Vera Winter

Vera J. Winter, 94, of Sumner, formerly of Waucoma, died Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018, at Hillcrest Home in Sumner.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at St. Peter Lutheran Church – Richfield with Rev. Wayne Ellingson and Irmgard Ellingson officiating.  

Interment followed at Alpha Cemetery. 

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Sumner was in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the family for later designation.  

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

Vera June, daughter of Ernest and Rena (Knief) Miller, was born June 10, 1923, at Sumner on the Miller Family Farm. 

She was baptized July 1, 1923, and confirmed April 11, 1937, both at St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner.

Vera received her early education in the rural Sumner Schools and graduated from Sumner High School in 1940. 

On Feb. 25, 1941, she was united in marriage with Oliver August Winter at St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner. The couple farmed in rural Waucoma for 47 years. Vera was very active on the farm, where she milked cows, raised chickens and did many other daily tasks. The couple retired from farming in 1989.

Oliver’s death occurred in 1998. 

Vera remained on the farm until moving to the Hillcrest Home in Sumner in November 2016. 

She was a longtime member of St. Peter Lutheran Church – Richfield, where she was very active in WELCA and the Faith, Hope, and Charity Circle.

Vera was also a member of the Waucoma Jolly Old-Timers, Happy Hearts, Fayette County Chapter of the American Cancer Society, Eden Township Homemakers, Alpha School P.T.A, and the Alpha Cemetery Board. 

She was an avid collector, whether it be salt and pepper shakers or chicken decorations. Vera also enjoyed scrapbooking and gardening.

Vera is survived by her four children, Joyce (Jed) Grover of North Pole, Alaska, Roger (Karen) Winter of Waucoma, Doris (Karl) Erickson of Falls City, Neb., and Kevin (Tammy) Winter of Waucoma; a son-in-law, Jon Harrison of Maynard; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Leo Miller of Orlando, Fla.; and a sister-in-law, Ruth Miller of New Hampton.

In addition to her parents and husband, Oliver, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Wanda Harrison; a great-granddaughter, Serenity Grover; four brothers, Elmer, Les, Cletus, and Ray Miller; a sister, Lorinda Meyer; and four siblings who died in infancy.      10u10

Don Pape

Donald H. Pape, 86, passed away Feb. 21, 2018, at his home in Sun City, Ariz., surrounded by loving family.

Don was born Aug. 12, 1931 in Eldorado to Henry and Mildred (Osmundson) Pape. 

He graduated from West Union High School in 1950 and then attended Gates Business College in Waterloo. 

He took a job at the Black Hawk County Treasurer’s Office, walking across the bridge of the Cedar River from the YMCA where he stayed until purchasing a car about a year later. He then worked as a bookkeeper for West Union Motor Company until about 1958, when he joined Iowa National Insurance Co. in Cedar Rapids as an underwriter. In 1968, Don moved to Phoenix, Ariz., where he continued his career as an insurance underwriter until retiring in 1984.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Kay (Catherine) Pape, and daughter-in-law Mary Beth Miller, both of Arizona; sister Kathleen Traeger of Hawkeye; brother Daryl (Mary) Pape of Fayette; a sister-in-law, Ellen Caravello of North Phoenix; grandchildren Nicole Brown and Scott (Stacy) Miller; four great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews Judy Jellings, Jan Baade, Rhonda Bemis, Greg Vagts, Jayne Weber, Denise Halse, Candy Brockmeyer, Al Brockmeyer, Janell Bradley, Joleen Garvin, and Darren Pape. 

Don was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Jeanette Vagts and Donna Brockmeyer; a brother, Howard Pape; a stepson, George Miller; and a niece, Julie Routh.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 17, in the Pape home in Sun City. 

Online condolences can be left at: www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/sun-city-az/donald-pape.

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Dick Yauslin

Richard “Dick” Yauslin, 72, of Elgin, Iowa, died Monday, Feb. 26, 2018, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Elgin, Iowa.  

Richard Laverne, the son of Byron and Ruby (Hader) Yauslin, was born Dec. 28, 1945, at his home in Clermont. 

He was baptized in the Methodist faith at Union Sunday School, Clermont.

Dick attended Valley High School until he was 17 years old, and during this time he enlisted in the United States Army. Dick earned his GED while in the service, during which time he was stationed in Germany.  

After his discharge, Dick returned to Clermont and worked at various occupations, including as a feed truck operator, a meat cutter for Hygrade in Postville, and after the closing of Hygrade, Dick worked for Seitz Brothers Construction. For the last 30 years, up to his retirement in 2011, he was a service technician at Torkelson Motors, Elgin.

Dick was united in marriage with Marlene Nuehring on June 22, 1968, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.  To this union three children, Erin, Brian, and Kari, were born.  

Dick was a member of West Clermont Lutheran Church in Clermont, Iowa; Sheehan-Olson American Legion Post #375 in Clermont; and he served for many years with the Clermont and Elgin volunteer fire departments.

Dick was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he not only enjoyed the actual game hunting, coon hunting, fishing, trapping, and mushroom hunting, but the friendships he gained throughout his lifetime. He was especially fond of coon hunting and attending night hunts with his beloved dog, Lizzie.

After his retirement, Dick and Marlene took great pleasure in landscaping their yard. They especially enjoyed walking and riding their four-wheeler on the trails around Elgin and Clermont. 

Dick was a fan of Dale Earnhardt, NASCAR, and the couple attended the Daytona 500 in Florida. He loved going to races at the Fayette County Speedway and Hawkeye Downs, especially when his son, Erin, was racing. 

Dick always enjoyed getting together with his family and extended family. He especially loved watching his grandchildren participate in various activities.

Dick is survived by Marlene, his wife of 49 years, of Elgin, Iowa; three children, Erin (Karen) Yauslin of West Union, Iowa; Brian (Jill) Yauslin of Robins, Iowa; and Kari (Chad) Kromminga of Monticello, Iowa; eight grandchildren, McKenzie Yauslin, Chloe Yauslin, Madison Yauslin, Megan Yauslin, Gracie Yauslin, Madilynn Kromminga, Emma Kromminga, and Andrew Kromminga; and three brothers, John Yauslin of Clermont, Iowa; Leslie Yauslin of Sioux Falls, S.D.; and Roger Yauslin of West Union, Iowa.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Byron and Ruby; brother Don Yauslin; sisters Betty Olson, Dorothy Williams, and Lois Luchsinger; brothers-in-law Alfred “Swede” Boleyn, Donald Gordon, Hubert “Herbie” Williams, and Lester Luchsinger; and sisters-in-law Janet “Deanna” Yauslin, Janice Yauslin, Vera Janice Yauslin, and Linda Yauslin.      

The funeral service was held on Sunday, March 4, 2018, at West Clermont Lutheran Church, Clermont, Iowa, with Pastor Philip Olson as the officiant.

Burial will be at God’s Acres, Clermont, Iowa, at a later date.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Clermont, Iowa, is helping the family with arrangements.          10u10

Mari Molseed

Mari J. Molseed, 67, of West Union died Friday, March 2, 2018, at her home.

  A Celebration of Life gathering will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, March 9, at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union.

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

Mari is the mother of Megan Molseed, who is a feature and news writer for The Fayette County Union, Elgin Echo, and Fayette Leader.

Milton Jones

Milton Monroe Jones passed at Hillcrest Living on Friday, February 23, 2018, in Sumner, Iowa, at the age of 81.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 3, 2018, at the United Methodist Church in Hawkeye with Mona Christie, Lay Servant officiating.  Interment will follow at Bethel Cemetery, rural Hawkeye.  Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 2^nd at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Hawkeye and for one hour preceding services at the church on Saturday. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.

Milton was born on January 14, 1937, in Traer, Iowa to Joseph R. & Irma “Pansy” (Morris) Jones. He graduated from Alpha High School in 1955. On July 22, 1956, he married Velma “Jean” Ferguson. To this union, four children were born and raised on their farm near Hawkeye.

Milton, along with his wife and children, farmed and operated a farrow-to-finish hog operation along with cattle and sheep. The couple also performed custom combining operations for other neighbors. In addition to farming, Milton drove school bus for Alpha Schools and worked for John Deere retiring after 30 years in 1990.

Milton enjoyed purchasing used farm equipment or other mechanical items and repairing them to operating order. He loved attending auctions and flea markets and was considered a reliable resource to name unidentified pieces and explain their intended use. Milton enjoyed playing baseball and basketball while in high school. He went on to coach a women’s softball team and played on the Alpha Good-Timers slow-pitch team for many years. After his own participation in sports, Milton enjoyed many years as an active fan attending football, softball, wrestling, and volleyball activities as well as band and music concerts of which his children and grandchildren were involved. Milton enjoyed time spent fishing with the kids and grandkids at his gravel pit and pond. Until his recent illness, he actively participated in 5am Euchre with friends at Diane’s Café in Hawkeye. He was a Trustee on the Bethel Cemetery Committee and a member of the Alpha United Methodist Church. Milton had a sense of humor and loved a good practical joke. He practiced and instilled in his children the importance of helping others whenever possible without expecting something in return.

Milton is survived by his wife, Jean; children Sherry (Jack) Knipp of Waterloo; Connie (Scott) Buhr of Sumner; and Daryl Jones of Hawkeye; sister-in-laws, Velda Lynch and Linda Ferguson; brother-in-law Lavern (Debby) Ferguson; grandchildren Libby (BJ) Funke, Jason (Livia) Knipp, Laysie (Zach) Valdivia, Joelle (Nick) Gallick, Weston Buhr, Alyssa (Nick George) Buhr, Dylon Jones, Kaylee Jones, and Ben Jones; step-grandson Tylor Richmond; great-grandchildren Kash, Dez, Romey, Clara, Henrik, Stella, and Esme.

Preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother in infancy, his parents-in-law Harold & Martha Ferguson; son Gregory Jones; brothers-in-law Dale Lynch, Harold “Bud” Ferguson Jr, & Garold Ferguson; nephews Robert Lynch and Lucas Ferguson; aunts, uncles, cousins, and longtime friends.

Katherine ODell

Katherine I. ODell, 95, of Arlington, Iowa, died on Friday morning, March 2, 2018 at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.

Funeral Service:  1:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at St. John Lutheran Church, Arlington, with Rev. Margaret Yackel-Juleen officiating.

Visitation:  4:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home, Arlington and for one hour before the service at the church on Tuesday.

Interment:  Taylorsville Cemetery, Arlington, Iowa.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

Katherine Ivanelle Sprague was born on October 22, 1922 in Elk Township, Delaware County, Iowa, the daughter of Frank Delbert & Josephine Emma (Willard) Sprague.  She received her education from the rural Edgewood-Colesburg schools.  Katherine was united in marriage to William Junior ODell on July 25, 1946 at Grace United Methodist Church in Oelwein, Iowa. They were blessed with eight children.  She lived in the Stanley and Arlington area until moving to Maple Crest Manor in Fayette the past two years.  Katherine enjoyed and loved her family, fishing, gardening and cooking.

Katherine is survived by five of her eight Children:

Gary (Deatra) ODell of Arlington,

Kathleen Frieden of Mason City,

Larry (Pat) ODell of Lamont,

Delbert (Teresa) ODell of Fayette &

David ODell of Sumner;

Daughter-in-law:  Becky ODell of West Union;

9 Grandchildren;

18 Great Grandchildren and

2 Great Great Grandchildren.

Katherine was preceded in death by her parents, husband: William on September 26, 1963,

3 children:  Linda Sue ODell, Beverly Potter (1985) and her husband: David (1985) & Ronnie ODell (1993), grandson: Matthew Frieden, 2 great grandchild: 1 great great grandson,

9 brothers:  Forrest, Burton, Leonard, Herbert, Gordon, Harlan, Gilbert, Kenneth (her twin) and Calvin Sprague and 5 sisters:  Florence, Flossie Mae, Darlene Mae, Geraldine VanEman and Marcella Schabaker.

Lucille Rueber

Lucille M. Rueber, 96, of Maynard, Iowa died suddenly Thursday morning, March 1, 2018 at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette, Iowa.

Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M. Monday, March 5, 2018 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Maynard with Rev. Dennis Frank officiating.

Visitation: 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. Sunday at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Maynard and for one hour before the service at the church on Monday.

Interment: Union Cemetery, Putnam Township, rural Aurora, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed in her name to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Maynard.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

Lucille Margaret Schrader was born January 12, 1922 at Maynard, the daughter of John F. and Bertha (Stoltz) Schrader.  She was baptized on March 5, 1922 and confirmed April 14, 1935 at St. Paul Lutheran Church.  Lucille graduated from Maynard High School and Upper Iowa University in Fayette.  She taught grade school in rural Maynard and Center Point for 12 years.  For 22 years she was the postal clerk at the Maynard Post Office.  Lucille was united in marriage to Dale Meinken.  Dale died in 1967.  On January 11, 1970, she was united in marriage to Frederick J. “Dick” Rueber.  Frederick died in 1987.  She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Maynard.  Lucille was especially proud to have dedicated the Shalom Room and St. Paul Lutheran Church Sign in memory of her loved ones.  She enjoyed bowling, playing cards, reading, writing letters and spending time with her family.

Lucille is survived by nieces and nephews: Dean (Kay) Rueber of Westgate,

Phyllis Hinkel of Oelwein,

LaVerne “Sonny” Schrader of Bakersfield, California,

JoAnn (Craig) Bodley of Postville,

John Schrader of Maynard and

JoLynn Schrader of Maynard;

grandchildren; great grandchildren; and many more nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 husbands: Dale Meinken and Frederick “Dick” Rueber; 2 sisters: Gladys Hinkel and Mildred Rueber; brother: Dale Schrader; and 2 nieces Nancy Wente and Janis Suhr.

Alfred Jacobs Jr.

Alfred Jacobs Jr., 95, a resident of Fergus Falls, Minn., passed away Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018, at Pioneer Care Center in Fergus Falls. 

Alfred Jacobs was born Aug. 21, 1922 on a farm outside Elgin, Iowa, the son of Alfred and Marie (Miller) Jacob and youngest of five children. 

He attended a one-room schoolhouse near the family home on Bell Creek and later Elgin High School. His love of music and of learning was apparent from an early age. In 1940, he enrolled as a music major at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa. 

During World War II, he left college to work on the family farm. He served in the U.S. Army from 1946-48, stationed in Newfoundland, and then returned to Luther, graduating in 1949 with a B.A. in music and minor in English. He was a fine singer and pianist, and proficient in all the wind instruments, with a special love for the oboe.

He graduated from the University of Iowa with an M.A. in music on Aug. 5, 1950, and was married to Christabel Adix on Aug. 13, 1950 at Mansfield Lutheran Church, rural Alden, Minn.

They moved to Dows, Iowa, where he had accepted a position as director of the music program. 

Only a month later, he was called up to active duty as an Army reservist. He served in Japan and Korea as a musician in the Tenth Special Service Company’s production of the all-GI musical variety show, “Take Ten,” which toured on two of Japan’s main islands and on Allied portions of the Korean peninsula.

He returned to his wife, new daughter, and teaching responsibilities at Dows in September 1951. 

In August 1954, the family moved to Fergus Falls, Minn., where he became the city’s first full-time band director. By 1964 he had built the program to five bands with more than 300 students. He taught in Fergus Falls for 30 years, mentoring hundreds of student musicians. Many of his top students earned places in the All-State Band, and some went on to become music teachers themselves. 

While he enjoyed a good Sousa march, his real love was classical music, and his band programs always included symphonic pieces. The citation for his 2003 induction into the Fergus Falls Hall of Fame for Distinguished Service observed: “Jacobs’ goal was to expose his students to fine music, to foster appreciation for music, and to challenge students to achieve their potential. Jacobs’ instruction had a lifelong impact on students, many of whom say their experience in band was the highlight of their school years."

Alfred was very involved in his church, community, and profession. He directed the Orphean Male Chorus for three years, sang with (and for a short while directed) the First Lutheran Senior Choir, played and sang in many productions at the Community College, and played oboe in the Civic Orchestra and clarinet in the Carlisle Band well into his retirement. He played in the Heart of the Lakes Band – Battle Lake until the age of 90. 

He served on the board of the Fergus Falls Concert Association from 1955-2011. A member of the American School Band Directors Association, he judged many district, regional, and state music contests in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Iowa, and he served on the statewide committee that developed standards for music education. 

At First Lutheran Church, he was a member of the Property and P.A. committees for many years, built storerooms, and applied many gallons of paint and varnish to keep the building looking beautiful. 

After Alfred’s retirement in 1984, he and Christabel enjoyed the freedom to travel, with extensive road trips in the U.S. as well as trips to Switzerland, Spain, and Eastern Europe. 

For 20 years, he maintained a home business restoring antique furniture (including re-caning chairs), and he continued to provide private lessons to advanced students on the flute and oboe. 

Alfred was a keen flower gardener with a particular fondness for geraniums, and a voracious reader who devoured many volumes of biography, political commentary, popular science, and history (especially military history) at the rate of a book every week or two. His intellectual curiosity, quick wit, and love of puns were evident even in his final days.

Besides his wife, Christabel, he is survived by children Sharon (Gary) Nathan of Hayward, Wis., Dr. Naomi Jacobs (Dr. Nathan Stormer) of Bangor, Maine, Bruce Jacobs (Dr. Ann Jennen) of St. Paul, Minn., and Ramona Jacobs (Chuck Christianson) of Fergus Falls; grandchildren Sarah (Andrew) Bailey of Lincoln, Neb., and Nicole Nathan (Chas Kadlec) of Hayward, Wis.; great-grandchildren Nathan and Jacob Bailey of Lincoln, Neb., and many nephews and nieces. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Marie; brothers Lloyd and Leon Jacob; and sisters Lillian Schroeder and Betty Schaer.

Memorial donations may be directed to the FF Band Boosters, PO Box 115, Fergus Falls, MN 56537 (Al Jacobs Band Camp Scholarship in memo line); to the Organ Renovation Fund, First Lutheran Church, 402 S. Court Street, Fergus Falls, MN 56537; or to a charity of the giver’s choice.

A celebration of Alfred’s life will be held on the afternoon of June 10, 2018, at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. 

Condolences and memories may be shared at http://www.olsonfuneralhome.com/m/obituaries/Alfred-Jacobs/Memories.

Assistance is being provided by Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.OlsonFuneralHome.com.                 10p10 

Richard Parenteau

Richard “Rusty” Parenteau passed away, surrounded by his family, on Monday, Feb. 19, 2018.

Services were held Feb. 28 in New London, Conn.

Rusty was born in New London, Conn., the son of Arthur and Catherine Shea Parenteau.

He attended New London High School.

In 2005, Rusty retired from Home Dept. From 1987 to 2016, he and his wife, Dixie, owned and operated The Party Bazaar in Clinton, Conn. Previously, Rusty was the manager of The Card and Party Shop in Meriden Square for 20 years.

Throughout his life he was an avid fisherman.

In addition to his wife, Dixie, of Southington, Conn. (formerly of Elgin), Rusty is survived by two sons, Shawn and Ian Parenteau, both of Southington; a sister, Maureen Ranquist of Bozrah, Conn.; a sister-in-law, Judie Frieden and husband Richard of Elgin; as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, and may special fishing friends.

He was predeceased by a son, Brooks Parenteau; a brother, Brian Parenteau; and a sister, Lorna Christianson.      10u10

Clarence Durscher

Clarence John Durscher, 88, of Fayette, Iowa, formerly of West Union, Iowa, died Saturday, March 3, 2018 at Maple Crest Manor, Fayette.

Clarence was born on Nov. 5, 1929 in West Union, Iowa, the son of John and Celia (Frieden) Durscher. 

He attended school in the West Union area.  

In 1951 he entered the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean War. 

In 1956 Clarence married Delphine Rothmeyer at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Clarence and Delphine farmed east of West Union for many years.

Clarence loved fishing, car racing, watching his four sons playing sports, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

He was a 50-year member of the American Legion, served many years as a volunteer fireman and on the city council.

Clarence is survived by three sons, Kevin (Lynn) of Grandin, Fla., Ken and Kurt (Jo), both of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; five grandchildren, Ryan, Jamie, Nathan, Emily and Amber; two great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Noah; two brothers, Don (Janice) Durscher of Elgin, Iowa and Harold (Gail) Durscher of Summerville, S.C.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and one son, Kent.

A private family burial will be held at a later date. 

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements. 

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Eldred Kilcher

Eldred E. Kilcher, 97, of Alpha, Iowa, died Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Society, West Union.

Eldred Elmer Kilcher was born July 24, 1920 in Hawkeye, Iowa, the son of Elmer and Laura (Niewoehner) Kilcher. 

On Nov. 15, 1947 he married Adelaide E. Hovden at Nashua, IA. Eldred and Adelaide farmed in the Alpha area for many years.

He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church.

  Eldred enjoyed dancing, playing cards and entertaining friends at their private pond.  He proudly answered to the name “Hotrod” and will be missed dearly by his family.

Survivors include his son, Greg (Marcia) Kilcher of Alpha; daughters Kay Frevert of Taylorville, Ill., Susan Gould of Houston, Texas, Debra (Everett) Gambrell of Dallas, Texas, Jan (Kevin) Kleve of Waucoma; a stepson, Don (Marcia) Aspenson of Jenks, Okla.; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

  Eldred was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 57 years, Adelaide, in 2005; son-in-law Tom Frevert in 2018; a brother and two sisters. 

  A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be left at www.iowacremation.com under “Obituaries.”

Mari Molseed

Mari J. Molseed, 67, of West Union, Iowa, died Friday, March 2, 2018, at her home in West Union. 

Mari, the daughter of Harry and Delphine (Germann) Watembach, was born June 14, 1950, in Beach, N.D., lived in Wibaux, Mont., and later moved to Ipswich, S.D. 

She earned her B.A. from Northern State College in Aberdeen, S.D.; her master’s at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, S.D.; and her Ph.D. from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, in August 1990.  

Mari was a professor of sociology and criminology at Upper Iowa University in Fayette. She retired in 2015.

She loved to travel with her children and grandchildren. 

Mari played piano, guitar, bassoon and other instruments. After excelling in Piano Guild, she switched to playing guitar for her most appreciative audience – her son, John Halsey Molseed, and her daughter, Megan K. Molseed. She enjoyed listening to classical, folk, Appalachian folk and bluegrass music, and she could appreciate a good pop rock-and-roll song if it caught her in the right mood. “Paradise City” by Guns N’ Roses was known to up her pool game.

Mari is survived by her two children, son John Molseed and his wife, Amy Garretson, of Waterloo, Iowa, and daughter Megan Molseed of West Union, Iowa; three grandchildren, Morganne Elizabeth Molseed, Marshall J. Opperman, and Mikah Grace Opperman; two sisters, Rita Gauer-Stubble of Brandon, S.D., and Karen Watembach of Sheridan, Wyo.; sister-in-law Rose Watembach; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Mari was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Delphine; a sister, Denise Watembach; and a brother, Jim Watembach.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, March 9, 2018, at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home in West Union, Iowa.

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Services of West Union, Iowa, is assisting the family with arrangements.    11u11

Geraldine Hyman

Geraldine M. Hyman, 96, of Ankeny and formerly of Hawkeye, died Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at the Sunny View Care Center in Ankeny. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 10, 2018, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sumner with Rev. Donald Komboh officiating. 

Interment followed at the Hawkeye Cemetery. 

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home, Sumner was in charge of the arrangements.

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

Geraldine Mary, daughter of James and Margaret (Costello) Meighan, was born Nov. 3, 1921, in Sumner. 

She received her early education in the rural Sumner country schools and graduated from Sumner High School. Following graduation, Geraldine attended Upper Iowa University in Fayette where she received her Teaching Certificate. 

She taught in the country schools for a few years prior to being united in marriage with Carl Hyman on Nov. 24, 1943, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sumner. 

The couple made their home on a farm in rural Hawkeye for many years before moving to Hawkeye. Carl’s death occurred March 21, 2009. 

Upon Carl’s death, Geraldine moved to Mercy Court in Des Moines and most recently was a resident of Sunny View Care Center in Ankeny. 

Geraldine was a wife, mother, gardener, elementary teacher, and 100 percent Irish.

Geraldine is survived by her daughter, Judy (Lowell) Lee of Schleswig; two sons, Dale Hyman of Des Moines and Don (Annette) Hyman of Fort Dodge; daughter-in-law Marsha Hyman of Hawkeye; nine grandchildren, John (Janet) Hyman of Washburn, David (Michelle) Hyman of Keota, Kristin Lee of Chicago, Karla (Matt) Gross of Lakewood, Colo., Kathy (Jordan) Scholl of Danbury, Aaron (Rachel) Hyman of Richmond, Wis., Anna (Roger) Marques of York, Penn., Joe (Mimi) Hyman of Ankeny, and Rebecca (Drew) Farnham of Richmond, Texas; 14 great-grandchildren, Cortney, Branden, and Matthew Hyman, Henry and Olivia Pithan, Vivian Scholl, Caleb, Sam, and Sophia Hyman, Carlos Marques, Corinne, Abby, and Willow Hyman, and Charlotte Farnham; several nieces and nephews; and special friend Linda Dryden Cunningham.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Carl, she was preceded in death by her son, Jim Hyman, who died July 4, 2008; three grandchildren, Frank, Lance, and Charlotte Hyman; a sister, Bernice (Veryl) Murphy; an infant brother; and seven brothers, Leonard (Catherine), James (Lorene), LeRoy (Marge) Frank, Norbert (Mildred), Robert (Delores), and Ray (Bobbie) Meighan.

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Wally Wolfe

Wally D. Wolfe, 101, of Maynard, Iowa died Tuesday evening, March 6, 2018 at the Oelwein Health Care Center in Oelwein, Iowa.

Funeral Service:  10:30 A.M. Saturday, March 10, 2018 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Maynard with Rev. Dennis Frank officiating.

Visitation: 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Friday at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Maynard and for one hour before the service at the church on Saturday.

Interment: Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, rural Oelwein, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed in her name to the St. Paul Lutheran Church Choir.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

Wally Dora Lehniger was born April 17, 1916 in Manning, Iowa the daughter of Paul F. and Ida (Engel) Lehniger.  She received her education from the rural Westgate schools. Wally was united in marriage to Leon Donald Wolfe on December 31, 1937 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Maynard, Iowa.  Wally & Leon farmed in the Maynard, Fayette, Arlington and Randalia areas.  They moved to Maynard in 1960.  Wally then worked doing house cleaning, at a Maynard café, at Mercy Hospital in Oelwein as a cook for five years and then provided childcare in her home for several years. 

Wally was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Maynard where she was active in the choir, as a Sunday school teacher, with the quilting group and as a church custodian.  She was also a member of the Maynard Senior Citizens where she rarely missed playing cards with her friends.  Wally enjoyed sewing, quilting, cooking, flower gardening and spending time with her friends and family.

Wally is survived by her son: Don (Nancy) Wolfe of Maynard;

grandson: Jim (Danielle) Wolfe of Alleman;

granddaughter: Michelle Wolfe of Maynard;

2 great grandchildren: Kaylee and Peyton Wolfe;

and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Leon on April 26, 1998; her 6 siblings and their spouses:  Charlotte (Cecil) Hamm, Hildegard Lehniger (in infancy), Florence (August) Gosse, Roy (Berneice) Lehniger, Ruth (John) Wegner and Eunice (Bill) Arp.

Dr. Douglas Fay

Dr. Douglas Paul Fay, 74, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 3, 2018, and his legacy shall live on in his family. God’s ordained instrumental plan was to send him off to heaven in a very loving and reverent way at the Kline Hospice House in Mt. Airy, Maryland, being surrounded by his loving family singing, praying and reading God’s word to him.

He is preceded in death and is now reunited with son John Douglas Fay, parents John and Opal Fay, parents-in-law Elzo and Iola Powell, sister-in-law Harlo Fay and a nephew Michael Fay.

He is survived by his wife of 51½ years Deanna Powell Fay, three sons, Brian Fay, Jeff Fay, and C.J. Fay. He also was very loved and leaves legacy to three daughter-in-law’s that he treated like daughters, Nancy Fay, Dori Fay and Katie Fay. He will be forever remembered as the ‘Best Papa Ever’ to his 7 grandchildren Brianna (19), Colton (17), Liam (15), Lucas (15), Owen (10), Isaac (6½), and Henry James (2). He is also survived by his loving siblings; sister and brother-in-law Sharroll & Paul Richards, brother Monte Fay, brother and sister-in-law Ben & Pat Powell as well as 5 nephews, 2 nieces and many grand nieces and nephews.

Doug was born in Oelwein, IA, on August 14, 1943, to Opal and John Fay. He grew up and attended Fayette, Iowa grade and high school and started his journey with Jesus at the Fayette Methodist Church. Upon graduation from high school he attended Upper Iowa University where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts graduating with honors. It was also there he met the love of his life Deanna Powell and they married in 1966. He then continued his education in Chemistry and began student teaching at Oklahoma State University where he obtained his PhD in Chemistry in 1969.

He spent many years providing for his family with an accomplished career as a research and chemical consultant with Dearborn Chemical Co. and ChemTreat Chemical Company living in Oklahoma, Iowa, Illinois and Arizona. At each of these locations he continued to serve as a disciple for Jesus and raise his family in a church community where he would serve in many different aspects and always participated in the local church worship teams and stayed busy in the community with his son’s local sports teams and the local theatres and community choirs.

He retired in 2007 while living in Arizona and he and Deanna spent the last several years enjoying traveling to many different locations and visiting their children and their families. Retirement also allowed him more time for him to focus on his passion and talent in woodworking and volunteering at Habitat for Humanity in Phoenix, AZ. He was always a very strong Jesus follower and loved reading and studying the Bible every day. He gave his all for his family, friends and clients and his legacy and gift of love and character shall always be remembered by his example to each of them. We are confident Jesus shared with him the verse we have been taught in Matthew 25:21 (NIV) ²¹“His master replied, Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”                10u10

Carol Brandt

Carol Margaret Brandt, 70 years old of Prairie du Chien, WI, formerly of Fairbank, IA, died Thursday, March 8, 2018, at home. 

She was born Aug. 2, 1947 in Waterloo, IA, the daughter of Norbert and Leona Meier Schares. 

She graduated from Dunkerton High School with the class of 1965. 

On May 25, 1968, she was united in marriage to Lauren Brandt at St. Francis Catholic Church – Barclay, rural Dunkerton, IA. 

Carol retired from ICBP in Independence in 2003; previous to that she worked for both the Dunkerton & Hawkeye Coop’s as a bookkeeper. 

Following her retirement she became a Winter Texan and spent many warm winters at Lemon Tree Estates in Mission, TX where she always provided a smile and a helpful hand to many friends. 

When not in Texas she spent many hours with family and friends and enjoyed following her grandchildren proudly in various activities and sports. 

Carol volunteered on many church, social and community boards throughout her life. 

Carol is survived by her husband, Lauren; son Greg (Lynette) Brandt of Fairbank and daughter Gina (Brad) Niewoehner of Hawkeye; five grandchildren, Gage and Aliya Brandt and Macy, Megan and Molly Niewoehner; four brothers: Mike (Amanda) Schares, Andy (Donna) Schares, Jeff (Deb) Schares and Bill Schares, all from Dunkerton; seven sisters: Pat (Jim) Ehr of Independence, JoAnn (Bill) Weber, Dorothy (Dennis) Adamson and Marge (Rich) Grady of Dunkerton, Marilyn Steggall of Fairbank, Joyce Rubalcaba of Stockton, Calif., and Jeanette (Kevin) Steffen of Waterloo; five brother-in-laws: Don (Glenda) Brandt of Fairbank, Gary (Lori) Brandt of Prairie du Chien, Gene (Patty) Brandt of Dike, Keith (Cheryl) Brandt of Waverly and Terry (Mindy) Brandt of Marion; two sister-in-law’s: Betty (Clay) Passick of Oakdale, Minn. and Barb (Don) Wandling of Okoboji along with many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, George and Thomas Schares and two brothers-in-law, Lee Matson and Ronnie Steggall.

Services: 10:30 am Monday, March 12, 2018 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fairbank.

Interment: Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery, Fairbank.

Memorials: to Immaculate Conception Church or to the family.

Condolences may be left at www.woodsfuneralhome.net.

Harold Diemer

Harold W. Diemer, 88, of Sumner and formerly of Hawkeye, died Saturday, March 10, 2018, at Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at St. Peter Lutheran Church- Richfield with Rev. Wayne Ellingson officiating. 

Interment followed at Richfield Cemetery with military rites provided by Arnold-Rogers American Legion Post #312 of Hawkeye. 

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home, Sumner, was in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church-Richfield, Richfield Cemetery, or given to the family for later designation. 

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

Harold Walter Diemer, son of Rev. Herman and Marie (Arndt) Diemer, was born on Dec. 17, 1929, in Belle Fouche, S.D. 

Harold graduated from Alpha High School in 1948 and served in the U.S. Army from January 1952 to December 1953, where he was stationed in Germany and served as a field artillery gunner. 

He worked at Rath Packing Co. in Waterloo and the Alpha Mill, before starting farming full time. 

On April 15, 1955, he was united in marriage with Barbara Mikes, at St. John Lutheran Church, Boyd of rural New Hampton. 

The couple farmed in the Richfield area for many years. 

Harold was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church-Richfield, Hawkeye American Legion Post 312, and served on the Board of Directors of the Hawkeye Co-op. 

In retirement, he spent many hours crafting wooden toys and furniture. 

Harold is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara, of Sumner; four children, Kim (Kathie) and Mark (Janell) of Hawkeye, and Ann (Jeff) Reynolds and Carol (Scott) Westpfahl of Sumner; grandchildren and great-grandchildren Katie Diemer, Kyle Diemer (Lexi Fitzpatrick) and their children, Alika and Zola Diemer, Shelly Kruse and her children, Reece, and Rylee Kruse, Shane and Marcus Baumler, Nicole (Adam) Thimmesch and their children, Kenley, Riggs, and Roland, Megan Reynolds, Andrew, Abby and Zoe Westpfahl, Steffannie Collazo and her children Maya and Dayonna Collazo, and Bryan and Timothy Jarchow, Jordan (Matt) Sherman and their son, Parker, and Keith J. Westpfahl; two brothers, Gerhard (Joan) Diemer of Chicago and Kenneth Diemer of Sumner; and a brother-in-law, Doug Daechsel of Minneapolis.

In addition to his parents, Harold is preceded in death by his granddaughter, Deidre Westpfahl; brothers and sisters-in-law, Max (Dorothy), Marvin (Lois), Paul (Ruth) and Joyce Diemer; and sisters and brother-in-law, Doris Daechsel and Ruth (Ralph) Gaede.     11u11

Lavanda Vagts

Lavanda Vagts, 95, of Eldorado, Iowa died Friday, March 2, 2018 at Maple Crest Manor, Fayette, Iowa.

Lavanda Angeline Olson was born April 18, 1922 to Arthur and Louise (Skaien) Olson in rural Postville, Iowa. 

She was baptized May 28, 1922 and confirmed May 17, 1936 at East Clermont Lutheran Church, Clermont, Iowa. 

Lavanda graduated from Clermont High School in 1940. 

She remained home to help care for her grandparents and worked in Clermont at Dr. Jerde’s office until 1950. She then moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa and was employed in the sales office at Quaker Oats until May 1958.

Lavanda was united in marriage with Richard Vagts on May 4, 1958 at East Clermont Lutheran Church. They moved to their home in Eldorado, where they lived their 60 years of marriage. 

After Richard retired, they spent much time traveling, their favorite recreation. As long as they were able each year they never missed driving to California to be with Dave’s family. They both enjoyed driving to the East Coast and the Washington, D.C., area. Lavanda liked the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, and they both loved a day on Mackinac Island.  A few summers they traveled in Canada. Rich and Lavanda were best friends.

Lavanda was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church since 1958 and enjoyed the ladies in her Circle. She taught Sunday School and Bible School at East Clermont and St. Peter for 30 years.

Lavanda is survived by her husband, Richard Vagts; son, David (Sandy) Vagts; grandchildren, Aaron and Hannah Vagts; foster sister, Ruth (James) Martin; and a nephew, several nieces and cousins.

Lavanda was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Louise Olson; and sister and brother-in-law, Geraldine and Norris Reierson.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, March 26, 2018 at Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Clermont, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Tuesday.

Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Eldorado, Iowa with Rev. Ginny Olson as the Officiant.

Burial will follow at St. Peter Cemetery, Eldorado, Iowa.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 

Gaylord Guyer

Gaylord Lawrence Guyer, 74, of West Union, Iowa, passed away on March 19, 2018 at Allen Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving family. 

Services were held Saturday, March 24, at West Union United Methodist Church.

Inurnment will be held at a later date. 

Gaylord was born on Oct. 1, 1943, to Lawrence and Rosina Guyer. He grew up on the farm with his siblings Leona Harris, Mary Jacobsen, James Guyer, LaVanda Meyer and LaVonne Bemiss. 

He attended the Dover #5 one-room schoolhouse – the last existing schoolhouse in Iowa – and North High School in West Union, Iowa.  After high school, Gaylord earned his Lab Tech Certification at Brown Institute in Minneapolis, Minn. 

On Oct. 11, 1964, he married Patricia Carol Paulsen.  They were blessed with two children, Christopher James and Trisha Ann Davis. 

Gaylord married Kathleen Dianne Kern on May 29, 1976.  Gaylord and Kathy were blessed with three children, Jason Lawrence, Heidi Jo Komorech, and Joshua Kern.  

Through the years, Gaylord explored many vocations, including x-ray technician, animal testing lab technician, farmer, and 25 years as a meter reader, appliance repairman, and lineman at Interstate Power Company.  He also had his own saw-sharpening business and computer building and repair business.  

His insatiable curiosity led to many hobbies and interests as well, including model airplanes, remote control cars, riding motorcycles, woodworking, building and repairing computers, and teaching Sunday School.  He did the electrical wiring in several homes and built custom cabinets.  

He was a self-taught computer technician. He wrote the computer programs for West Union Cemetery and West Union Aquatic Center. He also wrote his own invoice program for his own GuyCom Computers business.  When the West Union Library received a grant for its first computer lab, Gaylord was the one who set up all the computers. 

Even from a young age, Gaylord was always taking things apart to see how they worked. He took apart clocks, motors, computers – even the steering wheel of an old pickup.  And he always figured out how to put them back together again.  

Gaylord was an avid reader, consuming thousands of books of various kinds – from technical manuals to science fiction and fantasy novels to heartwarming love stories. It wasn’t long after retiring that Gaylord had read just about every book in the library.  

If anyone had the great privilege of knowing Gaylord, they knew that he didn’t like crowds, and he loathed the spotlight. However, if you could sit down with him over a cup of coffee, you would experience his undivided attention, a smiling face, and deep conversation. He was a man of stubborn integrity. There was nothing you could talk him into that he didn’t want to do, and if you asked his opinion or advice, you knew you would get honesty. 

Gaylord’s unpretentious manner and loving acceptance made him the cherished friend, husband, brother, and father we all love. We will all miss him terribly.  

Gaylord Guyer is survived by his wife, four siblings, five children, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.  

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary, and niece Elizabeth Meyer.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Friends of the Library of West Union.          13u13

Laura Timm

Laura Kathryn (Hutchison) Timm, 98, passed away March 21, 2018, at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines.

Funeral services were held Saturday, March 24 at Iles Dunn’s Chapel in Des Moines. Burial was at Glendale Cemetery, Des Moines. 

Arrangements were handled by Iles Funeral Home, Dunn’s Chapel, in Des Moines.

Laura was born on Aug. 30, 1919, to James and Leah (Henry) Hutchison in Fayette County, IA and grew up in Lima, IA.  After her father passed away when she was in high school, she and her mother moved into the town of Fayette, IA.

Laura graduated from Upper Iowa University with a teaching certificate and taught in a one-room schoolhouse. 

On Nov. 27, 1942 she married her high school sweetheart, Loel Clayton Timm.  They moved to Des Moines in 1948 and had lived there since.  

Laura lived in her home for 60 years up until a year ago when after a slight stroke she decided to move into Wesley Acres.

During her long and active life as a wife and mother, she was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church, Adeline Club, PEO Chapter HD, Kings Daughters, and Des Moines Golf & Country Club. Laura volunteered in many organizations around her community. She was a wonderful cook and loved to entertain her family and friends.

Laura is survived by her children, Ginger (Robert) Perkins and Randy (Donna) Timm, both of Des Moines; grandchildren Marsha (Tim) Johnson of Marshalltown, Mary Beth (Charles IV) Collins of South Glastonbury, Conn., Chad (Andrea) Timm and Carrie Timm (Al) Hotchkiss, both of the Des Moines area, Joshua Timm of Oak Harbor, Wash.; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Laura was preceded in death by Loel, her husband of 52 years; son Timothy Keith Timm; and grandson Martin James Timm.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Laura’s name.             13u13