Paul “Woody” Schuck, age 92, of Aplington, Iowa, was born December 12, 1913, on the family farm near Buck Grove in Pleasant Valley Township, Grundy County, Iowa, son of Herman A. and Mary C. Rolfs Schuck. When he was five years old, his father was killed in a dynamite explosion. In December, 1919, Woody, his sister, Adeline, and his mother moved to Aplington. At the age of thirteen, Woody began working for C.R. (Bob) Stockdale for six summers. He graduated from Aplington High School in 1932 and attended Iowa State Teachers College (now UNI) for one year. He began farming in the Buck Grove vicinity in 1933. On May 4, 1940, he was united in marriage to Mary A. Myers, an Aplington teacher originally from Webster City, Iowa. To this union were born two children, Carolyn Jean and Paul Robert. Mary A. Schuck passed away suddenly June 5, 1964. On July 31, 1965, he was united in marriage to Lora A. Axtell Woodcock in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He continued farming until selling the farm in 1971. Retiring from farming, he then worked installing carpets, and later as a salesman and supervisor for O’s Gold/Asgrow Seed Co., Parkersburg, Iowa. Paul was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Aplington, Iowa, serving in positions of trustee, elder and on the building and finance committees. He was a member and past president of the Aplington School Board, served on the Grundy County Board of Supervisors, on the Butler County Zoning Board, was a member of the Aplington Lions Club, and was involved in many community activities. Lora A. Schuck passed away April 21, 1998. In June, 1999, he moved into Maple Manor Assisted Living Apartments. He actively enjoyed playing and watching sports, family activities, fishing trips to Minnesota and Canada, traveling in the US and abroad, farming, gardening, working jigsaw and crossword puzzles and tending his blue bird houses. Woody entered into his eternal life on Sunday, March 26, 2006 at the Maple Manor Assisted Living of natural causes. He was preceded in death by his two wives, Mary Myers Schuck on June 5, 1964 and Lora Woodcock Schuck on April 21, 1998; his parents, one sister, Adeline Meyer; six half-brothers, Earl, Glenn, Claude, Veron, Herman and Lawrence and two half sisters, Ivandean Bienfang and Zella Watson. He is survived by his daughter, Carolyn (Harold) DeVries, Austinville, Iowa; his son, Paul R. (Karen) Schuck, DeWitt, Iowa; a stepdaughter, L. Jeanette (James) Winegarden, Cedar Falls, Iowa; two grandchildren, Cindy (John) Kannegieter, Aplington, Iowa and Angie (Russ) Otto, Apple Valley, Minnesota; four great-grandchildren, Marina and Clint Kannegieter and Karl and Erika Otto; two step grandchildren, Ann (Greg) Muilenburg, Iowa City, Iowa and Van J. Winegarden, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; two step-great-grandchildren, Lora (Ryan) Hesseltine and Marta Muilenburg. Funeral Services were at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 29, 2006 at the First Presbyterian Church in Aplington, Iowa with Pastor Greg Smith officiating. Organist was Lenee’ Pollock. Vocalists Leland Meyer and Russ Meyer sang “He Touched Me” and “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”. Congregational Hymns were “To God Be the Glory”, “When We All Get To Heaven” and “How Great Thou Art”. Casketbearers were Harlan Schuck, Gene Schuck, Dennis Schuck, Richard Schuck, Robert Hill, Paul Frederick, Lee W. Meyer and Christopher Meyer. Interment was in the Pleasant View Cemetery, Aplington, Iowa. Redman-Schwartz Funeral Chapel, Aplington, was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the family.
 

     Posted on 04/01/2006 by Marie Thompson

04/10/06
 

Robert (Bob) Gene Kono 04/10/06   Robert (Bob) Gene Kono, age 64, of Aplington, Iowa, was born on January 1, 1942, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Robert and Jean (Snow) Kono. Bob grew up in the Cedar Falls area where he received his education. Bob served in the United States Army from 1960 to 1962 in the 86th Airborne in Germany. Through the years Bob moved to various states before returning back to Aplington. He was united in marriage with Sheryl Groeneveld on May 5, 1990, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Bob belonged to the Ironworkers Local 512 out of Saint Paul, Minnesota. He loved his job because of his fellow co-workers and his love of travel. His work allowed him to travel from job to job and state to state. Bob retired a few years ago and this past year he returned to work because of his love and enjoyment of his job. He enjoyed country music, shooting pool competitively and the finer things in life. Bob also liked to fish and play golf. He always enjoyed spending time with his dogs, a Yorkie, named Gizmo that died and his current dog, named Sassy. Bob died March 31, 2006, at 4:45 p.m. at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, due to injuries sustained from an accidental fall. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Alvin; his mother, Jean Miller; his step father, Lyle Miller, and a grandson, Justin. Bob is survived by his wife, Sheryl Kono of Aplington, Iowa; five children, Todd Kono of North Carolina, Bobbie (Jon) O’Brien of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Terry (Teresa) Gnade of Parkersburg, Iowa, Steve (Amanda) Kono of Waterloo, Iowa and Kelly Kono of Independence, Iowa; his four step children are Dan Groeneveld of Aplington, Iowa, Dee (Greg) Priske of Eldora, Iowa, Dennis (Kelly) Groeneveld of Acworth, Georgia, and Duane (Melanie) Groeneveld of Aplington, Iowa; four grandchildren; seven step grandchildren; one brother, Bill (Bev) Kono of Hudson, Iowa; one sister, Kay (Bud) Sutherland of Cedar Falls, Iowa; his mother-in-law, Rena DeBoer of Aplington, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Services were held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 4, 2006 at the West Friesland Presbyterian Church in Ackley, Iowa with Rev. Randy Crane officiating. Vocalist Terry Gnade sang “Tough Little Boys”. Special Music was “As Good As I Once Was” and “This Ole House”. Honorary Casketbearer was Frank Lee. Casketbearers were Tom Barker, Phil Kloos, David Solie, Greg Priske, Kameron Peterschmidt and Justin Albert . Interment was in West Friesland Cemetery, Ackley, Iowa. Redman-Schwartz Funeral Chapel, Aplington, was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the family.

04/10/06
 

            Posted on 04/11/2006 by Gene Manning

04/17/06

Lena Norine Hook, age 86, of Aplington, Iowa, was born May 16, 1919, the daughter of Henry and Anna Olthoff Paterni in Melrose Township, Grundy County, Iowa. She attended Melrose #7 Country School and one year of high school in Conrad. Lena was united in marriage with John A. Hook on December 14, 1939 in the parsonage of the Wellsburg Reformed Church. The couple farmed on three different places, all in Pleasant Valley Township, Grundy County and purchased their farm in 1963. John retired from farming in 1987 and she moved to Aplington in 1997. Lena was an active member in the Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church. There she had served as a Sunday School teacher and Sunday School Superintendent, both for 37 years. She was also a member of the Ladies Aid and taught Bible School. Lena enjoyed reading and was known for sending greeting cards which tremendously encouraged those who received them. She liked baking, gardening and canning the produce, raising flowers, and sewing clothing for the family when she was able. Taking care of the little ones, especially her grandchildren was a highlight of her life. Lena died Wednesday, April 5, 2006, at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa, of natural causes. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, John A. Hook on April 19, 2000; her parents; two sisters, one in infancy and Sadie Paterni as a child. She is survived by two daughters, Beverly (Larry) Lindeman, Aplington, Iowa and Connie (Sidney) Penning, Aplington, Iowa; four grandchildren, Lori (Karl) Uhlenhopp, Aplington, Iowa; Matthew (Jan) Lindeman, Ackley, Iowa; Anita (David) Osman, Ackley, Iowa and Kristy Penning, Oskaloosa, Iowa; six great-grandchildren, Richard and Ellie Uhlenhopp; Katie, Sarah and Abbie Lindeman and Elise Osman; and one sister, Genevieve Paterni, Wellsburg, Iowa. Funeral Services were held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 8, 2006 at the Aplington Baptist Church, Aplington, Iowa with Pastor Dan Smith and Pastor Betsy Piette officiating. Organist was Cami Haugstad. Vocalist Roma Ries sang “Where the Roses Never Fade”. Special music was provided by Lena’s grandchildren who sang “Untitled Hymn” and the great-grandchildren who sang “Jesus Loves Me��. Congregational Hymns were “Jesus is All the World To Me” and “My Jesus, I Love Thee”. Casketbearers were Matthew Lindeman, Karl Uhlenhopp, David Osman, Royce Paterni, Wendall Sents, LaVerne Eilers and Michael Sents. Interment was in Pleasant Valley United Methodist Cemetery, Wellsburg, Iowa. Redman- Schwartz Funeral Chapel, Aplington, was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the family. _

04/17/06

Phillip D. “Shorty” Betts, 77, of Clarksville and formerly of Evansdale died of natural causes at the Waverly Health Center Wednesday afternoon, April 5, 2006. He was born November 20, 1928 in McIntire the son of Stoddard S. and Winifred Eastman Betts. He married Faith Eva Rains on April 22, 1948 in Osage. He lost his beloved wife of 55 years on December 14, 2003. Shorty worked at the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad for 44 years and was a member of the National Association of Retired and Veteran Railway Employees & Illinois Central Railroad Camping Association. Phillip was a member of the Cedar Valley Community Church. He had a love of bluegrass music and enjoyed attending various festivals. Phillip enjoyed visiting with family and friends over a cup of coffee and liked to observe the local wildlife. He is survived by one son, Larry D. (JoAnn) Betts of Clarksville; 2 daughters, Patricia A. (James) Cook of Waterloo, Bonita M. (William) Wiegert of Stanley; five grandchildren, Kelly Cook of Evansdale, Korey Cook of Waterloo, Jaime Christensen of Cedar Falls, Aaron Betts of Waverly and Jeremy Betts of West Des Moines; four Great Grandchildren, Brett, Dalton, Brodie, and Lilly and one Step Great Grandchild, Curtis; one brother, George (Millie) Betts of Osage; one sister, Mary Ann Vote of Riceville. Phillip was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and 2 sisters, Orla Mae Potter and June Murphy and infant brother, Miles Edgar Betts. Services were held Saturday, April 8, 2006 at Garden View Chapel with burial in the Garden of Memories Cemetery. Those who wish may direct memorials to the Cedar Valley Hospice. Kearns, Huisman-Schumacher Chapel on Kimball was in charge of arrangements.

04/17/06

Minnie G. Janssen, 92, of Waverly, Iowa, died on Wednesday, April 5, 2006, at her home in Waverly. Minnie was born on September 27, 1913, in Clarksville, Iowa, the daughter of Mace and Fannie (Jurgens) Rademaker. She was baptized on November 21, 1913 and was confirmed in March of 1926 both at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Clarksville, Iowa. She attended country school at Victory #9 and finished her schooling in town. She worked in a sweet corn factory and also helped her family at Rademaker Hatchery. On March 23, 1941 she was united in marriage to Pete Janssen at Vilmer, Iowa. After their marriage they lived on a farm near Allison for two years. They then moved to a farm west of Clarksville, Iowa and farmed for thirty-nine years. Pete passed away on July 1, 1980 and Minnie moved to Waverly in September of 1980. She became a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in 1983, where she was a member of the Dorcas circle. She also helped at the church babysitting for the morning circle and also babysat in her home. She belonged to Do Day. She loved the outdoors, feeding the birds, mowing her lawn and tending to her flowers. She is survived by her two sons, Jerry Janssen and his wife, Jan of Waverly, Iowa; Jim Janssen and his wife, Sandy of Waverly, Iowa; her grandchildren, Janae and Scott Brant of Donnellson, Iowa; Jill Janssen of Plainfield, Iowa; Jodi and George Ingham of Des Moines, Iowa; Jeff Janssen of Waverly, Iowa; Troy and Stephanie Janssen of Waverly, Iowa; five great grandchildren, Megan Janssen, Cole Janssen, Mack Brant, Tanner Brant, and Anastasia Ingham; three sister-in-laws, Alice Buss, Ann Oldenburger, and Sena Uhlenhopp; and her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Pete; three sisters, Annie Escherhausen, Emma Escherhausen and Fannie Garbes; and by four brothers, Tom, Mace, Frank and Hank Rademaker. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2006, at 10:30 am at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Waverly with Pastor Jim Carpenter officiating. Burial will be held in Lynwood Cemetery in Clarksville. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home, Waverly. Memorials may be directed to the Bremer County Home Health Care or Redeemer Lutheran Church. Online Condelences may be left at www.kaisercorson.com.

04/17/06

Funeral services for James William Spratt, 75, of Greene, will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 13, 2006, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Greene with Pastor Gary Hatcher officiating. Military honors will be conducted by Tack Barnett Post 268 American Legion of Greene. Visitation will be 4 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, 2006, at Reid’s Funeral Chapel, 519 North 1st Street, Greene where there will be a public Scripture Service at 7:390 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church one hour before services on Thursday. James William Spratt was born August 16, 1930 in rural Antom, Woodbury County, Richard Thomas “Jack” and Esther Faye (Dicus) Spratt, and died Sunday, April 9, 2006, Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, Mason City. He was baptized July 1930 and confirmed a member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Vilmar on March 1, 1957. He received his education at the Greene Community Schools graduating in 1949 and attended Iowa State at Ames for one year. On January 30, 1951 he was inducted into the United States Navy as a TE-2 Post Office Clerk serving in Japan and Hawaii. He was honorably discharged on February 120, 1954. Jim was united in marriage to Donna Jean Jacobs on September 2, 1956 at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church at Vilmar. To this union were born five children. He was employed at Allied Redimix at Rockford and later became an electrician at Carnation at Waverly for twenty three years. Following his retirement in 1993 he worked as a funeral attendant at Reid’s Funeral Chapels in Greene. Jim was a 49 year member of the Tack Barnett Post 268 American Legion serving as post commander and Third District Commander. He was charter member of the Greene Volunteer Ambulance Crew, and served on the Greene City Council. Jim and Donna faithfully attended St. Peter Lutheran Church where he previously served on the church council. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Donna of nearly 50 years, son James (Lori) Spratt, and their children: Tara, Danielle, and Tyler; all of Oregon, ILL, daughter: Kelly (Terry) Zurcher, and their children: William and Jodee both of Greene; son: Scott (Darla) Spratt, and their children: Jennifer and Jacob both of Greene; daughter: Robin (Michael) Ralls, and their children: Tammy Hlubek and her children: Mikayla and Nathan all of Indianapolis; IN; Matthew (Samantha) Ralls and their children Miles and Madison, all of Parkersburg; Joseph (Jennifer) Ralls and their son Joshua of Hudson, Son Thomas (Nanette) Spratt and their children: Damian, Brett, Casie, and Chase; all of Greene; son: Michael (Barbara) Jacobs and their children: Sean, Erica, Colton, Levi all of Grundy Center; three sisters: Marilyn Earnest of Cedar Rapids; Judith (Duane)Schlitter of College Station TX.; Melita (Willard)Selph of Warner Robins, GA; three brothers: Roger (Karen) of Phoenix, AZ.; John “Jack” (Rosemary) Spratt of Webster City, IA.; Howard (Myrna) Spratt of Lexington, KY; sister-in-law: Leola Spratt of Waverly and many nieces and nephews. Jim leaves to join his parents; his brothers: Draper and Jerry Spratt; and a great-granddaughter: Elisabeth A. Ralls. Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the James W. Spratt Memorial Fund in care of the family, P. O. Box 532, Greene, Iowa 50636-0532

04/17/06

Vera Litterer, 91, of Charles City, died Tuesday, April 4, 2006, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City. Vera Marie Koester Litterer was born September 17, 1914 in Butler County, the daughter of Herman and Caroline (Voigts) Koester. She graduated from the Clarksville High School in 1933 and attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. Vera taught country school in Butler County for four years. On November 12, 1939 she was united in marriage to Leonard Litterer at Clarksville. They farmed all of their lives. Vera was a member of Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and Christian Ones. She was also a member of the Neighborhood Club. Her interests included flower and vegetable gardening, quilting and watching the Hawkeyes and Minnesota Twins. Vera always took an interest in her family especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren. Living family members include six children, Myrna (Skip) Ward and Stanley (Lois) Litterer both of Charles City, Gary (Sally) Litterer of Garner, Ron Litterer of Mason City, Dale (Judy) Litterer of Newton, N.C. and Shari (Dale) Proctor of Manson; 17 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; a brother, Lawrence (Lois) Koester of Allison; a sister, Laura Scheidecker of Clarksville; a sister-in-law, Mabel Litterer of Greene; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband on October 16, 1996; an infant son, Herman Litterer; and a brother, Harold Koester. Funeral services were held Friday, April 7, 2006, at the Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor David Werges officiated. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery at Greene. The Hauser Funeral Home, Charles City was in charge of arrangements

04/17/06

Neva Louise Wiegmann Sherman Brinkman was born May 19, 1926, to Conrad C. and Ida (True) Wiegmann. She was baptized at her home west of Bristow on May 20, 1926. She was confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Vilmar, April 1940. Neva attended country school west of Bristow and graduated from Bristow High School on May 19, 1944. She was employed at Lutheran Mutual Insurance at Waverly from 1946 until 1948. Neva was united in marriage to Richard Sherman on August 8, 1948. They farmed north of Allison. To this union two daughters were born Sandra Kay Rinderknecht and Joyce Ann Schnormeier. Richard died from a tractor accident on April 14, 1954. Neva and her daughters moved to Allison where Neva was employed at the Allison Hardware and later at the Allison-Bristow School as the Superintendent Secretary and then in 1965, became the Deputy Clerk of Court for Butler County. The family were members of St. James Lutheran Church at Allison. Neva taught Sunday School and was a member of the Mission Circle. Neva was married to J. Jerald Brinkman on January 15, 1972. They moved into their home in Allison in October of 1994. Neva enjoyed embroidery work and made quilts for her children and seven grandchildren. Lately she was making baby quilts for her great grandchildren. Neva passed away at the Allison Care Center on Saturday, April 1, 2006 at age 79. Those thankful for having shared her life are her children Sandra Rinderknecht and husband Gene of Port Saint Lucie, Florida, Joyce Schnormeier and husband Bill of New Providence, Janis Lacquement and husband Mitch of Carlisle, and Randy Brinkman and wife Sydney of Allison; seven grandchildren, five step grandchildren and three great and six step great grandchildren; one sister Rosella Mennen of Allison; and two sister-in-laws Meta Wiegmann of Dumont and Evelyn Wiegmann of Allison. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Richard Sherman and J. Jerald Brinkman and two brothers Glen Wiegmann and Orville Wiegmann, one sister in infancy and one great grandson Braeden. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 5, 2006 at St. James Lutheran Church in Allison with Sean Bunger and Rev. Jeffrey A. Blank and Rev. Ruth Ann Shriver officiating. Special music was provided by organist, Mrs. Cecil Radcliffe accompanying the congregational singing. Pallbearers were Ron Salge, Daryl Sherman, Kelvin Mennen, Jeff Seehusen, Dennis Wiegmann and Warren Wiegmann. Final resting place was in the Allison Cemetery with Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

               Posted on 04/17/2006 by Gene Manning