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

Grace Kamaus

Funeral services for Grace Kamaus, 63, have been set for 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 9, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 8, at Burnham-Wood & S.K. Rogers Funeral Home in West Union and will continue for an hour before the service on Friday at the church.

Grace’s death occurred Sunday, May 4, 2014, in West Union.

Luella M. Pattison

Luella M. Pattison, 84, of Knoxville and formerly of Fayette, Iowa, died Friday morning, May 2, 2014, at the West Ridge Nursing and Rehab Center in Knoxville.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2014, at the Fayette Community church in Fayette with Pastor Andy Sayer and Pastor Phil Rownd officiating.

Interment was held in Grandview Cemetery in Fayette.

Memorials may be directed in her name to Hospice of Central Iowa.

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

Luella Mae Weyant was born April 8, 1930, in Edgewood, the daughter of George and Lulu (Nading) Weyant. She attended school in Fayette. 

On April 15, 1950, she was united in marriage to John Richard Pattison at Billings, Montana. Luella was a homemaker and worked in the bakery department at Upper Iowa University and Super Value Grocery in Fayette. She was a member of the Fayette Community Church. Luella enjoyed bowling, playing cards and dancing.

Luella is survived by her two sons, Gene (Michele) Weyant of Eldridge and Lloyd John (Sherry) Pattison of Arlington; five daughters, Diane (Rolland) Stoneman of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Dawn (George) Fettkether of Howard, Colorado, Debra Miller of Peyton, Colorado, Denise (Gary) Smith of Bussey and Darla (John) Tuttle of La Vernia, Texas; 20 grandchildren; 56 great grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; 3 brothers, Don (Shirley) Weyant of Nevada, Whitey (Mary) Weyant of Center Point and Marlin (Vickie) Weyant of Oelwein; three sisters, Lois (Mervin) Gregerson, Pat Hanson and Phyllis Engler all of Oelwein; and three brothers-in-law, Lavern Larson of Sierra Vista, Arizona, Lloyd Bernard (Arnetta) Pattison of Fayette and Jim (Joyce) Pattison of Fayette.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; granddaughter, Jessie Miller; sister, Eula Larson; and three brothers-in-law, Lawrence Pfiester, Bob Hanson and Duane Engler.

Paul J. Heying

Paul J. Heying, 83, of Ossian, died Sunday, April 20, 2014, at the Good Samaritan Center in Postville. 

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 25, at the St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian.

Burial followed at the St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery, Ossian, with Military Honors by Brockman-Hammersland American Legion Post #503.

Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Ossian, assisted the family with the arrangements.

Online condolences may be left with www.graufuneralhomes.com.

Paul John, the son of Joseph and Rose (Bohr) Heying, was born August 29, 1930 in Festina. He attended St. Mary Parochial School in Festina. Paul served with the U.S. Army at Fort Bliss, Texas, during the Korean War. 

He was united in marriage with Patricia Frommelt on June 2, 1955, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian. To this union, seven children were born.  Paul drove the Standard Oil Truck in the Ossian area for thirty-five years. After a short retirement, he drove a school bus for the South Winneshiek Schools for 16 years.

Paul was very active in the community. He was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus #2073 and an honorary member of the St. Francis Rosary Society. He was active with A.R.C. of Winneshiek County, the Ossian Fire Department and was a member of the Brockman-Hammersland American Legion Post #503. 

Paul enjoyed playing cribbage and cards, going to dances with Pat, reading, and the Chicago Cubs. 

Paul is survived by his wife of 58 years, Pat, of Ossian; seven children, Alan Heying of Decorah; Randy (Connie) Heying of Tabor, S.D.; Pam (Kim) Klocek of Minneapolis, Minn.; David Heying of Postville; Deb (Chris) Viney of St. Cloud, Minnesota; Mike (Cindi) Heying of Ramsey, Minn.; and Cathy Heying of Minneapolis, Minn.; 12 grandchildren, Tara Flaskerud; BrieAnna Clothier; Akaesha Mergen; Alyssa Flaskerud; Matt Heying; Alex Heying; Nick Heying; Tyler Heying; Zach Viney; Sam Heying; Kaitlyn Heying; and Max Viney; 10 great-grandchildren; 10 siblings, Helen (Melvin) Hageman of Ft. Atkinson; Dennis (Marion) Heying of Hawkeye; Ernie (Kay) Heying of Calmar; Doris Bouska of Hawkeye; John (Louise) Heying of Calmar; Lorna (Cletus) Bouska of Waucoma; Carl (Carol) Heying of Dubuque; Robert (Tina) Heying of Napa, Calif.; Mary Ann (Dick) Trewin of Waucoma; and Susan Heying of Calmar; his mother-in-law, Eunice Frommelt of Ossian; sisters-in-law, Joanne Schroeder of Ossian, and Jane (Jim) Meadows of Tucson, Ariz.; a brother-in-law, Dan Frommelt of Des Moines, and many nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Rose; his brother, Greg Heying; his sister, Betty Bruess; and his father-in-law, Elmer Frommelt

Stephanie (Westpfahl) Seiler

Stephanie (Westpfahl) Seiler, 45, of Van Meter, Ia, formerly of Hawkeye, Ia, died Monday May 5, 2014, at the Kavanagh Hospice House in Des Moines.

Stephanie Lucille was born May 1, 1969 in West Union, the daughter of Keith and Marilyn (Zupke) Westpfahl.  She married Mike Seiler on Aug 21, 1993, in Hawkeye.

Stephanie graduated from North Fayette High School in 1987, Grandview College in 1991.  She earned her Masters degree from Drake University in Occupational Rehabilitation.  In 2009, she began working on her teaching degree through the University of Phoenix. After graduating in 2012, she began working at the Dallas Center-Grimes Elementary School, and loved every minute of working with her students.

She is survived by her husband, sons Will and Max, and daughter Grace, all at home; her parents of Hawkeye; three brothers, Scott (Carol) of Sumner, Tim (Connie) of Center Point, and Todd (Suanne) of Sumner; a sister, Terace (Chris) Etgeton of Sumner; grandfather Oliver Westpfahl of Hawkeye, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by: a niece, Deidre Westpfahl, and grandparents Mildred Westpfahl, and Walter and Lucille Zupke.

Services were held on May 8, 2014, at Grace Lutheran Church in Adel, where she was a charter member.

A memorial has been established in her name to aid underprivileged students:

The Stephanie Seiler Educational Fund, c/o Earlham Savings Bank, PO Box 185, Van Meter, IA 50261.            20u20

Harry Carter

Harry M. Carter, 92, of Ottumwa died May 9, 2014 at Hospice House in Ottumwa. 

He was born January 17, 1922 in West Union to Willie and Lilly Kohler Carter.  He married Jeannette Jansen of Farmington, IA who was teaching in Ottumwa at the time. 

A graduate of West Union High School and Iowa State Teachers College, he entered into the service of his country in December of 1942.  He had completed his four year degree in three and one third years by attending full time and carrying additional hours. 

He served as an Aviation Student Cadet at the University of Tennessee and while there organized and directed both a military band which performed daily closing ceremonies for the post and a jazz band to provide entertainment for the post.

When the program at the University was disbanded he was reassigned to the 78^th Infantry Band.  At the time the Division was in final preparation for shipment overseas.  The band members were classed as basic rifleman in performance of their guard duties.  The band was reorganized at the conclusion of conflict and became part of the Berlin occupation troops performing ceremonial events and concerts. Tech Sgt. Harry Carter was appointed director of this band.  Decorations and Citations included 2 Overseas Service Bars – European – African – Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 3 Bronze Battle Stars – American Campaign Medal – Good Conduct Medal – World War II Victory Medal. After serving in World War II, he became a band director in Ida Grove, IA.  He left his position there to open a music store in Ottumwa in 1948 as a partner of Milo Sorden who operated a store in Washington, IA. 

The lives of Jeannette and Harry were nearly perfect.  Why?  Because of strong, parental upbringing and musical interest.  This made for wonderful teamwork that contributed to daily work assignments and activities.  Shortly after they were married they assumed the co-presidency of the Ottumwa Civic Music Association.  This became a ten year term and they continued to serve as honorary historians.  A new endeavor was to serve as presidents of and founding members of the original Ottumwa Area Arts Council.  Thirty years this time was their legacy. 

Harry also belonged to the Iowa Bandmasters Association (IBA), the Iowa Music Educator Association (IMEA) and National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM). 

Presidency of the Ottumwa Heights College Foundation was of a local interest and he had served as president of the Ottumwa Credit Bureau.  He received a 5 year Service Award from SCORE, a service award from the Ottumwa Instrumental Music Department and selection of the Mardi Gras Award one year. 

Harry was a member of the Rotary Club of Ottumwa and proud to be a PAUL HARRIS FOUNDATION MEMBER.  He became a member of Rotary in December of 1948, a membership he proudly held for over 60 years. 

Surviving is his wife, Jeannette. 

He was preceded in death by a brother, George Edwin. 

Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary of the Visitation with Father Bernie Weir presiding. 

Burial will be in Ottumwa Cemetery with military services conducted by O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion and Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars. 

Visitation will be open after 10 a.m. today (Wednesday) at Reece Funeral Home in Ottumwa. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to be made to the Ottumwa Civic Music Association.     20u20

Eugene Madden

Eugene E. Madden, age 92, of Fayette, formerly of Pocahontas, passed away Friday, May 2, 2014, at the Maple Crest Manor in Fayette, Iowa.

Funeral Services - 10:30 AM Tuesday, May 6, 2014,  at the Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church in Pocahontas, Iowa, with Fr. Paul Bormann officiating.

Burial - Calvary Cemetery in Pocahontas, IA.

Visitation - From 4 - 7 PM, Monday, May 5, 2014, at Powers Funeral Home in Pocahontas, Iowa.

For online condolences and obituaries, visit: www.PowersFH.net.

Eugene Edward Madden was born on June 25, 1921, near Fonda, Iowa. He was the son of George and Ella (Halligan) Madden. He was the youngest of 7 children: Mary, Clarence, Anna, Rose, Joseph and Georgie. He attended Fonda local and country schools until 1935 when his family moved to a farm near Webb. He graduated from Garfield High School in 1939. He farmed with his brothers Clarence and Joe. On May 15th, 1945, Gene was united in marriage to the love of his life, Ruth Schachtner.  The couple continued to farm near Webb until 1950 when they moved to a farm near Laurens. They were blessed with 4 children, Patrick, Jane, Sandra, and Elaine. In addition to farming Gene operated a general trucking service, surveyed for the county and was Secretary for the NFO. Gene went on to work at Twin Draulics in Laurens and at Iowa Industrial Hydraulics in Pocahontas. In 1973, the couple moved to Pocahontas where Gene continued to work at IIH, retiring after 19 years. After retirement, Ruth and Gene began making crafts and attending craft shows.  They also enjoyed taking bus trips to various casinos.    

Gene was a member of the Resurrection of our Lord Catholic Church in Pocahontas and the Knights of Columbus. 

In 2010,  Ruth and Gene moved to Fayette, IA to the Maple Crest Manor and Assisted Living Center. While there, they enjoyed many activities, including bowling, going to parades, and playing games with UIU college students. He enjoyed his family and especially spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was the caretaker for the love of his life, Ruth, until her passing in October of 2013.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son Patrick Madden of Cedar Rapids; daughters Jane Madden of Des Moines, IA, Sandra (Mike) Johnson of Hawkeye, IA, and Elaine (Rob) Henderson of Sacramento, CA; ten grandchildren: Darci, Ashley (Mike), Abigale, Mitchell, Andrew, Katie (Tyler), Alexandria, Trey, Bryan, and Jasmine; 7 great-grandchildren: Matthew, Megan, Mahlia, Ella, Allison, Kayden, and Jewel and many other special family and friends.

  Gene was preceeded in death by his parents; wife, Ruth; granddaughter Miranda, three brothers and three sisters.      20u20

Arnold Luzum

Arnold A. Luzum, age 95, of St. Lucas, Iowa passed away on May 3, 2014, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 8, at St. Luke Catholic Church in St. Lucas.

CLERGY - Rev. Nick March

MASS SERVERS - Dennis Boyer and Duane Boyer

CROSSBEARER - Kathryn Stortz

MUSIC - Cynthia Luzum – Organist

Kathy Meyer – Organist

Sherri Achen - Cantor

St. Luke’s Choir

“Here I am, Lord”   “Hail Mary, Gentle Woman”

“You are Mine”  “Softly and Tenderly”    “Mine Eyes Have Seen”

LECTORS - Theresa Hamer and Elizabeth van den Berg

 EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS - Germaine Langreck, Clair Dietzenbach

John Kuennen and Virginia Manderfield

 OFFERTORY GIFTBEARERS - Erika Wisby, Marley Wisby & Emily Luzum

 CASKETBEARERS - Jacob Luzum, Bryan Korte, Jeff Luzum, Austin Fritzke, Jack “Teo” Fritzke, Jayme Nauman, Alison Stortz, Bradley Burnett, Alex Ciorba

 MILITARY RITES AT GRAVESIDE - Aloysius Schmitt American Legion Post #691, St. Lucas, Iowa

INTERMENT - St. Luke’s Catholic Cemetery

St. Lucas, Iowa

Arrangements by Schluter-Balik Funeral Home, Fort Atkinson, Iowa

Arnold Albert Luzum, the son of William and Leona (Schissel) Luzum, was born December 20, 1918 on his parents’ family farm west of Calmar, IA. Arnold was baptized, received First Holy Communion and confirmed at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar, IA. He attended St. Aloysius Elementary Catholic School. Arnold enlisted in the U.S. Army on May 5, 1941 at Fort Des Moines, Iowa. He received basic training at Camp Claiborn, Louisiana and served in the North African Theatre of Combat Operations. During his service in World War II, he participated in the battles for Rome, Tarquinia, Cecina, at Arno River, and on the Gothic Line. Arnold took over command of the 2nd Platoon of Co. “F” after its platoon leader was seriously wounded in combat, and successfully halted that German attack. For this deed, Arnold was promoted on the field from a Staff Sgt. to 2nd Lt. He was wounded on the Gothic Line on Hill 769 but was able to return to service after 30 days in the hospital. Arnold received several decorations while in the service to include E.A.M.E.WD, American Defense Service, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star Rome Campaign, Purple Heart, Good Conduct, and the Silver Star. Arnold was honorably discharged on October 24, 1945 at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas ranked 2nd LT, INF. AUS.

On May 6, 1947 Arnold married Irma Mary Schmitt, daughter of Anton and Josephine Schmitt of St. Lucas, IA. That day was the beginning of a journey together that flourished for 66 years. Together, Arnold and Irma worked the Schmitt farm north of St. Lucas for almost 40 years before retiring in 1985. His love of farming and commitment to being a good steward of the earth was superseded only by his devotion to his wife, his children and to life itself. Upon retiring, Arnold and Irma moved to St. Lucas and began the next and final fulfilling chapter of his life. During the quiet years of retirement, Arnold enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, playing cards (especially euchre), working on jigsaw puzzles, traveling and taking long drives through the countryside. Arnold also served as a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, Catholic Knights, St. Aloysius American Legion Post #691, and a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. Arnold found spiritual fulfillment as a member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church.

Arnold is survived by his loving wife, Irma, of St. Lucas, IA, fourteen children: Diane (Jon) Korte of Albert Lea, MN, Alleyn (Darla) Luzum of Bella Vista, AR, Norma Shank of Mesa, AZ, Marvin Luzum of Santa Barbara, CA, Marian (Charles) Burnett of Dakota Dunes, SD, Barbara Ann (Theodore) Stortz of Edina, MN, Sharon Kay (Dennis) Gidley of Algonquin, IL, LaVonne (Charles) Ciorba of Portland, OR, Arnold Luzum Jr. of St. Lucas, IA, Kevin (Linda) Luzum of Fort Atkinson, IA, Rosemary (Chris) Fritzke of Scottsdale, AZ, Jolene (Ret. MSgt. J. Mitchell) Nauman of Norman, OK, Karla (Lindsay) Erdman of Decorah, IA, and Renee (Joseph) Wisby of Nashville, TN; twenty-one grandchildren: Bryan Korte, Jeff Luzum, Jenny (Luzum) Studer, Elizabeth (Shank) van den Berg, Theresa (Burnett) Hamer, Brad Burnett, Alison and Kathryn Stortz, Alex Ciorba, Tessa (Luzum) Nardelli, Tanna Luzum, Cynthia, Jacob, and Emily Luzum, Austin, Jack (Teo), and Aidan Fritzke, Jayme and Jerrod Nauman, Marley and Erika Wisby; step grandchildren: Christopher and Dr.Matthew Ciorba; twelve great-grandchildren and five step great-grandchildren. Arnold is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Florence Hackman of Decorah, IA, Vic Luzum of Decorah, IA, Francis Luzum of Cedar Rapids, IA, Joan (George) McCusker of Overland Park, KS, Monica (Tony) Steinlage of Decorah, IA, Bill (Jan) Luzum of Benson, MN, James (Arlene) Luzum of Rosemont, MN; two sisters-in-law: JoAnn Luzum, Calmar, IA and Dorothy Luzum, Denver, CO.

Arnold was preceded in death by three of his children: Anthony, Joseph, and Mary Ann; parents, William and Leona (Schissel) Luzum; father and mother-in-law, Anton and Josephine Schmitt; son-in-law, E. Dexter Shank, loving husband to Norma; three brothers: Clarence, Paul, and Leo; two sisters: Loretta Collins and Rita Humpal; two sisters-in-law: Esther Luzum and Kara Luzum; three brothers-in-law: Herman Steinlage, Rudy Humpal and Othmar Hackman.     20u20

Grace Kamaus

Grace Marie Kamaus, 63, died Sunday, May 4, in West Union, IA.

Services for Grace were held Friday May 9, 2014 at 10:30 am at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado, Iowa.

Visitation was held Thursday May 8, 2014 from 4 pm until 8 pm at the Burnham-Wood & S.K. Rogers Funeral Home in West Union, Iowa and an hour before the service at the church.

Grace Marie Kamaus was born Dec. 12, 1950 in Dubuque, Iowa to Earl and Leona Streif. Grace was baptized on Dec. 15, 1952 at St. Clemen's Church in Bankston, Iowa.  She was confirmed on March 22, 1965 at Holy Name Catholic Church in West Union, Iowa.  

On April 17, 1971 she was united in marriage to James "Jim" Kamaus at Holy Name Catholic Church in West Union. They had 2 sons, Alan and Brad. Grace enjoyed cross-stiching, baking sweets, decorating her home inside and out. She was a very caring person, enjoying her time with her friends, neighbors and especially with her family.

She is survived by her husband, Jim; her two sons, Alan (Gertrude) Kamaus and Brad Kamaus, both of West Union; a granddaughter, Jessica and grandson Justin, both of West Union; mother, Leona Streif of West Union, her brothers, Duane (Mary) Streif of Elgin, Jack (Bonnie) Streif of Springville, Mike (Linda) Streif of West Union, Paul Streif of Lansing, Dale (Linn) Streif of West Union and Gary (Susan) Streif of West Union; sisters, Mary (Tom) Trewin of Lawler, Diane Thorson of West Union, Barb (Harold) Peterson of Urbana, Joyce (Robert) McFarland of Randalia, Kathy (Brian) Beane of West Union; and many nieces and nephews and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father; sisters, Helen Streif and Nancy Streif; and brothers, Thomas Streif and Lawrence Streif.

S.K. Rogers Funeral Home of West Union was in charge of arrangements.      20u20

Danny Sullivan

Danny David Sullivan, 79, of West Union passed away at his home on Sunday, May 4, 2014.

Danny son of Andrew and Lena Sullivan was born July 9, 1934 in West Union, Iowa. He served in the Army and loved the great outdoors, trapping and fishing.

Danny is survived by his three children, David Sullivan of West Union, Jim Sullivan of Kansas and Julie Elarton of Centerville; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Geraldine Fauser of Waterloo; and the mother of his children, Carolyn Sullivan of Waterloo.

He is preceded by his parents; brothers, Walter "Gene", Daryl, Donny and Jimmy Joe in infancy; sisters, Margaret, Mildred, Bonnie and Georgine; and nephew, Curtis.

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

S.K. Rogers Funeral Home of West Union is in charge of the arrangements.   20u20

Eve Gehring

Eve Gehring, 87, died at St. Joseph Hospital on May 10, 2014.

No services are planned at this time; we will have a memorial service later this year.

Cards may be sent to: Jack Gehring, 758 Broadway, Apt 38, Bangor, Maine 04401.

Eve was born in Clayton County, on March 9, 1927, to Samuel and Bernice Dennler.

She attended Cheery Valley School and went on to Elgin High School. At the age of sixteen she left Elgin and enrolled in the Paris Academy of Beauty in Cedar Rapids. She completed the course for hairdressers and returned to Elgin and opened "Eva Mae's Beauty Shop" when she was eighteen. 

She operated the beauty shop for several years and then she married Jack Gehring on June 4, 1950. They made their home in West Elgin and during this time two children were born.


In 1959 they moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, where Jack started his career with the FAA.  During the next few years the family moved to several locations in the Midwest, ending up in Norwalk. They lived in Norwalk for 36 years before moving to Bangor, Maine, in 2013.



Eve will be missed by her surviving family: husband of 64 years, Jack; daughter Julie and her husband Philip Cormier of Bangor, Maine; and son Jeffery and his wife Gail Gehring of Lenexa, Kan., and grandchildren Isabel and Ross Cormier, and Lindsey, Ryan and Jamie Gehring; sister Jane and husband Edwin Hunter of St. Petersburg, Fla; sisters-in-law, Janice and husband Wayne Thiese of Guttenburg, and Kathy and husband Dave Elliff of Marshalltown, plus a host of relatives and friends

Mark Buchheit

Mark Dominic Buchheit was born on April 27, 1923 in Festina, Iowa to Anthony and Mary (Moser) Buchheit. He attended St. Luke’s High School in St. Lucas for two years and finished his high school career at Quincy College Academy in Quincy Illinois.

Before entering the military in 1943, Mark finished one year of his college career at Creighton University. He served in the United States Navy until 1946, entering as Apprentice Seaman, and attained the rank of Lieutenant. He served as Lieutenant Division Officer aboard the U.S.S. Wisconsin and Fleet Locator at U.S. Supply Base in San Pedro, California.

Mark continued his education at Creighton University and the University of Iowa majoring in economics, accounting and engineering and minoring in German. In 1950, Mark earned his law degree from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Mark began his professional career as an Investigator for Employer’s Mutual Insurance Company in Wausau, Wisconsin. After spending five years as the Fayette County Attorney, he became self-employed in private practice.

He passed away on May 16, 2014 at the Good Samaritan Society of West Union.

Mark enjoyed world travel and writing articles on conditions in foreign countries. He also gave many speeches on foreign relations in several countries, including Japan, China and Denmark. He participated in the Cambodian Regatta upon invitation of Prince Sihanonk in 1967.

Mark was a member of Lions, where he served as District Governor and International Consoler. He also was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, serving as Commander Department of Iowa, Parliamentarian for Big Ten Conference, and served as Judge Advocate Department of Iowa. Mark also held memberships in Knights of Columbus, American Legion and Forty & Eight.

He is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

Graveside services with military honors were held on at 10:30 am on Friday, May 23, 2014 at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Cemetery in Festina, Iowa with the Rev. Dale Rausch officiating.

S.K. Rogers Funeral Home in West Union is in charge of the arrangements.   22u22

Doris Daniels

A memorial service for Doris A. Daniels, 82, of West Union will be held at 10:30 a.m. today (Wednesday) at Burnham-Wood Funeral Home in West Union.

Inurnment will follow in the West Union Cemetery.

Doris died Saturday, May 24, 2014.

Thelma Brekke

Thelma "Toots" Eleanor Brekke, 97, of West Union died Sunday, May 25, 2014, at Stoney Brook Assisted Living in West Union.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 29, at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union. Burial will follow in the West Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. today (Wednesday) at Burnham-Wood Funeral Home in West Union.

Gussie Crafton

Gussie Maye Crafton, daughter of John and Sarah Rorex, was born Aug. 6, 1922, in Egypt, Ark.  She graduated from Egypt High School in 1938 and later received a bachelor degree from Upper Iowa University.

On Jan. 19, 1943 Gussie was united in marriage to Victor C. Crafton. After living in Jonesboro, Ark. they moved to Fayette, in 1952.  Gussie worked at and then managed the Upper Iowa Bookstore from 1961 until her retirement in 1984.

Gussie resided in Maple Crest Manor from March of 2010 until she moved to West Palm Beach, Fla., in October 2012 after Vic’s death (May 5, 2012).  Gussie resided at Personal Touch, Inc. Adult Family Care where she died on Dec. 18, 2013, at the age of 91.

During WW II when Vic served in the army, Gussie traveled to California where she was a “Rosie the Riveter” at an airplane factory.  She was an “all-star” basketball player in both California and Arkansas.

In Fayette, Gussie was an active member of the United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She was a member of PEO and the Daughters of the American Revolution.  Gussie served on the board of the Big Rock Country Club for many years and was an avid, accomplished golfer. She loved to play bridge and other card games and was a huge fan of all Upper Iowa sports especially basketball. For several years she volunteered at Maple Crest Manor.

Gussie is survived by two daughters, Sue Regan of Jupiter, Fla., and Vicki (Greg) Andersen of Minneapolis, Minn.; two granddaughters, Laura (Steve) Donlin and Erin (Brent) Butler, and six great-grandchildren, Joey, Ava, Ryan, Lucy, Brady and Heidi.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, John, Tom and Earl Rorex, one sister, Frances Burris and one son-in-law Richie Regan.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 31, at United Methodist Church in Fayette with Rev. Julie Ahrens officiating.

Friends may call for one hour preceding services at the church on Saturday.

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

Margaret E. Henry of Fayette 

Margaret E. Henry of Fayette died Tuesday, May 27, 2014, at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 2, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fayette, with the Rev. Jim Brockman officiating. Burial followed the service at Woodlawn Cemetery in Oelwein.

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

Margaret E. Henry was born on Feb. 2, 1920 in Linn County, to John and Sadie (Burke) Woods. She graduated from Lamont High School in 1937. She went on to attend business college in Cedar Rapids.

Margaret was united in marriage to Thomas Henry on Jan. 10, 1942, in Cedar Rapids. Three children were born to this union. The couple moved to Fayette in 1947, where Margaret stayed home to raise their children and was also involved with the family business, Woods Bros. Wholesale, Co.

She was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fayette. She participated in many volunteer programs, most notably Meals on Wheels. She enjoyed golfing, cleaning and playing cards. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family. Margaret always had an open door and open arms to anyone wanting to stop for a cup of coffee and a visit.

Margaret is survived by two daughters, Sharon (Bob) Nau of Klamath Falls, Ore., and Marge (Gregg) Byers of Eagan, Minn.; three brothers, Tom (Carolyn) Woods of Oelwein, Jim (Pat) Woods of Cedar Rapids, Leo (Judy) Woods of Dyersville, and brother-in-law Sheldon Fox of Oelwein; grandchildren, Kathryn (Scott) Mahaffey, Tod (Wendy) Nau, Kelly (Chris) Ferguson, Kris (Alicia) Stites, Kraig (Jacque) Stites, Kirk (Ashlie) Stites, Miki (Kristel Heaver) Byers, Thomas (Kara) Byers and Evan (Katie) Byers; great-grandchildren, Briana Nau, Cade Nau, Natalia Wight, Kellie Westrom, Megan Mahaffey, Emma Ferguson, Abby Ferguson, Owen Ferguson, Connor Stites, Madison Stites, Kiersten Stites, Grace Stites, Olivia Stites, Beau Stites, Bella Stites, and Brekston Stites; and great-great-grandchildren, Cooper Wight and Jaxson Wight.

She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas in 1993; a daughter, Linda Stites; a sister, Betty Fox; two brothers, Don Woods and Paul Woods; two sister-in-laws, LolaJean Woods and Carolee Woods, and parents, John and Sadie.

Laurence L. Durnan, 63, of Waterloo

Laurence L. Durnan, 63, of Waterloo, died Sunday, May 25, 2014, at Covenant Medical Center, Waterloo.

A traditional Irish Wake was held at 7 p.m. Friday, May 30, at Jameson’s Public House in Waterloo with additional services held later in August.  

Richardson Funeral Service assisted the family. 

Memorials may be directed to the family or Child Reach with Plan International.

Condolences may be left at www.richardsonfuneralservice.com. 

He was born October 9, 1950, in Decorah, son of Philip and Lena Sanquist Durnan. He married Nancy Brown in June 1970, and they later divorced.                             

He graduated from St. Francis De Sales High School in Ossian in 1968 and attended the University of Northern Iowa.  He was employed as a systems analyst with John Deere and Rockwell International.

Survived by: son, Brian (Sara) Durnan of New Hartford; daughter, Andrea (Ira) Fratrik of Cedar Falls; six grandchildren: Ali, Kailey and Montana, Jocelyn, Julia and Annabeth; a sister, Marilee (Clyde) Jensen of Arizona; and special friend, Gail Pursell-Elliott of Waterloo.

Preceded in death by: his parents; four brothers, Jerold, Daniel, Thomas and David Durnan; and two sisters, Beverly Reeves and Phyllis Marsden.