Rhonda Pape

Rhonda Lea Pape, 77, of West Union passed away on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at Palmer Lutheran Health Center in West Union.

Rhonda was born on April 4, 1938 to Floyd and Mayda (Hoppe) Donaldson on the family farm in Webb, Iowa.

Rhonda graduated from Webb High School and attended UNI.

She was united in marriage to Lee Charles Pape on March 2, 1958 at the Methodist Church in Webb, IA.

The couple resided in West Union where Rhonda raised three children and worked for the West Union School District in food service.

In 1985 the couple moved to Sun City, Arizona, where Rhonda worked as Director of Food Service Programs for various facilities.

In 2009 the couple returned to West Union where they lived ever since.

Rhonda loved playing bridge in her many clubs. She also enjoyed cooking and was very good at it. 

She was a member of the Bethel Presbyterian Church in West Union. 

Rhonda is survived by her husband, Lee Pape of West Union; three children, Penni (Greg) Natvig of Tucson, AZ, Patti Lynn Pape of Phoenix, AZ, and Peggi Lisa Pape of Decorah, IA; grandchildren Justin (Alisha) Natvig, Andrea (Mark) Romie, and Cari Natvig; great-grandchildren, Stella Jane Natvig and Kenna Lea Romie; and sister Beverly (Rodney) Bovee.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Darrel Donaldson and Blaine Donaldson. 

Funeral services were held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at Bethel Presbyterian Church in West Union with the Rev. Ron Wilson officiating.

Burial followed in West Union Cemetery.

A public visitation was held from 4 pm until 6 pm on Monday, December 28, 2015 at Burnham-Wood & S.K. Rogers Funeral Home in West Union.

Burnham-Wood & S.K. Rogers Funeral Home of West Union was in charge of the arrangements.     52u52

Marlene Kay Goss

Marlene Kay Goss, 64, of Waterloo, Iowa, died Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital of cancer. She was born May 31, 1951 in West Union, Iowa, the daughter of Levere and Marjorie Granger Wenthe.

She graduated from North Fayette High School in 1969 and Gates Business College. Marlene worked in banking and accounting for several businesses over the years.

Marlene married David Goss on June 12, 1999 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

She was an active member of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church where she was active in the Fellowship committee, Circle Group, Offerings Counter, and Community Meals.

Marlene enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She liked to travel, go shopping and going out to eat. She liked to attend her grandkids' events, go for walks and take care of her flowers.

She is survived by her husband, Dave Goss of Waterloo; one son, Todd Anderson of South Bend, Indiana; one daughter, Amy Howland and her husband Bryon of Waverly, Iowa; four grandchildren: Tyler, Carson, Austin and Payton; her mother, Marjorie Wenthe of Hawkeye, Iowa; and two brothers, Daryl Wenthe and his wife Patricia of Marion, Iowa and Dean Wenthe and his wife Susan of West Des Moines, Iowa.

Marlene was preceded in death by her father and three grandchildren in infancy: Tanner, Macy and Morgan.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church with the Rev. Gary Heidt-Johnson officiating.

Interment was in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Waterloo, Iowa.

Locke Funeral Home in Waterloo assisted the family with the arrangements.

Dorothy M. Gilmer

Dorothy M. Gilmer, 99, of Maynard, Iowa died on Sunday evening, December 27, 2015 at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.

Funeral Service: 11:00 A.M. Thursday, December 31, 2015 at the Randalia United Methodist Church, Randalia with Pastor Mike Christie officiating.

Visitation:  3:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home, Maynard and for one hour before services at the church on Thursday.

Interment:  Long Grove Cemetery, Maynard, Iowa.

A Memorial Fund has been established for the Randalia United Methodist Church or the donor’s choice.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

Dorothy Merle Holmes was born on February 21, 1916 near Randalia, Iowa the daughter of Vern Sullivan & Lillian May (Ruvenacht) Holmes.  She graduated from Randalia High School and continued her education at Upper Iowa College in Fayette.  She received her teaching degree and taught in rural Fayette County schools for five years.  Dorothy was united in marriage to Ralph Mitchell Gilmer on June 8, 1941 at Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Maynard.  Dorothy was a homemaker.  Also, she later worked as a postal clerk for 18 ½ years primarily in Maynard but also in Hazleton, Stanley and Arlington.  Dorothy had been a resident of Maple Crest Manor in Fayette since June of 2013. 

Dorothy was a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Maynard where she was actively involved in the church with the United Methodist Women, teaching Sunday school and teaching bible school.  In 2008, when the Maynard church was closed, Dorothy transferred her membership to the Randalia United Methodist Church.  When Dorothy’s children were in school, she was active in the P.T.A.  Dorothy enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and playing cards.

Dorothy is survived by her 2 Daughters:  Marilyn (Donald) Lala of Center Point &

Ann Bailey of Hampton;

4 Grandchildren;

2 Step Grandchildren;

1 Great Granddaughter;

3 Great Grandsons;

Several Step Great Grandchildren;

1 Step Great Great Grandson;

Brother: Kenneth Holmes of Menifee, California and

Nieces & Nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Ralph on May 24, 2000, 2 sisters: Loretta Miller and Evelyn Chase and a brother: Ralph Holmes.

Odelia Cremer

Odelia Cremer, age 96, of Calmar, IA, died on Tuesday, December 22, 2015, at the Ossian Senior Hospice in Ossian, IA.

Mass of Christen Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 28, at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Festina.

Interment was at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Cemetery in Festina.

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

     Odelia Elizabeth Lechtenberg Cremer was born on June 24, 1919, the daughter of Herman and Catherine (Uhlenhake) Lechtenberg, on the Lechtenberg family farm near Festina, IA.  Odelia attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Festina and helped on the family farm. She was united in marriage to Leander “Lenny” Cremer on February 5, 1940, at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Festina. Together they farmed the Cremer family farm until they retired in 1981. She enjoyed refinishing furniture, quilting, doing needlework and puzzles.  Odelia enjoyed traveling and playing cards with her good friends and neighbors.  She was a wonderful cook and was famous for her “Iowa Sweet Corn”, which is loved by her family.  Odelia always was an avid Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeye fan.  Odelia was a member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church and the Rosary Society.

     Odelia is survived by her three children: Jean (Tom) Choate, Madison, WI; Linus (Shari) Cremer, Frisco, TX; Charles (Margaret) Cremer, Albuquerque, NM.  Six grandchildren: Kristine (Craig) Patterson, Kathryn (Michael LaVolpe) Choate, David (Anne) Choate, Randy Cremer, Juli (Darrell) Lindsey, Jacqueline (John) Grad, along with nine great grandchildren: Nick, Samantha and Jack Patterson, Ellie and Grace Choate, Gabriel and Jacob LaVolpe, Sydney and Michael Grad.  One brother-in-law: Linus Bodensteiner, Decorah, IA, Two sisters-in-law: Marie Cremer, Bellevue, NE, and Phyllis Lechtenberg, Ossian, IA, along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

     Odelia is preceded in death by her parents: Herman and Catherine (Uhlenhake) Lechtenberg. Her husband: Leander “Lenny” Cremer on January 20, 2015.  Her siblings and their spouses: Edvina (Joe) Thuente, Bertha (John) Thuente, Joe (Caroline) Lechtenberg, Greg (Elizabeth) Lechtenberg, Julia (Andrew) Hemesath, Irenaeus Lechtenberg as a child, Bridget Lechtenberg, Theodore “Ted” Lechtenberg, Catherine (Art) Huber and Rita (Linus) Bodensteiner. Odelia’s father and mother-in-law: John and Mathilda (Holthaus) Cremer. Lenny’s siblings: Alfred (Rose) Cremer, Greg (Frances) Cremer, Victor (Teresa) Cremer, Francis (Georgene) Cremer, Paul (Dorothy) Cremer, Marie (Curt) Rothmeyer, Nora (Joe) Vondersitt, Rita Cremer, as a child, and Marcella Cremer as an infant. 

    Memorials may be given in memory of Odelia to the Ossian Senior Hospice, 114 Fischer Street, Ossian, IA 52161 or to Winneshiek County Hospice, 907 Montgomery Street, Decorah, IA 52101.

Joan Shannon

Joan Mary Shannon, 77, of Oelwein Iowa, formerly of Fayette and Fairbank, died Sunday, December 27, 2015, in her daughter’s home in Scottsdale, AZ.

Joan was born February 21, 1938, in Fairbank Iowa, daughter of Edgar and Helen Overmann-Shannon.

She married Robert L. Dugan and the couple later divorced.

She later married Gerald B. Bates on March 17, 1998 in Las Vegas.

Joan attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School, Fairbank.

She held a variety of jobs over the years as well as farming over 20 years in the Fayette area.

Survivors: Husband, Gerald (Benny) Bates of Oelwein; daughters, Connie (Wayne) Thibault of Scottsdale, AZ, Judy Gamm (Mark Sears) of Gifford and Barbara Dugan (Scott Rayhons) of Garner; four grandchildren, three great grandchildren and sister, Geraldine (Geri) Bliss of Oelwein.

She is preceded in death by her parents, a son Robert Joseph Dugan, a brother Gilbert and Fay Thomas (Tom) Shannon, a sister Donna Loftus, and former husband Robert L. Dugan.

Services: A private family services will be held at a later date.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Croix Hospice, PO Box 111, Strawberry Point, IA 52076 or Hospice of the Valley, 16117 N. 76th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85260.        1u1

Eunice Elizabeth Frommelt

Eunice Elizabeth Frommelt, 101, of Ossian, Iowa died on Thursday, December 24, 2015 at Ossian Senior Hospice in Ossian, Iowa. Eunice Elizabeth was born on January 30, 1914 to Elmer Sr. and Mathilda (Ehrhardt) Hedeman, the sixth child of nine, in Clayton County, Iowa on the family farm. She graduated from Guttenberg High School in 1931 and attended Normal Training for teaching. Eunice taught for a brief time at a Country School near her home farm.

Eunice was united in marriage with Elmer Frommelt on November 29, 1934 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Guttenberg, Iowa. Five children were born to this union. After marriage, she took care of her family and then began teaching again at Miner’s Creek near Guttenberg until they moved to Monona, where Elmer was a butter maker for Monona Creamery. In 1954, they moved to Ossian where they owned and operated Red’s Tavern. This was the start of her professional cooking days, throughout the years she also worked at Nicandy Café, Evie’s Café, Zwiebohmer Tavern and Café and Ossian Hospice. Eunices cooking was enjoyed by many, especially the Sunday morning Nicandy’s cinnamon rolls. She loved spending time with her family and enjoyed playing cards.

Eunice is survived by her four children; Joanne Schroeder of Ossian, Patricia Heying of Ossian, Daniel Frommelt of Des Moines and Jane (Jim) Meadows of Tucson, Arizona; twenty-four grandchildren and thirty-two great-grandchildren and fifteen great-great-grandchildren.

Eunice was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Mathilda Hedeman; husband, Elmer; daughter in infancy, Lois Carol; siblings, six brothers and two sisters; two sons-in-law, Donald Schroeder and Paul Heying; and one grandson-in-law, Patrick Kirkland.

 Visitation will be Wednesday, December 30, 2015 from 4-7 pm at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian, Iowa and one hour before Mass at the church on Thursday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 31, 2015 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian, Iowa with Rev. Robert Gross as the Celebrant.

Interment will follow at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery, Ossian, Iowa.

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

Eunice Elizabeth Frommelt

Eunice Elizabeth Frommelt, 101, of Ossian, Iowa died on Thursday, December 24, 2015 at Ossian Senior Hospice in Ossian, Iowa. Eunice Elizabeth was born on January 30, 1914 to Elmer Sr. and Mathilda (Ehrhardt) Hedeman, the sixth child of nine, in Clayton County, Iowa on the family farm. She graduated from Guttenberg High School in 1931 and attended Normal Training for teaching. Eunice taught for a brief time at a Country School near her home farm.

Eunice was united in marriage with Elmer Frommelt on November 29, 1934 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Guttenberg, Iowa. Five children were born to this union. After marriage, she took care of her family and then began teaching again at Miner’s Creek near Guttenberg until they moved to Monona, where Elmer was a butter maker for Monona Creamery. In 1954, they moved to Ossian where they owned and operated Red’s Tavern. This was the start of her professional cooking days, throughout the years she also worked at Nicandy Café, Evie’s Café, Zwiebohmer Tavern and Café and Ossian Hospice. Eunices cooking was enjoyed by many, especially the Sunday morning Nicandy’s cinnamon rolls. She loved spending time with her family and enjoyed playing cards.

Eunice is survived by her four children; Joanne Schroeder of Ossian, Patricia Heying of Ossian, Daniel Frommelt of Des Moines and Jane (Jim) Meadows of Tucson, Arizona; twenty-four grandchildren and thirty-two great-grandchildren and fifteen great-great-grandchildren.

Eunice was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Mathilda Hedeman; husband, Elmer; daughter in infancy, Lois Carol; siblings, six brothers and two sisters; two sons-in-law, Donald Schroeder and Paul Heying; and one grandson-in-law, Patrick Kirkland.

 Visitation will be Wednesday, December 30, 2015 from 4-7 pm at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian, Iowa and one hour before Mass at the church on Thursday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 31, 2015 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian, Iowa with Rev. Robert Gross as the Celebrant.

Interment will follow at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery, Ossian, Iowa.

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

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.

Rhonda Pape

Rhonda Lea Pape, 77, of West Union passed away on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at Palmer Lutheran Health Center in West Union.

Rhonda was born on April 4, 1938 to Floyd and Mayda (Hoppe) Donaldson on the family farm in Webb, Iowa.

Rhonda graduated from Webb High School and attended UNI.

She was united in marriage to Lee Charles Pape on March 2, 1958 at the Methodist Church in Webb, IA.

The couple resided in West Union where Rhonda raised three children and worked for the West Union School District in food service.

In 1985 the couple moved to Sun City, Arizona, where Rhonda worked as Director of Food Service Programs for various facilities.

In 2009 the couple returned to West Union where they lived ever since.

Rhonda loved playing bridge in her many clubs. She also enjoyed cooking and was very good at it. 

She was a member of the Bethel Presbyterian Church in West Union. 

Rhonda is survived by her husband, Lee Pape of West Union; three children, Penni (Greg) Natvig of Tucson, AZ, Patti Lynn Pape of Phoenix, AZ, and Peggi Lisa Pape of Decorah, IA; grandchildren Justin (Alisha) Natvig, Andrea (Mark) Romie, and Cari Natvig; great-grandchildren, Stella Jane Natvig and Kenna Lea Romie; and sister Beverly (Rodney) Bovee.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Darrel Donaldson and Blaine Donaldson. 

Funeral services were held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at Bethel Presbyterian Church in West Union with the Rev. Ron Wilson officiating.

Burial followed in West Union Cemetery.

A public visitation was held from 4 pm until 6 pm on Monday, December 28, 2015 at Burnham-Wood & S.K. Rogers Funeral Home in West Union.

Burnham-Wood & S.K. Rogers Funeral Home of West Union was in charge of the arrangements.     52u52

Marlene Kay Goss

Marlene Kay Goss, 64, of Waterloo, Iowa, died Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital of cancer. She was born May 31, 1951 in West Union, Iowa, the daughter of Levere and Marjorie Granger Wenthe.

She graduated from North Fayette High School in 1969 and Gates Business College. Marlene worked in banking and accounting for several businesses over the years.

Marlene married David Goss on June 12, 1999 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

She was an active member of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church where she was active in the Fellowship committee, Circle Group, Offerings Counter, and Community Meals.

Marlene enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She liked to travel, go shopping and going out to eat. She liked to attend her grandkids' events, go for walks and take care of her flowers.

She is survived by her husband, Dave Goss of Waterloo; one son, Todd Anderson of South Bend, Indiana; one daughter, Amy Howland and her husband Bryon of Waverly, Iowa; four grandchildren: Tyler, Carson, Austin and Payton; her mother, Marjorie Wenthe of Hawkeye, Iowa; and two brothers, Daryl Wenthe and his wife Patricia of Marion, Iowa and Dean Wenthe and his wife Susan of West Des Moines, Iowa.

Marlene was preceded in death by her father and three grandchildren in infancy: Tanner, Macy and Morgan.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church with the Rev. Gary Heidt-Johnson officiating.

Interment was in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Waterloo, Iowa.

Locke Funeral Home in Waterloo assisted the family with the arrangements.

Dorothy M. Gilmer

Dorothy M. Gilmer, 99, of Maynard, Iowa died on Sunday evening, December 27, 2015 at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.

Funeral Service: 11:00 A.M. Thursday, December 31, 2015 at the Randalia United Methodist Church, Randalia with Pastor Mike Christie officiating.

Visitation:  3:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home, Maynard and for one hour before services at the church on Thursday.

Interment:  Long Grove Cemetery, Maynard, Iowa.

A Memorial Fund has been established for the Randalia United Methodist Church or the donor’s choice.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

Dorothy Merle Holmes was born on February 21, 1916 near Randalia, Iowa the daughter of Vern Sullivan & Lillian May (Ruvenacht) Holmes.  She graduated from Randalia High School and continued her education at Upper Iowa College in Fayette.  She received her teaching degree and taught in rural Fayette County schools for five years.  Dorothy was united in marriage to Ralph Mitchell Gilmer on June 8, 1941 at Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Maynard.  Dorothy was a homemaker.  Also, she later worked as a postal clerk for 18 ½ years primarily in Maynard but also in Hazleton, Stanley and Arlington.  Dorothy had been a resident of Maple Crest Manor in Fayette since June of 2013. 

Dorothy was a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Maynard where she was actively involved in the church with the United Methodist Women, teaching Sunday school and teaching bible school.  In 2008, when the Maynard church was closed, Dorothy transferred her membership to the Randalia United Methodist Church.  When Dorothy’s children were in school, she was active in the P.T.A.  Dorothy enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and playing cards.

Dorothy is survived by her 2 Daughters:  Marilyn (Donald) Lala of Center Point &

Ann Bailey of Hampton;

4 Grandchildren;

2 Step Grandchildren;

1 Great Granddaughter;

3 Great Grandsons;

Several Step Great Grandchildren;

1 Step Great Great Grandson;

Brother: Kenneth Holmes of Menifee, California and

Nieces & Nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Ralph on May 24, 2000, 2 sisters: Loretta Miller and Evelyn Chase and a brother: Ralph Holmes.

Odelia Cremer

Odelia Cremer, age 96, of Calmar, IA, died on Tuesday, December 22, 2015, at the Ossian Senior Hospice in Ossian, IA.

Mass of Christen Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 28, at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Festina.

Interment was at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Cemetery in Festina.

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

     Odelia Elizabeth Lechtenberg Cremer was born on June 24, 1919, the daughter of Herman and Catherine (Uhlenhake) Lechtenberg, on the Lechtenberg family farm near Festina, IA.  Odelia attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Festina and helped on the family farm. She was united in marriage to Leander “Lenny” Cremer on February 5, 1940, at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Festina. Together they farmed the Cremer family farm until they retired in 1981. She enjoyed refinishing furniture, quilting, doing needlework and puzzles.  Odelia enjoyed traveling and playing cards with her good friends and neighbors.  She was a wonderful cook and was famous for her “Iowa Sweet Corn”, which is loved by her family.  Odelia always was an avid Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeye fan.  Odelia was a member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church and the Rosary Society.

     Odelia is survived by her three children: Jean (Tom) Choate, Madison, WI; Linus (Shari) Cremer, Frisco, TX; Charles (Margaret) Cremer, Albuquerque, NM.  Six grandchildren: Kristine (Craig) Patterson, Kathryn (Michael LaVolpe) Choate, David (Anne) Choate, Randy Cremer, Juli (Darrell) Lindsey, Jacqueline (John) Grad, along with nine great grandchildren: Nick, Samantha and Jack Patterson, Ellie and Grace Choate, Gabriel and Jacob LaVolpe, Sydney and Michael Grad.  One brother-in-law: Linus Bodensteiner, Decorah, IA, Two sisters-in-law: Marie Cremer, Bellevue, NE, and Phyllis Lechtenberg, Ossian, IA, along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

     Odelia is preceded in death by her parents: Herman and Catherine (Uhlenhake) Lechtenberg. Her husband: Leander “Lenny” Cremer on January 20, 2015.  Her siblings and their spouses: Edvina (Joe) Thuente, Bertha (John) Thuente, Joe (Caroline) Lechtenberg, Greg (Elizabeth) Lechtenberg, Julia (Andrew) Hemesath, Irenaeus Lechtenberg as a child, Bridget Lechtenberg, Theodore “Ted” Lechtenberg, Catherine (Art) Huber and Rita (Linus) Bodensteiner. Odelia’s father and mother-in-law: John and Mathilda (Holthaus) Cremer. Lenny’s siblings: Alfred (Rose) Cremer, Greg (Frances) Cremer, Victor (Teresa) Cremer, Francis (Georgene) Cremer, Paul (Dorothy) Cremer, Marie (Curt) Rothmeyer, Nora (Joe) Vondersitt, Rita Cremer, as a child, and Marcella Cremer as an infant. 

    Memorials may be given in memory of Odelia to the Ossian Senior Hospice, 114 Fischer Street, Ossian, IA 52161 or to Winneshiek County Hospice, 907 Montgomery Street, Decorah, IA 52101.

Joan Shannon

Joan Mary Shannon, 77, of Oelwein Iowa, formerly of Fayette and Fairbank, died Sunday, December 27, 2015, in her daughter’s home in Scottsdale, AZ.

Joan was born February 21, 1938, in Fairbank Iowa, daughter of Edgar and Helen Overmann-Shannon.

She married Robert L. Dugan and the couple later divorced.

She later married Gerald B. Bates on March 17, 1998 in Las Vegas.

Joan attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School, Fairbank.

She held a variety of jobs over the years as well as farming over 20 years in the Fayette area.

Survivors: Husband, Gerald (Benny) Bates of Oelwein; daughters, Connie (Wayne) Thibault of Scottsdale, AZ, Judy Gamm (Mark Sears) of Gifford and Barbara Dugan (Scott Rayhons) of Garner; four grandchildren, three great grandchildren and sister, Geraldine (Geri) Bliss of Oelwein.

She is preceded in death by her parents, a son Robert Joseph Dugan, a brother Gilbert and Fay Thomas (Tom) Shannon, a sister Donna Loftus, and former husband Robert L. Dugan.

Services: A private family services will be held at a later date.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Croix Hospice, PO Box 111, Strawberry Point, IA 52076 or Hospice of the Valley, 16117 N. 76th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85260.        1u1

Eunice Elizabeth Frommelt

Eunice Elizabeth Frommelt, 101, of Ossian, Iowa died on Thursday, December 24, 2015 at Ossian Senior Hospice in Ossian, Iowa. Eunice Elizabeth was born on January 30, 1914 to Elmer Sr. and Mathilda (Ehrhardt) Hedeman, the sixth child of nine, in Clayton County, Iowa on the family farm. She graduated from Guttenberg High School in 1931 and attended Normal Training for teaching. Eunice taught for a brief time at a Country School near her home farm.

Eunice was united in marriage with Elmer Frommelt on November 29, 1934 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Guttenberg, Iowa. Five children were born to this union. After marriage, she took care of her family and then began teaching again at Miner’s Creek near Guttenberg until they moved to Monona, where Elmer was a butter maker for Monona Creamery. In 1954, they moved to Ossian where they owned and operated Red’s Tavern. This was the start of her professional cooking days, throughout the years she also worked at Nicandy Café, Evie’s Café, Zwiebohmer Tavern and Café and Ossian Hospice. Eunices cooking was enjoyed by many, especially the Sunday morning Nicandy’s cinnamon rolls. She loved spending time with her family and enjoyed playing cards.

Eunice is survived by her four children; Joanne Schroeder of Ossian, Patricia Heying of Ossian, Daniel Frommelt of Des Moines and Jane (Jim) Meadows of Tucson, Arizona; twenty-four grandchildren and thirty-two great-grandchildren and fifteen great-great-grandchildren.

Eunice was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Mathilda Hedeman; husband, Elmer; daughter in infancy, Lois Carol; siblings, six brothers and two sisters; two sons-in-law, Donald Schroeder and Paul Heying; and one grandson-in-law, Patrick Kirkland.

 Visitation will be Wednesday, December 30, 2015 from 4-7 pm at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian, Iowa and one hour before Mass at the church on Thursday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 31, 2015 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian, Iowa with Rev. Robert Gross as the Celebrant.

Interment will follow at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery, Ossian, Iowa.

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

Eunice Elizabeth Frommelt

Eunice Elizabeth Frommelt, 101, of Ossian, Iowa died on Thursday, December 24, 2015 at Ossian Senior Hospice in Ossian, Iowa. Eunice Elizabeth was born on January 30, 1914 to Elmer Sr. and Mathilda (Ehrhardt) Hedeman, the sixth child of nine, in Clayton County, Iowa on the family farm. She graduated from Guttenberg High School in 1931 and attended Normal Training for teaching. Eunice taught for a brief time at a Country School near her home farm.

Eunice was united in marriage with Elmer Frommelt on November 29, 1934 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Guttenberg, Iowa. Five children were born to this union. After marriage, she took care of her family and then began teaching again at Miner’s Creek near Guttenberg until they moved to Monona, where Elmer was a butter maker for Monona Creamery. In 1954, they moved to Ossian where they owned and operated Red’s Tavern. This was the start of her professional cooking days, throughout the years she also worked at Nicandy Café, Evie’s Café, Zwiebohmer Tavern and Café and Ossian Hospice. Eunices cooking was enjoyed by many, especially the Sunday morning Nicandy’s cinnamon rolls. She loved spending time with her family and enjoyed playing cards.

Eunice is survived by her four children; Joanne Schroeder of Ossian, Patricia Heying of Ossian, Daniel Frommelt of Des Moines and Jane (Jim) Meadows of Tucson, Arizona; twenty-four grandchildren and thirty-two great-grandchildren and fifteen great-great-grandchildren.

Eunice was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Mathilda Hedeman; husband, Elmer; daughter in infancy, Lois Carol; siblings, six brothers and two sisters; two sons-in-law, Donald Schroeder and Paul Heying; and one grandson-in-law, Patrick Kirkland.

 Visitation will be Wednesday, December 30, 2015 from 4-7 pm at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian, Iowa and one hour before Mass at the church on Thursday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 31, 2015 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian, Iowa with Rev. Robert Gross as the Celebrant.

Interment will follow at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery, Ossian, Iowa.

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

Tanner Wymer

Tanner DeWayne Wymer, 17, of Solon, died Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in a tragic drowning accident on the Coralville Reservoir.  

Celebration of Life services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, located at 1749 Racine Avenue NE in Solon, with Pastor Scott Keele Kober of Solon United Methodist Church presiding.

Visitation was from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8, 2016, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

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

Brosh Chapel in Solon is handling Tanner’s arrangements.

Tanner, the son of Brad and Marcy (Gage) Wymer, was born April 19, 1998, in Iowa City.

He was a senior at Solon High School and planned to graduate in May. Tanner was an outstanding student and active in football, wrestling and track/field. 

Tanner is survived by his parents; his loving brother, Jordan, of Solon; his girlfriend, Alexandra Felton of Solon; his paternal grandparents, Ron and Coleen Wymer of West Union; his maternal grandparents, Bob and Mardene Gage of Solon; his great-grandmother, Berniece Carroll of Eldon; his aunts and uncles, Stacy (Bill) Peterson of Dubuque, Travis (Katie) Wymer of West Union, Curt (Sarah) Wymer of Decorah, David Gage of Des Moines; and his cousins Reagan, Dane, Benjamin, Nathan, Lucas, and Nicholas Wymer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Tanner Wymer Memorial Fund, which has been established at Solon State Bank. A scholarship is being planned in his name. 

For full obituary, please see www.broshchapel.com.

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Florence Sells

Florence Marie (Knief) Sells, 96, of West Union, formerly of Frederika, Iowa, passed away on Friday evening, January 8, 2016, at Stoney Brook Village Assisted Living in West Union.

Florence was born on December 6, 1919, in Franklin Township, Bremer County, near 
Readlyn, Iowa, the daughter of Louis and Eda (Poock) Knief.

She was baptized in her parents’ home.

Florence attended parochial school and was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran, Klinger. 

Following her education she helped her parents on the farm.

Florence worked for Rath Packing Company in Waterloo, before going to work at the Dunkerton Locker where she met her future husband, Walter Sells.

They were united in marriage on February 18, 1961, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Klinger. The couple made their home on Walter’s farm near Frederika, where they farmed and operated the Oelwein Locker. In 1968 they retired, sold the farm and moved into Frederika. For the next five years the couple wintered in California, which they both enjoyed very much. Walter died on March 24, 1991.

Florence continued to live in their home in Frederika until March 4, 2003 when she moved to the Palmer Apartments in West Union. In April of 2014, she moved to Stoney Brook Village in West Union.

Florence was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Frederika, but attended Zion Lutheran Church, West Union.

Florence enjoyed her family, loved to cook and bake, especially pies. She also enjoyed playing cards, embroidering and was an avid walker. Florence was a woman full of passion and strong faith, who touch the lives of many.

She is survived by step-daughters, Marlys (Ray) Bailey of Oregon and Nancy Sells of Florida; nieces, Rose (Tom) Magee of Clifton, Colorado, LaVonne Koch of West Union, Iowa, and Sandy Knief of Denver, Iowa; great nieces, Diane (John) Green, Teresa (John) Zweibahmer; great nephews, Dale (Dawn) Magee, Dan (Krystal) Magee, Dwane (Roni Sue) Koch, Rodney (Loretta) Koch, Brian Koch, Keith (Bobby Jo) Koch, Terry (Stacey) Knief, Kevin (Ruthie) Knief, Chris (Ashley) Trzaskos, Joe (Mindy) Trzaskos; 35 great nieces and nephews; one great great great nephew; and several cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Walter, stepson, Gene Sells, her brother and his wife, Waldo and Margaret Knief, nephews, Loren Knief, James Koch, and a great nephew, Tom Trzaskos.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 13, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union, with Pastors Ron Roberts and Paul Nelson officiating.

Burial will be in the Alcock Cemetery, rural Frederika.

Public visitation was to be held Tuesday, January 12^th from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 130 Washington Street West Union, and will also be held for an hour prior to services on Wednesday at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the family where a memorial will be established at a later date.

Online condolences for Florence’s family may be left at www.kaisercorson.com.

Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly is assisting the family.        2u2

Marlene Tangen

Marlene M. Tangen, 78, of Ossian, Iowa passed away Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.  Marlene Muriel, the daughter of Arnold and Nettie (Narveson) Soeder, was born June 14, 1937 in Decorah, Iowa.  She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church (Locust), Decorah. Marlene graduated from Decorah High School in 1956 and attended Luther College in Decorah. 

Marlene was united in marriage to Arthur Tangen on September 21, 1957 at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Marlene and Art farmed and raised their family on their Century farm south of Ossian.  She enjoyed gardening, growing flowers, baking, dancing, and singing.  Mom was full of fun.  She had a twinkle in her eye with an easy laugh and smile.  We could always count on her to share a witty comment or silly song to make us laugh.  Mom spent a lot of time in the kitchen baking and cooking meals for her family.  Fresh baked bread, pies, and cookies were always waiting for us when we got home from school.  Marlene loved life on the farm.  She enjoyed all the farm animals, especially the cows.  She could easily tame them, gently leading them with an ear of corn or calling for them to come by name. Marlene and Art worked on the farm side by side.

 Marlene taught her children the value of hard work and dedication, and to keep a steadfast faith. She loved her family and loved the Lord.  Music was a big part of Marlene’s life.  From her early years she sang in the church choir, choir in high school and the choir at Luther.  She was also a member of the Ossian Community Choir and was often asked to sing at church or weddings.  Music was always on at home.  Mom would often dance to the music while working in the kitchen or singing while milking cows. Even in her last days, Mom was dancing to the music in her hospital bed, swaying her head and tapping her toes.

Marlene was a longtime member of Stavanger Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School and Bible School for many years. She was a woman of strong faith and conviction; always praying for her family and those in need.  Marlene was a great listener and could always be relied on with her words of encouragement, patience, and support.    

Marlene is survived by her husband of fifty-eight years, Art, of Ossian, Iowa; three daughters, Mary Peterson of Manchester, Iowa; Lynn Tangen of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Joy Tangen of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and four grandchildren, Zach, Ben, James, and Jacob; sister-in-law, Carol (Jared) Hills, niece, Kari (Colin) Dirks and family, and nephew, Paul (Cindy) Hills and family.  She is also survived by her special cousins.

Marlene was preceded in death by a son, Mark Tangen; a grandson, Lucas; her parents, Arnold and Nettie Soeder and her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Carl and Agnes Tangen.

Memorials may be directed to Stavanger Lutheran Church or to the Ossian Ambulance.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at Stavanger Lutheran Church, rural Ossian, Iowa. Rev. Wayne Ellingson and Irmgard Ellingson M.A. will be the officiants.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 8, 2016 at Stavanger Lutheran Church, rural Ossian and one hour before services at the church on Saturday.

Interment will be held in the Stavanger Lutheran Cemetery.

Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Ossian, Iowa is handling the arrangements for the family.