Lyle Medberry

Lyle D. Medberry, 74, of Petersburg, died on Friday, February 13, 2015 at

Symphony Nursing Home in Lincoln.

Lyle was born on December 18, 1940 in Elgin the son of John Alton and Eva

Ash Medberry.  He married Florence “Flo” Wages; she preceded him in death.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.  He was a farmer and worked in the

heating and air conditioning business and was a member of the Mason’s.

He is survived by two sons, Frank Medberry of Redding, CA and Dan (Carla)

Medberry of Davenport, IA; one stepdaughter, Tina; two grandchildren Alexis

and Bryana; two step grandchildren, Chelsea and Nathan; two sisters, Lois

Amundson and Donna Murphy; one brother, Charles Medberry; and several

nieces, nephews and cousins.

Cremation was accorded by Springfield Crematory.  Services will be at a

later date.

Lee Bowden

Funeral services for Lee Bowden, 76, of Independence will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 9, at the Presbyterian Church in Independence.

Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Campton Cemetery, Lamont.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 8, at White Funeral Home in Independence.

Lee Bowden was a longtime teacher at Starmont Community School.

Among his survivors are his brother, Gay (Fran) Bowden, of West Union.

Jill Trewin

A Celebration of Life gathering for family and friends of West Union native Jill Trewin, 57, will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union.

All are invited to come during that time to share memories of Jill and enjoy fellowship.

Jill died of cancer on Jan. 24, 2015, in Florida, where she resided.

Robert Utterback

Robert W. “Bob” Utterback, 91, of New Hampton died Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015, at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.

Services were held Monday.

Bonnie Jensen

Bonnie L. Jensen, 75, of West Union, Iowa died Sunday, February 22, 2015 at Palmer Lutheran Health Center, West Union, Iowa.

Bonnie Lou, the daughter of Adrian and Geneva (Thompson) Helgerson, was born June 10, 1939 in Postville, Iowa. 

She attended a Country School in Fayette County, Iowa. 

Bonnie was united in marriage with Richard Jensen in January of 1962.  They later divorced. 

Bonnie worked as a C.N.A. for the Good Samaritan Center in West Union for twelve years.  She then worked for Palmer Lutheran Health Center until her retirement in 2011.

Bonnie is survived by three children, Craig (Sue White) Jensen of Elgin, IA; Janell (Mark) Diemer of Hawkeye, IA; and Jentry Jensen of West Union, IA; nine grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and two sisters, Dixie (Bob) Ruroden of West Union, IA; and Wanda (Allen) Pape of McGregor, IA.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her daughter, Jackie Becker; her parents, Adrian and Geneva; and her brother, Steven Helgerson.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 from 4:00 until 8:00 pm at the West Union United Methodist Church, West Union, Iowa and one hour before services at the church on Thursday.

Funeral Services were held at 10:00 am on Thursday, February 26, 2015 at the West Union United Methodist Church, West Union, Iowa. Rev. Chris Ebbers was the officiant.

Burial was held at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Auburn, Iowa.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Clermont, Iowa assisted the family with the arrangements.        9u9

Ben Koester

Benjamin Richard Koester, 18, of Manchester, Iowa, died Saturday, February 28, 2015, at his home near Manchester.

Benjamin Koester was born September 4, 1996, in Torrance, California, the son of Jay and Cheryl (McLaughlin) Koester. 

He moved with his family to Manchester in 1999 and was educated in the West Delaware Community School district.

Benjamin was a baptized and confirmed member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Eldorado, Iowa.

Benjamin was a senior at West Delaware High School where he enjoyed academics, speech, had wrestled, and played on the West Delaware High School Football team.  He also liked music and enjoyed playing his fiddle. 

Ben loved his family and all animals. His hobbies were motorcycles, fishing  (just like to catch ‘em), hunting fossils, making his parents proud, and interested in everything. He was an amazing brother, always ready for an adventure, he liked to golf with Grampa Dick, and enjoyed doing farm chores with Grampa Ron.

Benjamin is survived by his parents, Jay and Cheryl Koester of Manchester; his brother, Lucas Koester of Ames; his paternal grandfather, Ronald Koester of Eldorado, his maternal grandmother, Colleen McLaughlin of Harlan; aunts and uncles, Jeff (Sandy) Koester of Eldorado, Jim (Lori) Koester of West Union, Kristi (Mark) Meitner of West Union, Melisa (Tim) Lenth of Monona, Ronda Koester of Decorah,  and Dan (Amy) McLaughlin of Overland Park, Kansas; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Arlene Koester, and his maternal grandfather, Richard “Dick” McLaughlin.

Online condolences may be sent through www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Visitation:   After 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester, Iowa.  Friends may also call at First Lutheran Church after 12:00 noon on Thursday.

Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2015, at First Lutheran Church, Manchester, Iowa. Officiating:  Rev. Ginny Olson and Rev. Tony D. Ede.

Interment: Friday, March 6, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. St. Peter’s Cemetery – Eldorado, Iowa

Casket Bearers: Jeff Koester, Jim Koester, Mark Meitner, Tim Lenth, Dan McLaughlin, Rudy Koester

Music: Lynne Rasmussen, Doug Stock        9u9

Eleanor M. Corkery

Eleanor M. Corkery, 83, died on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015, at Macon, Ga. 

A visitation was held from 6 until 7:30 p.m. with the rosary at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at Snow’s Memorial Chapel on Cherry Street, Macon, Ga. 

A Funeral Mass was held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, with Fr. Allan J. McDonald officiating.

Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 3^, at St. Francis Cemetery in Fayette, with Fr. James Brokman officiating.

The family greeted friends and relatives from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette. Light refreshments were served at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fayette, after the committal service.

Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements with Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette assisting with the committal service.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations to Special Olympics, Area Seven (5801 Moseley Dixon Road, Macon, Ga. 31220) or the donor’s favorite charity.

Mrs. Corkery was born in New Britain, Ct. to the late William and Ethel Wells.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Corkery, children, John and Lori Ann Corkery, sister, Shirley Frank, and brothers, Donald and William Wells. She completed her nursing degree and served our country in the Women’s Army Air Corps stationed in Texas, where she met her husband, Eugene Corkery.  She raised her family in a series of stops in Alabama, Nebraska, Colorado, Virginia, and finally, Warner Robins, GA, and then Byron for the last 20+ years.  She was a wonderful woman who loved her family.  She had been a cancer survivor since 1984.

Her memory will be forever treasured by her children, Steven Corkery (Laura) and Mary Beth Cunard (Steve), as well as 11 grandchildren, John Michael Cunard (Kala), Scott Corkery, Jason Cunard (Trinity), Benjamin Cunard, Stephanie Corkery, Sean Cunard (April), Brian Cunard, Caleb Cunard, Kimberly Cunard, Noah Cunard, and Hannah Cunard, as well as one great grandchild, Tucker Cunard; and several nieces and nephews.

Visit www.snowsmacon.com or www.beckermilnesrettig.com to express condolences.

Garry Wiltgen

Garry Wiltgen, age 68, of Calmar, IA, died on Thursday, February 26, 2015, at the Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah, IA, after a short illness.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 2, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar with Rev. Donald Hawes as the officiant.

Interment was held at St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery in Calmar.

Schluter-Balik Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements.

     Garry Richard Wiltgen was born on October 22, 1946, the son of Richard and Viola (Wagner) Wiltgen in Decorah, IA. Garry attended St. Aloysius Catholic School and South Winneshiek High School, graduating in 1964.  He was united in marriage to Dianne Hubka on June 24, 1967, in Protivin, IA.  Garry worked at Wiltgen Construction and drove trucks and loader way before he even got a driver’s license.  Garry purchased Wiltgen Construction in 1987, and this year, they celebrate their 70th year in business. Garry was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church, the Calmar Lions Club, past member of the South Winn Country Club and Calmar Commercial Club.  He served on the Calmar Zoning Commission, Calmar Fire Department and Calmar Development Committee.  He also developed the Rolling Hills Sub Division north of Calmar.  Garry enjoyed working, playing cards, line dancing, going for rides in his ’64 Chevy Impala convertible and the joys of his life were his grandchildren.

     Garry is survived by his wife: Dianne, Calmar, IA.  Three sons: Chad (Kristina) Wiltgen, and sons: Mason & Carter, Decorah, IA; Chris (Nicole) Wiltgen, and Chloe & Augie, Calmar, IA; and Casey (Katie) Wiltgen, and daughter, Maci Pearl, Calmar, IA. One sister: Janet (Jerome) Uhlenhake, Calmar, IA. One brother: Gene Wiltgen and friend, Angie Gaul, LaCrosse, WI. Two sisters-in-law: Linda Schmitt, Calmar, IA, and Jane (Steve) Ellingson, Lawler, IA. Nieces and nephews: Jason Uhlenhake and Josh (Samantha) Uhlenhake, Cory (Laurie) Ellingson, Sara (Ron) Riehle, Lisa Schmitt, Brittany Wiltgen and Travis Wiltgen. 

     Garry was preceded in death by his parents: Viola on August 1, 2001 and Richard “Dick” Wiltgen on July 15, 2005. One brother:  Gerald “Augi” Wiltgen on Sept. 18, 2006. One nephew: Justin Uhlenhake on May 24, 1988.  His father-in-law and mother-in-law: Leonard and Gladys (Frey) Hubka. One brother-in-law: Gary Schmitt.

Dean Bucheit

Dean Joseph Bucheit, 64, formerly of Ossian, died Monday, Feb. 9, 2015, in Los Angeles, Calif.

Arrangements for burial at a later date are pending with Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Ossian.

Donald Peters

Donald Laverne Peters, 77, died peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015, at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 2, at Nazareth Lutheran Church Chapel in Cedar Falls. The Rev. Dennis Hansen officiated.

Interment will be held at a later date in West Union.

Donald Laverne Peters was born on Jan. 26, 1938.

He married Marcella McIntyre on Dec. 9, 1956; they were later divorced.

Known for his hard work and dedicated attitude, Don successfully owned and operated D&S Garbage Service for over 20 years in Black Hawk County. In 1990, with the same motivation and drive for success, Don started a Stanley Steamer Carpet Cleaner franchise in Omaha, Neb.

While in Omaha, Don and his friend Carol Haas created many special memories with family and friends.

In 2009, to be closer to family and loved ones, Don returned to Cedar Falls to stay with his special friend Lorraine “Peg” Schultz Borglum. They spent many days enjoying life and each other’s company.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Joey, Billy, Kathleen and Genevieve; and friend Carol Haas.

He is survived by two daughters, Robin (Mark) Day of Carrollton, Texas, and Beth (Jeff) Kamp of Waterloo; seven grandchildren, Jordan and Jeremy (Sara) Day, Ally (Cody) Hanus, Jill, Jessica and Hunter Dally, and Tyler Kamp; a great-grandson, Colton Hanus; a brother, Bob (Nancy) Peters of Cedar Falls; and special friend Lorraine “Peg” Schultz Borglum of Cedar Falls.         10u10

Lee Bowden

Lee C. Bowden, 76 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Sunday, March 1, 2015, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence.

He was born on June 9, 1938, in Buchanan County, on a farm northwest of Lamont, Iowa, the son of Fred George and Delma Edith (Dopp) Bowden.

He graduated from high school in Lamont, Iowa, with the Class of 1956. He continued his education at Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa, where he graduated in 1960. He later earned a Master of Arts degree in Business Education from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, in 1972.

On November 22, 1961, he and Lynne Ellen Reed were married at Grace United Methodist Church in Lamont. To this union two children were born, Mark Richard and Monte Reed.

Lynne preceded Lee in death in 1986.

On June 23, 1990, he married Linda Kay Menzel at the Union Church in Stanley, Iowa.

Lee taught school for 41 years, teaching first at the Lamont Consolidated School and then as a high school business teacher in the Starmont Community School District, Arlington, Iowa. He retired in 2001.

Lee started flying in 1959 and purchased his Taylorcraft airplane in 1960 prior to earning his private pilot license. Aviation, his airplane and the joy of flying were major parts of his life. He was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the Experimental Aircraft Association, the Taylorcraft Owners Club, the Vintage Aircraft Association, the Taylorcraft formation Flyers Group, the Historic Trail Flyers Group, and the Young Eagles program, which introduces flying to young people.

For many years, Lee was the announcer at the annual air show at the Independence Municipal Airport, and a member of the group of pilots who performed formation flyovers to kick off the Independence 4th of July parade.

He was Scoutmaster of Troop 81 in Lamont for 17 years, helping eight Scouts to attain the rank of Eagle Scout, including his two sons.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Independence and a member of the National Rifle Association.

Lee is survived by his wife, Linda, 2 sons, Mark (Anne) Bowden of Kansas City, Missouri, and Monte (Laura) Bowden of Cedar Falls, Iowa, 4 grandchildren (Chris, Reed, Michael and Braden), 1 brother, Gay (Fran) Bowden of West Union, Iowa, his father-in-law, Robert Reed of Manchester, Iowa, and other in-laws, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, and sister-in-laws Jan Menzel and Patty Menzel.

Funeral Services were held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 9, 2015, at the First Presbyterian Church in Independence with Rev. John Hougen officiating.

Burial was at Campton Cemetery in Lamont.

Friends called for visitation from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, at White Funeral Home in Independence.

A Memorial Fund has been established through the Independence Municipal Airport to help introduce young people to aviation and the joy of flying. 

Online condolences may be left at www.White-MtHope.com.

     10u10

Dennis Bumgardner

Dennis Bumgardner, 70, of Hawkeye died Sunday, March 8, 2015, at Covenant Hospital in Waterloo.

Services are pending with S.K. Rogers Funeral Home of Sumner.

Karol Helgerson

Karol Ann Helgerson, 71, of West Union died unexpectedly on Sunday afternoon, March 8, 2015.

Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Marion Lutheran Church in Gunder.

The funeral service will take place at 4 p.m.

  The burial will follow in the church cemetery.

James Malek

James Edwin Malek, 72, of Dubuque, Iowa, died Monday, March 2, 2015 at home.

Friends greeted the family on Friday, March 6 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Rd, Dubuque.

A private family service followed.

James was born on March 5, 1942 in Cresco, Iowa, son of Edwin and Bonnie (Rygg) Malek.

He married Rena Meyer on November 8, 1964.

James enjoyed working for 42 years at Richardson Motors.

He and his family enjoyed many hours boating on the Mississippi River. He had a passion for snowmobiling, was an avid sports enthusiast, and had a wide range of interests.

James is survived by his wife of 50 years, Rena; sons Jay (Kim) Malek of Asbury, IA and Troy Malek of Lombard, IL; and two grandchildren Alexandra Malek and Nicholas Malek of Asbury, IA.; also surviving a sister Martha Grimes of La Crescent, Minnesota; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Donald Malek.

In lieu of flowers, a James Malek Memorial Fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hoffmannschneiderfuneralhomes.com.         10u10

Kenneth Oelrich

Kenneth G. Oelrich, 64, of Fayette, died Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at University Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City.

Funeral services were held 3 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at Fayette Community Church with Pastor Andrew Sayer officiating.

Friends were invited to call from 1-3 p.m. prior to the services at the church.

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette assisted the family with the arrangements.

Kenneth Glenn, son of Donald and Joyce (Linn) Oelrich was born July 4, 1950, in Manchester, Iowa. He was a 1968 graduate of Starmont High School where he was class valedictorian. He graduated from Upper Iowa University in Fayette with a B.S. On June 25, 1983, he was united in marriage with Loyce Potratz in Oelwein. Kenneth taught school briefly, farmed and milked cows most of his life. He also sold Moorman Feeds. He was a member of Farm Bureau and at one time served as treasurer for the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International. He loved to read, learn new things and was well-informed and up to date on current events. He also was an avid student of studying scriptures.

In addition to his wife, Loyce of Fayette, he is survived by three children, Jedidiah, Joshua, and Abigail Oelrich all of Fayette; three siblings, Jerry Oelrich of Lamont, Judy (Gary) Hansen of Estherville, and James (Linda) Oelrich of Strawberry Point; and his step-mother, Hilda Oelrich of Fayettte.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

John M. Schmitt

John M. Schmitt, 87, Ossian, Iowa died Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at Ossian Senior Hospice, Ossian, Iowa.

Visitation was held from 4-7 p.m. Friday, March 6, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian, and one-hour before Mass at the church on Saturday.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian.  Msgr. Cletus Hawes was the Celebrant.

Burial will followed at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery in Ossian.

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

John Melvin, the son of Conrad and Clara (Kuennen) Schmitt, was born June 18, 1927, in St. Lucas, Iowa. He was united in marriage with Shirley Uhlenhake on September 19, 1949 at St. Aloysius Church, Calmar, Iowa. To this union, eight children were born.  John farmed with his dad for several years before moving to a farm northeast of Ossian in 1950.  John and Shirley moved into Ossian in 1984 and he continued to help at the farm for the next ten years.

John was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian and served on the De Sales School Board.  He also served on the Winneshiek Mutual Insurance Board, the Ossian Senior Housing Board, the Ossian Senior Hospice Board, and the Ossian City Council. He was one of the founding members of the Silver Springs Golf and Country Club and served as their first president.  John enjoyed traveling and spending time with his grandchildren. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.

John is survived by his wife, Shirley; eight children, Gerald (Julie) Schmitt of St. Joseph, Missouri, Susan Croatt of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Cynthia (Dean) Bushman of Graham, Washington, Daniel (Mary Lynn) Schmitt, of Sumner, Iowa, Richard (JoAnn) Schmitt of Dublin, Ohio, Allan (Luann) Schmitt of Ossian, Iowa, David (Anita) Schmitt of West Burlington, Iowa and Margie (Denis) Holien of Ossian, Iowa; twenty-one grandchildren, Sara (B.J.) King, Douglas (Melanie) Schmitt, Emily (Brandon) Holtz, Karen (Chris) Martin, John (Abbey) Croatt, Jason (Jamie) Bushman, Christina (Keith) Taylor, Brooks (Terra) Schmitt, Storm Schmitt, Mitchell Schmitt, Rachel Schmitt, Matthew (Piya) Schmitt, Jennifer (Phil) O’Brien, Kristin (Javier  Guzman) Schmitt, Alyssa (Bob) Bullerman, Chelsea (Tim) Courtney, Ethan (fiancée, Glenda) Schmitt, John Schmitt, Aubrey Schmitt, Chase (Alanda) Holien, and Caitlin Holien; twenty great grandchildren; brother, Sam (Janice) Schmitt of St. Lucas, Iowa; sister, Lorraine (Tom) Friedley of Denver, Colorado and sisters-in-law, Marvelene Smith of Ft. Atkinson and Darlyn Schmitt of Waucoma, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandchildren, Andrew Croatt and Ann Marie Bushman; grandson-in-law, Dana Reicks and two brothers, Luke Schmitt and Ernie Schmitt.

Condolences may be left with www.graufuneralhomes.com

Lillian Mahoney

Lillian Irene Mahoney, 89, of Cedar Rapids, died Tuesday March 10, 2015, that would have been her husband’s 100th birthday.

Memorial Service: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 14, at St. Pius X Catholic Church. 

Inurnment: Grandview Cemetery, Fayette.

A prayer service will begin at 3:30 p.m. with visitation concluding at 7 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Lillian was born May 22, 1925 in Hawkeye Township, the daughter of John and Harriett (Stevens) Smock.

She attended Fayette Schools for 1 and 2 grade- by horse-drawn sled in winter, Stanley School in 3-5 grades and Lima Country School 6-8 grade.

Her first job was babysitting two children and cleaning for her cousin, Hazel Arnold during the summer. She worked at Johnson’s Café in Fayette for several years.

She married Hugh Benjamin Mahoney on December 22, 1945 in Fayette, Iowa. Two children were born to the couple, Carol Kay, born on December 1, 1946 at home in Fayette and John David, born April 13, 1950 in Oelwein.

The family traveled several states in the central US while Mr. Mahoney pursued work as a millwright-settling in Camanche, Arlington, Clinton, Wadena and Marion in later years.

Lillian worked at the West Union Humphry’s Café, Cedar Rapids Sun Mart Deli, Marion Maid-rite and the office at St. Pius X Catholic were she was also a member.

She enjoyed spending time with her good friend, Anita-who taught her the love and art of Ballroom Dancing and participated in the 2005 Dancesport Classic. She enjoyed spending time with family, planting flowers, bird watching, cleaning her home and cooking. 

On Lillian’s 80 birthday it was time to take her first hot air balloon ride and on her 85 birthday she celebrated at Clearwater Farm in Marion with The Everett Boyer Orchestra.

Lillian enjoyed the many trips to Texas with her friend Pat in the 1990’s and having brandy eggnog in coffee with her grandson-in-law.

She is survived by her daughter, Carol Kay (Phil) Crawford of Marion, grandchildren; Bonnie (Mike) Vrba, Carrie (James) Nordman and Daniel Crawford all of the Cedar Rapids and Marion area, John Mahoney of Boone, Melissa Claud of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Mark Mahoney of Boone, great grandchildren; Jacob Vrba, Kade and Kayla Nordman, Madison and Lily Ann Crawford of Cedar Rapids and Marion and Riley, Jarret, Makala and Kelcey Elizabeth of Boone.

Also surviving are nieces and nephews; Debbie, Denise, David, Gordon Joe, Scott, Lisa, Tina, Peggy, John Jr., Larry, Billy, Steve and Bradley. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Hugh Mahoney, her son, John Mahoney and wife Betty, her granddaughter, Elizabeth, her sister, Mary and brothers; John Jr., Gordon, Rodney and Harold, and nephews, Mark and Darrin.

Memorials may be made to Disabled Veterans in memory of Lillian.     11u11

Dennis Bumgardner

Dennis LeRoy Bumgardner passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2015 at Covenant Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa.

Dennis was born on November 26, 1944 to William and Celeste (Hasbrouck) Bumgardner at the hospital in Charles City, Iowa.

He was baptized on December 10, 1944 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greene, Iowa and he was confirmed in Council Bluffs, Iowa. 

Dennis graduated from Fayette High School in 1963. After high school, he attended Upper Iowa University and an auto body trade school.

On October 11, 1964 Dennis was united in marriage to Iva Feller at St. Francis Catholic Church in Fayette, Iowa.

Dennis worked as an auto body repairman and insurance salesman.

Dennis was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sumner and the Hawkeye Lions Club. He served on the Hawkeye city council for many years.

Dennis enjoyed fishing, attending races, and going to his grandchildren’s many activities. He had a passion for music, especially playing the saxophone.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Iva of Hawkeye; two children, Dion (Amy) Bumgardner of Hawkeye and Dawn (Ken) Heitzman of Marion; five grandchildren, Brett (Molly) Bumgardner, Michael Bumgardner, Randi Sue Bumgardner, Adelynn Heitzman, and Genavieve Heitzman; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Wilma and Berdine; and three brothers, Bernard, Galen, and Wilbur.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 am on Friday, March 13, 2015 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sumner with the Rev. Jim Brokman officiating.

Burial followed in Hawkeye Cemetery.

A public visitation was held from 4 pm until 7 pm on Thursday, March 12, 2015 at S.K. Rogers Funeral Home in Sumner with a scripture services held at 6:30 pm.

S.K. Rogers Funeral Home of Sumner was in charge of the arrangements.     11u11

George Wander

George John Wander, 93, of Postville, Iowa died Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Center, Postville, Iowa.

George was born on the family farm in Castalia, Bloomfield Township of Winneshiek County, Iowa on June 20, 1921 to John and Christina (Michel) Wander.

He was baptized at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian, Iowa.

He received his education in the area schools.

George was drafted into service for World War II in 1942, receiving his honorable discharge in January 1946. He spent most of his service time in South Pacific regions of New Guinea and Borneo. After returning from service George helped his father on the farm.

George was united in marriage with Caroline Mueller on August 20, 1946 at West Clermont Lutheran Church by Pastor A. O. Nesset. To this union, two daughters were born, Suzanne and Debra.

George and Caroline farmed the family farm for 37½ years. George was proud of farming without the use chemicals. In 1983 they moved to Postville.

George was always proud to have served his country, always showing great respect for our flag. He and Caroline attended and enjoyed the many Army reunions with the families of his company.

George enjoyed traveling, anything nature and playing cards. His family was important to him.

George is survived by his wife, Caroline of Postville; daughter, Debra (Fred Schneider) Soppe of Elgin and his grandchildren, Darryl (Jessica) Merrick of San Gabriel, California, Jason (Lori) Merrick of Princeton, Kentucky, Jennifer Merrick of Louisville, Kentucky and Derick (fiancée, Erica Brucculeri) Soppe of Greenfield Center, New York.

George was preceded in death by his daughter, Suzanne Merrick in 1999; his parents, John and Christina Wander; brothers, Joe, Jake, Phil and Lloyd and sister, Margaret Schweinefus.

Visitation was on Friday, March 13, 2015 from 4-6 pm at Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Postville, Iowa and one hour before services at the church on Saturday.

Funeral Services were at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at Zion Lutheran Church, Castalia, Iowa with Rev. Alan Wicks as the Officiant.

Burial followed at Pleasant View Cemetery, Castalia, Iowa with Military Rites.

Memorials may be made in George’s honor to Zion Lutheran Church, Postville Ambulance, or the Ossian American Legion.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Postville, Iowa helped the family with the arrangements.               11u11

Kenneth White

Kenneth, A. White died Wednesday, March 11, 2015, surrounded by his family at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.

Funeral services were held Saturday, March 15, at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco.

Burial with Military Rites was in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Cresco.

  Kenneth was born October 31, 1914 in Brooks Iowa to Alfred and Eva (Hardesty) White. At a young age his parents moved the family to rural Howard County, near Cresco. From there, Ken grew to adulthood alongside his three brothers and little sister. Ken helped with the family farm operation before venturing out on his own. 

Ken served in the US Army during WWII spending time in New Guinea, the Philippines and Puerto Rico. He climbed to the rank of sergeant and was considered an “expert machine gunner”.

  Ken and Lillian were married on October 17^th, 1949. Into the marriage, Lil brought with her one son, Robert Linderman and together they had a son, Roger Allen.

He remained a farmer until retiring at the age of 72.

During retirement he replaced farming with garden, which were always large.

In the mid-1990s Ken and Lilly relocated to Hawkeye, Iowa to be closer to the grandkids.

Along with hard working, Ken was a simple, quiet and humble, yet proud, man. He was astute with a keen sense of intelligence, sharp wit and remarkable sense of humor. Though life was serious business, he didn’t take things too seriously, never “sweating the small stuff.”

Ken never passed up the opportunity to lend a hand, partake in a friendly conversation or play a game of cards. He never met anyone who did not become a quick friend. Ken had an uncanny way of attuning himself to every person he engaged with. People, along with their stories, quite simply mattered to him. Those individuals, who were fortunate enough to meet up with Ken along life’s path, were met with a hearty hello and a reluctant good bye. One could not help but walk away feeling appreciated and knowing that they were both “seen and heard.”

Kenneth is survived by his son Roger, daughter-in-law Tammy; granddaughters Richelle (Thomas), Nicolette (Daryl), Renessa (Ryan), Michelle (Adan), Kelly Rae (Adam) and Brenda, an abundance of great grandchildren, his much loved sister-in-law Josephine, numerous nieces and nephews, countless friends, including a few exceptional Maple Crest caregivers (who know who they are), and a rich legacy of love.

He was preceded in death by his wife Lillian, son Robert, parents Alfred and Eva, brothers Howard, Harold and Russell, sister Maxine, and several sisters and brothers-in-law.            11u11