Betty J. Koehler dies at 85 

Published: Thursday, March 1, 2012

Betty J. Koehler, age 85, of New Hampton, died Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012 at New Hampton Nursing and Rehab.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 3, 2012 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in New Hampton with Pastor Glen Smith officiating. Burial will be held at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Littleton, following the service.

Visitation will be from 5 - 7 p.m., Friday, March 2, 2012 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton and will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Monday. Online condolences for Betty’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Betty Jane Koehler was born on May 14, 1925 to Hans and Anna (Beyer) Jacobson in Jesup. She attended school in Jesup and Littleton. Betty was united in marriage to Eugene Smith on April 14, 1941 in Jesup. She was employed at Peoples Memorial Nursing Home in Independence as a nurse’s aide for several years. Betty’s husband, Eugene passed away on April 29, 1975. On November 26, 1977, Betty was united in marriage to Stanley Koehler in the Little Brown Church at Nashua. Following their marriage, the couple made their home in New Hampton where Betty was employed as a clerk at Casey’s for several years before retiring in 1981. Betty enjoyed fishing, playing cards and baking wedding cakes. She thoroughly enjoyed her granddaughters and great-grandchildren. She was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in New Hampton.

Betty is survived by her husband, Stanley of New Hampton; her son, Eugene (Carol) Smith of Littleton; her step-daughters, Sara Koehler of Vinton, and Irene Schoeberl of Cedar Rapids; her grandchildren, Cindy Smith of Jesup and Janette Smith of Waterloo, eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Eugene Smith and her brothers, Willis and Cecil Jacobson.

Doris G. Kollmann dies at 92

Published: Monday, March 5, 2012

Doris G. Kollmann age 92 of Ionia died Thursday, Mar. 1, 2012, at the Clarksville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. 

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, Mar. 5, 2012, at the Little Brown Church, Nashua, with interment will be in Sunnyside Memory Gardens, rural Charles City. 

Friends may greet the family 4 - 7 p.m. Sunday, Mar. 4, 2012, at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in Nashua. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Online condolences for Doris' family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com.

Russell R. Crooks dies at 79

Published: Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Russell R. Crooks age 79 of Charles City died Monday, Mar. 5, 2012, at the 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City. 

Friends may greet the family 2 – 6 p.m. Friday, Mar. 9, 2012, at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home, Nashua. There will be no formal funeral service and private family interment will take place at Sunnyside Memory Gardens in rural Charles City.  Online condolences for Russell's family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com 

Russell Richard Crooks was born March 26, 1933, in rural Chickasaw County, the son of Loyal and Carol (Parson) Crooks. He received his education in rural country school. He enlisted into the United States Army in 1954 and received an honorable discharge in 1956. On November 23, 1958, at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Nashua, he married Betty Boggess. To this union a son and daughter were born. In 1958, Russell and Betty moved to Kansas City where Russell went to school for diesel and automotive mechanics. After his education, Russell got his first job as a mechanic for the Chevrolet dealer in Elma. In 1962, Russell began working at the former White Farm Equipment Co. in Charles City and made Charles City their home. Russell worked for White Farm until the plant closed and then began working as a mechanic for the former Richards Motors in Charles city until retiring. 

In his younger years he loved racing go-carts and snowmobiling and later in life became an avid fisherman and spent a lot of his family time camping.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Betty; one son, Doug (Gail) Crooks of Charles City; one daughter, Connie (Ralph) Reed of Gilbert, Ariz; eight grandchildren, Lacey, Brittney, Nick, Angie, Jeff, Tim, Derick and Rebecca; five great-grandchildren, Zachary, Danny, Joey, Kaydence and Samuel; one brother, Clark (Mary) Crooks of Okla; four sisters, Alice Barkhausen of Waverly, Lila (Leonard) Dietrich of Manly, Sue (Julius “Bud”) Drewelow of New Hampton, Pernella (Gerald) Monaghan of Waverly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Wendall Crooks and one sister, Shirley Silber.

Arthur G. Axberg dies at 87

Published: Thursday, March 8, 2012

Arthur G. Axberg age 87 of rural Fredericksburg, died Tuesday, Mar. 6, 2012, at Mercy Medical Center of New Hampton. 

Funeral Services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Mar. 10, 2012, at St. John Lutheran Church, Fredericka with Rev. Dale Halverson presiding. 

Interment will be in St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery, Fredericka, with Gary Leach, Jim Leach, Leon Leach, Randy Leach, Jerome Leach, and Ken McFarland serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Robert Leach, Dan McFarland, Max Crabtree, and Gaylord Converse. 

Friends may greet the family 4 - 7 p.m. Friday, Mar. 9, 2012, at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in Fredericksburg. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Online condolences for Arthur’s family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com.

Arthur Gustav Axberg was born February 9, 1925, in Polk, Neb., the son of Karl and Louise (Anderson) Axberg. In 1946, Arthur moved to Iowa from Illinois; during the move he made 17 trips between the states to transport the machinery and establish the family farm. On April 28, 1978, he married Lorraine Huebner at St. John Lutheran Church in Fredericka. 

Arthur lived and spent much of his time on the family farm, where he was devoted to his cattle and crops. Each year Arthur and Lorraine took pride in a beautiful vegetable and flower garden. He will be remembered as everyone’s friend, a handy man for his neighbors, and ready to square dance on a moment’s notice. 

Survivors include his wife of 33 years, Lorraine; one sister, Elvera (Vernon) Pries, of Marshalltown; one sister-in-law, Alice Axberg, of Fredericksburg, Texas; four nieces, Jeanne Axberg of Fredericksburg, Texas, Mary (Bill) Clark of Minneapolis, Minn.; Janet (Jeff) Boeyink of Ankeny, Jenny (Matt) Oyen of Little Canada, Minn. Six nephews, Roger (Deena) Pries of Ankeny, Robert (Loretta) Axberg of San Louis Obisbo, Calif., Joel (Kathi) Huebner of Amana, Frederick C. Huebner and David Huebner both of New English, Logan Huebner of Sumner; nine great nieces Emily Davis, Sydney Pries, Jennifer Clark, Alissa Long, Jenise Axberg, Nicole Vasquez, Becky Lancaster, Karen Miller, Kirsten Axberg; six great nephews, Matt Pries, Brent Clark, James Boeyink, Nick Boeyink, David Axberg, and Steven Axberg, and 31 great-great nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Ivar Axberg; and one sister Anna Axberg.

Minnie M. Alt dies at 104

Published: Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Minnie M. Alt, age 104 of New Hampton, passed away on Wednesday, Ma.14, 2012 at New Hampton Nursing and Rehab. 

Funeral services for Minnie will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Mar. 16, 2012 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton with Pastor Kevin Frey officiating.  A Private family burial will be held at a later date.

Friends may greet the family from 9 - 11 a.m. on Friday, Mar. 16, 2012 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton.  Online condolences for Minnie’s family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com.  Memorials may be directed to the family.

Minnie Margaret Wegner was born on August 7, 1907 in Alta Vista, eldest child of Louis and Amanda (Glienke) Wegner.  She attended grade school in Alta Vista and graduated from Elma Public High School.  After graduation Minnie worked as a house keeper until she met and married Gustav Alt on October 29, 1932 at Zion Lutheran Church in Alta Vista.  The couple lived in Alta Vista before moving to Pearson, and Waterloo.  After some time, Minnie and Gustav returned to Alta Vista, where they made their home.  Gustav passed away in 1961.  Minnie continued to live in Alta Vista until 1975 when she moved to New Hampton where she lived with her daughter Betty.  In 2004, Minnie moved to New Hampton Nursing and Rehab.  She deeply enjoyed gardening, cooking and taking care of those around her.  Minnie was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Alta Vista until she moved to New Hampton and became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Minnie is survived by her daughter, Judy Pearce of Riceville; her sister, Marie Hoefer of Arizona; 10 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death her husband, Gustav in 1961; her daughter, Betty in 2004; two sisters and two brothers.

Lucille Hennager Kramer dies at 93

Published: Thursday, March 15, 2012

Lucille Hennager Kramer passed away, Wednesday, Mar. 13, 2012 at her son's home in Nevada.  

Funeral services will be at Guilenfeld's Funeral home on Saturday, Mar. 17 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Markle officiating.  Interment will be at Floral Hill Memorial Gardens, rural Oelwein.  Visitation will be 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. 

Lucille A. Pipho was born Nov. 2, 1919  near Sumner, Iowa to Esther and August Pipho. She married C.J. Hennager on May 3, 1946.  He passed away in 1986.  She married Benjamin Kramer on Oct. 5, 1990.  He passed away in 2006. 

Lucille was a long time active member of the Stanley Methodist and Oelwein Methodist churches.  She worked at Kaufman Grain in Stanley and at Oelwein Elevator.  Lucille enjoyed reading, researching geneology, collecting shells and rocks, doing crafts, quilting, watching the geese who gathered on the lake where she lived and spending time with family.. She never lost her enthusiasm for learning new things. One of her favorite things was reading magazine and newsapers, clipping informative articles and organizing and sharing that information.  She called it "reading with scissors. 

Lucille is survived by her children, Jim Hennager (Emelyn) of Nevada,  Judy Keith (Ken) of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, and Joe Hennager (Julia) of Iowa City.  She has a stepson, Allyn Kramer (Susan) of Dalla, Texas, seven grandchildren, Craig Hennager (Cheri), Tonia Taylor (Jeremy), Chris Fox (Christie), Pat Fox (Candy Smith), Megan Hach (Kyle) and Jake Hennager.  She has nine step grandchildren, Braden, Lisa, Jake, Lindsey,and Aaron , Alex , Andrea, Dylan and Sam. 

She is also survived by sisters Ruth Fivash, Palm Springs, Calf. and Darlene Pipho of Oelwein and brother Jerry Pipho (Joyce) of Independence.  She is also survived by many neices and nephews and their families. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Dorothy Ramsay and husbands C.J Hennager and Benj Kramer.

Stella A. Obadal dies at 84

Published: Friday, March 16, 2012 4:13 PM CDT

Stella A. Obadal, 84, of Waterloo, died Thursday, Mar. 15, 2012, at Ravenwood Nursing & Rehab Center of natural causes. 

Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Kearns, Huisman-Schumacher Chapel on Kimball, with burial in Garden of Memories Cemetery.  Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.  The casket will be closed. 

Memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice.  Condolences may be left at www.kearnsfuneralservice.com. 

She was born April 21, 1927 in Elma, the daughter of Ole and Anna Sanderson Johnson.  She married Stanley F. Obadal October 1, 1950 in Jerico.  He preceded her in death on March 2, 2007. 

Mrs. Obadal was employed by the Waterloo Community Schools for 25 years before retiring. 

She is survived by one son, Dennis (Judy) Obadal of Waterloo; two daughters, Marilyn (Mike) Hudson of Waterloo, and Marlene (Loras) Schaefer of Elk Run Heights; seven grandchildren; and 16 great grandchildren. 

Stella was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and three brothers, Carlton, Paul, and Arlo Johnson.

Laurine Anderson dies at 95

Published: Friday, March 16, 2012

Laurine Anderson, age 95, of Mankato and formerly of New Hampton, was called to her heavenly home by her Savior on Wednesday, Mar.14, 2012, surrounded by family members, at Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato, Minn.  

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 17, 2012, at Jerico Lutheran Church, New Hampton, Iowa with Rev. Matt Brooks, officiating. Visitation will be one hour before service at the church on Saturday.  Burial will be in Jerico Lutheran Cemetery, New Hampton, Iowa.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Jerico Lutheran Church or Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato.  Mankato Mortuary is handling arrangements.  

She was born July 16, 1916, in rural Chickasaw County, Iowa, the youngest daughter of Louis A. Robinson and Julia (Anderson) Robinson.  She was baptized into the Christian faith at Jerico Lutheran Church by Rev. M.K. Bleken and confirmed on June 5, 1930 by Rev. H.M. Tjernagel at Jerico Lutheran Church, New Hampton, Iowa.  

On February 10, 1941, she was married to George Cletus Anderson at Jerico Lutheran Church.  Together they farmed in the Jerico vicinity and three children were born to this union.  Her husband, Cletus, was killed in a farm accident on September 23, 1972.  She moved off the farm to live in New Hampton, Iowa.  She was employed at the Fairview Nursing Home and St. Joseph’s Hospital in New Hampton.  She was active in Jerico Ladies’ Aid, Business of Professional Women, New Hampton, County Liners of New Hampton.

In November 1982, Laurine moved to Mankato, Minnesota, and became a member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church.  She was active in Esther Circle at Mt. Olive, Mankato Garden Club, and the Summit Center.  She also volunteered at the Treasure Haus, New Ulm, and Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato.  

Laurine is survived by her three children:  Mary Jane (Paul) Tweit of Mankato, MN, Carolyn (Alan) Peterson of Fort Atkinson, WI, and Keith Anderson of Mankato, MN; 10 grandchildren:  Angela (John) Mielke, Bernt (Katie) Tweit, Nedra (David) Griffin, Julia (Gregory) Schmidt, Seth Tweit, Melissa (Brock) Skov, Ashby (Jen) Hibbs, Nolan (Yessica) Hibbs, Blake Hibbs, and Jason Hibbs; and 26 great-grandchildren.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her siblings:  Alve Robinson, Annetta Robinson, Selma Landsverk, Olive Thompson, and Omar Robinson.  

Blessed be her memory among us.

Colette K. Rausch dies at 95

Posted: Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Colette K. Rausch age 95 of Cresco, formerly of Jackson Junction died Thursday, March 15, 2012, at the Evans Memorial Home in Cresco.

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, MARCH 26, 2012, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Waucoma with Rev. Nick March celebrating the Mass. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Waucoma, with Jamie DeSloover, Christopher Rogne, Marshall Rogne, Dan Busta, Tom Schmitt and Carl Kreiner serving as pallbearers.

Friends may greet the family 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Sunday, MARCH 25, 2012, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Waucoma where there will be a 4:00 p.m. Rosary and a 6:00 p.m. Scripture Service. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton is in charge of the arrangements.

Colette Katherine Rausch was born June 15, 1916, in St. Lucas, IA, the daughter of John and Clara (Perry) Mihm. She received her education at St. Luke's School in St. Lucas. Being the oldest child, Colette stayed at home and helped her family as a young girl. On June 24, 1942, at St. Luke's Catholic Church, St. Lucas, she married Clarence M. Rausch of Ft. Atkinson. To this union three daughters were born.

Colette was an active farm-wife and later worked as a cook in the Turkey Valley School for over 20 years. She was also a waitress at the White House Restaurant in St. Lucas for many years. Colette and Clarence enjoyed traveling haven taken many trips to Branson, a trip over-seas and many destinations within the United States. She loved to garden and cook as well as making kolaches for her friends and family. Colette was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Catholic Daughters of the America, the Catholic Order of Foresters and her neighborhood couples card club.

Survivors include three daughters, JoAnn Rausch Stone of Minneapolis, Judy (Larry) DeSloover of Waucoma, Joyce (Dennis) Rogne of Cresco; five grandchildren, Shelli DeSloover, Jamie (Jill) DeSloover, Christopher (Courtney) Rogne, Naomi Rogne and Marshall Rogne; five great-grandchildren, Taylor DeSloover, Jocelynn DeSloover, Brelynne Rogne, Knute Rogne and Leif Rogne; one brother, Mark Mihm of St. Lucas; two sisters, Helene (Greg) Wurzer of Rockford, IL: Mary (Sis) Jacobson of Longville, MN; sister-in-law, Shirley Mihm of Dubuque.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Clarence in 2000; one great-grandson, Jackson Lee DeSloover; one sister, Agatha Hooper; three brothers, Alex Mihm, Urban "Joe" Mihm, Louis Mihm. Online condolences can be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com.

Evelyn Bartz Dowd dies at 92

Posted: Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Evelyn Bartz Dowd, 92, went to her heavenly home on Saturday, March 17, 2012, from Hillcrest Home in Sumner, IA, a small town near Fredericksburg and New Hampton and two of her sons, Don and Dave. Prior to this, she lived in theCedar Rapids area for many years, near her daughter, DeeAnn Anderman.

Evelyn Lucille Bartz was born April 4, 1919, to Charles Bartz and Laura (Ross) Bartz, in Chickasaw County, on her family’s farm near Ionia, IA. She was married to Gaylord H. Dowd on June 29, 1946, at Nashua, IA, a union that lasted until his death in 1967. Growing up with her eight siblings on their folks’ farm, Evelyn became a great cook and was known for her homemade bread, sweet yeast rolls and rhubarb crisp.

A lifelong learner, Evelyn earned her teaching certificate from the State of Iowain 1945, and taught grades one through eight in several one-room, country schools in the New Hampton area. She cherished memories of her days in the classroom and the experiences shared with her students and their families.

After leaving the classroom to raise her own family, Evelyn provided daycare in her home. In the early 1970’s, Evelyn chose nursing as a new career and earned certification as an LPN. She worked at hospitals in Waterloo and Cedar Rapidsuntil hospital duty became too strenuous. She then became a caregiver in private homes of elderly patients, and lovingly provided these services well into her eighties.

Evelyn attended Eastview Christian Church in Cedar Rapids until her declining health prevented it. She enjoyed sharing the activities with her “senior” friends at Eastview. She also maintained a number of lifelong friendships, and relished time spent with her good friends at “The Meadows” apartment center and later at Evergreen Estates 1 Assisted Care Facility in Cedar Rapids.

Throughout her life, Evelyn made friends easily and delighted in conversation with anyone who was fortunate enough to meet her ... whether in her daily activities or when traveling by Greyhound to visit family in Florida, Illinois,Minnesota, or Missouri. Life seemed an adventure, and she loved to learn from those with whom she shared a tiny piece of it.

Visitation will be on Friday, March 23, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home, 520 Wilson Ave., SW, Cedar Rapids, IA. Memorial service will be on Saturday, March 24, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Graveside service: 3:00 p.m. Saturday, at New Hampton Graceland Cemetery in New Hampton, IA, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband, Gaylord H. Dowd.

Evelyn is survived by her four children: Gaylord G. Dowd (June), Tallahassee, FL; DeeAnn Anderman, Cedar Rapids, IA; Don Dowd (Lois), Fredericksburg, IA; and Dave Dowd (Audrey) New Hampton, IA; siblings: Grace Bausman of Parkersburg, IA; Mabel Norton of Spring Park, MN; Jean Larson (Galen) of Huntley, IL; and Ed Bartz of Rochester, MN; grandchildren: DeeAnn Anderman’s sons, Brad, Bill, and Bradley of Cedar Rapids; Don’s children, Dana Dowd of New Hampton, Derrick Dowd of Waterloo, Sharon Arentz (Joe) of LaCrosse, WI, and Christine Dowd of Cedar Rapids; David’s son, David John of New Hampton; great grandchildren: Brad Anderman’s children, Camron, Kaitlyn, Aleaha and Hailie of Cedar Rapids; Bill Anderman’s children, Holly and Robert of Cedar Rapids; Sharon Arentz’s children, Lydia, Cole, Calvin, and Cullen of LaCrosse, WI; David John’s children, Owen and Taylor of New Hampton.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gaylord H. Dowd; siblings: Lenora Bartz Butts, Walter Bartz, George Bartz and Theodore (Ted) Bartz; a granddaughter, Crystal Dowd (Gaylord’s daughter) of Florida.

Please sign the online guest book for Evelyn at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

Margaret I. Bravener dies at 103

Posted: Monday, March 26, 2012

Margaret I. Bravener, age 103 of Fredericksburg, died Thursday, Mar. 22, 2012 at the home of her daughter in Cedar Rapids.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Mar. 26, 2012, at Peace United Church of Christ, Fredericksburg with Pastor Burt Williams presiding. Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Fredericksburg, with Bill Mulder, Richard Schoonover, Jim Reisner, Craig Bravener, Cy Bowers, and Ron Brown serving as pallbearers.

Friends may greet the family 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Mar. 25, 2012 at the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in Fredericksburg. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Online condolences for Margaret’s family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com.

Memorials may be made to Peace United Church of Christ or a charity of your choice.

Margaret Bravener was born May 14, 1908, in Frederika, Iowa, the daughter of William and Amelia (Bremer) Segebarth. She was baptized on June 10, 1908 and confirmed April 9, 1922 at the Evangelical St. Paul’s Church in Frederika. Margaret was a member of the first graduating class at Frederika High School. She attended Iowa State Teachers College (University of Northern Iowa), and received her teaching certificate. She taught in rural schools around Chickasaw County.

Margaret was united in marriage on January 1, 1934 to Niel Bravener. To this union two children were born, Sandra and William. After the marriage she had to relinquish her teaching job, because female teachers were not allowed to be married at the time. Margaret was a substitute teacher, homemaker, and spent time as the Sunday School Superintendent. She was an affiliate of the Mt. Horeb Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, the Idle-a-While Card Club, and an active member of the Peace United Church of Christ.

Survivors include one daughter, Sandra Bell of Cedar Rapids; one son, William Bravener of Pewaukee, Wisc; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Niel S. Bravener in 1998; two sisters, Florine Bockhaus and June Carroll; one brother, Donald Segebarth.

The family would like to thank Mercy Hospice for the wonderful care they provided.

JoAnn Marie Miller dies at 59

Posted: Tuesday, March 27, 2012 12:00

JoAnn Marie Miller, 59, ended her journey with ALS on Monday, Mar. 26, 2012 in the home she created.

Services will be held on Thursday, Mar. 29, 2012 at 12  noon at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines.  The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service.

Born on Jan. 1, 1953 to Emma and John Novak in Decorah; JoAnn grew up in Spilleville,  and for many years worked for Sara Lee in New Hampton, before moving to Des Moines and joining Hockenberg Newburg.

JoAnn’s memory will be cherished by her husband, David; daughter, Lisa (Reed) Pryor; son, Steven (Sarah Updegraff) Murray; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Chase and Dylan Pryor, and Jenna and Cade Murray; step-children, Andrew Miller and Lindsey (Carl) Hansen; step-grandchildren, Nathaniel and Elysia Hansen; her siblings, Phyllis (Alvin) Mashek, John (Viola) Novak, Tami (Cliff) Dow and David Novak.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the ALS Association of Iowa.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Phyllis Demro dies at 88

Posted: Thursday, March 29, 2012

Phyllis Demro age 88 of Nashua died Tuesday morning, March 27, 2012, at the New Hampton Care Center.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 30, 2012, at the United Methodist Church, Nashua, with Pastor Okitakoyi Lundula officiating. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery with Aaron Demro, Philip Demro, Joel Demro, Randy Drumtra, Paul Demro, Tim O'Brien, Jon Dawley and Joe Demro serving as pallbearers.

Friends may greet the family 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home in Nashua. Visitation will continue an hour prior to the funeral at the church on Friday.

Phyllis Jeanne Demro was born July 26, 1923, in David, IA, the daughter of Raymond and Mary Elizabeth “Molly” (Trumbull) Scoville. Her mother died while Phyllis was a teenager and she went to live with her older sister, Elizabeth on their farm southeast of Osage. She received her education in Charles City and was a graduate of the Charles City High School. Phyllis earned a teaching degree from Wartburg College in Waverly and later received a Masters Degree from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.

On June 17, 1945, she was united in marriage to Maurice Demro. To this union three sons were born. Phyllis initially taught country school southeast of Orchard, IA, and then taught for over twenty years in Marble Rock, IA. Maurice died on March 18, 1981, at the age of 58. Phyllis enjoyed reading and spending winters in Arizona. She loved traveling and made many trips to Europe and Australia.

Survivors include three sons; Dave (Nancy) Demro of Nashua, Gary (Cindy) Demro of Faribault, MN, John (Sharon) Demro of Plymouth, MN; eight grandchildren, Philip Demro, Aaron Demro, Joe Demro, Laurie (Jon) Dawley, Stacy (Randy) Drumtra, Joel (Marty) Demro, Paul (Stephanie) Demro, Maura (Tim) O’Brien; five great-grandchildren, Marianna Dawley, Carter Dawley, William Demro, Sophia Demro, and David Demro.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sisters, Bertha Zimmerman, Elizabeth Douglas; two brothers, Gordon Scoville, George Scoville.

Online condolences may be left at www.hugebackfuneralhome.com.