Jerry Koch

Gerald David Koch, 76, of Eldorado, died Tuesday, August 11, 2015, at Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah, Iowa.

 Memorial Services will be held on Wednesday, August 19, at 10:00 am, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado with visitation one hour before the service at the church.

Gerald David Koch was born on August 9, 1939, at the Winneshiek County Hospital in Decorah, Iowa. He was the son of John and Elsie (Rothmeyer) Koch.

He was baptized at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado, Iowa, on August 29, 1939. Jerry confirmed his faith on March 29, 1953, also at St. Peter, where he was a lifelong member.

Jerry graduated from West Union High School in 1957. While in school he played football and wrestled.

On December 10, 1960, Jerry was united in marriage with Shirley Weidemann at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye, Iowa. To this union two children were born, Jeffrey David and Jill Lynette.

Jerry worked for farmers around Eldorado starting at age 10. Beginning in high school, he hauled milk in cans and later in bulk to West Union and Decorah creameries for twenty years. He erected grain bins in the area and then worked for the West Union Co-op as an Agronomist for twenty-one years, retiring in 1999.  Jerry then owned Kochie’s Steakhouse in Auburn, Iowa, from 1999 to 2009.

On November 7, 2012, Jerry was united in marriage with Anne Nelson in Iowa City, Iowa.

Jerry enjoyed fishing, hunting for deer and mushrooms, dancing and woodworking. He also enjoyed visiting with family and friends.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Anne Nelson-Koch, his son Jeffrey (Betty) Koch of rural Ossian, Iowa; a sister, Elaine “Peppy” Mitchell of Kittridge, Colorado.

He is further survived by his step-children, Laurel (Wayne) Young of Palm Coast, Florida, Matthew (Lisa) Nelson of Urbandale, Iowa, Susanne (Chris) Service of Sparta, Wisconsin, and Josiah (Sarah) Service of Maryland. 

Jerry is also survived by his granddaughter, Jessica Koch, of Indianola, Iowa, and step-grandchildren, Christopher Young, Elizabeth Young, Carianna Young, Emmalee Young and Michael Nelson, many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley, on May 28, 1994, and his daughter, Jill Koch, on April 30, 2001.

Also preceding him in death are his parents, John and Elsie, his brothers: Herb, Ralph, Richard and John, Jr., his sisters, Marilyn Bryant, Violet Sutter and Margaret Mae Martin.         33u33

LaVonne Lamphier

     LaVonne C. Lamphier, 77, of Fayette, IA, formerly of Waukon, IA, died Thursday, August 13, 2015, at her home in Fayette. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 20th, at 11:00 AM at St. John's Lutheran Church in Waukon with Rev. Lynn Groe officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may call from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Wednesday at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon.

     LaVonne Clara Lamphier was born April 19, 1938, in Sumner, IA, the daughter of Lester Fred and Clara (Wenthe) Pollow. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Sumner, graduated from Sumner High School in 1955 where she was a baton majorette, and attended flight attendant school in Kansas City, MO. On November 27, 1959, she married Harry Del Lamphier at St. John's Lutheran Church in Sumner. LaVonne worked at the Sumner Newspaper for several years. She and Harry moved to Dorchester, and then to Waukon, where she worked as a news reporter for the Waukon Standard Newspaper in Waukon. They moved to Fayette in the late 2000's. LaVonne and Harry wintered in Apache Junction, AZ.

     She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, working word games, playing solitaire on her iPad, and spending time in her flower gardens. LaVonne loved following her grandsons’ activities, which she was very proud of.

     Survivors include her children: Michelle Lamphier of Fayette, IA, Jennifer (Dennis) Bockhaus of Nora Springs, IA, and Michael Lamphier of Cedar Rapids, IA; three grandsons: Tony Bockhaus of Cedar Falls, IA, Ben Kwapnioski of Omaha, NE, and AOAN (AW) Mike Kwapnioski of San Diego, CA; three brothers: Charles (Carol) Pollow of Morris, IL, Verly (Marilynn) Pollow of Waterloo, and Gene (Marijune) Pollow of Souix City, IA. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Harry who died in 2013; and a brother Marvin Pollow.

     Honorary casketbearers are her brothers. Casketbearers are Tony Bockhaus, Ben Kwanpnioski, AOAN (AW) Mike Kwapnioski, Dennis Mahr, Alan Musser, and Dan Vogeler.

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

Ethel Brandt

Ethel Brandt, age 86, of Decorah, IA died Saturday, August 8, 2015 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester MN.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, August 13, at Presbyterian Church in Frankville, Ia.

Interment was held in the Frankville Cemetery in Frankville.

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

     Ethel Bernadine (Westby) Brandt was born on January 1, 1929, the daughter of Carl and Rachel (Nash) Westby in Allamakee County.  Ethel was baptized and confirmed at the Glenwood Lutheran Church. She graduated from Decorah High School in 1947. For a short time, Ethel taught at two rural one-room schools.  One was located in Frankville township and the other in Glenwood township.  Ethel married Wesley Brandt on August 26, 1948 at the Glenwood Lutheran Church.  Together, they farmed for many years west of Frankville. Wesley died September 13, 1976. In 1983, Ethel moved to Decorah, Iowa.  Ethel volunteered for many area organizations including the Depot Outlet, Wellington Place Auxiliary and as an ESL teacher.  She was very active in the Frankville Church holding several offices.  Ethel excelled at being a “home-maker”, always making her family feel loved, safe, and secure.  She enjoyed bowling, traveling, making lefse, collecting music boxes, all varieties of puzzles, and watching professional golf and the Hawkeyes. You didn’t interrupt her when Family Feud or The Voice came on TV.   She especially enjoyed time spent with family and friends.  She was known by many to have a kind and giving spirit.  Her sweet smile and positive attitude was an example to us all. A recent highlight was seeing so many family and friends at her 85th birthday celebration.

     Ethel is survived by her children: Loren (Janine) Brandt, Postville, IA; JoAnn (Kurt) Uhlenhake, Ossian, IA; and Janice (Michael) Koenig, Castalia,IA;  One daughter-in-law: Paula Brandt, Iowa City, IA.  Six grandchildren: Luther (Mindy) Koenig, Postville, IA; Marcee (Mitchell) Markussen, Whitefish Bay, WI; Andy (Michelle) Gray, Ankeny, IA; Ben Gray, Newport Beach, CA; Emily (Barry) Hare, Richmond, VA; and Sarah Brandt, Postville, IA. Three great grandchildren: Ben and Nelson Koenig and Hudson Gray. Three sisters: Eunice (Robert) Denk, Decorah, IA; Audrey (Dale) Barth, Decorah, IA; and Barbara (William) Radke, Wabasha, MN.  Two brothers: Gordon (Peggy) Westby, Canyon Lake, CA; and Lyle (Jackie) Westby, Waukon, IA.  Two sisters-in-law: Arlene Westby, Decorah, IA, and LaVonne Brandt, Postville, IA and many nieces and nephews.

     Ethel was preceded in death by her parents: Carl & Rachel (Nash) Westby;

Her husband: Wesley Brandt; Her son: Lowell Brandt; Her father-in-law and mother-in-law: Walter and Hazel Brandt. Three brothers: Kenneth Westby, Arden Westby and Roger Westby.  Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law:  Ruth Westby, Jerri Westby, Jack Schissel, Wayne (Frances) Brandt, and Beverly (Roland) Peck.

Inez Luchsinger

Inez Mae Clark Miller Luchsinger, 90, of Elgin, Iowa died Wednesday, August 12, 2015 under the care of Hospice Campussus and Palliative Care at the University Hospitals in Iowa City, Iowa, after a long battle with cellulitis in her legs.

Inez was born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1925 in West Union, Iowa to Alfred and Georgia Darnella (Goode) Clark.

She grew up in the West Union area in a home in town built by her father and on a farm in the country east of town.

Inez attended country school and West Union schools until she was sixteen and in eleventh grade when she was needed at home to help care for her baby sister, Sandra and her ill mother.

As an adult Inez became a believer and follower of her Lord Jesus Christ. She was a long time member of The First Baptist Church of Elgin, Iowa.

On June 14, 1944 Inez married Clifton Dale Miller at the Baptist Church in West Union, Iowa.

After Clifton returned from serving in Japan in World War II, they began farming and raised their six children on the farm until Clifton became employed by the Fayette County Road Department in 1965.

In 1968 they purchased a home and moved to Elgin, Iowa. Clifton died suddenly on December 17, 1975.

Inez enjoyed homemaking and farming together with Cliff and they celebrated thirty-one years together.

On January 22, 1977, Inez married Peter M. Luchsinger and they resided in her home, enjoying twenty-four years together, until his death on January 20, 2001.

In April 2001, Inez moved into an apartment in the Senior Citizen Housing complex in Elgin, Iowa. She lived there until June of 2015, when she became a resident of the Good Samaritan Society in West Union, Iowa.

Along with working on farm, Inez worked in several grocery stores, was a painter of foundation insulation and a variety of occupations. She had a good work ethic and enjoyed doing a good job.

Inez was a member of and treasurer of many organizations throughout her life, including Pleasant Valley Homemakers, Elgin American Legion Auxiliary, Women’s Tabitha afternoon and evening groups at First Baptist Church and Elgin Historical Society. Her math was precise and to the penny. Inez volunteered for over thirty-five years as the Sunday School Treasurer and secretary of the Baptist Sunday School and Elgin AWANA Club for thirty years.

She also served as Elgin Meal Site Manager for over twenty-two years, receiving an award from the Governor of Iowa, until her stroke in December 2012 caused her to resign.

It was important to Inez that her children have the opportunity to learn about God and she along with Clifton, took them to Church and Sunday School. Her Legacy has continued through the generations as many of them are involved in youth work, missions and as Pastor’s wives.

Holiday gatherings with extended family were also important and she hosted the Miller Family Easter Dinner for over thirty-five years in her home.

Inez taught her family many life skills such as cooking, cleaning, sewing, mending, laundry with a wringer washer, gardening and all that the farm life entails. She enjoyed playing cards, bingo, dominoes and scrabble.

Inez is survived by her children, Kay (David) Boleyn of Elgin, Iowa; Nancy (Wayne) Sexton of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Sherry (Joel) Iseminger of Hudson, Iowa; and Kim (Shannon McIntosh) Miller of Bullhead City, Arizona; son-in-law, E. Peter (Cherie) Methum of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; brother-in-law, Elvin (Irene) Anderson of Castalia, Iowa; stepdaughter, Judy Janisch and family of Omaha, Nebraska; thirteen grandchildren; thirty-three great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins who will miss her influence on their lives.

 Her grandchildren and their families are Beth (Kurt) Isaac, Eily, Abram and Anden Hall of Leon, Iowa; John (Dianna), Kelly and Aaron Boleyn of Humboldt, Iowa; Becky (Matt) Holbach, Michael and Malachi of Proctor, Texas; Matthew (Krystle Kalka and Shane) Holbach of Goldthwaite, Texas; Wayne Jr. (Starla) Sexton, Lee, Tyler and Erin (Jimmy Hennig and Wyatt) of Cheyenne, Wyoming; Amy (Bob) Jones and Brandon Lehman of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Breana, Brittany and Brooke Lehman of Clinton, Iowa; Kathleen, Andrew, Jessica, Ashton and Carson Slaton of Shellsburg, Iowa; Joy (Ryan) Sydney, Isaiah, Micah and Chloe Folken of Owatanna, Minnesota; Janelle (Jeremy) and Jorden Sander of Champaign, Illinois; Luke Iseminger (Danielle) of Hudson, Iowa; Jacob (Amber) and Savannah Methum; Jerub (Grace) Titus, Michael, Gideon and Isaiah Methum; Racheleah (Martin) and Elena Guerra; Rebekah (Mark) Analise and Anadele Nelson and Ruth Ann Methum, who she welcomed as one of her own; all of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Inez was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands, her son, Gary Dale Miller in April 1965; daughter, Traecey Methum in April 2010; daughter-in-law, Mary Beth Miller in November 2009; brother, Leland Clark in 1975; sister, Sandra Anderson in 2012; grandson, David Bruce Boleyn Jr. in 1966 and nephew, Alfred Clark in 2010 and many other family and close friends.

Visitation was held Friday, August 21, 2105 from 4 to 7 pm at Leonard Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, Iowa with a one hour visitation before services at the church on Saturday.

Funeral Services were held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 22, 2105 at First Baptist Church, Elgin, Iowa with Rev. Lee Boleyn as the Officiant.

Interment was held at the Elgin Cemetery, Elgin, Iowa.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, Iowa helped the family with the arrangements.      34u34

Larry Bright

Lawrence Leland “Larry” Bright, 87, of Waterloo, formerly of West Union, died Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home after a long battle with Interstitial Lung Disease.

He was born April 5, 1928 in Humeston, IA the son of Willard L. and Etta Mae (Leeper) Bright. They moved to Waterloo when he was 8 years old.

In 1945 Larry enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII.  While in the service he was on board the USS Sylvania in the Operation Crossroads Marshall Islands, Bikini atomic bomb testings.  They decommissioned his ship due to radiation contamination and he then served on board the USS Boxer.  He was honorably discharged in 1947 as Seaman 1^st Class. 

While in the service he married Joyce Hinton and had two sons; they were later divorced. 

He married Yvonne Jones and had a son and two daughters; they were later divorced. 

In 1973 he married Louise Smock Messingham.

Larry worked for several businesses including John Deere Tractor Co., Borden Soybean Co., managed Tripoli Lanes and later Maple Lanes under Harry & Bruce Strom and Cadillac Lanes under Adrian Erickson and Milt Horak. 

In 1989 Larry and Louise moved to West Union to take over Lilac Lanes purchasing it from Roy and Evelyn Granneman in 1990.  He had a 300 bowling game while a Lilac Lanes. 

Due to his health they later sold it and moved to LaPorte City, closer to his families.

He was inducted into the Greater Cedar Valley Bowling Hall of Fame in 2008 in Waterloo.

Amongst his many interests was golfing with his cancer card friends and son Ron every Tuesday, pool three times a week, playing cards with Louise in two card clubs and previous camping when his health permitted it. 

Larry was baptized in 1944 at the Waterloo City Church of the Brethren.  He joined New Beginnings First Wesleyan Church in 2014.

Survived by: five children, Larry Jr. (Emily) of Geneva, MN, Ronald (Shari) of Waterloo, Calla (Wayne) Schoville of Cedar Falls, Shane (Debbie) of Waterloo and Dee Bright of Cedar Rapids.  He helped raise two step-sons, Dennis (Jane) Messingham of Waterloo, Courtney (Carol) Messingham of Bloomington, IN; two nephews, Gary (Ginny) Bradshaw of Arizona and Jett Doane of Nebraska; twelve grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: his parents and a sister, Grace Miller and two granddaughters, Tina and Candace in infancy.

Memorial Service will be held 1:00 p.m.  Saturday, August 29, 2015 at New Beginnings First Wesleyan Church (205 Hammond Ave) in Waterloo with inurnment at West View Cemetery in La Porte City. Military Rites conducted by Waterloo AMVETS Post 19 and Evansdale AMVETS Post 31.

Family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2015 at Kearns Funeral Service Kimball Chapel (3146 Kimball Ave) and also one hour before the service at the church. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family.

Kearns Funeral Service Kimball Chapel is in charge of arrangements, (319) 233-3146. 

Online condolences may be left at www.kearnsfuneralservice.com.      34u34

George Kuehl

George Kuehl, 70, died Thursday, August 20, 2015 at his home. He was born March 12, 1945, in Elkader to Edward Vernon and Phyllis E. (Wikan) Kuehl. George was baptized March 16, 1947, and confirmed October 30, 1960, both at Highland Lutheran Church. He attended Elkader High School; then stayed at home to help his parents with the milking and other farm chores. He was a lifetime member of Highland Lutheran Church.

On November 18, 1967, he was united in marriage to Joyce Foels at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville. He continued to be a devoted dairy farmer for another 45 years. He loved his cows and it showed as he went on to win many awards including the Distinguished Dairy Producer Award for Clayton County in 1997 and the Senior Dairy Producer Award for Clayton County in 2011.   Showtime at the Clayton County Fair was so very special too, as he worked with the girls to win many class winners and champions.

He loved deer hunting and fishing with the guys; and we can’t forget mushroom hunting. He also enjoyed taking his two little dogs, Trudy and Annie gator riding around the neighborhood. He was a present member of the Clermont Community Club.

George is survived by his wife, Joyce A. Kuehl of Clermont; daughters, Lynnette (Doug) Lyons of Castalia, Brenda Kuehl, Stacy (Clark) Adam of Cascade and Erin (Chad) Hunt of Elkader; eight grandchildren, Carly Lyons, Michael Lyons, Jacob Wagner, Kyle Wagner, Joe Wagner, Connor Adam, Blake Hunt, Kayla Hunt; siblings, Edward (Audrey) Kuehl of Embarrass, MN, Roger (Betty) Kuehl of Garnavillo, Marvin Kuehl of Florence, AL, Barbara Amundson, Livingston, WI, Marjorie Kuehl of Rochelle, IL, Edythe Kuehl of Wiley, TX; in-laws, Ron & Donna Foels of Elkader, Dennis Foels of Elkader, Loren & JoEllen Foels of Postville and Neal and Nancy VanHorn of Wadena.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Tabery and half-sister, Maxine Branson; father and mother-in-law, Robert & Leona Foels and one sister-in-law, Judy VanHorn.

You are welcome to join us for lunch and a time of remembering at 12:00 at the Four Oaks County Club in Elkader.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, August 25, 2015, at Highland Lutheran Church, rural Elkader.

Burial will follow at Highland Lutheran Cemetery, rural Elkader.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 pm Monday, August 24, 2015, at Leonard Funeral Home in Elkader and one hour before service time at the church on Tuesday.

Leonard Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Elkader is assisting the family. Condolences may be left with www.leonardfuneralhomes.com

Casket Bearers: Kenny Leonard, Dave Schneider, John Orr Jr, Tim Orr, Jeremy VanHorn, Bill Meyer, Jim Hanson, Pat Allen

Honorary Bearers: John Orr Sr, Virgil Dennler, Terry Grant, Dave Reichter, Steve Brower, Dennis Christeleit, Curt Gilson

David Dennler

David Paul Dennler, 62, of Elkader died on August 19, 2015, at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse, WI.

     He was born August 11, 1953, in Postville, to William and Barbara (Rainey) Dennler. He grew up on the family farm near Elgin. After graduating from Valley High School in 1971, he worked for Walch Ford in Elkader. From there he went to work driving truck for the Elkader Wire. Prior to his retirement on August 3, 2015, he worked for the local Co-op through various name changes.

     David married Nancy Vorwald on September 2, 1978. Daughter Beth joined the family in 1985. David and his family were long time residents of Elkader where they survived three floods before moving to Poplar Street.

     As a young man David enjoyed horseback riding, hunting, playing cards and spending time with friends. He served as a volunteer on the Elkader Fire Department and local Jaycees. Dave was instrumental in organizing the building of the Clayton County Vietnam Memorial. In his free time David enjoyed roasting hogs, a good western, especially John Wayne and country music.

     “Pappy” shared a special bond with his grandson Oliver, who he would share movies, moped rides and sneaking treats with.

     He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Nancy of Elkader; daughter Beth, her husband Cory Rood and grandson, Oliver William of Petersburg; siblings, Lou Anne  (special friend, Virginia) Dennler of Elgin, Billie (Jeff) Cowell  of Claremont, MN, Daniel (special friend, Patty) Dennler of Dewar and Darren (Karen) Dennler of Crawfordsville; nieces and nephews, other family members and friends.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents and several aunts and uncles.

Memorial Services will be held at 10:30am on Monday, August 24, 2015, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elkader.

Inurnment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery

Visitation will be held from 2 until 8 pm on Sunday, August 23, 2015, at Leonard Funeral Home in Elkader and one hour before service time at the church on Monday.

Honorary Bearers: Daryl Koehn, Danny Collins, Brad Glawe, Terry Minard, Dick Streicher, Todd Street

Ray Pritchard

Raymond Pritchard, age 76, of Decorah, IA died Sunday, August 23, 2015 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN.

A Memorial Mass was celebrated on Saturday, Aug. 29, by the Rev. Phillip Gibbs at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Decorah.

Honorary casketbearers were Jim Murphy, Skip Welter, Gene Aylsworth, John Rilling, Don Rilling, Rick Holthaus, and Dale Cowell. 

Interment at Wadena Cemetery in Wadena will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by Schluter-Balik Funeral Home in Decorah.

Raymond Dennis Pritchard was born on June 16, 1939, the son of Roscoe “Ole” and Marie (Johnson) Pritchard near Wadena, Iowa. 

Ray graduated from Wadena High School in 1957. 

After high school, Ray worked for the State Conservation in Des Moines as a surveyor. 

Ray married Joann Logan on February 27, 1960 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sumner, IA.  They farmed together near Wadena from 1960 until 1980. 

Ray and Joann moved to Decorah in 1980 after taking a job with Ludlow Community Dairy as a field man.  In 1987 Ray went to work at Camcar in Decorah where he worked until retiring in 1995 due to health issues. 

In January of 2007 Ray went to live at the Aase Haugen Nursing Home.

Ray was a member of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Decorah.  

He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an avid ball player. He started Ray’s Rascals little league team in Wadena for the neighborhood kids.  Ray enjoyed visiting with people and was an avid card player.  He took great pride in his work and his family.  

Raymond is survived by his wife Joann Pritchard, Decorah, IA.  Four sons: Rick (Kris) Pritchard, Huntsville, TX, Randy (Stephanie) Pritchard, Berryville, VA, Scott Pritchard, Las Vegas, NV and John Pritchard, Whitewater, WI.  Seven grandchildren:  Renee Pritchard, Jessica (John) Ritter, Skylar Pritchard, Blake, Laurel (Jeremy Alexander), Garrett and Sydney Pritchard.  Sisters: Helen (Dan) Berns, Richland Center, WI and Irma Jane Bernard, Onalaska, WI.  Sister in law: Ethel Logan, West Des Moines, IA.  Brother in law:  John “Jack” Logan, Independence, IA.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Roscoe “Ole” and Marie (Johnson) Pritchard. Father and Mother in law: John and Mercedes Logan.  Sister in law: Denise Logan.  Brothers in law: Richard Wheeler and Ray Logan.       35u35

Les Hawes

Leslie Grover Hawes, age 96, passed away on August 28, 2015.  

He was born in Staples, Minnesota on June 20, 1919, to the late Joseph and Florence Hawes. 

On June 18, 1948, he married Kezia (Kay) Erickson, with whom he recently celebrated his 67^th anniversary. 

Les graduated from Central High School in Duluth, Minnesota. 

He entered the Army Air Corps and served as an airplane radio technician from 1942-1946. He remembers hearing the announcement of the end of WWII through the radio on which he was working in a plane cockpit. 

Upon discharge from the military, Les worked for the Burlington Railroad and then many years as a U.S. Postal Service carrier, braving the geography and climate of Duluth, Minnesota.

He was a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers. 

Les was predeceased by his sisters Violet Carlson and Veryl Hawes, his son David Hawes, and his grandson Eric Hawes. 

He is survived by brother-in-law Dean (Jan) Erickson, children Jon Hawes, Juli (Nathan) Nelson, Debbie (John) Green, Sarah (Craig) Johnson, daughter-in-law Kathy Hawes, 16 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren.

He was proud of all his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, delighting in visits, pictures, and updates of their lives. 

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 2, at 2 p.m. in Traditions chapel, West Union, Iowa. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Duluth Gospel Tabernacle

(Duluth, MN) or Clever First Christian Church (Clever, MO).        35u35       

Everett Meier

A memorial service for Everett H. Meier, 80, of Longmont, Colo., formerly of West Union, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sumner.

Everett died Thursday, June 4, 2015, in Louisville, Colo.

He was a former teacher in West Union.

Betty Andres

Betty Andres, 88, of Fort Myers, Fla., formerly of Fayette, died Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015.

Arrangements are pending with Becker-Milnes Funeral Home, Fayette.

Loyce Larsen

Loyce J. Larsen, 89, longtime resident of the Iowa City area died Tuesday, September 1, 2015, at the Iowa City Nursing and Rehab Center.

Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, September 5, 2015 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Iowa City with burial following at Memory Gardens Cemetery. 

Visitation was from 12:00 p.m. until services on Saturday at the Church. 

A memorial fund has been established in Loyce’s memory. 

Online condolences may be sent for her family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com.

Loyce Josephine Erickson was born July 30, 1926, in Clermont, Iowa the daughter of John and Emma Erickson.

She graduated from high school in Clermont, then attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids for two years and then schooling in Chicago for three years receiving her nursing degree. 

On August 6, 1955, she was united in marriage to Robert Hart Larsen in Clermont.  The couple made their home in Iowa City where Loyce worked as a Registered Nurse for the Veterans Administration Hospital for over 30 years.

Her family includes her children, Steven of Waterloo; David (Stacey) of Iowa City; Vicky Kontowicz (Steve) of Brookfield, WI; and Nancy Jones (Mike) of Iowa City; five grandchildren, Haleigh Jones, Emily Jones, Derek Larsen, Gabriel Larsen, and Eden Larsen.

Loyce was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; sister, Irene DeSart and her brother, Norman Erickson.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service, Iowa City, was in charge of arrangements.      36u36

Betty Andres

Funeral services for Betty R. Andres, 88, of Ft. Myers, Fla., will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at First United Methodist Church in Fayette.

Interment will follow at Grandview Cemetery, Fayette.

Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at the church on Sunday.

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette is in charge of arrangements.

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

Betty Andres

Betty R. Andres, 88, of Ft. Myers, FL and formerly of Minneapolis, MN, died Sunday, August 30, 2015 at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Ft. Myers.

Funeral services were held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, September 13, 2015, at the United Methodist Church in Fayette with Rev. Mee Kang officiating.

Interment followed at Grandview Cemetery in Fayette. 

Visitation was held for one hour prior to services at the church on Sunday.

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette assisted the Andres family.

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

Betty was born on April 4, 1927, in Clermont, Iowa, to Sophie (Anderson) and Walter Follett.

She graduated from Upper Iowa University, Fayette, Iowa (’46) with a Teaching degree.

She married Bill Andres at the Little Brown Church in the Vale, Nashua, Iowa.

Never did Betty ever dream about the life and experiences she would encounter while growing up in the small farming community in Iowa. Betty left an amazing legacy, as she lived fully and loved deeply.

She and Bill travelled the world, she christened a super

tanker, and gave generously to provide Upper Iowa University with many of the sculptures that grace the campus. Through contributions from Betty and the William and Betty Andres Foundation, she lead the drive for the completion of the Andres Center For Business and Education. She was an Emeritus member of the UIU board of Trusties and was presented an honorary doctorate from UIU in 2011.

She gave generously to many organizations in her home town.

After Betty married she taught fourth grade and up until a few years ago, enjoyed corresponding with former students. She not only taught in the classroom, but was a teacher of life by the example she set. She was honored to have made a difference in people’s lives. Betty wanted us to celebrate her life. Her ability to make strangers her friends, her smile, warm hugs, humor, her contagious laughter wherever she was. She brought joy to so many even when faced with the difficult challenges of Alzheimer’s.

Though she had many roles throughout her life, the ones she treasured the most were of wife, mother and teacher. Family always came first and she loved and felt so proud of all them. She lived in Florida, but spent her summers in their Minnesota Lake home, where she spent hours gardening and fishing.

Survivors include her sons, Dr. Charles (Janet) Andres, Brainerd, MN, Richard (Chris) Andres, Medina, MN, grandchildren and great grandchildren; Stephanie (Jason) Duffy, stepsons, Miles and Spencer, Boulder, CO, Michael (Vanessa) son Wesley, Cascade, CO, Steven, Maple Grove, MN, Brad (Nikki) St Paul, MN, Emily, St Paul, MN, step grandchildren, Josh (Angela) Koch, Elias and Theo, Melbourne, Australia, Justin (Heidi) Koch, Pearl, Rogers, MN. Siblings; Marilyn (Ed) Waters, Overland, KS, Henry (Karen) Follett, Clermont, IA, Carolyn (Larry) Schatz, Lewiston, PA, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by, her husband of 52 years, William, son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Robert (Jilayne) Andres, parents, Sophie Green, Walter Follett, sister, and brother-in-law, Lorraine and Kenton Krueger.

She was an amazing woman and will be dearly missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Upper Iowa University.           37u37

Marie Anderson

Marie Anderson, 97, of Elgin, Iowa died Monday, September 7, 2015 at Stoney Brook Village, West Union, Iowa. 

Marie Rose, the daughter of Daniel and Hulda (Friederich) Sutter, was born March 24, 1918 in Clayton County, Iowa. 

She graduated from Clermont High School in 1936.

She was baptized and confirmed February of 1940 in the West Clermont Lutheran Church. 

Marie was united in marriage with Allan Anderson on June 8, 1939 at West Clermont Lutheran Church in Clermont, Iowa.  To this union two children were born. 

Marie was a homemaker and also worked as a janitor at the Elgin Post Office and the Elgin Public Library.

Marie was a member of the Elgin Lutheran Church and the WELCA.

She loved to bake, embroider, and sew. She was known for the over 1500 Humpty Dumpty pillows she made over the years. Marie was also an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan.

Marie is survived by her two children, Danice (LeRoy) Larson of New Hampton, Iowa, and Stanley (Gail) Anderson of Elkhart, Indiana; five grandchildren, Lynne (Timon) Robins; Jill (Brian) Yauslin; Dawn (Todd) Simpson; Marita (James) Lengerich; and Marc (Jennifer) Anderson; 10 great- grandchildren, James Jr. and Nicholas Lengerich; Kara, Kelsey, and Kaley Anderson; Madison, Megan, and Gracie Yauslin; and Haley and Trevor Simpson; four step grandchildren; five step great-grandchildren; and three step great-great grandchildren; two brothers, Leo Sutter of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Donald (Marilana) Sutter of Elgin, Iowa; one sister, Erna (Kenneth) Koupal of Cedar Falls, Iowa; and a sister-in-law, Arlene Sutter of West Union, Iowa.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Allan; two brothers, Selmer Sutter, who died in infancy, and Fredrick Sutter; and her sister-in-law, Violet Sutter.

Visitation was held on Friday, September 11, 2015 from 4-7 pm at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, Iowa with a one hour visitation before services at the church on Saturday.

Funeral Services were held at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at Elgin Lutheran Church, Elgin, Iowa with Rev. Harold McMillin as the Officiant.

Burial followed at Elgin Cemetery, Elgin, Iowa.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, Iowa helped the family with the arrangements.      37u37

Arlene Nims

Arlene E. Nims, 98, of Fayette died Thursday, September 3, 2015, at University Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 8, 2015, at Grace Lutheran Church in Fayette with Rev. Herbert Mueller, III officiating. 

Interment followed at Grandview Cemetery in Fayette.

Visitation was from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday, September 7th, at Becker-Milnes Funeral home in Fayette and for one hour preceding services at the church on Tuesday.

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

Arlene Erma, daughter of Henry and Grace (Sheppard) Kamaus, was born July 2, 1917 in Howard County, Iowa.

She received her education in the Dover Township Schools of rural Fayette and Clayton County, Iowa.

On September 29, 1937, she was united in marriage with Melvin Nims, at the Presbyterian Parsonage in West Union. The couple farmed north of West Union and north of Fayette until 1960.

Arlene would later work in a restaurant, clothing store, and Upper Iowa University in Fayette.

She especially enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren.

She is survived by one son, Eugene (Donna) Nims of Grayslake, Illinois; two daughters-in-law, Virginia Sucich of Adel and Margaret Nims of Solon; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and one brother, Ervin (Joyce) Kamaus of Cedar Rapids.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin, who died June 6 of 2001; two sons, Ronald and Leslie; one daughter Ruth Reinertson; two grandsons, Scott and Jeff Reinertson; one granddaughter, Angela Nims; two brothers, Lloyd and Millard Kamaus; and one sister, Bernice Johansen. 

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Sharon Lerch

  Sharon Rae Lerch, 67, of Elgin died Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015.

Mark Mihm

Mark Mihm, age 94, of St. Lucas, IA, died on Thursday, September 17, 2015, at the Palmer Lutheran Health Center in West Union, IA.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, Sept. 21, at St. Luke Catholic Church in St. Lucas. Celebrating the Mass were the Rev. Nick March and the Rev. Joseph Hauer with Deacon Jim Zajicek.

Interment was in the church cemetery. Military rites were conducted by Aloysius Schmitt American Legion Post 691 of St. Lucas.

Casket bearers were Brian Mihm, Brandon Daniels, Brad Ridout, Craig Kuehner, Marcus Daniels, Austin Mihm, and Colin Mihm.

Honorary casket bearers were John Wiest, Terry Costigan, Dave Goerend, Billy Mihm, and Dick Nienhaus.

Arrangements were handled Schluter-Balik Funeral Home in Decorah.

Mark Louis Mihm was born on February 2, 1921, the son of John and Clara (Perry) Mihm in St. Lucas, Iowa. 

Mark attended St. Luke’s Catholic School in St. Lucas, IA. 

He enlisted in the US Army Air Corps and served as sergeant during WWII, from 1942-46. 

He was united in marriage to Margaret “Marge” Hauer on Sept. 11, 1943, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas. To this union, five children were born: Tom, Nancy, Steve, Mary Pat and Jann. 

Mark was a successful entrepreneur; he started the White House Supper Club, Mark’s Jewelry and was a Barber and watchmaker for nearly 50 years.

He served on the Board of Directors of Bank First in West Union for 40 years and also on the German Mutual Board. 

Mark was a member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church, the Foresters, Knights of Columbus and the Aloysius Schmitt American Legion Post #691.

Mark enjoyed golfing and collecting golf balls, fishing, weed-eating, painting, dancing, playing cards, sweeping and keeping everything “neat and tidy”. 

Mark also served as the Mayor of St. Lucas and was a pillar of the community for many years. 

Mark was quoted on all the accomplishments that he had in his life and he said “Everything turned out very good for me. It was perfect.”

Mark is survived by his five children: Thomas (Ann) Mihm, Eagan, MN; Nancy (fiancé, Steve Klimesh) Daniels, Spillville, IA; Steven (Jacque) Mihm, Lakeville, MN; Mary Pat (Thomas) Ridout, Calmar, IA; and Jann (John) Kuehner, St. Lucas, IA.

Mark is also survived by his special friend: Joyce Wolfgram, St. Lucas, IA, along with her family. Twelve grandchildren: Brian (Rebekah) Mihm, Laura (Edward) Rockwell, Brandon (Jennifer) Daniels, Megan Desmond, Marcus (Sarah Moyle) Daniels, Kara (Travis) Peterson, Austin (Kassi) Mihm, Colin Mihm, Brad (Emily) Ridout, Allison (Jeff) Olson, Craig (Jenna Kleve) Kuehner and Jill (Derek) Heins. Sixteen great grandchildren: Joshua, Andrew and Nathan Mihm, William and Thomas Rockwell, Matthew and Ella Daniels, Jay and Thomas Desmond, Caid and Brynn Peterson, Kobe and Kylie Ridout, Merek and Cambree Olson, Hilton, Preston and Lynston Heins. Two sisters: Mary “Sis” Jacobson, Longville, MN and Helene (Greg) Wurzer, Rockford, IL.  One sister-in-law: Shirley Mihm, Dubuque, IA, along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents: John and Clara (Perry) Mihm.  His wife of 59 years: Margaret “Marge” Mihm on March 14, 2002. One great granddaughter: Annabel Daniels. Five siblings: Alex (Mary Jo) Mihm, Louis Mihm, Urban (Joe) Mihm, Colette (Clarence) Rausch and Agatha (Charlie) Hooper.

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