ROBERT PAUL MORF
May 8, 1916 - April 28, 2013
Posted: Wednesday, May 1, 2013 

Robert Paul Morf died on Apr. 28, 2013 at Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge in Charlottesville, Va.
 
He was born May 8, 1916 at home in Fredericksburg, to the late Etta M. Morf and Paul E. Morf. He lost his ever loving wife Betty after 64 years together. She died on March 30, 2010 after a lingering illness. He was also preceded in death by his older brother Arle and his wife Ruth and by his younger brother Louis and his wife Marcella.
 
He is survived by 2 daughters Heidi Elisa Morf and her husband Vincent Deluise of Flint Hill, Va. and Barrett (Barry) Ann Feit and her husband Alan of Lumberton, NJ and by their daughter Sarah Feit of Lincoln Neb. He is also survived by his nephews and nieces: Darrel Morf of Mt. Vernon, Dano Morf of Clear Lake, Lani Vabulas of Arlington Heights, Ill. and Sue Nath of West Windsor, NJ.
 
Bob graduated from Fredericksburg High School in 1934 and attended a small college in Iowa for one year. He returned home in the spring of 1935 and was diagnosed with undulant fever. He spent 4 months in bed and lost 40 pounds (no antibiotics). When he recovered he took a state exam which qualified him to teach elementary grades. On Jan. 1, 1936 he was hired to teach 6 students in a nearby one-room country school. On his 95th birthday, Bob was delighted to renew contact with one of those students, Angela Caldwell of Cedar Rapids. Bob’s Iowa roots ran very deep.
 
In the fall of 1937 he enrolled in William Jewell College, Liberty, Mo. He graduated with the class of ’39 after 2 years and 2 summer sessions. He was then hired to teach Latin and history at the West Branch, Iowa High School starting Sept. 1. (West Branch is the birthplace of Herbert Hoover and the site of his Presidential library, as well as his burial site.) After the start of the 1940 school year, Bob received a letter from the Chickasaw County Draft Board and on March 23, 1941 he enlisted in the Navy for flight training. Bob reported to the Naval Air Station in Glenview, Ill. on April 1 as Seaman 2nd Class. Of the original 33 aviation cadets, 16 completed training at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, Texas and were awarded those coveted “Navy Wings of Gold”.
 
After a variety of assignments (Corpus Christi, Fort Worth, Chicago, Jacksonville, Lake City) Bob was finally sent to Beaufort SC where he instructed students who had their wings from Pensacola or Corpus, and were training on twin engine Patrol Bombers for fleet duty. Beaufort!! It was there that Betty entered his life. She went from Alameda to Beaufort to visit friends whom she had known while living in Hawaii. Betty was an eye witness to the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.
 
Bob was soon sent to San Diego for assignment to fleet duty and was not sent to a squadron of planes he had been instructing on as were others who had been sent to San Diego about the same time. Instead, he was assigned to a new Hospital Transport Squadron based in Alameda, but soon moved to Kaneohe. Of course while in Alameda he renewed contact with Betty. Soon after arriving at Kaneohe, the squadron was moved to Guam. After a series of flights to a variety of islands, including some flights at low level searching for downed B-29 crews; it was soon the prime assignment for VH-3 (his squadron) to transport wounded Marines from Iwo Jima to Guam. The battle of Iwo Jima lasted from Feb. 19 to March 25, 1945. There were 28,000 Marine casualties; 8,000 died. The famous flag raising occurred on Feb. 23rd.
 
In early April his squadron was decommissioned, and planes were turned over to the Marines. Flight personnel were transported back to the States and on to NAS Olathe, KS for further assignment. Bob’s “further assignment” was on to Opa Locka, FL NAS when released. He had stayed in touch with Betty. Following a proposal by one of them (a matter of family debate!), she agreed to drive to Olathe, and they were married on August 14, 1945--VJ Day!!! The whole country plus the “Sailor and Nurse in Times Square” helped them celebrate their wedding day. After a reception in Kansas City, they were off to Opa Locka.
 
When Bob was released from active duty on Nov. 1, 1945, he was hired by Capital Airlines, which a few years later merged with United Airlines. He later became a flight manager at Newark, NJ and JFK Airport in New York. As a Naval and civilian pilot, Bob logged over 30,000 flight hours and flew 45 different types of airplanes.
 
Bob retired in 1976, and he and Betty moved to their farm near Middleburg, VA where they lived until moving to Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge, a life care retirement community in Charlottesville, VA in 2002.
 
While at their farm in retirement Bob had a neighbor, Tommy diZerega, who was advised after surgery to “Walk, or Else”. Tommy and Bob completed a couple of 200-mile hikes in England. Sadly, Tommy suffered a stroke and was unable to keep on hiking, but Bob continued: two more hikes in England, one in Ireland (with daughter Heidi), one in Wales, and four in Spain with a wonderful guide, Nicholas Law. In 2005, Bob completed his last hike on the Costa Brava at age 89. Bob was always grateful to Tommy for introducing him to hiking and was certain it added years to his life and would not have happened without him.
 
Bob insisted that his obituary emphasize what a wonderful 64+ years he and Betty had together, along with 2 wonderful loving daughters. He requested that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to the Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge Annual Fellowship Fund, 250 Pantops Mountain Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22911 or to the Endowment Fund, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 126, Delaplane, VA 20144. Burial next to Betty in Delaplane will be private at a later date. Heidi and Barry want to thank all of the wonderful residents and staff at WCBR (most especially the staff who work on Second Floor Health Care) for their kindness and compassion.

HELEN C. HICOK
October 14, 1927 - April 30, 2013
Posted: Thursday, May 2, 2013

Helen C. Hicok, age 85 of Nashua, died Tuesday Apr. 30, 2013, at the Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly.
 
Memorial services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4, 2013, at the United Methodist Church, Nashua with Pastor Okitakoyi Lundula presiding. Interment will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery, Nashua with Cass and Nick Dietz serving as urnbearers. Honorary urnbearers are Johnny Schultz, T.J. Stephan, Marvin Huxsol, Taylor Bryant,Vernon LaBarge, and Scott Lodge.
 
Friends may greet the family an hour prior to the service at the United Methodist Church, Nashua. Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences for Helen's family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com
 
Helen Camille Hicok was born October 14, 1927, in rural Nashua, the daughter of Dennie and Bertha (Ross) LaBarge. She received her education in rural country schools. After her schooling, Helen worked on the family farm milking cows, doing chores, and contributing on the farm anyway she could. At 15 years old she worked as a nanny in New Hampton making two dollars per week plus room and board. 
Helen was introduced to Harold Hicok and the couple married on October 19, 1945, in Troy, Kansas. To this union three daughters were born. The couple farmed together for their entire lives in the Nashua area. They retired from the farm in 1987 and moved into the city of Nashua. Helen did some babysitting after moving into town because she adored children. 
 
She enjoyed sewing, needlepoint, and quilting. Often times you could find Helen reading a book, enjoying a word search puzzle, or spending time in her garden. Her greatest love however, was always her children and grandchildren. They were always first in her heart. 
 
Her children and family would like to give special acknowledgment and appreciation for the care given to their mother at both the Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly and their staff, and the Waverly Health Center and their staff. We will be forever grateful.
 
Left to cherish her memory are three daughters, Sandra (Jim) Miller of Hot Springs, Ark., Dee (Ron) Dietz of Nashua, Connie (Paul) Holstun of Roswell, NM; eight grandchildren and twenty one great-grandchildren; three brothers, Vernon (Rose) LaBarge of Nashua, Harland (June) LaBarge of Fort Dodge, Clyde (Marsha) LaBarge of Salisbury, MD; two sisters-in-law, Phyllis (Marvin) Huxsol of Charles City, Pat LaBarge of Charles City; one brother-in-law, Lowell (Doris) Hicok.
 
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Harold (2005), one brother, Roland LaBarge.

MILTON LOUIS (Milt) ERION
August 7, 1928 - April 24, 2013
Posted: Friday, May 3, 2013
 
Milton Louis (Milt) Erion, age 84, of Bella Vista, Ark., went to be with his Lord on Apr. 24, 2013, at the Highlands Health Care and Rehab. 

He was born in Alta Vista, on August 7, 1928 to Harvey and Anna Erion. He graduated from Alta Vista High School in 1946 and later married his high school sweetheart, Betty Shipp, on April 26, 1949 in Waterloo.  After farming together for over 40 years, they retired to Bella Vista in 1989.

Milt was employed at the Bella Vista Ace Hardware for 10 years.  He enjoyed caring for his yard, woodworking, watching sports, and traveling through the beautiful Ozarks.

He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Linda, and brother Orlo.  He is survived by his wife Betty of the home; daughter, Pat (Bill) Hesse of Bella Vista; son, Gary (Jean) Erion of Des Moines, Iowa; grandson, Fran Erion of Des Moines; and brother, Marvel Erion of Alta Vista.

Milt was a member of United Lutheran Church in Bella Vista.  He will be missed by loving family and friends.

A celebration of Milt’s life will be held 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 10, at United Lutheran Church, 100 Cooper Road, Bella Vista.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to United Lutheran Church or a charity of choice. 

Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, 2258 forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista.  Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.

Posted on 12 May 2013

MILDRED (Steffler) LEE
Posted: Monday, May 13, 2013 Updated: Mon May 13, 2013.

Mildred (Steffler) Lee age 91 of Waverly, formerly of Nashua died Friday morning, May 10, 2013, at the Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly.

GLORIA BURKLE
Posted: Monday, May 13, 2013

Gloria Burkle, age 70 of Glendale, Arizona, formerly of Nashua, died Thursday May 9, 2013 at the Hospice of the Valley in Glendale.  

MARLENE MAY DIETZ
Posted: Monday, May 13, 2013

Marlene May Dietz, 76, of Hudson, died Saturday, May 11, 2013 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Thursday, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls, with interment in the Hudson Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Richardson Funeral Service in Cedar Falls and also one hour prior to the services at the church.  Memorials to be designated at a later date.  Online condolences may be left at www.richardsonfuneralservice.com

She was born July 2, 1936, in Nashua, the daughter of Oscar Jacob and Lela Grace Forry Biekert.  She married Robert Allen Dietz Sr., June 20, 1954, in Nashua.  He died September 15, 2005.

Marlene worked at Hooks Grocery Store in Grundy Center, the American Soybean Association in Hudson, and Porter’s Camera in Cedar Falls.

Survived by two sons, Allen (Regina) Dietz of Hudson and Rick (Carol Hansell) of Ames; daughter, Darlene (Bob) Taylor of Lexington, KY; eight grandchildren; six great greandchildren; and brother, David L. (Sheila) Biekert of Longmont, CO.

LORRAINE “Laurie” NOEL-SINNWELL
Posted: Thursday, May 16, 2013

Lorraine “Laurie” Noel-Sinnwell, 60, of Charles City died Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at the Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City.    

Visitation will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday, at the Hauser Funeral Home. There will be a 3:30 p.m. Scripture Service.  The Reverend Carl Ries of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church will officiate.          Inurnment will be 10:30 Monday at Calvary Cemetery in Charles City.    

Lorraine Lee Dewey Noel-Sinnwell was born July 28, 1952 in Marshalltown, the daughter of Darryll and Vanita (Shank) Dewey.  She attended Marshalltown High School, graduating in 1970. In March 1972 Laurie was united in marriage to Larry Noel in Marshalltown.  To this union three children were born: Joseph Noel in 1973, Nicholas in 1978, and Mitchell in 1981.  In 1979 she started a small craft store and expanded to Greene Window Floral in 1980 to 1985.  Laurie participated full time in mall and civic center craft shows for thirteen years. She also helped at  Kembles, Hebels Greenhouse, Hy-Vee East Floral, and worked at UNI-Select U.S.A. from 1998 to September 2006.  On August 19, 2006 she       married her loving husband James E. Sinnwell at the arbor of their patio at their home near Charles City.  She worked most of a season at Morris Landscaping until starting employment at Floyd County Medical Center in 2007.  Laurie’s hobbies have included sewing, painting, crafts, and lots of gardening.  She enjoyed the large vegetable and flower gardens when the kids were in school, canning with her mother-in-law, and family barbeques.  She also enjoyed bowling with her friends.  Laurie loved planning new things with Jim and making projects become real.  They spent many wonderful hours working together.  Laurie and Jim also remendously enjoyed their children and grandchildren.    

Left to celebrate Laurie’s life include her husband Jim Sinnwell of Charles City; children Joseph Noel of Ankeny, Nicholas Noel of Greene, Mitchell (Jenn) Noel and children Adrian and Lawson of Polk City, Mike (Lisa) Sinnwell and children Alex, Megan, and Lorelai of Newton, Jeremiah (Katie) Kraus and children Aspen and River of Hopkington, Nick (Carrin) Sinnwell of London; mother Vanita Dewey of Marshalltown; her sister Lissa (Rocky) Monk of Marshalltown, brother Mike (Jill) Dewey of Grand River; Nieces Lacey, Katie, Autumn, Alexis; Nephews Brandon, Quintin; Cousins Diane, Doug, and Roger.    

She was preceded in death by her father Darryll Dewey, maternal and paternal grandparents.     

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hauserfh.com.

RUTH HERMANSON
Posted: Monday, May 20, 2013

Ruth Hermanson, 94, of Nashua, died Sunday, May 19, 2013, at the Linn Haven Care Center in New Hampton.    

Graveside services for Ruth Hermanson will be held 12:30 p.m., Thursday, at Millburn Cemetery in Old Mill Creek, Ill. Visitation will be Thursday from 10 a.m. until noon at Strang Funeral Home, in Antioch, Ill.

Ruth Marion Ferris Hermanson was born July 25, 1918, at Antioch,  Ill., the daughter of Paul and Jean (Rose) Ferris. She was raised by her grandmother, Drucilla Ferris and her great uncle Joseph Labdon.  Ruth graduated from Antioch High School.  On January 26, 1947, she was united in marriage to Arthur Hermanson. Ruth lived most of her life in Waukegan, Ill. with the last 12 years in Nashua.  She was a member  of Faith United Methodist Church in Waukegan and the Ladies Auxiliary of the church.  Ruth loved to knit and bake for others, travel and raise peonies.  She always looked forward to spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren as she shared her life with them.

Living family members include two daughters, Carol (Doug) Strike of Nashua and Diane (Patrick) Mackey of Roscoe, Ill.; five grandchildren, Eric  (Marilize) Meade, Kevin Meade, Katie (Andy) Toomer, Kelli (Steve) Wagner, and Andy Strike and special friend, Becci Webber; 10 great grandchildren, Katelyn, Austin, Amber, Lucia, Abigail, Matthew, Zachary, Emily, Annabel and Lillian; two sisters, Dorothy Gizynski of Girard, Ill. and Marjorie Schneider of Antioch, Ill; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved grandmother;  husband; and a brother, Charles Ferris.

The Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hauserfh.com.       

LEONARD JOHN MISHAK
Posted: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 

Leonard John Mishak age 73 of Richardson, Texas, formerly of New Hampton, died Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, at the Richardson Methodist Medical Center in Richardson, Texas. 

A memorial Mass will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 2013, at Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph Center, New Hampton with Rev. Mark Osterhaus celebrating the Mass. Graveside services will follow Calvary Cemetery, New Hampton. Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion and VFW Posts. 

Friends may greet the family and hour prior to the Mass at the church on Saturday. 

Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences for Leonard's family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com 

Leonard John Mishak was born February 1, 1940, in New Hampton  the son of Lando and Agnes (Haus) Mishak. The family moved to Algona and he was a 1958 graduate of St. Cecelia High School. 

Leonard was a Navy Veteran, an avid collector of Red Wing pottery and enjoyed dancing the Two-Step whenever possible. He will also be remembered for having a 'green-thumb'. 

Survivors include three children, Jason Mishak of New Brighton Minn., Lenn John Mishak of Forest Lake Minn. and Lisa (Greg) Handrick of Circle Pines Minn. Two brothers, Frank (Marlys) Mishak of Clear Lake, Wayne (Jane) Mishak of Redlands, Calif; two sisters, Karen (Brian) Bezoenik of Milwaukee and Mary (Chub) Frese of New Hampton; sister-in-law, Diana Mishak of Denver, Colo. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Lando and Agnes (Haus) Mishak, brother Joseph Mishak, and beloved K9 companions Boots and Yoyo.

Posted on 30 May 2013 by Jay Lehmann