Mary B. Leverton
November 16, 1946-October 2, 2012

October 6, 2012

STEAMBOAT ROCK—Mary B. Leverton, 65, of Steamboat Rock, passed away on Tuesday, October 2, 2012, at the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital, while under the care of Care Initiatives Hospice.

Graveside funeral services are pending. Memorials may be directed to the Care Initiatives Hospice of Waterloo, Iowa.

Mary was born on November 16, 1946 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Dr. John W. and Dr. Evelyn (Hawkins) Dulin. Mary was united in marriage to David W. Leverton on August 17, 1973. They made their home on the family farm in Steamboat Rock. Mary enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and enjoyed watching birds and gardening. She was also a great lover of games and puzzles.

Survivors include her husband, David; children, Patrick Leverton of Steamboat Rock, Quinn Leverton of Rocklin, California, Tjode Cooper of Steamboat Rock and Jason (Heidi) Leverton of Steamboat Rock; three grandchildren, Grace, Drew and Garrett; one brother, Bill Dulin; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. John and Dr. Evelyn Dulin; and brother, John Dulin.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Michael d’Arlan Needham
Monday, August 27, 2012

October 6, 2012

SLIDELL, Louisiana—Michael d’Arlan Needham, 76, of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away on Monday, August 27, 2012, in Slidell.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, October 13, in the Hampton Cemetery in Hampton. The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home of Hampton, is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Shawn Brannick
January 1, 1966-October 4, 2012

October 13, 2012

IOWA FALLS—Shawn Brannick, 46, of Iowa Falls, passed away on Thursday, October 4, 2012, at his home.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 8, at the Immanuel Memorial United Church of Christ, Alden. Private burial will be at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family. The Linn’s Funeral Homes Iowa Falls Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Shawn Ernest Brannick, was born on January 1, 1966 at Iowa City, the son of William Eugene and Evelyn Marie (Knott) Brannick. He attended the Iowa Falls Community Schools. He served eight years in the Iowa Army National Guard with the 133rd Red Bull Division. Shawn was employed by Iowa Select Farms as a truck driver and also drove trucks independently. On April 15, 2006, Shawn was united in marriage to Rebecca Anne Lister at the Immanuel Memorial United Church of Christ, Alden. He was a member of the Meadow Hills Golf Club, Iowa Falls.

Shawn is survived by his mother, Evelyn Brannick of Iowa Falls; his wife, Becca Brannick of Iowa Falls; his children, Melanie (John) Patterson of Nevada, Iowa, Josh Clark of Ames and Kory Brannick of Iowa Falls; his stepchildren, Joseph and Katie Blome of Iowa Falls, Jeremy Blome and Hannah Holm of Popejoy and JaVonna Pigman of Iowa Falls; his brothers and sisters, Joyce (Ed) Peterson of Des Moines, Vickie (Randy) Bonin of Iowa Falls, Genia (Larry) Schlachter of Iowa Falls, Gene Brannick of Iowa Falls, Billy (Tracy) Brannick of Iowa Falls, Kevin Brannick of Bradford and Donnie Brannick of Ft. Dodge; and his grandchildren, Xander, Aiden, Sebastian, Kendra, Gabriel, Delaeni and one on the way.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Brannick; and a sister-in-law, Shelly Brannick.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Barbara Ann Swieter
Friday, October 5, 2012

October 10, 2012

HAMPTON—Barbara Ann Swieter, 81, of Hampton, died on Friday, October 5, 2012, at the Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, of injuries from an accidental fall.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, October 10, at the Hitesville Gospel Hall, rural Aplington, with burial in the Saint Peters Evangelical Cemetery in Geneva. Visitation will be one hour before the services at the hall. The Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home in Parkersburg, is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Freda Voll Crosser
April 18, 1924-October 6, 2012

October 10, 2012

ELDORA—Freda Voll Crosser, 88, of Eldora, died on Saturday, October 6, 2012, at the Iowa River Hospice House in Marshalltown.

Burial was held on Tuesday, October 9, in the Eldora City Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Eldora, with Pastors David Splett and Bruce Zimmermann officiating. Memorials may be directed to the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. The Creps-Abels Funeral Home in Eldora, was in charge of the arrangements.

Freda was born on April 18, 1924 on a farm north of Hubbard, the youngest of eight children born to Minnie Nee Ruhnke and Emil Voll. She was baptized on May 25, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Hubbard. She received her education in country schools and the Union Consolidated School and graduated from the Eldora High School in 1941. She was employed in defense plants in Seattle and San Francisco during the World War II years. On May 15, 1947, Freda was united in marriage to Jack W. Crosser at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. She was employed in several Eldora restaurants and at Dodger Manufacturing.

She was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Eldora, the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and the Mary Mission Circle.

Survivors include many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jack in 1989; brothers, Kenneth, Rudolph “Tom” and an infant brother; and sisters, Leona Weisberg, Louise Martin, Gladys Clemons and Edna Harms.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Dale H. Voss
Saturday, October 6, 2012

October 10, 2012

APLINGTON—Dale H. Voss, 84, of Aplington, died on Saturday, October 6, 2012, at the Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, of natural causes.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, October 9, at the Christian Reformed Church, with burial in the Memorial Park Cemetery, both in Austinville. The Redman-Schwartz Funeral Chapel in Aplington, was in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Bonita “Bonnie” Mae Kruse
Sunday, October 7, 2012

October 10, 2012

ALLISON—Bonita “Bonnie” Mae Kruse, 84, of Allison, passed away on Sunday, October 7, 2012, at the Rehabilitation Center of Allison.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, October 10, at the Trinity Reformed Church in Allison. Burial will take place in the Garden of Memories in Waterloo. The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Allison, is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Dorothy Wilson
November 20, 1919-October 8, 2012

October 20, 2012

IOWA FALLS—Long-time Iowa Falls resident Dorothy Wilson, 92, died on Monday, October 8, 2012, at the Bethany Manor in Story City, following hip surgery a month earlier. Her wish was to be cremated without a funeral service.

Dorothy Marie (Millett) Wilson, was born on November 20, 1919 in Franklin County. The daughter of Arthur Millett and Carrie (Greatreaks) Millett, Dorothy graduated from the Iowa Falls High School and attended Ellsworth Community College. She married Glen L. Wilson in Kansas on June 5, 1941 and had three children, Sheryl, Glenita and David. Throughout her life, Dorothy was extremely active in her church and community. She was a member of the Iowa Falls First United Methodist Church and past president of the United Methodist Women Circle. Dorothy also served as president of the Ellsworth Hospital Auxiliary, the Iowa Falls Women’s Club and Highland Country Club, was a board member of Ellsworth Hospital for 12 years, was a lifetime member of Business and Professional Women, served on the Iowa Falls Planning & Zoning Board and helped lead the Community Chest Drive.

Dorothy also enjoyed a busy professional life. She was employed at the State of Iowa Employment Office in Ames for nine years and at the Iowa Falls State Bank for 16 years, first as a teller and then as an assistant cashier after graduating from the University of Wisconsin School of Banking. She later went on to practice as an independent insurance agent for seven years before retiring.

In her spare time, Dorothy enjoyed traveling – especially to Europe and Africa – and she loved buying, renovating and selling houses (she owned eight in Iowa Falls). She welcomed the change of the seasons and was an avid gardener and hostess. She was always ready for a game of bridge or a round of golf, but most of all, she loved spending time with her family.

Dorothy is survived by her three children, Sheryl Wilson Kennedy of Ames, Glenita (Tom) Sall of Wisconsin/Florida and David (Judi) Wilson of Urbandale; nine grandchildren, Amy (Sall) Kiser, Brad Sall, Angela (Wilson) Bird, Sara (Kennedy) Sandhoff, Erin (Kennedy) Kurth, Quin (Kennedy) Johnson, Ryan Wilson, Ashley Wilson and Garret Wilson; and nine great-grandchildren, Aiden Diggins-Kennedy, Genesee Diggins-Kennedy, Hannah Kurth, Kennedy Kiser, Jonah Sandhoff, Claire Sandhoff, Hayden Sall, Avery Wilson and Lauren Sall.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Glen; sisters, Norma Lyon and Arlene Fults; and brother, LaVerne Millett.

A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2013. The family wishes to thank the staff of Scenic Living Communities in Iowa Falls and Bethany Manor in Story City, as well as the caregivers, chaplains and staff of Iowa Hospice, all of whom took exceptional and loving care of Dorothy.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family requests friends and loved ones to honor Dorothy’s memory by pursuing everyday initiatives to help make the world a better place. She was known for her kind words, thoughtful deeds, helpful gestures and friendly smiles, and truly believed, as Henry Nouwen once said, that, “Among the best things we can give each other are good memories.”
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Mavis M. Buckingham
Tuesday, October 9, 2012

October 13, 2012

IOWA FALLS—Mavis M. Buckingham, 73, of Iowa Falls, passed away on Tuesday, October 9, 2012, at the Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.

Memorial services will be held on Sunday, October 14, at 2:30 p.m., at the Linn’s Funeral Home Iowa Falls Chapel, with visitation following the service. The Linn's Funeral Home is in charge and assisting the Buckingham family.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Marjorie A. Kosanke
December 13, 1919-October 10, 2012

October 13, 2012

ELDORA—Marjorie A. Kosanke, 92, of Eldora, died on Wednesday, October 10, 2012, at the Eldora Nursing and Rehab Center in Eldora, while under the care of the Iowa River Hospice.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, October 13, at the Eldora United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Eastlawn Memory Gardens in Eldora. Visitation will be at the church on Saturday one hour prior to the services. The Creps-Abels Funeral home in Eldora, is in charge of the arrangements.

Marjorie was born on December 13, 1919 in Steamboat Rock, daughter of Webb and Lulu (Cartwright) Folkerts. She was raised in the communities of Eldora, Buckeye, Owasa and Steamboat Rock, graduating from the Owasa High School in 1937. She then attended business school for a year. On September 19, 1941, Marjorie was united in marriage to Melvin W. Kosanke at her parents’ home. Marjorie enjoyed being a farmwife, tending to the cows and chores. She had a large garden and worked very hard preserving the produce for her family. Marjorie had been employed for over 30 years as a bookkeeper for the Hardin County Savings Bank in Eldora.

Surviving are her children, Myron (Elaine) Kosanke of Eldora, Patricia Swartzlander of Corydon, Jan Kosanke of Waterloo and Terri (Bill) Stone of Urbandale; brother, Robert (Merna) Folkerts of Wasilla, Alaska; and five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Melvin on December 18, 2009; son, Paul Jon Kosanke; brother, Donald Folkerts; and son-in-law, Robert Swartzlander.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Verna M. Kielsmeier
April 14, 1923-October 12, 2012

October 20, 2012

ALDEN—Verna M. Kielsmeier, 89, of Alden and formerly of Iowa Falls and Radcliffe, passed away on Friday, October 12, 2012, at the Heritage Care Center, Iowa Falls.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 15, at the First United Methodist Church, Iowa Falls, with the Rev. Dr. Jeff Blackman officiating. Burial was in the Northlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery, Iowa Falls. The Linn’s Funeral Homes Iowa Falls Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.

Verna Mae Kuhfus, was born on April 14, 1923, at her parents’ farm home near Sherman, the daughter of Fred August and Mae Myrtle (Eller) Kuhfus. She attended the Sherman School #1 and graduated from the Radcliffe Community Schools with the class of 1940. She took Normal Training while in high school. She taught in a country school at Sherman School #1 before her marriage to Everett William Kielsmeier on March 18, 1940, at her grandparents’ home in Radcliffe. To this union two daughters were born, Patricia and Betty. After marriage she farmed with her husband until moving to Iowa Falls in 1976. They fully retired from farming in 1988.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Iowa Falls and a former longtime member and officer of the St. John’s United Methodist Church, Radcliffe. She was a member and former officer of the Iowa Falls Community Center for many years. She was also a 4-H Leader. She enjoyed going to all sports and other activities of her grandchildren.

Verna Mae Kielsmeier is survived by her two daughters, Pat Kielsmeier of Alden and Betty Thomas of Alden; five grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Mae Kuhfus; her husband, Everett Kielsmeier; a son-in-law, Dave Thomas; and four brothers, Carroll Kuhfus, Maynard Kuhfus, Glenn Kuhfus and Harley Kuhfus.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Judith K. Manship
January 30, 1943-October 13, 2012

October 17, 2012

IOWA FALLS—Judith K. Manship, 69, of Iowa Falls, died on Saturday, October 13, 2012, at the Heritage Care Center in Iowa Falls.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, October 18, at the First United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls, with the Rev. Dr. Jeff L. Blackman officiating. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m., in the Eastlawn Memorial Gardens in Eldora, following the services in Iowa Falls. Visitation is from 5-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Creps-Abels Funeral Home in Eldora.

Judith was born on January 30, 1943 in Eldora, the daughter of Ernest and Ruby (Robins) Lee. She graduated from the Eldora High School in 1961. On August 31, 1961, Judith was united in marriage to Thomas Eugene Manship at the Eldora United Methodist Church and to this union were born sons, Daniel Lee and Thomas “Todd.” Judith lived the majority of her life in the Eldora and Iowa Falls area and worked for many years at Riverside Book and Bible in Iowa Falls. She was a great cook and cooked for many people.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls, enjoyed bowling, was a certified Master Gardener and loved her cats.

Surviving are her son, Todd Manship of Apple Valley, Minnesota; brother, Richard Lee of St. Joseph, Missouri; sisters, Joan Grandanette of Des Moines and Joy Larson of Palmdale, California; grandchildren, Lindsay Barber, Alison Manship, Kyle Manship and Laik Manship; and great-grandchild, Danielle Barber.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Thomas on February 5, 2004; and son, Daniel Lee Manship on November 4, 2010.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Tony Wagoner
December 2, 1976-October 13, 2012

October 17, 2012

IOWA FALLS—Tony Wagoner, 35, of Iowa Falls, passed away on Saturday evening, October 13, 2012, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, October 17, at the First United Methodist Church, Iowa Falls. Burial will be in the Union Cemetery, Iowa Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family. The Linn’s Funeral Homes Iowa Falls Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Anthony Douglas Wagoner, was born on December 2, 1976 at Iowa Falls, the son of Douglas L. Wagoner and Debra A. Banner. He attended the Iowa Falls High School. On October 9, 2010, he was united in marriage to Julie Ann Chase in Alden. Tony was employed at Story Construction in Ames. He was a member of the Meadow Hills Golf Course and IMCA Racing.

Tony is survived by his wife, Julie; two daughters, Merisa, age 8, and Gracie, age 3; his parents, Douglas L. Wagoner of Iowa Falls and Debra Evanson of Marshalltown; step-parents, Jerry Evanson of Marshalltown, Calista Dorenkamp of Iowa Falls and Dennis Bonin of Iowa Falls; maternal grandparents, Donald and Carol Finlayson, Parnell and Robert and Carol Banner of Iowa Falls; brothers, Jason (Kara) Wagoner of Iowa Falls, Darren Bonin of Iowa Falls and Mitchell Wagoner of Iowa Falls; sisters, Lyndsey (Scott) Richardson, Parnell and Elizabeth Wagoner, all of Iowa Falls; and also many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Dallas and Barbara Wagoner; and uncle, Jon Finlayson.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Donald H. Lawton
November 2, 1929-October 13, 2012

October 17, 2012

IOWA FALLS—Donald H. Lawton, 82, of Iowa Falls, died on Saturday, October 13, 2012, at the Scenic Manor Nursing Home in Iowa Falls.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, October 16, at the First United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls, with burial at a later date. The Surls Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Donald Harry Lawton, son of Harry and Golda (Lieser) Lawton, was born on a farm north of Alden on November 2, 1929. He grew up in rural Iowa Falls and graduated from the Iowa Falls High School in 1946 and then attended Ellsworth College. He served in the United States Army from 1951-1953 during the Korean Conflict. On July 30, 1954, Don was united in marriage to Joyce Schoeneman at the home of her parents. They were blessed with two daughters, Jan and Jill.

Donald was a member of the Iowa Falls United Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge and the American Legion Post #188. He served on the Alden Hilltop Board of Directors for many years. Don farmed in rural Iowa Falls until 1993, when he and Joyce moved into town. He also drove a school bus for 40 years for the Alden Community School District.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Thais (Herbert) Wilson and Annabel (Murray) Pruyn; nephew, Ronald Wilson; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and a niece.

Don is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joyce; two daughters, Jan (Jim) Riker of Gilbert and Jill (Jeff) Cretsinger of North Liberty; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nephews and a niece.

Donald was a man of integrity and possessed a great sense of humor. His faith in his Savior was strong and simple...I John 5:12 “Whoever has God’s Son has life.” The Lord was his Shepherd — and that was enough!
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Loren Wayne Cooper
February 2, 1920-October 14, 2012

October 17, 2012

DOWS—Loren Wayne Cooper, 92, a lifelong resident of Dows, died on Sunday, October 14, 2012, at the Heritage Care Center in Iowa Falls.

Services are entrusted to the Dugger Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, October 16, at the Dugger Funeral Home in Dows. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, October 17, at the First United Methodist Church of Dows, Pastor Kalen Fristad officiating, with burial in the Fairview Cemetery. Graveside military rites will be provided by the American Legion Watson-Beach Post #523 of Dows.

Loren was born on February 2, 1920 in rural Franklin County, to Wayne C. and Mabel (Erickson) Cooper, as the third of four children. He attended the Morgan Township Country School through eighth grade, after which he stayed home and helped on the family’s farm near Dows. In 1942, he entered the U.S. Army and served in the South Pacific in World War II as a radio operator. He was discharged as a technical sergeant from the 159th Antiaircraft Artillery Operations Detachment in 1945. After the war, he worked in Mason City at a cement plant and then returned to farming. Along with helping his father, he did day work at other farms. He married Patricia Ruth Peterson of Hampton on February 9, 1955 in Albert Lea, Minnesota. After living on the family farm for many years, they purchased the farm themselves in 1971.

He loved spending time with family and friends, taking vacations with Pat, visiting relatives, playing cards and taking care of his yard. He took pride in the operations of his farm, he worked hard raising hogs and grain, and he liked buying a new car on a regular basis. He was loved for his sense of humor and he enjoyed a good practical joke. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Dows. After church, he enjoyed having dinner with other members of the congregation. He was a good neighbor and enjoyed helping people when he could.

Loren Cooper is survived by his wife of 57 years, Pat Cooper. He was a thoughtful and devoted husband. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Bernita Peterson; brother-in-law, Duane Schuldt; brother- and sister-in-law, Lauren and Meredith Peterson and sister-in-law, Kathryn Cooper. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, many of whom knew him as “Uncle Duke”: Karen and Butch Cunningham, Deanna Ware, Mary Jo Roberts, Kay and Tom Bowden, Ronald and Margo Ryan, Linda and Jay Brower, Janaan Shillington, Colleen and Steve Simons, Donna Dallwitz, Dennis and Janice Peterson, Dean and Mary Peterson, Dan and Teresa Peterson, Debra and Dalen Miller, Dwight and Sherri Peterson, Donna and Bob Boots, Dawn Peterson, Brenda and Jim Pittelkow, Mary Leisinger, Mark and Kim Peterson, Stephen Peterson, Sarah and Jeff Jamison, and Rebekah and Paul Ebeling.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Wallace Cooper; and his sisters and their husbands, Ardelle and Maynard Azeltine and Ardeth and Glen Ryan.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Lena Gerzema
December 8, 1922-October 14, 2012

October 20, 2012

ACKLEY—Lena Gerzema, 89, of Ackley, died on Sunday, October 14, 2012, at the Presbyterian Village in Ackley.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, October 17, at the St. Peter’s UCC, rural Geneva, with burial in the church cemetery. The Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley, is in charge of the arrangements.

Lena Anna Gerzema, was born on December 8, 1922, to Ebbel and Johanna (Ennen) Gerzema in Grant Township. Lena attended school at Grant Center. Lena helped out on the farm where she also cooked good food and cared for her brothers.

Lena is survived by her brother, Harvey Gerzema of Iowa Falls; a sister-in-law, Vera (George) Gerzema of Iowa Falls; and 11 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Claus, John, Fred, Matt, George, Ebbel and Arthur; sisters, Hattie (Albert) Heins, Johanna (LaVern) Lemke, Mattie (Sam) Green and Grace (Ewald) Poley; and two nieces, Darlene Bucholz and Nancy Kornfeld.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Elena A. Ites
September 19, 1916-October 15, 2012

October 20, 2012

ALDEN—Elena A. Ites, 96, of Alden, died on Monday, October 15, 2012, at the Scenic Manor Nursing Home in Iowa Falls.

Funeral services were held on Friday, October 19, at the United Methodist Church in Alden, with burial in the Alden Cemetery. The Surls Funeral Home of Alden, was in charge of the arrangements. A memorial fund has been established.

Elena A. Ites, was born on September 19, 1916, to Gerald and Katie Meyer at their farm home northeast of Iowa Falls. She graduated from the Iowa Falls High School in May 1933, at age 16. She married Leonard H. Ites on February 23, 1941, at her parents’ home. This date was also the 30th wedding anniversary of her parents and the 35th anniversary of his parents. They moved to the Fletcher farm 2 1/2 miles south of Alden, where they farmed for 28 years. Elena and Leonard moved to Alden in 1977 to a new home which was built by Leonard and son, Dean. They started “Crafts by Ites” and continued the business for almost 20 years.

Elena was well known for her baking, especially her cinnamon rolls, and also for sewing and making homemade gifts for family and friends.

She is survived by her son, Robert (Dee) Ites of Alden, their children: Scott (Danae) Ites and children Saje and Jace of Alden, Lisa (Pat) Reynolds of New Virginia, and Justin of Alden; daughter, Pat (Rick) Bennett of Twin Lakes, their children: Chad (Aaryn) Bennett and children Lydia and Camden of West Des Moines, Kim (Eric) Lund and children Connor and Bennett of Stillwater, Minn., and Lyndsey of Fort Dodge; daughter-in-law, Cathy Ites of Alden, children Kelly (Jerry) Hartema and children: Mackenzie, Morgan, Rachel, and Scott of Alden, Kristie (David) Forgy and children Colton, Blake, Mallorie, and Miranda of Alden, Christina (Trent) Michalski and children Aidan and Caleb of Van Meter, Andrea (Mike) Petro and children Dante and Vincenzo of New Castle, Del.; and her sister-in-law, Charlotte Meyer of Wellsburg.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leonard; son, Dean; sister, Ruth Ites and her husband, Robert; and brother, Alvin Meyer.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Ronald F. Hackbarth
April 29, 1935-October 16, 2012

October 24, 2012

DOWS—Ronald F. Hackbarth, 77, of Houston, Texas and longtime resident of Dows, passed away on Tuesday, October 16, 2012, in Houston.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 22, at the Morgan United Methodist Church east of Dows. Pastor Judy Eilder officiated. Burial was in the Morgan United Methodist Church Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of the Dugger Funeral Home in Dows.

Ronald Frank, the son of Harold and Clara Williams Hackbarth, was born on April 29, 1935 near Dows, in Morgan Township. He attended country schools and the Dows High School where he graduated in 1953. Ronald then attended William Penn in Oskaloosa and Iowa Wesleyan in Mt. Pleasant. He graduated from Iowa Wesleyan with a bachelor’s degree in education. While in college Ron was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and played in three sports. He excelled in football and baseball and played for AAA baseball clubs for a time.

Ronald was united in marriage to Marianna Wright on December 27, 1956 in Mt. Pleasant. Ron began his career as an educator and coach. Ronald taught and coached in Montour, Baxter, Bloomfield and Washington. Ronald earned a master’s degree in education from Northeast Missouri State and second master’s degree and EDS from the University of Iowa. He continued as an educator for 33 years. Ron worked as a principal and as the assistant superintendent of school in Washington. Ron had very natural ability to relate with kids. His winning smile, blue eyes and wonderful dimples made him a popular and respected teacher, administrator and coach. After being diagnosed with M.S., Ronald was forced to take an early retirement in 1989. The couple moved to Texas, where they lived in Fort Worth until 1996, then moved to Houston.

Ron and Marianna were blessed with two children, Steven and Teresa. His family fondly remember how his educational abilities influenced the household growing up. Devoted parents, Ron and Marianna followed and encouraged Steven and Teresa in all their activities. Vacations were always meticulously planned around achieving the goal of traveling to all 48 states, which was accomplished. Although Ron had M.S., he never let his illness slow him down. Living 34 years with the illness, he beat many odds. After his children had grown and started their own families, Ron’s life revolved around following their families’ lives in Colorado, Iowa and Texas. All the while, fighting his disability.

Ron was baptized and confirmed at the Morgan United Methodist Church and membership in the United Methodist Church followed him throughout his life. Ron served on the Iowa School Administrators, Lions Club and M.S. Society.

Ron is survived by his wife, Marianna of Houston; children, Steven and wife, Linda of Alvin, Texas and Teresa Charles and husband, Gene of Parker, Colorado; four grandchildren, Portia Hermann and husband, Jason, Steven Hackbarth Jr. and wife, Amanda, Keiffer Garton and Amanda Garton; two great-grandchildren, Makayla and Mercaydes; identical twin brother, Donald Hackbarth and wife, Sandra; two sisters, Betty Wesenberg and husband, Dwight and Joan Bramble and husband, John; and numerous other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Mervin John Best
Tuesday, October 16, 2012

October 20, 2012

APLINGTON—Mervin John Best, 90, of Aplington, died on Tuesday, October 16, 2012, at the Maple Manor Village in Aplington, from natural causes.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 20, at the Aplington Baptist Church, with burial in the Pleasant View Cemetery, both in Aplington. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church. The Redman- Schwartz Funeral Chapel in Aplington, is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Howard Warren Clingerman
Tuesday, October 16, 2012

October 20, 2012

ELDORA—Howard Warren Clingerman, 94, of Eldora, passed away on Tuesday, October 16, 2012, at the Valley View Nursing & Rehab Center in Eldora, while under the care of the Iowa Hospice.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, October 22, at the First Baptist Church in Eldora. Burial will follow in the Eldora City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3-5:00 p.m., on Sunday, at the Creps-Abels Funeral Home in Eldora.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Delmar Dale Hemmes
Wednesday, October 17, 2012

October 20, 2012

HAMPTON—Delmar Dale Hemmes, 57, of Hampton, passed away on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, October 20, at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton. Burial will take place in the Hampton Cemetery.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Dorothy M. Hartkopp
November 3, 1917-October 18, 2012

October 24, 2012

AURORA, Illinois—Dorothy M. Hartkopp, 95, was called by God to rest in peace on Thursday, October 18, 2012.

A concelebrated funeral mass was offered by Msgr. Vallejo Arquimedes and Fr. Jerome Leake at the Sacred Heart Church on Monday, October 22. Interment was in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The Daleiden Mortuary, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora, was in charge of the arrangements. Please visit www.daleidenmortuary.com to leave condolences for Dorothy’s family. Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Aurora. 

Dorothy was born on November 3, 1917, on her family farm home near Alden, Iowa, the daughter of George and Tilda Nelsen. She graduated from the Alden High School, where she met her sweetheart Raymond Hartkopp. They were united in marriage on November 18, 1939, at the Holy Angels Church in Aurora. They spent the next 62 happy years of their lives together, till Raymond passed away in 2001. She has been a member of Sacred Heart Church since 1945. She was a member of the St. Anne Society.

She is survived by her seven children, Virginia (Robert) Kramer of Sebring, Florida, Richard (Patricia) Hartkopp of North Aurora, Illinois, Andrea (John) Ideran of Oswego, Illinois, Russell Hartkopp of Reddick, Illinois, Ronald Hartkopp of Dixon, Illinois, Robert (Mary) Hartkopp of Oswego, Illinois and Lisa (Daniel) Long of Sugar Grove, Illinois; 23 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Clifton (Joan) Nelsen of Alden, Iowa; and one sister, Leona Mae Muller of Iowa City, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Tilda Nelsen; her daughter, Deloris Jeanne; and her husband, Raymond.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Edwin Barnett Lund
Thursday, October 18, 2012

October 20, 2012

PARKERSBURG—Edwin Barnett Lund, 57, of Parkersburg, died on Thursday, October 18, 2012, at his home.

Funeral services are pending with the Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home in Parkersburg.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Elva A. (Mulder) Linn
November 4, 1918-October 19, 2012

October 24, 2012

IOWA FALLS—Elva A. (Mulder) Linn, 93, of Pharr, Texas and formerly of Iowa Falls, passed away on Friday, October 19, 2012, at the Arbor View Rehab and Nursing Center, Edinburg, Texas.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, October 26, at the First Baptist Church, Iowa Falls. A time of visitation will be from 5-8:00 p.m., on Thursday evening, at the Linn’s Funeral Home, Iowa Falls. Memorials may be directed to the First Baptist Church, Iowa Falls, Ellsworth Hospital Auxiliary, Iowa Falls (designated for new hospital) or to Opportunity Village, Clear Lake.

Elva Mulder was born on November 4, 1918 at Little Rock, Iowa, the daughter of John A. and Fanny (Terhart) Mulder. During one of the Mulder-Bronelewee family reunions she met Leonard Levi Linn from Parkersburg. On January 1, 1940, Elva and Leonard were married in a snowstorm at Worthington, Minnesota. To this union six children were born, Sharon Kay, Kathryn Ann, Sandra Yvonne, Linda Lee, Richard Dale and Leonard John. Elva and Leonard operated the Jack Sprat Grocery Store in Grundy Center until Leonard’s induction into the Army during World War II. After the war they moved to Cedar Falls and she worked as a nurse’s aide at Sartori Hospital, Cedar Falls. They moved the family to Iowa Falls in 1958, purchasing the Roe Funeral Home.

Elva became involved in the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital as a nurse’s aide in the OB Department and was also active in the Ellsworth Hospital Auxiliary (past president and over 50-year member) and the Hyman-Peavey American Legion Auxiliary (past president and life member). She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Iowa Falls, the Ellsworth Hospital Auxiliary, the American Legion Auxiliary, and a former member of the Iowa Falls Boat Club and the United Commercial Travelers. Elva was an avid bowler and participated in many state and national tournaments. While many of her brothers challenged her at golf, Elva and her bingo bango putter always won.

Elva A. Linn is survived by her children, Sharon (Bob) Sieck of Pharr, Texas, Kathryn (Bill) Dadukian of Bronxville, New York, Sandra Linn of Ramona, California, Linda Berg of Marshalltown, Richard Linn of Honolulu, Hawaii and Leonard (Jean) Linn of Iowa Falls; 14 grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 10 step-great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; five brothers, Emory (Joan) Mulder of Worthington, Minnesota, Gerald (Verna) Mulder of Worthington, Minnesota, Kenneth (Elaine) Mulder of Lake City, Minnesota, John (Jean) Mulder of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Bernie (Lois) Mulder of Merlin, Oregon; three sisters, Joyce Haveland of Chandler, Minnesota, Beverly (John) Greeley of Rushmore, Minnesota and LaDonna Christian of Lake Wilson, Minnesota; two sisters-in- law, Marion Mulder of Slayton, Minnesota and Betty Lou Mulder of Worthington, Minnesota; and many nieces, nephews, etc.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John A. and Fanny Mulder; her stepmother, Mildred (Sturgeon) Mulder; her husband, Leonard L. Linn; a granddaughter, Patricia Jean Linn; a great-granddaughter, Stephanie Marie Berg; her son-in-law, Allan Berg; four brothers, Merlin Mulder (infant), Ralph Mulder, Harold Mulder and Richard Mulder; and three sisters, Florence (Owen) Stangland, Marion (George) Harberts and Fern (Gordon) Bronelewee.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Sandra M. Noak
Friday, October 19, 2012

October 24, 2012

HAMPTON—Sandra M. Noak, 65, of Hampton, passed away on Friday, October 19, 2012, at her home in Hampton.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, October 23, at the Faith Baptist Church in Hampton. Burial took place in the Hampton Cemetery. The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home of Hampton, was in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Kenneth Kothe
Saturday, October 20, 2012

October 24, 2012

ALEXANDER—Kenneth Kothe, 78, of Alexander, passed away on Saturday, October 20, 2012, at the Iowa Specialty Hospital in Belmond.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, October 24, at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services. Burial will take place in the Hampton Cemetery.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Linda LuRae Easter
August 5, 1946-October 21, 2012

October 27, 2012

FORT WORTH, Texas—Linda LuRae Easter, 66, passed away on Sunday, October 21, 2012.

A Celebration of Life Service was held on Friday, October 26, at the First Baptist Church of Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas. Shannon Rufe Snow Drive Funeral Chapel of Fort Worth, was in charge of the arrangements.

Mrs. Easter was born to Charles and Frances Ellefson on August 5, 1946, in Hampton, Iowa and grew up in Iowa Falls, Iowa. Linda was a registered nurse for over 20 years, working in many departments such as emergency, critical care and recovery. She loved many things about her life, including her Lord, her family and her weekly dinners with her grandbabies.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James; her brother, Verlyn; and her parents, Charles and Frances.

Survivors include her son, Matt and his wife, Ruth Ellen of Keller, Texas; daughter, Melissa of Haslet, Texas; step-son, David and his wife, Lisa of Roxbury, Connecticut; step-daughter, Deborah Rizzo and her husband, Michael of Bethel, Connecticut; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and grandchildren, who were the light of her life.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Doris Skeie
October 12, 1927-October 21, 2012

October 27, 2012

RADCLIFFE—Doris Skeie, 85, of Radcliffe, died on Sunday, October 21, 2012, at the Hubbard Care Center in Hubbard, surrounded by family.

Funeral services were held on Friday, October 26, at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Radcliffe. Doris was buried in the Radcliffe Cemetery. The Boeke Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Doris was born on October 12, 1927 in Hampton, to Sherman and Ella (Hodnefield) Skogerboe. She grew up on a farm south of Radcliffe and graduated from the Radcliffe High School in 1945. On June 11, 1946, she married Thelbert Emil Skeie. They first lived on a farm near Garden City and soon moved to a farm north of Radcliffe, where they spent 60 years together. After Ted’s death in 2006, Doris continued to live on the farm. Her last two weeks of life were spent in the Hubbard Care Center after a very rapid decline in health. She celebrated her 85th birthday there with family and friends and many, many cards and letters.

Doris held many different jobs in her life. She was a secretary for Montgomery Ward, a cook at the Chatterbox Café in Radcliffe for 10 years and cleaned houses for many people from 1976-2007. She sold AVON for a time and spent a decade as the “Cooks’ Corner” writer for the Iowa Falls paper. Ted and Doris enjoyed many years searching for antiques and selling them at flea markets and at their store. But the titles she held most dear were wife, mom, grandma and friend.

Her faith was active and alive in her life. She enjoyed involvement in her church and supported many missions. Mostly, she lived her life as a servant and was always quick to respond to the needs of others. Every family member knew they were in her prayers each day.

Doris said some of the most memorable moments of her life were her trips to Norway. They were active Sons of Norway members where she made countless kringla, potato cakes and lefsa. Visitors to her home were usually welcomed by a jar of fresh kringla on the kitchen counter. Or a fresh pan of brownies.

Doris is survived by her children, Diana (Rick) Erickson, Rita (Al) Dirkx, Wanita Kueter, Randy (Crystal) Skeie and Tammy (Dan) Kumrow; and grandchildren, Eric Erickson, Lisa (Andy) Jordan, Chad (Denise) Dirkx, Kelli (Curt) Binder, Tami Beachem, Rachel Skeie, Jamie Skeie, Sara (Tim) Velander, Michelle (Levi) Thomas, Jill Kumrow and Tiffany Mueller; as well as many great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ted; her brother, Ronald Skogerboe; a son, Ricky Skeie; and a great-granddaughter, Savanna Jordan.

We have been blessed by the impact that Doris Skeie has had in our lives. She taught us to build a foundation of faith and her example of service is the legacy she leaves behind.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Arnold Otto Braunschweig
May 30, 1928-October 21, 2012

November 3, 2012

IOWA FALLS—Arnold Otto Braunschweig, 84, of Iowa Falls, died on Sunday, October 21, 2012, at the Rehabilitation Center of Hampton.

Funeral services were held on Friday, October 26, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Iowa Falls. The Surls Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Arnold Otto Braunschweig, was born on May 30, 1928, to the Rev. Otto and Lisette (Gerike) Braunschweig at Aurelia. He was the ninth of 14 children. He enlisted in the Army in 1951 and served in active duty in the Korean Conflict and was stationed in England. He returned in December of 1952. He married Betty Johnson on April 5, 1957 at Aurelia. To this union two sons and two daughters were born. They farmed and had dairy cattle west of Larabee and then in the Storm Lake area. In 1967, they moved to the Iowa Falls area where Arnold did carpentry and construction work. After retirement Arnold kept busy with woodworking projects, bowling and fishing. He enjoyed playing cards, watching old movies, and playing checkers with the grandchildren.

Arnold is survived by his wife, Betty; children, Paul (Pegi) Braunschweig of Highlands, Colorado, Lola (Doug) DeWall of Pocahontas, Dean (Jacqueline) Braunschweig of Loveland, Colorado and Lynn (Mike) Egesdal of Milford; 10 grandchildren, Lindsey (Gary) Marsh, Jennifer (John) Stephenson, Jeff DeWall, Jennifer (Alex) Cross, Jessica DeWall, Ryan and Megan Braunschweig and Joshua, Cayla and Niomie Egesdal; three great-grandchildren; and three sisters and two brothers, Anna (Herb) Huseman of Rice Lake, Cornelia Warkentien of Roseville, Minnesota, Annette Braunschweig of Tavares, Florida, Robert (Sharon) of Donahue and Victor (Okie) of Mustang, Oklahoma; four sisters-in-law, Evelyn Braunschweig of Alta, Nelda Carney of Rolla, Missouri, Beverly Braunschweig of Wall Lake and Diana Braunschweig of Golden, Colorado; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son; six brothers, Theodore, Ottomar, Gerhardt, Carl, Bernard and Reinhold; and two sisters, Elenora Honsbruch and Verona Fosdick.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Thomas Ladd Pitts II
Sunday, October 21, 2012

October 27, 2012

HAMPTON—Thomas Ladd Pitts II, 86, of Hampton, passed away on Sunday, October 21, 2012, at the Franklin General Hospital Nursing Facility in Hampton.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 29, at 10:30 a.m., at the Hampton United Methodist Church. Burial will take place in the Hampton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-5:00 p.m., on Sunday, at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Donna Mae Roberts
October 3, 1927-October 22, 2012

October 27, 2012

IOWA FALLS—Donna Mae Roberts, 85, of Iowa Falls, died on Monday, October 22, 2012, at the Mercy Hospital in Mason City.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 27, at the Surls Funeral Home in Iowa Falls, with a private family burial. Visitation will be from 9:30-11:00 a.m., on Saturday, before the services at the funeral home.

She was born on October 3, 1927, to Frank and Ethel (Houghton) Modlin in Eldora. She grew up on a farm south of town and graduated from the Iowa Falls High School in 1944 as she received an attendance honor for not missing a single day of school in four years. The next four years she worked as a secretary for Purina Mills. She then met Darrah Lewis Roberts at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. They were wed on September 18, 1948, at The Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. In 1951, daughter Linda was born in Murphysboro, Tennessee, while she was there with Darrah as he served in The United States Air Force.

In 1953, she helped buy and they moved to their farm three miles east of Iowa Falls at Farmland Corner where she lived for the next 59 years being a housewife and wonderful mother. In 1955, daughter Deborah was added and in 1959 son John. Donna Mae was affiliated with many area organizations where she performed her duties whole-heartedly. The American Legion Auxiliary Hyman-Peavey Post #188 in Iowa Falls where she served as President, Third District President, Department Historian and on many other committees. She was also a member of the Iowa Falls Women’s Club where she acted as Treasurer, the local Bureau of Professional Women and was a devoted member of the Hardin County Democratic Committee where she acted as Secretary for many years. She will be sorely missed in every life she touched.

She is survived by her son, John Darrah Roberts and his adopted son, Cody Garret Brus of Iowa Falls; daughter, Linda Joyce (Liam) Forristal and grandsons, Brian, Robert and Brendan of Greenbelt, Maryland; a son-in-law, Richard Arp and granddaughter, Amanda of Clutier and grandson, Christopher of Charles City; a nephew, Frank Hensing of Iowa Falls and niece, Kate Lyon of Muscatine.

Proceeded in death by her father and mother; her sister, Dorothy (Modlin) Hensing; husband, Darrah L. Roberts; and her daughter, Deborah Roberts Arp.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Elizabeth M. Nolte
Monday, October 22, 2012

October 24, 2012

DUMONT—Elizabeth M. Nolte, 87, of Dumont, passed away on Monday, October 22, 2012, at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, October 25, at the Dumont Reformed Church. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Dumont. Burial will take place in the Dumont Cemetery.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Edna Knudson
Tuesday, October 23, 2012

October 27, 2012

AMES—Edna Knudson, 100, of Ames, formerly of Parkersburg, died on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, at the Riverside Manor in Ames, from natural causes.

Funeral services were held on Friday, October 26, at the Parkersburg United Methodist Church in Parkersburg, with burial in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg. The Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home in Parkersburg, was in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Sandra LaRue (Eckhardt) Palmer
Tuesday, October 23, 2012

October 27, 2012

HAMPTON—Sandra LaRue (Eckhardt) Palmer, 75, of Hampton, died on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, at The Rehabilitation Center of Hampton, after a brave 36-year battle with multiple sclerosis.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, October 27, at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton. Inurnment will be in the Hillside Cemetery in Sheffield. Family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until the service time on Saturday at the funeral home.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

William “Bill” Schnormeier
October 3, 1948-October 24, 2012

October 31, 2012

HUBBARD—William “Bill” Schnormeier, 64, of Hubbard, died on Wednesday, October 24, 2012, in a tractor related accident.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 29, at the St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hubbard. Bill’s cremated remains will be interred in the Hubbard Cemetery at a later date. The Boeke Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

William “Bill” Martin Schnormeier, was born on October 3, 1948 in Eldora, to Martin and Evelyn Schnormeier. He was baptized at the St. John’s Lutheran Church and later confirmed at Zion United Church of Christ. Bill grew up on the family farm southeast of Hubbard and graduated from the Hubbard High School in 1967. After graduation, Bill joined the Army and served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1969. He returned to Iowa in 1969 and attended the North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City. Bill was married to Joyce Sherman of Allison on May 20, 1973. They began their lives in Mason City where the first two daughters were born. After working at Land O’Lakes in Mason City for a few years, Bill and family returned to Hubbard where he started farming with his father; Bill and Joyce also had their third daughter.

Bill continued farming until his death. Bill was very proud, yet modest, of his farming career. One highlight he spoke of often was when his family farm was honored as a Century Farm at the Iowa State Fair in 2010. Bill was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and the Hubbard American Legion Post. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Bill was an avid runner and biker for many years and competed in many triathlons, the Drake Marathon and RAGBRAI. He enjoyed cribbage and traveling with his family. In the past few years, he traveled with Joyce to Alaska and the west coast for their 35-year wedding anniversary, and then later to Australia. He also enjoyed regular missionary work in Lithuania with members of the St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Bill is survived by his wife, Joyce of Hubbard; three daughters, Jill (Jason) Sickels of Des Moines, Amy (Corey) Weaver of Libertyville, Illinois and Erin (Alan) Halfen of Lawrence, Kansas; four grandchildren, Marley and Mya, children of Amy and Corey Weaver, and Neve and expected second child, children of Jill and Jason Sickels: two brothers; one sister; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents.

He will forever be remembered as a hardworking farmer, loving and supportive husband, caring father and grandfather and loyal friend. Bill’s smile, gentle nature and love will be deeply missed.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Jacqueline “Jackie” Henriette Hoversten
March 26, 1929-October 25, 2012

October 27, 2012

CLEAR LAKE—Jacqueline “Jackie” Henriette (Hall) Hoversten, 83, of Clear Lake, died on Thursday, October 25, 2012, at the Muse-Norris Hospice Unit, Mason City.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, October 31, at the Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Dean Hess officiating. Visitation with family will be one hour before the service at the church. Inurnment will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Highway 122 W., Mason City. Memorials may be sent to the Jacqueline H. Hoversten Memorial Fund. The Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel of Clear Lake, is in charge of the arrangements.

Jackie was born on March 26, 1929 in Elmhurst, Illinois, the daughter of James Henry and Naomi (Earwaker) Hall. The family moved to Lake Tomahawk, Wisconsin in 1932. She attended the Rainbow School from 1936-1943, Arbor Vitae Woodruff High School in Woodruff, Wisconsin, from 1944-1949 and Central State Teachers College in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, from 1947-1951, where she was crowned Homecoming Queen in her senior year. Jackie taught sixth grade in Marinette, Wisconsin, from 1951 to November 1952.

Jackie married Don Hoversten on August 2, 1952, at the Little Brown Church, Nashua, Iowa, and to this union five children were born, Susan (1953), James (1956), William (1960), Kathleen (1962) and Todd (1966). She taught school in Alden, Owasa and Clear Lake, Iowa, until 1993 when she retired. She returned to Clear Creek Elementary in Clear Lake in October 2000 as an associate for three hours in the mornings.

She was in the Oneida County, Wisconsin, Board Scholar 1947, Wisconsin State Teachers College Scholar and National Education Association, Iowa State Education Association (Elementary Liaison), Iowa Reading Associate, CHW Council International Reading Association (charter, Post graduate: U.N.I., Drake University and University of Iowa), Redeemer Dorcas, Zion Women, President AAL (Local) and Iowa Retired School Person Association. Jackie was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church.

She enjoyed knitting and crocheting, prayer shawl group, sudoku and word search puzzles. She loved her coffee group at the Backyard Deli, as well as meals with friends at the 7 Stars and Tinker’s Reef, lottery scratchers and casinos. She was also involved in an after-school tutoring program.

Jackie is survived by her children, Susan Gail (Steve) Swartwood of Mason City, William Dean Hoversten of Mason City and Kathleen Ann (Eric) Verhalen of Clear Lake; four grandsons, Joshua Eric Heginger of Mason City, Justin Eric (Ashley) Verhalen, Nathan Ryan Verhalen and Nicholas Todd Verhalen, all of Clear Lake; granddaughter, Jami Elizabeth Verhalen of Clear Lake; great-granddaughters, Kourtney Alexis and Ava Marie Verhalen; and great-grandson, Joshua Eric Heginger Jr.

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald E. Hoversten on January 7, 2004; sons, James and Todd; sisters, Alberta Najha Kelnhofer and Esther Ann Brooks; and brother, Robert James Hall.

Jackie was a loving, considerate person and that legacy will live on in her family and those she was able to help with her gift through the Iowa Organ Donor Program. Special thanks to the caring, compassionate MMCNI 6W nursing staff and palliative care team as well as the doctor and nursing staff of the Inpatient Hospice Unit, Mason City.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Evelyn E. Hamilton
February 3, 1929-October 25, 2012

October 31, 2012

CEDAR FALLS—Evelyn E. Hamilton, 83, of Cedar Falls, formerly of Iowa Falls, died on Thursday, October 25, 2012, at the Western Home Elizabeth E. Martin Health Center.

Services were held on Tuesday, October 30, at the Western Home Communities Chapel. Burial was prior to the services in the Union Cemetery, Iowa Falls. Memorials may be directed to Bibles International, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Condolences may be left at www.richardsonfuneralservice. com.

She was born on February 3, 1929 in Iowa Falls, the daughter of Harold and Elva (Wohlford) Hamilton. She attended three years of college and was employed as a bookkeeper with the Campus Bible Fellowship on the UNI Campus for 20 years, retiring in 1997. She was a member of the Cedar Heights Baptist Church in Cedar Falls.

Preceded in death by a sister, Kathryn Hamilton; and one brother, Walter Hamilton.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Dr. Neil L. Rowley
March 7, 1928-October 25, 2012

November 3, 2012

IOWA FALLS—Dr. Neil L. Rowley, 84, formerly from Iowa Falls, died on Thursday, October 25, 2012, at the Regional Medical Center in Manchester.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, November 10, at the First United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls. Inurnment will be at a later date in Guthrie Center.

Neil was born on March 7, 1928 in Melcher, Iowa, the son of Paul D. and Elma (Schultze) Rowley. Following graduation from the Guthrie Center High School in 1946, he graduated from the State University of Iowa and University of Iowa College of Dentistry. On August 24, 1951, he was united in marriage to Patricia N. Yates. In 1954, after dental school Neil entered the United States Air Force as a dental officer and was stationed in Japan. Neil owned his own dental practice in Iowa Falls until 1986. Upon retirement, he traveled to Pago Pago in American Samoa for four years and Rota in the Northern Mariana Islands for four years before moving back to the states. Neil donated his time and materials as a dental missionary and provided care to the people of Haiti and Mexico.

He was a member of the Christian Dental Society Partners of Iowa, the American Legion Post 188, on the Ellsworth Hospital Board, the American Dental Association, the Iowa Dental Association, Rotary International, and the Moose Lodge. He thoroughly enjoyed reading and traveling. He was a member of the Iowa Falls First United Methodist Church.

Neil is survived by two children, Neil L. (Elizabeth) Rowley of Northfield, Minnesota and Megan (Darrell) Norem of Manchester; six grandchildren, Dita (Mike) O’Boyle, Connor and James Rowley, Steven VanKooten and Abbagail and Lucas Norem; siblings, Dr. Carl (Doerle) Rowley, Dr. Tom (Nancy) Rowley, George Rowley, Mary Rowley, Mildred Chackerian and Marjory (Del) Arvin; and sisters-in-laws, Joyce Yates and Karen Rowley.

Neil was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia in 2008; his parents; two brothers, Paul David Rowley and Keith Rowley; a son-in-law, Craig VanKooten; a brother-in-law, Chuck Chackerian; and a sister-in-law, Jacqueline Yates.

Please sign the online guest book for Dr. Rowley at www.murdochfuneralhome. com under obituaries.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Vivian Swenson
Thursday, October 25, 2012

October 31, 2012

RADCLIFFE—Vivian Swenson, 71, of Radcliffe, died on Thursday, October 25, 2012, at The Waterford at Ames.

Funeral services were held on Monday, October 29, at the St. John’s United Methodist Church in Radcliffe. Vivian was buried in the Radcliffe Cemetery. The Boeke Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Marian Heckroth
Saturday, October 27, 2012

October 31, 2012

PARKERSBURG—Marian Heckroth, 80, formerly of Parkersburg, died on Saturday, October 27, 2012, at the Mercy Medical Center–North Iowa in Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, November 1, at the Hope Reformed Church in Parkersburg, with burial in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg. Visitation will be from 4-8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home in Parkersburg and one hour before the services at the church.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012

Ronald E. Wharton
Monday, October 29, 2012

October 31, 2012

HAMPTON—Ronald E. Wharton, 81, of Hampton, passed away on Monday, October 29, 2012, at the Rehabilitation Center of Hampton.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, October 31, at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Latimer. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m., until the service time on Wednesday, at the church. Burial will take place in the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Cemetery in Latimer. The Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
© Iowa Falls Times Citizen 2012