Norma Adeline Heise, age 69, of Clarksville, Iowa, was born the daughter of Arthur Edward and Lillie Caroline (Nordmeyer) Heise on October 18, 1940, at the Schoitz Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa. Norma was baptized into the Christian faith and later confirmed at the First United Church of Christ~Pleasant Valley, rural Clarksville, Iowa. She received her education and graduated from the Clarksville High School in 1960.

Following graduation Norma worked for a short time at the Allison Café and then for a veterinarian in Plainfield as a receptionist. She was a lifelong resident of Clarksville. Through the years she worked in town at the former Poppe’s Grocery Store and later Ken’s Grocery for many years. She also worked at the Clarksville Café and enjoyed serving and visiting with the customers.

Norma was an active lifelong member of the First United Church of Christ~Pleasant Valley, where she was a longtime Sunday school teacher and was a member of the Women’s Fellowship. Norma was a happy go lucky lady and would often greet you with a smile and always enjoyed visiting especially with the younger people.

She liked collecting pictures and newspaper clippings of her friends and family. She loved pets and had a special companion cat named Princess for over 17 years.

Norma died Friday, September 24, 2010, at the Clarksville Community Nursing Home of natural causes.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Lillie.

Norma is survived by one brother, Roger and his wife, Alice Heise of Cedar Falls, Iowa; one niece, Susan and her husband, Jon Burgstrum; two nephews, James and his wife, Kim Heise and John and his wife, Beth Heise; and six great-nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, September 28, 2010, at the First United Church of Christ~Pleasant Valley in rural Clarksville, Iowa. The services were officiated by Pastor Anne Sunday. The pianist, Gale Fenneman, accompanied the congregational hymns, “He Leadeth Me,” “Morning Has Broken,” and “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” The Casketbearers were James Heise, John Heise, Aaron Heise, Lucas Burgstrum, Dale Mennenga, and Jon Burgstrum. Interment was at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in rural Clarksville, Iowa.

Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to the First United Church of Christ~Pleasant Valley in rural Clarksville or to the Clarksville Ambulance and on-line condolences may be left at www.Redman-Schartz.com.  

Kevin Donald Clark

Kevin Donald Clark, 52, of Dumont, Iowa, passed away October 1, 2010, in Waterloo, Iowa.

He was born July 14, 1958, in Seattle, Washington, to Donald and Norma (Metcalf) Clark. Kevin graduated from Allison- Bristow High School in 1977 and then attended college in Ft. Dodge. He was married to Sherri Rossmeier, which later ended in divorce. Right out of college, Kevin went east to train thoroughbred horses and then came back and worked for Smithway Motor Express in Ft. Dodge.

He was currently a truck driver for Nutri- Ject Systems out of Hudson. Kevin enjoyed sports, especially watching the Hawkeye’s and Cubs. His love for horses was his life.

Kevin is survived by his mother Norma Clark of Allison, brother Kendall Clark of Dubuque, nephew Aden Clark of Dubuque, step-mother Georgene Clark of Allison, aunt and uncle Steven and Mel Metcalf of West Union, nephew Rory Metcalf of West Union, great aunt Ruby Pieper of West Union, aunt Pat Clark of Traer, aunt and uncle Dick and Julie Clark of Washington, D.C., along with numerous cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Donald Dean Clark and paternal & maternal grandparents.

Friends called Tuesday, October 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Sietsema- Vogel Funeral Home in Allison.

A private family service took place prior to the calling hours at the funeral home. Pastor Ralph Wedeking officiated the service. Inurnment will take place at a later date.

Erma I. (Hearn) McDonald

Erma I. (Hearn) McDonald, 94, of Allison, Iowa, passed away October 9, 2010, at the Rehabilitation Center of Allison.

She was born in Bristow, Iowa, on August 28, 1916. The youngest of 11 children of Daniel Hearn and Clara Myrtle (Young) Hearn. At the age of 13, she was confirmed and joined the Evangelical United Brethern Church of Bristow. She graduated from Bristow High School in 1932.

On June 4, 1933, she married Glenn Brown. To which an infant daughter, Dixie Lee, died at birth. She and Glenn were later divorced. She was a Real Estate Agent in Oregon for many years. She then moved to Oregon and married Everett McDonald in Corvallis, Oregon, where they resided for 38 years.

After his death she moved back to Iowa to be near family.

She leaves to mourn, her daughter Patricia (Brown) and her husband Bobby Joe Miller of Allison, grandchildren Trent Miller of Brighton, Colorado, April Schmiesing of Elk Run Heights and Lisa Morris of Allison, great grandchildren Jenna Deanda, Jared Miller, Ryan Schmiesing, Landen Morris, Mikki Jo Morris, Natalee Morris, Hudson Morris, Nixson Morris, Preston Morris and a greatgreat- granddaughter Emma Jo Schmiesing.

She was preceded in death by her husband, six brothers, four sisters and her parents. Erma enjoyed crocheting, playing bingo and being with people. Also, she never turned down a cup of coffee.

Graveside service was held Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at the Oak Hill Cemetery in rural Bristow, Iowa. Pastor John Courier officiated the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice.

Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Dumont was in charge of arrangements.

Henry “Hank” Hirsch

Henry “Hank” Hirsch, age 97, of Clarksville, Iowa, was born August 18, 1913, in Butler County, Iowa, the son of Henry and Anna (Heine) Hirsch.

He attended rural country school through the 8th grade. Hank was united in marriage to Lucille Koch on December 10, 1943. Lucille passed away on August 24, 1970.

He later married Anna Remley Thompson on December 12, 1980. She passed away on April 9, 2005. Hank lived in the Butler-Bremer County area all of his life. He started working as a farmhand at a young age until he began delivering milk. In 1948 he started working for Maier Oil Co. until 1982. In 2003, Hank became a resident of the Community Nursing Home in Clarksville.

Hank was a member of the Community United Methodist Church in Clarksville. In his free time, Hank enjoyed fishing, camping, and playing horseshoes. He especially liked traveling the country roads with his nephew.

Hank died Tuesday, October 5, 2010, at the Community Nursing Home in Clarksville, from natural causes.

He was preceded in death by his parents; both wives, Lucille and Anna; eight brothers, Louis, William, Eldon, Edward, Edmond, Herman, Clarence and Raymond; four sisters, Matilda Roeder, Anna Smith, Mabel Smith and Pauline Faust.

Hank is survived by two sisters, Lucille Smith of La Porte City, Iowa and Helen Frerichs of Clarksville, Iowa; a nephew, Roger (Linda) Hirsch of Waverly, Iowa; many other nieces and nephews; one stepson, Edward (Sandra) Thompson of St. Charles, Missouri; and one stepdaughter, Patricia (Dean) Klunder of Waverly, Iowa.

Funeral services were held Friday, October 8, 2010, at the Community United Methodist Church in Clarksville, Iowa, with Pastor Christine Pauley officiating. Lola Clark accompanied those in attendance singing “Amazing Grace.” Special music included “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver. The Casketbearers were Roger Hirsch, Merlyn Hirsch, Kenneth Smith, Darrell Hirsch, Bernard Smith, and Bud Smith. Interment was at the Lynwood Cemetery in Clarksville.

Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home in Clarksville was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the family of Henry. Online condolences may be left at www.redman-schwartz.com.

Darrell Lee Buss

Darrell Lee Buss, age 66, was born June 10, 1944, the son of Milo and Marlys (Jurgens) Buss, in Allison, Iowa.

He attended various schools throughout his youth. On October 8, 1966, he was united in marriage to Ardith Martzahn at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Greene, Iowa. To this union two children were born. The couple made their home in Allison for a few years, followed by Greene and spent the last 42 years at their present home in rural Allison.

Darrell was employed as an auto mechanic for a number of years working for Allen’s, Maclaren, Tolle, Schultz and Kluiter’s Auto Repair. In his free time he enjoyed camping, fishing, and fixing old cars at his home. Darrell died Wednesday, October 13, 2010, at his home, from natural causes. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister-in-law, Lynette Martzahn.

Darrell is survived by his wife of 44 years, Ardith; one son, Tim (DeAnn Norton and daughter Echo) Buss of Allison, Iowa; one daughter, Traci (Matt) Gallmeyer of Allison, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Crystal (Curt) Wordes, Tabitha Buss, Cassondra (Jeremy) Tilton, McCoy Buss, Andrew Gallmeyer, Ashley (Daniel Weiss) Gallmeyer and Levi Gallmeyer; four greatgrandchildren, Kamron Macke, Mallory Wordes, Connor Weiss and Annalisha Tilton; his step-father, Robert Lahr of Clarksville, Iowa; two half-brothers, Roger (Marjorie) Lahr of Clarksville, Iowa and Charles (Verla) Lahr of Shell Rock, Iowa; three half-sisters, Barbara (Dean) Lane of Greene, Iowa, Janet (Randy) Luchtenburg of Aplington, Iowa and Elaine (Mark Becking ) Whiting of Clarksville, Iowa; one brother-in-law, Harlan (Sandra Greenlee) Martzahn of Greene, Iowa; one sister-in-law, Delores (Delos) Adelmund of Greene, Iowa; many nieces and nephews; his dog, Buffy.

Graveside Services were held Friday, October, 15, 2010, at the Lowell Cemetery in rural Clarksville. Pastor Gary Hatcher of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Greene conducted the service. Casket bearers included Richard Lahr, Michael Lane, Brian Lahr, Jason Lahr, Michael Martzahn, Darren Martzahn, Marty Adelmund and Jason Luchtenburg. There was no public visitation. Memorials may be directed to the family of Darrell. Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home Clarksville assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.redman-schwartz.com.

Vern Arthur Bushbaum

Vern Arthur Bushbaum, 92, of Dumont, Iowa, passed away October 20, 2010, at his home in Dumont, Iowa.

He was born November 25, 1917, in Franklin County, Iowa, to John Arthur and Ollie (Stanbrough) Bushbaum. Vern attended Aredale and Hansell Schools. He married Marian Deone Nelsen on November 20, 1937, in Mason City, Iowa. Vern worked as a farmer and also was a school bus driver and janitor for the Dumont School system.

He was a member of the New Hope Parish of the United Methodist Church in Dumont. Vern enjoyed woodworking, painting barns, traveling and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his son John (Maxine) Bushbaum of Dumont, daughter Joan (Dana) Schulke of Mason City, son Vernon Jay (Diane) Bushbaum of Hampton, grandchildren Steve (Tracy) Miller, Scott (Becky) Miller, Stacy (Diane) Miller, Shawn (Star) Miller, Rita (Ron) Stewart, Ron Bushbaum, Renee (Ron) Lyons, Ryan (Charlotte) Bushbaum and Amber Bushbaum, step grandchildren Laurie (Alan) Smith and Scott & Rusty Schulke, twelve great grandchildren and five step great grandchildren.

Vern was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers and one sister.

Funeral service was held Monday, October 25, at the New Hope Parish of the United Methodist Church in Dumont. Burial was in the Dumont Cemetery. Rev. Bob Connor officiated the service.

Memorials to Hospice of North Iowa or New Parish of the United Methodist Church in Dumont.

Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Dumont was in charge of arrangements.

Sheldon Ray Cruse

Sheldon Ray Cruse, 68, of Plainfield, Iowa, was called home to the Lord surrounded by family on Monday, October 18, 2010, after a short and courageous battle with cancer.

Sheldon was born on January 23, 1942, in Waverly, Iowa, to Martin Eugene and Pauline (Musel) Cruse. He spent his childhood on the farm, attended country schools and graduated from Plainfield High School. Following graduation he served in the U.S. Army from 1960-1962. On March 21, 1963, he married the love of his life, Ethel Ann Stille.

Throughout his life he had many different jobs including FBI in Washington, D.C., life insurance salesman, and sales and servicing for Norris Welding Supplies, but the one nearest to his heart was semi driving. He loved spending time with his family and getting up early to beat his fellow truckers to delivery. He always made time for church activities. He was a member of the Tyrell Masonic Lodge, American Legion and the Clarksville Church of Christ where he was an Elder.

Those left to cherish his legacy are his wife, Ethel Cruse of Plainfield; two sons, Steve (Angela) Cruse of Johnston and Kevin (Charlotte) Cruse of Hospers; grandchildren, Haley, Nicole, Karson, Karter, Hope, Zachary, Isabela, and Raya. Sheldon is also survived by his twin sister Sharon (Don) Schrage of Plainfield; brothers, Jim (Brenda) Cruse of Reinbeck, Rick Cruse of Ames, Brad (Wendy) Cruse of Plainfield; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin Eugene and Pauline; and infant granddaughter, Carolina Faith Ann Cruse.

A memorial service honoring Sheldon’s life was held at Friday, October 22nd at Clarksville Church of Christ with lunch following. There was no graveside service as Sheldon’s wishes were to be cremated.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the family or Clarksville Church of Christ. Online condolences for Sheldon may be left at www.kaisercorson.com.

Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly assisted the family.

Harold Edward Reents

Harold Edward Reents, 86, of Dumont, Iowa, passed away October 20, 2010, at the Dumont Wellness Center in Dumont, Iowa.

He was born March 2, 1924, in Dumont, Iowa, to John Edward and Viola (Wickham) Reents. Harold attended the Dumont School. He married Doris Elaine Hearn on October 6, 1949, in Garner, Iowa. He worked at Maytag Company for 33 years. Harold served his Country in the United States Army during World War II serving in the Philippines, New Guinea and Luzon.

He was a member of the New Hope United Methodist Church in Dumont and the Dumont American Legion. Harold took great pride in having a nice yard, enjoyed cars and Christmas time; he also enjoyed making things in his garage and having coffee with his friends at the Legion Hall.

He is survived by his wife Doris Reents of Dumont, son Kevin (Janet) Reents of Newton, granddaughter Ashley (Josh) Oskam of Newton, granddaughter Christina Berends of Parkersburg, grandson Dylan Reents of Cedar Falls and great grandsons Preston and Tristan.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, son Kent, two brothers Lyle & Tom and one sister Evelyn Spangenberg.

Funeral service was held Saturday October 23, 2010 at the New Hope Parish of the United Methodist Church in Dumont, Iowa. Burial was in the Dumont Cemetery.

Rev. Mark Young & Rev. Larry Pauley officiated the service.

Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Dumont was in charge of arrangements.