Ronald Crandall

Ronald Arthur Crandall, 88, passed away Saturday, February 20, 2016, at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, due to complications from a fall.

Ron was born on March 31, 1927, in Polo, Missouri, the second son of Theo and Grace (Swale) Crandall.

Their family moved to Fayette County when Ron was a child. He attended Fayette and West Union public schools. 

Soon after his 18^th birthday, Ron enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on the Philippine Sea Aircraft Carrier from 1945 to 1949. He loved to share stories of his adventures traveling the Mediterranean Sea and crossing the equator to bring supplies to Admiral Byrd in Antarctica. 

Ron married Donna Biermann, daughter of Otto and Ester Biermann, on September 30, 1951. 

He farmed for several years and later owned and operated Ron’s Body Shop in West Union. He returned to farming in the 1970s north of West Union near the Turkey River. 

Ron and Donna moved to Osage Beach, Missouri, in 1984, where he worked for Heron Bay before he retired.

Ron enjoyed family times, the great outdoors, working and creating with his hands, helping others, and especially he enjoyed making people laugh.

Survivors include his wife, Donna, of Atlantic, Iowa; two daughters, Janice (Steve) Morales of Oak Park, CA, and Gayle (Tom) Fisher of Isanti, MN; three sons, Michael Crandall of Winona, MN, Brad (Jodene) Crandall of Atlantic, IA, and Craig (Kate) Crandall of Champlin, MN; six grandchildren, Stephanie, Lauren, Creigh, Claire, Luke, Sydney; three brothers, Dean (Norma) Crandall of Davenport, IA, Bruce (Marge) Crandall of West Union, Larry (Dianne) Crandall of West Union; one sister, Carolyn Crandall Russell of Ames, IA; two sisters-in-law, Florence Crandall of Waverly, IA, and Sue Crandall of Oelwein, IA; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents; two brothers, Eldon and Dan Crandall; and a brother-in-law, Robert Russell, preceded Ron in death. 

A memorial celebration service will be held on Monday, June 20, 2016, at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union. Details regarding the service will be set at a later date. 

Memorials or cards may be mailed to Donna Crandall in care of Brad Crandall, 309 West 10^th Street, Atlantic, IA 50022.           9u9

Ricky Waterman

Ricky R. Waterman, 61, of Fayette passed away on February 22, 2016 at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo.

Visitation was from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Friday February 26, 2016 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home in Oelwein.

Services will then follow at 5:00 PM with Carol Hamilton officiating.

For condolences, please visit www.geilenfeldfh.com.

Ricky R. Waterman was born on February 20, 1955 in Oelwein, Iowa the son of Orville and Lavearl (Lockard) Waterman.

He attended the Oelwein High School and after graduating, joined the U. S. Army. He took his training at Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri.

After the service he began cooking for several different restaurants until his health began to fail.

Ricky enjoyed travel and is believed to have been in all 50 states at some time in his life. He also enjoyed cards, listening to music and going out to eat.

His family was important to him and they will miss him dearly.

Ricky is survived by his mother Lavearl of Sumner: his sister Lisa (Jeff) Smith of Sumner; his brothers: Leonard Waterman of Mesa, Arizona and Troy Waterman of Moline, Illinois and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Orville (1/3/1994).        9u9

Hazel Gruver

Hazel Gruver, 96, of West Union, Iowa passed away on Monday, February 29, 2016 at Palmer Lutheran Health Center in West Union.

Funeral services were held at 11 am on Monday, March 7, 2016 at Bethel Presbyterian Church in West Union with Rev. Ron Wilson officiating.

A public visitation was held one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.

Burial will be held in the Elgin Cemetery, Elgin, at a later date.

Hazel Mae Gruver was born June 1, 1919 in Elgin, Iowa to Rueben and Gertrude (Greisinger) Howard.

She attended and graduated from Elgin High School.



Hazel was united in marriage to Roland (Rod) Gruver on May 25, 1940 at the Methodist Church in West Union. They farmed in Elgin for many years. 



Hazel was a cook at the school in West Union and worked at Bemiss Bakery for many years.



Hazel enjoyed spending time with her family, she was an avid reader and loved to cook, garden & play cards. Her & Rod spent many summers with family and friends at their place in Harpers Ferry, IA and after retirement spending winters in Texas.  Anyone who spent time visiting her or has taken care of her knows her great sense of humor and how she always had an interesting story to share. 

  She was a long time member of the Bethel Presbyterian Church in West Union, IA.



Hazel is survived by her two children; son, Curt (Charlene) Gruver of Preston, IA and daughter, Cindy Barness of West Union, IA, grandchildren; Chris (Todd) Schoenthaler of Edmund, OK, Carrie (Jamie) Waack of Maquoketa, IA, Chad (Rennett) Gruver of Preston, IA, Wendy (Roger) Stahr of West Union, Jodi (Cam) Granger of West Union, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Rod & a half-sister Bonnie Heins of Elgin.

S.K. Rogers & Burnham-Wood Funeral Home in West Union was in charge of the arrangements.   10u10

Donald Quandt

Donald A. Quandt, 85, of Randalia, died Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.

Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 5, 2016, at Grace Lutheran Church in Fayette with Rev. Herbert Mueller, III officiating. 

Interment followed at Long Grove Cemetery in Maynard.

Visitation was from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 4, at Becker-Milnes Funeral home in Fayette and for one hour preceding services at the church on Saturday.

Memorials may be given to the family. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com. 

Donald Arthur, son of Arthur and Ella (Wichmann) Quandt, was born May 25, 1930, near Hawkeye in Windsor Township of Fayette County, Iowa.

He was baptized June 22, 1930, at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union and confirmed June 18, 1944, at Grace Lutheran Church in Fayette.

He received his education in the Fayette Public Schools.

On November 27, 1957, he was united in marriage with Roma Henning at Grace Lutheran Church in Fayette. The couple made their home on a farm in rural Randalia.

He farmed for many years and passionately enjoyed doing so until a couple of years ago.

He was a long time member of Grace Lutheran Church in Fayette.

He is survived by two brothers, Paul (Marian) Quandt of Waterloo, Kenny (Bev Duncan) Quandt of Maynard; four sisters, Betty Volker of Fredericksburg, Idella Klein of Fayette, Lauretta Pape of West Union, and JoAnn (Russel) Treptow of Maynard; 20 nieces and nephews; and several grandnieces and grandnephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Roma, who died November 23, 2011, he was preceded in death by his brother, Gehlen, who died in 1997, three brothers-in-law, Elmer Volker, Bill Pape and Clifford Klein; and two nephews, Rick Quandt and Delbert Volker.       10u10

Harriet Moss

Harriet Moss, 82, of West Union, Iowa, passed away Sunday, February 21, 2016, at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

She was born on May 19, 1933 to Jake and Geraldine (Dykstra) Renes near Maurice, Iowa.

She attended a country school.

She was united in marriage to Elmer Moss, the love of her life, at her parent’s home on June 11, 1951. They made their home on Elmer’s family farm near Carmel, Iowa where they began their family. After 16 years of farming and sales, they moved to West Union, Iowa.

Harriet was a loving and dedicated wife to Elmer. Together they raised their eight children.

In addition to her responsibilities as a wife and mother, she took on other jobs. She was the dispatcher for the City of West Union Police, Fire Department, Ambulance, and other businesses for 15 years. Also, she worked with her husband and two sons in their new business, Moss Roofing.

Harriet loved the Lord and looked forward to going to her heavenly home.

She shared her love for music by playing the organ and piano at church for over 40 years. She played for numerous sing-alongs and soloists. She helped with many Sunday School, VBS, and Christmas programs throughout the years. She was a member of several churches throughout her life including the Carmel Reformed Church in NW Iowa, the West Union Wesleyan Church and the Fayette Wesleyan Church.

She was a very special woman, wife, mother, and friend. What a great inspiration she was to many. She loved to play games --and certainly loved to win! In her spare time she enjoyed reading, listening to music, sewing, Swedish weaving, and quilt making.

Elmer & Harriet were blessed with the opportunity to become snowbirds and escape the cold Iowa winters in sunny Mesa, Arizona. There she made numerous new friends as well as getting re-acquainted with childhood friends. She looked forward to spending time with them each year, creating many great memories.

Left to cherish Harriet’s memory are her husband Elmer, of 64 years, and her children: Earl (Joann) Moss of West Union, Jim (Joyce) Moss of Lansing, Wayne (Gail) Moss of West Union, Twyla (Dennis) McElree of West Union, Sandy (Randy) Mullikin of Springdale, Ark., Paulette (Ken) Settje of Forest, Va., June (Roy) Edwards of Springdale, Ark., and Daryl (Megan) Moss of West Union. She was blessed with 19 grandchildren, and their spouses, and 21 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Jake and Geraldine Renes, in-laws, Neal and Tillie Moss. Brothers: Henry, Sam (Mina), and John Renes and a sister in infancy. Brothers and sisters-in-law including: Phillip Martini, Jim Albertson, John Vander Stelt, Art (Matilda) Moss, Henry Moss, and Albert (Henrietta) Moss. Also, son-in-law, Kenneth Sutton and grandson, Jonathan Gossman.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 am on Friday, Feb. 26, 2016 at Fayette Community Church in Fayette, Iowa.

Burial followed in West Union Cemetery.

A public visitation was held from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at S.K. Rogers & Burnham-Wood Funeral Home in West Union.

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

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Dale Cooksley

Dale Frederick Cooksley, 74, of Elgin, Iowa died Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Palmer Lutheran Hospital, West Union, Iowa.

He was born August 9, 1941 to Fred and Mildred (Reth) Cooksley in Monticello, Iowa.

Dale attended North Fort Township Country School through the eighth grade.

Dale was united in marriage with Peggy (Halverson) Cooksley on October 20, 1989 at the United Methodist Church, Monona, Iowa.

He was a truck driver, bus driver and most recently, a driver for Meals on Wheels.

Dale enjoyed fishing, joking with people, taking care of his grandchildren, making bird houses, doing puzzles, watching football, baseball and softball and trying to fix anything that was broken. He loved being outdoors, conversing with people, watching westerns movies and American Ninja Warrior, he was very organized.

Dale was a member of the United Methodist Church in Elgin, Iowa.

Dale is survived by his wife of twenty-six years, Peggy of Elgin; nine children, Terry (Mark) Bader of Monticello, Iowa, Lynette “Kay” (Donald) Kelley of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Jeffrey (Lori) Cooksley of Sumner, Iowa, Marilyn (Darrell Meyer) Schanbeck of Manchester, Iowa, Everett Cooksley of Norwalk, Wisconsin, Clifford (Kelly) Schanbeck of Dyersville, Iowa, Clinton Cooksley of Norwalk, Wisconsin, Sandra (Tracy) Miller of Manchester, Iowa and Lydia (Ben) Hepke of Elgin, Iowa; 18 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; five siblings, Darlene (Jim) Opperman of Fayette, Iowa, Joe (Rose) Cooksley of Earlville, Iowa, Logina Cooksley of Fayette, Iowa, Erlin (Joyce) Cooksley of Buffalo, Missouri and Evelyn (Will) Deckler of Petersburg, Iowa.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Gena Marie Schanbeck.

Visitation was held Monday, March 7, 2016 from 4-7 pm at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, Iowa and one hour before services at the funeral home on Tuesday.

Funeral Services were held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, Iowa with Pastor Leslie White as the Officiant.

Burial followed at the Elgin Cemetery, Elgin, Iowa.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, Iowa helped the family with the arrangements.        10u10

Sherryl Werhan

Sherryl Werhan, 72, of West Union died Saturday, March 5, 2016, at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, Wis.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 11, at S.K. Rogers & Burnham-Wood Funeral Home in West Union.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 10, at the funeral home.

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

Dean Erickson

Dean Scott Erickson was born into the arms of Jesus on March 5th, 2016.  Dean is the son of Scott & Kelsey Erickson of Janesville, WI.  He is deeply loved by his sister, Clarice Erickson; paternal grandparents, Jim & Kathy Erickson; maternal grandparents, Rod & Sheryl Butikofer; paternal great-grandmother, Lois Erickson; maternal great-grandmother, Mary Moyle; aunt, Keri (Curtis) Stepan; uncles, Jeff Erickson and Greg Erickson; cousins, Kamryn & Adrian Stepan; as well as many other wonderful family members and friends.  He is preceded in death by paternal great-grandfather, John Erickson; maternal great-grandfather, Leslie Moyle; paternal great-grandparents, John Jr. & Donna Butikofer; and maternal great-grandparents Pliny & Evelyn Wagg.  A visitation will take place on Saturday, March 12th from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. with a funeral service immediately following, both at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 3001 N. Wright Rd. in Janesville, WI 53546.  A light lunch will be provided during visitation hours.

Born into eternal life

“For there is a greater purpose for me.”

Jeffrey A. Rose

STERLING, IL – Jeffrey A. Rose, 53 passed away peacefully on February 29, 2016 at CGH Medical Center in Sterling surrounded by family. Jeff was a resident of Exceptional Care and Training Center in Sterling for the past 35 years, being the 5^th resident at the home when it opened in 1980.

Jeff was born on October 10, 1962 at Community General Hospital in Sterling the son of Darol G. and Sheryl M. (Wallmark) Rose.

He is survived by his mother and step father, Sheryl (Charles “Chuck”) Blanford of Sterling; his sisters: Jean (Randy) Schutt of Rock Falls, Julie (Mike) Hader of Greenwood, NE, Jackie Francque (Shawn McSherry) of Barneveld, WI; his brothers: Jerry Rose of Sterling and Mark Rose of Wittier, NC; his step sisters: Rhonda (Donnie) Earley of Osceola, IA, Leslie Owen of El Dorado, CA, Beth (Kevin) Kosman of Weldon, IA; step brothers: Andrew Blanford of Arcada, CO, and Paul Filip of Peoria, IL; many nieces and nephews; and his extended family at the Exceptional Care and Training Center in Sterling.

He was preceded in death by his father Darol G. Rose; and a great niece Blaiksley Rose Sheppard and his grand parents.

Visitation was held on Saturday March 5, 2016 from 9 – 10:45 AM at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Rock Falls; Followed by the Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM in the church, with Monsignor Thomas Dzielak officiating. Burial will conclude at Calvary Cemetery, Sterling. Arrangements by McDonald Funeral Homes.

Memorials to Exceptional care and Training Center in his memory.

John "Tom" Cox

John "Tom" Cox, 78, of West Union died Monday, March 14, 2016. Visitation will be held for one hour beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 19, at Crossfire Church on W. Franklin Street in West Union. Funeral services will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the church with a luncheon afterwards.

Sherryl Werhan

Sherryl “Sherry” Rae Werhan, 72, of West Union, IA passed away Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, WI.

Funeral services were held on Friday, March 11, 2016 at 10:30 am at the S.K. Rogers & Burnham-Wood Funeral Home in West Union, IA.

Visitation was held on Thursday, March 10, 2016 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the S.K. Rogers & Burnham-Wood Funeral Home in West Union, IA.

Sherryl “Sherry” Rae Werhan was born on February 20, 1944 to Ralph and Lena (Earle) Keig in Rural Fayette.

Sherry attended and graduated from Fayette High School in 1962.

On April 20, 1963 she was united in marriage to James “Jim” Werhan at Holy Name Catholic Church in West Union, IA.

She was a candy striper at the hospital during high school. She also did daycare in her home and later helped her husband, Jim, in the vault business as a receptionist.

Sherry enjoyed embroidery, going on car rides, reading mystery and western novels, and especially enjoyed spending time with her family.

Sherry is survived by her husband, Jim; son, Kelly Ray (Taina) Werhan of Riverview, FL; daughter, Karla (Mike) Snyder of West Union, IA; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Sherry is preceded by her parents, her brother, Ralph Keig Jr. and his wife Katherine, one grandson, one nephew, brother-in-laws, John, Charles and David Werhan, Harold Wilbur; and sister-in-law, Ruth Werhan.

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

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Richard "Nick" Johns

Former area resident Dr. Richard Nicholas “Nick” Johns, 64, of East Haddam, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday evening, December 30, 2015 in the company of his loving family.

Nick was born in Eldora, Iowa on June 26, 1951 to Robert Henry “Bob” and Marjorie Ann Johns.

Nick’s school years were spent in the Reinbeck, Hampton and West Union school districts. He graduated from North High School in West Union in 1969 and received his BS in Sociology from the University of Iowa in 1973. He received his MA degree in Educational Administration from Northeast Missouri State University (Truman State University) in Kirksville, Missouri in 1976.  Nick received his Doctor of Education, Educational Leadership (PhD) from the University of Northern Iowa in 1997.

Nick’s educational career spanned 39 years beginning in 1974 as a Behavioral Sciences teacher at Oelwein High School in Iowa. In 1977 he moved to Red Oak, where he became the Associate High School Principal.  In 1980 Nick was hired as the High School Principal for the Starmont Community Schools in Strawberry Point, where he later became Superintendent. 

In 1989 he moved to Michigan, where he became Superintendent of the Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools and in 1992 the Superintendent of the Gibraltar School District.  Nick moved back to Iowa in 1996 as the Superintendent of the Ames Community School District. In 2001 he moved to New York as the Superintendent of the Newburgh School District and in 2004 of the Webutuck Community Schools in Amenia. Lastly, he served as Superintendent of the Liverpool (Syracuse) Central School District from 2009 to 2013, when he retired.

Nick received many academic awards and had numerous professional and community affiliations and publications. Nick’s dedicated work in education touched the lives of thousands of children and inspired hundred of teachers to reflect on and improve their practice. 

In his spare time, Nick enjoyed gardening, cooking, wood barbequing, crossword puzzles and DIY television programs. He especially loved to share his passion for baking with his children and grandchildren. His homemade pies, dinner rolls, French fries and chocolate chip cookies were legendary in his family.

Nick grew up fishing from his father’s boat on Clear Lake, the Mississippi River and Leech Lake in Minnesota. Nick always said his dad was his best friend and that he cherished the time they spent together fishing.  He carried the love of that sport into his retirement, buying a cabin and fishing off his boat on Bashan Lake in East Haddam. 

Nick loved his dogs.  Throughout his life, he was never without one or more by his side. God never made a dog Nick didn’t love! In addition, he had a life long fascination with fish aquariums. This hobby began with a ten-gallon tank and a few goldfish in his bedroom and grew into a 200-gallon tank that filled an entire wall in his home. 

Nick always enjoyed entertaining visiting guests, be they family or friends.  He and Suzy graciously endured the role of ‘NYC tour guides’ on many occasions, organizing site-seeing tours, Broadway shows, shopping and dinners at famous NYC restaurants. Nick’s favorite Broadway show was The Phantom of the Opera, which he saw several times in several different cities.

Nick loved to eat! His love of seafood, especially lobster and shrimp, was well known to everyone who knew him.  Road trips with Nick often ended with dinner at a restaurant where fresh seafood was on the menu.  

Nick’s words to live by:  “If it can’t be fixed with duct tape, it can’t be fixed!  Period!” Nick was famous for using miles of duct tape to wrap and ship packages and to repair his moccasins.

Nick leaves behind his beloved wife, Susan (Suzy), daughter Kesha Robitaille (Matthew) (Evergreen, CO), son Landon (Julie) (Millerton, NY), daughter Kenzey Mazza (Chris) (Chicago, ILL), son Jeremy (Barb) (Galesburg, MI), step-daughter Sarah Chaney (Battlecreek, MI), and step-son James Chaney (Lisa) (Wyandotte, MI), grandsons Matthias, Elias, Jacob, Trystin, granddaughters Kendra and Audrie, sisters Arnette Scandrett (Forrest) (Coralville, IA), Shelley Petsche, (Coralville, IA), Polly Iben (Lee) (Iowa City, IA), nieces Colette Vidal (Scott) (West Branch, IA), and Alex (Tom) Cahill (Columbia, MO), nephews Christopher Petsche (Coralville, IA), Niko (Alexa) Iben (Decorah, IA), Christian Iben (Iowa City, IA), Xavian Iben (Iowa City, IA) Brad Scandrett (Lucinda) (Ames, IA), Kelby (Tina) Scandrett (Iowa City, IA). Many aunts, uncles and cousins in Iowa and around the country also survive Nick.

Nick was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Marjorie Johns, niece Andrea Petsche, and uncle William A. Krause.

Nick was a kind and generous man of strong character with complete and uncomplicated faith in the love of God.  He lived his life with dignity and humor.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Memorials may be directed to The Humane Society of the United States, 2100 L St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20037 or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

A memorial mass in celebration of Nick’s life and career in education will be held for his Iowa family and friends at 10:30am on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Iowa City, Iowa.  A luncheon will follow in the church basement.      11u11

Jim Nicholson

Jim Nicholson, 74, of Oelwein, and formerly of Maynard, Iowa, died Saturday morning, March 12, 2016, at the Oelwein Health Care Center in Oelwein.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date.

The Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Maynard is assisting the family.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

Jim Joe Nicholson was born on May 29, 1941 in Maynard, Iowa, the son of Glenn Marshall & Ruth H. (Holmstrom) Nicholson.  He graduated from Maynard High School in the class of 1959.  Jim served stateside in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era for three years.  He continued his education, studying agriculture, following his military service.   Jim was united in marriage to Janice Gustin on July 5, 1966 in Fayette, Iowa.  Jim worked for John Deere for two years and then farmed in the Maynard area.  He was a member of the Lundbye-Carpenter American Legion Post #245 of Maynard and the Quarter Horse Association.  Jim enjoyed farming, raising and showing quarter horses, spending summers in Canada fishing, island lunches and just being outdoors.

Jim is survived by his wife: Janice Nicholson of Maynard;

daughter: Sheri Nicholson Raine (Larry Raines) of Solon;

2 sons: Ryan (Molly) Nicholson of Fairmont, Minnesota and

Justin (Kristin) Nicholson of Solon;

9 grandchildren: Kaleb (Ruby) Schlee and Kylie Schlee (Kevin “Pete” Peterson),

Marshall, Hayden & Logan Nicholson,

Kaden, Harper, Ainsley and Rowan Nicholson;

great granddaughter: Keira Schlee;

2 sisters: Glenda Thielbert of Muscatine and

Lou Ann Kappmeyer of Liberty, Missouri;

and several nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters: Betty Daniels and Carolyn Borland.

Janet Stepp

Janet L. Stepp, 83, of Fayette, died Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at the Hillcrest Home in Sumner.

Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 26 2016, at Becker-Milnes Funeral home in Fayette with Rev. Robert Burchfield officiating.

Burial followed at Pleasant Hill Cemetery near Fayette.

Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 25, 2016, at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette and for one hour preceding services at the funeral home on Saturday.

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

Janet Louise, daughter of Benjamin and Fern (Mills) McKibben, was born September 30, 1932, in Gladstone, Illinois.

She was baptized June 9, 1940, at the Methodist Church in Gladstone by Rev. W.L. Barnes.

She graduated from Biggsville High School in 1950.

Janet pitched for the Burlington Merchants, a semi-pro fast-pitch softball team during the 1950-1951 season. 

On January 7, 1951, she was united in marriage with Wayne Edward Stepp at the Little Brown Church, near Nashua.

The couple made their home in Fayette, and following Wayne’s death in 1970, Janet worked at Atwood for 20 years prior to retiring.

Janet enjoyed bowling, fishing, and gardening, especially flower gardening. In addition to caring for her own flowers, she took care of John Hofmeyer’s flowers until a year ago. 

Janet was very proud of her family. At family gatherings she would look at all the generations and say “look what I made”.

She is survived by her six children, Roseanna (Steve) Kulish of Ogden, Utah, Cheryl (Steve) Peterson of West Union, Wayne (Ellen) Stepp of Hawkeye, Sheila Kamm of Ogden, Utah, LeeAnn (Steve) Treloar of Hawkeye, and Brian Stepp of Hazelton; 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, Chad (Judy) Kauffman and Sabrina, Dylan, and Isaac, Quentin (Mandie) Stepp, and Reid and Jade, Bridget (Brent) Parker and Brenna and Bristol, Suzy (Dave) Shreve and Lily, Dorrin, and Leah, Lindsay Olson (Brandon Tieskoetter) and Rae VanMilligan and Allie Tieskoetter, Allison (Ben) Bowers and Briar, Paisley, and Myles, Abby Reinking and Kaiden, Shawn Peterson, Jake Stepp, Emma Treloar, Josh Stepp, and Nate Treloar; one sister, Patricia Anderson of Galva, Illinois; one sister-in-law, Vera Splinter of Fayette; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by one grandson, Cory Olson; and her mother and father-in-law, Lottie and Atrus Stepp.      13u13

Arthur Schmitt

Arthur “Art” Schmitt, age 87, of Traditions in West Union, IA, formerly of St. Lucas, IA, died Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at Palmer Lutheran Health CenterHospital, in West Union, IA.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by the Rev. Nick March at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 28, at St. Luke Catholic Church in St. Lucas.

Interment was in the church cemetery. Casket bearers were Art’s grandchildren Brian Pahl, Jessica Frantzen, Heather Zajicek, Stacy Engelhardt, Jolene Schaefer, Christopher “Bud” Winter, Nikki Riha, and James Frantzen.

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

Arthur Frank Schmitt was born April 26, 1928, to William and Anna (Kuennen) Schmitt on the family farm near St. Lucas, IA. 

Arthur attended St. Luke’s Catholic School in St. Lucas.

On Nov. 27, 1950, Art was united in marriage to Agnes Riha at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson, IA. To this union, four daughters were born, Terri, Marie, Irene and Wilma.

Art and Agnes farmed together southeast of St. Lucas area for many years. In 2005, Art retired from farming.

In 2008, they moved to St. Lucas. Arthur has been living at Traditions in West Union since 2012.

Arthur enjoyed his life on the farm and always made sure he provided for his family.

He enjoyed watching westerns, dancing, listening to polka music, playing cards, trips to Las Vegas and many other travels with his wife and numerous family and friends.

Art was a member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters. 

Art is survived by his wife: Agnes Schmitt, West Union, IA. Four daughters: Terri (Cal) Drew, Decorah, IA; Marie (Chuck) Riha, Fort Atkinson, IA; Irene (Tom) Frantzen, Alta Vista, IA; and Wilma (Robert) Meyer, St. Lucas, IA. Eight grandchildren: Brian Pahl, Stacy (Rob) Engelhardt, Nikki (fiancé Zach Njus) Riha, Jessica (Michelle) Frantzen, Jolene (TJ) Schaefer, James (Amanda Luna) Frantzen, Heather (D.J.) Zajicek, and Christopher “Bud” (Ashley) Winter. Nine great-grandchildren: Hannah and Jordan Pahl, Lexie and Marissa Engelhardt, Beckett Frantzen, Jackie and Jocelyn Schaefer, Reece Meitner-Luna and Zoey Zajicek. Two sisters: Lucy (Urban) Dietzenbach, Cresco, IA, and Helen Noska, West Union, IA. Three brothers: Edmund (Norma) Schmitt, West Union, IA; Alex (Shirley) Schmitt, St. Lucas, IA; and Gerald (Rosetta) Schmitt, St. Lucas, IA. Two sisters-in-law: Anna Cook, Mabel, MN, and Marcie Schneberger, Fort Atkinson, IA. One brother-in-law: Donald Riha, Fort Atkinson, IA, along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Art was preceded in death by his parents: William and Anna (Kuennen) Schmitt.  Three sisters and their husbands: Rita in infancy, Della (Leo) Langreck and Irma (Leonard) Bullerman.  Three brothers-in-law: Gene Noska, Orval Cook and Leroy Schneberger.  Two sisters-in-law: Rosie Riha and Martha Riha in infancy.  His father-in-law and mother-in-law: Martin and Stella (Novotny) Riha.  13u13

Richard Paul McAllen

A Celebration of Life service for Richard “Dick” Paul McAllen, 74, of Arlington will be held at St. John Lutheran Church, Arlington, at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 8.

Visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, April 7, and for one hour prior to services on Friday.

Iowa Cremation is helping the family with arrangements.

Richard Paul McAllen, the son of Hugh and Eileen (Heth) McAllen, was born July 30, 1941, in Oelwein.

He died Feb. 25, 2016, at Mercy Hospital of Franciscan Sisters in Oelwein.

Dick was baptized at Grace Lutheran Church, Fayette, and was confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church, Arlington.

He attended Arlington Schools.

Dick was united in marriage with Maxine Margaret Belden on Feb. 17, 1962, at the Fayette home of his grandparents, Paul and Emma Heth.

Dick and Maxine farmed and lived by Volga for many years until moving to Arlington in 1982.

Dick trained teams of horses with the Amish. He spent a share of his life driving the Amish to events, appointments, and fishing with them. Many trips were made to the Mississippi River to fish off the barge at Guttenberg or the dam at Lynxville, Wis.

He also enjoyed the time he and Maxine spent at many county fairs and flea markets in various states. Usually these trips included their grandson Loran and their dog, Puddly. Along the way Dick made many friends.

 He enjoyed the times when his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren would stop by and visit.

Dick’s wife, children, grandchildren, other family members, and friends will always remember how he loved to pick on them. He was always coming up with something, such as a shocking lighter or the horn filled with baby powder.

Dick was also an avid hunter until his health deteriorated and he could no longer go.     

He is survived by Maxine, his wife of 54 years, of Arlington; three sons, Scott McAllen (Angela Schutte) of Hazleton, Shad (Mary Ann) McAllen of Griffithville, Ark., and Ben McAllen; a daughter, Susan (David) Beck of Arlington; six grandchildren, Michael McAllen, Steven McAllen, Loran Beck, Connor McAllen, Courtney Baker, and Carson McAllen; three great-grandchildren, Jayla McAllen, Remington McAllen, and Anabelle McAllen.

Also surviving are a half-sister, Gloria (Gene) Aylsworth of Wadena; a half-brother, Art (Dorothy) Eckheart of Arlington; a special aunt and uncle, Velda and Harry Haldeman of Fairbank; a sister-in-law, Shirley (Delbert) Gifford of Waterloo; brothers-in-law Glenn (Sheila) Belden of Marengo, Russ (Pat) Belden of Clayton Center, and Glen Morarie of Central City; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dick was preceded in death by his mother, Eileen Eckheart; his stepdads, Eldo Eckheart and Alfred Eckheart; a daughter, Sherry Lynn (Feb. 22, 1980); brothers-in-law Robert Hansel and Wayne Belden; sisters-in-law Jean Morarie, Mary Belden and Mary Kay Hansel.

Memorials may be directed to the family in Arlington.      13u13

Troy Thompson

Troy D. Thompson, 46, of Waukon, IA, died Saturday, March 19, 2016, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon.

Funeral services were held Thursday, March 24th, at 10:30 AM at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waterville, IA, with Pastor Ken Kimball officiating.

Burial was at the church cemetery.

Friends called from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Wednesday at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon.

Memorials can be made to Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church, Veterans Memorial Hospital, or to the University of Iowa Dance Marathon.

    Troy Donald Thompson was born April 2, 1969, in Des Moines, IA, the son of Robert and Linda (Klocke) Thompson, who later lived in West Union for some time.

Troy was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union, IA, and confirmed at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waterville, IA.

When he was 3 years old, his family moved to Waukon, IA, where Troy attended school.

He worked at a variety of jobs including on a toll road while living in Jacksonville, FL, and working as security guard for Iowa Hawkeye games and for a Garth Brooks concert. Troy also had his own DJ and karaoke business, playing under the name “Cowboy Kahuna” in the Cedar Rapids, IA area and at the Iowa State Fair.

On June 7, 2003, he married Julie Greiner at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Harper, IA. In 2008, the couple purchased Sycamore Floral in Waukon, which they have owned and operated ever since.

     Troy was a member of Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church and was previously involved with 4-H.

He loved music and was known for his singing. He enjoyed cooking, watching the Green Bay Packers and Iowa Hawkeyes, and deer hunting. When he was younger, Troy liked to race cars with his TNT Racing team and watching NASCAR; he also liked to drive his truck and John Deere tractor in local parades. He was a fan of WWF wrestling and even wrestled in matches in Cedar Rapids. In the mid-90s, he was crowned "World's Biggest Beach Belly" at the beach party in Williamsburg three years in a row; he became known as "The Big Kahuna”. Mostly, he loved spending time with family and his pets.

     Troy is survived by his wife Julie of Waukon; parents Bob and Linda Thompson of Waterville; his sister Tara (Pat) Reisinger of Waterville; his biological parents: Kenny Reisen of California and Pat Tyrer of Texas; mother-in-law Toni Greiner of Keota, IA; many nieces and nephews; and his special pets Bella the dog and the cats.

     He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Clarence and Alvina Klocke; paternal grandparents Art and Irene Thompson; uncles Donald Thompson and Niel Klocke; and his father-in-law Elmer Greiner.

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

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Wayne Sherman

Wayne H. “Sheephead” Sherman, 78, of Maynard, Iowa, died Saturday morning, March 26, 2016 at his home.

Visitation: 3:00 to 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Maynard.

Celebration of Life: 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. Saturday, April 2, 2016 at the Maynard Community Hall in Maynard.

Inurnment: Will be at a later date in Long Grove Cemetery, Maynard.

A Memorial Fund has been established in his name.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

Wayne Howard Sherman was born January 12, 1938 at Donnan, Iowa, the son of Howard and Opal (Wittenberg) Sherman.  He graduated from Maynard High School in 1957, where he received the record for longest kickoff return for touchdown.  On June 14, 1958, he was united in marriage to Joyce Breitsprecher at St. John Lutheran Church in Arlington, Iowa.  Over the years Wayne was employed at Spahn & Rose, Great Western Railroad, Glens Garage and the West Central Community School.  He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Maynard.  Wayne enjoyed fishing, hunting, Nascar, horse shows, watching the birds, spending time at their trailer in Lansing and most of all being with family and friends.

Wayne is survived by his wife: Joyce Sherman of Maynard;

5 children: Randy (Sheryl) Sherman of Maynard,

Rex (Kim) Sherman of Fayette,

Rory (Tracy) Sherman of Maynard,

Robert Sherman of South Amana and

Roxanne (Al) Fink of Randalia;

like a son: Scott (Dayna) Baker of Maynard;

dog: Twister;

6 grandchildren; Kelli (Brad) Kleppe, Kara Sherman, Jill Sherman (Alan Ratzlaff), Jessica Sherman (fiancé: Josh Loban), Taylor Sherman (fiancé: Gerald Long) and Kennadie Sherman;

6 great grandchildren;

1 sister: Marilyn (LeRoy) Rummel of Maynard;

like a brother: Jim (Bev) Brown of Amana;

many cousins; nieces; nephews; and

2 grand-dogs: Whiskey and Mya.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and parents-in-law: Glen and Mildred Breitsprecher.

Larry Voshell

Larry James Voshell, 59, of Wadena, Iowa died on Friday, April 1, 2016 at his home in Wadena, Iowa. 

He was born on July 23, 1956 to LeRoy LaVern and Marjorie Darlene (Gage) Voshell in Oelwein, Iowa.

Larry attended Valley High School in Elgin. 

After High School, Larry entered into the Army on February 27, 1975 and was honorably discharged on May 17, 1978. 

Larry was united in marriage to Kelly Caley on August 14, 1982 in Wadena, Iowa, they later divorced. Two children were born to this union, Marcus and Heather. 

He was a truck driver for Fauser Oil for over 30 years and then went on to drive semi for many different local companies.

Larry enjoy hunting, fishing, traveling, watching and reading westerns, socializing with friends and family. Most of all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren. 

Larry was a member of the Wadena American Legion, Wadena Community Church and Fayette County Pheasants Forever. 

Larry is survived by his two children, Marcus Voshell (Jazmine Ladwig) of Cedar Rapids and Heather Voshell (Brandon Leibold) of Farley, Iowa; two grandchildren, Braylon and Carter Voshell; one honorary daughter, Bailey Moore of Maquoketa, Iowa; five siblings, Lonnie (Darcy) Voshell of West Union, Lanette (Mike) Ginder of Algona, Iowa, Lori (Donnie) Treager of Cresco, Iowa, Linda Voshell of Oelwein, Iowa and Lowell Voshell of Fayette, Iowa and several nieces and nephews. 

Larry was preceded in death by his former wife, Kelly Voshell-Hemann; parents, LeRoy and Marjorie Voshell; one brother, Lloyd Voshell and one brother-in-law, Ron Shuck. 

Visitation will be held Friday, April 8, 2016 from 4 pm to 8 pm at the Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Elgin, Iowa.  There will also be a one hour visitation at the church before services.

Funeral Service will be held Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 10:00 am at Wadena Community Church in Wadena, Iowa with Rev. Bert Mueller as the Officiant.

Burial will follow in Taylorville Cemetery, Arlington, Iowa with full military honors.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elgin, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.      14u14

Goldie Myers

Goldie Mae Myers, 85, of West Union, Iowa passed away Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at Good Samaritan Home in West Union.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, April 8, 2016 at 11:30 am at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union, Iowa.

Burial will be in the West Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 8, 2016 at 10:00 to 11:30 am at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union.

Goldie Mae Myers was born on May 4, 1930 to Russell and Goldie (Dixon) Orth in Mt. Etna, Iowa.

Goldie attended several country schools. She later attended Baptist Missionary Schools in Ohio and Wisconsin.

Goldie worked in nursing homes in Fredericksburg, Fayette, and was a CNA at Good Samaritan Home in West Union, which she retired from in 2002.

Goldie was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in West Union. She also worked with the church quilting and sewing group. In 1998, she started making Memory Bears that were sewn with love. She enjoyed collecting dolls, reading, gardening, tending to her African violets, and going out to have coffee with friends.

Goldie is survived by her son, David (Deb Brown) Myers of Decorah, Iowa; sister-in-law, Ann Orth; nieces and nephews, Debbie (Pat) Dipzinski, Brenda Stringer, Neil (Wendy) Orth, Jon (Rebecca) Hintz, Donald (Rhonda) Hintz, Christine (Steve Buchanan) Griser, Nancy (Rick) McElligott; and other relatives and friends.

Goldie is preceded by her parents; her brother, Leo Orth; and sister, Joy (George) Hintz.

S.K. Rogers and Burnham-Wood Funeral Homes are in charge of arrangements.      14u14