This page is dedicated to those classmates no longer with us. Let us never forget them.
Ryan Escherich 1974-1997 In school, Ryan was very dedicated to playing his trumpet in a variety of bands including concert, jazz, pep, and marching. He was also involved in vocal music and attended many state contests in both areas of music. He loved Weird Al, collecting baseball cards, and hanging out with friends. He wanted to become a D.J. someday. The high school trip to France was Ryan’s highlight—he took four years of French and spoke it very well. In fact, his most famous greeting of friends was “bonjer bonjer”. Yes, he did spell it that way! :) After high school, Ryan attended NIACC and then ISU in 1994. Information courtesy Jason and Rebecca (Harrenstein) Salge
Tim Tjaden 1974-2002 Tim enjoyed playing football, tennis, and his trombone while in high school. Tim graduated from Wartburg College in 1996 with a bachelor’s of Arts degree in History. He was on the varsity tennis team at Wartburg and, following college, helped coach tennis in the Clear Lake Schools. Tim worked for Meints Construction and then for Dean Monson Construction in Clear Lake. Tim and his fiancée were busy making plans for an October wedding. Information courtesy obituary listed in Globe Gazette.
There is an annual Tim Tjaden Memorial Golf Outing usually held in late July or early August at All-Vets. Proceeds go to funding the Tim Tjaden Memorial Scholarship awarded each year to a graduating CLHS senior. For more information, contactScott Schroeder, Jay Barragy, Steve Spratt, orShane Cooney.
Michelle Kruger 1974-2020 Michelle Marie Kruger, 46, of Mason City, passed away Monday, July 20, 2020, at the MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center.
Michelle was born to Herman and Barbara Kruger on March 4th, 1974 in Mason City. She grew up on a farm in Ventura with her four older brothers before the family moved to Clear Lake.
Michelle graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1992. After high school, she worked many jobs before beginning her dream of working in healthcare. She attended NIACC to pursue her nursing career but her health took a toll and she could not continue. Although she was unable to finish her schooling, she was able to become a licensed CNA/CMA. Following licensure, Michelle worked at Oakwood Care Center and Opportunity Village for many years.
She laughed at everything and loved to have fun. Her infectious laugh always put a smile on everyone’s face who had the opportunity to hear it. She enjoyed spending time with her kids and family, especially her granddaughters. No matter how sick she felt, she would make time for them and be her fun, outgoing self. Michelle was a sports fanatic and always cheered on the Vikings. She enjoyed going to the library or getting coffee with her friends. She attended church at Grace E Free and Rhythm Church in Mason City. Above all, her most important relationship was the one she had with Jesus, who she accepted as her Savior at a young age.
Michelle had so much hope, faith, and perseverance. Over the years as her health declined, she never stopped fighting to get better. From her diabetes, dialysis, organ transplant, to leg amputation she always kept fighting for her health and the people she loved.
Her faith in the Lord is what got her through her health struggles. Despite the hard days, she still found joy and hope in Him. She never wavered in her hope that the good days would outweigh the bad and that God had a plan in all her trials.
Michelle is survived by two children, Lennice (Matthew) Carmody of Mason City, Isaiah Perkins of Ankeny; granddaughters, Harmonie, Noelle, and Alaskah Carmody of Mason City; six brothers, David (Carol) Kruger of Jewel, Dwight (Patty) Kruger of Indiana, Michael (Patty Jean) Kruger of Clear Lake, Dan Kruger of Clear Lake, Kendall (Deb) Kruger of Ankeny, Kevin Kruger of Garner; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Michelle is preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Barbara Kruger.
Information courtesy obituary
Cory Sparks 1974-2020 Cory James Sparks, 46, of Clear Lake, died Monday, December 21, 2020, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City.
Cory was born September 5, 1974, the son of Butch and Marilyn (Loudon) Sparks in Mason City. A graduate of Clear Lake High School, Cory worked in electronics most of his career and was the slot tech manager at Diamond Jo Casino in Northwood. Most recently he worked at Midwest Wheel in Clear Lake.
Cory enjoyed golfing all over North Iowa, working with electronics and technology, and cars.
Cory is survived by his son, Noah Sparks of Clear Lake; siblings, Todd (Stacy) Sparks of Maple Grove, MN, Kristine (Scott) Miller of Des Moines and Elizabeth (Winston Mahar) Arndorfer of Minneapolis; nieces, Heidi Miller and Cate Arndorfer; grandfather, Wally (Mary Wirtz) Loudon of Boone; aunts, Kathy (Dean) Schaefer of Britt and Sue (David) Olson of Danbury, WI; and step-father, Tom Arndorfer of Clear Lake.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, William and Betty Sparks and Gladys Loudon; and aunt, Karen Foster. Information courtesy obituary
Kathy (Kaduce) Brass 1974-2022 Kathleen “Kathy” Gidgett Brass, 48, of Mason City, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly at home, April 16, 2022. She was born in Belmond, Iowa, March 21, 1974, to Junior James and Donna Rae (Gretillat) Kaduce.
Kathy grew up in and around Belmond, Mason City, and Clear Lake. She graduated from Clear Lake High School. She pursued a career in cosmetology and graduated from La James Cosmetology School. She worked her trade in a variety of places, including: the Hair Den, Fantastic Sam’s, Smart Styles, and C.R. Styles. She later worked at Hy-vee as an online grocery shopper. Kathy loved to get dressed up for a night or a day out; her hair, makeup, and nails had to be absolutely perfect. She enjoyed going to concerts; she’d buy the tickets if she could get her kids to tag along. When she could, she loved watching all of Geoffrey’s sporting events, especially his baseball games. She would also watch NASCAR specifically Tony Stewart. After she retired, she enjoyed watching Sons of Anarchy. Her and Geoffrey would go on small road trips together. She loved having her grandkids come over so she could do all sorts of crafts with them. She was always more than happy to steal them for a night or two. Kathy was well-known for her love of grilling, even if she did get a little heavy handed with the pepper at times. Hobo dinners were her specialty. In her remaining free time, she would often paint or make other crafts. She loved spending her time with her friends and family, no matter the occasion.
Kathy is survived by her children, Ashley (Logan) Jones, Nathan Brass, Geoffrey Brass, and Jessica (Mario) Leaks; grandchildren, Elijah, Zoey, Destiny, Hunter, Gunner; sister, Buffy (Ralph) Ramon; niece, Chelsie Jensen; nephew Andrew Ramon; John Brass, Etta Muller, Wendy Muller, Brigett (Don) Mitchell; Bob and family, Carol and family, Diane and family, Tom and family, and Sarah and family; and many beloved friends and extended family.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Jr. and Donna; Aunt Sandy; Grandma and Grandpa Gretillat; her Oma and Opa; Uncle Jerry (Jo) Kaduce; and Nephew, Jerrod Warden.
Information courtesy obituary
Heather (Asche) Wulf 1974-2022 Heather Lee Wulf, 48, of Clear Lake passed away peacefully Friday, July 15, 2022 at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City with her beloved family at her side.
Heather was born April 15, 1974 in Mason City, the daughter of Chuck and Vickie (Allen) Asche. Growing up in town, she graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1992. From a young age, Heather was a dedicated, hard worker, who never lost sight of her goals. In 1998 she married Leslie Wulf and together had beautiful twin girls, Carissa and Cailyn. The couple later separated, but the girls were the center of Heather’s world. She was a strong, loving, compassionate mother who gave everything for her kids.
Heather worked at Alexander Batteries and Alliant Energy before starting her own business in 2009, Clear Choice Windows. The company soon grew and became Clear Choice Construction. Heather worked diligently every day, even up until this last week, to build a company she was proud of. She never let her diagnosis define her.
Though often a little stubborn, Heather finished everything she did with a signature laugh. Whether it was trying new, probably weird, food, helping the girls, telling a good story, or going on an adventure, Heather always found the fun in it. She loved to cook and was constantly trying new foods. Time at the lake with good friends brought her great happiness. Heather enjoyed a good game of bags and was currently the trophy holder at the campground. She looked forward to traveling, camping, fishing, and the great vacations with those she loved.
She will always be remembered for her independent, compassionate, loving personality, and especially for her heartwarming laugh.
Those left to carry on her story are her daughters, Carissa Wulf of Dubuque, and Cailyn Wulf of Waukee, both formerly of Clear Lake; sister, Stephanie “Steph” Holm-Fish and her children, Lindsay, Matthew and Ashley; siblings; chosen sisters, Tonya (Troy) Ristau of Clear Lake and Sue (Steve Shipman) Watt of Mason City and their families; chosen dad, Troy Monahan Sr. and his children, Carrie Rickee, Troy Monahan Jr. and Greg Monahan; aunt, Teresa Asche-Tietjens; Chandler Dean; Nate Mentzer; her beloved dog, Cujo; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members. Preceding her in death are her mom, Vickie Allen; dad, Chuck Asche; chosen mom, Sandee Monahan; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and extended family members.
Information courtesy obituary
Allan Schuler 1974-2022
Allan Robert Schuler, son of Robert Schuler and Diann Boelman, was born April 11, 1974, in Mason City, Iowa. He lived with his mom in Clear Lake, Iowa until 6th grade, when he moved to Arizona where he lived with his father. Al graduated from Bradshaw Mountain High School in Prescott Valley, Arizona. Upon the birth of his daughter Krista, he moved to Thompson, Iowa. Al owned and operated Schuler Construction Company before venturing into the trucking industry. He was a truck driver for TMC for two years, then Monson and Sons, Inc. for twelve years. Al died May 6, 2022, in a trucking accident in rural Kossuth County, Iowa. Survivors include his children: Krista (Louis) Valetti, of Algona, IA, Ty Schuler of Woden, IA, and Lane Schuler of Thompson, IA; grandchildren: Izabel Valetti, Neo Ramirez, Keegan Gremmer, and Brayden Schuler; mother Diann (Vic) Lambert of Clear Lake, IA; aunt Terry (Bruce) Carlson of Clear Lake, IA; and girlfriend Molly Williams of Jackson, MN. Al was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, maternal grandparents Helena and Clarence Boelman, and father Robert Schuler. Service Saturday, May 21, 2022 AT 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm Information courtesy obituary