June 2026

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Jun

Bockelmann accepts position in Mason City


COLE BOCKELMANN

Cole Bockelmann, who has served as administrator of the city of Humboldt since the fall of 2021, has accepted a position as finance director for Mason City. The Mason City Council accepted his hiring at their meeting on June 2. Bockelmann's last day will be July 2. He will begin his new duties in Mason City on July 6.

"It has been a privilege to serve the City of Humboldt and to work alongside an outstanding group of staff and elected officials. Together we have accomplished many transformationative projects that have created a lasting, positive impact on the community. Deciding to leave Humboldt was a very difficult decision and I will miss working as part of our team," Bockelmann said in a statement released to the Independent on June 3.

"Thank you for the opportunity to work for the City of Humboldt. I am confident that the City will continue to thrive due to the efforts of our residents, elected officials and staff," Bockelmann said.

Wed
03
Jun
Tue
02
Jun

CHERIE L. KOHLER

Cherie Kohler, 65 of Dakota City formerly Golden, CO, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at her home. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Services have been entrusted to Lentz Funeral Home of Humboldt. Online condolences may be left at www.lentzfuneralhome.com.
Cherie Lynn Kohler, the daughter of John Gary Thorimbert and Caren (Witt) Arends, was born on Feb. 12, 1961, in Santa Cruz, California. She attended schools in Olympia, WA, and graduated from Capital High School. Cherie furthered her education by enrolling in Beauty School and Olympia Technical College. She worked as a para legal, legal secretary and floral designer. Cherie was most recently employed by Sprouts in Golden, CO.

Tue
02
Jun

DR. JOHN W. DEGROOTE

Dr. John Webster DeGroote, age 89, passed away on May 10, 2026, at Singing River Hospital. John was born in Iowa and spent his younger years in Humboldt. His Grandfather DeGroote is credited with nurturing his desire for learning by giving him access to National Geographic magazines to read. Both grandfathers cultivated his love of the outdoors by teaching him to fish and hunt. Opening day of hunting season would often find John and his best friend in the fields before the start of the school day. A parent could report to the school for the boys, and they would not be reported absent.

Tue
02
Jun

DAKOTA A. BURMEISTER

Dakota A. Burmeister, 27, of Humboldt, IA, died Saturday, May 23, 2026. A celebration of life gathering will be held from 1 – 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds. Memorials may be directed to the family. Arrangements are with Historic Bruce Funeral Home of Fort Dodge. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.brucesfuneralhome.com

Tue
02
Jun

PAUL A. BURMEISTER

Paul A. Burmeister, 65, of Livermore, died Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Fort Dodge Health & Rehab. A celebration of life gathering will be held from 1–5 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds. Memorials may be directed to the family. Arrangements are with Historic Bruce Funeral Home of Fort Dodge. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.brucesfuneralhome.com

Tue
02
Jun

LINDA REIGELSBERGER

Linda Reigelsberger, 72 of Gilmore City, passed away Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the Pocahontas Community Hospital surrounded by her loving family. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Humboldt. Mass was live streamed via Lentz Funeral Home’s website: https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/linda-reigelsberger. Inurnment will take place at a later date.
Visitation was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church until the time of Mass. Services have been entrusted to Lentz Funeral Home of Gilmore City. Online condolences may be left at www.lentzfuneralhome.com.

Tue
02
Jun

JOYCE A. SPENCE

Joyce A. Spence, of Chisago City, MN died peacefully in her room at Isabelle’s House at Parmly on the Lake on May 28, 2026 at the age of 92.
Joyce was born Aug. 8, 1933 in St. Elmo, IL to Leo and Hazel (Gould) Kelly. She graduated from Cherokee Iowa High School in 1951. She married Lee Spence on Dec. 24, 1953 in Cherokee. She had four children and she raised them well! Joyce loved to golf, fish, to read, pull tabs, a good red wine, her children and her grandchildren!
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband (Lee), her parents (Leo and Hazel), her brother (Clinton) and her sister (Carol). She is survived by her children: Jon (Deb) Spence of Fort Dodge; Kelly Stattelman of Lutsen, MN; Karen (Steve) Anderson of Cedar Falls and Ann Crew of Boise, ID and her five grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
A memorial service is being planned for a later date.
Interment will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Cherokee.

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