Marilyn Medberry

Marilyn Louise (Roepke) Medberry was born on April 17, 1942 in Littleton, Iowa to Rudolph and Edna (Weitnauer) Roepke. 

At two years old the family moved to Hazleton, Iowa and Marilyn graduated from Hazleton High School in 1960. 

In her youth she enjoyed ice skating and playing with her 11 siblings. 

The summer before her senior year of high school was spent as a nurse's aide, which she really enjoyed. She decided to be a nurse and spent three months at nurse's training and as a scrub nurse at Oelwein's Mercy Hospital in1961.

In 1964 Marilyn married and later divorced Dulane Schoen and gave birth to Michael Todd and April Zoe in California. 

Marilyn married Robert Eugene "Gene" Medberry on March 24, 1974 and Amy Gene was born in 1975. Gene then adopted Mike and April in 1976. Gene's daughters Roberta and Connie visited on the weekends and a blended family was born. 

Gene and Marilyn were married and resided at rural Elgin for almost 44 years on the family farm. Marilyn helped with farm chores as a farm wife, was a Sunday school teacher at Illyria Community Church and lifetime member, cooked at the Town House Cafe, and was the bookkeeper at Old Mill Floral in West Union.

Marilyn and Gene enjoyed their retirement camping at Wildwood Acres near Maquoketa, Iowa.

Marilyn loved playing cards and board games with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed reading all day long, keeping family stories alive, canoeing on the Turkey River, shopping, camping, extensive traveling, knitting, crocheting, tri-chem painting, cooking and baking, and eating Chinese food. Our mom made the best potato salad ever!

Some of her favorites were: her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, listening to Elvis Presley & ‘50s music, Pepsi not Coke, watching John Wayne movies, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy. Marilyn was so proud of her all of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

  Marilyn passed away from complications of a second stroke on the first day of spring March 20, 2018 with her family around her; she would’ve been 76 on April 17.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband: Gene Medberry of Elgin; son: Michael (Mary Ann) Medberry of Santa Vista, Calif.; daughters: April (Ken) Schmitt of Fort Atkinson and Amy Medberry of Elgin and (Amy's special friend Justin Zeran); step-daughters: Roberta Medberry of West Union and Connie (Mat) Benjegerdes of West Union; grandchildren: Ryan (Ali) Benjegerdes, Lucas Benjegerdes, Christopher (Ivy) Medberry, Casey Aagesen, and Ashley Aagesen; great-grandchildren: Lydia and August Benjegerdes, Eli Rudy Walker, Lillian and Isabella Medberry; sisters: Dorothy Knavel, Thelma Duckett, Elaine Rockwood, Judy (Mark) Lang, Alice Roepke-Vega; sisters-in-law: Susan Roepke, Marlene (John) Grimm, Meg (Bill) Moellering; and many nieces and nephews.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents: Rudy and Edna Roepke, in-laws: Howard and Edith Medberry, sisters/sisters-in-law: Gladys Higgins, Bessie Roepke (in infancy) and Shirley Roepke and brothers/brothers-in-law: Jim Roepke, Jerry Roepke, Paul Roepke, Bob Knavel, Ray Rockwood, Roger Duckett, and Mike Vega; and 12 nephews & nieces.

  Services were held at Illyria Community Church, rural Elgin, on Sunday, March 25. 

Interment will be at a later date with immediate family.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.               13u13

Elbert Westpfahl

Elbert “Bert” Westpfahl, 83, of Hiawatha died after a courageous battle with lung cancer, surrounded by his family on Saturday, March 17, 2018. 

Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. on Friday, March 23, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, celebrated by the Rev. Phil Thompson. 

Burial: 2 p.m. on Friday, March 23, at God’s Acres Cemetery in Clermont, Iowa.

Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. 

Survivors include his wife, Joyce; his children, Kathy (Marc) Ferguson and Tom (Kathy) Westpfahl; his grandson, Jason; great-grandson, Gage; his siblings, Richard Westpfahl, Lorraine Miller, Ruth Amundson, Betty Freeman, and a large extended family.

Bert was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and in-laws.

Bert was born July 14, 1934, in Clermont, Iowa, the son of Carl and Grace Westpfahl. 

He graduated from Clermont High School in 1952 and later married Joyce on June 27, 1953, in Hart, Mich.

He worked for Collins Radio Company and later at Wilson/Farmstead in Cedar Rapids. 

Bert, a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, enjoyed boating, motorcycling, playing euchre, maintaining his yard, taking pride in his Christmas displays, and doing anything that included his family and friends. 

Please leave a message for the family on our webpage www.cedarmemorial.com under “Obituaries.”

Memorials may be directed to Bert’s family.  13u13

Matt Andera

Matt Andera, age 92, of rural Calmar, IA died on Monday, March 26, 2018 at the Ossian Senior Hospice in Ossian, IA.

     Matt Paul Andera was born on August 20, 1925, the son of Albert and Frances (Humpal) Andera on the farm near Spillville, IA.  He was 8th of 13 children.  He attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic School.  Matt worked on the family farm until being drafted by the United States Army in 1945.  While in the Army, Matt served in the Philippines.   He returned home in 1947 and continued to farm with his family.  Matt married Darlene Samec on August 27, 1957 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin, IA.  Together they had six children: John, Janice, Jerald, Judy, Joyce, and Joe.  Matt was an avid reader and he enjoyed dancing, bird watching, and gardening, but his true passion was for fishing.  He taught his grandchildren the joy of fishing in his pond and at nearby trout streams. He was a member of St. Wenceslaus Holy Name and Clarence Billy Legion Post 467, Spillville, IA.

     Matt is survived by his wife: Darlene. Six children: John Andera, Calmar, IA; Janice (Doug) Brock, Storm Lake, IA; Jerald (Sandra) Andera, Calmar, IA; Judy (Steve) Lechtenberg, Ft. Atkinson, IA; Joyce (Chad) Kucera, Waukon, IA and Joe (Jacki) Andera, Riceville, IA.  Grandchildren: Brandon (Ashley) Brock, Danielle (Brett) Bohlman, Derek (Emma) Brock, Brian (Alathia) Andera, Megan and Amy Andera, Ryan, Michelle, Daniel and Jessica Lechtenberg, Mariah, Rachel and Logan Kucera, Devyn, Alyssa, Alex and Josi Andera. Great-grandchildren: Bryndalyn, Barrett, Andryk, Adrian, Bennett, Jaxson, Ava and Trace.  Brother: Lawrence Andera, Decorah, IA.  Sisters-in-law: Doris Andera, Ft. Atkinson, IA; Mary Ann Andera, Protivin, IA; Janet Andera, Cresco, IA; Bonnie Samec, Manley, IA and Delores (Kenneth) Nehl, New Hampton, IA.  Brother-in-law: James Soukup, Decorah, IA. 

     Matt was preceded in death by his parents: Albert and Frances (Humpal) Andera.  Sisters: Adella (Carl) Peterson, Frances (Leonard) Hageman, Marcella (Edward) Hayek, and Mary Soukup. Brothers: Edward (Helen) Andera, Albert (Grace) Andera, Louis Andera, Frank (Georgina) Andera, Cyril Andera in infancy, William Andera, and Robert Andera.  Father and mother-in-law: Alois and Adella (Hosek) Samec.  Brothers-in-law: Virgil (Marlene) Samec and Jerome Samec. There was a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 2, 2018 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville, Iowa. The Clergy was Rev. Robert Gross and Rev. Donald Hawes. The Lectors were Brett Bohlman and Ashley Brock. Offertory Giftbearers were Amy and Josi Andera. The Casketbearers were Matt’s grandsons. Military Rites: Spillville American Legion Clarence Bily Post #467 U.S. ARMY. Internment at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery in Spillville, Iowa. Arrangements by Schluter-Balik Funeral Home.

Michael Farrell

Michael John Farrell, age 68, of Waucoma, IA died Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at his home.

A Celebration of Life will be held 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 5, 2018 at the Waucoma Event Center with Rev. Kyle Digmann celebrating the service. 

Private family interment will be held at a later date.

Friends may greet the family from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at the Waucoma Event Center.  

Hugeback Johnson Funeral Home in Waucoma is entrusted with arrangements.  

Online condolences for Michael's family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com.

Michael John Farrell was born Dec. 12, 1949 in New Hampton, IA, the son of Lyle and Wanda (Weber) Farrell.

He graduated from Turkey Valley High School in 1968.

He married Linda Reisner on Sept. 9, 1972; to this union two sons were born.

Mike was an over the road truck driver for most of his life, and he really enjoyed it. He drove for Lynch Livestock and Mihm Brothers. He was the owner and operator of Farrell Transportation for five years and also worked for Nieman Construction for over 10 years. He partially retired after that but continued to work for David Karnik and Jason Woodring, hauling grain. Driving truck was his true passion. 

He also enjoyed fishing, playing pool and being at the river. He spent many summers enjoying the waters of the Mississippi in Prairie du Chien.

Mike is survived by one son, John (Tammy) Farrell of Waucoma, IA; one stepson Dale Lucas of Milan, Mich.; two granddaughters, Makayla Farrell of Waucoma, IA, Becca Farrell of Alpha, IA; two brothers, Tom (Suzan) Farrell of Hawkeye, IA, and Jim (Renae) Farrell of Fredericksburg, IA; two sisters, Diane (Daryl) Franzen of Hastings, Minn., and Patty (Russ) Voss of Alpha, IA; four nephews; three nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Linda, in 2011; one son, Joseph, in 2003.         14u14

Dale McFarlane

Dale McFarlane, 68, of Waucoma died Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at Freeport Memorial Hospital in Freeport, Ill.

Friends may greet the family from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 9, at the Waucoma Event Center in Waucoma.  

A Celebration of Life will be held there at 6:30 p.m. that evening. 

Private family interment will be held at a later date.

Hugeback Johnson Funeral Home of Waucoma is entrusted with arrangements.  

Debra Dessel

Debra A. "Deb" Dessel, 65, of West Union, Iowa died Saturday, March 31, 2018, at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital in West Union, Iowa.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 5, 2018, at Holy Name Parish Hall, West Union, with a brief Service of Remembrance at 4 p.m.

Inurnment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Palmer Memorial Foundation, West Union Recreation Foundation or Fayette County Soil and Water Conservation.

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

Janet Keefe

Janet Marie (Weston) Batterson Keefe, 69, of West Union, passed away April 4, 2018 at Gundersen Palmer Hospital, West Union, Iowa. 

She was born March 6, 1949 in Volga, Iowa to Dale Franklin and Minnie Marie (Hill) Weston.  

Janet attended school in Elkader, Valley High School, and Starmont High School where she graduated May 25, 1967.  

She married Dale LaVern Batterson July 27, 1968 at Arlington Methodist Church, Arlington, Iowa and made their home in rural Elgin, Iowa. To this union four sons were born, Adam Lyle, Dan Wade, Jed Owen, and Drew Alan.  

Janet and Dale were married 25 years until he passed away Oct. 4, 1993.  

After Dale’s passing she met Wallace (Wally) Friedly.  They were together for 15 years until he passed away May 12, 2012.  

At one of the many dances she attended she met her husband, Gary. They were married June 3, 2017.  

She enjoyed the Hawkeyes, Cubs, shopping, sister’s day, dancing, gardening and sewing.  Janet was an excellent seamstress and had many customers in Northeast Iowa.  She made numerous wedding and bridesmaid dresses, including dresses for all her son’s weddings.  

She also worked at Collins, Monona Wire, Elkader Dry Cleaners, Dick’s Dry Cleaners and H&H Foodservice.

Janet is survived by her husband, Gary; sons and daughters-in-law Adam (Cheryl), Dan (Christy), Jed (Elizabeth ”Libby”) and Drew (Heather) Batterson; stepdaughter Katy (Garrison II) Wood; grandchildren Cassandra (Ben) Horsfall, Calli and Ashton Batterson, Hannah and Emma Batterson, Kyleigh and Braedyn Batterson; stepgrandson Garrison Wood III; great-grandsons Trayten Larson and Dalten Horsfall; and stepgreat-grandchildren Riely and Ethan Horsfall; siblings Norma (Ken) Perry, Ardith (Richard) Barnes, Dawn (Joel) Menuey, Charlotte (Zeke) Seedorff, Roger (Judy) Weston and Rose Weston;  in-laws Lyla (Lowell) Lamphier, Ray (Anne) Batterson, Judy Batterson, Mary Lou (Tom) Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Dale; friend Wally; great-grandson Chandler Larson; her parents; in-laws Lyle and Mary Batterson, Lee and Kay Batterson and Frank Batterson.

Funeral services were held Monday, April 9, 2018 at Bethel Presbyterian Church, West Union, Iowa with Rev. Don Best as the officiant.

Burial followed at Taylorsville Cemetery, Arlington, Iowa.

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa helped the family with arrangements.     15u15

Gaynal Anderson

Gaynal May (Ramage) Anderson began her life on July 21, 1925 in Pleasant City, Ohio, a little village nestled among the Appalachian hills and coal mines of southeastern Ohio.  Her parents were Bill and May Ramage. Her father was a coal miner, and as a child she lived among the mines and miners.

On Oct. 15, 1934, Gay and her sister, Laura, were in school when the mine whistle blew loud and long. There had been an accident in one of the mines. They were soon told their father had been injured in the mine where he worked. He died a week later of his injuries. 

These were also the years of the Great Depression, of hardship and troubled times. 

Gay attended schools in Ohio and worked wherever she could find a job.  

World War II was under way and women were being recruited. Gay enlisted in the Navy and became a part of the Navy WAVES. In a few days she was on a train headed for boot camp.  Nine weeks and boot camp behind her, she was on a troop train traveling to Balboa Naval Hospital in California and corpsman school, an adventure of a lifetime.

The war finally came to an end. At a victory celebration, Gay met a sailor, Elver Anderson, from Iowa. He would be going home soon.  Come spring she found herself following the sailor from Iowa home. They were married June 11, 1946 in Marion Lutheran Church, Gunder, Iowa.

Yes, God is good; all the time God is good! 

In a few years, one by one, their three boys arrived.

Elver and Gay farmed some years and as each of the boys left the nest, they moved to town. An opportunity and a dream of a lifetime came true. Gay was able to go back to school, graduated and became an R.N., “a real nurse.” Yes, a dream come true.

Over the years Gay worked in most of the care facilities in the area and had several lovely retirement parties in her honor, reluctantly retiring at 89 years old.

Gay was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church for many years. She liked to garden, visiting all the greenhouses in the spring, walking the Jensen Trail and Rec Center Trail, cooking and baking when there was someone to eat it. She enjoyed time sitting in the swing in her garden with her long-haired dachshund, Milo, and having coffee with friends.

Yes, life has been good.  A few bumps along the way, but Gay was tired now and ready to go home.

Gay is survived by her boys, Barry (Wilma), Franklin (Jeanette) and Paul (Janann); grandchildren Chad, Heidi (Micheal), Wade (Angie), Levi, Lucas, Rachel (Kayleb), Melissa (Dan), Kristin (Justin) and Kimberly; great-grandchildren Lauren, Lily, Madalyn, Raelyn and Faye.  

She is also survived by half-sisters and a half-brother, many honorable relatives and special friends.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elver; parents Bill and May; and sister Laura.

Funeral Services were held on Friday, April 6, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church, West Union, Iowa with Rev. Adam Starrett as the officiant.

Burial followed at West Union Cemetery, West Union, Iowa.

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

Dale McFarlane

Dale McFarlane, 68, of Waucoma, IA, died Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at Freeport Memorial Hospital, Freeport, Ill.
 

A Celebration of Life was held Monday, April 9, 2018 at the Waucoma Event Center. 

Private family interment will be held at a later date.
 

  Hugeback Johnson Funeral Home in Waucoma was entrusted with arrangements.  

Online condolences for Dale's family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com.
 

Dale Duane McFarlane was born Jan. 30, 1950 in Oelwein, Iowa, the son of Clyde and Thelma (Landsgaard) McFarlane. 

He attended rural country school and graduated from North High School in West Union in 1968.

He met Judy Phillips, his future wife, at Matters Ballroom outside of Decorah in 1969 at a dance. They were introduced to each other through a mutual friend.
 

Dale’s father needed help on the family farm, so Dale came back to the area after a short time at Iowa State University. He continued farming until 2012 when he retired. The original farm is where Volga Lake is currently located. 

Farming was everything to Dale. He enjoyed everything about it. Even at a young age he enjoyed working for Atrus Stepp planting watermelons.
 

Dale’s family was important to him. He was always there for his siblings. No matter what, he was just a phone call away. 

In Dale’s free time he enjoyed NASCAR, especially Dale Earnhardt, slow pitch softball games in Ossian, go-kart racing, playing cards with his friends in West Union and in his later years, gardening. Dale belonged to the Frog Hollow Motorcycle Crew. 

He was on the board of directors for the Cattlemen and Corn Growers. He also served on the Township Trustees Board for Westfield Township.
 

He is survived by his wife, Judy Phillips of Waucoma, IA; one daughter, Stacy (Bill) Croatt of Kent, Ill.; one grandson, Tyler Croatt of Kent, Ill.; two brothers, Bob (Joyce) McFarlane of Randalia, IA, and Paul McFarlane of Cedar Rapids, IA; four sisters, Sandy (Brian) Gossman of Ames, IA, Sharon (Kyle) Comer of Lone Tree, IA, Tracy (Dale) Elsbernd of Calmar, IA, Paula (David) Schott of Clermont, IA; many nieces and nephews.
 

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Joy McFarlane; one sister, Linda McFarlane; one nephew, Jeremy Olson; two nieces, Melissa and Amy McFarlane; and one great-nephew, Brady McFarlane.     15u15

Debra Dessel

Debra A. "Deb" Dessel, 65, of West Union, Iowa died Saturday, March 31, 2108, at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital, West Union, Iowa.

Deb was born Nov. 8, 1952, to George “Mick” and Lillian “Lil” (Halverson) Schroyer in Mason City, Iowa. 

She graduated from North High School in 1970, attended Coe College for four years, and earned her teaching degree from Upper Iowa University.

Deb was united in marriage with John Dessel on May 12, 1978, at Holy Name Catholic Church in West Union, Iowa. One daughter was born to this union. 

Deb worked as a third-grade teacher at West Union Elementary School until her retirement. In 1993 she was awarded the Iowa Conservation Teacher of the Year. 

She was active in the West Union CIVIC Club, Holy Name Rosary Society, a member of the Palmer Auxiliary and PEO Sisterhood. Deb was also a member of the Fayette County Conservation Board and was Assistant Commissioner of the Fayette County Soil and Water Conservation District.

She enjoyed bowling and golfing, quilting with her friends, and cross-stitching. Deb loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Deb is survived by her husband, John Dessel of West Union, Iowa; her daughter, Janell (Matt) McElree of West Union, Iowa; two grandchildren, Peyton Ann and Maxwell John McElree; her mother, Lil Hansel of West Union, Iowa; her brother, Mike Schroyer of West Union, Iowa; a niece, Michelle (Barry) Armstrong and family of Guttenberg, Iowa; and a nephew, Chad (Mary) Schroyer and family of Garnavillo, Iowa.

Deb was preceded in death by her father, George “Mick” Schroyer; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jim and Jean Dessel; and her sister-in-law, Sharon Schroyer.

  A Celebration of Life Gathering was held Thursday, April 5, 2018 at Holy Name Parish Hall, West Union, Iowa with a brief Scripture Service of Remembrance.

Inurnment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Palmer Memorial Foundation, the West Union Recreation Foundation, or the Fayette County Soil and Water Conservation Foundation.

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union, Iowa helped the family with the arrangements.     15u15

Ethan Guyer

Ethan Guyer Sr., 81, of Postville, Iowa, formerly of Elgin, Iowa died Thursday, April 12, 2018 at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital and Clinics, West Union, Iowa. 

Ethan Grant was born June 23, 1936 to Aubrey and Mabel (Christianson) Guyer on the family farm near Elgin, Iowa. 

He was baptized and confirmed at West Clermont Lutheran Church in Clermont, Iowa.

Ethan was a jack-of-all-trades. He farmed the family farm for most of his life, he was a Pride Seed dealer, an Archer Oil Dealer and District Manager, he ran a sawmill and repaired chainsaws, and he did custom round baling. 

Ethan was united in marriage with Vivian Anderson on Sept. 30, 1961 at West Clermont Lutheran Church, Clermont, Iowa.  

He was a member of West Clermont Lutheran Church, N.F.O., Farm Bureau, and the Toastmasters.

Ethan loved to reminisce about making maple syrup as a child. He enjoyed playing “Santa,” roller-skating, dancing, singing, bowling, and playing cards. In recent years he really enjoyed going to the casino.

Ethan is survived by his wife, Vivian, of Postville, Iowa; children Vickie (Henry) Clark of Jacksonville, Fla., Tammy (Vance) Neuzil of Postville, Iowa, Debbie Brink of Waukon, Iowa, Lori (Cary) Erickson of Decorah, Iowa, Ethan (Charlene) Guyer of Elgin, Iowa, Eric (Alli) Guyer of West Union, Iowa, Eldon Guyer of Elgin, Iowa, and Angie (Jason) Carter of Lincoln, Ill.; grandchildren Shaun (Melanie) Campbell, David (Mariam) Campbell, Leadra Clark, Corey (Jessica) Neuzil, Shannon Neuzil, Bethany (Kurtis) Brink, Garrett (Molly) Brink, Keith Brink, Dacia (Samuel) Brink, Jessica (Allan) Billmeyer, Sarah (Matt) Brink, Nicholas (Lexie) Brink, Tasha Brink, Billy (Alex) Brink, Seth (Maggie) Erickson,  Whitney Guyer, Wade Guyer, Wyatt Guyer, Clayton Durnan, Kora Lanphier, Jessica (Allen) Billmeyer, Sydney (Shawn) Alber, Sierra (Bryson) Fox, Dakota Fox, Nathan Guyer, Sawyer Hand, Kelvin Guyer, Denise Guyer, Bailee (Kyle) Goodman, Jamison Carter, Ethan Dehner, Aliya Carter; great-grandchildren Kenneth, Benjamin, Cody, Damion, Malyiah, Joesean, Mikeala, Lyla, Dominic, Tegan, Payton, Kailee, Oliver, Archer, Kasey, Landon, Logan, Finn, Mataylee, Hunter, Trevor, Noah, Braxton, Nalla, Dawson, Cooper, and Xavier;  two great-great-grandchildren; siblings Angeline (Carl) Andrews, Rodney (Doris) Guyer, Betty (Paul) Benjegerdes, Kay (Allen) Benkhen, John (Ellen) Guyer, Gary Guyer, Waunita (Harry) Pape, Rebecca (Bob) Kehner, Rachel (Gary) Woodson, and Cynthia (Dale) Bilden;  in-laws Violet Guyer, Sig Hoffman, Leslie Kleppe, Steven Drewes, Charlotte (Jerry) Nordhus, Jerry ( Bob) Alexander, Larry (Charlene) Alexander, Frank (Kay) Clark, and Judy (Ken) Sperry; and many nieces and nephews.

Ethan was preceded in death by his twin daughters, Rhonda and Ramona; grandson Aaron Campbell; siblings Doug Guyer, Patty Hoffman, Arabella Kleppe, Olivia Drewes; his parents, Aubrey and Mabel Guyer; and in-laws Dale Alexander, Larry Alexander, Allen Benkhen and Judy (Ken) Sperry.

Funeral Services were held Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at West Clermont Lutheran Church, Clermont, Iowa with Rev. Phillip Olson as the officiant.

Burial followed at God’s Acres, Clermont, Iowa.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Clermont, Iowa helped the family with arrangements.              16u16

Judy Hovden

Judy Hovden, age 80, of West Union, Iowa, formerly of Cresco, Iowa, died Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital in West Union. 

Funeral Services were held Monday, April 16, 2018 at Madison Lutheran Church in rural Ridgeway, IA, with Rev. Jeff Hansen officiating.

Burial was in Madison Lutheran Cemetery. 

Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah assisted the family.   

“Every one to whom much has been given, much will be required in return.” (Luke 12:48) Judy was a woman with many talents. Alton has always said there isn’t anyone with more talents than she had. With a wrench and a hammer or a needle and thread, she could fix about anything.

Judith “Judy” Vivian Anderson was born to Raymond A. and Florence M. (Brobst) Anderson on June 25, 1937 in Janesville, Wis.

She was baptized in the summer of 1937 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Durand, Ill., and confirmed her faith at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Brodhead, Wis.

Judy married Alton R. Hovden on July 13, 1963 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. 

Judy joined Madison Lutheran Church in rural Decorah, Iowa shortly after and began a lifetime of volunteer service. Judy taught Sunday School and served as the education superintendent, taught Vacation Bible School, played the organ and the piano, sang and directed the church choir, served as congregation president and Cluster 8 WELCA president, was a member of Bible study groups and women’s circles, and contributed many hours to quilting and crafts to benefit missions and the church. Her dedication to her church was a priority in her life.

Judy was a lifelong learner and a tremendous teacher. She graduated from Brodhead High School in 1955 where she participated in choirs and bands, including marching, concert, and polka, just to name a few. Judy earned state music honors and was selected to participate in many special concerts. She enjoyed sharing her musical talents for 80 years, and we will dearly miss hearing her voice. 

After high school, Judy spent time in Pacoima, Calif., and worked as a parish secretary at Calvary Lutheran Church. There, she met Alton’s sister, Audrey, who eventually brought Judy and Alton together.

Judy put herself through college, and after only six semesters of intense study, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh with a B.A. in Upper Elementary Education. She taught music in Hillsboro, Wis., before marrying Alton and moving to Ridgeway, Iowa. Judy taught 6th grade in the Howard-Winneshiek school district for one year. 

They started a family, and she stayed home to raise their children, Dan and Beth, and help on the farm. During this time, she spent many years teaching piano to area students. This brought much joy to Judy, and she enjoyed getting to know each one of them. 

Judy taught Title 1 Reading at Holy Trinity in Protivin from 1976-1982. She also played the organ for children’s Masses. Judy then went back to Howard-Winneshiek schools and taught 6th grade from 1984-1998. Judy made many friends within the schools she taught and continued to keep in touch with them after retirement.

Judy considered everyone family. But, it was her title of Grandma that she was most proud of, which was evident even in her last few days with us. Grandma Hovden was known for her cinnamon rolls and donuts, roast beef dinners and apple pies, her strawberry jam, sharing balloons, teaching math around the dining room table, and her ability to fix anything with her sewing machine. Her grandchildren will forever carry a piece of her strong and loving heart with them.

Judy is survived by her loving husband, Alton, with whom she spent many years on the family farm. Farming came easy to Judy, especially due to the good neighbors and strong friendships she developed over many cups of shared coffee. And many, many laughs. 

After moving to Cresco, Judy and Alton traveled to the beautiful destinations of Hawaii, Arizona, Florida, the Western Caribbean, Norway, and Europe. 

In 2012, they moved to West Union to be near family. This is where Judy received her call to join Jesus in heaven. The people of the Good Samaritan Society and the Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospice will be fondly remembered by all family who shared her final months and days. Judy was cared for by the best.

Judy is also survived by her son, Dan (Chris) Hovden of West Union and daughter, Beth (David) Wood of Pella, Iowa; seven grandchildren: Kirby Hovden of Cedar Rapids, Kylie Hovden (Corey Streif) of Clermont, Trevor Wood of Des Moines, Tanner Wood of Pella, Tate Hovden of West Union, Brooks Hovden of West Union, and Trey Wood of Pella. Also surviving are Chris’ children, Brandon (Tiffany) Cassidy of Fargo, N.D., Cheyanne (Jim) Hackett of Prairie du Chien, Wis., and Sydney Stankee of Cedar Rapids. Judy also had great-grandchildren who she loved to have visit. 

Judy has two surviving sisters, Mary Joyce Stockdale of Durand, Ill., and Phyllis Anderson of Brodhead, Wis.; many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Memorials should be directed to: Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospice, 112 Jefferson Street, West Union, IA 52175 or Northeast Iowa Food Bank, P.O. Box 2397, Waterloo, IA 50704-2397.

Online condolences may be made at www.fjelstul.com.

Letha Haines

Letha M. Haines, 97, of Cedar Rapids and formerly of the Waucoma area, died Sunday, March 11, 2018, at Northbrook Manor Care Center in Cedar Rapids.

Graveside services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at Waucoma Cemetery with lay servant Mona Christie officiating.

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Hawkeye is assisting Letha’s family. 

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

Letha Mae, daughter of Alfred and Nellie Bradley Haines, was born Dec. 17, 1920, in Waucoma, Iowa.

She received her education in Canadian schools following her family’s move there.

Letha served with the Women’s Army Corps for six years during World War II and worked in civil service in Minneapolis for many years prior to retiring and moving to Cedar Rapids in the 1990s. 

She is survived by two nieces, Carol Davis of Cedar Rapids and Marsha Haines of Chicago; two nephews, George (Karen) Davis of East Troy, Wis., and Mark Haines of West Union. 

In addition to her parents, Letha was preceded in death by one brother, James Haines, and one sister, Bernice Davis.           15u15

Ronald Thompson

Ronald E. Thompson, 74, of Fayette died Friday, April 13, 2018, at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette with Rev. Herbert Mueller III officiating. 

Burial followed at Grandview Cemetery in Fayette. 

Memorials may be made to the family for later designation. 

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

Ronald Eugene, son of Tilmer and Ethel (Nelson) Thompson, was born Aug. 16, 1943, in Clermont. 

He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith in Clermont. 

Ronald received his education in the Clermont Schools. 

On Aug. 21, 1966, he was united in marriage with Sandra Miller at Grace Lutheran Church in Fayette.

Ronald drove a truck for Wilson’s Feed and Supply in West Union for a few years prior to working for Maynard Co-op for over 30 years, from which he retired.

He enjoyed being outdoors, whether it be working at his acreage or hunting and fishing.

Ronald is survived by his wife, Sandra of Fayette; three children, Michelle L. Thompson of Waterloo, Janelle R. Pityer of Algona, and Jamie R. (Buddie) Thompson of Glenwood; four grandchildren, Courtney Pityer of Algona, Carissa Pityer of Ames, Christopher Pityer of Algona, and Cody Thompson of Glenwood; two stepgrandchildren, Allie and Jacob Brooks of Glenwood; one brother, Henry Thompson of Randalia; father-in-law, James Miller of LaCrescent, Minn.; sister-in-law, Jane Thompson of Sumner; brother-in-law, Rodney (Julie) Miller of LaCrescent, Minn.; three nephews, Brian Thompson of Randalia, Jeff (Christy) Miller of Colorado, Alex Schomers of Minnesota; and two nieces, Jackie (John) Revard of South Dakota and Jade Miller of LaCrescent, Minn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Alan Thompson and one brother in infancy; mother-in-law, MaryAnn Miller; and sister-in-law, Barbara Thompson.    16u16

John Kiple III

John E. Kiple III, age 65, of Marshall, Minn., formerly of West Union, Iowa, died unexpectedly on Friday, April 20, 2018, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar, Minn.  

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 27, at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home in Elgin, Iowa.  

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 10 to 11 a.m., at the funeral home in Elgin.   

Interment will follow in the Postville Cemetery in Postville, Iowa.

John Edward Kiple III was born on Sept. 5, 1952, in Dubuque, Iowa, to John and Roma (Medberry) Kiple.  He grew up in Anamosa, Iowa, and later moved to Rosemount, Minn.  He graduated from high school there in 1970.

  John started working for Schwan’s Sales, Inc., in West Union, Iowa, and later transferred to Marshall, Minn.  All told, he spent over 30 years with Schwan’s.  

He loved to fish, mushroom hunt, watch movies, and was an avid reader of Loius L’Amour Westerns.

  John died unexpectedly a couple days following a surgical procedure at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar, Minn.  He had reached the age of 65 years, 7 months, and 15 days. Blessed be his memory.

  He is survived by his brother, Monte Kiple of Marshall; sister, Joni Kiple of Huron, S.D.; nephews Nicholas (Stephanie) Kiple of Huron, S.D., Nathan (Megan) Kiple of Huron, S.D.; niece Holly Traen (Darek Nelson) of Huron, S.D.; four great-nephews; six great-nieces; uncles Jerry Medberry and Robert (Helen) Medberry; and six cousins.

  He was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; and uncle, DeWayne Medberry. 

  Arrangements were handled by Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall, Minn. 

A guest book and tribute wall are available online at www.hamiltonfh.com.  17u17

Ervin Kamaus

Ervin Robert Kamaus, 87, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of West Union, passed away on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, Ga. 

Services were held on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 1 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids.

  Ervin Robert Kamaus was born on June 9, 1930, the son of Henry and Grace (Shepherd) Kamaus. 

Ervin was united in marriage to his second wife, Joyce Simmons.  

He served in the United States Army in the Korean War.  

Throughout his life, Ervin worked as a machinist, dairy farmer, logger, and owned a tavern in Cedar Rapids. 

He also enjoyed traveling all over the world with his wife, Joyce; he also enjoyed reading.

  Ervin was preceded in death by his parents, and two children in infancy.

  Left to cherish Ervin’s memories are his wife, Joyce Kamaus of Anamosa; daughter, Christie (John) Haack of Georgia; four stepdaughters, Debbra Zumbach of Anamosa, Donna Galland of Colorado, Dianne Galland of Cedar Rapids and Deena Jackson of Cedar Rapids; three grandsons, Phillip Haack, Matthew Haack and Michael Haack; and three great-grandchildren.

  In lieu of flowers, the family has respectfully requested that any memorial contribution be made to the Cedar Valley Human Society

  Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.      17u17

Tim Burkey

Tim Burkey, 57, of Hawkeye and formerly of Maynard, Iowa died Sunday afternoon, April 15, 2018 at Unity Point – Allen Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa.

Celebration of Life Service was held Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the Hawkeye Community Hall in Hawkeye with Pastor Dan Hanson officiating.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com.

Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Oelwein assisted the family.

Timothy Lee Burkey was born Nov. 8, 1960 in Vinton, Iowa, the son of Marvin Keith and Janet Joyce (Rabe) Burkey.  

Marvin died when Tim was very young. His mom later married Delbert Leverington.  

In 1979, Tim graduated from West Central High School in Maynard. He then attended Luther College and Hawkeye Community College.  

On April 27, 1985, he was united in marriage with Teri Ann Moore at Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein. 

Tim was employed for 32 years at Blessing/IDEAL Industries.  

He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Maynard.  

Tim was an avid Green Bay Packer, Milwaukee Brewer and West Central Blue Devil fan. He enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing, recreational sports and spending time with his family and friends.

Tim is survived by his wife: Teri Burkey of Hawkeye; daughter: Stephanie Burkey of Waverly; son: Michael Burkey of Hawkeye; mother: Janet Leverington (Ed Lundahl) of Independence; brother: Doug Burkey of Oelwein; sister: Beth (Lyle) Behrend of Luana; two stepbrothers: Richard (Marlene) Leverington of Texas and Delbert (Claire) Leverington, Jr. of Cedar Rapids; sister-in-law: Cheryl Moore of Oelwein; brother-in-law: Randy (Julie) Moore of Westgate; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his two fathers: Marvin Burkey and Delbert Leverington; parents-in-law: Dennis and Ellie Moore; three sisters-in-law: Margy Burkey, Kathy Burkey and Lori Schmitt; three brothers-in-law: Robbie Casey, Paul Schmitt, and Rick Lenth; niece: Gina Prevenas; and best friend: Doug Pagel.          

Laura Gefaller

Laura Gefaller, 67, of Hawkeye died Sunday evening, April 22, 2018, at her home in Hawkeye, surrounded by her loving family. 

Arrangements are pending with Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Hawkeye.

Eleanor Torkelson

Eleanor Marie Torkelson, 84, of Elgin, Iowa died Thursday, April 26, 2018 at Stoney Brook Village in West Union, Iowa.  

Eleanor was born Dec. 29, 1933 on a farm near Castalia to Elmer and Marie (Backhaus) Schutte. 

She was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Castalia and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville. 

Eleanor graduated from Postville High School in 1951. 

Upon graduation, Eleanor moved to Cedar Rapids with three very dear friends. While in Cedar Rapids she worked for Handler Motor Co. She also lived in San Francisco, California for a short time. 

While living in Cedar Rapids a young Elgin boy started to visit her. When that Elgin boy was discharged from the Army, Eleanor moved back to Elgin and married Ivan Torkelson on Oct. 24, 1954 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville. Three children were born to this union.

Eleanor devoted most of her life caring for others. She kept busy raising their children and helping Ivan with their business, Torkelson Motors. 

After the children were grown, Eleanor worked at Elgin State Bank, Palmer Community Hospital, and made crafts for a company from her home.

Eleanor loved working in her yard and taking care of flowers; she also enjoyed baking and preparing food for her family. Eleanor was a very talented person who did a lot of sewing and crafting. She made stained-glass sun catchers and many braided rugs, created and decorated hundreds of grapevine wreaths and made many beautiful pieces of hardanger embroidery. She loved to do crossword puzzles and read books. Another of Eleanor’s greatest loves were the many dogs that they had over the years. She even raised some pug puppies. Eleanor and Ivan enjoyed traveling to many places.

Eleanor was a very active member of Elgin Lutheran Church. She taught Sunday school and was a junior choir director for many years. Eleanor was very active in Ladies Aid and held many office positions. She loved music and was often found playing the piano at home and church. She was a senior choir member her entire life.

Eleanor is survived by her sons, Bruce (Sue) Torkelson of Waukon, Iowa and Dirk (Cindy) Torkelson of Elgin, Iowa; son-in-law, Bob Wilson of Decorah, Iowa; five grandchildren, Erin (Jesse) Bunge, Kyle (Aubrey Boubelik) Torkelson, Jerrod (Royale) Torkelson, Brandon Torkelson and Cody Torkelson; two great-grandsons, Theodore and Oliver Torkelson, and Baby Bunge due in November 2018; sisters-in-law, Carol Torkelson of Lisle, Ill., and Lillian Schutte of Postville, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband, Ivan, in 2014; daughter, Lynette Wilson in 2006; parents, Elmer and Marie Schutte; brothers, Eugene Schutte and Lloyd Schutte; sisters-in-law, Clarine Schutte and Gayle Torkelson; and brothers-in-law, Otis Torkelson and Dean Torkelson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Elgin Lutheran Church, Gundersen Tomah Hospice and Stoney Brook Village.

A Funeral Service was held Monday, April 30, 2018 at Elgin Lutheran Church, Elgin, Iowa with Rev. David Coffin as the officiant.

Burial was in the Elgin Cemetery, Elgin, Iowa.            

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

    18u18

Donna Weyland

Donna M. Weyland, 85, of Wadena died Thursday evening, April 26, 2018, at her home in Wadena surrounded by her loving family.

A Memorial Mass was celebrated Monday, April 30, 2018, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Volga with Rev. John Haugen officiating. 

Interment followed at Wadena Cemetery. 

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the family for later designation. 

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

Donna Marie, daughter of Arthur and Nellie Mae (Cagley) Hultman, was born Oct. 3, 1932, in Fergus Falls, Minn. 

She received her education in the Fergus Falls Schools.

Donna was baptized in the Lutheran Faith and would later be confirmed in the Catholic Faith. 

Two daughters, Susan and Barbara were born to her first marriage. 

On June 20, 1970, she was united in marriage with Gary Weyland at the Congregational Church in Cedar Falls. The couple made their home in the Waterloo area until moving to Wadena in 2005.

Donna worked at Rath Packing in Waterloo for 28 years prior to retiring in 1982, when her health no longer permitted. 

She was a very artistic person and enjoyed quilting, sewing, baking, and spending time with her pets and family.

In addition to her husband, Gary of Wadena, Donna is survived by her daughter, Barbara (James) Karn of Pueblo, Colo.; three grandsons, Zachary Karn of Fort Collins, Colo., Luke Karn of Chicago, Matthew (Marta) Karn of Ft. Collins, Colo.; a grandson-in-law, Jared Kent of Wadena; three granddaughters, Mindra (Donald Richard) Balk of West Union, Holiday (Arturo) Nagle Zuniga of Los Angeles, Calif., Darian (Jeremy) Nagle-Gamm of Iowa City; eight great-grandchildren, Bradley (Samantha), Gary, and Joanne Balk, Alexandria and Miles Kent, Anya and Sasha Gamm, and Greyson Karn; and son-in-law, Mick Nagle of Wadena.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter Susan Nagle, who died Jan. 14, 2017;