Claire Duane Gallmeyer

Claire Duane Gallmeyer, resident of Greenville, passed away on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 inGreenville. He was 70.

His memorial service was Sunday, January 2, 2011, at Greenville Bible Church. He was born on June 14, 1940 in Butler County, Iowa, the son of Carl and Helen Gallmeyer. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK.

Arrangements handled through Peters Funeral Home.

He is survived by wife, Janet Kay Gallmeyer of Greenville, daughter Lisa Wells and husband Michael of Dunkerton, Iowa, daughter Cheryl Jones of Greenville, son
Tom Fischer and wife Gina of Katy, daughter Karen Wilson and husband
Skip of Fairbanks, Iowa, daughter Deborah Adkins of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, 13 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, 5 sisters, 3 brothers, numerous nieces nephews other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by, first wife Patricia Gallmeyer, his parents and 1 sister.

Peters Funeral Home, 3935 Joe Ramsey Blvd., Greenville, Texas 75401 was in charge of arrangements.

Mildred Elizabeth Ulfers

Mildred Elizabeth Ulfers, age 91, of Cedar Falls, formerly of Parkersburg, Iowa, was born the fifth of six children to Dick and Gertie (Dirksen) Brouwer on October 25, 1919, on a farm north of Austinville, Iowa.

As a child, she received her education at a rural school near her parent’s home in Butler County. Mildred was baptized into the Christian faith and attended the
Washington Reformed Church.

On January 14, 1939, Mildred was united in marriage to Harvey Ulfers at the Reformed Church parsonage in Dumont, Iowa. Together they first lived near Aplington and later by Parkersburg where they farmed for 34 years. They attended Bethel Reformed Church, rural Aplington, Iowa.

In 1956, they assisted in the construction of the Hope Reformed Church in Parkersburg and were charter members.

Mildred taught Sunday School for 28 years and was the Elementary Sunday School
Superintendent for 8 years. In addition, she was very active in the Silver Threads, Reformed Church Women’s Group, along with other committees within the church and held various offices.

Mildred loved the outdoors, birds and flowers. She worked side by side with her husband, which was a great joy even though at times it was hard. Mildred also had a great love for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her home
was always open and all that visited knew where to find the cookie jar.

Mildred passed away on Sunday, December 26, 2010, at Bickford Cottage in Cedar Falls, from natural causes. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Ulfers on May 19, 1992; her parents; a brother, Carl Brouwer; and two sisters, Dena Rotgers and Gertrude Greenfield.

Mildred is survived by three daughters, Marlys (Gary) Lumley of Urbandale, Iowa, Sharon (Richard) Dralle of Parkersburg, Iowa, and Diane (James) Van Zetten of
Chicago, Illinois; two sons, Milton (Marilyn) Ulfers of Allison, Iowa, and Harvey (Jane) Ulfers, Jr. of Cedar Falls, Iowa; fourteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; two brothers, Harold (Kathryn) Brouwer and Wallace (Marian) Brouwer both of Aplington, Iowa.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, December 29, 2010, at Hope Reformed Church in Parkersburg with Pastor Leighton Seyes officiating. Selected scripture
was read by Jim Van Zetten. Alex Ulfers and Matthew Van Zetten offered remembrances of Mildred and Aaron Epley sang “Under His Wings.” Lois Fischer was the organist and accompanied those in attendance singing “Softly and Tenderly” and “What A Friend We Have In Jesus.”

Mildred’s grandchildren sang “Be Not Afraid.”

Burial was held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg with Mildred’s grandchildren serving as casket bearers.

Memorials may be directed to the Hope Reformed Church. Online condolences may be left at www.redman-schwartz.com.

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

John Henry Kalkwarf

John Henry Kalkwarf, age 85, of Parkersburg, Iowa, was born on June 3, 1925, on the family farm near Stout, Iowa, the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Mulder) Kalkwarf.

He received his education in rural country schools as well as the Parkersburg High School. At the age of 18 he was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. He successfully battled this disease for 65 plus years.

John worked many years as a hired man for Rudy Buseman. On November 17, 1947, he was united in marriage to Eunice F. Jansen at the parsonage of the Reformed Church in Aplington, Iowa. To this union three daughters were born.

The couple farmed north of Parkersburg on the family farm for 48 years, retiring in 1995. John also worked for the ASCS office measuring land. John was a life time member of the Parkersburg Christian Reformed Church, where he had served as a Deacon and was on many committees. His pleasures in life were his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He could be seen frequently walking in town and enjoying coffee time at the local cafés.

John had a gift of the ability to talk to anyone and everyone and always found good in people. He loved God’s earth and enjoyed farming. Through the years he enjoyed working crossword puzzles, studying the county plat books and watching Johnny Carson.

John died Wednesday, December 29, 2010, at Maple Manor Village in Aplington, of natural causes.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his in-laws, Kenneth and Jessie Jansen and Lois Kramer.

John is survived by his wife of 63 years, Eunice; three daughters, Sheila and Leon Smoot of Allison, Karen and John Oltman of Cedar Falls, and Michelle and Michael Matthias of Denver; seven grandchildren, Lisa and David Matthias of Readlyn, Sara and Nathan Schutt of Cedar Falls, Jennifer and Michael Cole of Naperville, IL, Daniel Oltman of Waterloo, Kevin and Jennifer Oltman of Bloomington, IL, Max Matthias of Denver, and McCoy Matthias of Denver; six great-grandchildren, Jake Lien, Gabriel Matthias, Derek Matthias, Abigail Schutt, Jack Cole and Ella Cole; a brother, Harold and Dorothy Kalkwarf of Aplington; and one sister, Frances and Harold Bergman of Urbandale; one sisterin- law, Janice and Gaylen Kuperus of Clarion; one brother-in-law, Marlyn Kramer of Aplington; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Monday, January 3, 2011, at Parkersburg Christian Reformed Church with Pastor Russell Boersma officiating. The flower committee was the Parkersburg Christian Reformed Friendship Circle. Angie Meester accompanied those in attendance singing “Blessed Assurance,” “In The Garden,” “It Is Well With My Soul,” and “Because He Lives.” Tom Teeple sang “Softly and Tenderly” and “Precious Memories.” Burial was held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg with John’s grandsons, Daniel Oltman, Kevin Oltman, Max Matthias, McCoy Matthias, David Matthias, Michael Cole, Nathan Schutt and Jake Lien serving as casket bearers. Honorary casket bearers were his granddaughters, Lisa Matthias, Jennifer Cole, Sara Schutt and Jennifer Oltman.

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

Rev. Reuben James Topp

Rev. Reuben James Topp, 93, of Waverly, Iowa, and formerly of Clarksville, Iowa, died Sunday morning, January 9, 2011, at the Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community of natural causes. Reuben was born on July 19, 1917, on a farm north of Buckeye, Iowa, in Hardin County, the youngest son of Louis C.D. and Eda M. (Trende) Topp. He was baptized into the Christian Faith in infancy in the Peace Evangelical Church in Buckeye, where in his youth he renewed his baptismal vows in the rite of confirmation.

Reuben grew up and received his education in the Buckeye community where he graduated from high school in 1935. As a young man he worked on farms, did retail clerking in several stores and worked in the Hardin County A.S.C.S. office in Iowa Falls. On May 2, 1941, he was drafted into the United States Army and on January 15, 1942, he was sent overseas to the European Theatre of Operations where he served until May 21, 1945, with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

In the fall of 1945, he entered Elmhurst College for one year, and then was invited to attend Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Groves, MO., as a “Special Student” because of his age and army experience. He graduated from there in 1949, and received the “Certificate of the Seminary”. Reuben accepted a call from St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed Church, Buck Creek, rural Sumner, Iowa, to become pastor, and was ordained into the Christian Ministry of the Evangelical and Reformed Church on June 19, 1949, in Peace Evangelical and Reformed Church at Buckeye.

On August 20, 1949, he was united in marriage to Nelda M. Bode in New Knoxville, Ohio. They were at home in the parsonage of ST. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed Church after September 1st. To this union two children were born, son, Joel and daughter, Lois. While serving at St. Paul’s Church, he commuted to Upper Iowa University at Fayette and completed his college work, receiving his B.A. Degree in History in June of 1952. He then wrote his B.D. Thesis requirement and received his B.D. Degree from Eden Theological Seminary in June of 1953. Reuben continued to serve St. Paul’s Church until July 12, 1955, when the family moved to Clarksville, Iowa, where he had accepted a call to become pastor of Immanuel Evangelical and Reformed Church (now called Immanuel United Church Christ) where he served until August 1, 1982, when he retired from active ministry. Since that time he has helped churches seeking new pastoral leadership, and was helping Unity Presbyterian Church, rural Clarksville from 1995 to 2007, when he retired.

Nelda died on November 2, 1971, and on April 18, 1979, he was united in marriage to Amy Alverson of Mason City at Immanuel United Church of Christ, Clarksville. In 1999, Reuben & Amy moved into the Eichhorn Haus at Bartels, Amy died on April 1, 2005. Reuben continued to live at the Eichhorn Haus until September 8, 2009, when he moved into the Linden Place. Besides serving as pastor he has served his denomination in many, many ways. His community activities included serving on the Board of the Butler County Chapter of the American Cancer Society, county Crusade Chairman, town of Clarksville Chairman several times, a life member of the AMVETS and served as chaplain of the Clarksville Post for many years, and also serving the Waverly Post. He served as a District and State Chaplain for several terms, and was chaplain at Allen Memorial Hospital from 1980- 1990. Amy died on April 1, 2005, and Reuben continued to make his home in Waverly.

Reuben is survived by one son, Joel (Patt)Topp of Winter Haven, Florida; one daughter, Lois (Mike) Sinram of Waterloo, Iowa; three grandsons, Dr. Justin (Meta)Topp, Zachary and Joshua Sinram; a stepgranddaughter, Mary Baranski, and a step-great granddaughter, Talia Gutierez; one great granddaughter, Ashleigh Elisabeth Topp.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Nelda in 1971; his second wife, Amy in 2005; and one brother, Eldon in 1958.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Clarksville, with Pastors Lynne Busch and Pastor Don Feuerhak presiding. Burial was held in the Lynwood Cemetery Clarksville, with military graveside rites conducted by the Clarksville AMVETS Post.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the donor’s choice or to the family. Online condolences for Reuben’s family may be left at www.kaisercorson.com. Kaiser- Corson Funeral Home in Waverly was in charge of services.

Elsie M. Folkerts

Elsie M. Folkerts, age 90, of Clarksville, died January 5, 2011, at the Community Nursing Home in Clarksville, from natural causes. She was born on October 12, 1920, the daughter of Fritz and Louise (Benning) Schilling on the family farm in rural Clarksville.

Elsie attended Fremont Township School in Butler County.

On November 25, 1941, she was united in marriage to Henry Folkerts at St. John Lutheran Church in Clarksville. To this union five children were born. The couple lived and farmed on the same farm that Elsie was born on until 1984 when they moved into their home in Clarksville.

Elsie was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church in Clarksville. She enjoyed quilting, embroidering, flower gardening and playing cards. Perhaps one of her greatest joys was time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Elsie died Wednesday, January 5, 2011, at the Community Nursing Home in Clarksville, from natural causes.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Henry on April 8, 1999; one grandson, Todd Folkerts; three brothers, Albert, Edwin and Louie Schilling; two sisters, Rosie Dralle and Hertha Wubbena.

Elsie is survived by four sons, Darrell (Joanne) Folkerts, Marvin (Kathy) Folkerts, Melvin (Idella) Folkerts, all of Waverly, Iowa, and Richard (Deb) Folkerts of Plainfield, Iowa; one daughter, Donna (Gary) Faust of Denver, Iowa; 13 grandchildren; 17 greatgrandchildren; her twin sister, Ella Calease of Clarksville, Iowa and one sister-in-law, Edna Schilling of Clarksville, Iowa.

Funeral services were held Saturday, January 8, 2011, at St. John Lutheran Church in Clarksville, Iowa. Officiating was Pastor David Nelson and Lois Roose was organist. The congregational hymns where “What A Friend We Have In Jesus,” “How Great Thou Art” and “Borning Cry.”

Casketbearers were her grandsons, Neil Folkerts, Shannon Folkerts, Kevin Folkerts, Adam Folkerts, Travis Folkerts and Nathan Folkerts. In loving memory Elsie’s grandson, Todd Folkerts was named as honorary casketbearers.

Committal services were held at Lynwood Cemetery in Clarksville, Iowa, following the funeral service. Memorials may be directed to the family of Elsie. Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.redman-schwartz.com.

Clarence Harold “Lefty” Bergman

 
On Sunday, January 2, 2011, Clarence Harold “Lefty”, Bergman age 92, of Parkersburg, Iowa, died at his home in Parkersburg, Iowa, of natural causes.

Funeral services were held Thursday, January 6, 2011, at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Parkersburg, Iowa with Pastor Keith Sievers officiating. Committal services were held at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg following the funeral services with full military rites provided by the Aplington AMVET Post #102 and Parkersburg American Legion Post #285.

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

Dale Dana Shepard

Shepard, Dale Dana, Age 66, lost his courageous 4 1/2 year battle with a brain tumor on December 6, 2010.

He was born on September 7, 1944 in Hampton, IA and raised in Allison, IA; Dale graduated from Allison-Bristow High School. He was in the first class of inductees into the Allison-Bristow Athletic Booster Club Hall of Fame in 2000 for extraordinary accomplishments in basketball, baseball, football, and track.

He served in the US Army from 1963 to 1965, and then graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. He always remained a loyal Iowa Hawkeye fan. Shortly after moving to Minnesota in the late 1960’s, he met his wife of over 42 years, Jacqueline Johnson.

In 1973, he began working for Liberty Diversified Industries where he served in a variety of marketing, management, and sales roles for over 35 years. Dale was a natural in sales due to his engaging personality, innate sense of humor, and his genuine interest in those around him.

Dale enjoyed outdoor activities throughout his lifetime, including bike touring, canoeing, and golfing. He was active in the Bloomington Schools PTA, coaching his children’s sports teams, and as a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Bloomington and Prairie Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie. His infectious optimism lives through those who knew him. “It’s the best day of my life” was his typical quip when asked “How are you?”

Dale is survived by wife Jacqueline; sons Blake (Sonja) of Seattle, WA and Andrew (Indigo Teiwes) of Portland, OR; brothers William (Lilian) and Wade (Kristi) Shepard and sister Former First Lady Susan Shepard Carlson (Arne). Preceded in death by father Dana Dexter Shepard and mother June LaVonne (Shepard) Schiller. Memorial services were held Saturday, December 11, 2010 at Prairie Lutheran Church, 11000 Blossom Road, Eden Prairie, MN. Family prefers memorials to Habitat for Humanity or Brains Together for a Cure (www.brainstogetherforacure.org; BTFC, PO Box 8353, Rochester, MN 55903).

Lorraine J. Kellner

Lorraine J. Kellner, age 82 of Ionia died Tuesday, January 4, 2011, at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo surrounded by her family and friends.

Lorraine Jean Kellner was born March 26, 1928, on the family farm in rural Clarksville, IA, the daughter of Burr and Iva (Knapp) Rogers.

She attended rural country school at Dayton #6 in Butler County. Upon graduation, she worked for C.V. Cave in Greene. She also worked part-time for the Greene Locker.

On September 23, 1956, Lorraine was united in marriage to John Kellner. To this union, five children were born. She was a homemaker, and resided on the same family farm until her death. She was a longtime member of the Pythian Sisters in Nashua, the Polka Club of Iowa, the Bradford homemakers, United Methodist Women, and Moose Lodge #1011 Chapter 1095 of Charles City.

Lorraine was known for her baking, cooking, and entertaining. She enjoyed having potlucks and sharing her creations with her friends and family. For 38 years, Lorraine entered baked goods and garden items in the Big 4 Fair. She also entered many baked goods into the Iowa State Fair. Lorraine enjoyed dancing, polka music, her family, and her pets.

Lorraine is survived by her mother, Iva Rogers of Greene; two sons, Leroy Kellner of Charles City, Charles Kellner of Ionia; two daughters, Diane (Jim) Oltmann of Grimes, Cindy Kellner (Mason Larson) of Cedar Falls; one daughterin- law, Ruth Kellner of Mason City; a sister, Ruth (Bob) Shaffer of Cedar Rapids; two sister-in-laws, Margaret Wright of Tripoli, Gerry Busching of Waverly; five grandchildren, Jimmy Oltmann (Katie Egli) of West Des Moines, Jamie Oltmann of Waverly, Stacia Kellner of Cedar Rapids, Krista Kellner of Cedar Falls, Austin Kellner of Mason City; a special friend, Donald Schweer of Tripoli; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father; her husband, John on June 30, 2002; a son, Craig, in April of 1999; a brother, Louie Rogers; three brother-in-laws, Dean Vorhes, Russell Wright, Stanley Busching; and one sister-in-law, Burdette Rogers.

Funeral services were held Saturday, January 8, 2011, at the United Methodist Church, Nashua, with Pastor Okitakoyi Lundula officiating.

Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery, Nashua with Steve Lantow, David Edson, Les Parker III, Glen Poppe, Calvin Poppe, Al Frost, Jim Kalvig, and Dillon Kalvig serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be her five grandchildren; Jimmy Oltmann, Jamie Oltmann, Stacia Kellner, Krista Kellner, and Austin Kellner.

Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in Nashua was in charge of arrangements.

Jeffrey George Schipper

Jeffrey George Schipper, 50, of Center Point, died Sunday, December 19, 2010 in Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids.

Jeffrey was born June 12, 1960 in Hampton, the son of George Alvin Schipper and Lorrain (Bierman) Kalkwarf.

On August 21, 2004, he was united in marriage to Debora Rosenberger at Salem United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids. He was employed by Jensen Transport.

He was a member of Salem United Methodist Church, Cedar Rapids. Jeffrey’s joys were spending time with his family and helping others.

He also enjoyed woodworking, trains, and working in his garage.

Survivors include his wife, Debora; mother Lorraine (John) Kalkwarf, Aplington; children April Miller of Annawan, Illinois, Jeffrey (Jodi) Schipper of Chadwick, Illinois, Jeremy Buss (Katie Mercer) of Kewanee, Illinois, and Samuel (Martha) DeGroote of Grundy Center; grandchildren Izzac, Caleb, Bridgett, Cara, Adrian, Kara, Gabriel and Annabelle; sisters Anita (Harley) Harms of Ackley, Marcie (Jim) Breitbach of Gilbertville and Lori (Bill) Allen of Iowa Falls; brother Steven Schipper of Parkesburg, and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father George Alvin Schipper, and a sister Marie Schipper.

Services were held Thursday, December 23, 2010, at Center Point United Methodist Church, Center Point, by Pastor Mike Ellson and Ken Graham. Burial was in the Center Point Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in Jeffrey’s memory to a charity of the donor’s choice. Sign the online guest book at www.murdochfuneralhome.com.

Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Center Point, was in charge of arrangements.

Debra Lynn Rosol

Debra Lynn Rosol, age 49, of Dumont, died Wednesday, January 12, 2011, at the Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo.

Debra was born on February 20, 1961, in Waverly, Iowa, the daughter of Robert and Elsie (Nelson) Rosol. She was raised in Waverly and graduated from the Waverly-Shell Rock High School in 1979.

During her life Debra worked at Tall Corn in Waverly, Lutheran Nursing home in Cedar Falls, Waverly Bowling Alley, AMVETS, Home Health Care, Casey’s in Allison, and Power Manufacturing in Allison.

Debra enjoyed fishing, helping others, stock car races in Allison, taking her grandchildren to the fair, and most of all spending time with her friends and family.

Debra’s memory is honored by her father, Robert (Lois) Rosol of Waverly, her mother, Elsie Rosol of Waverly, a son, Chris (Julie) Rosol of Dumont, a daughter, Randi (Travis) Quario of Allison, her Fiancé’, Marty Miller of Allison, four grandchildren, Allison, Autumm, Tucker, and Breanna, two sisters, Verla (Charlie) Lahr of Greene and Phyllis Disrud of Allison and two nephews, Jason and Joseph Lahr.

Funeral services were held Saturday, January 15, at the Kaiser- Corson Funeral Home in Waverly with Father Mike Tauke officiating.

Debra was then be cremated. Memorials may be directed to Debra’s family and online condolences may be left at www. kaisercorson.com.

Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly was in charge of arrangements.

Marilyn Hoffer Smith

 
Marilyn Hoffer Smith, 86, of Cedar Falls, died Sunday, January 9, 2011, at Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community, Waverly.

She was born January 10, 1924 in Mt. Angel, Oregon, the daughter of Lawrence and Besse (Bolster) Hoffer. Marilyn married Richard W. Smith on July 31, 1943 at Chanute Field, Rantoul, Illinois. He preceded her in death on November 11, 2000. Marilyn was a 1940 graduate of Cedar Falls High School and worked for Dr. A. E. Meswarb, and later in the Wagner Manufacturing Accounting Dept. and also Henderson’s Furniture Store. She then worked in the Human Resources Dept. and headed the Accounting Dept. at Porter’s Camera Store, retiring after twenty-three years of service.

Marilyn was a member of Chapter R, PEO, was a member and past president of both the Tuesday Club and Cedar Falls AMVETS Auxiliary, and was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Cedar Falls, where she was very active in the church’s St. Vincent de Paul program.

Survivors include two sons, Michael J. (Kerstine) Smith of Sartel, Minnesota and David W. (Mary) Smith of Allison, Iowa; a daughter, Loré A. (Jeffrey) Mick, of Waverly, Iowa; seven grandchildren and one great grandchild; a brother, Lawrence (Marilyn) Hoffer, of Freeport, Illinois, and two sisters, Sandra (Ronald) Power of Sun City West, Arizona and Sharon (Jim) Kingsley of Waterloo, Iowa.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, husband and three sisters, Gladys Irene and Wilmagene Hoffer, and Madonna Mae McCormick.

Services will be 11:00 am Wednesday, January 12, 2011, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, with burial at Greenwood Cemetery, both in Cedar Falls.

Visitation will be one hour before service at the church. Memorials may be directed to the church or Cedar Valley Hospice. Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.DahlFuneralHome.com.

Geraldine Jean Day

 
Geraldine Jean Day, age 82, passed away January 12, 2011, at the Franklin General Hospital Nursing Facility in Hampton, Iowa. Geraldine was born July 29, 1928, to Ebel and Onita (DeArmoun) Miller in Dumont, Iowa.

She graduated from the Dumont Community High School in 1946, and attended Hamilton Business College in Mason City.

On November 20, 1949, she married Harold “Daisy” Day. She worked at Burrough’s Drug Store & the Dumont State Bank for many years. She took some time off from working outside the home to raise their children and care for those close to her.

In 1982, Gerry worked at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Dumont where she managed the Chapel. She enjoyed the simple things in life but truly treasured the time spent with family and friends. Her true love of life was taking care of others. She was a member of the New Hope Parish of the United Methodist Church in Dumont.

Gerry is survived by her daughter Vicki (Dennis) Seeger of Burnsville, Minnesota, son Michael Day of Des Moines, brother Gene (Pat) Miller of Dumont, grandchildren Lynsay (Bryan) Candee of Littleton, Colorado, McKynsay (Matthew) Vanderpan of Grand Forks, North Dakota and Jason Day of Crystal Falls, Michigan. She had a special love for her kitty Koko.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and brother Arnold.

Funeral services were held Saturday January 15, 2011, at the New Hope Parish of the United Methodist Church in Dumont with burial in the Dumont Cemetery. Pastor Mark Young officiated the service.

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

Norma Bruns

Norma Bruns, 86, of Allison, Iowa, passed away Thursday, January 6, 2011, at the Rehabilitation Center of Allison.

She was born the daughter of Harvey & Anna (Johnson) DeBower on June 10, 1924, in rural Butler County, Allison, Iowa.

She received her education at the Jackson #10 rural country school and the Allison High School graduating from 12th grade in May of 1942. She was also confirmed from the St. James Lutheran Church in Allison.

On November 26, 1942, she was united in marriage to Jake B. Bruns of rural Aplington, Iowa, at the St. James Lutheran Church parsonage by Rev. Nassen. After their marriage they lived on the farm and she worked in the home and helped with farming. In later years she worked outside the home. She managed a restaurant, worked at B & W Grocery in Allison, worked as a cook and later managed the Allison-Bristow School lunch program until she retired in 1987. Norma and Jake then spent the winter months together at Harlingen, Texas, until Jake’s death on March 10, 1995.

Norma was an active member of Trinity Reformed Church in Allison.

She is survived by two sons Jim Bruns of Appleton, Wisconsin, Keith and wife Diane Bruns of Dubuque, Iowa, four grandchildren Tony & Amy, Travis & Lindsey, Shelley and Scott, two great grandchildren Brooke and Madyson (s.p.), brother Ernest DeBower of Waverly and also nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jake on March 10, 1995, by her parents, one son Daryle, two sisters Anna DeBower and Lila Brodbeck, brother Delbert DeBower and great grandson Conner.

Funeral services were held Saturday, January 8, 2011 at the Trinity Reformed Church in Allison with burial in the Allison Cemetery. Pastor Gary Mulder officiated the service.

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

Russell Peter Jensen

Russell Peter Jensen, 74, of Bristow, formerly of Coulter, Iowa, passed away January 11, 2011, at the Community Living Center at the Vets Complex in Des Moines, Iowa.

He was born April 2, 1936, in rural Hampton, Iowa, to Peter and Elnor (Nowell) Jensen. Russell attended school at Franklin Consolidated Schools. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Hampton. Russell married Kelly Dockwell on June 2, 1956; she preceded him in death in 1961. He served his country in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960.

Russell drove truck and farmed with the Heilskov’s, Schreck’s and Penticoff’s. He drove truck for Fuhrman’s. He last worked for Schmadeke Feed Mill for about eleven years until he retired. Russell was a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Hampton and enjoyed horses, driving around & Shorty’s Restaurant.

He is survived by his brother Jim Jensen, sister Karen Janssen, friends Josh Schreck, Roger Nuehring, and Jack Christiansen and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents, wife and sister Mary Ann Sailer.

In honor of his 75th birthday, a memorial service will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, April 2, 2011, at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Hampton, Iowa. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Pastor David Bernhardt will officiate the service. Inurnment will take place in the St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be left at www.sietsemavogelfuneralhomes.com.

Neil Ivan Stauffer

Neil Ivan Stauffer, age 91, of Clarksville, Iowa, the son of Albert and Elsie (DeLong) Stauffer, was born on January 10, 1920, near Marble Rock, Iowa. He received his education from a rural country school near Greene, Iowa and then attended Greene High School, graduating in 1937.

He was a lifelong farmer and also did custom farm work. On January 15, 1949, Neil was united in marriage with Regina M. Ressler at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greene, Iowa. They lived and farmed near Greene until 1956 when they moved to their present farm east of Clarksville. Along with his farming Neil raised cattle and horses and did tree moving.

In Neil’s earlier years he was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church in Shell Rock, Iowa, until its closing. Neil served on the Clarksville School Board for 10 years. He was a member of the North Central Iowa Coon Hunters Association and enjoyed going coon hunting with his family and friends. His CB radio handle was “Corn Cob,” which stuck with him over the years. His grandchildren especially loved using that nick name as well as grandpa.

Neil died Monday, January 17, 2011, at the Waverly Health Center, Waverly, Iowa, from natural causes.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Roger Stauffer; and two sisters, Dorothy Sherman and Berniece Stauffer.

Neil is survived by his wife of 62 years, Regina of Clarksville, IA; his five children, Mary Jo “Jody” (Tim) Hoodjer, Sue (Brad) Lodge, James (Marie) Stauffer, Paul Stauffer and Cindy (John) Steere, all of Clarksville, IA; 13 grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren: Carrie (Bill) Wenger and their daughter, Taylor; Ryan (Holly) Smidt and their children, Katie, Jack, Gracie, Ellie and Luke; Bridget (Adam) Bollman; Nathan Steere; Trace Steere; Gretchen (Matt Buls) Steere; Briana (Tim) Backer and their children, Isaac, Maya and Owen; Emily (John) Tyndall and their daughter, Bronwyn; Waylen Stauffer; Selena (Dennis) Hemmer and their children, Ivy, Evan, Sylvie and Silas; Lisa (Brett) Steere and their children, Braydan and Brennan; Jeremy (Jean) Stauffer and their sons, John and Jacob; and Andrea (Shaune) Anders. Another great-grandchild is due in April.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, January 20, 2011, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greene with Msgr. Walter Brunkan officiating. Mary Lou Ott was the Lector and Jane Stauffer served as a Eucharistic Minister. The gifts were presented by Lloyd and Jane Stauffer. Sharon Frascht was the organist and accompanied those in attendance, along with the St. Mary’s Resurrection Choir singing “Here I Am Lord,” “Amazing Grace,” and “How Great Thou Art.” Travis Bouska sang “On Eagle’s Wings” as a solo during communion. Jane Wihlm and Sherilyn Backer served on the flower committee. Burial was held in Lynwood Cemetery in Clarksville with Jeremy Stauffer, Waylen Stauffer, Nathan Steere, Trace Steere, Ryan Smidt and Brad Lodge serving as casket bearers.

Memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice, Clarksville Public Library, or the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.redman-schwartz.com.

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