Alvin "Okie" Huether

Alvin “Okie” Huether, 94, of Ossian, Iowa died Monday, October 6, 2014 at Ossian Senior Hospice, Ossian, Iowa.  Alvin LeRoy, the son of Louis and Theresa (Gleisner) Huether, was born May 26, 1920 in Rockford, Illinois.  Alvin attended grade school in Davenport, Iowa and graduated from Ossian High School in 1938.  He was a clerk and part owner at the Gunderson Department Store in Ossian for three years before joining the U.S. Navy.  Alvin was a Radioman First Class who was proficient in Morse Code and ship to ship communications.  He served on the U.S.S. Ard-23 in the Pacific during World War II.  After his return from the service, Alvin served as a clerk and postmaster at the Ossian Post Office from 1945 until 1991.  Alvin was united in marriage with Darleen Amdahl on October 17, 1942 at the Navy Chapel in Seattle, Washington.  Darleen preceded him in death on December 13, 2007.

                  Okie was a longtime member of Stavanger Lutheran Church and served as the church treasurer for many years.  He also served on the South Winneshiek School Board.  Okie was an avid reader and loved listening to big band music.  He enjoyed collecting stamps and coins and he loved to garden. Okie thoroughly enjoyed his family and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren that he loved so dearly.

                  Alvin is survived by his children, Louis (Jacque Stratton) Huether of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; Steven (Nancy) Huether of Ankeny, Iowa; David (Julie) Huether of Manchester, Iowa; and Vikki (Jerry) Barness of Ossian; twelve grandchildren, Jessica (John Murray) Barness, Brent (Michelle) Barness, Rachel (friend, Dan Fossum) Barness, Adam (Heather) Barness, Kimberly (Greg) Rosauer, Matthew (Jenna) Huether, Katie Huether, Michelle (Terry) Johnson, Scott (Elizabeth) Huether, Tod (Candy) Huether, Noelle Huether, and Ben Riggs; and nine great-grandchildren, Hannah, McKenna, and Blake Huether; Stockton and Frankie Huether; Kaylee and Gage Johnson; Bennett Rosauer; Emmett Barness; one great-grandchild due in April; sister-in –law, Verna Sand; brother-in-law, Bert Amdahl and many nieces and nephews.

                  Alvin was preceded in death by his wife, Darleen; his parents; and two sisters, Lois Holden and Elaine Reicks.

Memorial Services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at Stavanger Lutheran Church, Ossian, Iowa with a visitation from 9-11 am at the church on Saturday. Rev. Wayne Ellingson will be the Officiant.

Inurnment will follow at Stavanger Cemetery, Ossian, Iowa.

Memorials in Alvin's honor may be sent to Ossian Senior Hospice, Ossian, Iowa.

Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Ossian, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.

Wayne Benzing

Wayne Benzing, 74, of Ossian died Friday, Oct. 10, 2014.

Funeral arrangements are pending at Schluter-Balik Funeral Home in Decorah.

Eunice Zweibohmer

Funeral services are pending for Eunice Zweibohmer, 78, of Ossian, who died Monday, Oct. 13, 2014.

Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home in Ossian is handling the arrangements.

Donal Boie

Donal L. Boie, 90, of Hawkeye, died Friday, October 17, 2014, at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo.

Funeral services were held 2:30 p.m. Monday, October 20, 2014, at St. Peter Lutheran Church-Richfield with Rev. Wayne Ellingson and Irmgard Ellingson officiating. 

Interment followed at the Church Cemetery. 

Friends may called from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, October 19^th at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Hawkeye and for one hour preceding services at the church on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be given to Lions Club of Iowa International Youth Camp.

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

Donal Laverne, son of Louis and Elsie Benter Boie, was born April 9, 1924, in Bethel Township of rural Fayette County, Iowa. He was baptized June 1, 1924, at Richfield and confirmed in July of 1938, at Ipswich, South Dakota.

Don received his education in the rural school in Huntley Township of Edmunds County, South Dakota.

The family lived in South Dakota for 19 years, returning to Iowa in the fall of 1944.

Upon returning to Iowa, Don worked as a farm hand for two years, then farming for himself and doing electrical work. In 1963 he formed a partnership with his brother, Glen, doing electrical contracting. In 1965 they bought the Aspinwall Hardware in Hawkeye, operating Boie Hardware and Electric. In 1975 they sold the hardware to Jim and Ruthie Smith and built a building operating as Boie Electric, Inc. On August 1, 1990 Don retired and the business was sold to Dale Walvatne.

Donal was a charter member of the Hawkeye Lions Club and was named a Melvin Jones Fellow by Lions Clubs International Foundation. In May of 2001, Don transferred to the Sumner Lions and was part of the foreign youth exchange program for 18 years where he hosted 16 youth.

He was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Richfield, having served on the church council, a member of the Men’s Brotherhood, received the Man of the Year award in 1976, and served on the NE Iowa Synod Council of ELCA; charter member of the Pioneer Cemetery Association of Fayette County; member of the Fayette County Genealogical Society; served 27 years as precinct person for Bethel Township on the Fayette County Republican Central Committee; hospital trustee at Community Memorial Hospital, Sumner, serving as chairman of the board; member of the Hawkeye Garden Club. Don was also a Fayette County Master Gardener.

Don enjoyed fishing, swimming, photography, and gardening.

Donal is survived by his three brothers, Elmer (Aletha) Boie of Cedar Rapids, Charles (Opal) Boie of Groveland, CA, and Glen (Sally) Boie of Hawkeye; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his sister, Evelyn Schroeder DeVries.      43u43

Darlene Jennings and Martin Jennings

Graveside services for Darlene Jennings, who died May 5, 2014, and Martin Jennings, who died on June 28, 2014, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Hillside Cemetery, Ossian.

Murdoch Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Adelaide McBride

Adelaide McBride died Thursday, Oct.16, at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.

Visitation was held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 20t, at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home, Fayette. Following visitation at Mrs. McBride’s request, her remains were transported to the University of Iowa for anatomical research.  Memorial services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at Fayette Community Church, with inurnment in Lima Cemetery at a later date.

Adelaide Wells McBride was born December 18, 1919 to William and Flossie Wells. She grew up on a farm near Randalia, graduating from Randalia High School in 1937 and Upper Iowa College in 1943. She married Charles McBride December 25, 1947. They farmed near Randalia until Charles’ death in 1979. After that she lived in Maynard, Wadena, Fayette and Thornton, Iowa and Hooper Nebraska and returned to Fayette for her final years. She died at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette on October 16, 2014.

She was a long-time member of the Fayette Community Church and during their farming career Charlie and Adelaide were active in the NFO.  She briefly taught school in Alpha, IA.  She surveyed for the US census.  She volunteered for many years at Wadena Christian Academy, Fayette County Historical Society and assisted her son Dale when he started his CPA business.

She is predeceased by her husband, Charles, her parents, her brother, David and Sister, Vivian.  She is survived by Jerry (Georgette) McBride, Phoenix, AZ, Wilma (Wendell) Larrabee, Shelbyville, KY, Faye (Bob) Neal, Lancaster, KY, Dale (Carol) McBride, Thornton, IA, Mary (George) Stoneberg, St Paul, TX,  Daryl (Shelia) McBride, Randalia, IA, 15 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren and a sister-in-law, Sylvia Wells.

Memorial donations may be made to Fayette Community Church. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.

Wayne Benzing

Wayne Benzing, age 74, of Ossian, died on Friday, Oct. 10, at the Gunderson Health System in LaCrosse, WI.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, at Ossian Lutheran Church.

Interment was at Hillside Cemetery.

     Wayne Howard Benzing was born on May 25, 1940, the son of Victor and Orma (Kuhse) Benzing in Farmersburg, IA.  Wayne was baptized and confirmed at the Lutheran Church in Farmersburg.  He graduated from Decorah High School in 1959.  Wayne served in the US Army for two years during the Korean War.  He was united in marriage to Dirinda Svendson on April 18, 1987, at the Calmar Lutheran Church in Calmar, IA.  Wayne worked for Holland Brothers, Livestock Transport and for Reilly Construction, as a truck driver. Wayne drove truck until 2003, when his health forced him to quit driving.  All of his life, Wayne loved horses.  He enjoyed riding horses with the saddle club and driving his team at Green’s Sugar Bush in the spring.  He was a member of the Winneshiek Saddle Club, NEISCA, Ia/Mn Plowing Association and the Ossian Lutheran Church; where he enjoyed ushering and being involved in church activities while he was able.

    Wayne is survived by his wife: Dirinda Benzing, Ossian, IA.  Two children: Cristy (Andy) Nimrod, Decorah, IA, and Chad (Patty) Benzing, Fort Atkinson, IA.  Two step-sons: Richard (Tonya) Van Wey, Navarre, FL, and Gary Van Wey, Arkansas City, KS.  Grandchildren: Gavin, Collin & Katie Nimrod, Dustin Herold, Joshua & Autumn Van Wey, Kevin & LeeAnn Van Wey. His siblings: Oran (Sylvia) Benzing, Cascade, MT; Arden (Marcia) Benzing, Cambridge, WI; Mary (Tom) Farrell, Spooner, WI; Ruth (Jim) Turney, Gold Canyon, AZ; and Jean (Dennis) Stedman, Fort Atkinson, WI. Sisters-in-law: Connie (David) Rosendahl, Ventura, IA, and Judy (Allan) Kuboushek, Calmar, IA.  One uncle: Howard (Marian) Benzing, Decorah, IA, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.

     Wayne was preceded in death by his parents: Victor and Orma (Kuhse) Benzing.  His step-mother: Burnice Benzing.  His father and mother-in-law: Norman and Ramona Svendson.  Two sisters-in-law: Ann Dowell and Janell Davis.

Eunice Zweibohmer

Eunice M. Zweibohmer, 78, of Ossian, died Monday, Oct. 13, at her home in Ossian. 

Visitation was held at 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home is Ossian. There was a Catholic Daughters of the America’s Rosary Service held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15 and a Scripture Service held at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. There was also a one-hour visitation held before Mass time at the funeral home on Thursday, Oct. 16.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian.

Interment was held at the church cemetery.

Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements.

Eunice Marie, the daughter of Joseph and Mathilda (Nienhaus) Lansing, was born August 21, 1936 in Ossian.  She graduated from St. Francis de Sales Catholic School in 1954.  Following high school, she worked in Madison, WI.  Eunice was united in marriage with Leonard Zweibohmer on August 21, 1956 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian.  Leonard preceded her in death on January 29, 2008.  She was a homemaker for many years before becoming a C.N.A. at the Ossian Senior Hospice, until her retirement.

Eunice enjoyed spending time with her family, scratch lottery tickets, her trips to “the boat” with Leonard, going shopping, her jewelry collection, and her two cats.  She also enjoyed visiting with her friends on the telephone, going to the morning coffee club, and road trips with her son, Kim, who has resided with her for the past twelve years. She was also an avid Hawkeye fan.

Eunice was a lifelong member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, the Rosary Society, and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court # 983 for fifty-six years..

Eunice is survived by her children, Kim Zweibohmer of Ossian; Shawn (Shelley) Zweibohmer of Charles City; and Amy (Brad) Moudry of Protivin; grandchildren, Austin, Levi, and Kaylie Klimesh of Protivin; Breanna and Ty Moudry of Protivin; Rachel McMahan of Orange Park, FL; Zach Salisbury of West Union; Alyssa Salisbury of Charles City; and Jordan Klimesh of Calmar; great-grandchildren, Jayden and Aryana Pentecost of Charles City; Brianna, Tyler, Zackary, and Noah McMahan of Orange Park FL; her sister, Lorraine Kelly of Van Horne, IA; and her sisters-in-law, Marie Monroe, Barb Lansing, and Donna Lansing.

Eunice was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard; her son, Randall, who died January 15, 2006; one grandson, Joseph (twin brother of Austin) who passed away in infancy; two brothers, Norbert Lansing and Jerry Lansing; one sister, Dolores Olson; her brothers-in-law, Orville Olson, Paul Kelly, Norbert Zweibohmer, Art Zweibohmer, Claus Hinders, Ralph Lensing, and Curtis Monroe; her sisters-in-law, Pat Zweibohmer, Corrine Lensing, Delores Lansing, and Marcelite Hinders; and a special family friend, Ronnie Geiman.

Kyle Quass

Kyle L. Quass, 45, of Ossian, died Monday, October 13, at his home. 

Memorial Services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, at Stavanger Lutheran Church, Ossian. Rev. Wayne Ellingson was the officiant.

Visitation was held from 3 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, at Stavanger Lutheran Church in Ossian, and one-hour before services were held at the church on Saturday, Oct. 18.

Inurnment was held in the Stavanger Lutheran Cemetery.

Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Ossian assisted the family with the arrangements.

Kyle Layne, the son of Dale and Phyllis (Hamre) Quass, was born April 4, 1969 in Decorah, Iowa.  He was baptized and confirmed at Stavanger Lutheran Church. Kyle graduated from South Winneshiek High School in 1987.

He farmed with his family south of Ossian.

            Kyle was a lifelong member of Stavanger Lutheran Church and a member of the Ossian Fire Department.  He enjoyed playing softball, fishing in Canada, snowmobiling in Michigan, deer hunting, and spending time with his family and friends.

            Kyle is survived by his parents, Dale and Phyllis Quass of Ossian; and his two brothers, Kevin and Gary Quass of Ossian.

            Kyle was preceded in death by two brothers, Jeffrey, who died in 1963 and Alan, who died in infancy; and his grandparents, Margaret and Pete Hamre and Albert and Esther Quass.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Stavanger Lutheran Church or to the Ossian Fire Department.

Bryan Schmitt

Bryan “Tiny” Schmitt, 67, of Wadena, Iowa, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family after a brief battle with cancer on Wednesday morning, October 22, 2014, at Palmer Lutheran Health Center in West Union.

Mass of Christian Burial:  11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 25, 2014 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Volga with Rev. Paul Peters officiating.

Visitation:  3:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Friday at Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Arlington and for one hour before the service at the church on Saturday.

Military Honors by the Wadena American Legion Auxiliary.

Interment:  St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Wadena, Iowa.

A memorial fund has been established.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com.

Bryan Allen Schmitt was born on September 22, 1947 in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Clarence Orville & Wilma Reatha (Trainor) Schmitt.

He graduated from Valley of Elgin High School in the Class of 1966. 

Bryan joined the U.S. Army and served during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1969 in Germany. 

He continued his education at the Bricklayers Union School in Des Moines in 1970. 

Bryan was united in marriage to Linda Mae Hawkins on May 15, 1970 in Wadena, Iowa. 

Bryan worked as a bricklayer for Seedorff Masonry in Strawberry Point, and as a self-employed bricklayer and then with D & R Masonry in Cedar Rapids.  Bryan also sold real estate and insurance.  He retired in 2007.

Bryan was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wadena, the Wadena American Legion Post #631 and the Northeast Iowa Bass Club. 

Bryan had been an avid bass fisherman for many years, enjoyed playing cards with the boys and he loved spending time with the family at the “cabin” in Harpers Ferry.

Bryan is survived by his loving wife of 44 years: Linda Schmitt of Wadena; 4 Sons:  Chris (Vanessa) Schmitt of Elgin, Adam (Amanda) Schmitt of Urbana, Dennis (Jean) Maberry of Lake Worth, Florida & Eric Maberry of Arizona; 9 Grandchildren:  Spenser, Andrew and Kenlin Schmitt of Elgin, Addison and Avery Schmitt of Urbana, Emily and Caroline Maberry of Lake Worth, Florida, Bailey (Maberry) Wild of Davenport, Hannah (Kyle) Davis of Davenport; Great Grandson: Tanner Mirocha of Davenport and another great grandchild joining the family in February; Mother: Wilma Schmitt of Edgewood; Sister:  Cindy (Dennis) Waskow of Manchester; Brother:  Kevin (Karen) Schmitt of Solon and Several Nieces & Nephews.

Bryan is preceded in death by his father, Clarence “Curly” Schmitt. 

Kevin Amundson

Kevin Ray Amundson, 58, of West Union passed away on Monday, October 20, 2014, at Mayo Clinic Health System in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 24, 2014, at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union with Rev. Nancy Larson officiating.

Burial followed in Wadena Cemetery, Wadena, Iowa.

A public visitation was held from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2014, at Burnham-Wood Funeral Home in West Union.

Kevin was born on April 10, 1956, to Kenneth and Ruth (Westpfahl) Amundson. He was raised on a dairy farm near Clermont, Iowa, and graduated from Valley Community Schools in 1974. He went on to earn a degree in dairy science from Iowa State University.

On July 10, 1976, Kevin was united in marriage with Dianne Thompson at Elgin Lutheran Church in Elgin, Iowa. Three children were born to this union.

Kevin worked for First National Bank of West Union, Iowa, as a vice president and cashier. Kevin also farmed with his sons near Clermont and later worked as an options trader. His hobbies and interests included gardening, singing, computers, photography, and making wine. He loved camping, fishing, and spending time with friends and family, especially his granddaughters.

Kevin was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in West Union, where he was a past member of the senior choir and previously served on the endowment trust board, church council, served as chairman of the finance committee, and as president of the church.

He served on the Good Samaritan board, the West Union Country Club board, West Union Ambassadors, and was a member of the West Union Lions Club, and the Luren Singers in Decorah. He also served as a Scoutmaster for Troop 54 for the Boy Scouts.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Dianne, of West Union; three children, Laura (Chad) Tudahl of Kasson, Minnesota, Robert (Rose) Amundson of Iowa City, and Paul (Angela) Amundson of West Union; parents Kenneth and Ruth Amundson of Clermont; two grandchildren, Megan Tudahl and Jordan Tudahl; six siblings, Kurt (Deon) Amundson, Rochelle (Lonnie) Holthaus, Roxanne (Lee) Gross, Leslie (Luann) Amundson, Colleen (Mark) Dinan, and Carolyn (Marty) Nuss; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Burnham-Wood & S.K. Rogers Funeral Home in West Union was in charge of arrangements.

Ricky Bowers

Ricky Bowers, 58, of Hawkeye, died under hospice care on Wednesday, October 22, 2014, at his home in Hawkeye.

Funeral services were held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 25, 2014, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye with Rev. David R. Nelson officiating.  Interment followed at Hawkeye Cemetery.  Friends called from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 24^th at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Hawkeye and for one hour preceding services at the church on Saturday.

Memorial donations may be given to the family for later designation or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Ricky Ray, son of Archie and Dorothy Warnke Bowers, was born October 19, 1956, at Sumner, Iowa.

He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye and graduated from North High School in 1974.

He worked for thirty-six years for the Fayette County Road Department prior to retiring due to health issues in 2013.

He was a charter member of the Hawkeye Jaycees and belonged to the Community Club.

He enjoyed bowling, spending time at his cabin at Lansing, fishing, hunting, NASCAR, the Green Bay Packers, and tractor rides.

Ricky is survived by his mother, Dorothy; one brother, Randy; and sister; Connie (Howard) Hughes, all of Hawkeye; one niece, Angie Treloar and Mark; two nephews, Corey (Andrea) Rose and Nick Rose (Allison Moschel); and a great niece, Emily Rose-Thompson.

He was preceded in death by his father, Archie; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.         44u44

Branden Samuel

Branden Tyler Samuel, son of Jonica and the late Garret Paris, passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2014, from injuries sustained from an automobile accident near Oelwein.

Branden was born on February 26, 1994 in Culpepper, Virginia to Jonica Todd. The family later moved to Wadena where Branden graduated from Valley High School in 2012.

After high school, Branden joined and was currently serving in the Army National Guard.

He recently worked for Webb Concrete of Independence.

Branden enjoyed life and loved helping people and making them laugh.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church of West Union.

He is survived by his mother, Jonica Paris of Wadena; four sisters, Brittney (Colton Redig) Paris of Waterloo, Aubrey Paris of Manchester, Kimberly Paris of Wadena and Andrea Paris of Wadena; grandmother, Marie Main of Centerville; two aunts, Stacy (Troy) Zielow of Des Moines and Amanda Main of Centerville; special friend, Baileigh Pauling; and many cousins great aunts, great uncles and many many friends.

Branden was preceded in death by his father, Garret Paris; grandfather, Norman Main; and great grandparents, Erwin and Maysel McCloud.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, November 6, 2014 at the United Methodist Church in West Union with Rev. Chris Ebbers officiating.

Burial will follow in Wadena Cemetery.

A public visitation will be held from 4 pm until 8 pm on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at Burnham-Wood Funeral Home in West Union.

Burnham-Wood & S.K. Rogers Funeral Home of West Union.          45u45

Bill Grimes

Bill B. Grimes, 71, passed away on October 24, 2014 at his home in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

Bill, the son of Harry (deceased) and Arliss Grimes was born October 9, 1943, in West Union, Iowa. 

He graduated from North High School in 1961 and Iowa State University in 1965 with a degree in Landscape Architecture.

Bill was united in marriage to Judy Galati in April 1967 in Charleston, West Virginia.

Throughout his career Bill designed parks, campgrounds, and worked with private companies in land restoration.  He retired from the Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management Colorado office and Northwest U.S. Territory.

Bill was a talented artist. He painted natural landscapes and created stained glass pieces, many shared with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Judy, two sons, Tim (Lynn) Grimes and Matt (Calla) Grimes, and three grandchildren, Brandt, Theo, and Elly all of Jackson, WY. 

Bill is also survived by his mother, Arliss, two brothers, Jim (Nancy) Grimes and Jon Grimes all of West Union, Iowa, and two sisters, Cinda Searles of Leander, Texas and Nancy Grimes of Waterloo, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, Harry, and sister, Linda.

The family will have a private memorial for Bill in the future.

Condolences may be sent to Judy Grimes, 8722 So. Elk Street, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80126.      45u45

Kenneth Meyer

Kenneth Lewis Meyer passed away on Monday, October 27, 2014 at his home in West Union.

Kenny was born on June 25, 1933 to William P. and Charlotte M. (Hanson) Meyer in Dover Township, Fayette County, Iowa.

He was baptized on July 23, 1933 and confirmed on Palm Sunday in 1947 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado.

He graduated from West Union High School in 1952.

Kenny was united in marriage to Eileen Pape on June 12, 1954 at St. Peter in Eldorado. Two children were born to this union; Sheryl Ann and Steven Kenneth.

Kenny and Eileen lived in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, until May 1955 while Kenny was in the Army.

The couple farmed for 34 years on Eileen’s family farm near Eldorado. They were the 4th generation to live on the farm. In 1984, Kenny and Eileen were honored as Fayette County Distinguished Dairymen.

In 1989, they moved to West Union and Kenny began working as the manager of Fayette County Recycling.

Kenny was a life-long member of St. Peter Lutheran Church. He served on the church council in multiple roles.

He also served on the West Union Coop board of directors.

Kenny enjoyed collecting tractors and spending time with family, especially his great-grandchildren.

Kenny is survived by his daughter, Sheryl; four grandchildren, Cory (Jeanessa) Meyer of West Union, Dustin (Jolene) Meyer of Eagan, MN, Nathan (Angie) Meyer of Postville, Darci (Albert) Cline of West Union; ten great-grandchildren, Kasydi Meyer, Alexis Scholbrock, Braelyn Meyer, Jace Meyer, Brinley Meyer, Callen Meyer, Kade Meyer, Hallie Meyer, Noah Cline, Hunter Cline; two brothers, Conley (Vickie) Meyer of West Union, Duane Meyer of Decorah; one sister, Marlys (Kerwin) Anderson of West Union; sister-in-law, Kathryn Meyer of Ossian and many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Eileen; son, Steven; parents, William and Charlotte Meyer; parents-in-law, Sam and Lillie Pape; a brother, Herbert Meyer; and a granddaughter, Robyn Meyer.

Funeral services were held on 10:30 am, Thursday, October 30, 2014 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado, Iowa.

Burial followed in West Union Cemetery.

A public visitation was held from 4 pm until 8 pm, Wednesday October 29, 2014 at Burnham-Wood Funeral Home in West Union.

Burnham-Wood & S.K. Rogers Funeral Home of West Union is in charge of the arrangements.     45u45

Robert "Bob" Pritchard

Robert “Bob” Pritchard, 64, of Colwell, died Tuesday, Oct. 28, at his home.

There will be Celebration of Life held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at the VFW, 1505 North Grand, in Charles City.

Robert Alan Pritchard was born November 10, 1949, at West Union, the son of Walter and Margaret (Monahan) Pritchard.  He received his education in Elgin, later acquired his GED and attended Des Moines Area Community College.  Robert proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era.  On December 15, 1985, he was united in marriage to Lynda Miner.  Robert worked as a heavy equipment operator for city, state and self.  He also raised cattle on his acreage.  Robert was a member of the AMVETS.  His enjoyment of life and people was seen in his being a great conversationalist who loved to tease. His interests included fishing, camping, giving tractor and horse and buggy rides, garage saling, roadside shopping and watching and reading westerns.  He is known as a bartering specialist who came home with more than he sold.

Living family members include his wife, Lynda Pritchard of Charles City; five children, Laura (Mike) Kapparos of Galena, Ill., Jeromy Pritchard of Faribault, Minn., Christy Pritchard and special friend Anthony of Des Moines, Chad Pritchard of Johnston and Kyle Pritchard of Urbandale; 11 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren; six brothers, Lyle, Leslie, Alfred, Gary, Rodney and Brad Pritchard; three sisters, Ilo Corbin, Barbara Peterson and Marian VanSickle; and his special pets, Maggie and Buddy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Kendal Pritchard; two brothers, Amos and Richard Pritchard; and special brother-in-law, Charles Corbin.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

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

Roger Halvorson

Roger Allan Halvorson, 80, of Marquette, formerly of Monona, died on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014, at his home in Marquette. He was a former longtime state representative.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona.

Interment with military honors will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be on Friday, Nov. 7, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona. There will also be a one-hour visitation before services at the church on Saturday.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, is helping the family w

Roger Halvorson

Roger A. Halvorson, 80, of Marquette (formerly of Monona), Iowa, died Sunday, November 2, 2014, at his home.  

Roger Allan, the son of Victory L. and Ruby E. (Jenson) Halvorson, was born February 12, 1934 in Waterville, Iowa. 

Roger was baptized in 1934 and confirmed in 1948 at the Waterville Lutheran Church. 

He graduated from Waterville High School and received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Upper Iowa University.

Roger served as a sergeant with Company D, 133^rd Infantry of the Iowa National Guard from 1951 until 1959. 

He was united in marriage with Connie May Rohde on December 27, 1955 in Fayette, Iowa. 

Through the years, Roger was involved with many businesses.  As a youth, Roger was a hired hand for several Waterville farmers, he painted houses and buildings in Fayette during college, he was a teacher at Luana High School, and was a field representative for a national insurance company.

Roger and Connie owned and operated Halvorson Real Estate – which developed residential apartments and homes in Monona and numerous towns around Northeast Iowa -- Halvorson Insurance Agency, a tree farm, and Mononah Maid Greenhouse in Monona; Alte Heidelberg Gardens Restaurant in Luana; senior citizen housing developments in Guttenberg, Elgin, Fayette, and Wadena; Eagles Landing Bed and Breakfast, Eagles Landing Winery and Vineyard in Marquette. 

Roger and Connie founded and served with the Emma Big Bear Foundation and the Roger and Connie Halvorson Family-Clayton County Foundation for the Future (CCFF) Fund for Entrepreneurship.

Roger served in the Iowa House of Representatives from 1974 until 1996 and was the House Majority Leader for several years.  He represented Clayton, Allamakee, Fayette, and Winneshiek Counties.  Roger also served as the Executive Director of the Iowa Department of Commerce from 1997 until 1999, completing his 25-year tenure of public service for the State of Iowa.  He was awarded the Thomas Jefferson Award for Leadership from the United States American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).  

Roger belonged to many organizations including Kiwanis, JayCees, Monona City Councilman, Monona Volunteer Fire Department, Monona Stock Club, Tri-City Golf Course as Vice President, Waterville Lutheran Church President, and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona. 

He was inducted into the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union Hall of Fame as an officiating referee.

Roger enjoyed fishing, boating, golfing, playing cards, playing or watching any sport – especially his long and playful rivalry between “Roger’s Dodgers” and “Connie’s Braves” – telling jokes or playing tricks on his friends and family, traveling around the world with Connie, wine making, and making fresh water pearl jewelry.  Most of all, Roger loved, was proud of, and enjoyed spending time with his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren.

Roger served as the Clayton County Republican Chairman, Iowa Second District Republican Chairman, was on the Republican State Central Committee, the Iowa Chairman for ALEC, founder of the annual Lincoln Club Dinner for Clayton County Republicans, and served as the Lincoln Club’s annual fundraising letter writer. 

After he left the state house, Roger served as President of the Iowa Winegrowers Association, was a charter winery member of the Iowa Wine Trail, the Great River Road Wine Trail and other wine trails, and his winery was licensed as the 13^th winery founded in Iowa during the re-birth of that industry. 

Roger also served on the CCFF board, Scenic Byways board, Iowa Pioneer Lawmakers Association, Zoning Board in Marquette, was an original founder of the Lazy River Beer & Wine Fest in Marquette, an active member of the McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce, and many other organizations wherever he could help. 

Roger will be remembered by everyone for his gracious manner, friendly smile, innovative ideas, and helpfulness.

Roger is survived by his wife of 58 years, Connie, of Marquette; his children, Tracey Halvorson of Omaha, NE, Rogeta Halvorson of McGregor, Jay (Cindy) Halvorson of Marquette, and Lisa (Carlton) Goodwin of Cedar Rapids, IA; his grandchildren, Sarah Knockel (Nick) Follmuth of Ankeny, IA, Andrew (fiancée, Molly Junge) Halvorson of Omaha, NE, Katharine Goodwin of Omaha, NE, and Madeline Goodwin of Cedar Rapids, IA; his step-grandchildren, Elisabeth (Joe) Crabtree of Virginia Beach, VA, Michelle Goodwin of Virginia Beach, VA , Carlton Goodwin III of Virginia Beach, VA, Casey (Derek) Evanson of Monona, Amanda (Eric) D’Hooge of Chapel Hill, NC, and Halie Ruff of Waterloo, IA; his great grandchild, Carter John Follmuth of Ankeny, IA; his step-great grandchildren, Danielle Crabtree of Virginia Beach, VA, Stephanie Crabtree of Virginia Beach, VA, Corbin Evanson of Monona, and Aiden Evanson of Monona; his brother, William (Linda) Halvorson of Waterville; his sisters-in-law Launee Halvorson of Waterville, and Cathie (Don) Langel of Kirksville, MO, Roberta Anderson of Plymouth, IA, and Sandi Rohde of Farmersburg, IA; his brothers-in-law Ben Rohde of Fayette, Joe (Rachel) Rohde of Fayette, and Don (Wendy) Rohde of Marion, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Victory and Ruby; a brother, Donald Halvorson; his parents-in-law, Bernard and Mildred Rohde; brothers-in-law, John Rohde, James Rohde, and Harold Gade; and sisters-in-law, Norma Rohde, and Nancy Gade.

Memorials may be made in Roger’s honor to CCFF’s Emma Big Bear Foundation at www.emmabigbearfoundation.org and the Roger and Connie Halvorson Family CCFF Fund for Entrepreneurship at www.claytoncountyiowa.com. 

Condolences may be left for the family at www.graufuneralhomes.com.

Visitation was held on Friday, November 7, 2014 from 2-8 p.m. at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, Iowa. There was also be a one-hour visitation before services at the church on Saturday.

Funeral Services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona, Iowa with Rev. Erika Kielstrup as the Officiant.

Interment followed at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Monona, Iowa with Military Honors.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, Iowa helped the family with the arrangements.        46u46

William Taylor

William Maxwell Taylor, of Waverly, Iowa, peacefully transitioned to a more glorious place on October 31, 2014. 

William, or “Bill” was born on November 7^th, 1943 in Rockford, Illinois, son of Dr. Wendel William Taylor and Helen Cadwallader Taylor.

He grew up in Sheffield, Iowa, and graduated from high school there in 1962. Bill then attended the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and received his B.S. in 1966, followed by a graduate degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Iowa in Iowa City in 1968.

     He met his wife of 46 years while at the University of Northern Iowa, Mary Kay Pleggenkuhle, and they were united in marriage on August 3rd, 1968, in Hawkeye, Iowa, and made their first home in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Early in his career, Bill worked as a Physical Therapist at Schoitz Memorial Hospital (now known as Covenant Medical Center) in Waterloo, Iowa, until being called to serve in the United States military during the Vietnam War. Bill and Mary moved to Denver, Colorado, where Bill helped rehabilitate injured men and women from the war at Fitzsimmon’s Army Hospital, as a Captain in the United States Army. 

Bill and Mary moved back to Iowa in 1972 and made their home in Waverly, Iowa, and Bill began work as a Physical Therapist at the Waverly Hospital. He and Mary raised their three children in Waverly while Bill owned and operated Taylor Physical Therapy for 43 years at the Waverly Hospital as well as clinics in Sumner, Nashua, and Parkersburg, and several nursing homes in the local area. 

     He is survived by: his wife, Mary of Waverly, Iowa; a son, Dr. David Taylor of Aitkin, Minnesota; his daughters, Dr. Sarah Taylor and Dr. Amy Taylor, both of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; a sister, Jean Newton (John) of Charles City, Iowa; a brother, Rick (Deb) of Ankeny, Iowa; a brother-in-law, David Pleggenkuhle of Hawkeye, Iowa; and a sister-in-law, Carol Halverson (Allan) of Hawkeye, Iowa. 

He was preceded in death by his parents.

     Bill loved his family, his staff at his clinic, treating patients, fishing, reading Western books and watching Western movies, all sports, especially football, basketball and baseball, and his blood ran black and gold for his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes. He enjoyed trips to Sanibel Island, Florida, where he and Mary have a condo, fishing trips with his son, brother-in-law, and friends to Minnesota, Canada and Idaho, and taking trips with Mary and their children all over the United States.

Within the past month of his life, he had a relaxing trip with his daughter Amy to Tucson, Arizona, where he got to see the scenery that served as the backdrop for his favorite genre of Western-themed books and movies. 

     A private burial was held in Hawkeye, Iowa, on November 5^th with only immediate family present.

A religious service with communion will be held at 1:00 pm at Trinity United Methodist Church in Waverly, Iowa, on Sunday November 16^th with a Celebration of Life to follow at Tendrils within the Waverly Health Center from 2-5pm. Bill and his life will be celebrated with his favorite desserts, music (50s & 60s rock & roll, boogie woogie and country), photos, stories and remembrances.  For all who knew Bill and have a story, thoughts or memories to share, please bring in writing (any type of paper, can be handwritten or typed) to the church or Tendrils to place in a basket to be shared later among family. Bill’s children and future grandchildren will enjoy the stories of Bill forever.

     Memorials may be directed to the Taylor Family to establish an educational scholarship for undergraduate students planning a career in Physical Therapy (William Maxwell Therapy Scholarship for Physical Therapy).      46u46

Betty Anfinson

Betty Darlene Anfinson passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2014, at Palmer Lutheran Hospital in West Union.

Betty was born on November 23, 1927 in West Union to Gustav and Ida (Marr) Schatz.

She was baptized on December 18, 1927 confirmed on April 6, 1941 both at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado.

After graduating from West Union High School in 1945, Betty earned a teaching certificate from Luther College in Decorah.

She was united in marriage on December 11, 1949 to Ernest Anfinson at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado. The couple crop farmed and raised cattle, pigs and chickens near Eldorado for 45 years.

Betty also worked as a teacher for two years and substitute teacher for many years at Dover Township County School near Eldorado.  

Betty enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing and card club. She was an accomplished singer and sang for many weddings and funerals. Betty also liked to collect cookbooks and enjoyed looking through them for new recipes to try.

She was an active life-long member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado.

Betty is survived by her children, Richard (Barbara) Anfinson of Cedar Falls, Larry (Gayle) Anfinson of Waterloo, and Lynn (Duane) Mitchell of State Center; grandchildren, Matthew (Shannan) Anfinson, Eric Anfinson, Gregory (Kristin) Anfinson, Nicole (Jeremey) Howe; great-grandchildren, Sydney Howe, Zachary Howe, Olivia Anfinson, Julia Anfinson and Vincent Anfinson.

She is preceded in death by her husband and infant daughter, Gwendolyn Joy.

Funeral services were held at 11 am on Monday, November 10, 2014 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado with Rev. Ginny Olson officiating.

Burial followed in the church cemetery.

A public visitation was held from 2 pm until 5 pm on Sunday, November 9, 2014 at Burnham-Wood Funeral Home in West Union.

Burnham-Wood & S.K. Rogers Funeral Home of West Union in charge of the arrangements.      46u46