Herbert Vagts of West Union died Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, at Stoney Brook Assisted Living in West Union.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
Burnham-Wood and S.K. Rogers Funeral Home in West Union is assisting the family.
Margaret Foxwell, 93, of Elgin died Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, at Gundersen Health System, LaCrosse, Wis.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at Illyria Community Church, rural Elgin.
Burial will be at Illyria Cemetery.
Visitation will be 3-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin. There will also be a one-hour visitation before services at the church on Saturday.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, is helping the family with arrangements.
Lisa Ann Baumler, 50, of West Union, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at Palmer Lutheran Health Center in West Union, Iowa.
Lisa was born on April 15, 1964 in West Union to Richard and Edna (Nelson) Blockhus. She graduated from North High School in West Union and also graduated from Area One College with an associate’s degree.
Lisa was married to Keith Baumler on August 16, 1986. Through this marriage three sons were born, Joshua and twins Cody and Dillon.
Lisa worked for Michael Insurance for 6 years and for Farm Credit Services for 18 years and enjoyed her co-workers and many clients across several counties.
She belonged to the North Fayette Valley Booster Club and was a member of the Holy Name Rosary Society.
Lisa loved life, her work, her family and her many friends and they loved her, as she was peacefully surrounded by many of them at the time of her death.
She is survived by her husband, Keith of West Union; her three sons, Joshua, Cody and Dillon, her mother Edna Blockhus, and her brother Steve Blockhus and many wonderful friends and extended family.
She was preceded by her father, Richard Blockhus.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, January 20, 2015, at Holy Name Catholic Church of West Union, Iowa, Celebrant Rev. Dale Rausch, at 10:30 AM.
Burial will be at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, rural West Union following the services.
Visitation was Monday, January 19, 4-8 p.m. at Burnham-Wood and S.K. Rogers Funeral in West Union, with rosary at 4 P.M. A one hour visitation was also held before Mass at the church beginning at 9:30 AM. 3u3
Randy Lee Molokken, 56, Clermont, Iowa, died Friday, January 9, 2015, at Palmer Hospital in West Union, Iowa.
Randy was born on November 28, 1958, in West Union, Iowa, to Arthur and Lyla (Osmundson) Molokken.
He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church, Ossian, Iowa.
Randy graduated from North High School in West Union, Iowa.
He was united in marriage to Connie Hanson in May of 1990 and they were later divorced.
Randy loved dogs, especially, Shorty, Spike and Cody, he also raised Paint Horses over the years. He also farmed and raised milking goats for many years on the family farm.
Randy also worked at Seitz Construction, Einck Construction, Pattison Sand Co. and Calmar Manufacturing.
He loved to take his car out and go for drives and also to class reunions.
Randy was a life-time member of the North American Hunting Club and a ten year member of the The Classic Tractors of North East Iowa attending numerous tractors rides in the area.
Most of all, Randy loved his family very much and will be deeply missed by all of them.
Following his passing, Randy continued giving to others by being an organ donor.
Survivors include his mother, Lyla Molokken, Clermont; his sister, LaRita Pritchard (special friend, Billy), Des Moines; niece and nephews, Christy Pritchard (special friend, Tony), Chad Pritchard, Johnston, Kyle Pritchard, Urbandale; his great-niece, Mikayla Johnson, Des Moines; his companion/dog, Cody and many other family and friends.
Randy was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Molokken; his sister, Julie Fulaas and his nephew, Kendal Pritchard.
Funeral Services were held on Saturday, January 17, 2015, at 11:00 am at Bethany Church, rural Ossian, Iowa. The Rev. Marshall Nessa officiated.
Visitation was held one hour before services at the church on Saturday.
Burial followed in the church cemetery.
Condolences may be left with: www.graufuneralhomes.com.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Clermont, Iowa, was in charge of arrangements. 3u3
Lillian Marie “Lilly” White died Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015, surrounded by her family.
Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 19, at Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco.
Burial was in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Cresco.
Lindstrom Funeral Home, Cresco, assisted the family with arrangements.
Lilly was born in Schley, Iowa, on July 16, 1928, to Frank and Olena Opat.
She lived and farmed near Cresco most of her life.
Lilly told many stories of growing up “working like a man” alongside her “daddy” on the farm and assisting her mother in the home.
At a young age, Lilly became a mother to Robert “Berta” Linderman, the first of her two sons. After that marriage came to a necessary end, she met and married her true life partner, Kenneth Allen White. Together they brought into the world their son, Roger Allen.
Throughout her adult life, Lillian tended the fields, drove crops to market, managed farm chores, milked cows, ran her home and reared her boys. She worked tirelessly alongside her husband, Kenneth, just as she had with her father.
Farming was certainly in Lillian’s blood. After she and Kenneth retired she realized she had much left to offer the farming world and sought employment within local operations, milking and caring for cows, though on a much larger scale! At one point, she proudly milked 300 cows, all while caring for three of her great-grandchildren, much as she had their mother and aunts when they were young.
Even though work took up so much of her life, Lilly always found time for church, family and friends. Civic-minded and with a patriotic spirit, she was involved in the VFW Auxiliary and served two terms as commander in the Cresco branch of the Auxiliary. Her husband, Kenneth, a WWII veteran, and son Roger, a Vietnam veteran, both served our country through the U.S. Army; their dedication was the catalyst pushing her service to veterans forward.
Aside from being a hard worker, Lillian had an indomitable spirit and an undying, boundless zest for life. Her quick wit, sense of humor and infectious laughter could not be matched or squashed. Lillian was generous in spirit and humble of heart. She was undoubtedly a caregiver by nature.
With deep and abiding faith, she was a voracious reader of the Holy Bible.
Lilly and Kenneth moved in their later years to be closer to their son, Roger, and his family. She ended her days in the West Union area. In more recent years, the staff and residents of the Ossian Senior Hospice became family, tending to her with love and care as she entered the final leg of her life journey.
Lillian is survived by her husband, Kenneth; son Roger (Tammy), who is a former Hawkeye United Methodist Church pastor; six granddaughters, Brenda, Richelle, Nicolette, Renessa, Michelle, and Kelly Rae; grandsons-in-law Tom, Daryl, Ryan, Adan, and Adam; her great-grandchildren; her remaining siblings; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Robert; and a few of her siblings. 3u3
Zenita B. Arthur, 98, of Fayette and formerly of Randalia and Westgate, died Thursday, Jan. 15, at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.
Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at Union United Methodist Church of rural Sumner with Pastor Johnny Ray Tucker officiating. Interment followed at the church cemetery. Friends were invited to call from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Sumner and for one-hour preceding services at the church on Monday.
Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Sumner assisted the family with the arrangements.
Memorials may be given in her name to Union United Methodist Church or the Westgate Public Library. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.
Zenita Bertha, daughter of Arthur and Bertha Jipson McLaury, was born March 29, 1916, in Oran Township of Fayette County, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at the Presbyterian Church in Oelwein and graduated from Oelwein High School. She received a teaching certificate from Upper Iowa University in Fayette and taught for one year at Rowley. On June 15, 1939, she was united in marriage with Lyle W. Arthur at the Presbyterian Church in Oelwein. The couple farmed in the Fayette, Randalia, and Sumner areas until retiring and moving into Westgate in 1977. Zenita had been a member of the Randalia United Methodist Church and currently belonged to the Union United Methodist Church of rural Sumner. She was a member of the Eastern Star, Republican Women, Farm Bureau Women, the Gleaners Club at church, and the Westgate Study Club. Zenita loved to read, fish, play cards, especially bridge, and time spent at family cabins at Harpers Ferry on the Mississippi River.
She is survived by four sons, Steve (Sandi) Arthur of Sumner, Mark (Nancy) Arthur of Harpers Ferry, Clark (fiancé, Mary Smith) Arthur of Columbia, Missouri, and Richard (Joan) Arthur of Nora Springs; a daughter-in-law, DiAnna Arthur of Tripoli; seventeen grandchildren; twenty-three great grandchildren; one great great granddaughter; a sister, Delpha Andrusyk of Tucson, Arizona; and a sister-in-law, Mary Lou Sherwood of Percival, Iowa.
Zenita was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle in 1994; her son, Lonny in 1988; her parents; three brothers, Lester, Harry, and Vincent; and two sisters, Imogene and Zaida.
Dorothy Brickman, 89, of Oelwein passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015 at Mercy Living Plus in Oelwein.
Funeral Services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015 at Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein with Rev. Leo Combs-Lay officiating. Visitation was helf from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home in Oelwein and for one-hour before the services on Saturday at the church.
Dorothy Louise (Knoploh) Brickman was born on September 8, 1925 in Bremer County, IA to parents Johann and Lydia (Sell) Knoploh. She was baptized on September 20, 1925 and confirmed on April 2, 1939 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Sumner. Dorothy attended rural school in Dayton Township from K-5th grade. She then attended 6th-8th grade at Buck Creek Parochial Lutheran School. Dorothy attended Sumner High School, graduating in 1943. Following graduation, Dorothy attended summer and evening classes at Cedar Falls and Wartburg College.
On June 16, 1950 Dorothy was united in marriage with Raymond (Jim) Brickman at St John’s Lutheran Church in Sumner. To this union they were blessed with three sons: Dale, Duane and Darryl. After the boys began school, Dorothy attended Upper Iowa University in Fayette, graduating in 1966.
Dorothy taught school in Tripoli, Dayton Township rural school, Sumner, Wapsie Valley, Oran and her last 28 years as a 6th grade teacher in Readlyn. She retired after 40 years in 1988. Following retirement they moved from Oran to Oelwein and Joined the Zion Lutheran Church.
As a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Dorothy spent four years as President of Esther Circle, as well as President and Secretary of the Executive Board for one year. She had been a member of Eunice Circle and served as an usher, a reader, and volunteered for many other duties. She also was a member of Oelwein Retired School Personnel and the American Legion Auxiliary.
Dorothy enjoyed gardening and canning, crocheting, embroidery, travelling, and square dancing. She also enjoyed baking. Most of all, she enjoyed her family and her precious grandchildren.
Left to celebrate Dorothy’s life is her husband Jim Brickman of Oelwein; her sons: Dale (Pam) of Waverly and their children: Scott (Cassie) Brickman and Kristin (Dan) Blaylock; Duane “Red” (Nina) of Westgate and their children: Cody, Cheyanne and Cheridan Brickman; and Darryl “Ernie” (Lori) of Fairbank and their children Heather (Kyle) Reeves, Michaelyn (Shane) McClinton and Dustin Brickman; her great-grandchildren: Tanner and Brody Blaylock, Evan and Alec McClinton, Olivia and Kade Reeves; her brothers: Henry (Virginia) of Ames, Lloyd(Bev) of Fairbault, MN, and Eldon (Jean) Knoploh of Oelwein; her sisters: Elaine Wedemeier of Maynard and Velda (James) Hagenow of Readlyn; her sister-in-law Verlaine Knoploh of Sumner; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Marvin Knoploh and her brother-in-law Duane Wedemeier
Margaret Krambeer
Margaret “Peg” Krambeer, age 75, of Decorah, IA, died on Saturday, January 10, 2015, at the Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah, IA.
Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m., Friday, January 16, 2015, at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, 604 South Avenue, Decorah, IA, with Rev. Stacey Nalean-Carlson presiding.
Friends may call from 3:00-7:00 p.m., on Friday at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home in Decorah.
Margaret Ann “Peg” (Buck) Krambeer was born on June 2, 1939, the daughter of Hugh and Mildred (Joerger) Buck in Independence, IA. Peg graduated from Our Lady Victory Academy Catholic High School in Waterloo, IA, in 1957. She was united in marriage to Orval Cook on June 15, 1957, and they later divorced. Peg stayed home and raised her family and then did for DECO, CamCar and then for Wapsie Produce. She later married Ned Krambeer on July 14, 1984. Peg enjoyed bowling, playing Bingo, playing cards, camping, doing word searches, golfing, baking, and counted cross-stitch. Above all her greatest love was for her family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Peg is survived by her husband: Ned Krambeer, Decorah, IA. Seven children: David (Sharon) Cook, Oelwein, IA, Dawn (Randy) Teslow, Ossian, IA, Darrell Cook, Farmington, MN, Darwin “Darby” (Diane) Ossian, IA, Denise (Augie) Shindelar, Chester, IA, Darla (Kevin) Wenthold, Ossian, IA and Darcy (Mike) Powers, Anamosa, IA, along with twenty-five grandchildren and twenty-eight great grandchildren with two on the way. Eight siblings and their spouses: Dick Buck, Cresco, IA, Harry (Joan) Buck, Warren, MI, Norma Buck, Waterloo, IA, Paul (Pat) Buck, Minneapolis, MN, Tom Buck, Lakeville, MN, Mary (Roger) Horsfall, Cresco, IA, Kay Erickson, Cresco, IA, and Carol Metcalf, Henderson, NV. Her sisters and brothers-in-law: Delores Hughes, Frankville, IA, Shirley (Homer) Everet, New Market, NH, Gordon (Mary) Krambeer, Hiawatha, IA, Tom (Darla) Krambeer, Lawrence, KS, Dennis (Margaret) Krambeer, Decorah, IA, Jerry (Janice) Krambeer, Decorah, IA and Nona (Wayne) Stone, Lansing, IA, along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Peg was preceded in death by her parents: Hugh and Mildred (Joeger) Buck. Her father and mother-in-law: Lawrence and Olga (Livingood) Krambeer. One brother in infancy: Hugh Buck, Jr. Sisters and brothers-in-law: Dolores Buck, Wayne Erickson, Dicke Hughes, Lawrence (Carolyn) Krambeer, Jr., and Ron (Carole) Krambeer.
Ralph L. Barness, 91, of West Union, died Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the Barthell O.E.F. Home in Decorah.
Funeral Services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Bethany Lutheran Church, rural Ossian. Rev. Marshall Nessa was the officiant.
Friends were invited to call from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at Schutte-Grau Funeral Home in Clermont and one-hour before services at the church on Monday, Jan 19.
Interment was held in the Bethany Lutheran Cemetery.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Clermont assisted the family with the arrangements.
Ralph Leonard, the son of Ben and Betsy (Thorbjornson) Barness, was born July 5, 1923 on the family farm south of Ossian, Iowa. He attended country school and one year at the Lutheran Brethren Schools in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Ralph then farmed south of Ossian until he moved to West Union in 1984. Ralph was united in marriage with Ida Osterhus in March of 1943. To this union, five children were born. After Ida’s death in 2000, Ralph married Marie Kleppe in June of 2001. After Marie’s death in 2006, Ralph was united in marriage with Frances Fitzpatrick-Schultz on February 14, 2013.
Ralph was a charter member of Bethany Lutheran Church, rural Ossian. He was a very active church member and held many offices in the church over the years. Ralph loved farming. Even after his “retirement” he could still be found at the farm. He also enjoyed helping his son, Wayne, at auctions, woodworking, and reading.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Frances, of West Union; his five children, Bev (Vaughn) Jackson of Waukesha, WI; Wayne (friend, Sharon Danielson) Barness of Fayette, IA; James (Luann) Barness of Ossian; Gerald “Fred” (Vikki) Barness of Ossian; and Nancy (Ron) Bowdish of Strawberry Point, IA; three stepchildren; nineteen grandchildren; thirty one great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
Ralph was preceded in death by his wives, Ida and Marie; his parents; two brothers, John Barness and Conrad, who died in infancy; and five sisters, Borghild Strand, Agnes Thompson, Lilly Berentson, Alice Reinertson, and Florence Osmundson.
Condolences may be left with: www.graufuneralhomes.com.
Helen Learn
Helen B. Learn, 90, of West Union, Iowa, died Thursday, January 22, 2015, at the North Crest Care Center in Waterloo, Iowa.
Helen Bertha Marie, the daughter of Albert A. and Esther Anna Marie (Meyer) Plaster, was born on April 23, 1924, in Fayette County, Iowa.
She was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Westgate, Iowa.
She attended country school in the Westgate area.
Her first job was as a mother’s helper for a large family.
Helen was united in marriage with Howard Learn on November 1, 1944, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Westgate. To this union four children were born. Helen and Howard farmed near West Union on the farm which was homesteaded by Howard’s grandfather.
The couple retired from the farm and moved into West Union in 1986.
Helen was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in West Union.
She enjoyed square dancing, playing cards, quilting, gardening, sewing, and canning.
Helen is survived by her children, Ramona (Ron) Moeller of Waterloo, Iowa; Marilyn (Michael) Kuhn of Red Bud, Illinois; and James (Renae) Learn of Denver, Iowa; her daughter-in-law, Joan Learn of West Union, Iowa; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-six great grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; three stepgreat-grandchildren; four stepgreat-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Alberta Werdel of Oelwein, Iowa, and Rozella Saul of Greenville, Texas.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Howard, who died on August 2, 2007; her son, Charles “Chuck” Learn, who died on December 25, 2013; and two brothers-in-law, Charles Werdel and Bob Thomas.
Funeral Services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2015, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, West Union, Iowa. Pastor Rusty Phillips was the officiant.
Friends called from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2015, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in West Union and one hour before services at the church on Tuesday.
Interment was held in the West Union Cemetery.
Condolences may be left with: www.graufuneralhomes.com.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Clermont, Iowa, assisted the family with arrangements. 4u4
Margaret M. Houghton, 94, passed away peacefully Jan. 18, 2015, at her home in Hayward, Calif.
She was born in Elgin and raised in Waukegan, Ill.
Margaret had been a resident of San Lorenzo and Hayward for nearly 60 years. She worked for over 20 years in the San Lorenzo Unified School District and spent many years as secretary to the district superintendent.
Known for her organizing skills, outgoing personality, and as an avid reader, she continued to coordinate events for school district retirees, the Dublin Senior Center Ready Club, bridge, and numerous other groups up until her passing. She was a member of Castlewood Country Club for over 50 years.
In 1945, Margaret married Walter T. “Sully” Houghton of Waukegan, Ill. They shared over 50 years of married life.
Margaret is survived by her two sons, Timothy (wife Mary) and James (partner Richard Contreras); and a niece, Pat (Gene) Klinge of Harpers Ferry.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Sully, and a sister, Norma Wilson of Elgin.
Margaret will be dearly missed by all she touched.
A memorial service was held Sunday, Jan. 25, at Sorensen Chapel in Hayward, Calif.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be sent to the San Lorenzo Unified School District Scholarship Foundation. 4u4
Debra Luann Detjens, age 58, of Blair, Neb., formerly of West Union, died January 20, 2015 at Good Samaritan Society Nursing Home in Scribner, Nebraska, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
A gathering of family and friends was held Saturday January 24, 2015 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Campbell Aman Funeral Home in Blair.
Debra Luann Bowers was born in West Union, Iowa to Marilyn (Stendel) and Darryl Bowers.
She attended North High School in West Union.
Deb was united in marriage in 1976 to George Drilling, and together they had their only child, a daughter, Cari, born in 1977.
After separating from George, Deb and Cari moved to Blair, Nebraska in 1981 where Deb met her current husband, Russell Detjens.
Deb and Russ were married in 1995, where they lived on a farm a few miles outside of Blair.
Deb drove a school bus for the Blair Community Schools for 16 years. After those years, she began driving a yuke for Fort Calhoun Stone.
Deb loved to garden, and she loved to do most any type of crafts.
Deb is survived by her husband Russell Detjens of Blair, Neb., her daughter Cari (Drew) Sprague of Papillion, Neb., three granddaughters, Mallori, Lyndsi, and Jenna, and three stepgrandsons, Alex, Andrew, and Zane, her mother, Marilyn Masters of Blair, her father, Darryl Bowers of McIntire, Iowa; siblings Jodi Workman and Juli Short, both of Blair, Bob Cortez of Omaha, and Robin Otte of Blair, stepchildren Kim(Joel) Swanson and Rick (Sarah) Detjens of Blair.
She is also survived by her sisters Jeanne, Paula, Sandy, Tina, Tammy and Robin of Iowa, Arizona and Indiana.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Carl and Agnes Stendel; her uncle Robert Stendel, great aunt Hazel Tope, all of West Union, Iowa; and grandparents Archie and Emily Bowers of Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Margaret Lucille Foxwell, 93, Elgin, Iowa, died Thursday, January 15, 2015, at Gundersen Hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Margaret was born on May 16, 1921, in Auburn, Iowa, to Lloyd and Thelma (Payne) Tope.
She was baptized and confirmed at the Methodist Church in West Union, Iowa.
Margaret graduated from West Union High School and later acquired her teaching certification and taught country school.
She shared many happy memories of her childhood with her parents, and her brothers, Harold and Dave.
In August, 1946, Margaret married the love of her life, Thomas (Tom) Harris Foxwell, of Illyria Township near Elgin, Iowa. Margaret and Tom went on to happily raise four children, Allan, Jim, Paul, and Susan, on the Foxwell family homestead.
Margaret was described by her family as a spirited, charming, smart, funny woman who loved to laugh, especially at herself. She was also a woman of grace and class, and was sympathetic to many who needed it. She had a great love of her family, as well as a love of nature and all animals. She enjoyed being ‘stylish’, which always caused Tom to smile.
Margaret was a wonderful storyteller, and thankfully for her family, she a fine writer as well and took the time to write down all of her stories for her family. Margaret’s stories will live on forever.
Margaret is survived by her children, Allan (Colleen) Foxwell of Amery, Wisconsin, Jim (John Cairns) Foxwell of Elgin and Cedar Rapids, Paul (Mary) Foxwell of Monona and Susan (Kelly) Condon of Waconia, Minnesota; grandchildren, Tricia (Cory) Oberdas, Jeremy (Erin) Foxwell, Andrew (Gracie) Foxwell, Lance (Brandy) Foxwell, Megan (Brian Parsons) Foxwell, Monica (Brandon) Converse, Stephanie (Devin) Butterbrodt, Rachel Foxwell, Lauren Foxwell, Jake Condon, and Josh Condon; great-grandchildren, Evan Oberdas, William Oberdas, Thomas Foxwell, Chloe Foxwell and Ella Converse; her brother, David (Darlene) Tope of Ames, Iowa and countless nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Foxwell; her parents, Lloyd and Thelma (Payne) Tope and a brother, Harold Tope.
Visitation was held Friday, January 23, 2015 from 3-7 pm at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, Iowa. There was also a one hour visitation before services at the church on Saturday.
Funeral Services were held at 10:30 am on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at Illyria Community Church, rural Elgin, Iowa with Pastor Pam Reinig as the Officiant.
Burial was at Illyria Cemetery, rural Elgin, Iowa.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, Iowa helped the family with the arrangements.
Condolences may be left with: www.graufuneralhomes.com.
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Carole Mosby, 68, of Waterloo formerly of Elgin died Thursday, Jan. 22, at the Dumont Wellness Center, Dumont, Iowa. Carole Beth, the daughter of Gordon and Verna (Yunker) Mosby, was born April 10, 1946 in Postville.
Funeral Services were held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 26, at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home in Elgin.
Friends were invited to call one-hour before services at the funeral home on Monday.
Interment will be held in the Elgin Cemetery, Elgin.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service assisted the family with the arrangements.
Carole worked at Goodwill Industries in Waterloo from 1975 until 2004, she participated in the Choice Program for Exceptional Persons, Inc. from 2004 until 2009 when she entered Dumont Wellness Center. She enjoyed watching television, listening to music, jewelry, and Cabbage Patch dolls. Her nieces and nephews remember her as an avid shopper with a fondness for shoes. She had a childlike heart, a beautiful smile, and was a friend to all.
Carole is survived by nieces and nephews: Jeff (Lynn) Watters, Jenny (Tim) Keith, Scott (Janet) Wright, Terry (Lisa) Wright, David (Laurel) Cannon, Terri (Kris) Bailey, and Michael (Mary) Cannon.
Carole was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Verna; three sisters, Joanne Watters, Marlene Cannon, and Roberta Wright, and nephew, Steve Watters.
Leander “Lenny” Cremer, age 98, of Festina, IA, died on Tuesday, January 20, 2015, at the Ossian Senior Hospice in Ossian, IA, surrounded by his loving family.
Leander “Lenny” Henry Cremer was born on July 5, 1916, the son of John and Mathilda (Holthaus) Cremer in Festina, Iowa. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Festina. He married Odelia Lechtenberg on February 5, 1940, at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Festina. He farmed the Cremer family farm until he retired in 1981. Lenny had many hobbies including, woodworking, fishing, traveling and playing cards with his good friends and neighbors. He enjoyed helping others with projects, including remodeling the Festina Church with Father Kunsch. Lenny had a wonderful memory and enjoyed sharing his wealth of information about early history of our community with his family and friends.
Lenny is survived by his loving wife of seventy-five years, Odelia Cremer, Festina, IA. His three children: Jean (Tom) Choate, Madison, WI; Linus (Shari) Cremer, Frisco, TX; Charles (Margaret) Cremer, Albuquerque, NM. Six grandchildren: Kristine (Craig) Patterson, Kathryn (Michael LaVolpe) Choate, David (Anne) Choate, Randy Cremer, Juli (Darrell) Lindsey, Jacqueline (John) Grad, along with nine great grandchildren: Nick, Samantha and Jack Patterson, Ellie and Grace Choate, Gabriel and Jacob LaVolpe, Sydney and Michael Grad. Two sisters-in-law: Marie Cremer, Bellevue, NE, and Phyllis Lechtenberg, Ossian, IA. Brother-in-law: Linus Bodensteiner, Decorah, IA, along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Lenny is the last surviving member of the John and Mathilda Cremer family. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mathilda (Holthaus) Cremer. Five brothers: Alfred (Rose) Cremer, Greg (Frances) Cremer, Victor (Teresa) Cremer, Francis (Georgene) Cremer, Paul (Dorothy) Cremer. Four sisters: Marie (Curt) Rothmeyer, Nora (Joe) Vondersitt, Rita Cremer, as a child, and Marcella Cremer as an infant. His father and mother-in-law: Herman and Catherine (Uhlenhake) Lechtenberg. His brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Edvina (Joe) Thuente, Bertha (John) Thuente, Joe (Caroline) Lechtenberg, Greg (Elizabeth) Lechtenberg, Julia (Andrew) Hemesath, Irenaeus Lechtenberg as a child, Bridget Lechtenberg, Theodore “Ted” Lechtenberg, Catherine (Art) Huber and Rita Bodensteiner.
Special thanks to the good neighbors whose help and support allowed him to stay at his beloved family farm as long as possible. His family wants to thank his wonderful caretaker, who he referred to as “that Pam”. Also a very kind thank you to the wonderful staff at Ossian Hospice for their excellent loving care over the past three years.
Jill Renee Trewin, 57, of Bradenton, FL, formerly of West Union, IA died of cancer on Saturday, January 24, 2015.
Jill was born on November 16, 1957 to Keith Trewin and Colleen Reed (Trewin Marrs) in West Union, IA.
She attended West Union schools, graduating from North High School in 1976. In addition, Jill attended Westminster College in Princeton, New Jersey, and the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA.
She worked with the elderly for many years. In recent years, Jill began her own home health care business in the same field.
In 1985, Jill met her life partner, Carol Maszall and they have lived in Florida for the past 12 years.
Jill loved her family, friends, church, and her pets. She never met a person she wouldn’t or couldn’t talk to.
Jill is survived by her partner of 30 years, Carol, 2 sisters; Karen McMurrin of Independence, IA, Melanie (Mark) Jencks of Hawkeye, IA, and a brother, Gary Trewin of Independence, IA; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, step-father, step-brother, and a great niece.
Services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bradenton, Florida. Jill’s wishes were to be cremated and her ashes to be interred at the Good Earth Gardens at her church.
A celebration of life is planned for a later date in West Union, IA. 5u5
George O. Opperman, 92, of Hawkeye, died Thursday, January 29, 2015, at Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner.
Funeral services were held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 3, 2015, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye with Rev. David R. Nelson officiating.
Interment followed at West Union Cemetery.
Friends called from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, February 2nd at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Hawkeye and for one hour preceding services at the church on Tuesday.
Memorial donations may be made in his name to Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye.
Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.
George Otto Opperman was born in Strawberry Point, Iowa, on August 31, 1922, the son of Otto Opperman and Vesta (Brazee) Opperman.
He attended schools in Strawberry Point.
He was united in marriage to Evelyn Mary Bruening on February 22, 1948, at the Little Brown Church at Nashua, Iowa. The couple farmed in the Hawkeye area for over sixty years.
George was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye.
During his farming years he milked cows, raised hogs, beef cattle, and chickens.
In his later years, his hobby was raising show pigeons and exotic chickens. He and Evelyn spent time traveling to various states to attend pigeon shows and swap meets to sell the chickens.
He also enjoyed any type of auction, parades with teams of horses, playing horseshoes, a good game of pool or cards. There was always regular socializing and spending time with his family, friends, relatives and neighbors on the farm. He always had a story or joke to tell, intertwining his wit and humor.
In addition to his wife, Evelyn of Hawkeye, George is survived by his six children, Judy (Darryl Waugh) of Clinton; Dean (Gilda Steadman) of Hawkeye; Gloria (Dale Frana) of Decorah; Kathie (Max Steege) of New Hampton; Dixie of West Union; and Brad (Cathie) of Sumner; 16 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
George was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, Gene and Wayne Opperman, and three sisters, Irene Paige, Wilma Schmittler, and Lena Jones. 5u5
Karen Viola Chensvold, 77, of West Union passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2015 at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.
Karen was born on July 9, 1937 in New Hampton, Iowa to Harvey and Ramona (Schnurstien) Buehler.
She graduated from Mason City High School in 1957.
She was united in marriage to Leslie Arthur Chensvold on January 14, 1966, in South Dakota. Two children were born to this marriage.
Karen and Leslie moved to West Union, where the couple started a business, Chensvold Sanitation.
Karen loved painting, quilting and arranging flowers.
She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and the Red Hat Society, both in West Union.
Karen is survived by two daughters, Deb (Randy) Rovang and Mary (Jon) Francis, both of West Union; a brother, Lyle (Janet) Buehler of Westgate; sister, Judy (Larry Hanson) Rood of Waverly; sister-in-law, Sue Buehler of Mason City; seven grandchildren, Nicole Rovang, Travis Rovang, Hailey Rovang, Devin Fonley, Josh Ellis, Sierra Francis, and Hope Francis; two great grandchildren, Presley Rovang and Jadon Fonley; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two brothers, Robert (Jean) Buehler and John Buehler, and brother-in-law, Paul Rood.
Funeral services were held at 11 am on Monday, February 2, 2015 at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union with Rev. Nancy Larson officiating. Burial followed in West Union Cemetery.
A public visitation was held from 1 pm until 5 pm on Sunday, February 1, 2015 at Burnham-Wood Funeral home in West Union.
Burnham-Wood & S.K. Rogers Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Gary Roger Ash, 76, West Union, Iowa, formerly of Postville, Iowa, died Sunday, January 25, 2015, in West Union, Iowa.
Gary was born on January 26, 1938, in West Union, Iowa, to Ronnie and Ruth (Wickham) Ash.
He graduated from Fayette Schools and Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa.
Gary helped his father with the family business, Ash Painting in Fayette, Iowa.
Gary was united in marriage to Cheryl Nyberg on January 16, 1959. Three children, Jamey, Melisa and Carey, were born to this union. The couple were later divorced.
Gary worked for Nyberg’s Farm and Home in Postville, Iowa and later for Dubuque Twine and Design Specialty in advertising.
He later moved to Elgin, Iowa and then to West Union, Iowa.
Gary was a member of Tri-City Country Club and enjoyed playing ball with all of the kids in the neighborhood while living in Postville.
He also enjoyed taking frequent trips with his family to Wisconsin Dells and to Disney World, morning coffee in Clermont, attending Austin’s basketball games, giving candy to his great-grandchildren and following the Iowa Hawkeyes and the St. Louis Cardinals. Most of all, Gary loved spending time with his family and will be greatly missed by all of them.
Survivors include his two children, Melisa (Gary) Lehmann, Elgin, Carey (Jean) Ash, Cedar Rapids; five grandchildren, Erica (Tim) Brenden, Cedar Falls, Tonya (Travis) Holthaus, Decorah, Brianna Lehmann, Cedar Falls, Emily Ash, Iowa City, Austin Ash, Cedar Rapids; six great-grandchildren, Lauren, Natalie and Jacklyn Holthaus and Camden, Calvin and Cullen Brenden; step-father, Earl Aanes, Fayette and brother, Chuck Ash, Fayette.
Gary was preceded in death by his son, Jamey Ash; sister, Karen Jetr; mother, Ruth Aanes and father, Ronnie Ash.
Visitation was held on Wednesday, January 28, 2015, from 4-7 pm at the Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville, Iowa, and one hour before services at the church on Thursday.
Funeral Services were held on Thursday, January 29, 2015, at 10:30 am at the First United Methodist Church in Fayette, Iowa.
Burial followed in Grandview Cemetery, Fayette, Iowa.
Condolences may be left with: www.graufuneralhomes.com.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville, Iowa, was in charge of arrangements. 5u5
Bernard R. Gehrke
Bernard R. Gehrke, 96, of Independence, died Tuesday, January 27, 2015, in Independence, Iowa.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner with Rev. Susan Friedrich officiating.
Interment will follow at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Sumner.
Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. to service time at the church on Saturday.
Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Sumner is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.
Bernard Richard Gehrke, son of Robert and Amanda (Hack) Gehrke, was born July 6, 1918, in rural Sumner, Iowa. He was baptized on July 23, 1918 and attended country school through eighth grade. He married Eleanor Schortau in March of 1940. The couple had four children.
He farmed near Sumner and Hawkeye for many years, and also drove a feed truck for Fridley Feed Mill and a gravel truck for Croell Redi-Mix both of Sumner. He enjoyed deer hunting, square dancing, horses and music. He was proud of his children who all served in the military. After his divorce, he moved to Independence where he met his longtime companion, Phyllis Murdock, and found another career among the Amish near Fairbank.
He is survived by Phyllis Murdock of Independence; three children, Ronald “Butch” (Peggy) Gehrke of St. Charles, Illinois, Barbara Jo Gehrke of Waterloo, and Rodney “Skip” Gehrke of Lynchburg, Missouri; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; as well as five nieces; two nephews; and a great niece. He is also survived by his many friends in the Amish community.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his oldest son, Richard (Erika) Gehrke of Denver, Iowa (and Phoenix, Arizona); four sisters, Edna (Pete) Metcalf of Hawkeye, Gladys (Ray) Warner of Fayette, Hertha (Neil) Stiyer of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and Ruth (Percy) Foster of Sumner; one brother, Robert (Tootie, Betty) Gehrke of Sumner. Also preceding him in death were his parents-in-law; seven brothers-in-law; and five sisters-in-law.
