Hugo Ernest Jelden, 97, passed away May 21, 2014 at Story County Care Facility in Nevada, Iowa. A gathering of friends and family will be from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Monday May 26, 2014 at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way in Ames. A celebration of life funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday May 27, 2014 at Calvary United Methodist, 1403 24th Street in Ames.
Hugo was born January 30, 1917 in Creston, NE, the son of George and Anna Jelden. He spent his early years on the small family farm where he attended a one room country school; graduating 8th grade. After graduation, he continued to help out on the family farm before he left home joining a silo building crew, traveling to the Midwest. He played semi-pro baseball in Nebraska and was a farm hand in Wisconsin before settling in Story County in the early 50's, when he started Jelden Construction.
Hugo married Joan (Corbin) Jelden on June 20, 1953, making their home in Ames, Iowa. They met at Lange Lunch in Ames. Hugo and Joan were married 60 years, 10 months, and 30 days. Hugo was the last charter member of Ames Moose Lodge.
Hugo was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, LaVerne Jelden of Milwaukee, WI; a sister, Hilda Waldeen of Newman Grove, NE; a sister, Elsa Wilcynski of York, NE; a sister, Myrtle Feye of Milwaukee, WI; and a sister, Leona Everson of Spanaway, WA.
Hugo is survived by his wife Joan; son Ken Cantonwine of Ames, Iowa; son Curt Cantonwine of Costa Mesa, CA; daughter Toni Abbe of Des Moines, IA and a daughter Jana Sandholm (Leonard) of Stanton, IA; 7 grandchildren; April Heintz (Mark) of Nevada, IA; Shawn Cantonwine of Orange, CA; Patricia Cantonwine of Ames, IA; Matthew Cantonwine of Costa Mesa, CA; Jason Cantonwine of Ames, IA; Kelly Maynes (Pat) of Red Oak, IA; Brett Sandholm (Sumer) of Red Oak, IA; 9 great-grandchildren; sister-in- law Theresa Jelden of Muskego, WI; sister-in-law Joyce Swanson of Nevada, IA; brother-in-law Virgil Corbin of Winterset, IA as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
As Hugo always said: "Never say goodbye, say I'll see you later!" We'll see you later Hugo!!
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Emergency Residence Project in Ames or Calvary United Methodist Church Food Pantry.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com