Janet Helgerson

Janet Helgerson, 55, of Clermont died Friday, Oct. 27, 2017, at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital, West Union.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3, at North Fayette Valley Middle School, Elgin.

Inurnment will be held at a later date.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, at West Clermont Lutheran Church, Clermont, and for one hour before services at the school on Friday.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Clermont, is helping the family with the arrangements.

Lorraine (Kittleson) Hoover

Lorraine (Kittleson) Hoover Star Valley Ranch, Wyo., formerly of Clermont, died early on the morning of Oct. 12, 2017. 

She was cremated, and her ashes will be buried in the Thayne, Wyo., cemetery on June 30, 2018.

Lorraine Alice Hoover was born June 30, 1932 in her family’s farmhouse in Clermont, Iowa. Her family included four siblings and parents Clifford and Alice Kittleson. 

Lorraine was a force to be reckoned with at her little high school in Clermont. A talented basketball player and straight A student, she was beautiful and popular. 

After she graduated from Clermont High School in 1949, she attended Luther College in Decorah, where she got her teaching degree. 

Never one to be afraid of hard work, Lorraine spent her summers working jobs that ranged from running the exchange in the telephone office to pulling burrs out of peas on a conveyor belt in a cannery.  

In 1954 Lorraine went West to California to teach at a religious school in North Hollywood. That is where she met and married Donald Hoover in 1955. Eventually they settled in Santa Paula, Calif., where they raised their family.  

Lorraine taught at Isbell Junior High School for 20 years and retired to Star Valley Ranch, Wyo., in 1988.  She enjoyed her time in Star Valley very much, golfing with friends, bird watching and in general rejoicing in life.  

When Don become ill she cared for him until his death in 1996.  

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Alice Kittleson; her husband, Don; and her brothers Dean and Howard.  

She is survived by one brother, Gerald Kittleson; and her sister; Carolyn Ellinghysen; her children, John, Karin, James, and Kristin; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  44u44

Mary Hamilton

Mary Louise Swale Hamilton, 88, of Clarksville, Tenn., and formerly of Victor, Iowa, died on Oct. 12, 2017, at Signature Healthcare of Clarksville.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at Victor United Methodist Church with Rev. Jim Davis officiating.  

Organist was Fred Stieffel. 

Burial was in the Victor Memorial Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Charles Hamilton, David Hamilton, Benjamin Kallemyn, Mitchell Kallemyn, Ted Hamilton and Daniel Kallemyn. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to Victor United Methodist Church.

Mary was born on Sept. 18, 1929 in West Union, the daughter of Albert and Ethel Matzenger Swale. 

Her mother was from Mobile, Ala. and passed away on Jan. 4, 1939 when Mary was 9 years old. She and her three brothers, Albert Jr., Ralph, and Don, were raised by their dad. He had a hard task but did well.

Mary attended Upper Iowa University in Fayette where she studied to be a teacher. Her friends all called her by her nickname of Mort. 

In the summers she worked at the Mental Health Institute in Independence, where she met another Mort, her future husband, Bernard Hamilton.

Mary and Bernard Hamilton of Winthrop were united in marriage on June 4, 1949 at The Little Brown Church in the Vale, Nashua. 

They lived in various places before settling in Winthrop to raise their children Charles, David, and Rosemary.

Mary kept busy working with and enjoying her three.

She also did many things in the United Methodist Church: teaching Sunday school and Bible School, Lay Speaker, a delegate to Annual Conference, and a certified Lab Teacher. 

Boy Scouts took up many family hours with Charles and David becoming Eagle Scouts and their dad serving as Scoutmaster. Later there were five Eagle Scouts in the family and one Gold in Girl Scouts. The entire family rode the El Capitan train to Philmont Scout Ranch in 1966 where everyone participated. 

After their children left home for the U.S. Air Force and college, Mort and Mary moved from Winthrop to Victor. They loved to travel in their Airstream, spending many winters in Florida and visiting their children around the country. They liked living on County Line Road where they enjoyed gardening.

Mary cared for her husband his last eight years, first in Victor and then in Bowie, Md., close to their daughter. They had been married almost 59 years when he passed away. 

Mary moved to Clarksville, Tenn. close to son Charles where she enjoyed playing the piano on Sunday afternoons at Uffelman Estates for the residents to sing hymns.

Her immediate family, mother, father, and three brothers, all preceded her in death. 

She is survived by her three children, Charles (Carole) Hamilton of Clarksville, Tenn., David (Mary) Hamilton of Houston, Texas, and Rosemary (Daniel) Kallemyn of Upper Marlboro, Md.; four grandchildren, Benjamin (Heidi) Kallemyn, San Antonio, Texas, Gretchen Walker (Raymond), Phoenix Ariz., Mitchell (Kristina) Kallemyn, Odenton, Md., and Ted Hamilton, Houston, Texas; and six great-grandchildren, Simon, Caleb, Levi, and Phoebe Kallemyn of San Antonio, Texas and Lillian and Henry Kallemyn of Odenton, Md.         43u43

Verla McIntyre

Verla J. McIntyre, 85, of West Union, Iowa died Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 at Maple Crest Manor, Fayette, Iowa. 

Verla Jean was born Oct. 4, 1932 to Thomas and Ruby (Robbins) Benson. 

She graduated from Elgin High School and attended Cosmetology School in Des Moines.  

Verla was united in marriage with Newell McIntyre on Feb. 24, 1952 at United Methodist Church in Elgin.  She worked as a hairdresser at The Hair Hut in West Union until her retirement.

Verla is survived by her children, Nick (Marjorie) McIntyre of Eldorado, Julie (Wally) Ash of Charles City, Holly (Ron) Heying of West Union, and John (Tami) McIntyre of Hiawatha; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Beverly Yancey; and one brother, Tom (Mary Lou) Benson.

Verla was preceded in death by her husband, Newell McIntyre; one brother, Robert Benson; and her parents.

  Funeral Services were held at 10:30 am on Friday, Oct. 20, 2017 at United Methodist Church, West Union, with Rev. Chris Ebbers as the Officiant.

Burial will be held at a later date at West Union Cemetery, West Union.

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union is helping the family with arrangements.          43u43

Jim Werhan

James Alfred “Jim” Werhan, 79, of West Union died Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017 at Gundersen Health Systems, La Crosse, Wis.

James Alfred was born on Aug. 27, 1938 to Alfred and Eleanor (Bergan) Werhan in Cresco. 

He attended Holy Name Parochial School and graduated from West Union High School, where he was chosen as Homecoming King. 

After graduation, Jim joined and proudly served in the United States Army.

Jim was united in marriage with Sherryl “Sherry” Keig on April 20, 1963 at Holy Name Catholic Church, West Union. Two children were born to this union. 

He was a member of the Holy Name Catholic Church. 

Jim farmed near Lima, worked at Ken’s Conoco in West Union and was a “vault guy” for over 47 years for Reyner Vault and Wilbert Vault. 

In his spare time, Jim coached Little League Baseball, was a leader for Cub Scouts, Webelos and Boy Scout Troop 54 for several years. 

He enjoyed fishing, spending time with his family, the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Green Bay Packers.

Jim is survived by his two children, Kelly (Taina) Werhan of Riverview, Fla. and Karla (Mike) Snyder of West Union; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sisters, Ann (Duane) Moen of Decorah, and Mary Wilbur of Decorah; and one brother, Robert “Pat” Werhan of West Union.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Sherry; parents, Alfred and Eleanor Werhan; one grandson, Craig; three brothers, John, Charles and David Werhan; sister, Ruth Werhan; parents-in-law, Ralph and Lena Keig; brothers-in-law, Ralph Keig Jr. and Harold Wilbur; and one sister-in-law, Katherine Keig.

  Funeral Services were at 10:30 am on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017 at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union, with Rev. Dale Rausch as the Officiant.

Burial will follow at Lima Cemetery, rural Fayette, with Military Rites.

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union, helped the family with arrangements.     43u43

Gladys Hackmann

Gladys Hackmann, 100, of West Union died Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017 at Maple Crest Manor, Fayette. 

Gladys May Yearous was born on March 25, 1917 to Jacob and Ethel (Voshel) Yearous in Elgin. Because of the untimely death of her mother, Gladys was lovingly cared for by her paternal grandparents, Jacob Sr. and Rebecca Yearous until her marriage. 

She attended rural schools and graduated from Elgin High School in 1934. Gladys received her teaching certificate from Iowa State Teachers College and taught four years in rural schools. 

Gladys received Christ as her personal savior and was baptized and became a member of First Baptist Church at the age of 15 years old, where she served faithfully as long as health permitted. 

Gladys was united in marriage with Hugo Hackmann on June 4, 1940.  

At Elgin Baptist Church, Gladys taught Sunday school and Bible School and was a member of the Tabitha Society. 

She enjoyed sewing, reading and entertaining her relatives and friends in her home. She was a farm wife and homemaker and also worked as a secretary at the law office of Traeger and Koempel in West Union for about 25 years.

Gladys is survived by her children, Rachel Munger of Cedar Rapids, Stanley (Dianne) Hackmann of Elgin, and Mark Hackmann of Tempe, Ariz.; three grandchildren, Paul Hackmann, Nathaniel (Nicole) Hackmann and Shawn Munger; one great-grandson, Alex Hackmann; one half-brother, Charles (Charlotte) Yearous of LeClaire; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

Gladys was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years; mother, Ethel Yearous; her father, Jacob Jr. and step-mother, Bertha (Medberry); a brother, Cornelius Yearous; a half-sister, Juanita Guinn; a half-brother, Jerome Yearous; a son-in-law, Ted Munger; and a grandson, Christopher Munger.

  Funeral Services were at 11 am, on Friday, Oct. 20, 2017 at First Baptist Church, Elgin, with Rev. Lee Boleyn as the Officiant.

Burial followed at Elgin Cemetery, Elgin.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church and the West Union Library.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elgin helped the family with arrangements.    43u43

Dave Melchert

David J. Melchert, 62, of Maynard died Sunday morning, Oct. 29, 2017 at Mercy Hospital of Franciscan Sisters in Oelwein surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11 A.M. Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein with Father Ray Atwood officiating.

Visitation: 3 to 8 P.M. Thursday and from 9 to 10:15 A.M. Friday at Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Maynard. Knights of Columbus Rosary: 3 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home. Parish Scripture Service: 8 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home

Inurnment: Long Grove Cemetery, Maynard and St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery, Worthington.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com.

David Joseph Melchert was born July 4, 1955 at Monticello, Iowa, the son of Alfred Earnest and Ramona (Bacon) Melchert.  

In 1973, he graduated from Maquoketa Valley High School in Delhi.  

On May 15, 1976, he was united in marriage to Janet Ann White at Worthington.  This union was blessed with three children, Jay, Cristy and Jodi.  

After high school Dave did construction work for seven years and then was employed at Kramer Brothers in Monticello for 11 years. In 1991, he purchased Oelwein Dairy Supply in Oelwein and in 2002, he moved the business to West Union and is still operating under the name United Dairy Systems. 

Janet died on November 1, 1997.  

On Oct. 21, 2000, he was united in marriage to Cheryl Kay Oltrogge Tyler at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Maynard. 

Dave was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein and Knights of Columbus 3^rd Degree of the Oelwein Council #1168.  

He was also a volunteer firefighter for 35 years, safety officer for five years, served on the Emergency Management for Fayette County, the DeLaval Dealer Advisory Board and was Master Gardener for seven years.  

Dave was an avid Hawkeye fan.  He loved his work, gardening and most of all spending time with his grandkids.  He always said, “Every day is a good day.”

Dave is survived by his wife: Cheryl Melchert of Maynard; three children: Jay (Kim) Melchert of Oelwein, Cristy (Chuckie) Geilenfeld of Urbandale and Jodi (Cori) Little of Hazleton; two step-children: Zac (Lois) Tyler of Westgate and Megan (Amy Johnson) Tyler of Davenport; 12 grandchildren: Damon and Joslynn Melchert, Logan and Damon Penhollow, Kennedy and Nile Geilenfeld, Addi Miller,

Emma, Charlie and Jared Little and John and Jed Tyler; mother: Ramona Melchert of Hopkinton; four brothers: Doug (Lynn) Melchert of Hopkinton, Chuck (Becky) Melchert of Hopkinton, Gary (Cindy) Melchert of Hopkinton and Stan Melchert of Geneseo, Ill.; one sister: Nancy (Jeff) Uden of Hudson; and many nieces and nephews.

 He was preceded in death by his father: Alfred; first wife: Janet; and parents-in-law.        44u44

Carmen Loftsgard

Carmen Dean Loftsgard, age 87, of Fort Wayne, IN, and having family in Huntington County, IN, died Oct. 27, 2017, at Lutheran Life Villages, in Fort Wayne.

Mr. Loftsgard spent most of his professional career in construction, working for many years as a foreman for the Kirk Gross Co. in Iowa.

He attended Iowa State University for one year, and served in the United States Army in Korea during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. 

He was a member of the West Clermont Lutheran Church in Clermont, IA, and the Independence United Methodist Church in Independence, IA.

  He was born July 18, 1930, in Elgin, IA, to Theodore and Nora Nelson Loftsgard. 

He married Mary Wetmur on July 8, 1956, at the Independence United Methodist Church, in Independence, IA, and she preceded him in death on Sept. 11, 2006.

  Surviving are two daughters, Theresa (Scott) Trauner, of rural Huntington, and Denise (Don) McFarland, of Griffin, Georgia; a son, Brad (Bonita) Loftsgard, of Bradenton, FL; a sister, Annabelle Flores, of Lee’s Summit, MO; six grandchildren; Nicole (Travis) Edwards, of Atlanta, GA; Jennifer (Matthew) Rowe, of Denver, CO; Erica Harriss, of Lake City, FL; Adam Trauner, of Houston, TX; Matthew Bates, of Bonney Lake, WA; and Lyndsay (Tommy) Bottichio, of Marietta, GA; and seven great-grandchildren.

  A private service will be held at a later date. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, in Ladysmith, WI.

  Preferred memorials are to Lutheran Life Villages Foundation or the VA Northern Indiana Health Care System, in care of Deal-Rice Funeral Home, 338 E. Washington St., Huntington, IN 46750.

Online condolences to dealricefuneralhomes.com.     44u44

Steven Franzen

Steven A. “Lamar” Franzen, 53, of Hawkeye died Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017 at his home in Hawkeye. 

Steven Al was born Jan. 6, 1964 to Florian and Patricia (Carter) Franzen in West Union.  

He was baptized and confirmed at Holy Name Catholic Church in West Union.

He was a member of North High School Class of 1983. 

Steven was united in marriage with Marlys Schmalle on May 11, 2016. 

He worked on the railroad, drove a truck and did custom farming for Steve Bushman. 

Lamar had a passion for coyote hunting and was a mentor for many other hunters. He was well known for his dogs “Running Walkers”, which were some of the best dogs around.

Lamar also enjoyed riding his Harley and working on cars.

Lamar is survived by his wife, Marlys of Hawkeye; a daughter, Alicia (Kyle Ostrander) Franzen of West Union; granddaughter, Kylie Marie Ostrander; parents, Florian and Pat Franzen of Hawkeye; step-daughters, Angela Bohle of Ohio, Andrea (Curtis) Davis of Altoona, and Kimberly Kallis of Spring Grove, Minn.; siblings, Keith Franzen of Hawkeye, Mark (Julie) Franzen of Elgin, John Franzen and Paul Franzen of Hawkeye; and his dogs, Beaver, Banjo, Rusty, Pearl and Hoss.

Lamar was preceded in death by his grandparents, several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and father-in-law, Verdell Schmalle.

Steve fought his disease hard and never gave up.  He would like to impress upon everyone that acid reflux caused his esophageal cancer, and he would urge everyone to talk to their doctors to be checked.

Funeral Services were held at 11 am on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017 at Holy Name Catholic Church, West Union, with Rev. Dale Rausch as the officiant.

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union, helped the family with arrangements.     44u44

Willet Miller

Willet William Miller (89) passed away at his home on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017, surrounded by family and loved ones. 

Visitation will be held Friday, Nov. 3, from 4 – 7 pm at West Clermont Lutheran Church, and a memorial service will be on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 11 am, also at West Clermont Lutheran Church. Additional visitation will be held from 10 am until service time at the church.

Willet was born March 5, 1928, to William and Gussie (Kuppan) Miller. 

He was baptized and confirmed at West Clermont Lutheran Church, and he graduated from Clermont High School in 1945. 

In 1948 he married his childhood sweetheart Lois Olson.

The Millers began farming in 1948 and established a registered dairy herd called “Wilomi Holsteins.” Willet and Lois were the first farmers in Fayette County to be recognized as total cooperators with the Soil Conservation Service. 

In 1978 his son Christian purchased their farm, and Willet began working as a claims adjuster for Farmer’s Mutual and Grinnell Mutual Insurance Company until he retired in 1990.

Willet became a Mason in 1970. 

In 1971 he joined the Shrine and the Northeast Iowa Shrine Motor Clowns. He purchased a unicycle on his 46^th birthday and performed as “Wheelie” the clown. Willet rode in a total of 763 parades throughout the years, helping to raise funds for the crippled and burned children’s hospitals. He was also a member of Clowns of America, International Unicycle Assn, Unicycle Society, and “On One Wheel.” He acquired skills of juggling, tight wire walking, diesel sticks, roller balls, unicycle on the tight wire, and was a master with balloon sculpturing.

He was active in the Republican Party and served as Fayette County Chairman, District Delegate, State Delegate, and a Regan Delegate in the 1976 Republican Convention. 

Willet loved nature and described the beauty and magnitude of nature with poetry. 

He also wrote many humorous poems describing actual events. He had a keen wit and loved puns that the grandkids called “Grandpa Jokes.” 

Willet was an avid sports fan and made countless trips to Chicago to see the “Wait till next year” Cubs. He was also a big fan of the Chicago Bears, Iowa Hawkeyes, and local schools. He enjoyed watching family members and grandchildren participating in sports. Another highlight was skydiving on his 80^th birthday. 

His greatest love was his wife Lois and his entire family.

Willet will be missed by Lois, his loving wife of 69 years, five children: Leslie (Pauline) Miller of Ames, Paul (Carol) Miller of Clermont, Christian (Stephania) Miller of Clermont, Caroline (Kevin) Bemiss of West Union, David (Karen) Miller of Clermont; his sister Augusta Jensen of West Union; 17 grandchildren: Zach (Amanda) Miller, Sarah Miller, Jennifer (Mike) Elsbernd, Lisa (Matt) Grimm, John (Amber) Miller, Christopher (Kate) Miller, Alissa (Charlie) Gunsolly, Marcel Coco, Anton (Jarka) Coco, Patrik Coco, Laura (Tim) Remus, Andrew (Dani) Haskenhoff, Kedrick Bemiss, Jenna Bemiss, Kjerstin Miller, Rebecca Miller, and William Miller; 16 great-grandchildren: Elsa, Sylvia, Thorin, Bryce, Kaelyn, Layla, Brenna, Liam, Alyssa, Ben, Ava, Ian, Filip, Jozefina, Camden and Lennon. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Gussie Miller; and two sisters, Beryl Swenson and Mildred Habeger.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials that will be given to the Shrine Hospital and West Clermont Lutheran Church.     44u44

Janet Helgerson

Janet Helgerson, 55, of Clermont died Friday, Oct. 27, 2017, at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital, West Union.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3, at North Fayette Valley Middle School, Elgin.

Inurnment will be held at a later date.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, at West Clermont Lutheran Church, Clermont, and for one hour before services at the school on Friday.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Clermont, is helping the family with the arrangements.

Lorraine (Kittleson) Hoover

Lorraine (Kittleson) Hoover Star Valley Ranch, Wyo., formerly of Clermont, died early on the morning of Oct. 12, 2017. 

She was cremated, and her ashes will be buried in the Thayne, Wyo., cemetery on June 30, 2018.

Lorraine Alice Hoover was born June 30, 1932 in her family’s farmhouse in Clermont, Iowa. Her family included four siblings and parents Clifford and Alice Kittleson. 

Lorraine was a force to be reckoned with at her little high school in Clermont. A talented basketball player and straight A student, she was beautiful and popular. 

After she graduated from Clermont High School in 1949, she attended Luther College in Decorah, where she got her teaching degree. 

Never one to be afraid of hard work, Lorraine spent her summers working jobs that ranged from running the exchange in the telephone office to pulling burrs out of peas on a conveyor belt in a cannery.  

In 1954 Lorraine went West to California to teach at a religious school in North Hollywood. That is where she met and married Donald Hoover in 1955. Eventually they settled in Santa Paula, Calif., where they raised their family.  

Lorraine taught at Isbell Junior High School for 20 years and retired to Star Valley Ranch, Wyo., in 1988.  She enjoyed her time in Star Valley very much, golfing with friends, bird watching and in general rejoicing in life.  

When Don become ill she cared for him until his death in 1996.  

Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Alice Kittleson; her husband, Don; and her brothers Dean and Howard.  

She is survived by one brother, Gerald Kittleson; and her sister; Carolyn Ellinghysen; her children, John, Karin, James, and Kristin; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  44u44

Janet Helgerson

Janet Kay Helgerson, 55, of West Union, Iowa, passed away Friday, Oct. 27, 2017, at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital, West Union, after a nearly four-year battle with cancer.  

She was born Dec. 31, 1961, to Kenneth and Beverly (Howard) Strong in Postville. 

She was baptized and confirmed at Illyria Community Church in rural Elgin. 

Janet graduated from Valley High School, Elgin in 1980. She attended the University of Northern Iowa for two years before transferring to Luther College in Decorah, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education with an emphasis in piano performance.  

Janet was united in marriage with Michael Helgerson on April 17, 1982, at Illyria Community Church, Elgin. Three children were born to this union, Leah, Robert and John. 

Janet began her career in 1986 at Valley Elementary, teaching general music before taking on duties at the Valley Junior High and High School in 1989. “Mrs. H.,” as her students knew her, grew the vocal music program over the next several years to record participation numbers. Janet contributed her musical talents to many extracurricular school and community activities throughout the years and chaperoned students several times on the Iowa Ambassadors of Music trips to Europe. 

Janet was a member of West Clermont Lutheran Church, where she was the longtime accompanist and organist. 

Janet was a wonderful daughter, wife, mother and grandmother and treasured the times when the house was full of family and laughter. She was extremely proud of her three children and loved watching her two grandsons grow into bright young boys. 

In her free time, Janet enjoyed traveling, visiting with friends and family, reading and cooking.

Janet is survived by her husband of 35 years, Michael, of West Union; her children, Leah (Martin) Broman of Minneapolis, Minn., Robert (Danielle) Helgerson of Lisbon and John Helgerson of Des Moines; two grandchildren, Lucas Broman and Evan Helgerson; her parents, Kenneth and Beverly Strong of Elgin; siblings Chris (Robyn) Strong of Elgin, Carol (Leon) Griebenow of Elgin and Linda (Rick) Davis of Wadena; and several nieces and nephews. Janet was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Harold and Zella Strong and maternal grandparents, Archie and Alice Howard; and parents-in-law, Thelmer and LaRue Helgerson. 

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, at North Fayette Valley Middle School, Elgin, with Rev. Phillip Olson as the officiant.

Inurnment will be at a later date.

The family has set up a memorial fund in Janet Helgerson's name at Kerndt Brothers Bank at 205 N. Vine Street, West Union, IA 52175 or 200 Mill Street, Clermont, IA 52135. Donations can be sent to the banks directly or sent in care of Mike Helgerson at 8136 Harness Road, West Union, IA 52175. 

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Clermont, helped the family with the arrangements.     45u45

John O'Hara

John Roger O’Hara, 84, passed away at his home in Decorah on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by the Rev. Phillip Gibbs on Thursday, Nov. 2, at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Decorah.

Interment was in the church cemetery. 

Casket bearers were Ryan Sparrgrove, Joshua Sparrgrove, Travis Sparrgrove, Montana Bohr, Jesse Halweg, Colten Kinnison, Zach Benda, and Cavin Bohr.

Arrangements were handled by Schluter-Balik Funeral Home in Decorah.

John was born Sept. 23, 1933, the son of Joseph and Catherine (Ryan) O’Hara in rural Allamakee County.

John graduated from St Patrick’s Catholic School in Waukon in 1952. 

John married Kathleen Ryan on May 14, 1960 and to this union five children were born. The couple later divorced. 

John always wanted to be a farmer and to that end he worked for various farmers until he was given the opportunity to operate his own farm in the Frankville area. In 1968 John realized his dream and bought a farm in Glenwood Township. On this farm he raised dairy cows, hogs and horses as well as the crops to feed them. For a number of years he was also a Funk’s seed corn dealer. John learned how to raise dairy heifers for showing even though he had never been in 4-H. 

His love of horses was embraced by his children and he enjoyed riding in a couple of parades. John enjoyed showing off his refurbished tractors in parades and rides with the Rivers and Bluffs Tractor Club. He was an avid fan of classic country music and dancing. 

On Aug. 21, 1999 John was united in marriage to Jenny Larson. Together they enjoyed dancing, playing cards, bowling, having friends over for coffee and a little traveling. In 2002 they moved into Decorah. 

John continued to help out at the farm as often as he could. 

As important as his farm was to him, John put his family first by hosting the annual O’Hara family reunion, holiday celebrations, and attending events that involved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He taught his children to be good workers, to be a good sibling, build a fence, drive a tractor, how to dance, but especially how to be a good parent.   

John was preceded in death by his loving wife of 18 years, Jenny; his parents Joseph and Catherine O’Hara; his siblings Francis Schwarz, Dorothy (Barney) Zeimet, Donald (Janet) O’Hara, Robert O’Hara, Jim (Mae) O’Hara, and Kathryn (Tony) Scudella.

He is survived by his brother Kenneth (Shirley) O’Hara of Waukon; his five children: Peggy (John) Sparrgrove of Castalia, Kayleen (Jerry Gray) Kinnison of Mazomanie, Wis., Patsy (Mark Hageman) O’Hara of Decorah, Roger (Katrina McCabe) O’Hara of Decorah, and Keri (Tim) Sand of Mabel, Minn.; his stepchildren: Chuck Larson of Waukon, Steve (Jean) Larson of Livermore, Deanne (John) Stogdell of Mt. Pleasant, and Thomas (Karen) Larson of Richfield, Minn.; 25 grandchildren: Ryan (Brianne) Sparrgrove, Amanda, Joshua, Travis Sparrgrove; Mikayla Kinnison, Colten (Meghan Kerrigan) Kinnison, Jesse          (Alyssa) Halweg, Jenna (Scott Cole) Halweg, Montana and Cavin Bohr; Zach, Desiree Benda; Addyson, Isabella, Gabrielle Sand; Kristen (Jim) Quayle; Michael Poole, Jeremy Larson, Jessica (Matt) Emerson, Christopher Larson, Eric  (Becky) Larson, Karen (Dallas) Clark, Jeff (Shawna) Larson, John Russ Stodgell, Conrad Stodgell, Thomas Stodgell, Rachel and Sarah Larson; 22 great-grandchildren: Dillion, Blake, Chloe Sparrgrove; Taylor Sparrgrove-Nelson; Brekin, Brinley Halweg; Grayson Benda; Mike Woodruff; Lexie Hobson; Brianne Rice; Cameron Emerson; Jacob, Connor Larson; Dane, Camden, Hazel Clark; Eddie, Charlotte, Logan, Kendra Larson; Gabrielle, Hendrix Stodgell; and numerous generations of nephews, nieces, and friends.

    45u45

John Meyer

John Charles Meyer, 83, completed his Baptismal journey in the early morning of Nov. 3, 2017, stepping into the arms of Jesus while in loving care at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood, Iowa. Though John lost his 21-year battle with cancer, his spirit lives eternally.

John Charles Meyer was born June 18, 1934 in Ossian, Iowa, the son of Lawrence and Ethel (Schutte) Meyer. 

He graduated from Ossian High School in 1952, and went on to marry his sweetheart, Elaine Lois Groth, July 4, 1954 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville.

John began a 20-year career in the United States Air Force in October of 1954. He served four years enlisted prior to attending Wartburg College in Waverly, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in German. 

Shortly following graduation, John returned to the Air Force, completing Officer Training School, and retired a Major on Dec. 1, 1978. Serving his country for 20 years, John's assignments took him, his bride, and growing family around the United States and the world, including Germany, Japan, Okinawa, Iceland, Colorado, Montana, Mississippi, Texas, and Indiana. John also served a tour of duty in Vietnam.

After serving his country as an airman, John returned to Iowa to serve the Lord and his community, first as the administrator of the Postville Community Hospital, Postville, for eight years, and then as the administrator of the Lutheran Retirement Home, Northwood, for nine years, until retiring from professional service June 30, 1999.

In retirement John and Elaine enjoyed traveling together for 18 years, visiting friends and relatives, and supporting their many philanthropic causes. 

John was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church, Northwood, the Northwood Lions Club, and Our Buddies VFW Memorial Post 6779, Northwood.

John was admired by the many people whose lives he touched. 

His memory will be cherished by those who knew him, including his wife of 63 years, Elaine (Groth) Meyer; his five children, John Dennis Meyer of Springfield, Ore., Laverne Bruce Meyer (Carol) of Elgin, Rebecca Lynn Trump of Denver, Colo., Elizabeth Ann Billmeyer (Jack) of Postville, and Anneliese Kay Schneider (David) of Golden, Colo.; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two sisters and two brothers; many nieces and nephews, other extended family members, and countless friends. 

John was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Ethel Meyer.

Visitation will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, 2017, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. South, Northwood, Iowa, and at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.

Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, at the First Lutheran Church, 309 North 9th Street, Northwood, Iowa, with the Reverend Barbara Wills officiating. 

Military honors will be conducted at the church Saturday by members of Our Buddies VFW Memorial Post 6779, Northwood, and members of the United States Air Force Honor Guard. 

Burial will follow in the Postville Cemetery, Postville.

    45u45

Carolyn Koester

Carolyn Koester, 70, of West Union passed away peacefully Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, at the Good Samaritan Society – West Union due to complications of scleroderma.

Services were held Tuesday, Nov. 7, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado.

After 25 years of struggling with the disease, Carolyn donated her body to Mayo Health Clinic in an effort to further the study of scleroderma.

Carolyn Koester was born Feb. 15, 1947, in Lincoln, Neb. She was the daughter of Robert and Helene (Alfrey) Asher.

Early in her life, she and her family moved from Lincoln and settled in Thornton, Colo., a suburb of Denver.

During her childhood, Carolyn grew a love for Colorado that she never lost, including views of the mountains, camping with her father and siblings and, of course, the Broncos.

This is where Carolyn was also baptized in the Christian faith on April 1, 1956, and confirmed in the Lutheran Church on May 27, 1962.

After graduation from Thornton (Colo.) High School, Carolyn discovered she had an allergy to the grass on the Colorado State University campus, which led her to change plans and transfer to Dana College in Blair, Neb. This is where she met Kenneth Koester.

The couple were married Aug. 26, 1967, and immediately started traveling for military service. During their travels, their sons were born, and they met many of their lifelong friends, who remained important to her until the end.

Upon returning to the Koester family farm near Eldorado, Iowa, Carolyn held a variety of positions in community businesses until 1988, when she returned to Luther College to obtain a degree in social work.

When she received her B.A. degree in 1992, her passionate advocacy for the rights of elderly members of society began. 

Unfortunately, this was also the year that Carolyn was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called scleroderma.

Carolyn worked as a social worker for several adult care facilities in northeast Iowa. The majority of her working years were spent at the Good Samaritan Society – West Union. During this time she worked with many boards and organizations to ensure that the highest quality of care was being provided to residents of these facilities.

She also worked closely with the Alzheimer’s Association to help with fundraising. With her guidance, there were several years in a row when the West Union Alzheimer’s Memory Walk was one of the largest fundraising efforts in the state of Iowa.

Outside of her career, Carolyn will be remembered by her family as passionately loving her grandchildren and her flowerbeds. Over the years, her scleroderma limited the activities in which she could participate. However, she loved being present. She was at all of the music, acting and athletic events she could possible attend. She loved the noise of all her grandchildren playing together. Most of all, she just loved being near them and watching them mature. Until recent years, Carolyn would work with the grandchildren to plan and execute extremely colorful flowerbeds that she enjoyed watching flourish.

Upon reflection, the word that best defines the life of Carolyn Anne (Asher) Koester is passionate. She was passionate about her family, especially the love of her grandchildren. She was passionate about the rights and respectful care of the elderly. She was passionate for many years about fundraising and partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association. If she cared about an issue, her passion was reflected in her actions and words surrounding that issue.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Kenneth Koester of West Union; her children, Kenneth II and Kimberly (Jones) of Spokane, Wash., and Michael and Phyllis (Davis) Koester of Manlius, N.Y.; her grandchildren, Bret and Sally (Wagner), Joshua, Mariah, Asher, Preston and Claire Koester; her siblings, Catherine (Asher) Lombardi, Richard Asher, and Kevin Asher; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws, Charlie and Frances (Wagner) Koester; and her brother, Robert Asher.  46p46

Paula Ege

Paula Charlotte Ege, 86, of Hawkeye passed away peacefully after a short five-month stay at the Good Samaritan Home in West Union on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017.  

Paula was born on July 14, 1931 in Clermont to Alpha and Vera (Meyer) Hangartner.  

Paula and her three sisters, Glenice, Vera, and Darla grew up on a farm just outside of Clermont.  She enjoyed life on the farm and spent a lot of time hanging out with her dad. Paula was a very active young lady, even in the wintertime. She enjoyed ice skating on the Turkey River and cross-country skiing around the farm and woods nearby.

Paula was united in marriage with Paul Dean Bement of West Union in 1948 and they lived in a cute quonset house on Cherry Street in West Union. Her first child, Paul Dean, was stillborn.  Afterwards, she had Paul Garry Bement and Kenneth Dean Bement.  

Her husband Paul passed away in 1967.  

Paula had another bouncing baby boy, Jeremy Leroy Bement. After marrying Dennis Robert Ege, she finally had her first girl, Kerrilee Roberta Ege in 1975. In 1976, the family moved to Main Street in Hawkeye.  

Paula was a very hard worker.  She cleaned houses for folks and also did interior painting and wall papering. 

She had a large garden at home as well as smaller flower gardens around the house. Paula is best known for her large cactus collection and for her cake decorating. She was actually interviewed by the Waterloo Courier newspaper for her cactus collection. 

Cake decorating was a special hobby of hers.  She did cakes for all occasions and her gift to some family members for weddings was the cake! 

Paula also enjoyed collecting salt and pepper shakers and had quite the collection. 

Finally, one of her greatest joys was hosting family get-togethers. She hosted all the main holidays, including the summer family picnic at Backbone State Park in Strawberry Point. 

Paula is survived by one sister; Glenice Thompson of Decorah; her sons; Paul (Tina) Bement of Auburn and Jeremy (Lynn) Bement of Burnsville, Minn.; daughter-in law, Karen Bement of Elgin; and daughter Kerrilee (Keith) Bunge of Redmond, Wash.; along with many grandkids and great-grandkids who were her pride and joy.

Paula also wrote many poems and many were published. A poem she wrote that was published in the poetry book, Impressions, published in 1986. 

Visitation will be held from 10 am to 1 pm on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017 at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union.

There will be a private family inurnment at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Auburn.

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation service, West Union, is helping the family with arrangements.     46u46

Donna Flick

Donna Sue Flick, 72, of Wadena and longtime resident of Sioux City, died at her home on Monday, Nov. 6, 2017. 

Donna Sue was born Oct. 2, 1945 to Melvin and Virginia (Guinn) Heuton in Sioux City. 

She graduated from Central High School in Sioux City.

Donna was united in marriage with Ronald Flick on Dec. 17, 1966. Two children were born to this union.

Donna and Ron were longtime residents of Sioux City before moving to Mission Viejo, Calif., in 1987. They retired back to Iowa in 2007 where they made their home in the Lima area.     

She enjoyed cooking, gardening, canning, quilting and talking with friends over a cup of tea.

Donna is survived by her husband, Ronald Flick of Wadena; children Rhonda (Ed) Betsworth of Cedar Rapids and Donald (Teresa) Flick of California; grandchildren Elena, Jannessa, Apollo and Larrissa Betsworth; and siblings Tennis (Patti) Heuton, Mary Homesly and Betty (Bruce) Stroman.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Virginia; and one brother, Mike Heuton.

Funeral Services were held at 1 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017 at Lima Church, 16550 Heron Rd., Wadena, IA 52169.

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

Theresa (Langreck) Zipse

Theresa M. (Langreck) Zipse, 97, formerly of St. Lucas, died Oct. 29, 2017, in Owatonna, Minn.

She was interred in Grandview Cemetery in Austin, Minn.

Robert Kime

Robert K. Kime, 79, of Fayette died Monday, Nov. 13, 2017 at Mercy Hospital of Franciscan Sisters in Oelwein.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, Nov. 17, 2017, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fayette with Rev. Don Komboh celebrating.

Burial followed at the church cemetery with military rites provided by American Legion Post #339 of Fayette. 

Memorials may be made to the family for later designation. 

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette assisted Bob’s family. 

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

Robert Keith, son of Byron and Pearl (Richardson) Kime, was born Nov. 29, 1937, in Waterloo. 

He was baptized in the Lutheran Faith in Waterloo and later confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye. 

He received his early education in the country schools of rural Hawkeye and would later receive his G.E.D. 

Bob served in the United States Marine Corps from 1956 prior to being honorably discharged in 1958. 

On June 6, 1959, he was united in marriage with Irma Bouska at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waucoma. The couple made their home in rural Fayette and farmed for many years. 

In addition to farming, he also was an electrical lineman. 

Bob was a longtime member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fayette, American Legion Post #339 of Fayette, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers #55. 

He enjoyed the Green Bay Packers, bird watching, Western movies, and playing cards (especially Wizard with the grandkids). 

Bob is survived by his wife, Irma of Fayette; seven children, Cindy Kime of Oelwein, Lori Kime of Fayette, Sharon (Mike) Rettinger of Oelwein, Lori Kime of Fayette, Chris (Kim) Kime of Hawkeye, Dean (Patty) Kime of Merrill, Lisa (Warren) Steinkamp of Ankeny, and Ed (Lori) Kime of Sumner; 25 grandchildren, Kaleb, Collin, and Mikaela Kime, Kari, Andrew, Benjamin, and Noah Rettinger, Abby (Brandon) Bohlen, Sam (Kelli Sorenson), Maggie, and Lily Kime, Lukas, and Ryan Olson, Michael, and Steven (Brittney Treloar) McAllen, Mitchell and Nicholas Kime, Erin (Tyler) Casey, and Beth Bonnichsen, Ethan, Brady, Jestin, James, Kiley, and Owen Kime; six great-grandchildren, Van, and Declan Kime, Jayla, Remington, and Annabelle McAllen, and Sophia Casey; two brothers, Byron (Catherine) Kime Jr. of Bettendorf, and Dave Kime of Hazleton; one sister, Mary (Walt) Wehlry of Las Vegas, Nevada; one sister-in-law, Mary Kime of Sumner; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Keith, who died in infancy, and Kraig, who died in 2012; one grandson, Aaron Rettinger, who died in 2004; one brother, William; and one sister-in-law, Linda Kime.                47u47