Darlene Gibbs

Darlene Elizabeth Gibbs, 91, of West Union, Iowa died Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette, Iowa. 

Darlene Elizabeth was born on July 20, 1926 to Fritz and Amanda (Grafenburg) Vagts. 

She graduated from West Union High School in 1944.

Darlene received her teaching certificate and taught at many country schools, including Eldorado, then worked as a secretary to the bank president at First National Bank, West Union.

Darlene was united in marriage with Arnold Gibbs on April 22, 1951 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado, Iowa. To this union five children were born. 

Together they started farming near Strawberry Point, then later east of West Union. Darlene helped Arnold with the farm work and enjoyed cooking and baking, gardening and canning the vegetables from her garden. 

She was an active member of St. Peter in Eldorado, then of Zion Lutheran Church, West Union. Darlene taught Sunday school and Confirmation class for many years.  

She and Arnold retired from the farm in 1991 and moved to West Union.  They traveled in their retirement years with her sister Ardath and husband Buzz Cannon to Arizona, cruised to Alaska, and took a bus tour of the Northeast United States in addition to several other bank trips.  

She volunteered at the elementary school with the reading program and especially enjoyed working with her grandchildren there.  She was always willing to help out when needed.  

In January 2017 she moved to Maple Crest Manor, Fayette.

Darlene is survived by her husband of 67 years, Arnold Gibbs of West Union, Iowa; three children, Mary Gibbs (Brian) of Hiawatha, Iowa, Mike (Cindy) Gibbs of Waterville, Iowa and Gary (Carol) Gibbs of Elgin, Iowa; 16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Russ Medberry of Wadena, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Audrey Gibbs of West Union, Iowa; and one brother, Dr. Bud (Judy) Vagts of Ossian, Iowa.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Sue Medberry; son, Jon Gibbs; and her siblings, Everett Vagts, Herb Vagts, Virginia Schwenk and Ardath Cannon.

Funeral Service was held Saturday, June 16, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church, West Union, Iowa with Rev. Adam Starrett as the officiant.

Burial followed at St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery in Eldorado, Iowa. 

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa helped the family with arrangements.     25u25

Adalene Busch

Adalene Busch, age 85, of Festina, IA died on Friday, June 8, 2018 at the Ossian Senior Hospice in Ossian, IA.

  A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by the Rev. Robert Gross on Wednesday, June 13, at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Festina. 

Interment was in the church cemetery. Casket bearers were John Bear, Alan Boess, Don Wurzer, Allen Lukas, Duane Brincks, Bruce Bonestroo.

Arrangements were handled by Schluter-Balik Funeral Home, French Chapel, in Calmar.  

Adalene Marie (Wieling) Busch was born on March 11, 1933, the daughter of Gustave Gerhardt and Mary Catherine (Schmitz) Wieling in Cresco, Iowa.  

Adalene attended school in Cresco and Lawler and then graduated from Calmar High School in 1950. 

She worked at Brueckner’s Drugstore in Calmar.  

Adalene was united in marriage to Hubert Busch on Sept. 16, 1952, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar.  Together they farmed near Festina. 

Adalene also worked at Graphics in Calmar from 1969 until she retired in 1998.  

Hubert and Adalene moved into Festina in 1986, and she moved to Wellington Place in the Assisted Living in March 2011 and to the Ossian Senior Hospice in October 2013.  

Adalene enjoyed crocheting, dancing to polka music and going to Polka Fests. 

Adalene was a member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Festina, where she was an active member helping with music and as the bookkeeper.

Adalene is survived by her five children: Robert Busch of Festina, IA, Donna (Dennis) Anderson of Hager City, Wis., Jerry (Judy) Busch of Ossian, IA, Sheila (Wayne) Baird of Denver, IA, and Loren (Colleen) Busch of Burr Oak, IA; 16 grandchildren: Scott Busch, Michelle (Jason) Landa, Travis Busch, Jeremy (Dulcie) Anderson, Kelly (Jennifer) Anderson, Stacy (Adam Lenz) Anderson, Lyndsey Anderson, Chris (Allison) Busch, Terri Busch, Samantha Sutton, Sandra (Damian) Kraft, Alexander Baird, Celine Houdek, Crystal Busch, Chelcie Busch and Cloey Busch;  great-grandchildren: Derek, Avery and Nora Busch; Nevaeh Busch, Gabriel, Adalaide and Reagan Landa, Roslind and Riley Anderson, Kali Swanson, Braydon and Landon Anderson; two sisters: Rosalyn Baldwin of San Diego, Calif., and Alice (Lester) Lukas of Calmar, IA; a sister-in-law: Alice Peters of West Union, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

Adalene was preceded in death by her parents: Gustave Gerhardt and Mary Catherine (Schmitz) Wieling; her husband: Hubert Busch; infant son: Lawrence Busch; daughter-in-law: Sharon Busch; one sister: Mary Jane Bonestroo; one grandson: Benjamin Baird; sisters-in-law Regina Busch, Loretta (Leo) Fisher, Bernice (Raymond) Bear; brothers-in-law: John Baldwin Jr., Alfred Busch, Leo Brincks, Bill Peters, and Ewald Busch.

Marjorie Kilburn

Marjorie Kilburn, 96, of West Union, Iowa, died Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at Stoney Brook Village in West Union, Iowa. 

Marjorie Lois was born Jan. 14, 1922, to Harold and Hazel (Horn) Farland in Jasper County, Iowa. 

She graduated from Newton High School in 1939 and attended Iowa State Normal School, where she earned her two-year teaching degree. She taught three years in rural Jasper County.  

For several years she was a medical receptionist in Marengo, Iowa, for Dr. Burns Byram and Dr. Robert Sauer.

Marjorie was married to Marion “Jim” Dale on May 30, 1942, in Newton, Iowa; they later divorced. 

Marjorie was then united in marriage with Norman Kilburn on Feb. 14, 1970, in West Union, Iowa. 

She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, taught Sunday school and was also an Elder. She was a longtime member of PEO, Wednesday Art Club, American Legion Auxiliary, Decorah Rug Hooking Guild, and a dedicated Girl Scout leader. 

Marge enjoyed gardening and rug hooking. Her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marge is survived by her children, Dianne (Pete) Engel Cullum of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and James (Sandra) Dale of Morrison, Colo.; four grandchildren, Tracy McLane, Doug Engel, Kathy Dale and James Dale; five great-grandchildren, Aiden McLane, Ian McLane, Cole Engel, Blake Engel and Jarrett Engel; stepchildren Kim (Paul) Miller of Surprise, Ariz., and Norman (Bettina) Kilburn of Decatur, Ga.; and one brother, Jim Farland of Newton, Iowa.

Marge was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Kilburn; parents, Harold and Hazel Farland; brothers, Wayne Farland, Delbert Farland, Clifford Farland and Ronn Farland; sisters, LaVonne Thorson, Marilyn Green and Jean Dillin; a grandson, Richie Engel; son-in-law, Rich Engel; and stepchild, Tracy Kilburn.

Visitation was set for 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 19, at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa. There will also be a one-hour visitation before services at the church today (Wednesday).

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. today (Wednesday, June 20, 2018) at Bethel Presbyterian Church, West Union, Iowa, with the Rev. Don Best as the officiant.

There will be a luncheon at the church prior to burial at the West Union Cemetery, West Union, Iowa.

Memorials can be made in Marge’s name to Stoney Brook Village, 705 S. Pine St., West Union, IA 52175.

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa, is helping the family with arrangements.    25u25

Milo Frieden

Milo W. Frieden, 85, of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin formerly of Elgin, Iowa passed away Saturday, June 16, 2018 at Great River Care Center in McGregor, Iowa.  Milo William was born February 4, 1933 to William and Eliza (Moore) Frieden in Elkader, Iowa. He attended school in Elgin, Iowa. Milo joined and proudly served in the United States Army.

Milo was united in marriage with Marilyn DeWitte on April 28, 1954 in Arlington, Iowa.  He farmed the family farm in the Elgin area for many years. Milo also worked at the Casino in Marquette, Iowa for eleven years, retiring in 2006.

Milo is survived by his children, D. Mark Frieden of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Greg Frieden of McGregor, Iowa, Karen Harvey of Des Moines, Iowa and Mari Ellen Koehn of Monona, Iowa; six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Milo was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn on February 25, 2013; daughter, Lisa Frieden; son Jeffrey Frieden; parents, William and Eliza Frieden; two-grandsons, Michael and Matt Frieden; and one sister, Ardis Seeman.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at Norway Lutheran Church, St. Olaf, Iowa.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at Norway Lutheran Church, St. Olaf, Iowa with Rev. Marshall Hahn as the officiant.

Burial will follow the funeral lunch at Illyria Cemetery, Elgin, Iowa.

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

Shirley Schmitt

Shirley Elizabeth Schmitt, 87, of Ossian, Iowa died Saturday, June 9, 2018 at Ossian Senior Hospice, Ossian, Iowa. Shirley Elizabeth was born January 9, 1931 to Theodore and Alice (Mansheim) Uhlenhake in Ossian, Iowa. She graduated from Ossian Public School, Ossian, Iowa.

Shirley was united in marriage with John Schmitt on September 19, 1949 at St. Aloysius Church, Calmar, Iowa. To this union, eight children were born. She was a loyal farm wife and loving mother. Shirley raised chickens, enjoyed cooking, canning the fruit of her labor and gardening. She loved reading and spending time with her family. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren. Shirley had served on the Ossian Public Library board, as an officer for the St. Francis de Sales Rosary Society, God’s housekeeper at the church and also helped at St. Francis de Sales School. Shirley and John lived on the family farm northeast of Ossian until moving to town in 1984.

Shirley is survived by her eight children, Gerald (Julie) Schmitt of St. Joseph, Missouri, Susan Croatt of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Cynthia (Dean) Bushman of Graham, Washington, Daniel (Mary Lynn) Schmitt, of Sumner, Iowa, Richard (JoAnn) Schmitt of West Des Moines, Iowa, Allan (Luann) Schmitt of Ossian, Iowa, David (Anita) Schmitt of West Burlington, Iowa and Margie (Denis) Holien of Ossian, Iowa; twenty-one grandchildren, Sara (B.J.) King, Douglas (Melanie) Schmitt, Emily (Brandon) Holtz, Karen (Chris) Martin, John (Abbey) Croatt, Jason (Jamie) Bushman, Christina (Keith) Taylor, Brooks (Terra) Schmitt, Storm (Shea) Schmitt, Mitchell Schmitt, Noah (Jessica) Bloom, Matthew (Piya) Schmitt, Jenny (Phil) O’Brien, Kristin (Javier Guzman) Schmitt, Alyssa (Bob) Bullerman, Chelsea (Tim) Courtney, Ethan ( Glenda) Schmitt, John (Kylie) Schmitt, Aubrey Schmitt, Chase (Alanda) Holien, and Caitlin Holien; twenty–six great grandchildren; sister, Virginia Reicks; sister-in-law, Kathryn Uhlenhake.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, John Melvin Schmitt; parents, Theodore and Alice Uhlenhake; two grandchildren, Andrew Croatt and Ann Marie Bushman; grandson-in-law, Dana Reicks; three sisters, Lucille Uhlenhake, Irene Tieskoetter and Ruth Elsbernd; and two brothers, Walter Uhlenhake (in infancy) and Ray Uhlenhake.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm with a 7:00 pm Scripture Service on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before mass at the church on Friday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Friday, June 15, 2018 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian, Iowa with Father Robert Gross as Celebrant and Tyler Raymond as Deacon.

Burial will follow at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery, Ossian, Iowa.

Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Ossian, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.

Hildred Pleggenkuhle

Hildred B. Pleggenkuhle, 98, of West Union and formerly of Hawkeye, died Friday, Feb. 16, 2018, at Traditions of West Union. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at noon Sunday, July 1, 2018, at United Methodist Church in Hawkeye with Mona Christie, Lay Servant, and Rev. Dayna Winke officiating. Lunch and fellowship will continue after the service at the Hawkeye Community Hall. 

Private family inurnment will be held at the West Union Cemetery.

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Hawkeye is assisting the family.

Hildred Bernice, daughter of Floyd and Gladys (Swale) Whitcher, was born Nov. 5, 1919, on a farm east of West Union. 

She received her early education in the country schools near West Union and graduated from West Union High School in 1937.

Hildred continued her education at Upper Iowa University in Fayette, where she received her Teaching Certificate. She taught in the country schools near Eldorado and Windsor Township. 

On March 5, 1943, she was united in marriage with Clarence Pleggenkuhle in West Union. The couple farmed for 50 years in the Hawkeye area. She was an active farm wife and was a member of the Bethel Farmerettes. 

Hildred and her sister, Virgie Bruening, participated in the moving of the Whitcher Country Schoolhouse to the Fayette County Fairgrounds and helped with programming during the fair. 

Hildred loved picnics, painting, singing, fishing, playing cards, square dancing and socializing with family and friends. She and Clarence and their four boys spent many days fishing in Minnesota and at the Mississippi River and picnicking at Gouldsburg Park. She and Clarence also loved the time they spent wintering in Arizona. 

Her grandchildren adored her. She taught her granddaughters (and grandsons) how to make noodles and her grandsons how to be “helpful” in the kitchen and all of her children and grandchildren how to love and respect others.

Hildred is survived by her four sons, Daryl (Susan) Pleggnenkuhle of Papillion, Neb., Duane (Olivia) Pleggenkuhle, Ronald (Lynn) Pleggenkuhle, and Gene (Janice) Pleggenkuhle all of Hawkeye; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and several extended family members and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence, in 2001; daughter-in-law, Ellen Pleggenkuhle; granddaughter, Sarah Pleggenkuhle Penniewell; two great-granddaughters, Madeline and Emma Pleggenkuhle; and her siblings, Dale Whitcher, Jerry Whitcher, and Virgie Whitcher Bruening.    25u25

Gary Guyer

Gary Eugene Guyer, 76, of Oelwein passed away on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at Grandview Healthcare Center in Oelwein. 

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

For condolences, visit www.geilenfeldfh.com.

Gary was born June 23, 1941 on the family farm near Elgin, the son of Aubrey and Mabel (Christianson) Guyer.

He grew up in the area, graduating from North High School in West Union in 1959. 

Gary entered the U.S. Army and served a tour in Vietnam. 

He was a truck driver most of his life, driving for many different companies. 

Gary is survived by his five sons: Garret, Bensen, Shayne, Clayton, and Barton Guyer; nine siblings: Angie Andrews of Palo, Rodney (Doris) Guyer of Elgin, Betty Benjegerdes of Postville, John (Ellen) Guyer of Clermont, Kay Behnken of Monona, Nita (Harry) Pape of West Union, Becky (Bob) Keehner of Luana, Rachel (Gary) Woodson of Elgin, and Cindy (Dale) Bilden of Clermont; and several grandchildren.  

He was preceded in death by his parents: Aubrey and Mabel; siblings: Doug Guyer, Ethan Guyer, Patricia Hofland, Belle Kleppe and Olivia Drewes; four brothers-in law: Al Behnken, Sig Hofland, Carl Andrews, and Paul Benjegerdes.      26u26

Gary Guyer

Gary Eugene Guyer, 76, of Oelwein passed away on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at Grandview Healthcare Center in Oelwein. 

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

For condolences, visit www.geilenfeldfh.com.

Gary was born June 23, 1941 on the family farm near Elgin, the son of Aubrey and Mabel (Christianson) Guyer.

He grew up in the area, graduating from North High School in West Union in 1959. 

Gary entered the U.S. Army and served a tour in Vietnam. 

He was a truck driver most of his life, driving for many different companies. 

Gary is survived by his five sons: Garret, Bensen, Shayne, Clayton, and Barton Guyer; nine siblings: Angie Andrews of Palo, Rodney (Doris) Guyer of Elgin, Betty Benjegerdes of Postville, John (Ellen) Guyer of Clermont, Kay Behnken of Monona, Nita (Harry) Pape of West Union, Becky (Bob) Keehner of Luana, Rachel (Gary) Woodson of Elgin, and Cindy (Dale) Bilden of Clermont; and several grandchildren.  

He was preceded in death by his parents: Aubrey and Mabel; siblings: Doug Guyer, Ethan Guyer, Patricia Hofland, Belle Kleppe and Olivia Drewes; four brothers-in law: Al Behnken, Sig Hofland, Carl Andrews, and Paul Benjegerdes.      26u26

Beulah Butikofer

Beulah M. Butikofer, 94, of Elgin, Iowa died Monday, June 18, 2018 at Good Neighbor Society in Manchester, Iowa. 

Beulah Margaret Favrhow, daughter of William Favrhow and Sarah (Guardhouse) Favrhow, was born Oct. 25, 1923 in Emerson, Mo. 

She was raised and educated in Emerson and Palmyra, Mo. 

After high school Beulah worked as a supervisor at two factories in Quincy, Ill., where she lived for several years. 

She was baptized into the Apostolic Christian Church on Dec. 31, 1950. 

Beulah waited for Bert Butikofer to return from his 16-month deployment in South Korea, and they were married on Feb. 22, 1953 in Taylor, Mo. On Aug. 18, 1953 they moved to the Elgin/West Union area. 

Together they both enjoyed dairy farming, raising crops, working with their children on the farm, and were involved in many agricultural and church activities. Together they faithfully served in the Apostolic Christian Church. 

Beulah loved to garden and quilt in her spare time and will long be remembered for transporting many community and church members to distant hospitals for treatments and care. She will also be remembered for her beautiful singing and guitar playing.

Beulah entered the Good Samaritan Society, West Union, Iowa in November 2010 where she resided with her husband, Bert, until his death on Aug. 25, 2014. 

In August 2015, Beulah transferred to Marietta's Place at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester, Iowa to be near more family where she resided until her passing. 

Beulah was preceded in death by her husband, Bert; parents, William and Sarah Favrhow; her sisters, Wilma and Murlene; and brothers Harvey, Earl, Elmo, and Donald. 

In addition to losing her parents and siblings, Beulah suffered the loss of her eldest child, Tony Bert Butikofer, at the age of 18 on May 21, 1972 and her eldest grandson, Jerry Lynn Butikofer (son of Lon and Sandy Butikofer), on July 10, 1998, both of tragic motor vehicle accidents.

Beulah is survived by her sons, Lon (Sandy) of Manchester, Iowa, and Tracy (special friend Phyllis Fosaaen), of West Union, Iowa; and her daughter, Melanie (Steve) Streicher of Milwaukee, Wis.; grandchildren Melisa (Tim) Gerst, and their children, Anelyse, Joseph, Jenna, Anthony, Jared, Aleyna, Jessica, and Aliyah of Delhi, Iowa, Aaron (Andrea) Butikofer, their daughters, Jaelyn, Shelby, and Reagan of Manchester, Iowa, Monica (Michael) Milovancev, their children Martyn, McKenna, and Maxtyn of Franklin, Tenn., Maria (Dean) Rocke, and their children Rylee, Myra, and Natalie of Elgin, Iowa, Brandon Streicher, Washington, D.C., and Sarah Streicher, of Milwaukee, Wis. 

In addition, Beulah is survived by her brothers- and sisters-in-law; Paul and Mildred Butikofer, Albert and La Verne Butikofer, William and Norma Butikofer, Harry Butikofer, Shirley Nester and Bertha Butikofer; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services were held on Friday, June 22, 2018 at Apostolic Christian Church, Elgin, Iowa.

Burial followed at Apostolic Cemetery, rural Elgin, Iowa.

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

William Charles Ohloff

William Charles Ohloff, 86, of Castalia, Iowa died Sunday, June 24, 2018 at Good Samaritan Society in Postville, Iowa. William Charles was born June 21, 1932 to Charles and Velma (Schultz) Ohloff in Postville, Iowa. He graduated from Postville High School in 1950.

William was united in marriage with Shirley M. Olson on August 4, 1950 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. He farmed his entire life. William was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, 4-H foundation board-Pine Bluff and the Bloomfield Historical Society. He enjoyed mushroom hunting, cutting wood and fishing. William had a love of animals and the outdoors. He greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren.

William is survived by his five children, Dean (Laurel) Ohloff of Postville, Stephen (Wendy) Ohloff of Dubuque, Daniel Ohloff of Postville, Marlyn (Debra) Ohloff of Cresco and Glen (Kathryn) Ohloff of Castalia; a daughter-in-law, Carmela (John) Hubler of Round Rock, Texas; fourteen grandchildren, Aaron (Stephanie) Ohloff, Seth (Beth) Ohloff, Arica Ohloff, Blake (Stephanie) Ohloff, Matthew (friend, Hanna) Ohloff, Patience (Robert) Kober, Sara (Kevin) Palas, Candice (Matt) Stier, Collin (Mindy) Ohloff, Craig (Chelsea) Ohloff, Jacob Ohloff, Garret Ohloff, Shane (Heather) Fox and Dustin Fox; great-grandchildren, Paige, Dalton, Hannah, Summer, Haley, Brittany, Bobby, Will, Ryker, Jackson, Reed, Claire, Preston, Emily, Mia, Kade, Zoe, Sawyer, Dawson, Bella, Hudson, Jordyn, Jetta and Josie; sister-in-law, Mary Koevenig of Oviedo, Florida; three nieces, Kim Koevenig (friend, Pete) of Daytona, Florida, Julie Smith (Kevin) of Faribault, Minnesota and Tammy Jacque of Tripoli, Iowa,.

William was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley on April 23, 2013; son, Thomas in 1988; parents, Charles and Velma Ohloff; sister, Kathleen Koevenig; brother-in-law Martin Heller, sister-in-law, Carol Heller; brother-in-law, James Koevenig; and a nephew, Kurt Koevenig.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. with a 3:30 p.m. Prayer Service on Thursday, July 5, 2018 at St. Paul Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, Postville, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Friday.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 6, 2018 at St. Paul Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Postville, Iowa with Rev. Lynn Noel as the Officiant.

Burial will follow at Postville Cemetery, Postville, Iowa.

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

Andy Grimes

Andy J. Grimes, 86, of San Rafael, Calif., formerly of West Union, died Saturday, June 9, 2018, at home with his family at his bedside.

At his request, there were no services.

Andy was born March 8, 1932, to Andy Sr. and Aloe Grimes in West Union. 

He grew up in rural West Union, attending and graduating from West Union High School in 1950.

He later went to California, where he enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean War.

Andy moved to Marin County, Calif., where he had a few jobs here and there, until one summer he was offered a job with the Sausalito Police Department by his cousin’s husband, who happened to be the chief at the time. When summer was over, Andy was hired on in San Anselmo, Calif. 

On March 5, 1961, he married Kathy Winding in San Rafael, Calif. They became the parents of two children, Polly and Andy III.

In 1963, Andy left Anselmo and joined the Fairfax [Calif.] Police Department, where he retired in 1987.

True 49ers football fans, Andy and Kathy spent many years tailgating and going to games. Andy enjoyed so much the beautiful Pacific Ocean and spent a lot of time camping at different places.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy, of San Rafael, Calif.; a daughter, Polly (Kevin) Short of Cordelia, Calif.; a son, Andy Grimes III of San Rafael, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Andy Grimes Sr.; his mother, Aloe Frisbie Grimes; and brothers Haldain, Elvin and Gary Grimes.

Lorraine Miller

Lorraine E Miller, 86 years old, passed away Jan. 24, 2018, in Mission, Texas. 

Inurnment will be at Grandview Cemetery in Fayette, Iowa. Graveside services will be conducted by her nephew, Pastor Douglas Bacon, on July 20, 2018 at 11 a.m.  

A luncheon will follow at Fayette Community Church, 205 W State Street, Fayette, Iowa.

Lorraine is survived by her husband of 69 years, Robert D. Miller of Mission, Texas; three children, Sandra (Danny) Hanna of Tabor, Iowa, Becky Williams of Oelwein, Iowa, Robert (Jaci) Miller of Bellevue, Neb.; four grandchildren, Les (Robin) Hanna, Robert (Thana) Hanna, Arien Crawford, Corrienne (Corey) Gray; 10 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Darlene Young of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Linda Flage of Fayette, Iowa; and many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney and Geraldine (Nelson) Moore; great-grandson, Nicholas Hanna; daughter-in-law, Ronda Miller; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ralph (Eva) Moore, Rodney (Janice) Moore, and brother-in-law, Bernard G. Young.

Lorraine was born in Fayette, Iowa, Dec. 12, 1931, and as a child attended Lone Oak Country School, rural Lime, Iowa, and West Union School.  

She was baptized in Oelwein, Iowa. 

Robert and Lorraine were married at the courthouse in Spring Valley, Minn., on Aug. 26, 1948. They lived throughout the Midwest during their marriage, including Lime, Iowa; Sedalia, Mo.; Independence, Iowa; Council Bluffs, Iowa; Janesville, Wis., Fayette, Iowa.  Upon retirement in 1984, they relocated to Mission, Texas.  

Her favorite pastimes were cooking, baking, quilting, reading, time spent with her beloved pets and all wildlife and birds lucky enough to find their way into her backyard.  

Condolences can be sent to: Robert Miller Family, 104 Mulford Drive, Oelwein, IA 50662.

Darin Donlan

Darin Donlan, 46, of West Union, IA (formerly of Calmar), died on Friday, June 29, 2018 at Gundersen Health System in LaCrosse, WI.

Funeral services were held Thursday, July 5, at Calmar Lutheran Church in Calmar with Pastor Anita Nuetzman officiating.

Interment was in Orleans Lutheran Cemetery in Cresco. Casket bearers were all of Darin’s special friends at the Washington and Jefferson Houses in West Union. Honorary casket bearers were Paul Ehler, Brady Mikkelson, Ryan Monroe, Gary Novotny, and Ken Kubesh.

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

Darin Lew Donlan, the son of Dale and LaVonne (Midthus) Donlan, was born Nov. 30, 1971 at the Winneshiek County Hospital in Decorah, IA.  

Darin was 3 when he went to preschool. Marlys Lien was his teacher. Darin’s second school experience was preschool for handicapped children in Spillville, and he later attended the Abner Hendrickson School for the developmentally disabled in Decorah with Karen Gates as his teacher. Darin attended the junior high school in Decorah with Dennis Fisher and Paula Olejniczak as his teachers.  He was integrated into the high school with Helen Wesselman as his teacher.  Darin graduated from the Laura Baker School in Northfield, Minn., with a diploma from South Winneshiek High School. 

Darin then worked at different facilities throughout the years. The last eight years, Darin has been at the Jefferson House in West Union, IA. 

Darin was a very friendly, social person who loved people. If he met you once, he would hold out his hand and ask for your name, and when he met you again, he would remember your name using both your first and last names. He was a wizard at putting puzzles together.  His photogenic memory came in handy at home; if something was misplaced, we’d just ask Darin and he would go right to it. 

Darin’s favorite pastime was shredding paper by hand. When he went to visit local farmers, he’d spread it out in their calf pens for bedding.  

He collected John Deere toys and enjoyed getting rides on tractors.  

He participated in the Special Olympics and won many medals and ribbons.  Each summer, Darin would attend Camp Winnebago in Caledonia or Albrecht Acres in Sherrill, IA.  

He loved to bicycle, roller skate, bowl, snowmobile, motorcycle, horseback ride, picnic, visit zoos, hayrides, swim, camp, fish, go to the movies, stock car races, theme parks and go cruising in the convertible with his brothers. He went out to eat at restaurants with family and friends on a regular basis.  

Darin was fortunate enough to have many wonderful people from all walks of life who helped support and advocate for him throughout his life. Darin was well-loved and will never be forgotten.

Darin is survived by his mother, LaVonne Donlan of Mabel, Minn.; brothers Danny (Michelle) Donlan of Cresco, IA and Deon (Tracy) Donlan of Farmington, Minn.; nieces and nephews Samuel, Dashel, Finnegan, McKenzie and Kathleen Donlan; aunts and uncles Arlin Midthus of Cresco, IA, Larry (Deb) Midthus of Cresco, IA, Kay Donlan Strand of Decorah, IA, Jerry (Kay) Donlan of Calmar, IA, and Marjorie (Curt) Berge of Lexington, Ky. 

Darin was preceded in death by his father, Dale Donlan, on Oct. 23, 1988; and grandparents Parnell and Elizabeth Donlan and Arthur and Alice Midthus.

Arlene Sutter

Arlene Sutter, 91, of West Union, Iowa died Saturday, June 30, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Society in West Union.  

Arlene Bernice, the daughter of Andrew and Helga (Lervold) Hilgerson, was born April 6, 1927 in Clermont, Iowa. Arlene was one of 11 children. 

She was baptized on May 1, 1927 and confirmed Aug. 16, 1942 at Stavanger Lutheran Church, rural Ossian, Iowa. 

She attended Dover #6 and graduated from the eighth grade.

Arlene was united in marriage with Frederick William “Fritz” Sutter on Feb. 16, 1945 at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church parsonage in West Union, Iowa, by Rev. E.O. Ulring.

Arlene was employed at the Lawrence Brause farm, where she and Fritz made their home. They later moved to West Union.  Arlene worked for many years as a hired girl. She also worked at H&H, Robinson’s Variety Store, and for 10 years at Schwan’s.

Arlene loved to cook, bake, and clean. She enjoyed making family dinners and was always ready to lend a helping hand.  Arlene especially enjoyed her grandchildren, Krista and Troy. She was very proud of them and took them camping many times.  

She was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren and enjoyed watching them grow up. Arlene loved to have the grandchildren and great-grandchildren visit her in the nursing home.

Arlene is survived by her children, Wayne (Judy) Sutter and Sandy (Mike) Moser, both of West Union, Iowa; two grandchildren, Krista (Ron) Dunt of Hampton, Iowa and Troy (Brenda) Moser of Cresco, Iowa; and eight great-grandchildren, Hailey, Emily, Kortney, Morgan, Spencer, Parker, Brooks, and Gage.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Fritz Sutter; her parents; five brothers and five sisters.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in West Union, Iowa with Pastor Rusty Phillips as the officiant.

Interment will be held in the West Union Cemetery, West Union, Iowa.

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Services of West Union, Iowa, is assisting the family with arrangements.    28u28

Kaiden Estling

Kaiden Douglas Estling, 14, of Maynard, Iowa died on Thursday evening, June 28, 2018, from injuries sustained in a hit-and-run incident south of Fayette, Iowa.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at the West Central School Gymnasium in Maynard with Pastor Andy Sayer officiating.

Interment was in Long Grove Cemetery, Maynard.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com.

Kaiden Douglas Estling was born Nov. 12, 2003 at Waterloo, Iowa, the son of April Ann Estling.  

He attended West Central Community Schools and would have been a freshman this coming year.  

Kaiden was a member of Fayette Community Church and Warrior Servant Martial Arts in Fayette.  

He enjoyed football, basketball, track, fishing, music, girls, and hanging out with his friends and cousins.

Kaiden is survived by his mother, April Estling of Maynard; brother, Amir Estling of Maynard; maternal grandparents, Kay and Doug Estling of Oelwein; aunts and uncles Carmen (Joe) Wedemeier and Steve (Jamie) Estling, all of Oelwein; cousins Eric, Brendon, Jared, Jacob and Taylor; and several stepcousins.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Leo and Verna Estling, Vern Thein, and Bernadine and Harold Squires. 

Marilyn Larson

Marilyn J. Larson, 81, of Sumner died Wednesday, July 18, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Mary’s Campus, in Rochester, Minn.

Funeral services were held Monday, July 23, at St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner with Rev. Tracy Hinkel officiating. 

Interment followed at St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery. 

The family suggests that memorials be made in Marilyn’s name to St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner, Sumner Women’s Civic Club, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. 

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home assisted Marilyn’s family. 

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

Marilyn Jean, daughter of Leo Kloster and Arlene (Mork) Kloster, was born July 21, 1936, at the hospital in West Union. 

She was baptized July 29, 1936, and confirmed June 4, 1950, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in West Union.

Marilyn graduated from West Union High School in 1954. 

On Feb. 26, 1955, she was united in marriage with Arthur D. Larson at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. To this union, two sons were born, Keith and Tom. 

Marilyn worked as a secretary at Harms Insurance in Sumner for many years prior to her retirement. 

She was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner and the Sumner Women’s Civic Club. 

Marilyn enjoyed playing cards, bowling, golfing, baking, making her homemade bread for her family, crocheting, quilting, watching the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Cubs, and Green Bay Packers, but most especially she cherished the time spent with her sons and their wives, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

  Marilyn is survived by her husband, Arthur, of Sumner; two sons, Keith (Lynnette) Larson and Tom (Layna) Larson, both of Sumner; four grandchildren, Wendy (Shane) Wentzel of Sioux Falls, S.D., Kyle (Rebecca) Larson of Sumner, Kara Larson of Waterloo, and Ashley Larson of Arlington; five great-grandchildren, Chase, Carter, and Zachary Wentzel, and Riley and Dayton Larson; two sisters-in-law, Loree Kloster of Ankeny and Alta Parkin of Eldridge.

In addition to her parents, Leo and Arlene Kloster, she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Kloster.

Juanita Mickelson

Juanita “Nita” Mickelson, 83, of Westby, Wis., died Sunday, July 29, 2018.

  Nita was born on July 24, 1935 to Carl and Gladys (Anderson) Bronson in Cashton, Wis. 

She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cashton. 

She married Blaine Mickelson on Feb. 25, 1955. 

Nita loved her friends and family. She enjoyed playing bridge, word finds and crossword scratch tickets, going on bus trips, watches, puzzles, lefsa, coffee, Rummikub, camping, Brandy Old Fashioneds and good times.

She also liked working at Bethel Butikk and Norseland Nursing Home and was a Salvation Army bell ringer.

Nita worked in the office at Cashton High School and was the receptionist at Bland Clinic for over 30 years. 

She was a Girl Scout leader and was an active member of Westby Coon Prairie Church, where she was a Sunday school coordinator and teacher and served on many committees.

  Juanita is survived by her daughter, Jayne (Dennis) Soppe of West Union, IA; grandson, Tony of West Union, IA; granddaughter, Stephanie (fiancé Mitch Niedert) of Grimes; great-granddaughter Adeline of Grimes, IA; brothers: Richard (Elaine) Bronson of Manitowoc, Wis., Gary (Barb) Bronson of Allenton, Wis.; sister-in-law, Lilah Kinsendahl of Westby, Wis.; and many nieces and nephews.

  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Blaine; an infant daughter, Mary; an infant son, David; her brothers William, Robert and Donald Bronson; a beloved sister, Bette Zinke; her sister-in-law, Verna Nelson; and many others.

  Funeral services were held Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018 at Westby Coon Prairie Church. Pastor Peter Beckstrand officiated. Burial followed in the Coon Prairie Cemetery. 

Online condolences may be offered at www.VossFH.com.

In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials in Nita’s name may be directed to the family or to the charity of donor’s choice.

The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby, Wis., served the family.     32u32

Sandra Schult

Sandra K Schult, 80, of Maynard died of heart complications on July 29, 2018, at University of Iowa Hospitals.

She was cremated as per her request.

There will be no formal service, but a Celebration of Life will be held at her residence at 440 1^st Street N. in Maynard from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug 11. Please bring your memories of Sandra to share. 

Sandra was born Feb 26, 1938, the daughter of Claude E. and Bertha (Grapp) Smith.

She graduated from Plainfield High School, where she was an outstanding basketball player and her team went to State. 

She worked as a telephone switchboard operator in Waverly. Later in her life she worked at Gas and Goods in Maynard.

Sandra married Lloyd Heinemeyer. From this union Pam, Patty and Michael were born. The couple later divorced.

As a military dependent at Edwards AFB, she would often say that the pictures on the wall would never hang straight. 

Sandra later married Larry Schult, and from this union their son, Timothy, was born. She also gained two stepsons, Rod and Randy Schult.

She is survived by a sister, Claudette Meyer of Waverly Iowa; a daughter, Pam Lawson of Sumner, Iowa; two sons, Michael (Mindy) Heinemeyer of Maynard, Iowa, and Timothy Schult; two stepsons Rod and Randy Schult; grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Patty; her husband, Larry; and her parents. 

Memorials can be made to the family.            32u32

John Galloway

John Walter Galloway, 71, of Cedar Falls, Iowa died Saturday at ManorCare Health Services in Waterloo. 

He was born July 18, 1947 in Cedar Falls, the son of Roger and Carolyn (Bigg) Galloway.

John attended Cedar Falls High School, graduating in the Class of 1966. He then attended the University of Southern California. 

On May 19, 1997, he married Connie Ungerer in Nashua. 

John worked for the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Department and as a public safety officer for the University of Northern Iowa.

He is survived by his wife, Connie; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Ungerer of Fayette and Nancy (Mark) Creery of Hawkeye; two nephews, Tanner Creery of Des Moines and Zachary Creery of Decorah; and two nieces, Madison Creery of Washington, D.C., and Emily Creery of Iowa City. 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, at Richardson Funeral Service with burial in Fairview Cemetery, both in Cedar Falls. 

Visitation was set for 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7, at Richardson Funeral Service, and for one hour prior to the funeral.  

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Condolences may be left at www.richardsonfuneralservice.com.     

Wendy (Schaller) Figge

Friends and family members are invited to attend the Celebration of Life service for Wendy (Schaller) Figge of Aurora, Colo., formerly of West Union, at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 13, at Bethel Presbyterian Church in West Union. Pastor Don Best will officiate.

Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. at the church for one hour prior to the service.

Wendy departed our physical world on June 25, 2018, at Porter Adventist Hospital in Denver.

Inurnment will take place at a later date.

Wendy Lee Schaller was born July 29, 1952, in West Union to David and Arleta (Jellings) Schaller.

After graduating from North High School in West Union in 1970, she attended St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in Davenport. Upon her graduation from St. Luke’s, Wendy began her nursing career at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Wendy and Paul Figge, M.D., her best friend and soul-mate of 42 years, started their life together in 1976 while working at Warner S. Bump Medical Group in Rhinelander, Wis. In 1981, they went into private practice before returning to the Quad Cities in 1989.

In 2009, Wendy and Paul joined their practice with the University of Iowa Obstetrics and Gynecology Department to establish what has become the U of I Women’s Health Center of the Quad Cities.

Wendy retired in 2012 and moved to the Denver, Colo., metropolitan area to be closer to her daughters and grandchildren. Paul retired in 2013 and joined Wendy in Colorado.

Wendy was exemplary at everything she did, as a wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, nurse practitioner, surgical assistant, office manager and best friend.

In addition to her husband, Paul, Wendy is survived by her mother, Arleta (Schaller) Vandersee, and her stepfather, Don Vandersee, of Fayette; a son, Timothy Figge of Iowa City; daughters Jill (Richard) Ward of Cumming, Ga., Johanna Figge of Denver, Colo., Erin (Ryan) Trew of Aurora, Colo., and Sara Figge of Denver, Colo.; and grandchildren Lindsay Ward, Lauren Ward, Ryley Trew, Rowan Trew, Carys Trew, and Tierney Trew.

Also surviving Wendy are her sister, Metta (Vernon) Beninga of Cedar Rapids, and her brothers Steve (Pam) Schaller of Clear Lake, Gene (Diana) Schaller of Clive, and Dennis (Schaller) of Spring Grove, Minn.

Wendy was preceded in death by her father, David Schaller; grandparents Bert and Ruth Jellings and Fred and Erna Schaller; and her in-laws, Paul and Mildred Figge.

Those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of Wendy to the “Wendy Figge Memorial Fund” at the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, One West Park Rd., Iowa City, IA 52242.   32u32