George Opperman

George O. Opperman, 92, of Hawkeye, died Thursday, January 29, 2015, at Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner.

Funeral services were held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 3, 2015, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye with Rev. David R. Nelson officiating.  

Interment followed at West Union Cemetery. 

Friends called from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, February 2^nd at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Hawkeye and for one hour preceding services at the church on Tuesday.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye. 

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

George Otto Opperman was born in Strawberry Point, Iowa, on August 31, 1922, the son of Otto Opperman and Vesta (Brazee) Opperman. 

He attended schools in Strawberry Point. 

He was united in marriage to Evelyn Mary Bruening on February 22, 1948, at the Little Brown Church at Nashua, Iowa. The couple farmed in the Hawkeye area for over sixty years. 

George was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye. 

During his farming years he milked  cows, raised hogs, beef cattle, and chickens. 

In his later years, his hobby was raising show pigeons and exotic chickens. He and Evelyn spent time traveling to various states to attend pigeon shows and swap meets to sell the chickens. 

He also enjoyed any type of auction, parades with teams of horses, playing horseshoes, a good game of pool or cards. There was always regular socializing and spending time with his family, friends, relatives and neighbors on the farm. He always had a story or joke to tell, intertwining his wit and humor. 

In addition to his wife, Evelyn of Hawkeye, George is survived by his six children, Judy (Darryl Waugh) of Clinton; Dean (Gilda Steadman) of Hawkeye; Gloria (Dale Frana) of Decorah; Kathie (Max Steege) of New Hampton; Dixie of West Union; and Brad (Cathie) of Sumner; 16 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. 

George was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, Gene and Wayne Opperman, and three sisters, Irene Paige, Wilma Schmittler, and Lena Jones.     5u5

Karen Chensvold

Karen Viola Chensvold, 77, of West Union passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2015 at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.   

Karen was born on July 9, 1937 in New Hampton, Iowa to Harvey and Ramona (Schnurstien) Buehler. 

She graduated from Mason City High School in 1957.

She was united in marriage to Leslie Arthur Chensvold on January 14, 1966, in South Dakota. Two children were born to this marriage. 

Karen and Leslie moved to West Union, where the couple started a business, Chensvold Sanitation.

Karen loved painting, quilting and arranging flowers. 

She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and the Red Hat Society, both in West Union.

Karen is survived by two daughters, Deb (Randy) Rovang and Mary (Jon) Francis, both of West Union; a brother, Lyle (Janet) Buehler of Westgate; sister, Judy (Larry Hanson) Rood of Waverly; sister-in-law, Sue Buehler of Mason City; seven grandchildren, Nicole Rovang, Travis Rovang, Hailey Rovang, Devin Fonley, Josh Ellis, Sierra Francis, and Hope Francis; two great grandchildren, Presley Rovang and Jadon Fonley; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two brothers, Robert (Jean) Buehler and John Buehler, and brother-in-law, Paul Rood.

Funeral services were held at 11 am on Monday, February 2, 2015 at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union with Rev. Nancy Larson officiating. Burial followed in West Union Cemetery.

A public visitation was held from 1 pm until 5 pm on Sunday, February 1, 2015 at Burnham-Wood Funeral home in West Union.

Burnham-Wood & S.K. Rogers Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Gary Ash

Gary Roger Ash, 76, West Union, Iowa, formerly of Postville, Iowa, died Sunday, January 25, 2015, in West Union, Iowa. 

Gary was born on January 26, 1938, in West Union, Iowa, to Ronnie and Ruth (Wickham) Ash. 

He graduated from Fayette Schools and Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa.

Gary helped his father with the family business, Ash Painting in Fayette, Iowa.

Gary was united in marriage to Cheryl Nyberg on January 16, 1959. Three children, Jamey, Melisa and Carey, were born to this union. The couple were later divorced. 

Gary worked for Nyberg’s Farm and Home in Postville, Iowa and later for Dubuque Twine and Design Specialty in advertising. 

He later moved to Elgin, Iowa and then to West Union, Iowa.

Gary was a member of Tri-City Country Club and enjoyed playing ball with all of the kids in the neighborhood while living in Postville. 

He also enjoyed taking frequent trips with his family to Wisconsin Dells and to Disney World, morning coffee in Clermont, attending Austin’s basketball games, giving candy to his great-grandchildren and following the Iowa Hawkeyes and the St. Louis Cardinals. Most of all, Gary loved spending time with his family and will be greatly missed by all of them. 

Survivors include his two children, Melisa (Gary) Lehmann, Elgin, Carey (Jean) Ash, Cedar Rapids; five grandchildren, Erica (Tim) Brenden, Cedar Falls, Tonya (Travis) Holthaus, Decorah, Brianna Lehmann, Cedar Falls, Emily Ash, Iowa City, Austin Ash, Cedar Rapids; six great-grandchildren, Lauren, Natalie and Jacklyn Holthaus and Camden, Calvin and Cullen Brenden; step-father, Earl Aanes, Fayette and brother, Chuck Ash, Fayette.

Gary was preceded in death by his son, Jamey Ash; sister, Karen Jetr; mother, Ruth Aanes and father, Ronnie Ash.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, January 28, 2015, from 4-7 pm at the Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville, Iowa, and one hour before services at the church on Thursday.

Funeral Services were held on Thursday, January 29, 2015, at 10:30 am at the First United Methodist Church in Fayette, Iowa.

Burial followed in Grandview Cemetery, Fayette, Iowa.

Condolences may be left with: www.graufuneralhomes.com.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville, Iowa, was in charge of arrangements.  5u5

Bernard R. Gehrke

Bernard R. Gehrke, 96, of Independence, died Tuesday, January 27, 2015, in Independence, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner with Rev. Susan Friedrich officiating. 

Interment will follow at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Sumner. 

Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. to service time at the church on Saturday.

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Sumner is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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

Bernard Richard Gehrke, son of Robert and Amanda (Hack) Gehrke, was born July 6, 1918, in rural Sumner, Iowa. He was baptized on July 23, 1918 and attended country school through eighth grade. He married Eleanor Schortau in March of 1940. The couple had four children.

He farmed near Sumner and Hawkeye for many years, and also drove a feed truck for Fridley Feed Mill and a gravel truck for Croell Redi-Mix both of Sumner. He enjoyed deer hunting, square dancing, horses and music. He was proud of his children who all served in the military. After his divorce, he moved to Independence where he met his longtime companion, Phyllis Murdock, and found another career among the Amish near Fairbank.

He is survived by Phyllis Murdock of Independence; three children, Ronald “Butch”  (Peggy) Gehrke of St. Charles, Illinois, Barbara Jo Gehrke of Waterloo, and Rodney “Skip” Gehrke of Lynchburg, Missouri; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; as well as five nieces; two nephews; and a great niece. He is also survived by his many friends in the Amish community.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his oldest son, Richard (Erika) Gehrke of Denver, Iowa (and Phoenix, Arizona); four sisters, Edna (Pete) Metcalf of Hawkeye, Gladys (Ray) Warner of Fayette, Hertha (Neil) Stiyer of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and Ruth (Percy) Foster of Sumner; one brother, Robert (Tootie, Betty) Gehrke of Sumner. Also preceding him in death were his parents-in-law; seven brothers-in-law; and five sisters-in-law.

Donald Schnoor

Donald Elmer Schnoor, 70, of Clermont, Iowa died Saturday, Jan. 31, at his home. 

Visitation was held from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, at Schutte-Grau Funeral Home in Clermont followed by a Celebration of Life Service with Rev. Dayna Winke as the officiant.

Burial will take place at a later date.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home in Clermont assisted the family with the arrangements.

Born November 22, 1944 to Elmer John and Martha Rose (Kundel) Schnoor in Davenport, Iowa. He graduated from North Scott High School in 1963. After graduation Donald entered the Army National Guard.

 Donald was united in marriage with Linda Lee Lafrenz on February 19, 1966 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Davenport, Iowa. Three sons were born to this union, Dean (Chris) of Eldridge, Iowa, Dale (Tina) of La Plata, Maryland, and David (Dawn) of Wellsville, Kansas. 

On September 2, 1995, Donald was united in marriage to Rhonda Atkinson at Old St. Ann’s Church in Long Grove, Iowa.  Three step-children, Ronda Jo (Todd) of Davenport, Iowa, Ryan (Nikki) of Davenport, Iowa, and Richee (Alicia) of Maquoketa, Iowa.

  Survivors include his wife, Rhonda of Clermont, Iowa; three children, Dean, Dale and David, three step-children, Ronda Jo, Ryan and Richee. Twenty grandchildren, Jacob, Alyssa, Danielle, Jennifer, Mathew, Gabrielle, Danielle, Dalton, Darcey, David Jr., Dana, Dylan, CJ, Teanna, Tori, Dayton, Devyn, Tyler, Richee Max and  Autumn.

 Donald was an avid outdoorsman.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, watching Cardinal’s baseball, Packer’s football and all the Iowa Hawkeye sports.  He also coached his sons throughout their little league baseball years.  Donald was a lifelong farmer, a Realtor for Mel Foster, Remax and a property owner. Donald was a member of the Davenport Optimist Club, the Clermont Community Club and a member of West Clermont Lutheran Church. 

 The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, memorials in Donald’s honor be made to the American Cancer Society. 

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Martha, his wife, Linda; a daughter, Christy; and a lifelong friend and brother, Bill Keppy.

Michael A. Lavell

Michael A. Lavell of Ossian died Jan. 27, following a courageous battle of cancer at age 71.

Visitation was held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, at Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Ossian, and one-hour before Mass at the church on Saturday, Jan. 31.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian, with Rev. Msgr. Cletus Hawes as the Celebrant.

Burial followed in the St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery in Ossian with Military Rites.

Schmitz – Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Ossian assisted the family with the arrangements.

Mike was born February 9, 1943, in Waverly, Iowa, the son of Forrest and Delores (Deeney) Lavell. The family moved to Ossian in 1947. Following graduation from DeSales High School, Mike entered the U.S. Air Force in 1960 serving as a gunsight/bombsight technician on F-100s in England and Tripoli, Libya. While stationed in England, Mike met and married his wife, Joan from Chelmsford, Essex, England in 1964. Following his discharge in 1964, Mike joined the IBM Corporation, working as a customer engineer in both Cedar Rapids and Dubuque and became a manager in the IBM St. Paul office in 1970. He subsequently held Branch Service Manager positions in Madison, Wisconsin, Portland, Oregon and Spokane, Washington and Service Planning Manager positions in IBM’s manufacturing locations in Austin, Texas, Boulder, Colorado and Rochester, Minnesota. He retired after nearly thirty years of service, in 1994.

He was a cum laude graduate of Syracuse University in 1979 with a B.S. in marketing management. He moved back to the Ossian area in February of 1997. After moving back, he became an active participant and member of the “Boardroom” at the Linderbaum Auto Welding shop, solving the world and local problems discussed there. He especially enjoyed the many spirted political discussions even with those yet to come around to the correct view.

Until he retired, Mike was active in the communities in which he lived and participated as President of the East Madison Little League and as a coach of little league baseball and girls softball in Austin, Madison, Boulder and Portland. He established an IBM sponsored Explorer Post in Cedar Rapids and served as its first advisor, belonged to the Jaycees and was a Loaned Executive to the United Way in St. Paul, participating in Toastmasters and was a Little League umpire in Austin, Texas, he also served on the board of directors of the Spokane YMCA. Mike was an aviation enthusiast his entire life and was a private pilot and aircraft owner for many years. One of his greatest satisfactions was seeing both his daughter and son become pilots and aircraft owners. He also enjoyed exposing his granddaughters to aviation, taking them to the Oshkosh, Wisconsin fly-in and teaching them how to build and fly model airplanes and rockets. His granddaughter Astrid Lavell completed her first solo flight recently. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the Ossian American Legion Post. He was also an avid tinkerer, woodworker and personal computer user.

Mike is survived by his wife of fifty years, Joan; daughter, Julie (Craig) Reisdorf of Blue Mounds, Wisconsin; son, Michael (Dr. Beatriz) Lavell of Blue Mounds, Wisconsin; a sister, Sister Maxine Lavell OSF of Reno, Nevada; brother, Ronald Lavell of Ossian, Iowa; five granddaughters  (his “sweeties”), Whitney (Branden) Mauger and Tanya (Peter) Docken of Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin, Jacqueline Reisdorf (fiancée, Jeremy Kronabetter) and Astrid and Jaika Lavell, all of Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, and his newest “sweetie” great-granddaughter, Claire Mauger of Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin.

 He was preceded in death by his father, Forrest Lavell in 1963 and his mother, Delores Reilly in 1995.

Marlene Nesvik

Marlene Nesvik, age 78, of Ossian, IA, died on Friday, January 30, 2015, at her home.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, at Ossian Lutheran Church in Ossian with Rev. David Lenth officiating.

Interment was held at Hillside Cemetery in Ossian.

Schluter-Balik Funeral Home in Decorah assisted the family with the arrangements.

Marlene Iva (Martens) Nesvik was born on February 23, 1936, the daughter of John and Florence (Topel) Martens, in Postville, IA.  She attended Postville schools before moving to Ossian in 1947.  Marlene graduated from Ossian Public School in 1953.  After high school she worked at Nicandy Café for six months and then at Becker Hardware for three years. 

She married Harlan Nesvik on July 22, 1956.  To this union four sons were born, Rick, Randy, Ronald, and Russ.  They farmed together for twenty years until Harlan passed away on February 9, 1977.

In 1985 she took a job at Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar where she worked for twenty-five years before retiring on October 1, 2010.  In 1980, Marlene met her friend Vince Gerlich. She and Vince spent twenty-eight years together before his passing on November 10, 2008. 

Marlene also held positions as a Sunday school teacher at Ossian Lutheran Church, President of WELCA, and served as the secretary and treasurer on the Ossian Church council for fourteen years.  She enjoyed dancing, Polka music, putting puzzles together, and traveling.  Marlene was a huge Elvis fan and loved going to auctions where she always found things to buy and give to her family.  She was also a member of bridge club and loved playing cards.  Most of all, Marlene loved her family and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Marlene is survived by her sons:  Rick (Marcia) Nesvik, Ossian, IA, Randy (Joyce) Nesvik, Ossian, IA, Ron (Donna) Nesvik, Ossian, IA, and Russ Nesvik, Omaha, NE.  Nine grandchildren:  Steven (Amanda) Nesvik, Calmar, IA, Mitchell (Danielle) Nesvik, Onalaska, WI, Kimberly Nesvik, Coin, IA, Tyler Nesvik, St. Paul, MN, Derek Nesvik, Castalia, IA, Debbie Nesvik, Ossian, IA, Sandra Nesvik (fiancé Mathew Havel), Calmar, IA, Savannah Nesvik, Ossian, IA and Christina Nesvik, Ossian, IA.  Two great grandchildren:  Jaylee Nesvik and Madison Nesvik.  One brother:  Donald (Connie) Martens, Rock Island, IL.  Sister: JoAnn (Dennis) Kleppe, Lost Nation, IA.

Marlene was preceded in death by her husband:  Harlan Nesvik.  Her friend: Vince Gerlich.  Her parents: John and Florence Martens.  Her father and mother-in-law: Melvin and Amelia (Kratz) Nesvik.  One brother-in-law: Nyle Nesvik.

Kenneth Reinertson

Kenneth Adrian Reinertson, of Fayette, Iowa, died Saturday February 7th 2015 at his home in Fayette, Iowa following a battle with COPD with his family and friends by his side.

Kenneth was born January 24, 1936 to Selmer and Alice (Barness) Reinertson by Eldorado, Iowa.

He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.

He went to school at Dover Six by Clermont, Iowa.

He was united in marriage to Ruth Nims June 1st, 1958. Five children were born to this union. They spent their lives together in Decorah and Fayette.

Kenneth work at Holland Brothers in Decorah, Iowa. Was a proprietor in N and R Garage Fayette. Retired from the Pattison Brothers Coop in Fayette, Iowa. He retired to a handy man on his home place welding, building lots of yard art and fixing tractors was his passion.

He was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, rural Ossian, Iowa.

We all know Kenneth’s joy of creating new master pieces to put on show around his yard and house in Fayette. He has passed much of his knowledge and passions on to his grandkids. He led all his grandkids through days of getting dirty at Grandpa and Grandmas house. But his biggest joys was the company of his dear friends and family. He enjoyed feeding his great granddaughter’s and other children candy. He always got a smile on his face when the kids came around.

He also enjoyed his countless hours and days spent around the kitchen table with all his visitors. Darold, Arlene, Les and Peg along with Wayne Barness and Raymond Thompson all keeping him on his toes and enjoying their coffee.

He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth, two sons Scott and Jeffrey, father Selmer Reinertson, and mother Alice (Barness) Reinertson.

Those left to cherish his memories are his children Jim, and two daughters Elaine Schulmeister and Lisa (Jeff) Atherton. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Holly and Adam Reinertson, Nicolas (Ariel), Benjamin (Stephanie), and Annalise Schulmeister, and Brady, Aubrey Atherton. A whole bundle of great granddaughters Kianna, Eleanor, Hailee and Khloee and unborn great grandson. Sisters Arlene (Darrel) Blaess, Lorraine Harrington and Brothers Shorty (Loretta), David (Donna), Lyle (Gladys), Carmen (Sondra), Randy (Elizabeth) and Leroy (Judy). Along many other friends and family Kenneth has met throughout his fulfilled life.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, February 11, 2015, at Bethany Lutheran Church in rural Ossian, Iowa with the Rev. Marshall Nessa officiating.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

A public visitation was set for 4 pm until 7 pm on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at S.K. Rogers Funeral Home in Fayette.

S.K. Rogers Funeral Home of Fayette is in charge of the arrangements. 
           6u6

Dennis Allsup

Dennis Eugene Allsup, 75, of Strawberry Point, Iowa, died on Wednesday, February 4, 2015, at the Strawberry Lutheran Home from Parkinson’s disease. 

He was born April 7, 1939, in Aledo, Illinois, the son of Albert R. and Susan A. (Hajostek) Allsup. 

The family moved between Illinois and Iowa, finally settling in Lisbon for many years, where Dennis graduated from high school in 1957.

On February 14, 1961, Dennis was united in marriage to Frances Kay Torson at the Little Brown Church in Nashua.  Together they lived most of their married life in Volga until 1999, when their home flooded and they relocated to Strawberry Point.

Over the course of his working life Dennis worked at a variety of jobs:  mechanic, painter, machinist, logger, sawmill repairman, and clam-diver among them.

People who knew Dennis often mentioned his exceptional mechanical aptitude to his children. 

His hobbies included fishing and reading.  He loved to read National Geographic magazine.  He told many stories to his children, who were skeptical of their veracity and were pleasantly surprised to find from others in his past that at least a couple were true. 

Dennis had a ready sense of humor and a kind heart.   Dennis always claimed to hate cats, but was quite willing to feed them, care for them, and let them climb up on him and purr.

Dennis is survived by his four children, Pam (Steve) Steger of Strawberry Point, Daniel E. (Kathy Moser) Allsup of Wadena, Melanie (Jay Sithambaram) Allsup of West Liberty, and Fred (Lisa Hawkins) Allsup of Lamont; 15 grandchildren, (Pamela’s: Joshua Steger, Amanda Walters, Elijah Steger, Kelly Steger, Sarah Steger, Nathan Steger), (Daniel’s: Zach Hutchinson, Dustin Ward, Samantha Ward), (Melanie’s: Kalai Sithambaram and Holly Allsup), and (Fred’s: Nicholas Allsup, Alexander Allsup, Anne Allsup, and Cole Allsup); three great-grandchildren (Lillian, Vivian, and Madelyn Steger); and his brothers, Albert L. (Jean) Allsup and Richard Allsup.

Dennis was preceded in death by his wife of fifty years, Frances K. (Torson) Allsup; a daughter in infancy, Kate; and parents, Susan A. Hajostek Allsup and Albert R. Allsup.

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

Celebration of Life Service:  2:00 to 5:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 7, 2015, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Strawberry Point, Iowa.

Private Family Inurnment:  At a later date in the Lisbon Cemetery.           6u6

Ruth Moravetz

Ruth E. Moravetz, 82, of West Union, died Sunday, February 8, 2015, at Palmer Lutheran Health Center in West Union.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Hawkeye is assisting Ruth’s family.

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

Ruth Miller Thein Moravetz was born November 15,1932, to Lydia (Siekmeier) Miller and Fred Miller at Hawkeye, Iowa. They lived on the family farm 3 miles from Hawkeye.

She attended Hawkeye grade schools, Oak Park Academy, and graduated from Alpha High School.

On August 28, 1952, she married Robert Thein and moved to West Union. To this union three children were born, Jerry Robert, Barabara Ann, and Patricia Ruth. They later divorced.

She attended NICC, taking the LPN course. She enjoyed being a nurse. After moving to Gurnee, Illinois in 1973, she did private duty nursing for a number of wealthy patients.

In her time off she enjoyed traveling around they country and visiting her children.

On June 14, 1981 she was married to Clifford Moravetz. They lived in the Lake Bluff, Illinois area and she continued nursing.

After retirement they moved to a small farm near Gays Mills, Wisconsin. In 2010 after deteriorating health she entered the Good Samaritan Home.

Ruth is survived by her husband Clifford of Gays Mills, Wisconsin; one son, Jerry (Elizabeth) Thein of Waterloo; two daughters, Barbara Ann (Luke) Herscher of Sutherlin, Oregon and Patricia (Mike) Smith of Libertyville, Illinois; five granddaughters, Rian (Matt) Gainer of Kirkland, Washington, Rori (Bryan) Fletcher of Wenatchee, Washington, Trisha (Randy) Loch of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Ashleigh (Steven) Ladish of Leavenworth, Washington and Martha Thein of Waterloo; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Carolyn Judy of Hawkeye and many relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her two brothers, John and William Fred Miller.

She was a life long member of the Seventh-Day-Adventist church and looked forward to Jesus return.                6u6

Kenneth James "Scotty" Scott

Kenneth James “Scotty” Scott, 82, of Strawberry Point, (formerly of Volga) died Sunday, Feb. 1, at the Strawberry Point Lutheran Home. 

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Calvary Bible Church in Volga.

Kenneth James Scott chose to donate his body to the University of Iowa.

He was born on June 14, 1932, in Highland Township near Volga, the son of Robert and Ruth (Duff) Scott. He was raised in the area, and was an Arlington High School graduate.   Scotty served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.

Scotty was united in marriage to Joyce Oldfather. They later divorced.   Three children were born to this union.   Scotty was a self-employed carpenter for many years.

Survivors include his three children, Maureen (Tom) Bading of Volga, Kevin (Brenda) Scott and Heather (Paul) Minchk, all of Strawberry Point; five grandchildren, Cameron Bading, Kent (Amanda) Scott, Kendrick (Justin) Scott, and Nichole and Anna Minchk; two great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Kylar Scott; two step granddaughters, Benita Patterson and Breina (Wayne) Burgin; and two step-great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Hariet Burgin; and one sister, Jane Ann Krumple of Elkader.

Scotty was preceded in death by his parents; and one step-grandchild, Beth Patterson.

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

Gertrude Virginia Schultz

Gertrude Virginia Schultz, 91, of Castalia, passed away Sunday, Feb. 1, at the Ossian Senior Hospice in Ossian.

Visitation was held from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Postville, and one-hour before services at the church on Friday, Feb. 6.

Funeral Services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Postville, with Rev. Steve Brackett as the Officiant.

Burial followed in the Postville Cemetery, Postville.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Postville, assisted the family with the arrangements.

Gertrude was born on October 7, 1923 in rural Garnavillo, Iowa, the daughter of Lee C. Ball and Irene Fascher Ball. She was baptized on December 19, 1923 by Rev. K.W. Braun and was confirmed on April 10, 1938 by Rev. H.W. Siefkes at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Monona. Gert attended rural schools in Clayton and Allamakee counties and was very active in county and state 4-H activities as a young girl. Later in life her goal was to complete twelfth grade and was proud to receive her high school GED equivalency in 1992 at the age of 69.

On May 1, 1947 Gertrude married Norman H. Schultz at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Monona and became the mother of two children born to this union. Gert spent sixty-six years on the farm with Norman, helping with all aspects of farm responsibilities and tending to her homestead, livestock, field work, flower and vegetable gardens and loved watching the birds and squirrels that would feast from the feeders. She enjoyed cooking, baking and sewing for her family. Her tradition was making the dessert, Cherries in the Snow, for every Christmas dinner. She surprised her family members with wonderfully decorated cakes on their birthdays and for other special events. She was very devoted in her faith and was active in St. Paul church groups and activities until her health decline. Her favorite pastime was spending time with her six grandchildren and her great-granddaughter. While living at the Ossian Senior Hospice, she was known as, “Gertie and her smile”.

Survivors include her son, Norman L. and wife Ann of Postville; daughter, Carol J. Kelly of Decorah; six grandchildren, Kara (Steve) Nudo, Ryan Schultz, Alisa (David) Shreve, Emy (Doug) Dunfee, Seth Kelly, Devin Kelly; one great-granddaughter, Layla Shreve; two sisters, Elaine Wilkins and Sharon (James) Schultz; brothers-in-law, Ralph Hornberger and James Schultz; a sister-in-law, Marjorie Schultz and many nieces and nephews.

Gert was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Norman H. (June 7, 2013); a brother and sister-in-law, Marvin and Lillian Ball; a sister, Vernelle Hornberger and brothers-in-law, Robert L. Schultz and Keith Wilkins.

Dawn Dummermuth Slyfield

Dawn Dummermuth Slyfield of McGregor, Iowa, at the youthful age of 85, went to be with the Lord, and also her previously departed husband Jack Slyfield, on February 1, 2015.  Dawn passed away while in Hospice care at Silverado Memory Care Community in The Woodlands, TX. 

Dawn is survived by her son Skip, daughter Shannon, and son-in-law Michael Silvestre. 

Dawn worked endless years as a speech therapist.

She enjoyed playing tennis through out most of her life, even competing in the Senior Olympics many times in her later years. 

A memorial service scheduled for the spring (May or June) will be set at a later date. 

Donations in Dawn's name may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.  7u7

Delbert "Tommy" Mihm

Delbert "Tommy" Clem Mihm, 79, of Hawkeye, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at his home in rural Hawkeye.

Tommy was born on May 10, 1935 to Frank and Teresa (Schrandt) Mihm in his lifelong home near Hawkeye.

He worked in St. Lucas as a tractor mechanic.

Tommy enjoyed hunting, collecting guns and attending gun shows. Tommy will be remembered for his ability to fix broken things.

Tommy is survived by his sisters Rita (Lawrence) Downs of Hawkeye, Wilma (Dale) Jones of Iowa City and Matilda (Bill) Pierce of Waverly; sister-in-law, Adaline Mihm; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Arthur.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

Burnham-Wood & S.K. Rogers Funeral Home of West Union is in charge of the arrangements.     7u7

Evelyn Sersland

Evelyn Sersland, age 75, of Decorah, IA, died on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah, IA.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 14, at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church in Decorah. Pastor Mark Kvale was the officiant.

Interment was in the church cemetery. Evelyn’s grandchildren served as casket bearers.

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

Evelyn Marlene (Bigler) Sersland was born on April 10, 1939, the daughter of Lester and Myrtle (Ellingson) Bigler near Sattre, north of Decorah, IA. 

Evelyn attended rural country school and graduated from Decorah High School in 1957. 

After high school, Evelyn worked for a restaurant in Decorah. 

She was united in marriage to David Sersland on July 29, 1960, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Locust. Evelyn was a homemaker and stayed at home, raising their six children.

Throughout the years, Evelyn was a wonderful cook and baker.  She enjoyed reading stories to her children, attending all of her children’s activities and sporting events as well as taking fishing trips with her family to northern Minnesota.

Evelyn was a member of the Washington Prairie Lutheran Church, where she was a circle member and helped teach Sunday School.

Evelyn has been in and out of Aase Haugen since her health declined for the last ten years. 

Evelyn is survived by her husband: David Sersland, Decorah, IA. Six children: Tammy (Mark) Egesdal, Forest City, IA; Tim Sersland, Decorah, IA; Deb (Milan) Hageman, Ossian, IA; Kimberly (Patrick) Brady, Roseville, MN; Amy (Roger) Ameling, West Union, IA; and Tracy (Matthew) Huggenvik, Stewartville, MN.  Twelve grandchildren: Amber, Ashley, Annette, Zachary & Zarren Egesdal; Janessa, Allanda & Brendan Hageman; Marrissa & Landon Brady; Nolan & Keenah Huggenvik.  One great grandchild: Carter Egesdal.  Five siblings and their spouses: Lorraine (Harvey) Houck, Decorah, IA; Muriel (David) Olsen, Louisville, CO; Kathryn (Douglas) Berg, Broomfield, CO; Lois (Noren) Smith, Ionia, IA; and Steven (Deborah) Bigler, Fountain Hills, AZ. Three brothers-in-law: Keith (Jane) Sersland, Mason City, IA; Allan (Danette) Sersland, Eldorado, KS; and Bruce Sersland, Decorah, IA, along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents: Lester and Myrtle (Ellingson) Bigler.  Her father-in-law and mother-in-law: Raymond and Evelyn Sersland.

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Dan Crandall

Dan Crandall, 66, of Oelwein died at his home on Monday morning, Feb. 16, 2015.

Funeral services are pending at Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home, Oelwein.

Lyle Medberry

Lyle Medberry, 74, of Petersburg, Ill., formerly of Elgin, died Friday, Feb. 13, 2015.

Funeral services will be held at a later date.

Leslie B. Kleppe

Leslie B. Kleppe, 89, Elgin, Iowa, died Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at Central Community Hospital, Elkader, Iowa. 

Leslie Bernell, the son of Alfred and Hilda (Torkelson) Kleppe, was born April 7, 1925 in Dover Township, rural West Union, Iowa.

He was baptized and confirmed at Stavanger Lutheran Church, rural Ossian, Iowa. 

He attended country school through eighth grade in Dover Township. 

Les served in the U.S. Army and was trained as a diesel mechanic. 

Leslie was united in marriage with Fern Friederich on July 25, 1946.  To this union four children, Gary, Gayle, Gregg, and Gwen, were born. 

Les worked as a mechanic at Richard Osterhaus’ Garage in Clermont.  He then worked as a cream and milk hauler for the Elgin Creamery. 

To fulfill a dream, Les and Fern bought a family farm south of Elgin in 1957. A second farm, “The Other Place/The Ponderosa” was purchased in 1963. 

While farming, Les also drove school bus for the Valley Community Schools for eight years.  Les and Fern continued their dairy operation until 1995 and “retired” in 1997.   

After his “retirement” Les returned to his lifelong passion of restoring and fixing old tractors and gasoline engines. His last restoration was a 1947 Jeep. He could still be found at the farm every day until Les, Fern, and Lilly their cat moved to Elkader in November of 2014

Les was a longtime member of the Elgin Lutheran Church and served on the Church Council. 

He was a member of the Elgin Co-Op Board and the Elgin Fire Department.  Les and his family were selected to be the U.S.D.A./Farmers Home Administration Family of the Year in 1976. 

He loved playing cards, dancing, woodworking, and metalworking.  He was a problem solver and could make and repair anything.  He loved to farm and was a very good caretaker of livestock.  He felt that being a good neighbor was one of the more important attributes in life. 

Les is survived by his wife of sixty-eight years, Fern; four children, Dr. Gary (Debra) Kleppe of Monroe, Wisconsin; Gayle (Beau Wold) Kleppe of Eleva, Wisconsin; Gregg (Rev. Lori) Kleppe of Elgin, Iowa; and Gwen (J.D.) Van Dee of Deep River, Iowa; six grandchildren, Jen (Andrew Berge) Kleppe, Dr. Chris (Amber) Kleppe, Jeffrey Kleppe, CTI1, John Leslie Kleppe, Maria Van Dee, and Easton Van Dee; one sister, Evelyn Marovets of Monona, Iowa; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Alma Berg of West Union, Iowa, Raymond (Murtis) Friederich of Postville, Iowa; Beverly Friederich of West Union, Iowa; Jim (Delores) Friederich of West Union, Iowa; Robert (Shirley) Friederich of Postville, Iowa; Bernice Friederich of Oelwein, Iowa; Marian Friederich in Colorado; and George Mueller of West Union, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

Les was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Hilda; three brothers, Adrian, Harold Arnold, and Eugene, who died in infancy; three sisters, Helen Loftsgard, Margaret Larson, and Vivian Mueller; and twenty-two brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.       

Visitation was on Sunday, February 15, 2015 from 2-5 pm at Elgin Lutheran Church, Elgin, Iowa and one hour before services at the church on Monday.

Funeral Services were held on Monday, February 16, 2015 at 11:00 am at the Elgin Lutheran Church, Elgin, Iowa with Rev. Jerome Godson as the Officiant.

Burial followed in Elgin Cemetery with Military Rites by the Elgin American Legion Post #352, Elgin, Iowa.

Condolences may be left with: www.graufuneralhomes.com.

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

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Dawn M. Wright

  Dawn M. Wright, 44, of Center Point, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2015, after a long battle with Glioblastoma brain cancer, in her home with the family she loved at her side. Services: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 14, 2015, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, conducted by Pastor Mike Elliot. Family will greet friends from 8:00 a.m. until service time Saturday. Inurnment: Center Point Cemetery, Center Point, Iowa.

   Survivors include her husband, Robert F. Wright Jr, her son, Robert F. Wright III, her daughter, Rebecca A. Wright all of Center Point, IA. Her father Curtis Gilson, her mother Dorothy Gilson, her Brother, Rodney (Melody) Gilson all of Elgin, IA. Her brother, John Gilson of Cedar Rapids, IA. Her  uncle, Durwin Gilson of Elgin, IA. Her aunt, Lauretta Schultz of Marion, IA. Her aunt, Darlene (Keith) Johnson of Elgin, IA. Her aunt, Jean (Jack) Greenwood of San Angelo, Texas. Her sister-in-law, Tina (Allen) Cornett of LeClair, IA. Her brother-in-law, Mike (Chrissy) Wright of Marion, IA. Her mother-in-law, Linda Wright (Duane Cottingham) of Peosta, IA, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

   Dawn was born March 22, 1970 in Elkader, IA the daughter of Curt and Dorothy Gilson. She married Robert F. Wright Jr on October 19, 1996 in Elgin, IA. Dawn worked at Rockwell Collins prior to being diagnosed with her illness. Dawn Graduated from Valley High School in 1988 and attended UNI, before graduating from Kirkwood with her degree in Culinary Arts/Restaurant Management. Dawn was active in many sports at the high school level, and encouraged both of her children to play and be active themselves competitively. Dawn devoted her life to raising her two children, not only as a mother but as a scout leader and helping coach their sports teams. Dawn enjoyed spending time with her family, camping and motorcycling with friends.

   Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to the Center Point Urbana Sports Booster Club, P.O. Box 296 Center Point, IA 52213-0296

   Please share a memory of Dawn at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

Dean Bucheit

Dean Joseph Bucheit, age 64, formerly of Ossian, died Monday, February 9, 2015 in Los Angeles, CA. Dean’s family was notified that Dean was struck by an automobile while crossing a street in downtown Los Angeles.

Dean was born February 7, 1951 in Decorah to Quintin (Barney) and Marcelite (Hertges) Bucheit.

Dean is survived by his son Derek, Silsbee TX; two sisters: Kathy (Dennis) Einck, Rochester, MN and Connie (Ron) Shimek, Nora Springs and one brother: Dale (Karen) Bucheit, McGregor.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Quintin and Marcelite Bucheit; two brothers: Larry and David Bucheit; two nephews: Brad and Brian Einck and one niece: Brenda Einck.

Arrangements are pending for burial at a later date.