Eleanor M. McElree

Eleanor M. McElree, 81, of Marion and formerly of Vinton and Fayette, died Saturday, April 5, 2014, at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2014, at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette with Pastor Jim Rinehart officiating.

Interment followed at Grandview Cemetery in Fayette.

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

Eleanor Marilyn, daughter of John and Frieda Vaupel Epperson, was born Aug. 31, 1932, at Vinton. She attended country school and graduated from Lincoln High School in Vinton in 1950. Later in life she attended Kirkwood College in Cedar Rapids and studied religion.

On Dec. 20, 1952, she was united in marriage with Glen McElree at Waterloo. They lived in the Fayette and Vinton areas prior to moving to Marion in 1959. Eleanor had worked at Rockwell Collins and took a break from work to raise her family. She returned to work at Rockwell in 1965, and remained there until retiring in 1994. She remained a resident of Marion until entering the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester in August 2010.

She is survived by three sons, William (Sandra) McElree of Cedar Rapids, Michael McElree of Marion, and John (Kim) McElree of Atkins; three daughters, Renee (Michael) Morris of Axton, Virginia, Janene (Jack) Jantz of Hemet, California, and Angela (Corey) Timmerman of Edgewood; 11 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; one brother, Gerald Epperson of Cedar Rapids; and two sisters, Helen Kopecky of Cedar Rapids and Elizabeth Boltz of Waterloo.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband on Oct. 9, 1986; her parents; and a daughter, Peggy. 

Colette Buchheit

Colette T. Buchheit, 80, of Dubuque (formerly of Ossian), died Wednesday, April 2, 2014, at Ennoble Manor. 

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at Resurrection Catholic Church with the Rev. Joseph L. Hauer officiating.

Interment was in Resurrection Cemetery.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service assisted the family with arrangements.

Colette was born Oct. 27, 1933, in Ossian, the daughter of Albert and Theresa (Laesch) Leuenberger.  She married Harold Buchheit on June 17, 1967, at DeSales Catholic Church, Ossian. 

Colette was a member of Resurrection Catholic Church. She had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren. She enjoyed putting puzzles together and playing Scrabble and Cribbage.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Harold, of Dubuque; two sons, Brian (Maria) Buchheit of Homer Glen, Ill., and Dennis (Mary) Buchheit of Asbury;  four grandchildren, Andrew, Mary Kate, Katie, and Emily Buchheit, and a sister, Florence Warne of Deming, N.M.

She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers Dick, Joseph, Melvin, Donald and Arnold and two sister in laws Kathryn Leuenberger and Mary Jane Leuenberger.

In lieu of flowers, a Colette Buchheit Memorial Fund has been established.

The family would like to thank the staff at Ennoble Manor, Dr. Thomas Sinsky and Hospice of Dubuque.

Mildred Bohr

Mildred P. “Millie” Bohr, 70, Woodbury, Minnesota (formerly of Ossian, Iowa), died Friday, March 7, 2014, in St. Paul, Minn.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian, with Monsignor Cletus Hawes as the celebrant.
Inurnment will follow at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery in Ossian.
Visitation will be held at 10-11 a.m. at the church on Saturday, April 12.
Online condolences may be left at www.graufuneralhomes.com.
Schmitz – Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Ossian, is in charge of arrangements.

Mildred, the daughter of Clem and Mary (Hageman) Bohr, was born May 25, 1943 in Ossian. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian. Millie graduated from St. Francis de Sales High School in 1961 and from Mankato Business College in 1963. 

After her graduation, Millie worked as an administrative assistant and customer service representative for the 3M Company in St. Paul, Minn., until her retirement.

After her retirement, Millie volunteered at the Woodwinds Hospital in Woodbury for many years. Millie enjoyed traveling, crafts, knitting, and crocheting. Millie also had a great appreciation for art.

Millie is survived by four siblings, Norman (Sandy) Bohr of Decorah; Mel Bohr of Ossian; Mary Jane (Richard) Einck of Cedar Rapids; and Karen (Jerry) Giddings of Grayslake, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews.

Millie was preceded in death by her parents, Clem and Mary Bohr; and her sister-in-law, Jeanne Bohr.

Gary F. Wegner, 73, of New Hampton died Saturday morning, April 12, 2014, at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. today (Wednesday) at Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph Center, New Hampton with interment in Calvary Cemetery, New Hampton. 

Visitation was set for 3-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, at St. Joseph Gathering Space and will continue for an hour today prior to the Mass at St. Joseph Gathering Space.  

Funeral arrangements are with Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton.  

Funeral services for Duane A. Kuhlers, 83, of Clear Lake will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 18, at Clear Lake United Methodist Church, 508 2^nd Ave. N. in Clear Lake.

Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery with full military honors provided by Clear Lake VFW Post 4868.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 17, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4^th St. in Clear Lake, and will continue for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Friday.

Duane is the father of Deb (Tom) Luhman of West Union.

A complete obituary will appear in next week’s Union.

Lee Ann Blue

Lee Ann (PeeWee) Blue passed away on Friday, April 11, 2014 after a brief illness: she was 74 years old. 

LeeAnn was born at home in West Union, Iowa on February 15, 1940 to Berniece (Snyder) Northrop and Leland Northrop.  She graduated from the high school in West Union, Iowa.  She was united in marriage to AlNathen Blue on June 19, 1965.  The couple made their home in Waucoma, Iowa.  She enjoyed fishing, riding motorcycles, and spending time with family. 

LeeAnn is survived by her husband, AlNathen Blue of Waucoma; her daughter, Kim Blue, of Sumner; a grandson, Nathen Blue (Megan), and a great-granddaughter, Bella all of Sumner; two brothers, Kenneth Northrop (Leslie) of Floyd; Ernie Northrop (Marty) of Sumner; two sisters, Evelyn Adams of Waucoma; and Marlys Harmening of Sumner; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leland Northrop and Berniece Kelly, as well as three sisters: Delma Knox, Waucoma; Jeannie Boeckman, Readlyn; and Kathy Adams, Waucoma.  



Celebration of Life services were held on Tuesday, April 15 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Historical Society Building in Waucoma, Iowa.

Inurnment will be held at a later date.

S.K. Rogers Funeral Home in Sumner assisted in the arrangements.         16u16

Elaine Johnson

A memorial service for Elaine C. Johnson, 71, of Decorah, formerly of West Union, was held Friday, April 11, at Decorah Lutheran Church in Decorah. The Revs. Dave Sorenson, Bryan Robertson, and Kerry Eversole officiated.

Inurnment will be in the Lanesboro Cemetery in Lanesboro, Minn., at a future date.

Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah was in charge of arrangements.

Elaine Colleen Thompson Johnson was born October 30, 1942 to Cleo and Edna (Haakenson) Thompson in Lanesboro, Minnesota.  Elaine and her cousin Joan Thompson were both baptized together at Mabel Lutheran Church, Mabel, Minnesota.  Elaine attended the O’Hara Country School through the 6^th grade, graduated from Lanesboro High School with the class of 1960, and Rochester Junior College in Rochester, Minnesota. She then worked as a medical secretary at the Rochester State Hospital.

  Elaine was united in marriage to Gerald Duane Johnson on April 3, 1964 at Central Lutheran Church in Winona, Minnesota. This union was blessed with two daughters, Debra Sue and Kimberly Ann, and one son, Troy Alan.

  Elaine worked for 20 years at Atwood Automotive in West Union, Iowa; owned and operated the Sleepy Nisse, a bed and breakfast, with her husband, in Lanesboro, Minnesota for 7 years and worked at the Mayo School of Graduate Education at Mayo Clinic in Rochester for 5 years.  After retiring, Gerald and Elaine moved to Decorah, Iowa. Elaine was a member of the Decorah Lutheran Church and volunteered at the food shelf there.  She enjoyed rosemaling, quilting, reading, gardening, photography, traveling and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

  Elaine is survived by her husband, Jerry of Decorah; two daughters: Debra (Daniel) Lafferty of Rochester, Minnesota and Kimberly Johnson of Urbandale, Iowa; one son Troy (Chantel) Johnson of Lakeville, Minnesota; and five grandchildren:  Logan Lafferty, Lauren and Ellen Scott, Kelby and Kaleb Johnson.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

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

     16u16     

Richard Hansen

Richard Hansen, 94, of Hawkeye, died Wednesday, April 16, 2014, at his home in Hawkeye following a sudden illness. At Richard’s request, there will be no services. Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Hawkeye is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.

Richard Hansen was born October 28, 1919, at Racine, Wisconsin. He served with the U.S. Navy from February of 1942 to November of 1945. He received a Masters degree from the University of California at Berkeley and traveled to various countries in conjunction with his education. He lived in Racine, Wisconsin for many years and was employed with American Motors in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He enjoyed his coffee group in Racine and gardening. He has lived the past several years in Hawkeye.

Richard is survived by his son, John Busarow of Hawkeye; a granddaughter, Miranda Busarow; a grandson, Andy Busarow; two great granddaughters; one great grandson; and his dear friend, Margaret Busarow of Racine, Wisconsin.

He was preceded in death by his parents.      17u17

Ernest Dahlquist

Ernest J Dahlquist passed peacefully from this life on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at his home in Fayette. He was born in Sac County on June 28, 1917 to Ernest L. and Anna (Louder) Dahlquist. After his mother died in the flu outbreak of 1918, he was raised most of his young years by his aunt and uncle, Veva and Harry Garnatz.

He graduated from Auburn High School and Iowa State University in Veterinary Medicine. After serving in the Federal Veterinary Service in West Virginia during World War II, he came to Fayette to resume the veterinary practice of Dr. Sperry who had mentored him for a summer during his college years. Ernest (known as Ernie or ‘Doc’) continued serving this large and small animal practice until his retirement in 1984.

He loved to tell stories about some of the animal antics he observed and relished the relationships he had with his clients.

Ernie thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the natural world. He cultivated his golf game, fished in rivers and lakes, worked in his yard, boated on the Mississippi, traveled and camped in many of the National Parks as much and as often as he could find the time.

After retirement he added woodworking to his list of leisure activities and built several pieces of furniture for his home and the homes of his daughters.

Small town living suited him very well and he tried to contribute by serving as president of the local school board, as president Big Rock Country Club, as a bank board member and as a member of the Upper Iowa University Board of Trustees. He also spent a number of years as a member of the board of the Iowa Medical Veterinary Association.

Ernie loved his family dearly and will be missed by all. He also felt blessed by his many friendships over the years. His family includes his wife of 47 years, Joyce (Niewoehner), four daughters, Carole (Bill) Hess of Waleska, GA, Connie Dahlquist of Eagan, MN, Ann (Steve) Ockert of Howell, MI and Aimee (Bill) Abbett of Clayton, CA. He also cherished his seven grandchildren, Kurt Hess, Blaine Hess, Sara (Ockert) Nabors, twins Jake and Hannah Ockert, Andrew Abbett and Eric Abbett as well as five great grandchildren, Darby (Hess) Ciervo, Kyle Hess, Skyler Hess, Alex Hess and Sawyer Nabors. He also has one brother, Warren (Marie) Dahlquist of Kansas City. He was predeceased by his wife, Adeline Davis (mother of Carole and Connie), his parents, his special aunt and uncle, one brother and his wife (Robert and Ruth Dahlquist).

Celebration of Life services were held on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at 4:30 PM at First United Methodist Church in Fayette with the Rev. Julie Ahrens officiating. A visitation was held from 3:30 PM until service time.

Inurnment will be held on a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Fayette or Upper Iowa University Scholarship Fund.

S.K. Rogers Funeral Home in Fayette was in charge of arrangements.      17u17

Jo-Ann Behnken

Jo-Ann Joyce Behnken, 81, of Colesburg, Iowa, died on Thursday, April 17, 2014, at the Edgewood Convalescent Home.  She was born on November 10, 1932, in West Union, the daughter of Gilbert and Edith (Bartels) Stockman. Jo-Ann was raised and educated in the area, and graduated from West Union High School.  She also graduated from Upper Iowa University with a B.A. in Elementary Education and Library Science.

Jo-Ann taught at Colesburg Elementary School until she met her future husband, Duane Richard Behnken, Sr. to whom she was married on August 22, 1954. Four children were born to this union. She stayed at home and raised her family until she returned to teaching at St. Peter & Paul Catholic School in Petersburg in 1966 until she retired after the 1992-1993 school year.

She loved children and books and enjoyed reading sewing, gardening, feeding people, and baking. There was always chocolate cake at her house. Jo-Ann was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her three children, Duane (Carol) Behnken, Jr. of Dyersville, Edith (Duane) Langerman of West Union, Nanette Hyde of Ottumwa; five grandchildren, Jeremiah, Tony, Bridget, John, and Regina; eight great-grandchildren, Karley, Pacey, Suttyn, Emery, Jay, Jayde, Jackson, and Cassie; and many nieces and nephews.

Jo-Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Duane on May 18, 1996; her daughter, Tammy Jo Behnken on June 28, 1993; three sisters, Alberta Gage, Darlene Lovik, and Lorraine Alexander; one brother, Chuck Stockman; a son-in-law, Roger Hyde; and a grandson, Jacob Langerman on November 27, 2012.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Visitation:   4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, April 21, 2014, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Edgewood and one hour before the service at the church on Tuesday.

Funeral Service:  10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at United Methodist Church in Colesburg, Iowa.  Officiating:  Pastor Allen Craft

Interment: Brown Cemetery - Colesburg, Iowa

Casket Bearers: Bob Gage   Francis Clemens   Jerry Vorwald  Gene Kruse   John Kruse   Dennis Walthart   Mark Schilling Steve Wiskus

Music:   Ann Glime

     17u17

Duane Kuhlers

Funeral services for Duane A. Kuhlers, 83, of Clear Lake were held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 18, 2014, at Clear Lake United Methodist Church, 508 2^nd Avenue N., Clear Lake, with the Reverend Bernie Colorado officiating.

Burial followed in Memorial Park Cemetery, with full military honors provided by Clear Lake VFW Post 4868.

A visitation was held from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 17, 2014, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4^th Street, Clear Lake, and continued for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Friday.

Should friends desire, memorials may be left to the family in Duane’s name.

Duane A. Kuhlers, son of the late Albert and Minnie (Van Osten) Kuhlers was born December 30, 1930, in Swaledale, Iowa. He attended school in Swaledale and graduated amongst the Class of 1949. Following his education, Duane was drafted in the United States Army on October 4, 1951, serving time in Germany during the Korean Conflict with the 188^th Infantry Regiment before being honorably discharged on September 16, 1953.

On February 5, 1954, Duane was united in marriage with Darlene Vanderhoef at Wesley United Methodist Church in Mason City. To this union, the couple would be blessed with four children: Debra, Douglas, Dennis, and Delmar.

Duane and his family resided in Kansas City while he attended airline school. Following his successful completion, the family resided in Clinton, Iowa, where he began working for Ozark Airlines, and later transferred home, where he continued working in Mason City. Trans World Airlines bought out Ozark, which relocated them to Orlando, FL, where they resided for 10 years. Duane retired in June of 1989.

Following his retirement, he loved traveling, bowling, and was an avid golfer. He enjoyed following baseball and was an excellent chef. Duane was well-known for his monster cookies. Most importantly, he cherished his family deeply: his wife of 60 years, his children, grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren.

He was a dedicated veteran, lifetime member of Clear Lake VFW Post 4868 and was previously the post commander.

He was also a member of Clear Lake United Methodist Church.

His memory will be cherished by his wife, Darlene Kuhlers, Mason City; children Debra (Tom) Luhman of West Union, IA, Douglas Kuhlers of Omaha, NE, Dennis (Pat) Kuhlers of Iowa Falls, IA, and Delmar (Jane) Kuhlers of Muscatine, IA; grandchildren Adam (Nikki) Luhman, Amber (Matt) Keppler, Measa (Mark) Tomforde, Megan (David) Hintz, Brianna Kuhlers, Bryce Kuhlers, Brent (Ashley Cummings) Kuhlers, Steven Kuhlers, and Stefi Kuhlers; great-grandchildren Ava, Isabel, Jackson, Cael, Hadlee, and Mason, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Magdalene Dirks; brothers Henry and Alvin Kuhlers, along with one brother in infancy.

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4^th Street, Clear Lake, 641-357-2193, ColonialChapels.com.

     17u17

Winnifred Spani

Winnifred Adel Spani, of Butte, Mont., died Tuesday, April 1, 2014, in a local hospital.

She was born Oct. 12, 1924, in Maynard, to Harold L. and Laura P. (Ranny) Arthur. She graduated from Consolidated High School in Fayette, in 1942 and worked as a telephone operator for two years before entering the U.S. Army.

Winnifred and her sister, Dorothy, joined the WAC’s Purple Heart Platoon after their brother, Robert, was killed in action in France.

Following her discharge she worked for Pacific Bell in Pasadena, Calif., and it was there that she married Ernest Spani on Jan. 10, 1948. Soon after they settled in Butte where she raised her family and later worked at the Mile High Motel.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest, who passed away July 5, 1995; her parents; brothers, Robert, Elwyn and Earl; and her sister, Dorothy Johnson.

She is survived by her sons, Mark Spani and Ernest “Louie” Spani, both of Butte, Mont.; daughter and son-in-law, Kathie and Len Maki of Park City, Utah; grandchildren, Eric (Suzie) Maki and Cory (Ashlee) Maki; and her great-grandchildren, Braden and Berklee Maki; and several nieces and nephew who always looked forward to her visits to Iowa.

In keeping with Winnifred’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Committal services will take place at a later date. Memorials in memory of Winnifred may be made to the United Veteran’s Council in Butte.

Express condolences at www.mtstandard.com/obits.

Dwight Berg

Dwight H. Berg, 98, of Fayette, died Sunday, April 20, 2014, at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.

Services and inurnment will be at a later date at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Ocala, Fla.

Memorials may be made to the Dwight and Trudy Berg Scholarship Fund at Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio.

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.

Dwight Hillis Berg, son of Charles H. and Myrtle E. Stockholm Berg, was born Jan. 6, 1916, at Franklin Forks, Pa. He received his education at Montrose High School and Mansfield State Normal School, both in Pennsylvania and Ph.D from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y.

He was united in marriage with Gertrude Marjorie Robinson on Dec. 4, 1943, at the home of her parents. He served with the U.S. Army during World War II and was a biology professor at Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio for thirty years. He very much enjoyed his years at the college and was known as an enthusiastic educator.

After retirement in 1980, Dwight and Trudy initially retired to a home on Tingley Lake, Pa., near their childhood homes. To escape the northern winters, they moved to Ocala, Fla., in the late 1980’s.

Following Trudy’s death on March 1, 1999, Dwight remained in Florida until entering Maple Crest Manor in Fayette in September 2011. He enjoyed Botany, gardening, reading, watching college football and basketball, and earlier in life enjoyed traveling.

Dwight is survived by one son, Gary and wife, Jacqueline Bunke of Dayton, Ohio; one daughter, Debra McCarty of Fayette; and a sister-in-law, Elaine Berg of Montrose, Pa.

In addition to his wife, Dwight was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, William and Clark Berg; and his son-in-law, Gregory McCarty.

Bradford D. Finch

Word was received recently of the death of Bradford D. Finch, 96, of Cokato, MN, on Sunday, January 5, 2014.  Bradford was the son of long-time Fayette County Engineer Aulden Finch. 

Bradford Duane Finch was born in West Union on June 5, 1917, to Aulden D. and Xanta (Talcott) Finch.  He graduated from West Union High School, Class of 1934, then attended Luther College for two years before transferring to the University of Iowa where he graduated with a Degree in Law.  

Shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the beginning of WW II, Brad joined the Navy and was stationed out of Norfolk, VA, onboard The USS Merrick, a Supply Ship that hauled personnel and equipment for building air bases in and around the Caribbean, travelling back and forth across the Atlantic.  It was while Brad was stationed in Virginia that he met the girl who would become his wife, Frances Bryan.  Just three months after they met, on Nov. 21, 1942, “Frankie” and Brad were married with a military wedding in Richmond, VA. 

Soon, Brad applied for a change of duty and signed up with the Naval Air Corps, became a flight instructor, and eventually was transferred to Minneapolis, where he remained following the end of WWII.  Brad began a long career in the insurance business, working into his 90’s. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, fly-fishing on the Bitterroot, blazing trails on his 4-Wheeler and Dirt Bikes, along with loving summers at his cabin in Montana. 

Brad was very proud of the fact that he was a direct descendant of Gov. William Bradford of the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts, and that his ancestors came to America aboard the Mayflower.

Brad was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife “Frankie”, and his sister “Betty” Schroder, Bellevue, WA.  Survivors are his daughter, Cathie (Skip) Hall, Annandale MN; son, John (Debbie) Finch, Brooklyn Park MN; six grandchildren:  Britt Stroup and son, E.J.; Tucker (Emily) Hall and daughters, Clara, Naomi, and June;  Emily (Justin) Kolflat and sons, Jeremy and Robbie;  Tracy (Andre) Levin and son, Henrik;  Allison (Luke) Eppard and sons, Drew and Jack;  Jamie (Megan) Finch.  Also, nieces Heather Adams, Diane Zehnder, Betsy Adams, and Robin Robertson, and their families in the Pacific Northwest; as well as special cousins Charlane Macon and Ronald Finch of Florida.

A memorial service was held in Cokato, MN.  Bradford’s ashes would be sprinkled, as were his wife’s, among the wild flowers at their cabin on the East Fork of the Bitterroot River in SW Montana.            18p18

Francis Bouska, 69, of Waucoma died Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at Palmer Lutheran Health Center in West Union.

Services were held Saturday, April 26, in Waucoma.

Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in Waucoma was in charge of arrangements.

Gary Henry

A memorial service for Gary Glen Henry, 71, of Gainesville, Texas, will be held June 8 in Gainesville.

Gary died Feb. 5, 2014, in McKinney, Texas.

Cremation was handled by Meador-Clement-Keel Funeral Home in Gainesville.

Gary was born June 14, 1942, in Missoula, Mont.

He is survived by his wife, Zoe Anna (Martin) Henry, a 1963 graduate of Fayette High School; two sons, David A. Henry and William G. Henry; two sisters, Shirley Atayde and Patricia King; and a brother, James Henry.

Condolences for the family can be left online at www.meadorfuneralhomes.com or may be mailed to Zoe Anna Henry, P.O. Box 3, Gainesville, TX 76241.

Betty Shipwash

Betty J. Shipwash, 85, of Fayette, died Friday, April 25, 2014, at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.

Private family inurnment will be held at a later date at Grandview Cemetery in Fayette. Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.

Betty Jean, daughter of Clyde and Susie Lee Dale Staggs, was born January 16, 1929, in Phoenix, Arizona. On April 14, 1946, she was united in marriage with Louie Shipwash at Prescott, Arizona. A resident of the Fayette area since December of 2008, Betty and Louie were honored to have recently celebrated their sixty-eighth wedding anniversary. Betty enjoyed playing tennis, collecting Elvis Presley memorabilia, and taking car of her cats.

In addition to her husband, Louie of Fayette, Betty is survived by one daughter, Melle Starsen of Fayette; one granddaughter; and one great granddaughter, Alexis Rose Scholbrock.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters; and three brothers.     18u18

Clarence "Curly" Orville Schmitt

Clarence “Curly” Orville Schmitt, 87, of Manchester, died on Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at the Edgewood Convalescent Home. 

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 25, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

He was born on June 9, 1926, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Orville and Harriet (Hansen) Schmitt.  Clarence was raised and educated in Dewar.

On June 16, 1945, Clarence was united in marriage to Wilma Retha Trainor. From 1946 to 1979, they enjoyed farming together near Dewar, Dunkerton, Wadena, and Volga.  In 1979, they moved to Phoenix, Ariz., taking their team of Morgans with them.  From 1979 – 2001, Clarence used his team in weddings, parades, and tours in Scottsdale and Sedona, Ariz. They also lived in Flagstaff, Arizona and Springdale, Utah. There he used his team of mules for wagon rides. 

In 2001, Clarence retired and moved back to Iowa, first living in Elkader and then Manchester. 

Clarence will be remembered for his kind and generous heart, love of people, and passion for his horses.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Harriet Schmitt; a brother, Jerry Schmitt; his sister Lois Reicherts; and a brother-in-law, Bob McMahon.

Survivors include his wife, Wilma; three children, Bryan (Linda) Schmitt of Wadena, Cindy (Dennis) Waskow of Manchester, and Kevin (Karen) Schmitt of Solon; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; his two sisters, Bonnie (Marvin) Wissink of Waterloo, and Jeanette McMahon of Denver, Iowa; his brother-in-law, Don Reicherts of Waterloo; and many nieces and nephews.

Fredrick "Freddie" Scheidel

Fredrick “Freddie” Alois Scheidel, 85, of Ossian, Iowa, died Monday, April 28, 2014, at Ossian Senior Hospice in Ossian, Iowa.

Fred was born March 31, 1929 to Fred J. and Jeanette (Luzum) Scheidel. He was baptized and confirmed in his faith at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church and attended St. Francis de Sales Catholic School and graduated from Ossian Public High School in 1947.

  On September 30, 1950, Fred was united in marriage to Betty Miller at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. To this union four children were born, Jackie, Nancy, Connie and Laurie.

  Freddie kept busy all his life driving routes for Oelwein City Laundry, farming on the family farm, selling real estate and auctioning land, household and antiques. He especially enjoyed auctioning for charity events.

  Freddie was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #2013, National Realtor Association, National Auctioneer Association, Ossian Crown Club, Silver Springs Golf Course, St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Rosary Society, and Parish Council.

He enjoyed playing baseball for 10 years as the catcher for the Ossian town team.  He loved fishing, playing cards, camping, golfing, outdoor grilling, growing vegetables in his garden on the farm and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeye basketball and football teams.  Most of all, Fred enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.  

Freddie is survived by his wife, Betty Scheidel of Ossian, Iowa; four children, Jackie (Donald) Kuennen of Waukon, Iowa, Nancy (Steve) Ritter of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Connie (Randy) Heying of Tabor, South Dakota, Laurie (Kirk) Draper of Atkins, Iowa; five grandchildren, Shelly Kuennen and her husband, Kevin Bendjy, Carly Kuennen, Abigail Ritter, Chris Ritter, Alex Heying; one sister-in-law, Helen Scheidel and several nieces and nephews.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Fred J. and Jeanette Scheidel; two brothers, Richard Scheidel and Harold (Pearl) Scheidel and one sister, Gladys Scheidel.

Visitation was Friday, May 2, 2014 from 4-8 pm with a 4:00 pm Rosary and a 7:30 pm Scripture Service at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian, Iowa. There was also a one hour visitation before mass at the church on Saturday.

Mass of Christian Burial was at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian, Iowa with Msgr. Cletus Hawes as the Celebrant.

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

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

Condolences may be left with www.graufuneralhomes.com.

       19u19

John Loftus

John Loftus, 83, of Charles City, formerly of West Union, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City, surrounded by his family.

A Funeral Mass for John Loftus was held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 26, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Reverend Carl Ries celebrated the Mass.

Inurnment will be at a later date. There will be a flag presentation by the Charles City Ceremonial Unit.

John Francis Loftus was born March 1, 1931, in West Union to Francis and Matilda (Pagels) Loftus.

He graduated from West Union High School and attended Loras College.

John proudly served in the United States Marines during the Korean Conflict.

On Dec. 2, 1961, he was united in marriage with Jane McTaggart.

Over the years John was employed with Northwestern Bell for many years, after the 1968 tornado with Urban Renewal of Charles City, and hen with Valley Irrigation.

He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where he sang in the choir.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis, VFW, American Legion, and was a founding member of the Charles City Singers.

John will be remembered for his love of music and his beautiful tenor voice.

He enjoyed outdoor activities of all kinds with walking and bicycling among his favorites. John participated in the Register’s 2^nd Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI).

Family was always very important to John, and he would take every opportunity to share in the lives of each family member.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Jane Anne Edwards; and two brothers, Daniel and Thomas Loftus.

Living family members include his wife, Jane Loftus of Charles City; four children, Kathleen (James) Potter of Milton, Mass., Cortney (William) Taylor of Hull, Mass., Michael (Sherry) Loftus of Charles City, and Patrick (Ann) Loftus of Marion; and 11 grandchildren.                19u19