Thelma Louise Woodley
Sunday, July 1, 2007

July 4, 2007

HAMPTON—Thelma Louise Woodley, 92, of Hampton, died from natural causes on Sunday, July 1, 2007, at the Franklin General Hospital Nursing Facility in Hampton.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 6, at 10:30 a.m., at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton, with the Rev. Dr. Ed Peterson officiating. Burial will be in the Hampton Cemetery. Visitation is Thursday from 4-6:00 p.m., at the funeral home.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

Verner Jennings Eller
January 12, 1909-July 4, 2007

July 7, 2007

HUBBARD—Verner Jennings Eller, 98, died on Wednesday, July 4, 2007, at the Israel House Hospice in Ames.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, July 7, at the Salem United Methodist Church in Hubbard, with the Rev. Harry Imlay officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the church. The Boeke Funeral Home in Hubbard is in charge of the arrangements.

Born on January 12, 1909, at the family farm near Hubbard, Verner lived and worked his entire life in and around Radcliffe-Hubbard. As the youngest son of Phillip and Fredericka Eller, he received the family farm from his father in exchange for an agreement to provide for his mother and father until they passed away. As a young man he determined to add a small amount to his farm each year. During the Depression, it may have been only one more hog or another row of fence. By the 1950s, he began to dream about a large cattle feeding operation. He would spend the cold, winter days sitting in his pickup observing the lay of the land and drawing out where the feed lots would go. In the spring, he would begin building. By the mid-1960s, Eller Feed Lots, Inc. was feeding several thousand head of cattle each year. By the 1970s, he was feeding up to 20,000 head of cattle a year. He traveled the country, from Montana to Texas, in search of cattle to buy. It was not uncommon to see a line of trucks waiting to unload their cattle at Eller Feed Lots. Verner also purchased corn from surrounding farms, providing good income for farmers throughout Hardin County.

His partner and co-worker throughout this time was his son, Dennis Eller. Together, Verner and Dennis gained wide reputations for their farming innovations and procedures. Delegations from as far as China came to the Eller Feed Lots to observe their operation. While Eller Feed Lots ceased operations in the 1980s, Verner was an active farmer until his death. He was the last of his generation, a generation of Ellers who farmed the same land for nearly 130 years.

Verner is survived by his son, Loren (Darlene) of Ankeny; grandsons, Chris (Christine) of Ankeny and Steve (Gina) of Ankeny; daughter-in-law, Marcia of Hubbard; granddaughter, Julie Sandvig (Kent) of Grimes; grandson, Matthew of Portland, Oregon; seven great-grandchildren; and many relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five half-brothers and sisters; six brothers and sisters; his wife, Inez Mae Hornung who died in 1980; his daughter, Deanna who died at birth; and his son, Dennis who died in 2003 and his wife, Thelma who died in 2004.

Verner will be remembered as a man who enjoyed life to the fullest. He had many friends in Iowa, Arizona, Wyoming and Montana who will miss his company and frequent visits.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

Mitch Van Meter
December 20, 1961-July 4, 2007

July 11, 2007

ARLINGTON, Texas—Mitch Van Meter, 45, of Arlington, Texas, formerly of Iowa Falls, died on Wednesday, July 4, 2007, of natural causes at his home.

A graveside service was held on Wednesday, July 11, in the Palestine Lutheran Cemetery in Huxley.

Mitch Van Meter, was born on December 20, 1961 in Ames, the son of Jan and Judith Van Meter. He was a loving father and caring person and had a passion for racing.

He is survived by two sons, Cody (Nickole) Van Meter and Shaun Hammer; his parents, Jan and Judith Van Meter; two brothers, Marlan (Jodie) Van Meter and Mark Van Meter; one sister, Marcia (Toby) Schmidt; one granddaughter, Gracie Hammer; his grandmother, Millie Keigley; three uncles, Richard Gumtau, Paul (Lou Ann) Keigley and Dick Keigley; two nieces, Jennifer and Ashley; and three nephews, Jonathan, Max and Noah.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

Shirley Ruth Anderson
Sunday, July 8, 2007

July 11, 2007

GENEVA—Shirley Ruth Anderson, 65, of Geneva, passed away on Sunday, July 8, 2007, at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, July 13, at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton, with burial in the Lindenwood Cemetery, rural Geneva. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday morning from 8:00 a.m. until the time of the services.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

Evelyn Sophia Strother
Monday, July 9, 2007

July 11, 2007

HAMPTON—Baby Evelyn Sophia Strother, of Hampton, passed away on Monday, July 9, 2007, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City.

She was born on June 28, 2007, at the Clarion Hospital to Tyler Jon and Mandy (Otteros) Strother. Private graveside services will be held in the Hampton Cemetery. The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

Carl H. Orgel
April 24, 1924-July 9, 2007

July 11, 2007

ELDORA—Carl H. Orgel, 83, of Eldora, died from natural causes on Monday, July 9, 2007, at the Valley View Nursing and Rehab Center in Eldora.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, July 13, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Eldora, with Pastor David Splett officiating. Burial will follow in the Eldora City Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8:00 p.m., on Thursday, at the Creps-Abels Funeral Home in Eldora. Memorials may be directed to the St. Paul Lutheran Church Building Renovation Project.

Carl was born on April 24, 1924 in Eldora, son of Ernest and Johanna (Kewatt) Orgel. He was educated in the Eldora school system, graduating from high school in 1942. He was a World War II veteran of the Army Air Force, serving from January 1943 to December 1945. He was stationed in Africa and Italy and attained the rank of staff sergeant. On April 25, 1948, Carl was united in marriage to Joanne “Genie” Smith in Eagle Grove. He was employed as a postal clerk at the Eldora Post Office for 34 years.

He was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church where he served as church chairman, elder, Sunday School Teacher and youth leader. He also served as a Boy Scout Leader and did other volunteer work in Eldora.

During his younger years, Carl enjoyed the Hardin County Greenbelt hunting and fishing, played football and baseball on the high school teams, and played shortstop on the church softball team. He enjoyed wood carving and used his skills to make neckerchief-sliders for the local Boy Scouts among other projects. One of his woodcarvings of the Good Shepherd is displayed in the St. Paul Lutheran Church as a memorial to the Orgel family.

He is survived by his wife, Genie; son, Donald Orgel and wife, Judy of Eldora; daughter, Lori Janssen and husband, Earl of Severna Park, Maryland; grandchildren, Megan (Pete) Schroeder, Kirstin Janssen, Karla (Mike) Dickenson, and Connie Orgel; and great-grandchildren, Allison, Kaitlin, Zachary and Eric Dickenson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Edward and Clarence; and daughter, Jane Chinn.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

Leon Herbert Olson
Thursday, July 12, 2007

July 18, 2007

HAMPTON—Leon Herbert Olson, 81, of Hampton, passed away on Thursday, July 12, 2007, at the Hampton Health Care Center in Hampton.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, July 18, at the Union Cemetery in Humboldt. The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

Bonnie Hansel
Monday, July 16, 2007

July 18, 2007

HUBBARD—Bonnie Hansel, 69, of Hubbard, died on Monday, July 16, 2007, in Hubbard.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 18, at 11:00 a.m., at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Williams. Following the funeral service, Bonnie’s body will be donated to the University of Iowa Anatomy Department. The Boeke Funeral Home in Hubbard is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

Timothy Joseph Wygle
March 3, 1961-July 16, 2007

July 21, 2007

GREENE—Timothy Wygle, 46, of Greene, formerly of Parkersburg, died on Monday, July 16, 2007, at the Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton of natural causes.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, July 21, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Clarksville, with the Rev. David Nelson officiating. Inurnment will be in the Lowell Cemetery, Clarksville. The Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home in Clarksville, is in charge of the arrangements.

Tim was born the son of Frank and Shirley Ann (Chase) Wygle, on March 3, 1961 in Waterloo. He graduated from the Parkersburg High School in 1979, where he was an active member of the football team and FFA. Tim served in the U.S. Army from 1980–1982. In the early 1990s he continued his education and attended Hawkeye Tech in Waterloo, where he received training in welding.

Tim was united in marriage with Regina Van Ellen on October 28, 1983, at the First Presbyterian Church in Aplington. To this union two children were born, Justin and Jennifer Wygle. They were later divorced in 1995. Tim lived in Parkersburg most of his life. He spent the majority of his working life in construction and loved his construction job with the Mitch Cashett Roofing Co. in Parkersburg.

He was preceded in death by his father, Frank E. Wygle Jr.; maternal grandparents, James and Frances Chase; paternal grandparents, Frank Sr. and Ruth Wygle; and three uncles, William, David and Edwin Wygle.

Tim is survived by his fiancée, Cindy Jensen of Greene; one son, Justin (fiancée, Elizabeth McDonald) Wygle of Iowa Falls; one daughter, Jennifer Wygle of Iowa Falls; two step-daughters, Cassie Jensen of Nashua and Carrie Jensen of Greene; one step-granddaughter, Karma McMorris; his mother, Shirley Wygle of Ionia; two brothers, Daniel (Kathy) Wygle of Steamboat Rock and Anthony (Brenda) Wygle of New Hampton; three sisters, Linda (Charles) Mosher of Allison, Kathryn Wygle of Charles City and Shirley Marie Wygle (fiancée, LaRico Harmon) of Waterloo; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

Carolyn Braga
December 12, 1939-July 19, 2007

July 21, 2007

ELDORA—Carolyn Braga, 67, of Eldora, passed away on Thursday, July 19, 2007, at the Mercy Medical Center, Des Moines.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Sunday, July 22, at the Bethany Lutheran Church, Iowa Falls, with private inurnment at a later date in the Union Cemetery, Iowa Falls. A time of visitation will be from 2-7:00 p.m., on Saturday at the Linn’s Funeral Homes, Iowa Falls, with the family present to receive friends between the hours of 5-7:00 p.m.

Carolyn Mortimer, was born on December 12, 1939 at Des Moines, the daughter of Ralph Harold and Sara Frances (McGinnis) Mortimer. She attended the Dallas Center Community Schools, graduating with the Dallas Center High School class of 1958. After high school she attended Simpson College, Indianola, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Carolyn taught fifth grade at the Iowa Falls Community Schools where she met her future husband, Jim Braga.

On July 26, 1964, she was united in marriage to James D. Braga at Dallas Center. To this union three sons were born, Gregory, Ryan and Christopher. After taking several years off to raise her family, Carolyn returned to teaching at the Hubbard Community Schools, teaching third grade and continuing with the Hubbard-Radcliffe Community Schools, retiring in 2005 after 28 years.

Carolyn Braga was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church of Iowa Falls, the Bethany Lutheran Quilter Group and the Beta Theta Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. She was also active in the local teaching associations and reading and science professional organizations, along with several school committees.

Carolyn Braga is survived by her husband, Jim Braga of Eldora; her three sons, Greg Braga and wife, Kelly of Radcliffe, Ryan Braga and his significant other, Leia of Williams and Chris Braga and wife, Kalissa of Dubuque; two grandchildren, Katelyn and Ian Braga of Radcliffe; and one brother, John Mortimer and wife, Kay of Dallas Center.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frances and Ralph Mortimer; and her stepmother, Lorene Mortimer.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

Karen L. Calkins
March 16, 1950-July 19, 2007

July 25, 2007

DES MOINES—Karen L. Calkins, 57, of Des Moines, and formerly of Iowa Falls, passed away on Thursday, July 19, 2007, at her home.

Memorial services were held on Monday, July 23, at the First Congregational Church, Iowa Falls, with the Rev. Mary Stonebraker officiating. Inurnment was at the Union Cemetery, Iowa Falls.

Karen Louise Kauffman, was born on March 16, 1950 at Arlington, the daughter of Doyle Monroe and Delores Anna (Meyer) Kauffman. She attended the Stanley Consolidated Schools and graduated from the Oelwein High School with the class of 1969. She worked for the Mealy Hotel in Oelwein until her marriage to Mark Delos Calkins on November 8, 1969, at the St. Francis Assisi’s Church, Fayette. She was employed by Casey’s General Stores in Des Moines, until her ill health forced her retirement.

Survivors include her husband, Mark Calkins of Des Moines; sons, James (Pam) Calkins of Des Moines, Ted (Pam) Calkins of Collins and Paul (Deb) Calkins of Mingo; grandchildren, Jimmy, Christopher, Samantha and Sara Beth of Des Moines, Cheyenne, Angela and Rebecca of Collins and Sky Lynn and Sam of Mingo; mother, Delores Kauffman of Independence; brothers, George (Roxie) Kauffman, Doyle Jr. (Barb) Kauffman, Steven (Teresa) Kauffman, Richard (Joyce) Kauffman and Robert (Deb) Kauffman; sisters, Bonnie (Wm) Wenger, Elizabeth (Donald) VanDee, Anita (Robert) Barrett, Verena (Amos) Guthrie and Marsha (Richard) Lens; many nieces and nephews; mother-in-law, Ruth Calkins of Iowa Falls; three brothers-in-law, Don Calkins of Great Falls, Montana, James Calkins of Iowa City and Jeff Calkins of Lincoln, Nebraska; and one sister-in-law, Marilyn Tjarks of Iowa City.

She was preceded in death by her father, Doyle in 1979; a brother and sister in infancy; father-in-law, Homer Calkins; and brother-in-law, Theodore R. Calkins.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

Dr. Daniel Warren Brown
July 18, 1945-July 19, 2007

July 25, 2007

IOWA FALLS—Dr. Daniel Warren Brown, devoted husband, loving father, educator and community leader, died on Thursday, July 19, 2007, at his home in Iowa Falls. He was 62.

Funeral services were held on Monday, July 23, at the First United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls. Dan was buried in the Longpoint Cemetery in Heyworth, Illinois.

Dan was born in Bloomington, Illinois, on July 18, 1945, to Hendra Lawrence and Violet Irene Brown. In 1965, Dan and his twin brother, David, enlisted in the U.S. Army. Dan earned the rank of first lieutenant and served in Vietnam from 1967-1968, where he was a combat infantry platoon leader. For his service, Dan was awarded five Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars for Valor and the Silver Star. Dan said his proudest achievement during his service was that he never lost a solider in Vietnam.

In June of 1968, Dan married his high school sweetheart, Cynthia Cooper. He attended Illinois State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in agriculture and business administration. He later earned a Master of Science in agriculture education and a Ph.D. in higher education, from Iowa State University.

The Browns moved to Iowa Falls in 1973 where Dan began his position as farm management professor at Ellsworth Community College. Dan especially loved visiting students on working farms as part of on-the-job training.

Dan strongly believed in community service and civic participation. He was a longtime member and chair of the Iowa Falls Library Board of Directors. Dan joined the Iowa Falls City Council in 1993 and served as mayor of Iowa Falls from 1994 through 2002. The Barlow Memorial Library, Meyer Aquatic Center, Ellsworth Carnegie Building and pedestrian pathway are testimonies to his leadership and vision.

In 1998, Dan became the Republican nominee for the state office of secretary of agriculture, and won 88 out of 99 counties in the statewide election.

Dan left Ellsworth in 2001 to serve as the Iowa State Director of the Rural Development Agency for the USDA, where he administered a record-setting annual budget for community programs, housing programs and business and cooperative programs. He held this presidential appointment until 2005.

In 2005, he started Dan Brown Consulting to provide management services for rural communities, small businesses and schools. Dan was also the senior associate with Ahnemann Associates.

Dan served as executive board vice chair for the Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area, was on the Council for Vocational and Technical Education in Agriculture, was state president for the American Vocational Association and was on the board of directors for the Iowa Association of Agricultural Educators. Dan was founder and president of Sister City with Georgievsk, Stavropol Krai, Russia, hosted educational exchange partnerships and led numerous trips to study agriculture in Russia.

Dan was guided by his unwavering faith in God. Of all of his numerous accomplishments, Dan was most proud of his family.

Dan is survived by his wife, Cynthia of Iowa Falls; sons, Timothy of Florence, Massachusetts, Dana and wife, Melinda of Austin, Texas, Jeremy and wife, Stephanie of Ogden, Utah; daughters, Kendra of Ankeny and Lindsay of Cedar Falls; brother, David and wife, Lorene of Bloomington, Illinois; sister, Nancy Dewey and husband, Joseph of Paxton, Illinois; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, John.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

Marie Louise Huisenga
Tuesday, July 20, 2007

July 25, 2007

HAMPTON—Marie Louise Huisenga, 61, of Hampton, passed away on Friday, July 20, 2007, at the Franklin General Hospital, Hampton.

Funeral services were held on Monday, July 23, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Hampton, with burial in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, rural Ackley. The Rev. John Byrne officiated at the service. The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton was in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

Raymond G. Harkema
May 3, 1931-July 21, 2007
 
July 25, 2007

LATIMER—Raymond Gilman Harkema, 76, of Latimer, formerly of Dows, died  on Saturday, July 21, 2007, at the Hampton Health Care Center in Hampton.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, July 26, at the Morgan United Methodist Church near Dows, with Pastor Lexie Kirkpatrick officiating. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery near Dows. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services on Thursday at the church. The Ewing Dugger Helgeson Funeral Home in Dows is in charge of the arrangements.

Ray, the son of John and Pearl Charleston Harkema, was born on May 3, 1931 in Dows. He attended Dows Community Schools, graduating from the Dows High School in 1949. In 1951, Ray entered the U.S. Army and served his country until his discharge in 1953. Ray was united in marriage with Lila Martin in 1954 in Dows and to this union two daughters were born.

He was employed as a trucker for a time before purchasing the Dows Locker, which he owned and operated for 20 years. He then returned to trucking, retiring in 2004.

On May 6, 2000, Ray married Nancy Johansen at the Morgan United Methodist Church near Dows.

Ray was a member of the Morgan United Methodist Church. He served as mayor of Dows for 20 years. He enjoyed camping in his younger years and watching television.

Ray is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughter, Jolene (Jason) Nohrenberg of Popejoy; three step-daughters, Carol Smith of Texas, Jan (Gary) Stratmann of Latimer and Susan Johansen of Leadville, Colorado; two step-sons, David (Karolyn) Johansen and John (Brenda) Johansen, both of Latimer; 12 grandchildren; one great-grandson; two brothers, John (Mary) Harkema of Eagle Grove and Robert Harkema of Dows; sister, Nancy Gimer of Dows; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Tama; and two brothers, Richard and Ralph.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

LaVonne "Jackie" Green
Sunday, July 22, 2007

July 25, 2007

ACKLEY—LaVonne “Jackie” Green, 81, of Ackley, died on Sunday, July 22, 2007, at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, July 25, at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley, with burial in the Oakwood Cemetery, Ackley.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

Jo Marie Collins
April 17, 1935-July 22, 2007
 
July 25, 2007

IOWA FALLS—Jo Marie Collins, 72, of Iowa Falls, passed away on Sunday, July 22, 2007, at the University Hospitals, Iowa City.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, July 26, at the Linn’s Funeral Homes Iowa Falls Chapel, with the Rev. Bob Miller officiating. Burial will be in the Friends Cemetery, Iowa Falls. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the funeral home.

Jo Marie Collins, was born on April 17, 1935 at Iowa Falls, the daughter of Floyd Eugene and Elizabeth (Beth) Nettie (Scheel) Collins. She attended the Iowa Falls Community Schools, graduating with the class of 1953. She was employed at National 5 & 10 which became Ben Franklin, and then Snook Cleaners, all of Iowa Falls. She was then employed by Green Thumb and also dispatched for the Iowa Falls Taxi Service. For relaxation she played the organ.

Jo Marie Collins is survived by her sister, Mrs. William (Dorothy) Meyer of Iowa Falls; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Elizabeth Collins; one sister, Florence Cunningham; one brother, Eugene Collins; and her beloved dogs.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

Bernard A. Cobie
April 27, 1929-July 23, 2007

July 28, 2007

ACKLEY—Bernard A. Cobie, 78, of Ackley, died on Monday, July 23, 2007, at the Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo of pneumonia.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 26, at the East Friesland Presbyterian Church, Ackley, with burial in the Oakwood Cemetery, Ackley. Full military rites were provided by the Elliott-Keninger American Legion Post No. 252 of Ackley. The Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley was in charge of the arrangements.

Bernard Arthur Cobie, was born on April 27, 1929, the son of Richard and Grace (Heitland) Cobie of rural Ackley. He graduated from the Ackley High School in 1947. Bernie married Mary Ann Winters on March 9, 1956, at the EUB Church in Ackley. Bernie farmed southeast of Ackley his entire life with the exception of four years that he served in the U.S. Navy.

Bernie was a member of the Elliott-Keninger American Legion Post No. 252 of Ackley for 51 years, a lifelong member of the East Friesland Church where he held many offices and the Ackley Country Club.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; one son, Rick (Darla) of Ackley; one daughter, Paula (Mike) Abbas of Ackley; and five grandchildren, Ryan Abbas, Joshua Cobie, Lindsey Abbas, Alyssa Cobie and Jordan Cobie.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister in infancy, Maxine.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

Doris H. Charleston
January 15, 1917-July 24, 2007

July 28, 2007  

DOWS—Doris H. Charleston, 90, of Dows, passed away on Tuesday, July 24, 2007, at the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 28, at 10:00 a.m., at the First Lutheran Church in Dows, with Pastor Robert Edwards officiating. Burial will be in the Otis Grove Cemetery near Dows. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services. The Ewing Dugger Helgeson Funeral Home of Dows is in charge of the arrangements.

Doris Henrietta Reingardt Charleston, was born on January 15, 1917, daughter of Henry A. and Carrie (Arnold) Reingardt at Colo. At the age of 3 her parents bought land in Hardin County near Alden. It was there that she started school at the age of 5. She also helped her parents on the farm with chores and field work. The work was hard but she knew it had to been done. In 1928 the family moved to Williams where she finished the eighth grade. At age 14 she started doing domestic work for others in the area.

In 1936 on December 8, she married Gilmen Charleston of Dows at the Methodist Parsonage in Popejoy. To this union three children were born, Ruby (Bob) Sandy of Indianola, Marvin (Linda) Charleston of Tuscumbia, Alabama and Jenenne (Dennis) White of Iowa Falls.

In 2001 she completed her GED courses at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls to fulfill a life’s dream to finish her high school education.

She was a member of the First Lutheran Church. She was also involved with the American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed playing cards, reading, fishing, and most of all cooking and spending time with family and friends.

She is survived by her children; eight grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; three sisters; two brothers; and four grandchildren.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

Catherine Deats
April 7, 1909-July 24, 2007

July 28, 2007  

IOWA FALLS—Catherine Deats, 98, of Iowa Falls, died on Tuesday, July 24, 2007, at the Scenic Manor Nursing Home in Iowa Falls.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, July 28, at the St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Iowa Falls, with burial in the St. Mark’s Cemetery. The Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls is in charge of the arrangements.

Catherine was born on April 7, 1909 in North Platte, Nebraska, the daughter of Edward and Rose (McGovern) Garrison. She attended school in North Platte and graduated in 1927 from the North Platte High School.

On April 12, 1930, she married Stover Deats in Grand Island, Nebraska. They lived in Grand Island until 1959, at which time they moved to Omaha. After Stover retired in 1972, they moved to Iowa Falls.

Catherine was a member of the St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Iowa Falls and the St. Mark’s Women’s Group.

She is survived by her son, Philip and his wife, Barbara of Des Moines; a daughter, Barbara Dunlay and her husband, Robert of Iowa Falls; five grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother; and one great-grandchild.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

Dennis Ubben
February 15, 1943-July 26, 2007

August 1, 2007

APLINGTON—Dennis Ubben, 64, of Aplington, died on Thursday, July 26, 2007, at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley.

Funeral services were held on Monday, July 30, at the United Methodist Church in Ackley, with burial in the Oakwood Cemetery, Ackley. Full Military Rites were provided by the Elliott-Keninger Post No. 252 of Ackley. The Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley was in charge of the arrangements.

Dennis was born on February 15, 1943 in Aplington, the son of Harm and Mildred (Harken) Ubben. He graduated from the Ackley High School in 1961 and Ellsworth College, where he played football. Dennis was in the U.S. Army, serving during the Vietnam War. He had farmed and was a member of the United Methodist Church in Ackley.

Dennis is survived by his uncles and aunts, Tako and Grace Ubben of Aplington, Evelyn and Bill Keninger of Ackley, Merna and Gordon Sietsema of Hampton and Emma Harken of Ackley; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Darrell.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

Dick Seehusen
Thursday, July 26, 2007

August 1, 2007

GRUNDY CENTER—Dick Seehusen, 93, of Grundy Center, formerly of Parkersburg, died on Thursday, July 26, 2007, at the Grundy County Memorial Hospital, Long Term Care, of natural causes.

Funeral services were held on Monday, July 30, at the Pleasant Valley Reformed Church, with burial in the church cemetery, both in rural Holland. The Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home in Parkersburg was in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

Theola Orlean Chaplin
January 30, 1929-July 27, 2007

August 1, 2007

IOWA FALLS—Theola Orlean Chaplin, 78, of Iowa Falls, died on Friday, July 27, 2007, at the Eldora Nursing and Rehab.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, August 1, at the First United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls, with burial in the Union Cemetery, Iowa Falls. Memorials may be made to the Iowa Falls Public Library. The Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls is in charge of the arrangements.

Theola was born on January 30, 1929 in Lake Mills, the daughter of Oscar and Tilda (Brakke) Anderson, joining four brothers and seven sisters. She attended school in Lake Mills prior to moving to Iowa Falls in 1944. Theola graduated from the Iowa Falls High School in 1946. On June 15, 1947, Theola married Merle Chaplin, making their home in rural Iowa Falls.

Theola was active in neighborhood groups, attended local high school sporting events, the Iowa Falls Elks Club, bridge and other card groups, and was devoted to her family.

Theola is survived by her husband, Merle; their children, Karla (Bob) Rankin of Johnston, Tom (Robbi) Chaplin of Bradenton, Florida, Randy Chaplin of Madison, Wisconsin and Kristi Chaplin of Henderson, Nevada; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers; and six sisters.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

Mervin Hyland
Friday, July 27, 2007

July 28, 2007

RADCLIFFE—Mervin Hyland, 83, of Radcliffe, died on Friday, July 27, 2007, at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 30, at 10:30 a.m., at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Radcliffe, with burial in the Radcliffe Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-4:00 p.m., on Sunday, at the Boeke Funeral Home in Radcliffe.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

Lyle Hames
May 5, 1934-July 27, 2007

August 4, 2007

WILLIAMS—Lyle Hames, 73, of Williams, died on Friday, July 27, 2007, at his home.

Graveside memorial services were held on Thursday, August 2, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Williams. The Surls Funeral Home in Williams was in charge of the arrangements.

Lyle Andrew Hames, was born on May 5, 1934 at Williams, the son of Fred and Wilna (Williams) Hames. He received his early education at the Williams Independent School and graduated from the Williams High School with the class of 1951. Lyle served his country in the U.S. Army.

Following his discharge from the Army, Lyle returned to Williams and was united in marriage to Patricia Killeen at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Williams. The couple later divorced. Lyle worked in sales and service for Massey Ferguson in Williams.

He was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Iowa Falls Elks Lodge. Lyle enjoyed fishing, especially his trips to Canada with his close friends. Lyle's free time was spent taking care of his birds and squirrels.

Survivors include his daughter, Debora Cappello and husband, Paul and their children, Abby, Emily and Nathan, all of Ankeny; two sisters, Helen Johnson and husband, Richard of Perryville, Arkansas and Pat Clifford and husband, Stan of Russelville, Arkansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a niece, Laura Clifford Lynch.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

Lewis Johnson
Saturday, July 28, 2007

August 1, 2007

COULTER—Lewis Johnson, of Coulter, died on Saturday, July 28, 2007, at the Franklin Prairie Apartments in Hampton.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, August 1, at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Latimer, with a private family burial at a later date. The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

Marguerite Helen Behn
Saturday, July 28, 2007

August 1, 2007

HAMPTON—Marguerite Helen Behn, 88, of Hampton, died on Saturday, July 28, 2007, at the Franklin General Nursing Facility in Hampton.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, August 1, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hampton, with burial in the Hampton Cemetery. The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

Rachel Moews
Tuesday, July 31, 2007

August 4, 2007

ACKLEY—Rachel Moews, 61, of Ackley, died on Tuesday, July 31, 2007, at the Ellsworth Hospital in Iowa Falls.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, August 4, at the First Presbyterian Church in Ackley. The Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007

Lois Bernau
September 21, 1921-July 31, 2007

August 4, 2007

IOWA FALLS—Lois Bernau, 85, of Iowa Falls and formerly of Burt, died on Tuesday, July 31, 2007, at the Heritage Care Center in Iowa Falls.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, August 6, at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Burt, with the Rev. Jason Peterson officiating. Burial will be in the Burt Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3-6:00 p.m., on Sunday, at the Lentz Funeral Home of Burt.

Lois Berniece Lavrenz, the daughter of Frederick and Jeanetta (Trunkhill) Lavrenz, was born on September 21, 1921, in Burt. She graduated from the Burt High School in 1939. She attended electronics teletype and telegraph school in Omaha, Nebraska in 1942 and began working for the Santa Fe railroad.

On May 12, 1945, Lois was united in marriage with Hans Weber in Chicago, Illinois. Hans died in 1946 and Lois moved to Burt where she owned and operated a café. On August 10, 1947, Lois married Richard Herman Groen. Lois received her medical assistant degree in 1967 from the Iowa Central Community College. She worked with geriatrics in Emmetsburg and Algona until 1975, when she became a secretary at the Kossuth County Hospital. She retired on September 21, 1983. After Richard passed away in 1987, Lois married August Bernau on September 25, 1993 in Burt.

Lois was active in church activities her entire life. She taught Sunday School for 50 years, taught religious classes, conducted adult Bible Study, was Chairman of the Board of Education at Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona for two years, and was a member of the choir. She belonged to the Ladies Aid Groups and the Dorcas Circle. Lois enjoyed writing, bowling, camping and sewing.

Mrs. Bernau is survived by three daughters, Betsy Weber of Iowa Falls, Cynthia Johnson of Troutdale, Oregon and Christine Williams of Greenville, South Carolina; a son, Virgil Groen of Lexington, Virginia; nine grandchildren, one serving in Iraq; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and a brother, Raymond Lavrenz of Hubbard.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; three brothers, Ernest, Richard and Roland Lavrenz; and four sisters, Mary, Laura and Ruth Lavrenz and Dorothea Meier.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2007