Shirley Barness

Shirley Barness, 78, of West Union, Iowa died Tuesday, July 23, 2019, at Gundersen Palmer Hospital in West Union, Iowa. Shirley Ann was born November 18, 1940 to Willard and Zenita (Holtzman) Ash in West Union, Iowa. In 1958 she graduated from North High in West Union.

Shirley was united in marriage with Lloyd Barness on June 14, 1958, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Ossian, Iowa. Two children were born to this union. They lived on the farm for seven years before moving to town in 1965. Shirley worked at a hamburger shop, Lilac Motel, H & H Distributing and for the school lunch program. She enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s events, playing cards and board games and watching television. Shirley was a fan of the Chicago Cubs, Iowa Hawkeyes, Iowa Cyclones and UNI.

Shirley is survived by her two children, Lee (Jeannie) Barness of West Union, Iowa and Barb (Brian) Schroeder of West Union; grandchildren, Scott (Linda) Schroeder, Steve (Rachel) Schroeder, Ryan (Paula) Barness, Katie (Donnie) Sieck and Jenny (Cody) Schrandt; great-grandchildren, Peyton Schrandt, MaKenna Schrandt, Hudson Barness and Sawyer Barness.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Barness; parents, Willard and Zenita Ash; great-grandson, Wyatt Sieck; and four brothers-in-law, Gordon Barness, Clifford Barness, Murvel Barness and Keith Butterfield.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, August 11, 2019 at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Monday.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 12, 2019 at Bethany Lutheran Church, rural Ossian, Iowa with Rev. Zachary Smith as the officiant.

Burial will follow 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.

Mildred Steinbronn

Mildred E. Steinbronn, 87, of Fayette, died Wednesday evening, July 31, 2019, at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m., Monday, August 5, 2019, at Grace Lutheran Church in Fayette with Rev. Herbert Mueller, III officiating.  Interment followed at Grandview Cemetery in Fayette. Visitation was held from 1 - 4 p.m., Sunday, August 4^th, at Grace Lutheran Church in Fayette and for one hour preceding the service on Monday. Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette is assisting Mildred’s family. Memorials may be made to the family for later designation. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.  

Mildred Elizabeth, daughter of Burle and Mabel (Schreiber) Downing was born June 24, 1932, at home, rural Westgate. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith. Mildred graduated from West Central High School in 1951, and later received her Associates Degree from Upper Iowa University in Fayette. On July 29, 1951, Mildred was united in marriage with Robert Steinbronn at Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein. The couple just celebrated their sixty eighth wedding anniversary. Mildred was a housewife, devoted Mother, 4-H Leader, and a Farm Bureau Director. She was a long time active and faithful member of Grace Lutheran Church in Fayette. Mildred was also a member of the Red Hat Society and Fayette Republican Women. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, playing cards (was a member of local card clubs), watching the St. Louis Cardinals, and bird watching.

Mildred is survived by her husband, Robert of Fayette, five children, Michael Steinbronn, Carolyn (Scott) Luchsinger, Sherryl (Rob) Pennebaker all of Fayette, Robert Steinbronn, Jr. of Mount Vernon, and Douglas (Michelle Perry) Steinbronn of River Falls, Wisconsin; five grandchildren, Jonathan (Danielle) Luchsinger of West Union, Ryan (Kelsey) Pennebaker of Raymond, David (Danielle) Luchsinger of Waverly, Kristen (Tony) Reinking of Oelwein, and Hannah Atkins of Cedar Rapids; eight great-grandchildren, Danica and Dalaney Luchsinger, Emily and Ethan Luchsinger, Kellen and Eden Pennebaker, Westin Reinking, and Hayden Atkins; three brothers-in-law, Wilbert (Marge) Steinbronn of Fairbank, George (Janice) Steinbronn of Maynard, and John (Cisco) Steinbronn of Oelwein; and four sisters-in-law, Carole Steinbronn of Westgate, Pauline (Keith) Snodgrass of Scottsdale, Arizona, Irene Reinking of Nora Springs, and Lucille Block of Westgate.

In addition to her parents and father-in-law, Carl Steinbronn, and mother-in-law, Erna Steinbronn, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Robert Steinbronn, III; brother-in-law, Raymond Steinbronn; and sister-in-law, Esther Canfield.

Gerald Olson

Gerald Olson, 77, of West Union, Iowa died Saturday, July 27, 2019 surrounded by his loving family at his home in West Union, Iowa. Gerald Lee was born August 11, 1941 to Glen and Viola (Miene) Olson in McGregor, Iowa. Gerald attended school in Elkader through the 9^th grade. 

Gerald proudly served in the United States National Guard from 1964 to 1970. He was blessed with three children over the years; Laurie, Jeff and Scott. 

Gerald’s work history included driving semi for over 30 years, carpentry and construction. He was a member of the National Rifle Association (N.R.A.), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and the Norway Lutheran Church in St. Olaf, Iowa. Gerald loved flying his plane, camping, hunting and fishing.

Gerald is survived by his children, Laurie Olson of Decorah, Iowa, Jeff Olson of Zapp, North Dakota and Scott Olson of West Union, Iowa; two grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and sister, Marilyn (Greg).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Viola Olson; and a sister, Geraldine.

According to Gerald’s wishes, no services are planned at this time.

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

Dagne Klingman

Dagne Klingman, 89, of Ossian, Iowa, died Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at Ossian Senior Hospice in Ossian, Iowa. Dagne Minerva was born October 5, 1929 to Fridtjofand Anna (Johnson) Tinderholt on the family farm outside of Ossian, Iowa. She spent her childhood years in Ossian and graduated from Ossian High School. Dagne went on to earn her teaching certificate at the University of Northern Iowa. She spent the preceding three years teaching in rural schools near Luana.

On May 31, 1953 Dagne was united in marriage to Carroll Klingman. The couple spent many wonderful summers road tripping around the continental United States. Carroll and Dagne farmed near Elgin for years before an injury made farming difficult for Dagne and they decided to leave the farm. Carroll and Dagne then moved to Calmar, Iowa, and both found work at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. During her time at Luther, Dagne worked primarily with student loans.

In her free time Dagne enjoyed knitting and crocheting, listening to classical and polka music, telling stories, playing cards and reading. Dagne was especially proud of her Norwegian heritage.

Dagne is survived by 12 nieces and nephews: Road (Bertha) Tinderholt, Alan (Darla) Tinderholt, Jayne (Randy) Schultz, Grace (Frank Kutka) Tinderholt, Ann (Bob) Kern, Connie (Chip) Rubsamen, Daniel (Beth) Tinderholt, Andrea (Steve) Moore, Mary Katherine Alegre, Robert (Laurie) Taylor, Kirsten (Dave) Potter, Daryl Taylor, and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fridtjof and Anna; husband, Carroll in 2003; siblings, Victor Tinderholt, Gerhard Tinderholt, Albert Tinderholt, and Elsa Elliot and nephew Eric Tinderholt.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to the start of services on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at Stavanger Lutheran Church, rural Ossian, Iowa.

Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Burial will follow at Stavanger Lutheran Cemetery, rural Ossian, Iowa.

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

Pearl Schmitt

Pearl Amelia Schmitt, 91, of Ossian, Iowa died Saturday, August 3, 2019 at Aase Haugen Senior Services, Decorah, Iowa. Pearl was born on a farm west of Ossian on January 8, 1928 at home in Winneshiek County Ossian, Iowa, the daughter of Andrew and Frances (Bullerman) Timp. She was baptized and confirmed at St Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian, Iowa. She attended De Sales Grade School and graduated from De Sales High School of seven girls in 1946. After graduation, she worked in Chicago, Illinois, for several years doing house work. 

On June 3, 1954 Pearl was united in marriage to Fidelis F. Schmitt by Father Ed Frost at De Sales Catholic Church Ossian. After their marriage, they made their home in Ossian. They became the parents of three children; a son, Daniel B. Schmitt, and twin daughters, Carol Mary and Connie Ann.

Pearl worked in the office of J. W. Holtey, MD in Ossian for several years, and thirty-two years with South Winneshiek Food Service, retiring in May of 2005. Pearl was a CDA past Grand Regent 1970-1973, Trustee of CDA, past CDA Treasury, CDA District Deputy, rosary society leader, and publicity chairman of the rosary society. Pearl received her fifty year CDA pin in October of 2005. She served three years on the church council and liturgy committee. 

Pearl enjoyed playing cards, having coffee with her friends, spending time with her grandchildren, going to their baseball, basketball, football games, and other school activities. She loved to watch the Cubs. Pearl also loved to dance to the polkas, waltzes and the two-step. At one time, she and Fidelis belonged to the Jubilee Square Dance Club of Ossian. She also liked to go to the casinos. Pearl enjoyed embroidering tea towels and she gave many sets away. She liked restoring tractors and going for tractor rides with Fidelis.

She was greatly loved and will be missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her many friends. She enjoyed life to the fullest. 

Pearl is survived by her son, Daniel B. (Brenda) Schmitt of Waukon and twins, Carol Mary (Brian) Lutkenhaus of Decorah, and Connie Ann (Dennis) Landa of Little Turkey; grandchildren, Steven (Nicole) Landa of Iowa City, Evan and Alea Lutkenhaus of Decorah, Cody (Danielle) Schmitt of Stewartville, Minnesota, and Dylan Schmitt of Waukon; step­grandchildren, Reggie (Cheryl) Rea of Brooklyn, Robin (Keith) Franzen of Riceville, Jeremy Landa of Waterloo, Adam Landa of Decorah, Jason (Michelle) Landa of Preston; great-grandchildren, Addison and Owen Schmitt of Stewartville, and step great-grandchildren; Gage, Zane and Cooper Winter of Brooklyn, Gabriel, Adelaide, Regan, and Drake Landa of Preston,Evelett Landa of Waterloo, Alex Franzen of Riceville, and Nathan (Ann) Grove of Monona; two step great-great grandchildren, Oaklan and Everleigh Grove; one brother, Dennis Timp of Ossian; sisters-in-law, Serena Timp of Ossian, and Darlene Bruess of West Union; three brothers-in-law, LaVern Schmitt of Cresco, Lawrence (Dorothy) Schmitt of Riceville, and Donald (Gloria) Schmitt of Fort Atkinson and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Pearl was preceded in death by her husband, Fidelis on April 8, 2010; her father Andrew Timp on June 28, 1974; her mother Frances Timp on October 11, 1989; her infant sister, Germaine; sister, LaDonna (Toots); her brother, Adrian; father-in-law, Ben Schmitt; mother-in-law, Ida (Hageman) Schmitt; three brothers-in-law, Duwayne Bruess, Wilbert Schmitt, and Dale Safarik; and a sister-in-law, Janice Schmitt.

Visitation was Monday, August 5, 2019 from 4-7 pm with a 4:00 pm Catholic Daughter of the Americas Rosary and a 7:00 pm Scripture Service at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian, Iowa, and one hour before Mass at the church on Tuesday.

Mass of Christian Burial was at 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian, Iowa, with Rev. Robert Gross as the Celebrant.

Inurnment will be held at a later date at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery, Ossian, Iowa.

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

John Rutt

Memorial services for John R. Rutt, 68, of Des Moines, will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2019, at Grace United Methodist Church in Des Moines. Rev. Gary Nims will officiate the service with assistance from Deacon Ralph W. Agar.

Visitation with the family will take place an hour before the service.

Private family burial was conducted at Grandview Cemetery in Fayette prior to the service.

John Raymond Rutt was born in Des Moines, Iowa to C. Raymond and June Clinton Rutt on July. 21, 1950.   He was active in scouting like his grandfather and brothers and used his voice in music and theater in school.  John attended public schools in Guernsey, Kellogg, Newton, East Greene and Fayette and graduated from Fayette High School in 1968. He attended the University of Iowa majoring in music and later finished his degree in French at Upper Iowa University in 1979. You could always tell John was coming wearing his familiar red beret in his younger days.

John was known for his love of learning and never opened a book he didn’t like.  However he was known to say later in life, “Books are good, but people are more important than books.” John used his knowledge to engage with family and friends and shared his mental illness as just that, only one part of his gifts.  He followed in his parents’ love of music in learning piano and tuba and was a member of the Iowa All-State Band under Dr. William Revelli in 1967.  He had two pieces of Bach that he enjoyed sharing at family gatherings along with one joke he told until his family were all able to recite it with him.

John did some retail work during his life as well as working in state government and tutoring in French and was very active in the work of Passageway in Des Moines.  He was greatly supported with his mental illness by the staff of Mainstream Living.   He enjoyed his brief stay making many friends at Elsie Mason Manor and Urbandale Health Care Center.  John’s boyhood likeness can still be seen at the Lincoln and Tad statue at the state capital in Des Moines as he was the artist’s model for Tad. 

John passed away at Mercy Hospice in Johnston on May 7, 2019.  He is preceded in death by his parents, C. Raymond and June Clinton Rutt, infant sisters, Barbara Ann and Mary Beth Rutt, grandfather and grandmother, Dr. John D. and Lillian Clinton; aunt and uncle, Lois and Jack Fischthal, uncle, Dewitt C. Clinton; grandfather and grandmother, Raymond J. and Lois C. Rutt; aunt and uncle Marion and Neil Henry and aunt and uncle Eleanor and Gene Case.

John is survived by his sister, Sue Armstrong, of Golden, Colorado; brothers, David (Dawn) Rutt, of Forest City; and Tom (Tierny) Rutt of Spencer; nieces and nephews Laura (Andy) Jordan, of Ames, Iowa; Danielle (Keith) Doolittle, of Lakewood, Colorado; Leighanna (Roger) Gampel, of Denver, Colorado; Eric Rutt, of Spencer; Pat (Sarah) Armstrong, of Altadena, California and Sarah Rutt, of Lone Rock, as well as special family friends Ray and Heidi Katzenbach and many friends who along with his family miss John’s good humor.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the family to assist with funeral expenses.  Hamilton’s Funeral Home in Des Moines are in charge of arrangements. Burial arrangements are with Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette.

John Rutt

Memorial services for John R. Rutt, 68, of Des Moines, will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2019, at Grace United Methodist Church in Des Moines. Rev. Gary Nims will officiate the service with assistance from Deacon Ralph W. Agar.

Visitation with the family will take place an hour before the service.

Private family burial was conducted at Grandview Cemetery in Fayette prior to the service.

John Raymond Rutt was born in Des Moines, Iowa to C. Raymond and June Clinton Rutt on July. 21, 1950.   He was active in scouting like his grandfather and brothers and used his voice in music and theater in school.  John attended public schools in Guernsey, Kellogg, Newton, East Greene and Fayette and graduated from Fayette High School in 1968. He attended the University of Iowa majoring in music and later finished his degree in French at Upper Iowa University in 1979. You could always tell John was coming wearing his familiar red beret in his younger days.

John was known for his love of learning and never opened a book he didn’t like.  However he was known to say later in life, “Books are good, but people are more important than books.” John used his knowledge to engage with family and friends and shared his mental illness as just that, only one part of his gifts.  He followed in his parents’ love of music in learning piano and tuba and was a member of the Iowa All-State Band under Dr. William Revelli in 1967.  He had two pieces of Bach that he enjoyed sharing at family gatherings along with one joke he told until his family were all able to recite it with him.

John did some retail work during his life as well as working in state government and tutoring in French and was very active in the work of Passageway in Des Moines.  He was greatly supported with his mental illness by the staff of Mainstream Living.   He enjoyed his brief stay making many friends at Elsie Mason Manor and Urbandale Health Care Center.  John’s boyhood likeness can still be seen at the Lincoln and Tad statue at the state capital in Des Moines as he was the artist’s model for Tad. 

John passed away at Mercy Hospice in Johnston on May 7, 2019.  He is preceded in death by his parents, C. Raymond and June Clinton Rutt, infant sisters, Barbara Ann and Mary Beth Rutt, grandfather and grandmother, Dr. John D. and Lillian Clinton; aunt and uncle, Lois and Jack Fischthal, uncle, Dewitt C. Clinton; grandfather and grandmother, Raymond J. and Lois C. Rutt; aunt and uncle Marion and Neil Henry and aunt and uncle Eleanor and Gene Case.

John is survived by his sister, Sue Armstrong, of Golden, Colorado; brothers, David (Dawn) Rutt, of Forest City; and Tom (Tierny) Rutt of Spencer; nieces and nephews Laura (Andy) Jordan, of Ames, Iowa; Danielle (Keith) Doolittle, of Lakewood, Colorado; Leighanna (Roger) Gampel, of Denver, Colorado; Eric Rutt, of Spencer; Pat (Sarah) Armstrong, of Altadena, California and Sarah Rutt, of Lone Rock, as well as special family friends Ray and Heidi Katzenbach and many friends who along with his family miss John’s good humor.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the family to assist with funeral expenses.  Hamilton’s Funeral Home in Des Moines are in charge of arrangements. Burial arrangements are with Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette.

James "Jim" Kamaus

James “Jim” L. Kamaus, 69, of West Union, Iowa died Monday, August 5, 2019 at Gundersen Palmer Hospital, West Union, Iowa.

James was born April 5, 1950 to Lloyd and Deloris (Thompson) Kamaus in West Union, Iowa. He was baptized at First Lutheran St. Olaf Parsonage and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Ossian, Iowa on May 24, 1964. James graduated from North High School in West Union, Iowa in 1969.

In 1965, Jim started working with Bernell Kleepe and in April 1971 he left to go work for Deerings until he started farming in Eldorado on Bill Pape’s farm in the fall of 1977. On January 7, 1997 they had a farm sale. Right after the farm sale he started Kamaus Trucking Grain hauling for two years. He then went to work and drove semi for D& J Trucking until his health failed. Jim loved tractors, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren.

James was united in marriage with Grace Marie Streif on April 17, 1971 at Holy Name Catholic Church in West Union, Iowa. Two sons were born to this union. James farmed and drove truck all of his career. 

James is survived by his sons, Alan (Gertrude) Kamaus and Brad Kamaus, both of West Union, Iowa; grandchildren, Jessica and Justin; two sisters, Linda (Ronald) Upton of Postville and Rhonda (Darrel) Bullis of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa; one brother, Dennis (Sandy) Kamaus of Waverly, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his wife, Grace in 2014.

Visitation was Sunday, August 11, 2019 from 4-7 pm at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Eldorado, Iowa and one hour before services at the church on Monday.

Funeral Services were at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 12, 2019 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Eldorado, Iowa with Rev. Ginny Olson as the Officiant.

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

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

Gary Smith

Gary Linn Smith, 77, died August 7, 2019 at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital after a short illness. He was born March 3, 1942 to Harold and Elsa (Scheelhasse) Smith in West Union, Iowa. 

After graduating from North high school in West Union, Gary attended Milwaukee Institute of Technology and became a baker, working in Iowa Falls for ten years. He joined his brother, Allan farming in partnership for fourteen years until 1987. He then worked as a home health aide in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin until his retirement in 2004. After a medical emergency, he spent the last three years at Great River Care Center Assisted Living in McGregor, Iowa. 

He was very close to his brother Allan and to Mary and family, Hope, Sara and especially Jenny. From a very young age, Gary's love and interest was his garden. He grew many varieties of bearded iris, then in later years, grew over 80 varieties of lilies -not so much vegetables except for tomatoes for himself.

Gary was a member of Zion Lutheran church in West Union, Emmanuel Lutheran in Iowa Falls and St. Paul Lutheran in Monona, attending faithfully and singing in the choir for forty-five years and also teaching Sunday school for several years. Gary loved playing cards, especially Pinochle, usually with family members. Gary hosted a family picnic yearly around his mother's birthday. 

In 1997 a 31-year-old man knocked on his door to introduce himself as Gary's long­lost son, whom he hadn't seen since his divorce when Leroy was 2 years old. In his older age Gary became a grandfather to Leroy and Beth's three children, Aaron, Kristen and Matthew Smith, though this was a long distance relationship, as they live in Florida. 

Gary is survived by two sisters, Sharleen Schissel and Shela Fretwell; two brothers, Allan (Mary) Smith, and Kipling (Jan Hron) Smith; nieces and nephews, Jay (Eileen) Schissel, Tom (Jill) Schissel, Jon Schissel, Lori Schultz, Christine Fretwell Dietz, Lorraine Dunagan, Hope Wells, Sara Messier, Jenny Pladsen, and Mitchell Smith. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers-in-law, Vern Schissel and Cecil Fretwell; a grandchild Michael Smith; nieces and nephews, Frank Schissel, Dellane Tressel and Peggy Swift. 

Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Monona, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Wednesday.

Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Monona, Iowa with Rev. Erika Kielstrup as the officiant.

Burial will be at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at West Union Cemetery, West Union, Iowa.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona, Iowa are in charge of arrangements.

Curtis Staff

     Curtis Stanley Staff, 76, of Monona, Iowa died Sunday, August 4, 2019 at his home with his loving family at his side, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born March 5, 1943 in West Union, Iowa to Alton and Lila (Larson) Staff. Curtis was baptized and confirmed at the Elgin Lutheran Church and attended Valley Community School. At an early age Curtis worked for farmers in Elgin area and also worked at Neiman Quarry. Curtis started his mechanical career working for Torkelson’s, Wilbur, and Owens Auto Dealerships.

     Curtis was united in marriage with Janet Torkelson on July 30, 1966 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. To this union three children were born, Michael, Jane and Mark.  They began their married life in Charles City, where Curt worked at the Oliver Plant. Curt and Janet moved to Ossian and Curt went to work for Reilly Construction, and then moved to Elkader where he started his thirty-nine year journey at Clayton County, as your friendly maintainer man. Curt had a lot of love and pride doing his job.

    Curt enjoyed playing cards, fishing, watching the Cubs and Bears.  He loved taking care of his yard and spending time with his family.

    Curtis is survived by his loving wife of fifty-three years, Janet; sons, Michael (Jennifer) and Mark; his grandchildren, Savannah, Morgan, Ryan and Brayden; step-grandchildren, Christopher and Baily; brother, Kenny (Linda) Staff; sisters-in-law, Mary Ball and Bev Torkelson; son-in-law, Michael Miculinich; and nieces and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Jane in 2017; parents, Alton and Lila Staff; in-laws, Walter and Barbara Torkelson; and two brothers-in-law, David Torkelson and Allen Ball.

 Visitation was held from 9-11 am on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, Iowa.

Funeral Service was held  at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, Iowa with Deacon Pat Malanaphy as the Officiant.

Burial followed at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Monona, Iowa.

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

Philip Lagerquist

Philip Lee Lagerquist, age 62, of Iowa Falls, Iowa died doing what he loved on Monday, August 12, 2019 following an accident at Boot Hill Auto.

A celebration of life will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at 10188 US Hwy 65 in Iowa Falls.  Stories will be shared and the celebration likely won’t end until he makes his final cruise to his resting place at Cedar Memorial cemetery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where a burial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 1, 2019.  

Delores Dummermuth

Delores Dummermuth, 87, of Elgin, Iowa died Monday, June 3, 2019 at Good Samaritan Society in West Union, Iowa.

  A Graveside Inurnment will be at noon on Sunday, August 25, 2019 at Elgin Cemetery, Elgin, Iowa. A luncheon will follow at the American Legion Hall, Elgin, Iowa.

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

June Capper

June Capper, 88, of Lansing, Iowa formerly of Elgin, Iowa died Friday, August 16, 2019 at Thornton Manor, Lansing, Iowa.

A Celebration of Life will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, Iowa with a two hour visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. before services at the funeral home on Saturday.

Burial will follow at Elgin Cemetery, Elgin, Iowa.

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

June Capper, 88, of Lansing, Iowa formerly of Elgin, Iowa died Friday, August 16, 2019 at Thornton Manor, Lansing, Iowa.

A Celebration of Life will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, Iowa with a one hour visitation from 12:00 to 1:00 pm before services at the funeral home on Saturday.

Burial will follow at Elgin Cemetery, Elgin, Iowa.

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

Myron Nutting

     Myron Nutting, 80, of West Union, Iowa died Sunday, August 25, 2019 at his home in West Union, Iowa.  Myron Dean was born July 28, 1939 to Melvin and Verna (Odegard) Nutting in Iowa City, Iowa. He attended country school and also school in West Union.

     Myron was united in marriage with Jeanne Ellen (Thein) Murphy on September 21, 1968 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Throughout the years, Myron worked for the creamery in West Union as a milk hauler, he hauled gravel for almost twenty years, and then worked for Nieman Quarries in Sumner. He had to retire due to health issues. In his spare time, Myron enjoyed stock car races, mushroom and squirrel hunting, transporting grandkids, just driving around, smoking his pipe and having coffee with his friends at Guppy’s. He loved his Super M Farmall Tractor.

     Myron is survived by his children, Pat (Jerry) Kleppe of Fayette, Iowa, Mike (Sue) Murphy of Madison, Wisconsin and Kathie (Dion Galleger) Wolfgram of Fairbank, Iowa; five grandchildren, Troy (Christine) Larson, Cheri (Jason) Lensing, Michael (Misty) Larson, Laura (Josh) Murphy and Jill Murphy; and six great-grandsons, Colton Larson, Chase Lensing, Aaron Larson, Anthony Larson, Carsten Lensing and Jaxon Larson. Also survived by Joanne Odegard, Glenda (Odegard) Koehn, her husband, Kelly Koehn, their sons, Sam, Joe and Kyle, their daughter, Cassie and Robert Odegard, his sons, John and Alex, and his daughter, Becky.

     Myron was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne on May 20, 1996; parents, Melvin and Verna Nutting; and one brother, Lee Nutting.

Visitation was held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral and Cremation Service in West Union, Iowa.

Funeral Service was held  at 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union, Iowa with Rev. Roland Waterman 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.

Keith Morgan

Keith W. Morgan, 79, of Strawberry Point and formerly of Hawkeye, died Saturday, August 24, 2019, at the Regional Medical Center in Manchester. Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 31, 2019, at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Hawkeye with Mona Christie, Lay Servant officiating.  Inurnment will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery. 

Arnold-Rogers Post #312, American Legion of Hawkeye and Thomas E. Woods Post #223, American Legion of Sumner following the service will provide military rites at the funeral home. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. preceding the service at the funeral home in Hawkeye. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com. 

Keith Wayne, son, of James and Bernice Mitchell Morgan, was born December 25, 1939, at Hawkeye, Iowa. He grew up in Waterloo where he attended Sloan-Wallace School and graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1958. Shortly thereafter, he entered the U.S. Navy where he served for 20 + years. He served in Vietnam where he earned many commendations including; the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/ 2 Bronze Stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal w/Device, and the Navy Unit Commendation. Following his Naval career, he traveled the country playing golf and bowling. His goal was to play golf in every state capitol, and he only had one left. He also had a tremendous collection of pop songs from the early 1900’s on. After all his travels, he returned to the Hawkeye area and partnered with his cousin on his grandparents farm. 

He is survived by several cousins, and was preceded in death by his parents.

Robert Johnston

Robert “Bob” Clay Johnston, 87, life-long resident of West Union, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, August 21st in the comfort of his home.

He was born in 1931, in West Union, son of Earl and Henrietta Johnston. He married Diane Schatz, December 20, 1950, at Bethel Presbyterian Church, West Union.

He graduated from West Union High School in 1949 and attended University of Iowa. Bob returned from the University of Iowa to help his father Earl and brother Bill run the Johnston Ice Cream Factory on South Vine Street. Bob also worked in the food distribution industry for many years. 

Bob enjoyed spending time with the love of his life, Diane, of 56 years. He also enjoyed playing golf, hunting and fishing, euchre, tending to his vegetable garden, spending time with grandchildren and serving as an Elder on various committees at Bethel Presbyterian Church over the years. Most of all, he loved growing up in West Union and his home. 

He is survived by his three children & their spouses, Bob (Beth) of Long Grove, Iowa, Brad (Susan) of Troy, Ohio and Ann (Paul) Beaudoin of Kirkland, Washington. He also has eight grandchildren; Jesse, Stephanie, Gregory, Jamey, Bobby, Katie, Henri and Isabel and four great grandchildren, Carter, Isah, Clay and Arman. He was preceded in death by his parents, two siblings, loving wife, Diane and eldest daughter, Lynn. 

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in West Union, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Thursday.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 29, 2019 at Bethel Presbyterian Church in West Union, Iowa with Rev. Don Best as the officiant.

Burial will follow at West Union Cemetery, West Union, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Bethel Presbyterian Women at the Bethel Presbyterian Church.

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

LaVerne Bushman

     LaVerne Arthur Bushman, 95, of Ossian, Iowa died Sunday, August 18, 2019 at his home in Ossian.  He was born August 6, 1924 to Bernard and Christina (Bodensteiner) Bushman in Ossian, Iowa.  Laverne attended country school. 

     LaVerne was united in marriage with Rita Brinks on November 20, 1951 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian, Iowa.  He farmed for 32 years near Festina, chopping and filling silos for the neighbors. After the barn burnt down in 1984, LaVerne retired from farming and moved to Ossian, Iowa.  LaVerne worked as a Janitor at De Sales Catholic School in Ossian, Iowa along with his wife Rita until their retirement in 2002.  He was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters for 75 years. LaVerne enjoyed traveling with friends, square dancing, polka, listening to Daniel O’Donnell CDs, eating pie, tinkering in his garage, was a great story teller, loved telling jokes, and watching Dr. Phil.

     LaVerne is survived by two children, Susie (Clete Christianson) Thorson of Elgin, Iowa and Steve (Ann) Bushman of Ft. Atkinson, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Corey (Amy) Thorson, Sheena (Bill) Bouzek, Dustin (Jaimie) Thorson, Brent (Ashley) Bushman, Jessie Bushman, Nicole Bushman, Daniel (Leta) Hageman and Elissa (Mark) Jacobs; twenty-two  great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his wife, Rita on February 16, 2014; his parents, Bernard and Christine Bushman; one son in infancy; and his siblings, Marie Emery, Peter, Edward, Rose Huinker, Albert, Evelyn Liebold, Raymond, John, and Henrietta Krumm.

  Visitation was held from 4-8 p.m. with a 4:00 p.m. Rosary led by Pat Heying and Maxine Brincks on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian, Iowa. There was also a one hour visitation before Mass at the church on Thursday.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 22, 2019 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church with Rev. Robert Gross as the celebrant.

Inurnment will be at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery, Ossian, Iowa at a later date.

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

Arlene O'Loughlin

Arlene O’Loughlin, 89, of La Crosse, Wisconsin passed away, Sunday, August 18, 2019.  A visitation was held from 4 – 6 pm, Thursday August 22 at the Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Avenue South, LaCrosse, WI.  A funeral mass was celebrated at Mary Mother of the Church, La Crosse, at 10:30 a.m. on August 23.  She was interned at the West Union, Iowa cemetery later that day at 3:00 p.m.    

Arlene (Minger) O’Loughlin was born on December 8, 1929 at Wadena, Iowa.  She was the third of four children of Glen Minger and Elizabeth (Erickson) Minger. 

She married William Francis O’Loughlin on October 8, 1948 at Oelwein, Iowa.  From that union came three children:  William Francis, Deborah Ann, and Glen James. 

Arlene worked at various jobs throughout her life to help support her family; however, her true calling was nursing and helping people.  She graduated as a Registered Nurse from Northeast Iowa Community College, Calmar, Iowa, with the assistance of a Good Samaritan Society Academic Scholarship.  She became the Director of Nurses at the Good Samaritan Nursing Center at West Union, Iowa, before transferring to the Palmer Lutheran Hospital in West Union.  At Palmer Lutheran Hospital she worked with her sister Margie for several years as a floor nurse, surgical scrub nurse and was a Patient Education Coordinator. 

Upon retiring Arlene attended the three-year Lay Program from the Archdiocese of Dubuque.  She held numerous offices at the Wadena, IA, West Union, IA and the St. Pious of La Crosse, WI parishes and played in the bell choir for the Mary Mother of the Church in La Crosse, WI. 

She studied Affiliation of the Franciscan Sisters under Sister Phyllis Ann and joined the Franciscan Affiliates; she enjoyed visiting the Convent and the times she spent in prayer at the Adoration Chapel.  Arlene never stopped giving back to her community and helping others.  She volunteered several years at the St. Clara Health Mission, R.S.V.P and playing and becoming the band director for the Sweet Note Band.  She was known as the neighborhood “Mom” when her children were growing up, she was very active in scouting becoming a Den Mother and Scout Leader.

Arlene is survived by her Daughter Deborah (Bruce) Beneke, Son Glen (Karen) O’Loughlin, Daughter-in-Law Karen Lantz; Eleven Grandchildren:  Katrina (Brent) Hamilton, Calista (Justin) McCollough, William Francis and Shaylene O’Loughlin,  Jessica (Jamie) Waters, Iliyana Waters, Crystal Hayes, Jim (Jenn) O’Loughlin, Ben (Courtney) O’Loughlin, Mathew Cooper, and Brandon Cooper;  Eleven Great-Grandchildren:  Lizabeth and Charles Waters; Elise and Jack McCullough; Brenna, Jesstina, and Noah Hamilton; Radomir Beneke, William Hayes, and Margaret and Eleanor O’Loughlin, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Husband, William Francis O’Loughlin; Son, William Francis O’Loughlin, JR.; Brothers, Dale and Robert Minger, Sister Marjorie Strudthoff, Grandson Jacob Beneke,  Brother-in-Law, William Strudthoff, and Sisters-in-Law Anne Minger and Ollie Minger. 

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank-you to both Hillview Terrace staff and the Mayo Hospice team for their exceptional care of and loving concern for Arlene.

William Albrecht

William “Bill” Albrecht, 70, of Maynard, Iowa died on Monday evening, August 19, 2019 at Mercy One – Oelwein.

The funeral service was held at 4 p.m., Saturday, August 24, 2019 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Maynard, with Pastor Dennis Frank officiating.

Visitation was from 4-7 p.m. on Friday at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Maynard and for one hour before the service at the church on Saturday.

Military Graveside Service by the Maynard American Legion Lundbye-Carpenter Post #245 were held.

Interment was in the Long Grove Cemetery, Maynard, Iowa.

Memorial Fund has been established for the West Central School and the Maynard American Legion.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

William Loraine Albrecht was born December 5, 1948 in Oelwein, Iowa the son of Loraine Lewis & Dolores Mae Elizabeth (Tewes) Albrecht.  He was raised on the family farm near Maynard and graduated from West Central High School in the class of 1967.  Following high school, Bill worked for the Maynard Coop until he joined the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.  He served for four years at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska.  While in Omaha, Bill met Patricia Mary Chess.  They were united in marriage on October 27, 1973 in Omaha, Nebraska.  Bill and Pat moved to Maynard where they farmed for 25 years and were blessed with three daughters, Julie, Lori and Katie.  Bill later worked for Coca Cola in Waterloo and retired after working for Manatt’s in Oelwein.

Bill was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church where he sang in the choir, the Maynard American Legion Lundbye-Carpenter Post #245 where he served as the adjutant, was a member of the Maynard Fire Department for 25 years and with Pat, they founded the West Central School Booster Club.  In retirement, Bill enjoyed woodworking, fixing about everything, hobby farming, doing home improvement projects for his daughters and spending time with his grandchildren, riding the go cart and doing activities on the farm.  

His Wife survives Bill: Pat Albrecht of Maynard; 3 Daughters:  Julie (Tom) Novotney of Waterloo; Lori (Tom) Vodraska of St. Charles; Katie (Brendon) Snell of West Des Moines; 11 Grandchildren:  Allison (Geoff Bennett), Cecilia, Daniel, Emma, John & Charlie Novotney, Carly Krogman, Ryder & Taylor Vodraska and Bryce & Blake Snell; 2 Sisters:  Lois (Paul) Wegner of Waukesha, Wisconsin & Beth (Robert) Slack of Pottstown, Pennsylvania; Brother: Alan (Judy) Albrecht of Maynard and many nieces & nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law: John & Pat Chess and 2 brothers-in-law:  Dan Chess and Hank Soltys.