Lawrence Ishman

Lawrence Robert Ishman, 86, of West Union died Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015, at the Good Samaritan Society in West Union.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union.

Burial will follow in the West Union Cemetery.

A public visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3, at Burnham-Wood & S.K. Rogers Funeral Home in West Union.

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

Esther Adams

Esther Klaich Adams, 88, of Fayette, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, November 21, 2015, at her home surrounded by her family. 

She was born May 22, 1927, in Toltec, Colorado to Mike and Eva (Smirchich) Klaich. 

She attended Pictou School, and graduated from Oak Creek High School in 1945.  She continued her education at Colorado State College of Education in Greeley, Colorado, and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in education.

Upon graduation, she began her elementary education career.  Esther taught for five years in Colorado; followed by five years at La Mesa Spring Valley, California; and then 22+ years at North Fayette Community Schools in West Union, Iowa.  

After moving to California, she met her husband, Richard Dewey Adams, a native of Arlington, Iowa, in La Mesa, California, during church activities. 

On August 24, 1957, Esther was united in marriage to Richard in Oak Creek, Colorado, at the Methodist Church.  Four children were born of this union, Paul Richard, Fred Chester, John William and Joyce Ann.  

Esther was an active member of the Fayette United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Iowa Retired School Personnel Association (IRSPA), and the Life National Education Association (formerly American Association of University Women). 

She enjoyed family gatherings, reading, having coffee with good friends, and gardening. 

Esther is survived by children, Paul (Jennifer) Adams of Denver, Colorado, Fred (Maggie Gibbons) Adams of Ann Arbor, Michigan, John (Shelly) Adams of Arlington, Iowa, and Joyce (Scott) Chase of Bloomington, Minnesota, and six grandchildren, Jessica Adams, Douglas Adams, Wayne Adams, William Adams, Tiffany Adams and Adam Chase.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and all her siblings; brothers, Fred, Mick, George and Nick Klaich and sister Sophie (Klaich) McLain.

Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, December 11, 2015, from 6 - 8 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Fayette. 

Memorial Service will be conducted on Saturday, December 12, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Fayette

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorials be directed to the Fayette Community Library.  

Online condolences may be sent to Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Strawberry Point at  www.leonard-mullerfh.com.          48u48

Lorraine Smith

Lorraine G. Smith, 90, formerly of Maynard, Iowa died November 14, 2015 at EagleCrest Assisted Living in Roseville, Minnesota.

Lorraine Grace Hall was born February 13, 1925 in Maynard, Iowa, the daughter of William Vay and Grace Lucille (Heath) Hall.  She graduated from Maynard High School in 1942.  Lorraine married Merlin F. Raymond on August 1, 1946.  They had two sons, Donald Raymond and John Raymond.  Lorraine worked as a clerk in the Maynard Post Office for 8 years and then as a home maker in Hazelton, Garwin and Garnavillo while the boys were growing up.  Merlin died November 3, 1976.  Lorraine subsequently moved from Garnavillo to Oelwein, Iowa and worked at the Oelwein Elevator for 10 years.  On May 1, 1987, Lorraine married Francis L. Smith of Maynard, Iowa. Lorraine and Francis had a good life together until Francis died of cancer in 1994.

Lorraine was active in the Boy Scouts as a Den Mother and in supporting Scout troops when the family lived in both Garwin and Garnavillo.  She was a long time member of the Legion Auxiliary.  She enjoyed fishing, traveling, playing cards and Yahtzee, reading and cooking as well as visiting with family and friends.

Lorraine is survived by her 2 children, Donald (Diane) Raymond of Solon, Iowa and John (Nancy) Raymond of Roseville, Minnesota.  She is also survived by one grandson,  David Raymond of Sunnyvale, California, twin granddaughters Anne and Sarah Raymond of Roseville, Minnesota, and many nieces and nephews.  Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, husband Merlin Raymond, husband Francis Smith and sister Alice (Hall) Kuennen.

Per Lorraine's request there will be no memorial service with private interment at Long Grove Cemetery in Maynard.  Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society or Hospice.

Neal Krieg

Neal S. Krieg, 78, died Sunday, November 22, 2015 at the Central Community Hospital.  He was born September 2, 1937 in Elkader to Leonard Henry Krieg and Eloise Leah Musfeldt. Neal graduated from Elkader Central High School in 1955.  He was employed at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids until 1958.

In 1958, Neal started farming on the Schoien Family Farms.The Schoien Farms were owned by Eleanor's two aunts, Corinne and Arlene Schoien and Eleanor's mother, Ernestine Reavis. On June 6, 1959, he was united in marriage to Eleanor Reavis at the Elgin Lutheran Church. They made their home on the Schoien Farms. Neal had hogs, beef cattle and Holstein dairy cows.  He loved farming and had beef cattle on the farm until he retired. He always took very good care of his girls (the cows).   He loved spending time with his family, going for long rides on a Sunday afternoon or just around "the block" any day of the week.

Neal is survived by his wife, Eleanor Krieg; one daughter, Sue (Jeff) Meyer of St. Olaf, IA; two grandsons, Andrew (Heidi) Meyer of Monona, IA and Benjamin Meyer and his fiancé Cari Yeries of Clive, IA; a great granddaughter, Emma Rose Meyer, and a brother-in-law, Frank Reavis of Dubuque and his family.

Neal was preceded in death by his parents and father and mother-in-law, Floyd (Shorty) and Ernestine Reavis.

Memorial Service:   11:00 am on Saturday, November 28, 2015, at Highland Lutheran Church, rural Elkader

Inurnment: Highland Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Elkader

Visitation: 3 to 6 pm on Friday, November 27, 2015, at Leonard Funeral Home in Elkader and one hour before services at the church on Saturday.

Leonard Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left with www.leonardfuneralhomes.com

Wade Miner

Wade K. Miner, (USMC SSgt. Ret.), 50, died Nov. 3, 2015, at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at S.K. Rogers Funeral Home in Fayette with a visitation held one hour prior to service time.

Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery in Fayette.

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

Lawrence Ishman

Lawrence Robert Ishman, 86, of West Union passed away on Friday, November 27, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Center in West Union.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 am on Friday, December 4, 2015 at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union.

Burial followed in West Union Cemetery.

A public visitation was held from 5pm until 8 pm on Thursday, December 3, 2015 at S.K. Rogers and Burnham-Wood Funeral Home in West Union.

Lawrence was born on March 7, 1929 in rural Auburn, Iowa to Albert and Ellen (Wilbur) Ishman.

He graduated from West Union High School, where he played football and ran in track.

Lawrence proudly served his country in the United States Marines.

He was united in marriage to Donna Bigalow on December 9, 1972 at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union. The couple made their home on the family farm near West Union.

They enjoyed taking trips in the family motor home and Lawrence kept a journal with stories from all the family trips. He enjoyed sharing these stories later on.

He worked at Wilbur Ford in West Union and later the Fayette County Highway Department for 17 years until retirement.

Lawrence enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and his cats.

He was a member of FFA and Boy Scouts of America.

Lawrence is survived by his children, Connie (Irvin) Holder of Hawkeye, IA and Joe (Maria) Mannion of Waterloo; grandchildren Mike Holder, Cary Chensvold, Terry Chensvold, Shair Knapp, Tina Wentworth, Chad Mannion, and Christopher Mannion; great-grandchildren Kayla, Sabrina, Tyler, Noah, Anna, Laura, and Katie; and nieces and nephews, Dana (Donna) Ishman, Ronn Ishman, Cheryl Brown, Duane (Monica) Schmitt, Pam Ishman, and Beth Koleske.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Donna; parents, Albert and Ellen; daughter, Vicki Chensvold; brothers, Harvey Ishman, Allen Ishman, Earl Wilbur, and Al Wilbur; and sisters, Roberta Schmidt and Shirley Drier.

Burnham-Wood & S.K. Rogers Funeral Home in West Union was in charge of the arrangements.     49u49

Ardith (Olson) Forbes

Ardith (Olson) Forbes, 97, of Dell Rapids passed away on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at the Dells Area Health Center. Her funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 7, 2015 in the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids Chapel. Interment will be in the Dell Rapids Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be on Sunday, December 6, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Kahler Funeral Home.

Ardith Olson was born on May 17, 1918 at Dell Rapids, SD, the daughter of Aaron and Affa (Burlingame) Olson. She grew up in Huron and graduated from Huron High School.  She was baptized and confirmed in the American Lutheran Church of Huron. She attended and graduated from Northwest College of Commerce in Huron. She worked for Standard Oil in Huron from 1940 to 1957. Ardith married Verne Forbes on August 5, 1959 at Idaho Falls, ID.  The couple moved to Minneapolis after being transferred there for work. She worked at the Standard Oil in Minneapolis until 1967 when she transferred to the Kansas City office. She retired in 1975 and moved to Dell Rapids in 1977.

After Verne’s death in 1993, Ardith remained active in the church and traveled to numerous destinations. She loved to quilt and donated over 1000’s quilts to different people. She was a member of the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids, Women of the ELCA, the Hospital Auxiliary, the Dell Rapids Lutheran Ladies Quilters and the Senior Citizen Center.

Ardith was preceded in death by her parents, one sister and her husband.

She is survived by a cousin, Belva Lantz of Columbus, OH; her extended family, Gary and Kathy Ageton of Battle Creek, NE, Larry adn Janice Ageton of Watertown, Amy (Brian) Kniffen of Madrid, IA, Chris Ageton of Fort Collins, CO, Brian Ageton of Windsor, CO, and Colton and Wyatt Kniffen of Madrid, IA; special friends, Milton Munk, Raymond Schmidt, and Frank and Joyce Farinelli all of Dell Rapids and her numerous cousins and friends.

Memorials may be directed to the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids Chapel Fund.

Marilyn Ann Egeland

Marilyn Ann Egeland, 85, of Ossian Iowa died Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at Hospice of the Valley, Mesa, Arizona. Marilyn was born on August 28, 1930 to Bert and Helen (Velte) Farmer in Farnam, Nebraska. She attended country school near Terril, Iowa, graduated from Terril High School in 1948 and also attended Business College in Mankato, Minnesota. Before getting married, Marilyn worked in Spencer, Iowa and Estherville, Iowa.

Marilyn was united in marriage with Donald Dean Egeland on December 17, 1950 in Terril, Iowa. Together with her husband, she moved to the Ossian, Iowa in 1955 and helped out on the farm with Don, while raising their children. Marilyn beat cancer 41 years ago. Marilyn loved sewing and doing the craft shows, quilting and spending time with her family. She was very active in the Stavanger Lutheran Church and member of NEIQG and mission and Project Linus quilts. Marilyn and Don were blessed to have been able to spend thirty winters in Arizona.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Donald Egeland of Ossian, Iowa; three children, Doug (Mary Lou) Egeland, Marcia (Dale) Monroe and Roger (Joan) Egeland, all of Ossian, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Tami (Jeramy) Monroe, Amy (Grant) Breitsprecher, Morrie (Jess) Monroe, Mindy (Ray) Stoerp, Molly (Ryan) Holthaus, Dustin (Jodi) Egeland and Tyler Egeland (fiancé, Lauren Lefort); nine great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Carolyn (Rodney) Hansen of Armstrong and Arlene Rouse of Clarksville, Tennessee.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Helen Farmer; and two grandchildren, Deny and Dave Egeland,  sister and brother-in-law, Myrtle Mae and Claude Shaffer; brother and sister-in-law, Sam and Donna Farmer; and brother-in-law Norman Rouse.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 from 4-7 pm at the Schmitz - Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Ossian, Iowa and one hour before services at the church on Wednesday.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at Stavanger Lutheran Church, Ossian, Iowa with Rev. Wayne Ellingson as the officiant.

Burial will follow in Stavanger Lutheran Cemetery, Ossian, Iowa.

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

Terry Noble

Terry D. Noble, 60, of Hawkeye, died Friday, December 4, 2015, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Friends may call from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, December 19, 2015, at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Hawkeye.

There will be a private family inurnment at the Guttenberg Cemetery at a later date.

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

Terry Dean, son of Vyrle and Marilyn (Pattison) Noble was born March 11^th, 1955, in Guttenberg, Iowa.

Terry was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Guttenberg.

He received his education in the Guttenberg Schools, graduating from Guttenberg High School in 1973.

After high school Terry moved to West Union. He worked for DHIA as a milk tester for four years. Later he worked for North Central Line Crew for six years and the City of Oelwein for four years. His true passion for trucks would lead him to his career as an O.T.R. Truck Driver, where he drove coast to coast for 16 years. Terry retired in 1995.

In retirement Terry enjoyed collecting model railroad cars, but most especially enjoyed spending time with grandchildren.

Terry is survived by his life partner, Angela Gyorko of Hawkeye; two sons, Quinton and Derek Noble of West Union; step-children, Joshua (Tina) Gyorko of Iowa, David (Kandice) Gyorko of Nashua, and Ginger Gyorko of Elgin, Iowa; two grandchildren; one brother, Daryl Noble of Clarksville, Tennessee; one half-brother, Gary (Sue) Noeck of Guttenberg; and one half-sister, Margaret Tope of Marion, Iowa.

In addition to his parents, Terry was preceded in death by one brother-in-law, Roger Tope.        50u50

Norma Bloomer

Norma R. Bloomer, 88, of Fayette, Iowa passed away Saturday, December 12, 2015 at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette, Iowa. 

Norma Ruth, the daughter of Oliver and Reva (Swenson) Torkelson, was born June 27, 1927 at Community Memorial Hospital, Postville, Iowa. 

She graduated from Elgin High School in 1945 and then from Cedar Rapids Business College. 

Norma was united in marriage with Charles J. Bloomer in 1948. To this union, two daughters were born. Norma and Charles were later divorced. 

Norma worked at various jobs while raising her family in Cedar Falls, Iowa.  Her favorite job was as an office manager for Tom Klemuck Interiors, where she was surrounded by colorful and beautiful things.

Norma was proud of being a part of the committee which started the Sturgis Falls Celebration in Cedar Falls.  She was also crowned as the Waterloo AMVET Queen in 1957.

Norma is survived by two daughters, Stephanie A. (Chris Marasco) Kennedy of Des Moines, Iowa; and Valerie A. (Bob Furstenau) Landis of Des Moines, Iowa; one grandson, Ben Landis; and three sisters, Dorothy Fauser and Delores Everett of Elgin, Iowa; and Janice Johansen of Hays, Kansas.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, Oliver and Reva; her brother, Wayne Oliver Torkelson; and three brothers-in-law, Harry Everett, Dale Johansen, and Don Fauser.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clermont, Iowa. Rev. Jim Brokman and Rev. Dale Rausch will be the concelebrants.

Visitation was to be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home in Elgin, Iowa and one hour before services at the church on Wednesday.

Interment will be held at the Elgin Cemetery, Elgin, Iowa.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Elgin, Iowa is handling the arrangements for the family.          50u50

Mary Louise Cox

Mary Louise Cox, 63, of Oelwein passed away on Thursday December 10, 2015 at Mercy Hospital in Oelwein.  Visitation will be from 4-7PM on Monday December 14, 2015 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home in Oelwein.  Funeral services will be held at 11AM on Tuesday December 15, 2015 at Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein.  Interment will be in Alcock Cemetery at rural Frederika, IA.  Memorials may be directed to the family.  For condolences, please visit www.geilenfeldfh.com.

Mary was born in Oelwein, IA on February 14, 1952 to parents Charles and Elizabeth (Roberts) Syler.  She graduated from Oelwein High School with the class of 1970.  She was employed as a CNA.  On March 3, 1993 she was united in marriage with Carl Cox at Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein.  Mary loved animals and camping.  She also enjoyed trying new recipes and working jigsaw puzzles.

Left to celebrate Mary’s life is her husband Carl; her children: Jamie (Shelia) Weatherbee of Aurora and Angie Miller of Manchester; her grandchildren: Alyssabeth and Madison Weatherbee, Raven Miller, Daniel and Victor Childers; her brother Richard Syler of Rock Island, IL; her sister Vickie Ressler of Rock Island; nephew Shawn Roberts as well as several more nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Betty Borchman and Patricia Syler; brothers Merl James and Melvin James. 

Douglas N. Grahlman

Douglas N. Grahlman, 90, of Sumner and formerly of Hawkeye, died Tuesday, December 8, 2015, at Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner.

Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 12, 2015, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sumner with Rev. James Brokman officiating. Interment will be held at Bethel Cemetery, rural Hawkeye with military rites by Thomas E. Woods Post #223, American Legion of Sumner, Iowa.  Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 11^th at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Sumner where a Rosary will be recited at 4:00 p.m.  Visitation will also be for one hour preceding services at the church on Saturday. Memorials may be made in his name to a charity of the donor’s choice or given to the family for distribution at a later date. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.

Douglas Neil Grahlman, son of Ferdinand and Bernice (Gifford) Grahlman, was born November 28, 1925, near Sumner, Iowa. He graduated from Sumner High School in 1944 and served with the U.S. Army from 1944-1946. On July 12, 1948, he was united in marriage with Edith Mitchell, at Immaculate Conception Church in Sumner. Doug farmed in the Hawkeye area for many years prior to retiring in 1990. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Thomas E. Woods Post #223, American Legion of Sumner, Iowa, and the Farm Bureau. He and his wife enjoyed playing cards in several card clubs. Doug had been a resident of Good Samaritan Home in West Union for a brief time and for the past ten years had been a resident of the Hillcrest Home in Sumner.

He is survived by two sons, Mitchell of Sumner, and Mike of Waverly; one daughter, Michelle (Paul) Bahe of Sumner; nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith, who died January 26, 2005; his parents; and one sister, Ruby Dell Brandt.

Carlyle Ronald Kirkeberg

Carlyle Ronald “Ky” Kirkeberg, 86, of Decorah, Iowa formerly of Monona, Iowa died Thursday, December 10, 2015 at Wellington Place in Decorah, Iowa. Carlyle Ronald was born on February 28, 1929 to Clarence and Ruth (Reierson) Kirkeberg in rural Elgin, Iowa. He was baptized on March 29, 1929 at Marion Lutheran Church, Gunder, Iowa and was confirmed on June 27, 1943. He graduated from Elgin High School, Elgin, Iowa in 1947 and attended Luther College for one year.

Ky was united in marriage with Inez Mary Elizabeth Duwe on April 6, 1953 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Postville, Iowa. Three children were born to this union. Throughout the years Ky farmed in rural Elgin, owned a clothing store in Monona, Iowa and was a postal clerk and rural mail carrier for thirty years. He served on the council at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona and belonged to the Monona Kiwanis, Rural Letter Carriers and was a former member of Tri-City Country Club. Ky enjoyed bowling, golfing, watching ball games, playing cards, working on his projects in his garage, doing carpentry and remodeling their home.

Ky is survived by his wife, Inez Kirkeberg of Decorah, Iowa; three children, Rick (Jeanie) Kirkeberg of Calmar, Iowa, Renea (Robert) Huinker of Lawler, Iowa and Scott (Linda) Kirkeberg of Decorah, Iowa; nine grandchildren, Stacy (Jeremy) Johnson, Kelly (Jason) Thelen, Remy (Keary) Keehner, Kara (Wes) Dietrich, Robin (Ryan) Caddell, Lindsey (Juan) Allende, Jill (Alex) Ivan, Emily (Jared) Falck and Michael Kirkeberg; and twelve great-grandchildren, Kendall and Annika Johnson, Nolan and Iris Thelen, Coye, Carter and Chase Dietrich, Evan and Elise Caddell, Isaac and Luis Allende and Roman Falck.

Ky was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Ruth Kirkeberg; sister, Eleanor Mae; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roy and Leola Duwe; and a brother-in-law, LeRoy Duwe.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Monona, Iowa with a one hour visitation before services at the church on Tuesday. Rev. Erika Kielstrup will be the Officiant.

Burial will follow at St. Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery, Monona, Iowa.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service is helping the family with arrangements

Lawrence Downs

Lawrence Earl Downs, 86, of Hawkeye, died Wednesday, December 16, 2015, at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.

Funeral Mass was held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 19, 2015, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sumner with pastor and good friend Rev. James Brokman officiating.

Interment was at Oak Lawn Cemetery, rural Hawkeye.

Friends called from 9:30 until service time at the church on Saturday.

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Sumner assisted the family.

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

Lawrence Earl Downs was born April 6, 1929, to Garfield and Jennie (Kelly) Downs near Donnan, Iowa.

He worked on farms as a young man, and later he worked for Wright Tree Service, Darling & Co., and Tama Meat Packing Co. as a maintenance mechanic until he retired.

Lawrence was married to Rita Mihm on October 4, 1952, at St. Luke’s Church in St. Lucas, Iowa.

He enjoyed fishing and gardening and his cat, Bud.

In addition to his wife, Lawrence is survived by his children, David (Brinda) Downs of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, Charles (Brenda) Downs of Fayette, and Deanne (Kurt) Bachman of Ankeny; grandchildren, Justin and Jacob Downs, Matthew and Bethany Bachman; two step granddaughters, Lori Bachman and Stacy Minichello; six great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Edna Downs, Alma Klinger, and Blanche Hendren; and triplet grandsons, Jason, Jeffrey, and Joshua Downs.     51u51

Louis Langreck

Louis “Louie” Herman Langreck passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at Palmer Lutheran Health Center in West Union at the age of 93.

Louie was born on December 18, 1921 to John J. and Lena (Mihm) Langreck on the family farm near St. Lucas.

He attended St. Luke’s School in St. Lucas.

Louie farmed near St. Lucas for many years before moving to the Good Samaritan Center in West Union. 

He was a member of St. Luke Catholic Church in St. Lucas and the Catholic Order of Foresters.

He enjoyed gardening, fishing, and being with his dog, Fritz.

Louie is survived by his siblings, Marie Langreck of New Hampton, Clem Langreck of Waucoma, Agatha Busta of Lawler, Lillian (Paul) Chipera of Fort Atkinson, Charles (Mildred) Langreck of West Union, Margaret (Martin) Gossling of Fort Atkinson, Virginia Kuhn of Fort Atkinson, Edna (Larry) Jirak of Lawler, and Jerome Langreck of Lemon Grove, CA; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings; Henry (Verda) Langreck, Francis (Kathryn) Langreck, Beata (Raymond) Schmelzer; brothers-in-law, Stanley Busta and Julian Kuhn; and two sisters-in-law, Bernice Langreck and Eileen Langreck; nieces and nephews, Conrad and Geraldine Langreck, Deborah Jirak, Mary Jo Schmelzer, John Chipra, John Langreck, and Linus Lilold; and a great nephew, Lance Langreck.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015 at St. Luke Catholic Church in St. Lucas.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

A public visitation was to be held from 4 pm until 6 pm on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015 at St. Luke Catholic Church in St. Lucas with a rosary at 4 pm.

S.K. Rogers & Burnham-Wood Funeral Home of West Union is in charge of the arrangements.   51u51

Ruth Werhan

Ruth Elizabeth Werhan, 79, of West Union, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at Good Samaritan Society at Waukon, Iowa.

Ruth, daughter of Alfred and Eleanor (Bergan) Werhan was born on November 30, 1936.

She graduated from West Union High school and attended Hawkeye Community College.

Ruth worked in several nursing homes and in the home health care profession.

She enjoyed reading, bingo, word search, taking walks, and going out to eat. She loved class reunions and family Christmas get togethers.

She was a member of a trap shooting and gun club and a CB Radio club when she lived in Waterloo. In West Union she was a member of the Rosary Society and since living in Waukon she belonged to the St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Ruth is survived by her brothers, Jim (Sherryl) Werhan and Robert “Pat” Werhan, both of West Union; sisters, Mary Wilbur and Ann (Duane) Moen both of Decorah; sister-in-law, Jessie Werhan, nephews; Ron (Kathy) Moen, Bryce (Amanda) Werhan, and Kelly (Taina) Werhan; nieces, Karla (Mike) Snyder, Theresa (Ronnie) Alexander, Kristie Austin and friend, Patrick, Paula (Todd) Shell, D’Ann (Randy) Gilbert, and Wendy Moen; 27 great nieces and nephews, 15 great, great nieces and nephews and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Charles, David, and John Werhan and brother-in-law, Harold Wilbur.

Services for Ruth were held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, December 21, 2015 at Burnham-Wood Funeral Home in West Union, with burial following the service at the West Union Cemetery.

Visitation was for one hour before the services at the Burnham-Wood Funeral home in West Union, Iowa.

Burnham-Wood & S.K. Rogers Funeral Home in West Union was in charge of arrangements.      51u51

R. Clarion Mathys

R. Clarion Mathys, 94, formerly of Wadena, IA, passed away Saturday morning, December 12, 2015, at Bethany Manor in Story City, IA.

He was born August 31, 1921, on a farm near Elgin, IA, son of H.B. (Hank) Mathys and Iva Bennett Mathys. He was nicknamed “Snowball” early in life by close relatives. 

He graduated from Elgin High School in 1939. He wanted to be called Clarion, his middle name. 

He married Darlene Minnie Schultz on January 15, 1945, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye, IA. They celebrated by having graham cracker pie at the wedding dance intermission. They were married over 70 years, and thought that was quite a milestone.

They farmed near Hawkeye, West Union, Wadena, and Elgin, IA. They returned to Wadena to farm until February 2014. Clarion worked for the Fayette County Road Department for 19 years.  Clarion and Darlene were proud of purchasing his parent’s farm, paying it off, and living on that farm for 54 years.

Clarion was very proud of his family. He enjoyed Darlene's wonderful cooking, family gatherings, the farm life, driving the John Deere tractor with the grandkids and great grandkids in the wagon back to the '20', eating out (restaurants, church meals, Oelwein meal site), attending parades, taking the four grandkids on short vacations around the Midwest, and getting acquainted with a lot of people by talking to them and having fun.

Clarion had walnut, maple, and some white oak trees cut from the farm and had the lumber dried.  He used this lumber to build small tables, chairs, end tables, cradles, small and large shelves, and small school desks.  He made three curio cabinets, one each for Darlene, Karyl, and Gordon.  He enjoyed making these for his kids, grandkids and great grandkids.  When the grandkids and great grandkids had what they wanted, he would give away his creations.  He enjoyed his woodworking.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Lois (Mathys) Voshell; and brothers-in-law, Clarke Voshell and Darol Wilson.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Darlene; a sister, Geraldine (Mathys) Wilson of Elgin, IA; one son, Gordon (Jan) Mathys of Algonquin, IL; one daughter, Karyl (Owen) Davis of Ames, IA; four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren: Dalen Mathys-Cook of Barrington, IL (Daniel and Nathan); Craig (Dana) Davis of Newell, IA (Emma and Jake); Ronda (Mike) Kaldenberg of Slater, IA (Mikayla, Lindsey, and Brenden); and David Mathys of Olathe, KS.

He leaves behind many relatives and friends.

Per Clarion’s wishes, no services will be held. A private inurnment will be held at the Wadena Cemetery at a later date. 

Memorials may be directed in his name to the Wadena First Responders or the Wadena Community Church. 

Condolences can be sent to: Darlene Mathys

Bethany Manor

212 Lafayette Ave., # 126

Story City, IA 50248-1454

Vickie Meyer

Vickie A. Meyer, 73, of West Union, Iowa, passed away Thursday, December 17, 2015 at her home in West Union. 

Vickie Ann, the daughter of Vern and Florence (Amdahl) Popenhagen, was born April 3, 1942 in West Union.

She was baptized and confirmed at St. Olaf Church in West Union and graduated from West Union High School in 1960. 

Vickie was united in marriage with Conley Meyer on May 28, 1961.  To this union two children, Michelle and Layne, were born. Vickie and Conley farmed the family farm until retiring in 2010.

Vickie also worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone until the company went to a dialing system.  She worked for the Iowa Beer and Liquor Control Department for 15 years and was a dietitian at Palmer Lutheran Hospital for 13 years.

Vickie enjoyed playing cards, playing Bingo, and doing counted cross-stitch.  She especially loved family visits and get-togethers.

Left to honor her memory is her husband of 54 years, Conley Meyer, of West Union; her daughter, Michelle (Jamie Snyder) of Montezuma, Iowa; her son, Layne (Joni) Meyer of West Union; granddaughters, Kayla (Kris Seitz) of Davenport, Iowa and Kaitlin Snively of Coralville, Iowa; grandsons, Kyle Nosbisch and Seth Meyer; two great-granddaughters, Meredith Nicole Seitz and Chyles Olivia Seitz; a brother-in-law, Duane Meyer, of Decorah, Iowa; two sisters-in-law, Marlys (Kerwin) Anderson and Katherine Ann Meyer; and many nieces and nephews.

Vickie was preceded in death by her parents, brothers-in-law, Herbert and Kenneth Meyer; and a sister-in-law, Eileen Meyer.    

As were her wishes, Vickie will be cremated with a private family inurnment at a later date in West Union.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Clermont, Iowa is assisting the family with the arrangements.      51u51

Merlin Butikofer

Merlin L. Butikofer, 71, of Delhi, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 20, 2015, at the Good Neighbor Home, Marietta’s Place, in Manchester. He was born on August 26, 1944, in Postville, Iowa, the son of Harry and Rose (Dennler) Butikofer. 

Merlin received his bachelor of science in chemistry and mathematics from Upper Iowa University in 1967. He then received his master’s degree in chemistry education from the University of Wyoming in 1972. His teaching career spanned 48 years and included teaching chemistry, physics and mathematics at Starmont, Upper Iowa, the University of Wyoming, Central City, Maquoketa Valley, and most recently, 14 years at Northeast Iowa Community College in Peosta. He was first, last, and always an educator and loved working with all of his students.

Merlin is survived by his wife of 46 years, Kathleen; his son, Jeffrey (Annette) of Fayette; his daughter, Lindsay (Michael) and his much loved grandson, Maddox McDermott, all of Swisher; his 98 year old father, Harry of West Union; his sister, Louise Marie (Leo) Johansen of Elgin; his brothers, Gary (Cindy) of Elgin, Bob (Kathy) of Cedar Rapids, and Richard (Donna) of Cedar Rapids; his father-in-law, L. Barney Halverson of Marshalltown; a sister-in-law, Ann Halverson of Bozeman, Montana; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, along with his four legged babies, Eloise and Brindi.
 

Merlin was preceded in death by his mother, Rose; a brother, Keith; his mother-in-law, Ruth Halverson; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Memorials may be directed to the Good Neighbor Home, Marietta’s Place; Hospice of Comfort, the Dubuque Humane Society or the Upper Iowa University School of Science and Mathematics Churbuck Dean’s Fund.

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

Memorial Service:  11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at the United Methodist Church in Manchester, Iowa.

Officiating:  Rev. Phil Rogers

Visitation: The family will greet friends from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 22, 2015, at the Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester.

Inurnment:  Will take place at a later date.

Bill Henderson

Bill Henderson, well-known educator and musician, died on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, surrounded by his family.  He was 85 years old.

Born Sept. 4, 1930, in Cresco, Bill grew up in Hawkeye, Iowa and graduated from Hawkeye High School. He later graduated from Luther College and received a master’s degree from Drake University. He served as band director at Ogden High School, West Union High School, and Lincoln High School in Des Moines before taking a position at Iowa Lutheran Hospital.  After serving as Director of Security and Executive Director of the Iowa Lutheran Hospital Foundation, he retired in 1990.

Bill became well-known as the organist for Drake University men’s basketball games at Veterans Auditorium, where he played for 25 years, and for Iowa State University men’s basketball games. He was also skilled playing a number of musical instruments including organ, piano, trombone, and tuba for the Des Moines Symphony, Maple Street Jazz Band, and Veterans Band.  Bill was a lifetime member of the Des Moines Musicians Union.

As a member of Za Ga Zig Shrine, Bill enjoyed driving children to the Shriner’s Hospital in Minneapolis for medical care. He was a member of the Downtown Kiwanis and later joined the Golden K Kiwanis. 

He was a longtime member of Central Lutheran Church (now Capitol Hill Lutheran Church) and later joined Grace Lutheran Church.

A proficient golfer, Bill spent many hours on the golf course with friends, coaching new golfers, playing in tournaments, and helping in course activities.

Bill delighted in meeting people and enjoyed performing music programs, telling jokes, volunteering, and giving a helping hand whenever he was asked. He believed that “strangers” were friends he just had not yet met.

Survived by his wife of 62 years, Torry, Bill is also survived by son Mark (Mary) Henderson of Minneapolis, daughter Terry (RJ) Hernandez of Prole, son Kent (Sue Hillinger) Henderson of Galena, Illinois, daughter Paula (Rick) Gleason of Indianola; grandchildren Eric, Josh (Ting), Mandy (Dave), Jake, Lauren, Jasper, Libby, and Anna; great grand-daughter Alice; sister Betsy (Bob) Huibregtse of Orange City; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Lelah Henderson.

Visitation was held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street in Des Moines. 

A funeral service took place at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at Grace Lutheran Church, 3010 52^nd Street.

Memorial contributions may be made to UnityPoint Health Foundation (Iowa Lutheran Hospital), Grace Lutheran Church, or the Chrysalis Foundation in Des Moines.

Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.