Marjory Eiklenborg
Monday, March 1, 2010

March 6, 2010

PARKERSBURG—Marjory Eiklenborg, 68, of Parkersburg, died on Monday, March 1, 2010, at the Maple Manor Village in Aplington, from natural causes.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 5, at the First Congregational Church, with burial in the Oak Hill Cemetery, both in Parkersburg. The Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home of Parkersburg, was in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Lillian Abbas
August 20, 1918-March 2, 2010

March 6, 2010

WEBSTER CITY—Lillian Abbas, 91, of Webster City, formerly of Alden, died on Tuesday, March 2, 2010, at the Crestview Nursing Home in Webster City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 5, at the Austinville Christian Reformed Church, with burial in the Alden Cemetery. The Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls was in charge of the arrangements.

Lillian Magdalene (Oelmann) Abbas, was born on August 20, 1918, at her family’s home in rural Austinville. Lillian was the daughter of Arend and Nettie (Neuburger) Oelmann. She graduated from the Ackley High School in 1935 and attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, after which she taught in various country schools. Lillian was united in marriage to Irvin R. Abbas in Austinville on May 22, 1946. Irvin and Lillian farmed in the Alden area where Lillian was a homemaker and worked at the General Publishing Company in Iowa Falls.

She was a former member of the Iowa Falls Christian Reformed Church and a current member of the Austinville Christian Reformed Church. Lillian enjoyed playing the organ and piano at church, leading Bible studies and teaching Sunday School. Lillian won many purple ribbons at the fair for her cooking and enjoyed quilting, reading, gardening, having coffee and cookies with her many friends and cooking for her family.

Lillian is survived by her daughters, Linda Jass and husband, Tom of Brandon, South Dakota, Shirley Johnson of Lake Park and Lavonne Breitenkamp and husband, Bill of Webster City; grandchildren, Luke Jass of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Leah May and Rob of Sioux Falls, Maria Coughlin and Devin of Brandon, Jacob Jass and Cindy of Humboldt, South Dakota, Matthew Johnson and Molly of Cherokee, Nathaniel Johnson of Lake Park, William Breitenkamp of Webster City, Magdalene Breitenkamp of Webster City and Abigail Breitenkamp of Webster City: five great-grandchildren; a sister, Evelyn Stockdale Sherman and husband, Irvin of Colorado Springs, Colorado; a brother, Wallace Oelmann and wife, Jeanette of Aplington; and two sisters-in-law, Florence Oelmann of Ackley and Mildred Rewerts of Parkersburg.

Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, Irvin R. Abbas; parents, Arend and Nettie Oelmann; brothers, Charles (Ruth) Oelmann and Raymond Oelmann; and brother-in-law, Darrell Stockdale.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Betty Ball
Wednesday, March 3, 2010

March 6, 2010

ELDORA—Betty Ball, 81, of Eldora, died from natural causes on Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at the Grundy County Hospital Long Term Care Unit in Grundy Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, March 8, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Eldora, with Pastor David Splett officiating. Burial will follow in the Eldora City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m., on Sunday, at the Creps-Abels Funeral Home in Eldora.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

David James Bellows
Wednesday, March 3, 2010

March 6, 2010

MARION—David James Bellows, 22, of Marion, formerly of Parkersburg, died on Wednesday, March 3, 2010, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident on Highway 30 near Cedar Rapids.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, March 6, at the Heartland Vineyard Church in Cedar Falls. Burial will be in the St. Albert’s Cemetery in Lamont. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church. The Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home in Parkersburg is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Dale Vincent Eisentrager
Wednesday, March 3, 2010

March 6, 2010

BRISTOW—Dale Vincent Eisentrager, 84, of Bristow, passed away on Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at the Rehabilitation Center of Allison in Allison.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, March 6, at the New Hope Parish of the United Methodist Church of Dumont, with Pastor Larry Paulley officiating. Burial will be in the Dumont Cemetery. The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Patricia L. Meyer
Wednesday, March 3, 2010

March 10, 2010

CLEAR LAKE—Patricia L. Meyer, 80, of Clear Lake, passed away on Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, March 15, at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Latimer, with Pastor Marvin Lorenz officiating. Committal services will be held in the Hampton Cemetery. Friends may call on the family from 9:00 a.m. until the service time on Monday. The Dugger Funeral Home in Latimer is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

James John Holtkamp
February 9, 1929-March 5, 2010

March 10, 2010

WILLIAMS—James John Holtkamp, 81, of Williams, died on Friday, March 5, 2010, at the Heritage Care Center in Iowa Falls.

Funeral services were held on Monday, March 8, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Williams, with burial in the church cemetery. Military rites were provided by the Williams American Legion Post No. 633. The Surls Funeral Chapel in Williams was in charge of the arrangements.

James John Holtkamp, was born on February 9, 1929 in St. Paul, Iowa, the son of Al and Johanna (Mohrfeld) Holtkamp. He graduated from the Williams High School and he received his Master’s Degree in Education from Creighton. James was a teacher, farmer and owned a bookstore. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-56 when he enlisted OCS of the U.S. Air Force. He was an F-86 Sabre Jet pilot and instructor during the Korean War. He then went to Creighton and taught for several years. After his teaching career he opened up a book store and farmed as a hobby.

James is survived by his brothers and sisters, Laverna Larson of Ames, Corine Kelly and husband, John of Waterloo, Betty (Becky) Tjaden and husband, George of Iowa Falls, Gloria Evenson of Cedar Falls, Dick Holtkamp of Omaha, Arkansas, Mary Lou Dailey and husband, Don of Mitchell, South Dakota, Dan Holtkamp and wife, Pam of Newton, Larry Holtkamp and wife, Janet of Dows and Jerry Holtkamp and wife, Jan of Williams; and many nieces and nephews whom he took a great deal of interest in.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Johanna Holtkamp.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Russell Dean Hovenga
Saturday, March 6, 2010

March 10, 2010

HAMPTON—Russell Dean Hovenga, 64, of Hampton, passed away on Saturday, March 6, 2010, at his home in Hampton.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, March 13, at the Heartland Vineyard Church in Cedar Falls, with Pastors Reggie Hovenga and Chris Reeves officiating. There will be no visitation. The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Mary Katherine Lawler
May 12, 1915-March 7, 2010

March 10, 2010

ELDORA—Mary Katherine Lawler, 94, of Eldora, passed away from natural causes on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Valley View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Eldora, under the care of Cares Initiatives Hospice.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, March 12, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Eldora, with Father Paul Baldwin officiating. Burial will follow the funeral mass in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Eldora. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 11, from 5-7:00 p.m., with a Rosary service at 7:00 p.m. and a Scripture service to follow, at the Creps-Abels Funeral Home in Eldora. Memorials may be made to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Eldora, Iowa.

Mary Katherine, was born to Albert and Mary Anna (Carroll) Schafer on May 12, 1915, at the Iowa Falls Hospital. She was raised on the family farm near Iowa Falls and attended school in Iowa Falls, graduating from the Iowa Falls High School in 1932. Mary attended the State Teachers College in Cedar Falls and graduated in 1934. She taught in a country school in Franklin County until she was united in marriage to her husband, Lewis Lawler, at the St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Iowa Falls in 1938. She and Lewis then moved onto a farm in rural Union and lived there happily until 1980. They then made their final move to Eldora and lived there together until Lewis’ death in 2001. In 2006, she moved to the Valley View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center until her death on March 7, 2010. She will be loved, missed and long remembered by her friends and family.

She was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society, the Democratic Central Committee, the Saint Mary’s Funeral Committee and several local bridge clubs.

Mary Katherine is survived by her children, Barbara Jean (Harlan) Hanson of Ames, Paul Francis (Donna R.) Lawler of Union, Thomas Albert (Elaine) Lawler of Waverly, Catherine Susan (Reid) Richards of Bloomington, Illinois and Charles Michael (Donna M.) Lawler of Union; 13 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lewis; grandson, Theodore; two sisters; and three brothers.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Kevin Jennings Collins
Sunday, March 7, 2010

March 10, 2010

DUMONT—Kevin Jennings Collins, 47, of Hubert, North Carolina, formerly of Oelwein, passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Cedar Valley Hospice in Waterloo.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, March 12, at the Dumont Reformed Church in Dumont, with the Rev. Mike Campbell officiating. Burial will take place in the Dumont Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7:00 p.m., on Thursday, at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Dumont.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Sylvester W. “Sy” O’Reilly
Sunday, March 7, 2010

March 10, 2010

IOWA FALLS—Sylvester W. “Sy” O’Reilly, 89, of Iowa City, Iowa and formerly of Iowa Falls, passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Solon Nursing Care Center, Solon.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, March 11, at the St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Iowa Falls. A Rosary service will be held at 5:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Linn’s Funeral Home, Iowa Falls, followed by a vigil service and a time of visitation until 7:00 p.m. Burial will be at a later date in the Eldora Cemetery.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Edward “Frenchie” Dombrowski
Sunday, March 7, 2010

March 13, 2010

BRADFORD—Edward “Frenchie” Dombrowski, 61, of Bradford, passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Sunday, March 14, at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton, with the Rev. Dr. Edward R. Peterson officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday, from 1-3:00 p.m., at the funeral home. Burial will take place at a later date.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Carmen J. Dohlman
September 20, 1920-March 8, 2010

March 13, 2010

OWASSO, Oklahoma—Carmen Dohlman, longtime resident of Ackley, passed away in Owasso, Oklahoma, early Monday, March 8, 2010, at the age of 89.

Memorial services will be held in Ackley at a later date. Those who wish to honor her memory may do so by contributing to the Hampton Seventh Day Adventist Church, Steamboat Rock, Iowa. Local arrangements were entrusted to the Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso.

Carmen was born on September 20, 1920, to Royal and Edna (Smiley) Lamb in Jackson, Iowa. She graduated from the Geneva High School and on Sept. 27, 1944, was united in marriage to Bontje Dohlman at Geneva, Iowa. They made their home in Ackley, where she resided until November of 2007, when she moved to Owasso.

Carmen was a longtime member of the Hampton Seventh Day Adventist Church and was active with the Ackley Senior Citizens Group. She worked with her husband on the farm for many years, later working as a home health aide and for the Presbyterian Village.

Those who survive and hold many cherished memories are her sons, Robert Dohlman and wife, Willa of Durand, Wisconsin and Donald Dohlman and wife, Peggy of Owasso; sisters, Maybelle Doolaard and husband, Cornie of Eldora and Esta Koop and husband, Jake of Ackley; grandchildren, Bryan Dohlman and wife, Christa, Corinne Dohlman and husband, Todd Boettcher, Amy Dohlman and husband, Dave Hall, Matthew Dohlman and wife, Jennifer and Ryan Dohlman and wife, Jennifer; great-grandchildren, Olivia, Sophia, Adrian, Katelyn and Carmen Grace, to be born the end of March.

Carmen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bontje in December of 1992; two sisters, Wanda and Ida; and a granddaughter, Hannah.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Cassandra Lepley
Monday, March 8, 2010

March 10, 2010

ELDORA—Cassandra L. Lepley, 65, of Eldora, died on Monday, March 8, 2010, at the Grundy County Memorial Hospital in Grundy Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, March 13, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Eldora, with Pastor Corey Larson officiating. Burial will follow in the Sheppard Cemetery near Union. Visitation will be from 5-8:00 p.m., on Friday, at the Creps-Abels Funeral Home in Eldora.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Winona Tordoff
Monday, March 8, 2010

March 10, 2010

CONRAD—Winona B. Tordoff, 83, of Conrad, formerly of Wellsburg, passed away on Monday, March 8, 2010, at the Oakview Nursing Home in Conrad.

Visitation will be from 5-8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, March 10, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m., at the Creps-Abels Funeral Home in Eldora. Interment is private.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Jean M. Cronk
September 7, 1925-March 9, 2010

March 10, 2010

IOWA FALLS—Jean M. Cronk, 84, of Iowa Falls, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at her home, under the care of the Hospice of North Iowa, Greenbelt Home Care and special caregiver, Mary Moll.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, March 13, at the Church of the Open Bible, Iowa Falls. A time of visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. Saturday until the service time at the church, and a time of fellowship and refreshments following the services. Memorials may be directed to the Church of the Open Bible, Iowa Falls, Iowa. Burial will be in the Pleasant Hill, Grant Township Cemetery, rural Iowa Falls. The Linn’s Funeral Homes Iowa Falls Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Jean Marie Snyder, was born on September 7, 1925 at Iowa Falls, the daughter of Grace May (Riley) and Frank Earl Snyder. She attended the Iowa Falls Community Schools. As a teenager she worked as a waitress at Karl’s Lunch, where she met Vic Cronk. On August 6, 1943, they were united in marriage. To this union three children were born, Carol, Ronald and Gary. Jean was an Avon Lady (she was her very best customer), a plate collector, cashier at Clifton’s Grocery and Gustason’s Grocery Store, Schultz’s and Kmart in Iowa Falls, retiring in 1987.

She was a member and twice past president of the Iowa Falls American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 188. She was a member of the Church of the Open Bible, Iowa Falls and enjoyed attending the Christian Women’s Club.

Jean M. Cronk is survived by her children, Carol (Ron) Duit of Iowa Falls, Ronald Cronk of Overland Park, Kansas and Gary (Annabelle) Cronk of Irvine, California; three grandsons, Scott (Sarah) Duit, Tyler (Sheli) Duit and Jordan Cronk; one step-granddaughter, Brandi Ramsey; five great-grandchildren, Andrew Duit, Myles Duit, Josiah Duit, Alex Sanders and Jack Duit; a sister, Irene Abernathy of Hampton; and a brother, Forrest (Betty) Burgin of Johnston.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Grace and Frank Snyder; and two sisters, Arvilla "Tootsie" Greimann and Alice Snyder in infancy.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Lillian Christina Laugerman
January 25, 1921-March 9, 2010

March 13, 2010

WEBSTER CITY—Lillian Christina Laugerman, 89, of Webster City, died on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at Southfield Wellness in Webster City.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 15, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Webster City, with Pastor Travis Schmidt officiating. Visitation will be from 4-6:00 p.m., on Sunday, at the Foster’s Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to the Webster City Women’s Club or the Williams Legion Museum (which honors her husband and brothers).

Lillian was born on January 25, 1921, at her family home in Popejoy. She was the second oldest of six children born to William and Christina Buntenbach. She grew up around Williams and graduated with the class of 1939. She attended Teachers College in Cedar Falls. After graduation she taught in a one-room schoolhouse, “Little Wall Lake No. 9.” She remained employed with this school from 1942-1949, while her husband was serving with the Army overseas. Many of her students have fond memories and have kept in touch with her.

Lillian married Harold William Laugerman on June 20, 1942, at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. After his military service, they made their home in Webster City, where Harold owned and operated Laugerman Construction. They had four children in one year, a daughter and triplet boys, who were the second set of triplets born in Webster City. Lillian was a busy mother and wife.

She was involved with many of her children’s organizations, such as Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and Sunday School. Harold and Lillian were members of the square dance club and a 500 card club for several years. Lillian also played cards with a group of ladies for more than 40 years. She was a member of the St. Paul’s Ladies Aid and circles in addition to the Webster City American Legion Auxiliary and Webster City Women’s Club.

 In 2003, she made her home at the Southfield Apartments, where she enjoyed being treated like a queen. Thanks to her daughter and friends, she had many special birthday parties and other celebrations. She also attended Red Hat outings.

She is missed by those who survive, her daughter, Connie (Wayne) Wahlert of Williams; sons, Dean (Rose) Laugerman of Waconia, Minnesota, David (Marcia) Laugerman of West Des Moines and Duane (Jolene) Laugerman of Grimes; grandchildren, Laura (Mark) Berghuis, John (Rita) Laugerman, Wade (Carina) Wahlert, Holly (Mark) Muench, James and Steven Laugerman, Joanna, Janelle, Alexander and Andrew Laugerman; great-grandchildren, Austin and Noah Berghuis, Jayden, Jacob and Luke Muench, Alivia Wahlert, John Jr. and Sophia Laugerman. She will be welcomed into heaven by a granddaughter, Angela Laugerman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Christina Bentenbach; husband, Harold in 1994; brothers, Donald, Virgil, Harold and Harley; and a sister, Myrtle Thielen.

She touched many lives. Her children and grandchildren were her joy. She will be mourned by those she leaves ... but will be celebrated by God on her arrival.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Frances M. Hanson
July 17, 1919-March 9, 2010

March 13, 2010

CLARION—Frances M. Hanson, 90, of Clarion, passed away on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at the Careage of Clarion.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 12, at the First United Methodist Church in Clarion, with Pastor Don Morrison officiating. Burial was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion. The Ewing Funeral Home in Clarion was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

Frances Marie Hanson, was born on July 17, 1919 at Ravenwood, Missouri, the daughter of William Troy and Mary Mollie Bloomfield. She passed away March 9, 2010, at Careage of Clarion where she has lived the past two years, living at the Meadows prior to that.

Fran graduated from the Faucett High School in Faucett, Missouri, in 1936. She attended one year at the Northwest Missouri State Teachers College, Maryville, Missouri and graduated the following year from the St. Joseph Junior College at St. Joseph, Missouri in 1938.

Her family moved shortly after that to Clarion, thereby her dream of being a teacher wasn’t to be realized, as her degree was not valid in another state. But here she would meet her soul mate for life. Frances and Charles (Chub) Hanson were married on July 2, 1939 and to this union were born two daughters, Marilyn and Sandra. Although she never taught in the school system, she was a true teacher by the life she led, her beliefs and the examples she set.

Frances was baptized in the Methodist Church in Dearborn, Missouri and was a member of the United Methodist Church in Clarion, at the time of her death.

Most of her married life was spent in the Clarion and Iowa Falls areas where she worked side by side with her husband in all his many business ventures. One we fondly remember was Chub’s Drive-In where so many friendships and memories continue to live on with us.

Her interests in life were many and varied, with her family and their welfare at the top of her list. Her hands were never idle — always busy cooking, crocheting hundreds of baby booties and baby blankets for her grandchildren and following up with graduation afghans for them. She was a true writer, sending the most beautiful letters to countless people. Her chocolate chip cookies were special and they were always available.

Frances is survived by her daughters, Marilyn Jackson of Stanwood and Sandra Schipull and husband, Duane of Goldfield; one brother, Byron (Dorothy) Bloomfield of Lake San Marias, California; six grandchildren, Dana (Lee) Schipull Halvorson of Northwood, Greg Schipull of Goldfield, Jeff (Jen) Schipull of Belle Plaine, Minnesota, Scott (Michelle) Jackson of Stanwood, Tom (Rhonda) Jackson of Cedar Rapids and Ron (Amy) Jackson of Mt. Vernon; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Chub; her parents, William Troy and Mary Mollie Bloomfield; brother, Fay Bloomfield; infant brother, Franklin; son-in-law, Doug Jackson; and great-granddaughter, Sydney Jackson.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Bernard Lee "Bernie" Stech
Tuesday, March 9, 2010

March 10, 2010

HAMPTON—Bernard Lee "Bernie" Stech, 89, of Hampton, passed away on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Friday, March 12, at the Hampton United Methodist Church, with burial in the Hampton Cemetery. The Rev. Dr. Edward R. Peterson will officiate at the service. Visitation will be from 4-7:00 p.m., on Thursday, at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Johnny M. Sly
Tuesday, March 9, 2010

March 13, 2010

ELDORA—Johnny M. Sly, 67, of Eldora, died on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at the Valley View Nursing and Rehab Center in Eldora.

Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 13, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Eldora, with Pastor David Splett officiating. The Creps-Abels Funeral Home in Eldora is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Gene Miller
June 8, 1925-March 10, 2010

March 17, 2010

HUBBARD—Gene Miller, 84, of Hubbard, died on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital in Iowa Falls.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 12, at the Zion United Church of Christ in Hubbard. Buried was in the Hubbard Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Zion United Church of Christ. The Boeke Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Gene Leonard Miller, was born on June 8, 1925, the first-born son of Lila (Hornung) and John Miller. As a child, he had bright blue eyes, thick black curls, a wonderful smile and a mischievous nature that kept him from taking his studies at the Fisher Tipton School No. 5 very seriously. As a teen, he loved the land, kept his eye on pretty girls (especially one named Wanda), was extremely handsome and used any extra cash to buy cigarettes, much to his mother’s dismay. As a young adult, he married Wanda (Reece), served in Germany during World War II, became the father of three children, Gary, Connie and Craig, and “worked the land” with his dad and beloved brother, Glenn.

As a middle-aged man, he traveled near and far with the love of his life, visited hospital obstetrical units nine times to welcome new grandchildren, relished a good steak, a good story and Christmas Eve with his family. And in his later years, his blue eyes still twinkled, he remained devoted to that pretty girl named Wanda, he enjoyed the weddings of all nine of his grandchildren, he continued to “love the land” and he still had that beautiful smile and kind heart.

Gene died unexpectedly on March 10, 2010, at the age of 84.

Left to cherish Gene’s memory are Wanda, his wife of 65 years; daughter, Connie (Richard) Isaacson of Des Moines; son, Craig (Jill) Miller of Hubbard; his grandchildren, Anne Isaacson Rempe (Brad), Kathryn Isaacson Worple (William), Megan Isaacson Kading (Lance), Richard (Kelly) Isaacson, Mark (Atessa) Isaacson, Emily Miller Humke, Monica Miller Warburton (Kyle), Mindy Miller Stensland (Graig), and Reece (Kelly) Miller; his great-grandchildren, Grace, Sam and Joseph Rempe, Isaac, Harry and Elizabeth Worple, Eli, Miles, Noah and Jonathan Kading, Addison Isaacson, Elle Isaacson, Chase and Tyler Humke, Lila and Nora Warburton and Jackson and Preston Stensland; two sisters-in-law, Georgia Miller and Ruth Sievert; many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Preceding Gene in death were his son, Gary; his brother, Glenn; and his parents, Lila and John.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Audre LaNora Harris Jones
October 10, 1928-March 10, 2010

March 17, 2010

WAVERLY—Audre LaNora Harris Jones, 81, of Waverly and formerly of Iowa Falls, died on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at the Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, of natural causes.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, March 18, at 11:30 a.m., at the Janesville United Methodist Church, with Pastor Kerrin Kirkpatrick officiating. There will be no visitation as Audre’s body has been cremated. Burial of her cremains will be in the Northlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery in Iowa Falls, following the memorial service. Memorials may be directed to the Janesville United Methodist Church. The Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly is assisting the family.

Audre was born on October 10, 1928 in Iowa Falls, the daughter of George Perry Harris and Dora Mae (Warner) Ward. Audre attended school in Iowa Falls, graduating from the Iowa Falls High School in 1946. On May 14, 1948, Audre was united in marriage to Virgil Jones at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. To this union two children were born, Malinda and Martin. The couple made their home in Iowa Falls, Northwest Iowa and in 1997 they moved to Waverly. During her life, Audre worked as a telephone operator for Northwestern Bell, retail stores and most recently at the Waverly Public Library. Virgil died on November 11, 2004 and Audre continued to make her home in Waverly.

Audre was a member of the Janesville United Methodist Church and also a member of the V.F.W. Women’s Auxiliary. In her spare time Audre enjoyed sewing, crafts, flower gardening, traveling, and activities with her family and church.

Audre is survived by her daughter, Malinda (Daryl) Foelske of Cedar Falls; her son, Martin (Susan) Jones of Iowa Falls; two grandchildren, Eric (Kristy Medberry) Foelske and Brett (Elizabeth) Foelske, all of Denver, Colorado; and one sister, Dorothy M. Mitchell of Spirit Lake.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Virgil; an infant daughter, Julie Diane; and one brother, Emory Harris.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Wilbur R. Davis
October 8, 1926-March 10, 2010

March 20, 2010

DOWS—Wilbur R. Davis, 83, of Dows, passed away on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at the Rehabilitation Center of Hampton.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 13, at the Morgan United Methodist Church east of Dows, with Pastor Mike Druhl officiating. Burial was in the Morgan Church Cemetery. The Dugger Funeral Home in Dows was in charge of the arrangements.

Wilbur was born on October 8, 1926, in Brook Park Township, Minnesota, to Roger and Alvina (Parsons) Davis. He received his education in the country schools near Brook Park. On November 23, 1950, he was united in marriage to Jean Range at Princeton, Missouri. After their marriage they lived in Lineville, Missouri for five years. They moved to Webster City for two years and in 1956 moved south of Kamrar. It was there that Wilbur worked for Bob Sealine before moving to Dows in 1965. He was a farm hand for Forest Denger and then Earl Hofsommer before retiring in 1990.

Wilbur enjoyed fishing and hunting. He also treasured the time he spent with family. Wilbur attended the Morgan United Methodist Church and served for a time on the cemetery board.

Wilbur is survived by three sons, Bill Davis of Alden, Rick Davis of Dows and Jim Davis and wife, Ronda of Alden; five daughters, JoAnn Withers and significant other, Dan Elkin of Webster City, Kathy Silvest and husband, Rick of Iowa Falls, Lavon Schwebke and husband, Jeff of Lincoln, Nebraska, Deb Dow and husband, Mark of Clarion and Tracie Bolhuis and husband, Josh of Dows; 20 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; two brothers; four sisters; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jean; granddaughter, Kaitlyn Dow; daughter-in-law, Rhonda Davis; sister, Ginger; and infant sister, Patricia.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Dorothy L. Erickson
Wednesday, March 10, 2010

March 13, 2010

BRADFORD—Dorothy L. Erickson, 78, of Bradford, passed away on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, March 13, at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton. Burial will be in the Dumont Cemetery in Dumont.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Florence L. Titus
Wednesday, March 10, 2010

March 13, 2010

CLARION—Florence L. Titus, 87, of Clarion, passed away on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at her home.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, March 20, at the First United Methodist Church in Clarion, with Pastor Don Morrison officiating. Visitation will be on Friday, March 19, from 5-7:00 p.m., at the church. The Ewing Funeral Home in Clarion is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

William Knoll
January 8, 1930-March 11, 2010

March 17, 2010

BRADFORD—William Knoll, 80, of Bradford, died on Thursday, March 11, 2010, at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton.

Private family services were held on Monday, March 15, at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley.

William Harry Knoll, was born on January 8, 1930 in Franklin County, the son of Clyde and Henrietta (Card) Knoll. He graduated from the Ackley High School in 1947 and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He took Basic Training in Fort Knox, Kentucky, went to Camp Lee in Virginia and went to Machine Recorud School. After graduating he was shipped to Tokyo, Japan. He spent two years there and was married to his loving wife, Dorothy Hartema, on December 26, 1947 in Dumont. After returning to Ackley in April of 1950 he got a job at the Canning Factory in Ackley. He worked there until December 1950. He then moved to Bradford where he drove a truck for six years for Ike Furman. In December 1956, he got a job at the Elevator in Bradford where he worked for 38 years and was a manager for several years.

He was a charter member of the Grant-Lee Fire Department and spent 40 years in the department, of which he served 23 years as chief. He was a Cub Scout Leader for several years.

William is survived by his wife, Dorothy; two sons, Gerald and his wife, Barbara of Indianola and Brian of Iowa Falls; a daughter, Deborah Frembgen and Steve of Iowa Falls; and two grandchildren, Adam Jay and Aubri Ann.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Earl, Keith and Neal Knoll; and an infant daughter, Ruby Ann.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Sandy Shirk
August 17, 1951-March 12, 2010

March 17, 2010

HAMPTON—Sandy Shirk, 58, of Hampton, passed away on Friday, March 12, 2010, at the Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa, in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 18, at 1:30 p.m., at the Hampton United Methodist Church in Hampton. Inurnment will be at a later date. Friends may call on Wednesday from 4-8:00 p.m., at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton.

Sandy was born on August 17, 1951 in Charles City, to Richard Charles and Marjorie Ann (Demro) Hanson. Sandy graduated from the Cedar Falls High School and attended Ellsworth College in Iowa Falls. She was united in marriage to Denny Shirk on November 1, 1970 in Janesville. Sandy worked as a bookkeeper at Wal-Mart in Iowa Falls.

She was a devoted mother and grandmother and spending time with her two sons and 10 grandchildren was her greatest joy. Sandy also enjoyed gardening and taking care of her flowers.

She is survived by her husband, Denny Shirk of Hampton; sons, Charlie and wife, Sarah Shirk and Chris and wife, Leia Shirk, all of Hampton; sisters, Linda and husband, Merville Blakesley of Lebanon, Tennessee, Julie and husband, Rick Williamson of Cedar Falls and Laura and husband, Kevin Quintus of Hampton; 10 grandchildren, Taylin, Triston, Reece, Dalton, Trinity, Alyssa, Camden, Olivia, Wesley and Sienna; brothers-in-law, Bob and wife, Bev Shirk of Tucson, Arizona, Gale and wife, Marilyn Shirk of Tucson and Lynn and wife, Bobbi Shirk of Spring Branch, Texas; sister-in-law, Sue Shirk of Janesville; and many nieces and nephews.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents; mother and father-in-law; and brother-in-law, Charles Shirk.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Wayne E. Bumgarner
Friday, March 12, 2010

March 13, 2010

HAMPTON—Wayne E. Bumgarner, 93, of Hampton, passed away on Friday, March 12, 2010, at the Franklin General Hospital Nursing Facility in Hampton.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, March 17, at the Hampton United Methodist Church in Hampton, with burial in the Hampton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton. The Rev. Dr. Edward R. Peterson will officiate at the service.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Stanford “Johnnie” Matchie
Friday, March 12, 2010

March 17, 2010

RADCLIFFE—Stanford “Johnnie” Matchie, 87, of rural Radcliffe, died on Friday, March 12, 2010, at the Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 17, at 10:30 a.m., at the Zion Lutheran Church, with burial in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, both in rural Radcliffe. The Boeke Funeral Home in Radcliffe is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Doyle W. Bausman
Saturday, March 13, 2010

March 17, 2010

PARKERSBURG—Doyle W. Bausman, 76, of Parkersburg, died on Saturday, March 13, 2010, at his home, from natural causes.

Memorial services were held on Tuesday, March 16, at the Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home in Parkersburg. Burial will be held at a later date.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

M. Reid Rhoads
Saturday, March 13, 2010

March 31, 2010

CLARKSVILLE—M. Reid Rhoads, 94, of Davenport and formerly from Clarksville, died on Saturday, March 13, 2010, at the Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, from natural causes.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Wednesday, March 31, at the Community United Methodist Church, with burial in the Lynwood Cemetery, Clarksville. Visitation will be from 12-1:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the church. Additional services are being held in Davenport with the Weerts Funeral Home. The Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home in Clarksville is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Merwin Gene “Bing” Warner
May 3, 1937–March 14, 2010

March 17, 2010

WACO, Texas—Merwin Gene “Bing” Warner, 72, of Waco, Texas, passed away on Sunday, March 14, 2010, with his loving wife, JoAnne at his side.

In accordance with Bing’s wishes, his body has been donated for medical research at the University of Texas. 

Bing was born to Kenneth and Opal (Pippin) Warner in Iowa Falls on May 3, 1937. Bing was raised in Iowa Falls and graduated from the Iowa Falls High School in 1955. After high school he joined the U.S. Air Force. After completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, he was stationed in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he met his first wife, Georgean Lutje. They were married on July 1, 1956, at the Lincoln Air Force Base. To this union, four children were born. Bing achieved the rank of staff sergeant during his 10-year air force career which took the family to Guam, where they were stationed during the Vietnam War.

Following the service the family made their home in Dows, Iowa, Fairbault and Northfield, Minnesota, where Bing and JoAnne owned and operated J&B Sheetmetal for 15 years. Bing and JoAnne Reed were married in Fairbault on September 4, 1981. They eventually retired to Waco, Texas.

Bing is survived by his wife, JoAnne of Waco, Texas; sons, Kenneth (Janine) Warner of Willmar, Minnesota and Daniel (Lori) Warner of Beatrice, Nebraska; daughters, Denise (Greg) Winters of Windom, Minnesota and Kimberly (Brad) Powers of Windom;  eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a sister, Sondra (William) Peyton of Iowa Falls.

Bing was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Opal Warner; and his first wife, Georgean.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Maxine Marie Ahrens
Sunday, March 14, 2010

March 17, 2010

HAMPTON—Maxine Marie Ahrens, 86, of Hampton, formerly of Dows and Latimer, passed away on Sunday, March 14, 2010, at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 17, at 1:30 p.m., at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hampton, with the Rev. Karl Bollhagen and Vicar Phillip Callahan officiating. Private family burial will take place in the Otis Grove Cemetery in rural Dows. The Sietsema- Vogel Funeral Home of Hampton is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Florence P. Osthus
December 27, 1915-March 16, 2010

March 20, 2010

IOWA FALLS—Florence P. Osthus, 94, of Iowa Falls, passed away on Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at the Sunny View Care Center in Ankeny.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, March 20, at the Linn’s Funeral Home Chapel, Iowa Falls. Burial will be in the Union Cemetery, Iowa Falls. Memorials may be directed to the First Congregational Church UCC in Iowa Falls or the Iowa Falls Garden Club. The Linn’s Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Florence Peters Holck, was born on December 27, 1915, at her parents’ home in Dale Township of O’Brien County, the daughter of Alvina Bertha (Peters) and John Jacob Holck. She attended country grade school and the Paullina Community Schools, graduating with the class of 1934 from the Paullina High School. On October 21, 1936, she was united in marriage to Alfred Telman Osthus at Elk Point, South Dakota. To this union five children were born, Ramon, Donetta, Janice, Sharon and Ronald. She had been employed as a bookkeeper for her husband’s Arrow Truck Stop. After his untimely death in 1969 she worked for the Iowa Falls Coop Decorating and Appliance Store in Iowa Falls and the Riverside Book and Bible.

She was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Iowa Falls, the Service Circle of church and the Iowa Falls Garden Club, of which she was a past treasurer for many years. She was a special advocate of flowers and gardening and loved going to Bible study and did reflexology for many of her friends.

Florence is survived by her children, Ramon Osthus of Marshalltown, Donetta (Mrs. F.N.) Frerichs of Ackley, Janice (Mrs. Thomas) Kaplan of Fairfax, Virginia, Sharon Osthus of Des Moines and Ronald (Lora) Osthus of Alden; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and siblings, John (Alice) Holck of Fremont, Nebraska, Donald (Donna) Holck of Le Mars and Uneva (Curt) Bertson of Paullina.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Alvina Holck; her husband, Alfred Osthus; two twin granddaughters, April and Dawn Williams; and siblings, Leroy Holck, Sylvia Fidelke and Elva Cole.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Shane B. Chaplin
August 30, 1986-March 17, 2010

March 24, 2010

HUBBARD—Shane B. Chaplin, 23, of Hubbard, died on Wednesday, March 17, 2010, at the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital, after a fatal auto accident in Iowa Falls.

Funeral services were held on Monday, March 22, at the St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hubbard, with the Rev. Dr. Matthew Rueger officiating. Shane was buried in the Hubbard Cemetery. The Boeke Funeral Home in Hubbard was in charge of the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shane Chaplin’s Children Education Fund, c/o Security State Bank, Box 549, Hubbard, Iowa.

Shane Bryan Chaplin, was born on August 30, 1986 in Iowa Falls, to Kevin Chaplin and Denise (Hilpipre) Chaplin. He was baptized on November 30, 1986 and confirmed on April 8, 2001, at the St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hubbard, where he was a lifelong member. Shane received his education at the Hubbard-Radcliffe Community School and graduated from the Hubbard-Radcliffe High School, with the class of 2005.

Some of his favorite pastimes were going to the races with his dad, playing with his little girls and watching movies with “Telle,” feeding baby Karlee and roughhousing with his dogs, Susie and Nike. He had a strange knack for salvaging discarded plants from the cemetery and giving them new life. His most recent adventure involved antiquing furniture and learning the art of restoration from one of the local experts, his father. Shane was a very loving person and was somewhat manipulative with his beautiful smile. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Those remaining to cherish his memory include his wife, Nickie; three daughters, twins Kora and Kaycee and baby Karlee; one step-son, Kartel; father, Kevin and his wife, Jackie Chaplin; mother, Denise Chaplin; paternal grandmother, Bev Chaplin and maternal grandparents, Harold and Shirley Hilpipre; along with many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Berle Chaplin.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Judith Ann Surratt
June 14, 1945-March 18, 2010

March 24, 2010

IOWA FALLS—Judith Ann Surratt, 64, of Iowa Falls, passed away on Thursday, March 18, 2010, at the Scenic Manor Nursing Home.

Memorial services were held on Sunday, March 21, at the Linn’s Funeral Chapel, Iowa Falls. The Linn’s Funeral Home Iowa Falls Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.

Judith Ann Surratt, was born on June 14, 1945 at Nevada, Iowa, the daughter of Dorothy Louise (Haffey) and Earl Elworth Surratt. She graduated from the Iowa Falls High School with the class of 1963. She was a corporate secretary with General Publishing and Binding, Iowa Falls; and also a supervisor for Herbalife. She retired in 2002.

Judith Surratt is survived by her mother, Dorothy Surratt of Iowa Falls; her brother, James (Maxine) Surratt and their children, Jeremy (Trina) Surratt, Melissa (Dan) Ross and Jeffrey Surratt, of Iowa City; and her sister, Marijean (James) Duncan and their children, Christina Schipper and Michael Clinton, of Iowa Falls.

She was preceded in death by her father, Earl Surratt; and her husband, Max Nöher.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Ada A. Westgate
September 18, 1915-March 19, 2010

March 24, 2010

IOWA FALLS—Ada A. Westgate, 94, of Iowa Falls, passed away on Friday, March 19, 2010, at the Heritage Care Center, Iowa Falls.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 23, at the Linn’s Funeral Chapel, Iowa Falls, with Pastor Steve Hill officiating. Burial was in the Union Cemetery, Iowa Falls. The Linn’s Funeral Homes Iowa Falls Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.

Ada A. Duckworth, was born on September 18, 1915, on the family farm east of Iowa Falls, the daughter of Ellen Jane (Reed) and Benjamin Franklin Duckworth. She graduated from the eighth grade at the Sunny Dale School east of Iowa Falls. On December 26, 1935, Ada was united in marriage to Herbert Vern Westgate at the Little Brown Church, Nashua. To this union four children were born, Margaret Elaine, LaVern Ray, Merle Eugene and Harold Wayne. They farmed east of Iowa Falls and then moved to Iowa Falls where they owned and operated Vern’s DX on the west side and then Highway 65 North.

Ada Westgate is survived by her daughter, Margaret (Bill) Lubberts of Iowa Falls; two sons, Merle (Marsha) Westgate of Ames and Wayne (Diane) Westgate of York, Pennsylvania; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Edna May Show of Estherville; and one brother, Lawrence Lee Duckworth of Raytown, Missouri.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Ellen Duckworth; her husband, Vern Westgate in 1987; her son, LaVern Westgate in 1957; a granddaughter, Milissa Westgate; a great-grandson, Bobbie Arndorfer; one sister, Nancy Jane Claude; and five brothers, John, Archie, Herbert, Earl and twin brother, Bert Duckworth.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Edward G. Geerdes
January 1, 1915-March 19, 2010

March 24, 2010

ACKLEY—Edward G. Geerdes, 95, of Ackley, died on Friday, March 19, 2010, at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley.

Funeral services were held on Monday, March 22, at the St. John’s UCC. The Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley was in charge of the arrangements.

Edward George Geerdes, son of Geerd and Antjie (Riekena) Geerdes, was born on Januay 1, 1915, at his parents’ home east of Steamboat Rock in Hardin County. He was baptized in the First Christian Reformed Church west of Wellsburg. Edward attended school in Steamboat Rock. On September 16, 1941, Edward was inducted into the U.S. Army at Fort Des Moines. He received training in the horse cavalry and after Pearl Harbor, received training as a radar operator in the signal corps. He served during World War II in the European Theater (North Africa and Italy-Corsica) as chief radar officer and assistant crew chief spotting enemy planes. He was honorably discharged on November 7, 1945.

Edward was united in marriage to Viola Ulfers on March 10, 1947, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. He joined St. John’s Evangelical and Reformed Church (now United Church of Christ), Ackley, in 1948 where he served as secretary on the church council and as head usher. Edward farmed in Grundy County until retiring in 1988 at age 73. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed woodworking.

Edward is survived by his wife of 63 years, Viola Geerdes of Ackley; a son, Gregory (Gloria) Geerdes of Marcus; two daughters, Elaine (Jerry) Remhof of Urbandale and Vivian Geerdes of West Des Moines; three granddaughters, Gina (Cam) Rassel of Marcus, Gwen (Jay) Mathahs of Thompson and Melissa (Sam Saluri) Remhof of Urbandale; five great-grandchildren, Nate, Wyatt and Conner Rassel and Ashley and Gunner Mathahs; sister, Freda Harms of Steamboat Rock; and sister-in-law, Remda Geerdes of Ankeny.

He was preceded in death by four brothers, Jake, Ben, Gratus and Alferd; two sisters, Verna (Mrs. Abe) Wilts and Bessie (Mrs. Evert) Bleeker; and great-granddaughter, Elena Mathahs.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Kathleen "Kay" Odell
March 10, 1924-March 20, 2010

March 24, 2010

IOWA FALLS—Kathleen "Kay" Odell, passed away on Saturday, March 20, 2010, in Iowa Falls, from complications related to breast cancer.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Iowa Falls, on Wednesday, March 24. Another celebration of Kay’s life and the inurnment of John and Kay’s ashes will take place at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, March 25, in the Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak.

Kay and her family ask that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Hospice of North Iowa, First Congregational United Church of Christ of Iowa Falls or to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls is in charge of the arrangements.

She was born on March 10, 1924 in Omaha, Nebraska, to Madge and Walter Peterson. She and her parents lived in many locations before moving to Red Oak, Iowa in 1937. She attended the Brownell Hall High School in Omaha and graduated from the University of Iowa in 1945. Kay was united in marriage to Dr. John H. Odell on June 23, 1945, in Red Oak. The young couple lived in San Diego, California and Topeka, Kansas, while John fulfilled his military service. They returned to Red Oak in 1953 for John to practice dentistry and to raise their three children.

They were tireless supporters of their church, community and school district. Kay taught Sunday School and volunteered extensively for the church. She was instrumental in beginning the “Meals on Wheels” program, a leader for Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts and an active member of the Montgomery County Republican Party.

In 1975 John and Kay moved to their “ranch” in Heber Springs, Arkansas. They dearly loved living in the beautiful Ozark Mountain foothills for more than 30 years. Kay built a greenhouse for bromeliads on their property and began a plant rental business. She also worked for the local newspaper. With the idea of promoting and preserving the natural beauty of Heber Springs and the surrounding area, she partnered with artist and photographer Nadia Bates to form Kay and Nadia’s Cards. For several years Kay owned and operated a lovely and unique gift shop named The Storyteller. After Kay’s cousin opened an emergency domestic abuse shelter, Kay worked for nearly two decades at Margie’s Haven House writing grants and training volunteers.

In 2007, Kay retired and moved to Iowa Falls where she was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband, John, who was the love of her life.

She is survived by her three children, John (Valerie) Odell of Prince Frederick, Maryland, Judith (Steve) Afdahl of Iowa Falls and Debra (Ed) Bennett of Kansas City, Missouri; and five grandchildren, Jefferson Odell of Pasadena, California, Michael Afdahl of San Diego, California, Emily Afdahl of Chicago, Illinois, Jessica (Luke) Miller of Ellsworth A.F.B., South Dakota and James Bennett of Groton, Connecticut; and her cousin, Russell Peterson of Shreveport, Louisiana.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Dennis Tidman
July 15, 1940-March 20, 2010

March 24, 2010

ELDORA—Dennis Tidman, 69, of Eldora, died on Saturday, March 20, 2010, at the Eldora Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 23, at the Salem United Methodist Church in Hubbard, with burial in the Union Cemetery in Iowa Falls. The Boeke Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Dennis John Tidman, was born on July 15, 1940 in Iowa Falls, to John Tidman and Fern (Neubauer) Tidman. He grew up on the farm nine miles south of Iowa Falls. He graduated from the Owasa High School in 1958. On November 17, 1960, he was married to Ruth Swaim in Owasa. They had five children together and 44 wonderful years of marriage until Ruth’s death in 2005. On June 3, 2006, he was married to Lois Finger in Steamboat Rock. They enjoyed traveling, gardening, going to the grandkids’ activities and enjoyed their retirement together.

Dennis was a member of the Salem United Methodist Church in Hubbard. He served on various boards and committees and enjoyed all church activities.

Dennis farmed his whole life. He had a love for working with and feeding cattle. He really never considered any other livelihood. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, picnics by the creek, going on walks with his dogs and ball games of any kind. Many of his most treasured times were spent with immediate family, extended family and many friends.

Those remaining to cherish his memory include his wife, Lois of Eldora; his mother, Fern of Hubbard; two sons, Greg of Eldora and David and wife, Tara of Archie, Missouri; three daughters, Deb Smith and husband, Mark of Des Moines, Janet of Eldora and Christi Goodman and husband, David of Studio City, California; one brother, Jim Tidman of Steamboat Rock; two sisters, Carolyn Burkhardt of Osage and Mary Knutson of Hubbard; seven grandchildren, Aaron Wykle of Alden, Amy Wykle of Ames, Kendall, Konnor and Kollin Tidman of Archie, Rachel and Ellie Goodman of Studio City; step-grandson, Tyler Smith; five step-children, Teresa Janssen, Scott Rash, Julie Morarie, Becky Duehn and Susan Winter; 13 step-grandchildren; along with many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth Tidman; his father, John Tidman; and his brother, Allan Tidman.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Frank Klemme
July 10, 1934-March 21, 2010

March 24, 2010

ALDEN—Frank Klemme, 75, of Alden, died on Sunday, March 21, 2010, at the Heritage Care Center in Iowa Falls.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, March 24, at the Immanuel Memorial UCC in Alden, with burial in the Union Cemetery in Iowa Falls. The Surls Funeral Home in Alden is in charge of the arrangements.

Franklin Delano Klemme, son of Walter and Ruth (Last) Klemme, was born on July 10, 1934 in Iowa Falls. Franklin graduated from the Alden Community School in 1952 and then attended Dairy Husbandry at Iowa State University. Franklin later joined the U.S. Army in 1957, and was stationed in Ft. Lewis, Washington. After the Army, Franklin became a self-employed dairy farmer for many years and was involved in the Dairy Herd Improvement Association. Franklin was also involved with the Masonic Lodge in both Iowa Falls and Alden. Franklin was united in marriage to Barbara Brass on November 8, 1975, at the United Church of Christ in Alden.

Franklin is survived by his wife, Barbara Klemme of Alden; three daughters, Rebecca Klemme of St. Louis, Missouri, Glenda (Paul) Smith of Owatonna, Minnesota and Janet Klemme of Ames; two brothers, William Klemme of Alden and Wayne Klemme of Roscoe, Illinois; and three sisters, Joyce Noren (Roger Langenbaugh) of Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, Dorothy (Marlyn) Burns of Mesa, Arizona and Jean (Pat) Rainbow of Golden Valley, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Ruth; and infant sister, Marjorie.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Frances Deters
Monday, March 22, 2010

March 27, 2010

DES MOINES—Frances Diane Deters, 67, of Des Moines, passed away on Monday, March 22, 2010, at the Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, March 27, at the Merle Hay Funeral Home, Des Moines. Interment will be in the Chapel Hill Gardens in Des Moines.

Frances is survived by her sister and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Richard; mother, Elizabeth; and brother, Darwin.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Bernice Ann Reese
Tuesday, March 23, 2010

March 27, 2010

ACKLEY—Bernice Ann Reese, 99, of Ackley, passed away on Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at the Scenic Manor Care Facility, Iowa Falls.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, March 31, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ackley. Inurnment will be with her husband in the Mountain View Memorial Gardens, Mesa, Arizona. The Linn’s Funeral Home Ackley Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Marie Tystahl Grubb
December 22, 1920-March 24, 2010

March 27, 2010

RADCLIFFE—Marie Tystahl Grubb, 89, of Radcliffe, died on Wednesday, March 24, 2010, at the Hubbard Care Center Inc. in Hubbard.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 26, at the Salem Lutheran Church in Radcliffe, with burial in the Radcliffe Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Salem Lutheran Church. The Boeke Funeral Home in Radcliffe was in charge of the arrangements.

Marie Tystahl Grubb, was born on December 22, 1920, on the family farm south of the Salem Lutheran Church. She was one of five children born to Elmer and Gyda (Berven) Eike. She was baptized and confirmed in the Salem Lutheran Church, where she remained a life-long member. She received her education by attending the rural Salem School near her home. She attended the Radcliffe High School, where she graduated with the class of 1938. After high school, she taught at the rural Salem School.

Marie was united in marriage to Vern Tystahl in 1941. They farmed in the Williams, Alden and Iowa Falls areas, moving to Radcliffe in 1947. They farmed west of the church until Vern died in 1972. In 1976, Marie was married to Joel Grubb at the Salem Church. They lived on the Berven home place until they retired to Story City.

Those thankful for having shared her life include her husband, Joel of Story City; one son, Ronald Tystahl and wife, Joan of Radcliffe; one son-in-law, Howard Cakerice of Grundy Center; two step-sons, Ron Grubb and wife Chris and Roger Grubb; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one sister, Bernice Brinkmeyer of Hubbard; one brother, Wendell Eike of Radcliffe; along with many other relatives and friends.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Vern; daughter, Karen Cakerice; great-grandson, Richey Johnson; sister, Kathryn Hendrickson; and brother, Everett Eike.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

La Vern Duit
July 21, 1924-March 25, 2010

March 31, 2010 

IOWA FALLS—La Vern Duit, 85, of Iowa Falls, passed away on Thursday, March 25, 2010, at the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital, Iowa Falls.

Funeral services were held on Monday, March 29, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Iowa Falls. The Linn’s Funeral Homes Iowa Falls Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.

La Vern Fredrick Duit, was born on July 21, 1924, on the family farm in Franklin County, the son of Otillie (Heinz) and Anton Duit. He attended Country School through the eighth grade. On October 15, 1950, La Vern was united in marriage to Vera Caroline Fuhrman at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Buckeye. To this union five children were born, William, Andra, Jay, Marla and Troy. La Vern was a farmer for many years, worked for the Holiday Erickson Gas Station, Chuck’s Auto Salvage and then he was the Sexton for the Union Cemetery, Iowa Falls, for many years.

La Vern was a Hardin Township Trustee for many years and was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Iowa Falls and the National Rifle Association.

La Vern is survived by his wife, Vera Duit of Iowa Falls; his children, Bill (Edna) Duit of Miami, Oklahoma, Andra Duit of Iowa Falls, Jay Duit of Iowa Falls, Marla (Matt) Sudderberg of Alden and Troy (Lisa Harper) Duit of Greenville, Indiana; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one sister, Cleva Hensing of Iowa Falls.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Otillie Duit; two brothers, Harry Duit and Garrelt Duit; and one sister, Hilda Ahlberg.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

KERRVILLE, TEXAS—Isaac “Ike” William Hoy Jr., at the age of 70, returned to his parents and God on Thursday, March 25, 2010, at a San Antonio Hospital.

Private family memorial services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of the Wright’s Funeral Parlor in Kerrville.

He was born on April 2, 1939 in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Isaac and Grace “Klatt” Hoy. Isaac married Jerilyn Brown in 1957. After a lifelong career in the construction industry, Ike retired to enjoy playing cards on Saturday, golfing when he could, fishing when it wasn’t too cold, watching TV with his dogs (the family believes they were more important than them) and enjoying the time he spent with his family. A good man will be missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Isaac is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Jerilyn J. Brown of Kerrville; four children, Shari Pieper and husband, Dennis, Brenda Pete, Blake Hoy and Jeff Hoy and wife, Marina, all of Kerrville; 11 grandchildren, Cody and Kyle Pieper, Katie Wilton, Candice Cathey, Justin and Sabrina Hoy, Adam, Amber and Ashley Sanchez and Vance and Veronika Hoy, gave him many hours of joy and laughter; four great-grandchildren, Emily, Hailey and Cason Cathey and Maddox Wilton, and they extended the fun even further; and many other family members and friends who love him and will miss him.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Terry L. Grice
Thursday, March 25, 2010

March 27, 2010 

GENEVA—Terry L. Grice, 60, of Geneva, passed away on Thursday, March 25, 2010, at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, March 29, at the Geneva United Methodist Church, with burial in the Lindenwood Cemetery, rural Geneva. Friends may call on Sunday, from 2-6:00 p.m., at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Elwood K. “Red” Doyen
Friday, March 26, 2010

March 31, 2010

WELLSBURG—Elwood K. “Red” Doyen, 78, of Wellsburg, died on Friday, March 26, 2010, at the Grundy County Memorial Hospital Long Term Care Unit in Grundy Center.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 30, at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church near Wellsburg, with Pastor Gary Burkhalter officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery, with military honors provided by the Wellsburg AMVETS Post No. 91 and American Legion Post No. 213. The Doyen-Abels Funeral Home in Wellsburg was in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Elvin G. Wiese
Saturday, March 27, 2010

March 31, 2010

PARKERSBURG—Elvin G. Wiese, 82, of Parkersburg, died on Saturday, March 27, 2010, at the Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, from natural causes.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, March 31, at the Reformed Church of Stout in Stout, with burial in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Parkersburg. Visitation will be one hour before the services at the church. The Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home, Parkersburg, is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Gene M. Farmer
July 26, 1928-March 29, 2010

April 3, 2010

Gene M. Farmer, 81, of Eldora, passed away on Monday, March 29, 2010, at the Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, April 3, at the Eldora United Methodist Church in Eldora, with Pastor Richard Boatman officiating. Burial will follow the funeral services in the Eldora City Cemetery. The Creps-Abels Funeral Home in Eldora is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pine Lake Wildlife Club, the Hardin County Historical Society or the United Methodist Church of Eldora.

Gene was born on July 26, 1928, the son of Lester and Veda (Crookshank) Farmer in Marshall County. He was raised on a farm near Eldora and also lived in Poseyville and Hughes Crossing. He attended country school until the eighth grade and then began attending the Eldora High School. In 1949, Gene and Alice Akers were united in marriage and the couple moved to Eldora. That same year, Gene began working for Maltby’s Blacksmith Shop and worked there for five years, purchasing it with his brother and renaming it Farmer Brothers Welding and Manufacturing Shop. They ran the business together for over 40 years. Alice passed away March 21, 1978. Gene then met Zella Reagan and the two were married in April of 1979. She preceded him in death in 2005. Gene married Margaret Granzow on February 10, 2007, in Eldora, where the couple lived together.

Gene was a member of many organizations including the United Methodist Church of Eldora, member and past president of the Pine Lake Wildlife Club, the Pine Ridge Rifle Club, the Heritage Arms Society, the American Trapshooting Association, president of the Dorothy’s Senior Center, board member and curator for the Hardin County Historical Society and a member of the local Masonic Lodge. He was an avid gun collector and trader for almost 50 years.

Gene enjoyed hunting, fishing, gun trading and collecting, playing bridge and was a local history expert for over 40 years. He also enjoyed making homemade ice cream for the members of the Hardin County Historical Society. Most of all, Gene enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret of Eldora; children, Cynthia Mayer (Lyle Russell) of Marshalltown, Larry (Janice) Farmer of Hendersonville, North Carolina, John (Bea) Farmer of Eldora and Tom (Erin) Farmer of Knoxville, Tennessee; step-children, Bonnie Granzow (Jeff Johnson), Peggy (Randy) Munson, Jerry (Pam) Granzow and Rick (Kelley) Granzow; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Cain; sisters-in-law, Lucille and Arlis Farmer; and aunt, Viola Collins.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Alice; second wife, Zella; sons, Jerry and David Farmer; and brothers, Jim, Bob and Ray Farmer.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Patricia Ann Hartwig
November 3, 1939-March 29, 2010

April 3, 2010

IOWA FALLS—Patricia Hartwig, 70, of Iowa Falls, died at home on Monday, March 29, 2010.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 1, at the First United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls, with burial in the Union Cemetery. The Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls was in charge of the arrangements.

Patricia Ann Hartwig, daughter of Everett and Marcella (Carr) Smuck, was born on November 3, 1939 in Radcliffe. Patricia spent 14 years on a farm north of Iowa Falls and then spent the rest of her life as an Iowa Falls resident. Patricia’s first marriage brought Jeff and Pam into the world. Patricia then got re-married on June 24 in Mason City, to Leland Hartwig.

Patricia enjoyed her Daily Devotions, teaching Sunday School, listening to country music, gardening and crafts. Patricia also enjoyed the farm life raising horses with Lee, cooking, spending time with her family and having long talks on the phone. Patricia was a self-employed gardener and also did “Pats Hats” under Kalamity Karen. Being grandma and “Nana” meant the world to her.

Patricia is survived by her husband, Leland; one son, Jeffrey Scott Miller of Baraboo, Wisconsin; two daughters, Pamela Sue (Larry) Shugar of Ackley and Tamera Jo (Mark) Wilkinson of Charles City; three brothers, Scott Lynn Carr of Iowa Falls, Randy K. Smuck of Iowa Falls and Everett Smuck Jr. (Carolyn) of Mason City; a sister, Mary Kenison of Iowa Falls; 10 grandchildren, Kristen Miller, Tayler Miller, Amanda (Trent) Winters, Jonathan Shugar, Samantha (Josh) Carpenter, Zachary (Sandy) Willms, Kyle Wilkinson, Kali (Steve) Scheidecker, Jordan Willms and Chase Wilkinson; and nine great-grandchildren, Mikaylan Winters, Kadynce Winters, Kaleb Winters, Jordyn Carpenter, Brody Carpenter (unborn), Ashlyn Willms, Ashtin Willms, Alexis Wilkinson and Grant Scheidecker.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Marcella Smuck; and two nieces, Sara and Amy.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Janet Mullen
March 6, 1926-March 30, 2010

April 7, 2010 

IOWA FALLS—Janet Mullen, 84, of Iowa Falls, passed away on Tuesday, March 30, 2010, at the Scenic Manor Care Facility, Iowa Falls.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, April 5, at the St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Iowa Falls. The Linn’s Funeral Homes Iowa Falls Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.

Janet Isabel Forret, was born on March 6, 1926 at Adel, the daughter of Mary Irene (Grace) and Jacob Thomas Forret. She attended the Van Meter Community Schools, graduating with the class of 1944. She worked for the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Des Moines for six and a half years. On August 26, 1950, Janet was united in marriage to Thomas Joseph Mullen at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Waukee. To this union three children were born, Suzanne, Ronald and Stephen. In 1971, Tom and Janet purchased the Maple Beach Resort in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota and operated it for 19 years. They retired on Lake Lida until moving to Iowa Falls in 1997.

Janet loved music and had served as the choir director at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Waukee and the St. Leonard Catholic Church in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. She loved knitting, crocheting and any needlework.

Janet Mullen is survived by her daughter, Suzanne Olmstead of Iowa Falls; her sons, Ronald (Karin) Mullen of Davenport and Stephen (Julie) Mullen of Rochester, Minnesota; her grandchildren, Matthew (Dawn) Olmstead of Plover, Wisconsin, Daniel Olmstead of Iowa Falls, Sarah Mullen (John) Gilbert of Iowa Falls, Anna Mullen of Davenport and Marc Mullen of Rochester; a great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Olmstead of Plover; two sisters, Grace Merical of Waukee and Adeline Downey of Waukee; and one brother, Francis Forret of Waukee.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Irene Forret; her husband, Tom Mullen; a son-in-law, Gary Olmstead; a sister, Bernice Quinn; and a brother, William Forret.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010

Ruth L. Saltzman
Wednesday, March 31, 2010

April 3, 2010

DENVER—Ruth L. Saltzman, 89, of Iowa Falls and formerly of Denver, died on Wednesday, March 31, 2010, at her home.

Private family graveside services will be held on Saturday, April 3, at the Garden of Memories Cemetery. Friends may call at the Garden View Chapel Funeral Home, from 9:30­10:30 a.m., on Saturday.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2010