Edna Anderson

Edna Theodora Anderson, 97, of Postville, Iowa died Oct. 9, 2018 at Good Samaritan Society, Postville, Iowa. 

Edna Theodora was born Feb. 9, 1921 to Theodore L. and Emma Josephine (Amundson) Loftsgard at the family farm south of Gunder, Iowa. 

She graduated from Postville High School in 1939. She attended the Alumni Banquet up until this year.

Edna was united in marriage with Kenneth Joseph Anderson on June 4, 1947 at Marion Lutheran Church in Gunder, Iowa. Three children were born to this union. 

Edna worked as a Dietary Manager at Postville Community Hospital until her retirement in 1989. She walked to work every day and worked almost every holiday to allow others to be with their families. 

She belonged to the Women’s Group at the church and enjoyed baking and making quilts for all the family. Her great joy was spending time with her family,

Edna is survived by her three children, Curtis (Claudia) Anderson of Paullina, Iowa, Bruce (JoDee) Anderson of Postville, Iowa and Karla (Doug) Schrader of Luana, Iowa; nine grandchildren, Stephanie (Gary) Johannsen, Richard (Jan) Anderson, Kari (Ryan) Garry, Chris (Christine Rush) Anderson, Aaron (Sara Baker) Anderson, Rachel (Dustin) Harms, Taylor Anderson, Brant (Kayleen) Schrader and Burke (Kaitlyn) Schrader; and 16 great-grandchildren. 

Edna was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth, on June 17, 1967; a brother, Marion Loftsgard; and a sister, Lillian (Mervin) Reierson.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018 at Marion Lutheran Church, Gunder, Iowa with a visitation two hours before services at the church from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Burial will follow at Marion Lutheran Church Cemetery, Gunder, Iowa.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Postville, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.       42u42

Ellen Kneeland

Ellen Viola Kneeland, 82, of Clermont, Iowa died Friday, Oct. 19, 2018 at Good Samaritan Society in West Union, Iowa.  

Ellen was born Oct. 17, 1936 to Clement and Viola (Schmelzer) Kneeland in West Union, Iowa. 

She was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clermont, Iowa.

Ellen graduated from high school in Clermont, Iowa.

She lived her entire life at 401 Carlton Street in Clermont.

  Ellen worked as a secretary and bookkeeper at Antes Law Office in West Union, Estes Law Office and was also a receptionist at the doctor’s office in Elgin, Iowa.

She was a member of St. Peter’s Rosary Society, the Catholic Order of Foresters and the National Honor Society.  

Ellen enjoyed the simple things of life, watching little children and seeing dogs.

Ellen is survived by her brother, Ralph Kneeland, of Clermont, Iowa. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clement and Viola Kneeland.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. with a 10 a.m. rosary on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clermont, Iowa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church with Rev. Daniel Knipper as the celebrant.

Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Catholic Church Cemetery, Clermont, Iowa.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Clermont, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.      43u43

Billee Conner

“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.”                - Tagore

Beulah “Billee” Conner went to her heavenly home on Oct. 16, 2018, and is now in the loving arms of her husband, family and friends who preceded her in death.

Billee was born Oct. 25, 1923, near Williamstown, Mo., to Bertha Melvina (Kell) Mitts and Eddie Pearl Mitts. She was seventh of 10 children. 

After graduating from high school Billee went to Washington, D.C., to work in the Washington Navy Yard during World War II, an environment in which she flourished. 

She returned home to Elgin, Iowa, where she met and married Harold Conner on Sept. 8, 1946, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They spent the first four years of their marriage living in Des Moines while Harold attended Drake University. 

Billee and Harold made a home with their four children in West Union, Iowa. Billee put her dream of college on hold to become an outstanding wife, mother and member of her community. Her kitchen was always open for anyone to enter. From bread in the oven to dinner on the stove, she was an excellent cook.

After her husband’s death in 1980, Billee became a housemother at sororities on the campus of Iowa State University and Drake University. She was known as “Mrs. C” to many young women. 

Billee had numerous interests, including reading; studying the Bible; cross-stitch; knitting; horses; traveling to England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Greece and Jerusalem; and, of course, cooking. 

She enjoyed watching the Kentucky Derby every year and was fortunate to attend the Derby twice with Harold.

She was a 50-plus-year member of the Order of Eastern Star and a member of United Methodist Church in West Union. 

Billee’s children – Judson (Nellie) Conner of Fort Worth, Texas, Kirk Conner of Indian Hills, Colo., Kevin Conner of Marion, and Kristin (James) Novak of Cedar Rapids – will carry on her memory, along with her grandchildren Katie (Jason), Ben, John, Sean, Caitlin, Melisa, Paige (Carter), and Whitney); 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Billee was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and nine siblings, Homer, Jasper, Floyd, Walt, Wanna, Dorels, Dean, Imogene and Jennings. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.     43u43

Janice (Pinney) Budensiek

On Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018, Janice (Pinney) Budensiek went to meet the Lord.  Her faith in God helped carry her through many difficult situations, from a tree falling on her to the loss of her husband 10 months ago. Janice knew her scripture, but her faith was expressed through her singing. 

  Janice was born on April 19, 1935, in Elgin, Iowa, to Frank and Mabel Pinney.   

She attended school in Elgin and graduated in 1953.

Janice had her first job in Rochester, Minn., at Mayo Clinic. 

  Janice met Roger Budensiek shortly after moving to Rochester.  She married the love of her life in 1956 and enjoyed 61 years of blissful marriage. They were blessed with three children, Pam, Paula, and Todd. 

  She had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed practical jokes, particularly on April 1.  Janice did not believe in an alarm to wake up her children, but instead, woke them up to her singing the “Good Morning Song” from Booth and Cannon.  She loved spending time with both her immediate and extended family.

Family was very important to Janice.  She looked forward to celebrating birthdays and holidays, with immediate and extended family and friends. 

Janice leaves behind daughter Pam Holubetz, daughter Paula (Jim) Stewart, son Todd (Virginia) Budensiek; grandchildren Chris (Bekki) Watkins, Patrick (Nicole) Watkins, April (Ryan) Tuquero, Maren (Matt) Hustad, Xong Xiong Stewart, Megan (Aaron) Wenker, Jon Holubetz, David Holubetz, Aaron (Angela) Budensiek, Josh (Brooke) Budensiek, Andrew Buckholtz, Katie Buckholtz; 13 great-grandchildren, sister Sharon (Roger) Krech; and sister-in-law Pauline (Glen) Todd.  

   Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Mabel Pinney; sister Patty and sister Gerry (Robert) Musser; son-in-law Kevin Holubetz; grandson Matt Stewart; great-grandson Koob Hmoov Stewart; and other relatives. 

  Visitation will be held Friday, Oct. 26, 2018, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.  

The memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, and visitation will continue at 10 a.m. at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Goodhue, Minn.  

Paul Hackman

Paul Hackman, age 87, of Calmar, IA, died on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018 at Gundersen Health Systems in LaCrosse, Wis.

  A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by the Rev. Robert Gross on Saturday, Oct. 13, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar.

Interment was in the church cemetery with grandsons Jason Zuck, Justin Zuck, James Zuck, Joshua Taylor, Jackson Taylor, Isaac Taylor, Paul E. Hackman, Jon Hackman, Travis Tekippe, Matthew Tekippe, Nathan Einck, Bryan Einck, and Mitchell Einck (in spirit) as casket bearers.

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

Paul Christopher Hackman was born on June 29, 1931 in Festina, Iowa to Edward and Anna (Schmitt) Hackman.  

He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and attended St. Mary’s Parochial School in Festina, Iowa.  

On Oct. 21, 1952, he married the love of his life, Betty Jane Junk, in St. Lucas, Iowa.  Together they had six children.  

Paul was a successful dairy farmer along with his wife, Betty, and children for 27 years. 

In 1980, Paul and Betty became owners and operators of Handy True Value Hardware Store in Calmar, Iowa for 23 years until retiring in 2002.  

Paul was a member of St. Aloysius Parish, where he served on the parish council, and was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, South Winn Golf and Country Club, and Farm Bureau. 

Paul’s family was very important to him, and he enjoyed the time spent with them. His love for music led him to become a self-taught guitarist, singer and dancer.  He and Betty would attend many dances; first, waltzes and polkas and later, line dancing.  They also enjoyed bowling, golfing (even had a hole-in-one), and playing cards.   

Paul is survived by his wife Betty Hackman of Calmar, IA; children Kathy Sacquitne of Marion, IA, Donna (Dave) Taylor of Spillville, IA, Nancy (Dave) Einck of Waukon, IA, Ed (Lisa) Hackman of Calmar, IA and Paula (Linus) Tekippe of Fort Atkinson, IA; grandchildren Jason (Amy), Justin (Miranda) and James Zuck, Shannan, Joshua (Laura) Jackson, Isaac Taylor, Nathan (Debbie) Einck, Tiffany (Sean) Merrick, Bryan (Kate) Einck, Mandi (Aaron) Tieskoetter, Paul E. Hackman, Kristin (Landon) Einck, Jon (Lindsey) Hackman, Travis and Matthew Tekippe;  19 great-grandchildren, Brock Blake, Tobin Shea, Tristan Zuck, Miah and Maddox Taylor, Leni and Ari Taylor, Brenden Aberle, Luke, Ben and Katelyn Merrick, Evan and Austin Einck, Tyler and Brooklyn Einck, Hayden and Courtlyn Tieskoetter, Hudson and Harper Einck;  a brother, Norbert (Mary) Hackman;  sisters Lucille Kruse and Phyllis (Duane) Einwalter; sisters-in-law Nellie Pavlovec, JoAnn (Frances) Massman, Dora Lee (Bob) Terry; and many nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by his son, James, in 1974; son-in-law Don Sacquitne in 2010; grandson Mitchell Einck in 2012; parents Edward and Anna (Schmitt) Hackman; father- and mother-in-law Vincent and Elizabeth Junk; a brother, Othmar (Florence) Hackman; sisters Irene (Wesley) Shatek, Sister Marcella and Sister Phyllis Ann Hackman, Rita (Joe) Shatek; brothers-in-law Art Kruse, Lee Junk and Alfred Pavlovec; sisters-in-law Elenore Hackman, Anna Mae (Ernie) Hageman, Rita Lou (Jerome) Einck and Carol Jean (Don) Winter. 

Ralph Adams

Ralph B. Adams, 63, of Waucoma died Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, at the Good Samaritan Society in West Union.
 

A Celebration of Life memorial service was held Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at the Waucoma Event Center in Waucoma. 

Private interment will take place at the Alpha Cemetery, Alpha, IA.  
 

Funeral arrangements were handled by Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in Waucoma.  

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

Ralph Blair Adams was born Dec. 16, 1954, near Tacoma, Wash., the son of Howard and Charlotte (Oler) Adams. 

He received most of his education in Big Fork, Minn., and then the family moved to Waucoma, IA, where he graduated from Turkey Valley High School in 1973. 

He married Alice Schaufenbuel, and to this union two daughters were born, Amy and Carrie. The couple later divorced. 

Ralph had many jobs, but he was most proud of owning his own landscaping business called Adams Lawncare and Landscaping.

On Feb. 23, 1986, in Waverly, IA, he married Kathy Northrop. The couple enjoyed many years together until her passing from brain cancer on March 26, 2007.

Ralph was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting and riding his motorcycle. He also enjoyed woodworking, making things for his girls and their families.
 

Survivors include two daughters, Amy Adams (Ben Hanson) of St. Lucas and Carrie Leff of Cresco; six grandchildren, Lucas, Ava and Ezra Hanson, Dillon, Aidan and Ethan Leff; three brothers, Jeff (Jody) Adams of Aurora, Minn., Robert (Theresa) Adams of South Carolina, Gary Adams of New Hampton; three sisters, Susan Adams of South Carolina, Kathleen Snyder of Alpha, Pamela Ramfry of Charles City; sister-in-law Cheryl Adams of Nashua.
 

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Kathy; a brother, Russell Adams; a brother-in-law, Daryl Snyder.

Jerry Medberry

Jerry Dean Medberry, 72, of Elgin died Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, at Good Samaritan Society – West Union following a long illness.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at the Elgin Cemetery.

Iowa Cremation is handling the arrangements.

Jerry is survived by a brother, Bob (Helen) Medberry, of Elgin and many nieces and nephews.

Ruth Sieck

Ruth M. “Toots” Sieck, 78, of Fayette died Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Westgate, Iowa with Rev. Herbert Mueller III officiating.  

Interment was held at Hawkeye Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made in Ruth’s name to Grace Lutheran Church or Maple Crest Manor, both in Fayette. 

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

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

Ruth Marie, daughter of Herman and Melinda (Schlatter) Sieck, was born March 4, 1940, at Mercy Hospital in Oelwein. 

Shortly after Ruth was born, her mother died, and Florence raised Ruth along with her father and many loving family members. 

Ruth received her education in the West Central schools. 

She was a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church in Fayette. 

Ruth loved music, had a beautiful singing voice, playing cards, played the chord organ, the Minnesota Twins and jigsaw puzzles.

She also thoroughly enjoyed her many years at Maple Crest Manor and the many friends she made while living there. Ruth enjoyed life, and the most important thing to her was her faith.

Ruth is survived by her brother, Eugene (Doris) Sieck of Maynard; 11 nieces and nephews, Steve (Patty) Sieck of Denver, Colo., Kathy (Ed) Traeger of Readlyn, Donald Jr. (Shelly) Sieck of Fayette, David Sieck of Fayette, Karen (Glen) McCort of Cedar Rapids, Susie (Mark) Caffrey of Minnetonka, Minn., Robbie (Faye) Sieck of Cedar Rapids, Jim (Dawn) Sieck of Waverly, Joel (Jennifer) Sieck of Maynard, Gary (Tammi) Fink of Maynard, and Al (Roxanne) Fink of Randalia; 27 great-nieces and -nephews; 18 great-great-nieces and -nephews; and many other family and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Vera, who died in infancy; a brother, Donald Sr.; stepmother, Florence; two great-nephews, Dylan McCort and Chase Haskins; and great-great-nephew Wyatt Lee Sieck.       44u44

Daniel Volker

Daniel S. “Big D” Volker, 33, of Maynard, Iowa died Saturday morning, Oct. 27, 2018 at his parents’ home in Arlington, Iowa.

Memorial Service: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 2, 2018 at Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Maynard with Pastor Scott Hall officiating.

Life Celebration Visiting Time: 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Inurnment: Campton Cemetery, rural Lamont, Iowa at a later date.

Memorial Fund: Arlington Fire Department and E.M.S.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com.

Daniel Scott Volker was born Jan. 19, 1985 in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of James Scott and Susan Elizabeth (Weston) Volker.  

Dan lived in Sumner until he moved to Arlington when he was 10 years old.  

He graduated from Starmont High School, Arlington, in the class of 2003 and continued his education at Upper Iowa University in Fayette.  

Dan had worked as a custodian at Upper Iowa University for over 10 years. 

He enjoyed collecting baseball cards, listening to music, playing video games, camping, looking at cars, watching the Bears, playing cards and visiting with his friends and family.

Dan is survived by his parents, James and Susan Volker of Arlington; a brother, Phillip Volker of Maynard; grandparents Bonnie and Don Meister of Bremen, Ind., and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Dan was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Kenneth Weston; maternal grandmother, Deloris Weston; paternal grandfather, Frederick Volker; and an uncle, David Weston.  44u44

Rosemary Hanson

Rosemary Hanson, 93, of Sumner, Iowa, formerly of West Union, Iowa, died Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at Hillcrest Living in Sumner, Iowa.  

Rosemary was born Nov. 17, 1924, to Samuel R. and Zenita (Howe) Leitch in New Hampton, Iowa. 

She was a graduate of Waucoma High School. She earned her B.A. in Music and English Education from Luther College and her Master’s Degree in Remedial Reading from Upper Iowa University.

Rosemary was united in marriage with Daniel C. Hanson on May 28, 1944, at Plymouth Congregational Church in Los Angeles, Calif. Five children were born to this union.  

Rosemary taught at Lehigh, Iowa; Somers, Iowa; Holy Name in West Union, Iowa; and in the South Winneshiek School District, including the parochial schools.  She was a substitute teacher in the North Fayette and South Winneshiek Schools following her retirement.

Through the years, the couple made their home in Brainerd, Minn., from 1945 to 1947; Prairie du Chien, Wis., from 1947 to 1948; and West Union, Iowa from 1949 to 2015. 

She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, West Union United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Manna and Evening Circle.   She was the children’s choir director at her church for many years.  

Rosemary loved music and playing the piano; she taught piano lessons. She also played trumpet and was in the orchestra and choir while attending Luther College. 

Rosemary enjoyed gardening, tending to her flowers, and loved watching the birds and squirrels that visited her feeders. She was an amazing seamstress, making most of her family’s clothes.  She was known for her cooking and baking (especially cinnamon rolls, cookies and pies), which she shared generously. Her greatest joy was spending time with family.

Rosemary is survived by her children, Olivia (Duane) Pleggenkuhle of Hawkeye, Iowa, Daniel  (Jan) Hanson of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Kathy Miller of Waterloo, Iowa, Mark (Judy) Hanson of West Union, Iowa and Brent Hanson of West Union, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Craig (Peggy Fischer) Pleggenkuhle of Elk Grove Village, Ill., Lynn Williams of St. Johns, Fla., Jennifer Hanson of Chicago, Ill., Kari Hanson of St. Louis Park, Minn., Joshua (Bethany) Hanson of Hawkeye, Iowa, April (Casey) McDermott of West Union, Iowa and Thomas Hanson (UNI, Cedar Falls); stepgrandchildren Perry (Kisha) Grant of Polk City, Iowa and Kimberly (Derek) Novak of Ankeny, Iowa; great-grandchildren, Mary Kate and Samuel Pleggenkuhle, Regan, Luke, Taylor and Carter Williams, Keegan, Kale and Kelton McDermott, Kaden, Isaiah and Matthew Hanson; stepgreat-grandchildren Brendan and Aidan Grant, Charlie and Ava Novak, and Bailey and Parker Poor;  a sister, Isabell Wegner of Des Moines, Iowa; and many relatives and friends.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Hanson on Nov. 10, 1977; a grandson, Shane Miller; her parents, Samuel and Zenita Leitch; and a brother, Thomas Leitch.

  Funeral services were held Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, at United Methodist Church, West Union, with Rev. Chris Ebbers as the officiant. 

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

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa, is helping the family with arrangements.    45u45

Josephine Rochford

Josephine M. Rochford of Sumner died Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, at Unity Point/Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo after a brief illness. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sumner with Rev. James Brokman and Deacon Michal Schemmel concelebrating. 

Interment followed at Mt. Olivet Cemetery (Pinhook), rural Sumner. 

Memorials may be made in Josephine’s name to St. Bridget’s, Pinhook.

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Sumner assisted the family. 

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

Josephine Marie, daughter of Carl and Mabel (Stunes) Exman, was born Jan. 21, 1926, in Oelwein, Iowa. 

She was baptized at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein and confirmed Oct. 8, 1940, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fayette. 

Josephine received her education in the Fayette schools and graduated from Fayette High School. 

On Aug. 16, 1945, she was united in marriage with James Rochford at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. 

Josephine worked at Amoco in Oelwein, Center Valley, and Sumner Egg Packing. Along with her husband, Jim, she farmed east of Sumner for many years. 

Josephine was a long time faithful member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sumner, where she was very active in the Ladies Guild, sang in the church choir, led the rosary, and served on lunch committees. 

She enjoyed dancing, playing cards (she was a member of the Library Card Club and Hospital Auxiliary Card Club), traveling, and reading. 

Josephine had an unwavering faith and a great love and admiration for her family.

Josephine is survived by her eight sons and one son-in-law, John of Galesburg, Ill., Patrick (Debra) of Hawkeye, William (Rhonda) of Sumner, James (Phyllis) of Rock, Kan., Mark (Lori) of Central City, Thomas (Kathleen) of Fredericksburg, Daniel (Connie) of Westgate, Joseph (Pamela) of Sumner, and Gary Molid of Manito, Ill.; three daughters, Jean Kacick of Marion, Mary (Timm) Berg of South Elgin, Ill., and Nina (Duane) Schellhorn of Fredericksburg; 41 grandchildren; 78 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Josephine was preceded in death by her husband, James, in 2005; a son, Timothy, who died in infancy; a daughter, Cecelia, in 2013; two grandsons, William John Bolte and David Joseph Rochford; three great-grandchildren, Grant Schellhorn, Eva Marie Rochford, and John Paul Smitley; two brothers, Norbert and Jerry Exman; and four sisters, Elizabeth Lewton, Dorothy Anderson, Lois Anderson, and Charlotte Hillman.

Walter Germann Jr.

Walter Germann Jr., 85, of rural Postville, IA, died Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at his home. 

Graveside services were held Friday, Nov. 2, at Smithfield Cemetery in rural Monona, IA, with Pastor Duane Smith officiating.

Honorary casket bearers were Heather Germann, Amber Junk, and AshLee Wood. Casketbearers were Shane, Jesse, and Travis Monroe, Mike Germann, Chris Wood, and Josh Harms.

Martin Funeral Home in Waukon was in charge of arrangements.

    Walter Germann Jr. was born Jan. 3, 1933, in rural Clermont, IA, the son of Walter Sr. and Marjorie (Heubner) Germann. 

On Dec. 31, 1947, he was baptized at First Baptist Church in Elgin, IA. 

Walter attended country school and graduated from Clermont High School in 1952. 

On Oct. 22, 1958, he married LaVon Kurth at St. John Lutheran Church in Farmersburg, IA, by the Rev. Steege. 

Walter started farming with his father, living in the same house until 1974. 

He and LaVon then moved their family to a farm in Franklin Township, north of Postville, where he was living at the time of his death.

   Walter enjoyed his antique Farmall tractors and going to Pioneer Power Shows in Minnesota to watch old tractor pulls. He and LaVon had a camper by the lake in Waterville, Minn., where he spent many hours fishing with his buddy Ron Miller.

    Survivors include his wife of 60 years, LaVon, of Postville; a son Jeff (special friend Bridget) Germann of Postville; two daughters, Lynn (Brian) Monroe of Postville and Karen (Gary) Crawford of Independence, IA; seven grandchildren, Shane (Mandy) Monroe of Eldridge, IA, Jesse (Lisa) Monroe of Norwalk, IA, Travis (Bridget) Monroe of Stillwater, Minn., Mike (Jamie) Germann of Elgin, IA, Amber Junk of Fredericksburg, IA, AshLee (Chris) Wood of Ft. Dodge, IA, and Heather (fiancé Josh Harms) Germann of Postville; 16 great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Chelsey, Brady, Grant, Chase, Madison, Cole, Clark, and June Monroe, Jacob, Tate, and Adalynn Germann, Kylee Junk, and Stella, Scarlett, and Sawyer Wood; two stepgrandchildren, Lisa (Jim) Duffy and Scott (Lisa) Crawford; seven stepgreat-grandsons; nephew Jerry (Sarah) Anderson; and niece Nancy (Tom) Jennings. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Kevin; a grandson, Bobby Germann; a son-in-law, Greg Chilcote; and a sister, Margaret (James) Anderson.

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

Jack Gehring

Jack Dean Gehring passed away at his residence in Orono, Maine, on Oct. 18, 2018.   He was 91.  

Jack was born to parents Charles and Alice (Schoentag) Gehring on Sept. 26, 1927, in Elgin, Iowa, and graduated from Elgin High School in 1944.   

He attended Iowa State University before entering the United States Army in 1946, where he was deployed to Seoul, Korea, in the Signal Corps.  

Jack married Eva Mae Dennler in 1950, and they had two children, Jeffery and Julianne.   

In 1959, he began his career as an air traffic controller for the Federal Aviation Administration in Indianapolis, ultimately retiring as Chief of the Des Moines Flight Service Station in 1985.   

Jack was a member of Masonic Lodge #628 in Norwalk, Iowa, for many years. 

He enjoyed photography, writing, and working with his hands, especially woodworking and working on cars.   He once amazed his suburban neighbors by fully restoring a 1929 John Deere GP tractor in his garage, and by giving the delighted neighborhood children tractor rides.  He enjoyed writing short stories about growing up on an Iowa farm, which were often featured in the Elgin Echo. 

In 2013, Jack and Eve relocated to Orono, Maine, to be near their daughter’s family.  

Eve preceded Jack in death, passing away in 2014.

Jack is survived by his son Jeffery and Gail Gehring of Lenexa, Kan.; daughter Julianne and Philip Cormier of Bangor, Maine; his sisters, Janice Thiese and husband Wayne and Kathy Elliff and husband David; and five grandchildren, Ross and Isabel Cormier, and Lindsay, Ryan, and Jamie Gehring.   

He will be fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched.   

An interment service for Jack and Eve will be scheduled in Elgin, Iowa, in the spring of 2019.         45u45

Gary Gilson

Gary C. Gilson, 79, of Oelwein passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018 at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein with Father Ray Atwood and Deacon Jim Patera officiating. 

Interment was in Woodlawn Cemetery at Oelwein. 

A memorial fund has been established.  

For condolences please visit www.geilenfeldfh.com. 

Gary was born on May 4, 1939 in West Union, Iowa, the son of Oliver W. and Corinne (Wenger) Gilson.

He attended school in Clermont, graduating in 1957. 

He later attended Upper Iowa University for two years where he played football and wrestled, before beginning employment with Interstate Power Company, retiring from Alliant Energy in 1999.  

Gary was united in marriage with Beverly Oelberg on April 24, 1960 at First Baptist Church in Elgin, Iowa. Beverly passed away on Sept. 15, 1996. 

Gary was united in marriage with Karen Stevens on Oct. 11, 1997 at Grace United Methodist Church in Oelwein. 

After his retirement, he enjoyed many years of working with all of the great people at Edgewater and Hickory Grove golf courses, vacations to Florida and Texas, helping his brother-in-law with fall farming, playing Santa Claus, reading Westerns, delivering Meals on Wheels, coffee with the golf guys at Hickory Grove, and eating at Subway. 

He was an active member of Sacred Heart Parish and the Knights of Columbus in Oelwein. 

He loved sports, especially baseball, and was a big fan of the Oelwein Huskies, UNI Panthers, and Wartburg Knights. Gary’s greatest enjoyment was following all his grandchildren’s activities. He was a very proud grandpa. 

Gary touched many lives and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. 

He is survived by his wife, Karen; a daughter, Becky Batterson of Waterloo; a son, Tim (Catherine) Gilson of Oelwein; four stepchildren, Ann (fiancé Kevin Dycus), Bradley Burrows, Jeffery (Jill) Burrows and Kelly (Andrew) Bourquin; 11 grandchildren, Brandon, Beau, Cortney, Taylor, Zack, Jacob, Graciela, Louis, Nolan, Trevor and Kyla; a brother, David Gilson of Des Moines; a sister-in-law, Alyce (Dean) Hilgerson; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Gary was preceded in death by his first wife, Beverly; his parents, Oliver and Corinne; his sister, Karen, and her husband, Gene Ellis. 

        45u45

Orville Strand

Orville Strand, 73, of Oelwein passed away on Friday Nov. 9, 2018 at Oelwein Healthcare Center. 

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018 at First Baptist Church in Oelwein with Rev. Dave Byrd officiating.  

Geilenfeld Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

A memorial fund has been established.  

For condolences, please visit www.geilenfeldfh.com.

Orville Joseph Strand was born on March 22, 1945 in Decorah to parents Selmer and Borghild (Barness) Strand.  

He attended school in Ossian and Decorah.  

On April 24, 2004 he was united in marriage with Lucy Ives at First Baptist Church in Oelwein.  

He had been employed with Goodwill Services in Waterloo and the Goodwill store in Oelwein.  

Orville loved a cup of coffee or a Coca-Cola.  He enjoyed playing bingo, fishing, walking around town and running errands, baking (especially apple pies), and his dogs.  

Orville is survived by his wife, Lucy; his brothers, Conley (Lois) Strand of Georgia, Gaylord (Gail) Strand of Minnesota, and Dale (Peg) Strand of Oelwein; his special friend and mother-in-law, Elizabeth Bencke of Oelwein; his sister-in-law, Fran Thorp of Oelwein; many nieces, nephews, and his many friends, who were his extended family.  

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Marvin Strand and Maynard Strand.        

Lorna Zupke

Funeral arrangements for Lorna Zupke, 91, of rural Randalia are pending with Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette.

Lorna died Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, at her home.

Janice Armentrout

Janice Mary (Erion) Armentrout, 86, of Cedar Rapids passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. 

Funeral services were held Monday, Nov. 12, 2018 at Unity Center of Cedar Rapids with entombment in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Janice was born July 21, 1932, in New Hampton, IA to Russell and Leota Reinhart Erion. She grew up in Fayette, IA.  

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and were inspired by her positive outlook on life. “Not all is good, but good comes from all.” 

In addition to Harold, her husband of 56 years, Janice is survived by three children, Nancy Andreasen of Cedar Rapids, Randall (Randy) Armentrout and wife Anne Updegraff of Urbandale, and Karen Potter and husband Lee of Cedar Falls. 

She is also survived by five grandchildren, Jack, Thomas and Katie Andreasen and Alayna and Russell Armentrout; brother-in-law Harlan Armentrout of Des Moines; and several nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters, Connie Smith and Teddy Protsman.

For her full obituary and condolences, please visit www.cedarmemorial.com.

Audrey Bennett

Audrey E. Bennett, 93, of Independence and formerly of Hawkeye, died Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, at the Buchannan County Health Center in Independence.

A Celebration of Life was held, Tuesday, Nov. 13, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Oelwein.

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Hawkeye assisted Audrey’s family. 

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

Audrey Eileen, daughter of Austin and Helen (Huffman) Ames, was born July 7, 1925, in Luana, Iowa. 

She received her education in the Postville schools. 

On Dec. 18, 1940, she was united in marriage with Doyle Bennett at East Clermont Lutheran Church, where she would later be baptized and confirmed in 1947. 

Audrey worked as a waitress for many years, prior to owning and operating Bennett’s Tap in Hawkeye for 21 years. 

She was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye, the Hawkeye Legion Auxiliary, and the V.F.W. 

Audrey was a longtime resident of Hawkeye, prior to moving to Independence to be closer to family.

Audrey is survived by two sons, Mavin Bennett of Wesley, Okla., and Robert (Darcy) Bennett of Fort Gaines, Ga.; four daughters, Beverly (Skip) Baker of Clermont, Barbara Ann (Paul) Hyde of Austin, Texas, Betty Miller of Independence, and Becky Bennett of McGregor; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, David (Judeen) Ames of Wisconsin; three sisters, Darlene Moon of Monona, Marilyn (Bob) Havelec of Cedar Rapids, and Meredith (Gary) Gents of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Doyle; two sons, Kevin and Kirk Bennett; a grandson, Jason Bennett; two brothers, Curtis and Clayton Ames; and three sisters, Donna Mae Protsman, Bonnie Hines, and Diane Benhart.    

Al Klinger

Allan Howard “Al” Klinger, 80, of Windsor, Colo., formerly of Waterloo and West Union, Iowa, died peacefully Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2018 at home. 

Allan was born June 21, 1938 in West Union, son of Howard G. and Alma D. Downs Klinger. 

He graduated from West Union High School in 1957. He obtained a BA from the University of Iowa in 1961.

He married Linda L. Teig on Aug. 19, 1962 in West Union. She preceded him in death on Dec. 16, 2006. 

He was united in marriage with Beatrice “Bea” Troyanek on April 17, 2008  in Cheyenne, Wyo.

Allan was a teacher and coach in Denver, IA. He was an insurance agent for Northwestern Mutual for 50½ years and a part of the Million-Dollar Roundtable.

Allan had been an active member of Bethel Presbyterian Church in West Union, First Presbyterian Church and Central Christian Church in Waterloo. 

He served on the board of Allen Hospital in Waterloo and was active in the Denver, IA Lions Club.

Allan was an avid fisherman and enjoyed his annual fishing trips to Canada with his friends for over 40 years. His fishing trip of a lifetime was with his son, Steve, when they fished at the Arctic Circle. 

Allan loved to play baseball, lettering in high school and at The University of Iowa. He was offered a contract to play ball for the Milwaukee Braves, which he turned down to go back to college. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. 

Most of all, Allan loved his family, friends, and the Lord.

Allan is survived by his wife, Bea, of Windsor, Colo.; a daughter, Kathryn (James) Wieland of Ames, IA; a son, Steven (Allison) Klinger of Salt Lake City, Utah; three grandchildren, Jackson and Lauren Wieland and Alexis Klinger. 

Surviving stepchildren are Regina (Michael) Bonnette and Krista (Dominic) Wright, all of The Woodlands, Texas, Rodney (Erin) Stalker II of Ft. Collins, Colo., Matthew (Ruth) Troyanek of Laramie, Wyo., and Major Elizabeth (Morgan) Osantowski of Bellevue, Neb.; 10 stepgrandchildren, Tatum and Landon Bonnette, Caleb and Amelia Wright, Christian Smyth, Avaree and Dylan Stalker, Owen Hitchcock and Emma and Violet Osantowski. 

He is survived by a brother, James (Kathy), of St. Petersburg, Fla.; sisters Ann (Milt) Borcherding of Strawberry Point and Anita Lang of Waterloo; many nieces, nephews and numerous friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Linda; and stepson Danny Stalker.

Memorials may be directed to Fayette County Conservation Foundation or North Fayette Valley Community School.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, at Galleria De Paco, 622 Commercial Street, Waterloo, IA.           

William Moore

William Dennis James Moore, 62, of West Union, Iowa died Friday, Nov. 2, 2018 in Rockford, Ill. 

He was born Aug. 4, 1956 to William Ronald and JoAnne (Pennington) Moore in Windom, Minn. 

Dennis attended Dunkerton High School and earned his G.E.D. through Waterloo East High School.

Dennis was united in marriage with Lynn Morris on Dec. 12, 1975 at the Methodist Church in Dunkerton, Iowa. 

He worked as an over-the-road truck driver for over 30 years. He was currently driving for Hummer.  

Dennis enjoyed watching “Star Trek,” working on his cars, woodworking, model planes and eating ice cream. He would help anyone he could. His greatest love was spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Lynn Morris of West Union, Iowa; his children, Oliver Om of Minneapolis, Minn., William J. Moore of Pensacola, Fla., Shawn L. Moore (Frank Fulsom) of Rochester, Minn., and Christina L. White of Cresco, Iowa; four grandchildren, Tia L. White, William A. Moore, Sean E. Souhrada and Tatianya C. Fulsom; siblings Pam (Nick) Knebel of Gold Bar, Wash., Patty (Jeff) Wilson of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Mike (Sherri) Moore of Janesville, Iowa, Ginger (Max) Rehman of Waterloo, Iowa, Candice (Ernie) Garcia of Los Angeles, Calif., and Brian (Andrea) Moore of Fairfax, Iowa.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, William and JoAnne Moore; and his dog, Tank.

A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018 at Countryside Vineyard Church in Evansdale, Iowa with Rev. Bill Quibell as the officiant.

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