Frances Koester

A memorial service for Frances Koester, 95, of Eldorado was held Saturday, Aug. 20, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado. Pastor Ginny Olson officiated.

Burial was in St. Peter Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers were Dave Garlow, Bret Koester, Mariah Koester, Preston Koester, Doug Nelson, Joshua Koester, Asher Koester, Claire Koester.

Frances died quietly at sunrise, her favorite time of day, on Monday, Aug. 15, 2016.

Frances Koester was born June 20, 1921 on the family farm. Her parents were Glenn (Scott) and Edwin Wagner. She had six brothers and sisters: Clair, Carl (Vera), Helen (Reynold) Baumler, Vern (Marvel), Iva (Jack) Adrian, and Amy (Robert) Burgess.

She was baptized April 5, 1942, at First Methodist Church in West Union and confirmed July 8, 1945, by Pastor Foege at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado.

Raised on the farm, Frances preferred being outside than doing anything in the house. She loved milking cows, working cattle and gardening. This never changed throughout her lifetime.

Frances completed country school at Dover #5. She lived in West Union with her Aunt Nell and Uncle Roy, and she graduated from West Union High School.

Frances was united in marriage with Charlie Koester Feb. 4, 1944, by Rev. Foege in the St. Peter parsonage. They settled onto the farm where Charlie was born. They had two sons, Kenneth (Carolyn) and Richard. Frances had two grandsons, Kenneth (Kimberly) and Michael (Phyllis) and six great-grandchildren: Bret (fiancée Sally), Joshua, Mariah, Asher, Preston, and Claire.

She was a member of Friendly Homemakers and a girls’ 4-H leader. She loved teaching young girls to sew. Frances was especially happy to teach her great-granddaughter to sew and instill a love of sewing in Mariah.

Frances was an excellent cook. She taught Richard how to cook and bake as she talked him through the recipes step by step.

A hard worker, she thrived on making big meals, then taking them to the field when needed, completing outside chores, and then going to the barn to milk cows. Then she would go into the house to fix a meal for supper.

Frances loved being a grandmother and great-grandmother. She was always ready to go anywhere they were participating in any activity.

Charlie died May 20, 1996. Frances and son Richard lived together until Sept. 3, 2015, when she became a resident of Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.

Frances will be missed by all her family and friends. May her memory be blessed among us. 

Eileen Alcorn

Eileen A. Alcorn, 69, of West Union, died Monday, August 22, 2016, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN.

Private family services will be held with Rev. Chris Ebbers of the United Methodist Church in West Union officiating. 

Burial will follow at West Union Cemetery.

There will be no visitation.

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Sumner is assisting Eileen’s family.

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

Eileen Ann, daughter of George and Verna Schlatter Heller, was born October 30, 1946, on a farm near Sumner, Iowa.

She attended rural school and graduated from Sumner High School.

On August 13, 1967, she was united in marriage with Lyle R. Alcorn. The couple lived for many years in West Union, where they raised their family. Following Lyle’s death in 2000, Eileen continued to make her home in West Union.

Eileen is survived by three sons, Dennis and Steven, both of West Union, and Daniel (Nicole) of Fairfax, Virginia; and two grandsons, Benjamin and Caleb, and one granddaughter, Tyler.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one son, Kevin, who died in infancy, and her parents.      35u35

Roger A. Martin

Roger A. Martin of Monona, Iowa, died on Monday, August 22, 2016, at Central Community Hospital in Elkader, Iowa, of esophageal cancer. 

The son of Lester and Lena Martin, Roger was born on March 24, 1938. He lived in rural Maynard, Iowa, and graduated from Maynard Consolidated School in 1956.

Roger and Patricia Rueber of Westgate, Iowa, were married on August 15, 1958, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Westgate. Two sons, William and Jeffrey, were born to the couple.

While in school, Roger participated in sports and was proud to have earned thirteen athletic letters. Following graduation from Parsons College, he began his teaching and coaching career in Monona, moving to Aplington, then Coggon, where he taught at North Linn Community School, before returning to Monona. He retired from the MFL MarMac School District in 2000 after 38 years in education.

Roger’s interest in sports continued as he spent his career as a coach while teaching social studies, physical education and driver education. He was inducted into the Iowa Softball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2001. Roger particularly enjoyed the friendships he made with students and fellow educators. He cared greatly about his students and was pleased with their accomplishments as adults, Contacts with them brought out many stories and good memories. 

Following his retirement, Roger volunteered for several community activities. He also worked part time for Birdnow Chevrolet and The Outlook newspaper, but especially enjoyed his association with Grau Funeral Home. 

He made a new group of friends when he began to regularly breakfast at the Marquette Cafe. He was secretary of the senior league at the Tri-City Golf Club for several years, providing a salty joke now and then before the rounds began.

Roger was a faithful, ever-hopeful Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. 

Roger is survived by his wife Pat, his sons Bill and wife Lois of Vinton, Iowa, and Jeff and wife Lynn Humphrey of Cupar, Scotland. Also surviving are granddaughters Kate and Jane Martin and grandsons Asher and Declan Humphrey-Martin. His good dog Sweets will miss the rides to Marquette.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law, Ted and Bernitha Rueber.

In lieu of flowers or other memorials, the family requests donations be made to the Humane Society of Northeast Iowa, the Monona Ambulance, the Monona Fire Department or the Tri-City Golf Club.

A graveside committal service will be held on Friday, August 26, 2016, at 12:30 pm at the Monona Cemetery, Monona, Iowa.

A celebration of Roger’s life will be held on Friday, August 26, 2016, from 2 – 7 pm at the Leonard – Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona, Iowa. Refreshments will be served.

Condolences may be left with: www.graufuneralhomes.com.

Leonard – Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.

Richard Klein

Richard Klein, 84, of Clermont died Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016, at Strawberry Point Lutheran Home in Strawberry Point.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, at Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Clermont.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 9, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clermont.

Arrangements are being handled by Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Clermont. 

Carroll Lamar Larson

Carroll Lamar Larson, 73, of Elkader, IA, and Culver City, CA, died Friday, August 26, 2016, at his home in Culver City. He was born May 21, 1943, in rural Elkader, to Adolph and Mary (Johnson) Larson. Carroll was baptized in 1943, and confirmed in 1958, both at Highland Lutheran Church, rural Elkader.

He graduated from Central Community High School in 1961, and went on to Lakeland College in Sheboygan, WI, where he received his Bachelor’s degree. Carroll then attended Golden Gate University in San Francisco where he earned his MBA. 

Carroll served in the United States Air Force from September 28, 1967, to January 10, 1991, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.  He was a Vietnam Veteran, serving in 1969 and 1970. He was a Military Officer in the USAF while on active duty. Carroll also worked for the USAF at the Space and Missile Systems Center in Los Angeles for 30 years. He was a member of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA), Military Officers’ Association of America (MOAA), Reserve Officers Association (ROA) and Highland Lutheran Church.

He enjoyed watching the L.A. Lakers, fishing, spending time with family when back in Iowa. Carroll also enjoyed taking pictures and sharing at the Larson Family gatherings.

He is survived by his brothers, Mervin Larson of Postville, Donald (Rita) Larson of Elkader; sisters, Velma Berns of Elkader and Mildred Christianson of Edgewood; nieces and nephews, Gary (Carol) Berns, Sharon (Dan) Pearson, Sandra Larson, Shirleen (Mike) Reinhardt, Karma (Charlie) Poesch, Mardelle (Leon) Streicher, Diane Smith, Larry (Annette) West, Cheryl (Randy) Sherman, Debbie (Dick) Crane, Dawn (Greg) Anderson, Dixie (Brian) Wilker, Doug (Sue) Larson, Joan (Rob) Bolinger, Brad (Linda) Christianson, Kenneth Christianson, Karen (Martin) Nissen, Roger (Mario) West and several other family members.

Carroll was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Norma Harrington and Ruby Rivers; sister-in-law, ElvaMae Larson; nephew, Stanley M. Larson; niece, Wanda Christianson; great niece, Brenda Rodenberg; brothers-in-law, Bill Christianson, Herbert Berns, Robert West and Dean Rivers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Highland Lutheran Church or Central Community Hospital.

Funeral Service:  11:00 am on Tuesday, September 6, 2016, Highland Lutheran Church, rural Elkader

Interment with Military Honors: Highland Lutheran Cemetery, rural Elkader

Visitation: 4 to 7 pm on Monday, September 5, 2016, at Leonard Funeral Home in Elkader and one hour before services at the church on Tuesday.

Casket Bearers: Gary Berns, Roger West, Larry West, Debbie Crane, Greg Berns, Shirleen Reinhardt

Leonard Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left with www.leonardfuneralhomes.com

Karilyn Shirley Lenth

Karilyn Shirley Lenth (63) passed away peacefully August 31, 2016 at the Good Samaritan Center in Waukon. Her wishes were to be cremated. Private family service will be held later.

Karilyn was born on April 10, 1953 daughter of Ethel (Weller) Lenth and Edwin Lenth of Luana, IA. She graduated from Postville High School in 1971. She received her BA degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1975. She moved to Florida where she worked for a couple of hotel chains near Disneyland for 32 years. She also received her paralegal degree in Florida. When her health started failing she moved back to Waukon in 2008 to be close to her family.

Karilyn was always a cat lover and loved spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed trying to help people and making them happy. Karilyn always had a hug and a pat on the head for everyone and also wanted them to pass it on to someone else. She was great at doing volunteer work when possible.

Karilyn is survived by 3 brothers; Verland (Ellen) Waukon; Eldon (Carol) Elgin; and Dale (Sue) Castalia. Several nieces and nephews.

Karilyn was preceded in death by her parents, two older sisters (Lavon Borseth and Sharon Bigler) and an older brother Dayton.

Rich Klein

Richard Aloysius Klein, 84, of Clermont, Iowa died, Sunday, September 4, 2016 at Strawberry Point Lutheran Home, Strawberry Point, Iowa.

He was born May 16, 1932, the son of Theodore and Mary (Hoffman) Klein in Granville, Iowa. 

He attended St. Joseph Catholic Schools in Ashton, Iowa, graduating in 1950.

On Feb 10, 1953 he enlisted in the Army. He served in Germany until he was honorably discharged Feb 7, 1955.

On May 21, 1956 Richard was united in marriage with Georgia Reekers at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Sheldon, Iowa. They happily celebrated their 60^th wedding anniversary this past May.

Richard worked the family farm with his dad and brothers until he enlisted in the Army.  After his return from the Army, he began his career with Ashton Cooperative. He started by shoveling coal from rail cars and worked various positions throughout the Coop until being named General Manager in 1970.

Richard would later manage coops at Clarence, Iowa, Graettinger, Iowa, and the Valley Cooperative in Clermont and Elgin, Iowa. He held that position until his retirement on July 1, 1994. One of his proudest accomplishments was to oversee the completion of the feed mill at the Elgin site before his retirement. 

After retiring, Richard and Georgia enjoyed traveling and eventually bought a place in Brownsville, Texas where they spent their winters golfing, playing cards, and enjoying the company of many friends.  He especially enjoyed attending their grandchildren’s activities and making golf ball cases to hold his collection of logo balls.

He was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Clermont and a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion.

Richard is survived by his wife of 60 years, Georgia Klein of Clermont, Iowa; son, Jeffery (special friend, Dawn Brainard) Klein of Monona, Iowa; and daughter, Brenda (Terry) Olson of Postville, Iowa; grandchildren, Tresa (Justin) Hargrave of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Kylee Olson (fiancée, Travis Uhlenhake) of Elgin, Iowa; Brady (Gina) Klein of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Kynzee Olson (special friend, Ashley Cioccio) of Postville, Iowa; and Marcy Klein of Cedar Falls, Iowa and two sisters, Angela Dummett of Britt, Iowa and Sylvia (Ed) Blocker, Bancroft, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Trisha Klein; his parents; six brothers, Edwin, Andrew, Leo, Sylvester, Louis, and Marvin; and one sister, Christina Houwen.

Visitation was held Thursday, September 8, 2016 from 4-7 pm with a 4:00 pm Rosary and an 8:00 pm Scripture Service at Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Clermont, Iowa.

There was also a one hour visitation before Mass at the church on Friday.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 am on Friday, September 9, 2016 at St. Peter Catholic Church, Clermont, Iowa with Rev. Jim Brockman as the Celebrant.

Burial followed at St. Peter Catholic Cemetery, Clermont, Iowa with Military Rites.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service helped the family with the arrangements.     37u37

Marlene Holm

Marlene Holm of West Union died unexpectedly in her home on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016.  

Visitation will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, at Redeemer Lutheran Church (just north of Hardee’s) in West Union.  

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Additional visitation will be held for one hour preceding the service.

Arrangements are being provided by Burnham-Wood Grau Funeral Home in West Union.

Arlene Hogenson

LaVerne Eike

LaVerne J. Eike, 92, of Manchester, Iowa, died Thursday, September 8, 2016. 

Visitation will be Friday, September 16, 2016, from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Bohnenkamp - Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Manchester, with a 2:00 p.m. Scripture Service.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 17, 2016 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Manchester, with visitation one hour prior to service. 

Burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Manchester.

Survivors include his daughter, Shirley (Dennis) Lyons of Manchester; one grandson, Caleb Lyons of Manchester; many nieces and nephews; and a special group of friends from Jude’s Café.

LaVerne was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Agnes; siblings, Delores (Eike) and Linus Hoeger, Clarence (Anita) Eike, Leo (Darlene) Eike; brothers and sisters-in-law, Lorretta (William) Hildebrand, Frank (Eileen) Egloff, Cora (Emil) Lentner, and Cordella (Kenny) Powell.

     LaVerne was born November 22, 1923, in Dyersville, Iowa, the son of Joseph Eike, Jr. and Clara (Bergfeld) Eike.

On August 16, 1948, LaVerne married Agnes Egloff at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earlville. Together the couple farmed in the Manchester area.

LaVerne liked to watch the corn grow; his heart never left the farm, even though he did. 

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, East Central Iowa Two Cylinder Club, served as Milo Township Trustee, and on the Dairy Board. 

LaVerne hauled livestock for area farmers, was a carpenter, and a school bus driver.

He enjoyed dancing, playing cards, driving his restored John Deere tractors in many parades, and dining with friends at Jude’s Café. He loved spending time with friends and family, especially his grandson, Caleb.

     Please share a memory of LaVerne at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under Obituaries.   37u37

Gretchen H. Brayton

Gretchen H. Brayton, 93, of Sumner, died Wednesday, September 14, 2016, at the Hillcrest Home in Sumner.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 17, 2016, at St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner with Rev. Norman Bauer officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, September 16^th at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Sumner and for one hour preceding services at the church on Saturday. Interment will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the Hawkeye Cemetery with military rites provided by Thomas E. Woods Post #223, American Legion of Sumner, Iowa. Memorials may be made in her name to either St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner or Lutheran Services in Iowa. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.

Gretchen Helena Hauth was born November 7, 1922, to Maria (Ungerer) and Henry F. Hauth in Hawkeye, Iowa, the second of three children. As a high school student she played basketball and was valedictorian of her class. She attended the University of Iowa where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and graduated with BA’s in English and Home Economics. After college she enlisted in the U.S.  Women’s Army Corps and achieved the rank of Master Seargent, serving in New York and Massachusetts during World War II./

After her discharge from the Army she taught high school English in Sumner, Iowa, where she met her future husband, John Brayton. She returned to the University of Iowa for graduate study in English, and shortly after she completed her Master of Arts degree she and John were married in Sumner. They eventually moved to the farm south of town where they raised their family of three children, John, Mary and Bill.

Gretchen returned to high school teaching in Fayette, Iowa for several years in the 1960’s before assuming the position of librarian at the Sumner Public Library, where she worked for many years.

She was an avid reader all her life and enjoyed music, gardening, sewing, quilting and needlework. She loved nature and knew the names of many birds, animals, flowers, and trees. She was especially fond of cats. She was a longtime member of the congregation at St. John Lutheran Church where she participated for many years in the quilting circle.

Gretchen was preceded in death by her brother Henry (Hank) Hauth, her parents Marie and Henry Hauth, her husband John and her sister Julia Knight (Bob).

Survivors include her children, John Brayton of Sumner, Mary Trachsel of Iowa City, and Bill Brayton of Lisbon; five grandchildren, Anthony Brayton, Abby Brayton-Chung, Karlina Trachsel, John Trachsel and Julia Trachsel; and four great grandchildren, Keegan and Dillon Brayton, Max Ciha and Parker Chung.

She was smart and strong and stubborn and will be greatly missed.

Josephine Heying

Josephine M. (Langreck) Heying, 100, of West Union died peacefully at her home on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Holy Name Catholic Church in West Union.

Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, southeast of West Union.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home in West Union. The rosary will be recited at 4 p.m. with a Scripture Service at 7 p.m.

Arrangements are being handled by Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in West Union.

Helen Trapp

Helen R. Trapp, 96 of Valparaiso, Indiana and formerly of Decorah, Iowa passed away Friday, September 23, 2016. 

She was born January 15, 1920 in West Union, Iowa to the late Harry and Genevieve (Gunderson) Stolle, Sr.

After growing up on a farm and attending Upper Iowa University, Helen worked as an administrative assistant for a newspaper in Dubuque, Iowa. 

Later in life, she volunteered with family services at various Air Force bases and at both St. Vincent’s and Deaconess Hospitals in Billings, Montana. 

Helen was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Valparaiso.

On December 12, 1942, Helen married Col. Richard D. Trapp who preceded her in death in 2000. 

She is survived by her sons, Paul (Ann) Trapp of Valparaiso, Ind., and Mark (Chris) Trapp of Wheeling, Ill.; six grandchildren, Joshua, Hans, Heidi, Gwendolyn, Anneliese, and Astrid; and two sisters, Betty Rose and Marilyn Miller. 

She was also preceded in death by her brother, Harry Stolle, Jr.

Funeral Service will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Eldorado, Iowa with a visitation one hour before services at the church on Saturday.

Rev. Ginny Olson will be the Officiant.

Burial to follow at West Union Cemetery, West Union, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to: Immanuel Lutheran Church 1700 Monticello Park Dr. Valparaiso, IN 46383 or the Mosaic Foundation 4980 South 118th St. Omaha, NE 68137. 

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service is helping the family with the arrangements.     39u39

Geraldine Mae Shaffer

Geraldine Mae Shaffer, 94, died Tuesday, September 20, 2016, at her home in Vinton following a brief illness.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 23, 2016, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Vinton with Rev. Sue Thomas officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, September 22, at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton.

Geraldine was born July 27, 1922, on the family farm in Elgin, Iowa, the daughter of James D. and Lola Kiple Yearous. She graduated from Elgin High School.

On April 14, 1940, Geraldine was united in marriage with Gerald E. Shaffer in Traer, Iowa. The couple lived and farmed in Elgin and Vinton, raising and breeding purebred Hereford cattle. In 1959, they moved to Vinton to be closer to their son, Jim, who was attending the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School. In 1988, the couple moved to Texas. They returned to Vinton in 1995. They enjoyed singing together at weddings and other church events. Gerald preceded her in death on December 2, 2007.

Geraldine was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Vinton where she served as UMW President for several years. She also participated in Circle.

Geraldine was a huge Chicago Cubs fan. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed playing the piano at church and home. She was a wonderful homemaker. Her home was always organized and spotless. She adored her grandchildren and loved having them come visit.

Geraldine is survived by two children: James “Jim” (Lynn) Shaffer of Pflugerville, TX, and Carol (George) Geater of Vinton; five grandchildren: Bryon (Kelly) Geater, Julie (Jeff) Manatrey, Lori (Ryan) Heins, Andrea (Dave) Evans and Kevin (LaTierra) Shaffer; 11 great-grandchildren: Kelsey (Dustin) McClure, Nathan (Beth) Geater, Jessie and Jenna Manatrey, Taylor, Morgan and Trevor Rommann, Kaitlyn Heins, Sonnie and Kail Evans and Alister “Max” Shaffer; three great-great-grandchildren: Bryson, Gavynn and Josh; and two sisters: Darlene Shaffer of Volga and Kathlene Glass-Eble of Clermont.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and daughter Rebecca in 1977.

A memorial fund has been established.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Geraldine and her family. Condolences may be left at vsrfh.com.

Ruth (Snyder) Scott

Ruth Diane Scott, aged 72, of Bruce, WI passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on September 10^th, 2016 after a 3 year battle with cancer.  She was born to the late Lester (Pete) and Lillian Snyder on July 28, 1944.

Ruth graduated from South Winneshiek High School in 1961 at the age of 16 at which time she ventured to Minneapolis and then Rochester to pursue a career as a lab tech at the Mayo Clinic.  There she met and married Wesley Thompson and raised her 4 children on a dairy farm in rural Zumbro Falls, MN.  In 1983 she changed course after a divorce and moved to Minneapolis, MN.  She returned to school at Rasmussen College and obtained a degree in Business Administration.  She met her husband Edward Scott at this time.  Upon retirement they followed their dream and moved to Bruce, WI to live on an acreage in the woods along the Chippewa Flowage.  She and Ed enjoyed their life there for many years.

Ruth enjoyed reading, gardening, vegetarian cooking, genealogy, taking and sharing photos, collecting frogs, a great love of animals, and many other things, but her passion was people.  She was a happy and loving wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend.  She will be greatly missed by all.

She is survived by husband Edward Scott, brother Keith Snyder (Deanna Gefaller), son Brian Thompson (Hanh Le), daughter Michelle Stelcher (Andres Quintero), son Trent Thompson (Kim Thompson), daughter Rebecca Thompson (Jeff Pennaz), and step-sons Jeffrey Scott and Paul Scott along with several grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She is also survived by Wesley Thompson (Kathy Mandery), father of her children.  She is preceded in death by her father Lester Snyder, mother Lillian Snyder, brother Dale Snyder, brother LeRoy Snyder, and sister Konnie Foltz.

Ruth requested a private burial.

Josephine Heying

Josephine M. Heying, 100, of West Union died peacefully at her home on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by the Rev. James Brokman at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Holy Name Catholic Church in West Union.

Burial followed at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, rural West Union.

Visitation was held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in West Union. The rosary was recited at 4 p.m. with a Scripture service at 7 p.m.

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in West Union assisted the family with arrangements.

Josephine Marie (Langreck) Heying was born May 22, 1916, in St. Lucas, Iowa, to John and Katherine (Schmitt) Langreck.

Josephine (Jo) attended St. Luke’s Catholic School in St. Lucas, and after high school she completed a semester at St. Therese’s College in Winona, Minn.

On Jan. 6, 1937, Jo married Hilarius “Larry” Heying. Their union would be blessed with four children, Terrance, Sondra, Charles, and Therese.

Jo and Larry started farming in Festina, later moving to Fayette, where they operated an implement business.

In 1941, they purchased their first farm in West Union.

In addition to farming, they began a contract business sexing chicks, a process of sorting newly hatched birds by gender. When Larry became district supervisor for Hy-Line Chicks, Jo assumed sole responsibility for the route of 18 hatcheries in northeast Iowa. She sexed chickens for over 30 years and was proud of her fastest time, sexing 1300 chicks in a single hour.

In 1952 the family built a new house in West Union. Planned and designed by Jo, it was the first modern ranch-style house in West Union. Many elements were adapted from the Prairie Style design of Frank Lloyd Wright. Having learned carpentry from her father, Jo also helped build the house.

In 1960, Jo and Larry formed Heying Chick Company and built a hatchery in West Union, where it continues in operation as Heying Firms, Inc. Over the years, they expanded their farm holdings and, in partnership with their son Terrance and later daughter Therese, grew their business operations to include shell egg grading, specialty egg products, started pullets and laying houses.

In 1964, Larry was elected state senator. Jo was a partner in his political life, serving as clerk, legislative aide and speechwriter.

In 1968, Jo ran for the Iowa House of Representatives, the first woman ever to run from her district.  While she was unsuccessful, she did not lose her interest in public service.

Over the next few years, Jo worked closely with the Fayette County Tourism Council and was instrumental in organizing the Fayette County Farm Tours, which offered over 80 families from the Chicago area the opportunity to live on a farm and visit farm operations throughout the county.

During Larry’s first Senate term, he and Jo secured funding for the State to purchase land for the Volga Lake project. When Larry returned to the Senate in 1972, Jo worked tirelessly to ensure that the project was completed and the lake built. The Volga River State Recreation Area is now a vital northeast Iowa attraction.

Well-known for her conservative fiscal nature, Jo was appointed by Governor Terry Branstad to his Task Force on Efficiencies and Cost Effectiveness in State Government in 1983. Jo and Larry were also very active as charter members of Iowans for Tax Relief.

Jo was a member of the West Union Rotary Club for many years. In 1984, she traveled to Japan with a Rotary tour and was the first woman Rotarian to attend and speak at a Rotary Club in Tokyo, Japan.

In 1991, the Iowa Poultry Association honored Jo and Larry with a Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1994 they were named the grand marshals of the Dairy Ag Days parade; Jo was again grand marshal in 2002.

Jo was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church, Holy Name Rosary Society and for 72 years, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA), holding various offices in both organizations. She also taught CCD religious education classes for 10 years.

Jo loved traveling, politics, business and the arts. In her early years on the farm she painted portraits of her family. Later her art enhanced their company’s business newsletters and promotions. She also enjoyed writing and authored several books about their time in the Iowa Senate.

Jo’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. In 2016, she thoroughly enjoyed her 100th birthday when the entire family was home and she was able to visit with each one individually.

Those left to cherish her memory are children Terrance (Sherrie) Heying of Mesa, Ariz., Sondra (Robert) Whaley of Lemont, Ill., Charles (Lois) Heying of Portland, Ore., Therese Slack (special friend James Taylor) of West Union, Iowa.

Additional survivors include grandchildren Angela (Daniel) Guthrie, Justin (Alison) Heying, Karen (Peter) Krumins, Brenda (Anthony) Favarula, Sarah (Brandon) Campbell, Corrina (Nathan) Halstead, Kristin Heying, Benjamin (Danielle Zacherl) Heying, Robert Slack III; great-grandchildren Connor Guthrie, Shelby, Kyla, Owen and Noah Heying, Madeleine and Liliane Krumins, August, Ophelia and Levi Favarula, Beckett, Rowan and Thatcher Campbell, Emma and Hans Halstead, Sophia Heying-Sullivan and Amelie Heying.

Surviving siblings include sisters Therese Zipsie, Colette Ameling, Delores Buchheit, Joyce Zoulek and brother Roger Langreck.

Jo’s parents, husband, brothers Leo, Raymond, and Victor Langreck, and sisters Lena Pitzenberger and Lucy McNamara preceded her in death.

Memorials may be directed to the West Union Recreation Foundation, P.O. Box 363, West Union, IA 52175 or to Holy Name Catholic Church, 128 N. Walnut St., West Union, IA 52175.

Richard Shedd

Richard A. “Rick” Shedd, 62, of Maynard, Iowa died Monday, September 26, 2016 at his home.

Memorial Service: 10:30 A.M. Saturday, October 1, 2016 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Maynard with Rev. Dennis Frank officiating.

Visitation: 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday at Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Maynard and after 9:30 A.M. Saturday at the church.

Inurnment: Long Grove Cemetery, Maynard.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed in his name to St. Paul Lutheran Church - Maynard, Maynard Fire Department or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com.

Richard Arnold Shedd was born September 18, 1954 at Akron, Iowa the son of Francis Arnold and Ethel Rose (Bryson) Shedd. 

In 1972, he graduated from West Central High School in Maynard. 

After high school, he worked for several area farmers, the Maynard Coop and was a semi owner/operator. Rick was a milk hauler for AMPI, rural Arlington, Iowa until his retirement. 

He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Maynard, former member of the Maynard Fire Department and Maynard Citizens in Action. 

He volunteered as Santa Claus for many Maynard Christmases and family Christmases. Rick enjoyed golf, going out to eat and riding his motorcycle.  He will be remembered for his profound wisdom, knowledge and generosity.

Rick is survived by his twin sister: Roxanne (Donald) Shappell of Ackley; special cousins: Norm Shedd and Lois Matson; several nieces; one nephew; cousins and many friends.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents; sister: Lynn Begalske; and 2 brothers: Francis Lee Shedd and Daniel Kay Shedd.     40u40

George Lauer

George Dale Lauer, 83, Clinton, Iowa, formerly of West Union, Iowa, died Thursday, September 29, 2016, at Montezuma Specialty Care, Montezuma, Iowa.

George Dale was born on May 27, 1933 to Clarence and Clara (Buhmann) Lauer in rural Eldorado, Iowa.

He graduated from West Union, Iowa in 1951.

George was united in marriage with Bonnie Taylor on April 24, 1965 at East Clermont Lutheran Church.

George proudly joined the United States Airforce and served in the Korean war.

He became a licensed electrician and plumber. Over the years George owned and operated several business, including the Bettendorf Used Auto Parts. In the 1950’s and 1960’s he was the #1 Dozer operator in Northeast Iowa.

George enjoyed fishing, playing cards and billiards, dancing and building stock cars.

George is survived by his children, Lynne Marie Lauer of Deep River, Iowa, John Grant Lauer of Davenport, Iowa and David Allen (Tricia) Lauer, Sr. of Alpine, California; four grandchildren, Jeremy Lee, Cory McDaniel, David Lauer, Jr. and Amanda Lauer; two great-granddaughters; brother, Russell (Shirley) Lauer of West Union; and sister, Velda Mae Lauer of Oelwein, Iowa.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Clara Lauer; two sisters, Alice Dannemann and Darlene Briggs; and one nephew, Greg Lauer.

Funeral Services were held on Monday, October 3, 2016, at 10:30 am at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Eldorado, Iowa. The Rev. Ginny Olson officiated.

Visitation was held one hour before services at the church on Monday.

Burial followed in the West Union Cemetery, West Union, Iowa, with military honors.

A memorial fund has been established.

Condolences may be left with: www.graufuneralhomes.com.

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa, was in charge of arrangements.      40u40

Maynard deaths reported

A Maynard resident and a former Maynard resident died last Thursday.

Royale A. Daniels, 82, of Maynard died Sept. 29, 2016, at Oelwein Health Care Center in Oelwein.

Services were held Monday.

Doris L. Amburgey, 82 of Gladstone, Missouri, formerly of Maynard, also died Sept. 29, 2016.

Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Oelwein was in charge of arrangements for both women.

Louise Marie Tomsheck

                  Louise Marie Tomsheck was born August 1, 1920 in Elgin, Iowa the daughter of Benjamin and Clara (Lehman) Baumgartner.

                  She was in Elgin and following high school, Louise attended and graduated from Coe College.  On December 28, 1946 she was united in marriage to Raymond L. Tomsheck.  The couple lived in Harvey, Illinois; Clermont, Iowa and Charles City, Iowa before moving to Knoxville in 1970.  Louise worked as a teacher’s aide for the Knoxville School District, retiring in 1984.  Louise and Ray enjoyed wintering in Arizona for many years.

                  Louise passed away on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at the West Ridge Nursing & Rehab

Center at the age of 96 years.

                  She was preceded in death by her parents.

                  Those left to cherish Louise’s memory include her husband, Raymond; daughter, Marsha Moore of Scottsdale, Arizona; son. Ben Tomsheck of Lake Stevens, Washington; three grandchildren:  Dustin Moore, Kate Moore and Shannon Tomsheck and many other family members and friends.

                  Funeral Services for Louise Tomsheck age 96 of Knoxville will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church.  Burial will be in the Elgin Cemetery, Elgin, Iowa, on Tuesday, October 4 at 11:00 a.m.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, September 30 at the Bybee & Davis Funeral Home.  Memorials may be made to the Mayo Clinic or the University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics for research purposes.