Graveside inurnment services for Daniel Lee Myers, 48, of Boston, Mass., formerly of Fayette, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Grandview Cemetery, Fayette.
Daniel died of natural causes on Friday, July 12, 2013, in Boston.
Ervin W. Senner, 97, of Hawkeye, Iowa died Friday evening, November 22, 2013 at his home.
Funeral Service: 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Hawkeye with Pastor David Nelson and Pastor Rick Senner officiating.
Visitation: 4:00 to 7:30 P.M. Tuesday at the Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Hawkeye and after 10:00 A.M. Wednesday at the church.
Interment: Hawkeye Cemetery, Hawkeye, Iowa.
A Memorial Fund has been established in his name.
Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.
Ervin William Senner was born September 15th, 1916, the oldest son of William and Millie (Pries) Senner on the family farm in Bethel Township of rural Hawkeye, Iowa. He attended school in Bethel Township. Ervin grew up and worked on the farm on which he was born, marring Shirley Westerndorf on June 23, 1947 in Davenport, Iowa. Ervin and Shirley moved to an 80 acre farm in 1948, that they rented until they purchased it. Two sons were born, Rick in 1953 and Ron in 1956. They farmed together until Shirley’s death in 1991. Ervin continued to farm it until his death last Friday, November 22. He died on the land that he farmed which is a little over a mile from where he was born and raised. Ervin had just finished the fall fieldwork in preparation for spring planting in 2014. 2013 was the first time that he was unable to plant a crop and that was due to the weather. In 2012 Ervin was honored as being the oldest active farmer in Fayette County.
On September 15th of this year Ervin celebrated his 97th birthday with his family. When asked by his grandson Aaron if he planned to plant next year his reply was, “Oh yes, what the heck else am I going to do.”
Ervin was the oldest member of Trinity Lutheran of Hawkeye having been baptized and confirmed there. He was able to take part in the 120th anniversary of the congregation. This is the same congregation that both sons were baptized and confirmed, three granddaughters were baptized, three grandchildren confirmed and a granddaughter married.
Ervin is preceded in death by his parents William and Millie and wife Shirley.
He is survived by his son, Rev. Rick Senner and his wife Rev. Becky Senner of Howard/Oldham, SD, their children; Carrie and Brad Eggert and children, Carson, Kendra and Cooper of Baltic, SD and Aaron of Cheyenne, WY; son, Ron and Janet, of Hawkeye, their children Jeremy and Loxie Senner and sons Jade, Piers, Tyler and Elijah Poulsbo, WA; Rhonda and Jeff Hoefer their children Rachael, Jena and Jaron Manchester IA; Sara and Wayne Bunting and their children Ethan and Shelby Strawberry Point, IA; brother, Ray Senner of West Union and other relatives and friends.
Ervin prepared the ground and planted in the certainty of a harvest in the fall. We bury in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection! Praise be the Lord Jesus Christ! Now and forever, amen! 48u48
Robert Linderman 67, of Hawkeye, formerly of Cresco, died Friday Nov. 22, at the Grand View Care Center, in Oelwein.
Visitation will be held 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 29, followed by a 11am memorial service given by Robert's half-brother Rev. Roger White at the Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Sumner. Family interment at a later date.
Robert Harold was born on March 17, 1946, to Lillian (Opat) White and Harold F Linderman.
He was united in marriage to Betty (Marik) Linderman of Cresco on Sept. 18, 1971. They were later divorced and Robert moved to Hawkeye.
Robert was a great farmer, excellent carpenter, welder, mechanic, and artist. He worked for many farmers, and carpentered for many years. He worked for Featherlite Industries where he was a welder and also for Lifeline making ambulances in Sumner. He loved animals of all kind, to go fishing and to go hunting.
Robert is survived by his ex-wife, Betty (Marik) Linderman, of Cresco; daughter, Brenda Linderman-Anding of Cresco; granddaughter Hayley Linderman of Charles City; grandson Jacob Anding of Cresco; mother Lillian (Opat) White of Ossian; stepfather Kenneth White of Wadena; half-brother Gregory Linderman of Davidson, Md.; a half-brother Roger (Tammy) White of Lacey; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by father Harold F Linderman, grandparents Frank and Olena Opat, and several aunts and uncles
Rev. John J. Purtell
Father John Purtell, 80, of Dubuque and formerly of Sumner, died Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, November 22, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sumner.
Interment followed at Calvary Cemetery in New Hampton.
Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Sumner is assisting Father Purtell’s family.
Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.
John Joseph Purtell, son of John J. Sr. and Lena Salz Purtell, was born Jan. 24, 1933, at Oelwein. He graduated from Visitation High School at Stacyville and Loras College in Dubuque.
Following military service, he taught school at Turkey Valley. He later graduated from Mount Saint Bernard Seminary in Dubuque and was ordained June 1, 1968, at St. Raphael Cathedral in Dubuque by the Most Rev. J.J. Byrne.
Father Purtell served many parishes in northeast Iowa: Sacred Heart in Oelwein, St. Paul’s in Worthington, St. Patrick’s in Waukon, St. John the Baptist in Westridge, St. Joseph’s and Marquette High School in Bellevue, St. Anthony in Dubuque, St. Patrick’s in Monti, All Saints in Rowley, Immaculate Conception in Sumner, St. Francis Xavier in Hawkeye, and St. Francis of Assisi in Fayette. He also served as part-time chaplain at the Mental Health Institute in Independence.
Father John is survived by one brother, James Purtell of Marion; and one sister, Patricia Schrage of Cresco.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary and Sister Nora Purtell; and one brother, Rev. Thomas Purtell.
Edgar Velmore Eck, 76, of Elgin, Iowa formerly of Waverly, Iowa died Monday, November 25, 2013 at his home in Elgin, Iowa. He was born on February 25, 1937 to Anthony and Birdie (Phelps) Eck in Miami, Oklahoma. Tony and Birdie were later divorced and she married Curtis Bradford, Ed’s step-father. Ed attended high school in Granite City, Illinois and graduated from Miami High School in Miami, Oklahoma in 1955.
Ed enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1958 and was stationed in Korea followed by the 788th Radar Squadron in Waverly, Iowa. He was honorably discharged in 1962. On April 27, 1963, Ed was united in marriage with Marva Connor at Western Douglas Lutheran Church in Bremer County, Iowa. Two daughters were born to this union, Lacretia and Monica.
Ed was a deejay and newsman in Waverly, Charles City and Norfolk, Nebraska. He also worked for thirty years in the KWWL engineering department, retiring in 1998. He enjoyed bowling, music, yard work, going to flea markets, old cars and music, especially Big Band and Sinatra.
Ed is survived by his wife, Marva Eck; his daughters, Lacretia (Ted) Mikita of Fortine, Montana and Monica (Michael) Cissell of Wichita, Kansas; five grandchildren, Christopher Mikita of Zurich, Switzerland, Guthrie and Rohan Cissell of Wichita, Tallulah and Waverly Mikita of Fortine and a sister, Patricia Kline of Granite City, Illinois.
Ed was preceded in death by his father, Tony; his mother and step-father, Birdie and Curtis Bradford; his brothers, Tony Eck Jr. and Michael Bradford and two sisters, Marilyn Fasbender and Beverly Jones.
Visitation was on Friday, November 29, 2013 from 3 – 7 pm at Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Clermont, Iowa and one hour before services at the church on Saturday.
Funeral services were at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 30, 2013 at the Episcopal Church of the Savior in Clermont, Iowa with Rev. Kathryn S. Campbell as the Officiant.
Burial was on Monday, December 2, 2013 at 12:00 pm at the Harlington Cemetery in Waverly, Iowa.
Condolences may be left with www.graufuneralhomes.com.
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A memorial service for Dorothy (Potratz) Settje, 82, of Lynchburg, Va., formerly of Sumner, will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at First Baptist Church in Sumner.
Dorothy’s death occurred Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013.
Becker-Milnes Funeral Home of Sumner is handling the arrangements.
Amy Monroe, age 38, of Decorah, died on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013, at her parents’ home, near Castalia, Iowa, from a courageous battle with cancer.
A Service of Death and Resurrection was held Monday, Dec. 2, at First United Methodist Church in Decorah with Rev. John Caldwell officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Amy Monroe Memorial Fund, 1466 – 123rd Avenue, Castalia, IA 52133.
Schluter-Balik Funeral Home in Decorah assisted the family with the arrangements.
Amy Rochelle Monroe was born on Nov. 17, 1975, the daughter of Jerry and Pat (Reckward) Monroe in Decorah.
She graduated from South Winneshiek High School in 1994. She attended Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, receiving an Associate in Arts in Interior Design. Amy then went to work in the office of Iowa Turkey Products in Postville.
Amy returned to school at NICC, receiving an Associate in Arts in Social Work and then her Bachelor’s degree from Luther College in Social Work. Amy worked as a Social Worker for HAWC and Lutheran Services of Iowa as a counselor. Amy also attended Western Technical College in LaCrosse, receiving a degree in Occupational Therapy. Amy started her own business, Creative Services, LLC, where she helped people with disabilities get jobs. She also worked for American Auction Services east of Decorah.
Over the years, Amy was a very ambitious and busy woman, all along raising her two children, Makinzie and Parker on her own. Amy was always willing to help anyone who needed her help and guidance. She enjoyed camping, crocheting, gardening, landscaping, arts, crafts and drawing.
Most of all, Amy treasured the time she spent with her two children as well as her nieces and nephews. Amy was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Decorah.
Amy is survived by her two children Makinzie and Parker Monroe, Decorah; her parents, Jerry and Pat Monroe, Castalia; two sisters, Julie (Matt) Mettille, Decorah, and Summer (Chris) Wiedow, Castalia; six nieces and nephews: Olivia, Britann and Blake Mettille, Lucas, Dalton and Kolton Wiedow; maternal grandparents, Virgil and Esther Reckward, Ossian; aunts and uncles, Judy Reckward, Decorah; Jerry (Julie) Reckward, Castalia; Susy (Dale) Lenth, Castalia; Ginny (Roger) Sanford, Decorah; Janette (Jerry) Blong, Waukon; Lorrie (David) Beisker, Waukon; and Allen (Amy Ryan) Monroe, Decorah, along with many first and second cousins. Also surviving are Amy’s former mother-in-law Mary Lou Gant, Florida and former sister-in-law: Shelly (Jed) Dolley, Decorah.
Amy was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Reuben and June Monroe; aunt: LaVerna Peck and uncle Jim Reckward.
Dwayne L. Johnson, 72, of Elgin, died Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, at Palmer Lutheran Health Center in West Union.
Friends may call on Friday, Dec. 13, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Leonard-Grau Funeral Home in Elgin.
Scripture services will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home in Elgin. Inurnment will be held at a later date.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Elgin, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.graufuneralhomes.com.
Dwayne Lester, the son of Oscar R. and Thelma (Wilke) Johnson, was born April 25, 1941, at the Bakkum Hospital in Waukon.
He attended country school in Allamakee County. Dwayne was united in marriage with Linda Gelo on April 21, 1961, in Waukon. To this union four sons were born, Kevin, Gregory, Brian, and Erik.
Linda preceded Dwayne in death on October 13, 2012. Dwayne worked at Torkelson Pump Service, John Falb and Sons, and he drove a feed truck for the Valley Co-Op until his retirement.
Dwayne was a member of the Elgin Fire Department for 41 years and served as the Fire Chief for many years. He enjoyed bowling, driving around the countryside, fishing, deer hunting, collecting scrap metal, playing softball, and fixing windmills.
Dwayne is survived by his four sons, Kevin (Debbie) Johnson of Des Moines, Gregory (Carol) Johnson of Elgin, Brian (Kristi Brainard) Johnson of Decorah, and Erik (Misty) Johnson of Clermont; five grandchildren, Jarrett, Kenneth, Ashton, Tanner, and Avery; step grandchildren, Nicki, Julian, and Cheyenne; five brothers and sisters, Norma Ruth, Dean, LaVerne Dorothy and Keith; and several nieces and nephews.
Dwayne was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; his parents; and seven brothers and sisters.
Esther Mary Zweibohmer, 91, Ossian, died Sunday, Dec.1, 2013, at Ossian Senior Hospice in Ossian.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, Dec. 4, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian with Monsignor Cletus Hawes as the celebrant.
Interment followed in St. Francis DeSales Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the De Sales School or the Ossian Ambulance Fund in Esther’s honor.
Schmitz - Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Ossian, assisted the family with the arrangements.
Online condolences may be left with at www.graufuneralhomes.com.
She was born on July 16, 1922 to Daniel and Evelyn (Grabau) Murray in Bonair, Iowa. Esther graduated from Crestwood High School in Cresco in 1939.
On Nov. 21, 1940, Esther was united in marriage with Gregory Frederic “Greg” Zweibohmer Sr. at St. John Catholic Church in Independence. Nine children were born to this union.
Esther worked in Waterloo as a waitress, where she met Greg. She then worked on the family farm raising her family for 50 years. Presently, she was the Grand Regent of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court #983 and served as the District Deputy for many years. Esther loved playing cards, quilting, reading, gardening and crocheting.
Esther is survived by seven of her children, Lois (Lee) Meinert of Ankeny, Louise (John) Heying of Calmar, James (Carol) Zweibohmer of Sherrill, Lawrence (Connie) Zweibohmer of Charlotte, N.C., Patricia Larson of Ionia, David (Sharol) Zweibohmer of Cresco and Norma Glass of Oelwein; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and her sister, Rosetta Statelman of Evansdale.
Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Greg Zweibohmer, Sr.; a son, Greg Zweibohmer, Jr.; a daughter in infancy, Catherine Zweibohmer and a grandson, Bryan Meinert.
David Lien, age 76, of Decorah, died on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, at Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Decorah Lutheran Church, Decorah, with Rev. David Sorenson and Rev. Bryan Robertson presiding. Burial was in the Springfield Cemetery, rural Decorah.
Memorials may be given in memory of Dave Lien to the Winneshiek Hospice, 907 Montgomery Street, Decorah, IA 52101.
David Lowell Lien was born on July 5, 1937, the son of Carl M. and Gladys (Hogenson) Lien, on the family farm in Springfield Township. Dave was baptized and confirmed at the Springfield Lutheran Church and attended rural country school near his home.
He graduated from Calmar High School in 1956 and served in the U.S. Army in 1960. Dave was united in marriage to Patricia Juve on Sept. 25, 1971, at Decorah Lutheran Church. Together they farmed the family farm until 1999, when they rented the farm ground out.
After retirement, Dave helped Myles Gerleman farm. Dave and Pat had just recently moved into Decorah.
Over the years, Dave enjoyed woodworking and watching both of his boys play football for Wartburg. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye, Green Bay Packer and St. Louis Cardinal Fan. Dave also loved to watch the rivalry at any sporting event between Luther and Wartburg. Dave enjoyed going to the Sale Barn and going to Fort Dodge to watch his son coach. Dave was a member of the Decorah Lutheran Church.
David is survived by his wife: Pat Lien, Decorah; two sons: Chad (Shelly) Lien, Shawnee, Kan., and Kris (Leslie) Lien, Fort Dodge; four grandchildren, Kendall & Brayden Lien and Luke & Vivian Lien; two sisters, E. Joan (Milfred) Nelson, Decorah, and Lona Mae (Bob) Anderson, Decorah; brothers and sisters-in-law: Jim (Barbara) Juve, Decorah, Ron (Sheryl) Juve, Decorah, David Juve, Temecula, Calif., John (Nancy) Juve, Decorah, Rob (Mary) Juve, Ft. Meyers, Fla., and Dick (Darlene) Juve, Decorah; sister-in-law: Diane Juve, Decorah; brother-in-law, Gene Henrichson, Bradenton, Fla.; uncles and aunts, Edward (Evelyn) Hogenson, West Union, Arlene Hogenson, Decorah, along with many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Carl M. Lien in 1977 and Gladys (Hogenson) Lien in 2006; father-in-law, Raymond Juve in 1987, and mother-in-law, Hattie Juve in 2000; brother-in-law, Dennis Juve in 2003; sister-in-law: Norma Henrichson in 1990.
Betty J. Halverson, 79, of Elgin, Iowa died Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at her home in Elgin, Iowa. Betty Joan, the daughter of Jacob and Bertha (Tinderholt) Wander, was born December 31, 1933 on the family farm west of Clermont. She graduated from Clermont High School in 1951. After high school, Betty worked as a telephone operator in Decorah, Iowa.
Betty was united in marriage with Roy Halverson on February 21, 1954 at the West Clermont Lutheran Church in Clermont, Iowa. After Betty and Roy had their family, Betty went to work as a cook at Valley High School in Elgin, Iowa until her retirement. Betty and Roy lived on a farm south of Elgin until Roy’s death in 1987, when she moved into town.
Betty loved to cook and garden. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and going places with her friends.
Betty is survived by her six children, Michael (Monica) Halverson of Dubuque, Iowa, Allen Halverson of Kalispell, Montana, Roger (Sharlene) Halverson of Clermont, Iowa, Barbara (Kendal Beisker) Blockhus of West Union, Iowa, Bruce (Brenda) Halverson of Norwalk, Iowa and Jill (Craig) Sebastian of Castalia, Iowa; thirteen grandchildren, James (Teri Jo) Halverson, Jeffery Halverson, Jenny (Adam Williams) Halverson, Candace (Dalen) Moser, Wade Halverson, Garry (Susan) Blockhus, Randy (Sara) Blockhus, Kelly (LeAnn) Blockhus, Meghan Halverson, Morgan Halverson, Royale (Jerrod) Torkelson, Arial Sebastian and Riley Sebastian; thirteen great-grandchildren, Delia, Zachary, Alexis, Jackson, Callie, Skylar, Easton, Peyton, Sydney, Connor, Alexander, Eean, and Colin; one brother, Steven (Eileen) Wander of Hawkeye, Iowa and two sisters-in-law, Juliane Wander and Chris (Lyle) Meisner, both of Clermont, Iowa.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Roy; her parents and two brothers, James and Jerry Wander.
Visitation was Sunday, December 15, 2013 from 3 - 7 pm at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, Iowa and also one hour before services at the church on Monday.
Funeral Services were held at 11:00 am on Monday, December 16, 2013 at West Clermont Lutheran Church in Clermont, Iowa with Rev. Dayna Winke as the Officiant.
Interment followed at the Elgin Cemetery, Elgin, Iowa.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, Iowa helped the family with the arrangements.
Hattie E. Wilbur-Watson, 103, of Surprise, Arizona and formerly of Randalia, Iowa died Thursday, December 12, 2013 at the Greenhouse Hospice Home in Phoenix, Arizona.
Funeral Service: 11:00 A.M. Saturday, December 21, 2013 at Floral Hills Funeral Home, rural Oelwein with Rev. Charis Combs-Lay of Zion Lutheran Church officiating.
Visitation: 10:00 A.M. to service time at the funeral home on Saturday.
Interment: Floral Hill Memorial Gardens, rural Oelwein, Iowa.
A Memorial Fund has been established in her name.
Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com.
Hattie Eliza VanSickle was born June 11, 1910 in Maynard, Iowa the daughter of L.H. and Rhoda (Hart) VanSickle. She attended the Randalia High School where she played basketball and won several dramatic speech contests. Hattie graduated in 1928 and that same year married Eugene Wilbur with whom she raised four children. Hattie was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Fayette, Iowa where she played the organ for 20 years. She worked as a telephone operator while raising her family and assistant librarian for 10 years at Upper Iowa University. Hattie and Gene retired to Theodosia, Missouri and were charter members of the Lutheran church in Isabella, Missouri. They were married 57 years when Gene passed away. She later married Kenneth Watson and lived in Protem, Missouri for 13 years. Hattie lived in Surprise, Arizona for 10 years and attended Crown of Life Lutheran Church until her 103rd Birthday when she fell and her health declined from that time.
Hattie is survived by her 4 children, Ardath Loreen (Borland) Wilbur of Sun City West, Arizona, Leslie Eugene (Carolyn) Wilbur of Sun City West, Arizona, Kenneth Lee (Doris) Wilbur of Abilene, Texas and Dennis Dean (Melodye) Wilbur of Olathe, Kansas; 10 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; 20 great-great grandchildren; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 husbands; and 9 sisters and brothers.
Robert Eugene Crow, 70, of Highmore, S.D., formerly of Elgin, died Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013, at his home in Highmore.
A full obituary will appear in next week’s Union.
Clermont native Donald G. Yauslin, 81, of Cedar Rapids died Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, at his home.
Services with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories in Cedar Rapids.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.
Agnes M. Galligan, 81, of Lawler died Sunday morning, Dec. 15, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, Lawler.
Interment will be in the church cemetery.
Friends may greet the family 3-7 p.m. today (Wednesday) at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler. Visitation will continues an hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.
Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in Lawler is in charge of the arrangements.
Robert Eugene Crow, 70, of Highmore, SD, passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at his home in Highmore surrounded by family.
A Celebration of his Life will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 13, 2014 at the Church of Christ, Highmore with Pastor Max Kelley officiating.
Robert Eugene Crow was born on November 24, 1943 to Robert T. and Bettie (Davis) Crow in Waterloo, IA. He attended Valley High of Elgin, IA and following graduation he continued at the Upper Iowa University in Fayette, IA. He became a high school teacher of math, science, and physics. Robert married Linda Hackmann on December 28, 1965 at Elgin, IA.
Robert enjoyed gardening, reading, carpentry, music, fishing, cooking, camping and traveling. He especially loved his flower garden. He was a Cub Scout leader for the Boy Scouts of America in Victor, IA for several years. He was a member of Highmore Church of Christ where he served on the mission board. He also published a paper for the Iowa Academy of Science. His teaching career took him many places throughout his life such as, Cylinder, IA, Emmetsburg, IA, Olin, IA, Victor, IA, Stephan, SD, Fort Thompson, SD, and Highmore, SD.
While living in South Dakota, he taught at Crow Creek High School, Harrold Schools, and the After School Program at Highmore Elementary. He was back at Crow Creek High School when he needed to resign due to his illness.
He was a gentle man who loved his students as much as his family.
Grateful to have shared in his life was his wife, Linda of Highmore; children: Carlin Crow of Wichita, KS, Holli (Mark) Oberheu of Denver, IA, Jeremy (LeAnne) Crow of Nixa, MO, Heidi (Jason) Lavender of Wichita, KS, Heather (Eric) Trefz of Highmore, and Cameron (Erika) Crow of Olathe, KS; 14 grandchildren; four brothers and one sister; nieces, and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Robert T. Crow and Bettie (Davis) Crow.
Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Robert’s arrangements.
Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net.
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Gussie Maye Crafton, daughter of John and Sarah Rorex, was born August 6, 1922, in Egypt, Ark. She graduated from Egypt High School in 1938 and later received a bachelor’s degree from Upper Iowa University.
On Jan. 19, 1943, Gussie was united in marriage to Victor C. Crafton. After living in Jonesboro, Ark., they moved to Fayette, in 1952. Gussie worked at and then managed the UIU bookstore from 1961 until her retirement in 1984.
Gussie resided in Maple Crest Manor from March of 2010 until she moved to West Palm Beach, Fla., in October of 2012 after Vic’s death on May 5, 2012. Gussie resided at Personal Touch, Inc. Adult Family Care where she died on Dec. 18, 2013, at the age of 91.
During WW II when Vic served in the army, Gussie traveled to California where she was a “Rosie the Riveter” at an airplane factory. She was an “all-star” basketball player in both California and Arkansas.
In Fayette, Gussie was an active member of the United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She was a member of PEO and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Gussie served on the board of the Big Rock Country Club for many years and was an avid, accomplished golfer. She loved Bridge and other card games and was a huge fan of all Upper Iowa sports especially basketball. For several years she volunteered at Maple Crest Manor.
Gussie is survived by two daughters, Sue Regan of Jupiter, Fla., and Vicki (Greg) Andersen of Minneapolis, Minn.; two granddaughters, Laura (Steve) Donlin and Erin (Brent) Butler, and six great grandchildren, Joey, Ava, Ryan, Lucy, Brady and Heidi.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, John, Tom and Earl Rorex, one sister, Frances Burris and one son-in-law Richie Regan.
A funeral service to be held in Fayette will be announced at a later date. Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.
Arlene Elsie (Schultz) Schlatter, age 91, died peacefully in her sleep during the early hours of Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013, at her daughter and son-in-law’s home in Apple Valley, Minn.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 21, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye with Rev. David R. Nelson and Rev. Jamie Thompson officiating.
Interment followed in the Hawkeye Cemetery.
Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Hawkeye assisted the family. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.
Arlene was born the daughter of John and Theresa Schultz, Arlene was born Oct. 17, 1922, in Bethel Township of rural Fayette County. She was baptized Nov. 5, 1922, by Rev. Westenberger, and later confirmed by Rev. Kraemer, both at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye, where she was a member for most of her life. She attended Bethel Township No. 5 rural school in her early years, and graduated from Hawkeye High School in 1940.
On June 24, 1943, she was united in marriage at Trinity Lutheran with Donald Carl Schlatter, son of Carl and Eleanora (Guenther) Schlatter of Bethel Township. They had two children: Allan, born April 21, 1944; and Betty, born April 1, 1948. Arlene and Donald farmed south and west of Hawkeye for many years before moving to town in 1965. He died on August 30, 1988, spending the last 33 years of his life in a wheelchair due to multiple sclerosis.
After leaving the family farm, Arlene worked in the café in Hawkeye, did volunteer work for the MS Society, and ran the annual Red Cross Blood Drive for more than 10 years. In 2002, she relocated from Hawkeye to Apple Valley, just south of Minneapolis/Saint Paul, where she lived for the remaining years of her life, the last four with her daughter and son-in-law, Dick Schaaf. She was a member and benefactor of Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Lakeville, Minn.
Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother, Melvin Schultz.
She is survived by her son and daughter, five grandchildren (Kurt Schlatter, Sara Steinkamp, Craig Schlatter, Michael Schaaf, and Matthew Schaaf), and nine great-grandchildren (Keaton Schlatter; Austin, Brittany, and Carissa Steinkamp; Taylor and Zachary Schlatter; and Brandon, Kyle, and Ryan Schaaf).
Robert E. Vagts, 48, of West Union, Iowa passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2013 at Palmer Lutheran Health Center in West Union. Robert Eugene, the son of Buddy “Bud” and Judith (Moschel) Vagts, was born November 13, 1965 in Decorah, Iowa. Bob was baptized at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado, Iowa and was confirmed at the Ossian Lutheran Church in Ossian, Iowa. Bob graduated from South Winneshiek High School. He then received a B.S. degree in Exercise Physiology and a M.B.A. from Arizona State University. While at ASU he became a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity. Bob was the Director of Operations for America West Airlines in Phoenix, Arizona from 1987-2000, he was the Director of Operations for Northwest Airlines in Minneapolis, Minnesota from 2000-2004 and he was the Director of Hub Operations for Frontier Airlines in Denver, Colorado from 2004-2007. Bob has been the West Union City Administrator since 2010.
Bob was united in marriage with Suzann Town on January 6, 1990 in Phoenix, Arizona. To this union three children were born, Brooke, Samuel, and Olivia. They were later divorced. Bob was then united in marriage with Tamra (Hanson) Mitts on September 18, 2010 in Jamaica. From this marriage he gained two stepchildren, Caitlyn and Trevor.
Bob was a West Union Ambassador and a member of the Freemasons. He was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed following high school and college sports, especially when his extended family members were participating; he loved the Iowa State Cyclones, the Arizona State Sun Devils, and the Green Bay Packers. Bob enjoyed telling “fraternity” stories to his nephews. He loved head massages, vacations with his family up north, traveling, woodworking, and planning the menu for holiday get-togethers.
Bob is survived by his wife, Tamra, of West Union, Iowa; three children, Brooke (Mike Bangston) Vagts of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Samuel and Olivia Vagts of Gilbert, Arizona; two stepchildren, Caitlyn Mitts of Iowa City, Iowa and Trevor Mitts of West Union, Iowa; his parents, Bud and Judy Vagts of Ossian, Iowa; three sisters, Beth (Duane) Holthaus of Ossian, Iowa; Lisa (Ed) Hackman of Calmar, Iowa; and Lori (Tim) Hageman of Ossian, Iowa; ten nieces and nephews, Jill (Eric) Timp, Holly (Steve) Fish, Megan Holthaus, Mandi (Aaron) Tieskoetter, Paul (friend, Tiana Rodriguez) Hackman, Kristin (Landon) Einck, Jon (friend, Lindsey Meyer) Hackman, Courtney (friend, Steven Huinker) Hageman, Nolan Hageman, and Colton Hageman; five great nieces and great nephews, Hayden and Courtlyn Tieskotter, Hudson and Harper Einck, and Penn Fish.
Bob was preceded in death by his grandparents.
Funeral Services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 28, 2013, at the Ossian Lutheran Church, Ossian, Iowa. Rev. Dave Lenth was the Officiant.
Visitation was held on Friday, December 27, 2013, from 3-7 pm at the Ossian Lutheran Church, Ossian, Iowa, and one hour before services at the church on Saturday.
There will be a private family inurnment at a later date.
Schmitz-Grau Funeral Homes and Cremation Services in Ossian, Iowa assisted the family with the arrangements.
Condolences may be left with: www.graufuneralhomes.com.
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Lavon Elizabeth Reichert, 89, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013 at the Good Samaritan Society in West Union, where she had been a resident since November of 2006.
Lavon was born on December 18, 1924 to Harry and Elma (Meyer) Reichert. She attended country school and graduated from West Union High School in 1942. She was a lifetime member of Bethel Presbyterian Church in West Union.
After high school Lavon worked as a waitress. Then she was employed as a secretary at West Union High school. In July of 1951 she was hired as an assistant bookkeeper at Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative (REC) in Postville. She lived with her parents on the home farm 5 miles south of West Union and drove to Postville to work until both of her parents had passed away. Then she moved to Postville in 1964. She became office manager at the REC. On December 31, 1986 she retired from her position as Consumer Accounting Supervisor.
Lavon enjoyed ceramics, traveling, playing cards, bowling, golf, and reading. A cup of coffee and the daily newspaper began her day for many decades. She took great pride in her cars, calling washing her car a hobby, and she loved to drive them. Although she prized her solitude, she even more so treasured her friends and family.
Lavon is survived by her sister, Lois Winter, of West Union, IA; a niece, Marsha Ruby of Postville; a nephew, John Winter (Marsha) of West Union, and a nephew, Dean Winter (Kim) of Dassel, MN. Also great-nephews, Josh Ruby (Bonnie) of Coralville, IA and Jamie Winter of Cedar Rapids, IA and a great-niece, Emily Winter of West Union plus a great-great niece, Elizabeth Ruby, and a great-great nephew, Benjamin Ruby. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Elma Reichert, her brother, Lyle Reichert, and a great-niece, Sara Winter.
Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Bethel Presbyterian Church in West Union. A light lunch will follow the service. Visitation will be from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. on January 1, 2014 at Burnham-Wood & S.K. Rogers Funeral Home in West Union, Iowa. In lieu of flowers memorials could be made to the Good Samaritan Society, Bethel Presbyterian Church, or the Alzheimer’s Association. 1u1
