Bonnie Jensen

Bonnie L. Jensen, 75, of West Union died Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015, at Palmer Lutheran Health Center, West Union.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at West Union United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be 4 p.m.-8 p.m. tonight (Wednesday) at West Union Methodist Church and for one hour before services at the church on Thursday.

Burial will be held at Auburn Cemetery, Auburn.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Clermont, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Bernice Davis

Bernice I. Davis, 96, of Cedar Rapids and formerly of West Union, died Friday, February 20, 2015, at Northbrook Manor Care Center in Cedar Rapids.

Memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 28, 2015, at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Hawkeye with Lay Servant Mona Christie officiating.

Inurnment will be in Alpha Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the funeral home on Saturday.

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

Bernice Ione, daughter of Alfred and Nellie Bradley Haines, was born January 29, 1919, at Waucoma, Iowa.

She received her education in the Waucoma Schools and in Canadian schools following her family’s move there.

On February 14, 1939, she was united in marriage with Kenneth Davis at Hawkeye, Iowa.

Bernice was a longtime resident of West Union where she worked for Palmer Lutheran Health Center, a shoe store, and grocery store. She had been a member of Bethel Presbyterian Church in West Union, and enjoyed knitting.

She became a resident of Northbrook Manor in Cedar Rapids in February of 2010.

Bernice is survived by one son, George (Karen) Davis of East Troy, Wisconsin; one daughter, Carol Davis of Cedar Rapids; three grandchildren, George (Christine) Davis, Jr. of Palmyra, Wisconsin, Rick (Linda) Davis of Wadena, Iowa, and Lori (Kelly) Carty of Ryan, Iowa; six great grandchildren; one great great grandson; and one sister, Letha Haines of Cedar Rapids.

In addition to her parents, Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, who died in 1981; and one brother, James Haines.   8u8

Dan Crandall

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

Memorial Service:  10:30 A.M. Friday, February 20, 2015 at Grace United Methodist Church, Oelwein with Rev. Connie Markle officiating.

The family greeted friends and relatives from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday at Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home, Oelwein and for one hour before the service at the church on Friday.

Inurnment:  Woodlawn Cemetery, Oelwein, Iowa at a later date.

A Memorial Fund has been established for the Dan Crandall Scholarship at Oelwein Community High School and for the American Cancer Society for prostate cancer awareness.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com.

Danny Ray Crandall was born on June 24, 1948, in West Union, Iowa, the son of Theo Walter and Grace Arthur (Swale) Crandall.

He grew up in West Union, graduating from North High in 1966.  In 1971, Dan graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Accounting and Finance. 

His first job was as a Bank Examiner for the State Banking Department in Mason City and Davenport.

On April 24, 1976, Dan married Susan Jean Tyer in Nashua, Iowa. 

In 1977, Dan joined the staff at Maquoketa State Bank where he worked until he accepted a position from Churchill Williams at Oelwein State Bank. He worked at Oelwein State Bank from 1983-1998. Dan worked the remainder of his banking career at Community Bank of Oelwein where he was the Executive Vice President until he retired in 2012 due to health issues. 

Dan fought a courageous battle with cancer for over 4 years. His strength and courage were amazing to his friends and family that were with him. 

Dan was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He was a humble man, with great integrity, who would do anything for a friend.  He touched many lives and those who knew him will dearly miss him.

He was an active member of the Oelwein Community; participating in Lions Club, Rotary Club, Grace United Methodist Church, Oelwein Area Economic Development, United Way, the Northeast Iowa Alternative Treatment Association, Mercy Hospital, and many other community projects.

Dan loved his bass boat and fishing.  He was a member of the Northeast Iowa Bass Club and fished many state and regional tournaments over the years.

Dan loved sports.  He was an avid golfer and bowler and participated in leagues for many years.  Dan was a fan of the Chicago White Sox, the Chicago Bears, and the Iowa Hawkeyes.  He loved watching his children and his grandchildren as they participated in all their sports and activities.

Left to cherish his memory are his Wife: Sue; Son: Joseph Crandall of Marion; 3 Daughters:  Lisa Crandall of Cedar Falls, Katherine Crandall of Overland Park, Kansas & Angela Crandall of Kansas City, Missouri;  2 Grandchildren: Lukes Crandall & Natalie Crandall;  4 Brothers:  Ron (Donna) Crandall of Atlantic, Dean (Norma) Crandall of Davenport, Bruce (Marge) Crandall of West Union & Larry (Dianne) Crandall of West Union; Sister: Carolyn (Robert) Russell of Ames;  Mother-in-law: Mary Johnson of Nashua; Father-in-law: Robert (Sandy) Tyer of Clear Lake;  Sisters-In-Law: Florence Crandall of Waverly & Deb (Kevin) Fitzgerald of Mason City; Brother-in-law:  Dan (Judy) Tyer of Waverly;  many Nieces, Nephews and his wonderful canine companion, Sadie.

Preceding him in death were his Parents; a Brother: Eldon; a Father-in-law: Doyle Johnson and a Sister-in-law: Mary Lee Tyer.

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Rosemary Buhr

Rosemary A. “Rose” Buhr, 60, of Maynard, Iowa, passed away Tuesday morning, February 17, 2015 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M. Saturday, February 21, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church in Fayette with Pastor Me Kang officiating.

Visitation: 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, February 20, 2015 at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Maynard and after 9:00 A.M. on Saturday at the church.

Interment: Grandview Cemetery, Fayette, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed in her name to the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center in Iowa City or the National Kidney Foundation.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com.

Rosemary Anne Orr was born November 14, 1954 at West Union, Iowa, the daughter of Cecil J. “Jim” and Vivian Rose (Bentley) Orr.

She graduated from the Fayette High School in 1972 and then attended Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar for two years. 

On June 23, 1979, she was united in marriage to Timothy Joel Buhr at the First United Methodist Church in Fayette. 

Rose was employed at Northeast Iowa Education Association in Fayette, Swisher and Court Law Office in Waterloo and West Central Community Schools in Maynard.

She enjoyed assisting at West Central Community Schools, attending high school sports events, spending time with her animal companions and taking every opportunity to spend time with her family.

Rose is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth (Damian) Richardson of Des Moines; mother, Vivian Orr of Fayette; 2 brothers, David (Carol) Orr of Fayette and Bruce (Janet) Orr of Randalia; mother-in-law, Geneva Buhr of Sumner; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jim; husband, Tim on July 26, 2004; and father-in-law, Melvin Buhr.

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Lyle Medberry

Lyle D. Medberry, 74, of Petersburg, died on Friday, February 13, 2015 at

Symphony Nursing Home in Lincoln.

Lyle was born on December 18, 1940 in Elgin the son of John Alton and Eva

Ash Medberry.  He married Florence “Flo” Wages; she preceded him in death.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.  He was a farmer and worked in the

heating and air conditioning business and was a member of the Mason’s.

He is survived by two sons, Frank Medberry of Redding, CA and Dan (Carla)

Medberry of Davenport, IA; one stepdaughter, Tina; two grandchildren Alexis

and Bryana; two step grandchildren, Chelsea and Nathan; two sisters, Lois

Amundson and Donna Murphy; one brother, Charles Medberry; and several

nieces, nephews and cousins.

Cremation was accorded by Springfield Crematory.  Services will be at a

later date.

Lee Bowden

Funeral services for Lee Bowden, 76, of Independence will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 9, at the Presbyterian Church in Independence.

Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Campton Cemetery, Lamont.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 8, at White Funeral Home in Independence.

Lee Bowden was a longtime teacher at Starmont Community School.

Among his survivors are his brother, Gay (Fran) Bowden, of West Union.

Jill Trewin

A Celebration of Life gathering for family and friends of West Union native Jill Trewin, 57, will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union.

All are invited to come during that time to share memories of Jill and enjoy fellowship.

Jill died of cancer on Jan. 24, 2015, in Florida, where she resided.

Robert Utterback

Robert W. “Bob” Utterback, 91, of New Hampton died Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015, at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.

Services were held Monday.

Bonnie Jensen

Bonnie L. Jensen, 75, of West Union, Iowa died Sunday, February 22, 2015 at Palmer Lutheran Health Center, West Union, Iowa.

Bonnie Lou, the daughter of Adrian and Geneva (Thompson) Helgerson, was born June 10, 1939 in Postville, Iowa. 

She attended a Country School in Fayette County, Iowa. 

Bonnie was united in marriage with Richard Jensen in January of 1962.  They later divorced. 

Bonnie worked as a C.N.A. for the Good Samaritan Center in West Union for twelve years.  She then worked for Palmer Lutheran Health Center until her retirement in 2011.

Bonnie is survived by three children, Craig (Sue White) Jensen of Elgin, IA; Janell (Mark) Diemer of Hawkeye, IA; and Jentry Jensen of West Union, IA; nine grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and two sisters, Dixie (Bob) Ruroden of West Union, IA; and Wanda (Allen) Pape of McGregor, IA.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her daughter, Jackie Becker; her parents, Adrian and Geneva; and her brother, Steven Helgerson.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 from 4:00 until 8:00 pm at the West Union United Methodist Church, West Union, Iowa and one hour before services at the church on Thursday.

Funeral Services were held at 10:00 am on Thursday, February 26, 2015 at the West Union United Methodist Church, West Union, Iowa. Rev. Chris Ebbers was the officiant.

Burial was held at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Auburn, Iowa.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Clermont, Iowa assisted the family with the arrangements.        9u9

Ben Koester

Benjamin Richard Koester, 18, of Manchester, Iowa, died Saturday, February 28, 2015, at his home near Manchester.

Benjamin Koester was born September 4, 1996, in Torrance, California, the son of Jay and Cheryl (McLaughlin) Koester. 

He moved with his family to Manchester in 1999 and was educated in the West Delaware Community School district.

Benjamin was a baptized and confirmed member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Eldorado, Iowa.

Benjamin was a senior at West Delaware High School where he enjoyed academics, speech, had wrestled, and played on the West Delaware High School Football team.  He also liked music and enjoyed playing his fiddle. 

Ben loved his family and all animals. His hobbies were motorcycles, fishing  (just like to catch ‘em), hunting fossils, making his parents proud, and interested in everything. He was an amazing brother, always ready for an adventure, he liked to golf with Grampa Dick, and enjoyed doing farm chores with Grampa Ron.

Benjamin is survived by his parents, Jay and Cheryl Koester of Manchester; his brother, Lucas Koester of Ames; his paternal grandfather, Ronald Koester of Eldorado, his maternal grandmother, Colleen McLaughlin of Harlan; aunts and uncles, Jeff (Sandy) Koester of Eldorado, Jim (Lori) Koester of West Union, Kristi (Mark) Meitner of West Union, Melisa (Tim) Lenth of Monona, Ronda Koester of Decorah,  and Dan (Amy) McLaughlin of Overland Park, Kansas; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Arlene Koester, and his maternal grandfather, Richard “Dick” McLaughlin.

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

Visitation:   After 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester, Iowa.  Friends may also call at First Lutheran Church after 12:00 noon on Thursday.

Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2015, at First Lutheran Church, Manchester, Iowa. Officiating:  Rev. Ginny Olson and Rev. Tony D. Ede.

Interment: Friday, March 6, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. St. Peter’s Cemetery – Eldorado, Iowa

Casket Bearers: Jeff Koester, Jim Koester, Mark Meitner, Tim Lenth, Dan McLaughlin, Rudy Koester

Music: Lynne Rasmussen, Doug Stock        9u9

Eleanor M. Corkery

Eleanor M. Corkery, 83, died on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015, at Macon, Ga. 

A visitation was held from 6 until 7:30 p.m. with the rosary at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at Snow’s Memorial Chapel on Cherry Street, Macon, Ga. 

A Funeral Mass was held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, with Fr. Allan J. McDonald officiating.

Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 3^, at St. Francis Cemetery in Fayette, with Fr. James Brokman officiating.

The family greeted friends and relatives from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette. Light refreshments were served at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fayette, after the committal service.

Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements with Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette assisting with the committal service.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations to Special Olympics, Area Seven (5801 Moseley Dixon Road, Macon, Ga. 31220) or the donor’s favorite charity.

Mrs. Corkery was born in New Britain, Ct. to the late William and Ethel Wells.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Corkery, children, John and Lori Ann Corkery, sister, Shirley Frank, and brothers, Donald and William Wells. She completed her nursing degree and served our country in the Women’s Army Air Corps stationed in Texas, where she met her husband, Eugene Corkery.  She raised her family in a series of stops in Alabama, Nebraska, Colorado, Virginia, and finally, Warner Robins, GA, and then Byron for the last 20+ years.  She was a wonderful woman who loved her family.  She had been a cancer survivor since 1984.

Her memory will be forever treasured by her children, Steven Corkery (Laura) and Mary Beth Cunard (Steve), as well as 11 grandchildren, John Michael Cunard (Kala), Scott Corkery, Jason Cunard (Trinity), Benjamin Cunard, Stephanie Corkery, Sean Cunard (April), Brian Cunard, Caleb Cunard, Kimberly Cunard, Noah Cunard, and Hannah Cunard, as well as one great grandchild, Tucker Cunard; and several nieces and nephews.

Visit www.snowsmacon.com or www.beckermilnesrettig.com to express condolences.

Garry Wiltgen

Garry Wiltgen, age 68, of Calmar, IA, died on Thursday, February 26, 2015, at the Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah, IA, after a short illness.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 2, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar with Rev. Donald Hawes as the officiant.

Interment was held at St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery in Calmar.

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

     Garry Richard Wiltgen was born on October 22, 1946, the son of Richard and Viola (Wagner) Wiltgen in Decorah, IA. Garry attended St. Aloysius Catholic School and South Winneshiek High School, graduating in 1964.  He was united in marriage to Dianne Hubka on June 24, 1967, in Protivin, IA.  Garry worked at Wiltgen Construction and drove trucks and loader way before he even got a driver’s license.  Garry purchased Wiltgen Construction in 1987, and this year, they celebrate their 70th year in business. Garry was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church, the Calmar Lions Club, past member of the South Winn Country Club and Calmar Commercial Club.  He served on the Calmar Zoning Commission, Calmar Fire Department and Calmar Development Committee.  He also developed the Rolling Hills Sub Division north of Calmar.  Garry enjoyed working, playing cards, line dancing, going for rides in his ’64 Chevy Impala convertible and the joys of his life were his grandchildren.

     Garry is survived by his wife: Dianne, Calmar, IA.  Three sons: Chad (Kristina) Wiltgen, and sons: Mason & Carter, Decorah, IA; Chris (Nicole) Wiltgen, and Chloe & Augie, Calmar, IA; and Casey (Katie) Wiltgen, and daughter, Maci Pearl, Calmar, IA. One sister: Janet (Jerome) Uhlenhake, Calmar, IA. One brother: Gene Wiltgen and friend, Angie Gaul, LaCrosse, WI. Two sisters-in-law: Linda Schmitt, Calmar, IA, and Jane (Steve) Ellingson, Lawler, IA. Nieces and nephews: Jason Uhlenhake and Josh (Samantha) Uhlenhake, Cory (Laurie) Ellingson, Sara (Ron) Riehle, Lisa Schmitt, Brittany Wiltgen and Travis Wiltgen. 

     Garry was preceded in death by his parents: Viola on August 1, 2001 and Richard “Dick” Wiltgen on July 15, 2005. One brother:  Gerald “Augi” Wiltgen on Sept. 18, 2006. One nephew: Justin Uhlenhake on May 24, 1988.  His father-in-law and mother-in-law: Leonard and Gladys (Frey) Hubka. One brother-in-law: Gary Schmitt.

Dean Bucheit

Dean Joseph Bucheit, 64, formerly of Ossian, died Monday, Feb. 9, 2015, in Los Angeles, Calif.

Arrangements for burial at a later date are pending with Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Ossian.

Donald Peters

Donald Laverne Peters, 77, died peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015, at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 2, at Nazareth Lutheran Church Chapel in Cedar Falls. The Rev. Dennis Hansen officiated.

Interment will be held at a later date in West Union.

Donald Laverne Peters was born on Jan. 26, 1938.

He married Marcella McIntyre on Dec. 9, 1956; they were later divorced.

Known for his hard work and dedicated attitude, Don successfully owned and operated D&S Garbage Service for over 20 years in Black Hawk County. In 1990, with the same motivation and drive for success, Don started a Stanley Steamer Carpet Cleaner franchise in Omaha, Neb.

While in Omaha, Don and his friend Carol Haas created many special memories with family and friends.

In 2009, to be closer to family and loved ones, Don returned to Cedar Falls to stay with his special friend Lorraine “Peg” Schultz Borglum. They spent many days enjoying life and each other’s company.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Joey, Billy, Kathleen and Genevieve; and friend Carol Haas.

He is survived by two daughters, Robin (Mark) Day of Carrollton, Texas, and Beth (Jeff) Kamp of Waterloo; seven grandchildren, Jordan and Jeremy (Sara) Day, Ally (Cody) Hanus, Jill, Jessica and Hunter Dally, and Tyler Kamp; a great-grandson, Colton Hanus; a brother, Bob (Nancy) Peters of Cedar Falls; and special friend Lorraine “Peg” Schultz Borglum of Cedar Falls.         10u10

Lee Bowden

Lee C. Bowden, 76 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Sunday, March 1, 2015, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence.

He was born on June 9, 1938, in Buchanan County, on a farm northwest of Lamont, Iowa, the son of Fred George and Delma Edith (Dopp) Bowden.

He graduated from high school in Lamont, Iowa, with the Class of 1956. He continued his education at Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa, where he graduated in 1960. He later earned a Master of Arts degree in Business Education from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, in 1972.

On November 22, 1961, he and Lynne Ellen Reed were married at Grace United Methodist Church in Lamont. To this union two children were born, Mark Richard and Monte Reed.

Lynne preceded Lee in death in 1986.

On June 23, 1990, he married Linda Kay Menzel at the Union Church in Stanley, Iowa.

Lee taught school for 41 years, teaching first at the Lamont Consolidated School and then as a high school business teacher in the Starmont Community School District, Arlington, Iowa. He retired in 2001.

Lee started flying in 1959 and purchased his Taylorcraft airplane in 1960 prior to earning his private pilot license. Aviation, his airplane and the joy of flying were major parts of his life. He was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the Experimental Aircraft Association, the Taylorcraft Owners Club, the Vintage Aircraft Association, the Taylorcraft formation Flyers Group, the Historic Trail Flyers Group, and the Young Eagles program, which introduces flying to young people.

For many years, Lee was the announcer at the annual air show at the Independence Municipal Airport, and a member of the group of pilots who performed formation flyovers to kick off the Independence 4th of July parade.

He was Scoutmaster of Troop 81 in Lamont for 17 years, helping eight Scouts to attain the rank of Eagle Scout, including his two sons.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Independence and a member of the National Rifle Association.

Lee is survived by his wife, Linda, 2 sons, Mark (Anne) Bowden of Kansas City, Missouri, and Monte (Laura) Bowden of Cedar Falls, Iowa, 4 grandchildren (Chris, Reed, Michael and Braden), 1 brother, Gay (Fran) Bowden of West Union, Iowa, his father-in-law, Robert Reed of Manchester, Iowa, and other in-laws, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, and sister-in-laws Jan Menzel and Patty Menzel.

Funeral Services were held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 9, 2015, at the First Presbyterian Church in Independence with Rev. John Hougen officiating.

Burial was at Campton Cemetery in Lamont.

Friends called for visitation from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, at White Funeral Home in Independence.

A Memorial Fund has been established through the Independence Municipal Airport to help introduce young people to aviation and the joy of flying. 

Online condolences may be left at www.White-MtHope.com.

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Dennis Bumgardner

Dennis Bumgardner, 70, of Hawkeye died Sunday, March 8, 2015, at Covenant Hospital in Waterloo.

Services are pending with S.K. Rogers Funeral Home of Sumner.

Karol Helgerson

Karol Ann Helgerson, 71, of West Union died unexpectedly on Sunday afternoon, March 8, 2015.

Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Marion Lutheran Church in Gunder.

The funeral service will take place at 4 p.m.

  The burial will follow in the church cemetery.

James Malek

James Edwin Malek, 72, of Dubuque, Iowa, died Monday, March 2, 2015 at home.

Friends greeted the family on Friday, March 6 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Rd, Dubuque.

A private family service followed.

James was born on March 5, 1942 in Cresco, Iowa, son of Edwin and Bonnie (Rygg) Malek.

He married Rena Meyer on November 8, 1964.

James enjoyed working for 42 years at Richardson Motors.

He and his family enjoyed many hours boating on the Mississippi River. He had a passion for snowmobiling, was an avid sports enthusiast, and had a wide range of interests.

James is survived by his wife of 50 years, Rena; sons Jay (Kim) Malek of Asbury, IA and Troy Malek of Lombard, IL; and two grandchildren Alexandra Malek and Nicholas Malek of Asbury, IA.; also surviving a sister Martha Grimes of La Crescent, Minnesota; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Donald Malek.

In lieu of flowers, a James Malek Memorial Fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hoffmannschneiderfuneralhomes.com.         10u10

Kenneth Oelrich

Kenneth G. Oelrich, 64, of Fayette, died Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at University Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City.

Funeral services were held 3 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at Fayette Community Church with Pastor Andrew Sayer officiating.

Friends were invited to call from 1-3 p.m. prior to the services at the church.

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette assisted the family with the arrangements.

Kenneth Glenn, son of Donald and Joyce (Linn) Oelrich was born July 4, 1950, in Manchester, Iowa. He was a 1968 graduate of Starmont High School where he was class valedictorian. He graduated from Upper Iowa University in Fayette with a B.S. On June 25, 1983, he was united in marriage with Loyce Potratz in Oelwein. Kenneth taught school briefly, farmed and milked cows most of his life. He also sold Moorman Feeds. He was a member of Farm Bureau and at one time served as treasurer for the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International. He loved to read, learn new things and was well-informed and up to date on current events. He also was an avid student of studying scriptures.

In addition to his wife, Loyce of Fayette, he is survived by three children, Jedidiah, Joshua, and Abigail Oelrich all of Fayette; three siblings, Jerry Oelrich of Lamont, Judy (Gary) Hansen of Estherville, and James (Linda) Oelrich of Strawberry Point; and his step-mother, Hilda Oelrich of Fayettte.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

John M. Schmitt

John M. Schmitt, 87, Ossian, Iowa died Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at Ossian Senior Hospice, Ossian, Iowa.

Visitation was held from 4-7 p.m. Friday, March 6, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian, and one-hour before Mass at the church on Saturday.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian.  Msgr. Cletus Hawes was the Celebrant.

Burial will followed at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery in Ossian.

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

John Melvin, the son of Conrad and Clara (Kuennen) Schmitt, was born June 18, 1927, in St. Lucas, Iowa. He was united in marriage with Shirley Uhlenhake on September 19, 1949 at St. Aloysius Church, Calmar, Iowa. To this union, eight children were born.  John farmed with his dad for several years before moving to a farm northeast of Ossian in 1950.  John and Shirley moved into Ossian in 1984 and he continued to help at the farm for the next ten years.

John was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian and served on the De Sales School Board.  He also served on the Winneshiek Mutual Insurance Board, the Ossian Senior Housing Board, the Ossian Senior Hospice Board, and the Ossian City Council. He was one of the founding members of the Silver Springs Golf and Country Club and served as their first president.  John enjoyed traveling and spending time with his grandchildren. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.

John is survived by his wife, Shirley; eight children, Gerald (Julie) Schmitt of St. Joseph, Missouri, Susan Croatt of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Cynthia (Dean) Bushman of Graham, Washington, Daniel (Mary Lynn) Schmitt, of Sumner, Iowa, Richard (JoAnn) Schmitt of Dublin, Ohio, Allan (Luann) Schmitt of Ossian, Iowa, David (Anita) Schmitt of West Burlington, Iowa and Margie (Denis) Holien of Ossian, Iowa; twenty-one grandchildren, Sara (B.J.) King, Douglas (Melanie) Schmitt, Emily (Brandon) Holtz, Karen (Chris) Martin, John (Abbey) Croatt, Jason (Jamie) Bushman, Christina (Keith) Taylor, Brooks (Terra) Schmitt, Storm Schmitt, Mitchell Schmitt, Rachel Schmitt, Matthew (Piya) Schmitt, Jennifer (Phil) O’Brien, Kristin (Javier  Guzman) Schmitt, Alyssa (Bob) Bullerman, Chelsea (Tim) Courtney, Ethan (fiancée, Glenda) Schmitt, John Schmitt, Aubrey Schmitt, Chase (Alanda) Holien, and Caitlin Holien; twenty great grandchildren; brother, Sam (Janice) Schmitt of St. Lucas, Iowa; sister, Lorraine (Tom) Friedley of Denver, Colorado and sisters-in-law, Marvelene Smith of Ft. Atkinson and Darlyn Schmitt of Waucoma, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandchildren, Andrew Croatt and Ann Marie Bushman; grandson-in-law, Dana Reicks and two brothers, Luke Schmitt and Ernie Schmitt.

Condolences may be left with www.graufuneralhomes.com