?

In most cases, yes. If you need to make corrections or additions to an already-published obituary, contact the publication or online platform where it was published and they will assist you with making changes.

What is the purpose of including funeral service details in an obituary?

Including funeral service details allows friends and family members to attend and pay their respects. It also provides important logistical information for those who wish to participate in celebrating the deceased's life.

Can I include information about memorial services or celebrations of life in an obituary?

Absolutely! Many families choose to hold memorial services or celebrations of life weeks or months after the initial funeral service. Including this information in the obituary helps ensure that everyone knows about these events.