Larry Butikofer

Larry Gene Butikofer, 80, of Elgin, Iowa died Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at Maple Crest Manor, Fayette, Iowa. 

Larry was born on April 7, 1938 to Lawrence and Carolyn (Weigand) Butikofer in Postville, Iowa. 

He graduated from Elgin High School in 1956. 

Larry was united in marriage with Sarah Seitz on Sept. 24, 1960 in Monona, Iowa. 

He was a lifelong farmer and farmed the Butikofer farm in Dutch Bottom, rural Elgin, Iowa, that was established in 1856. 

Larry was a volunteer fireman on the Elgin Fire Department, a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church Council and a board member for the Elgin Co-op.

He enjoyed fishing, squirrel and rabbit hunting and spending time with his grandchildren.

Larry is survived by his four children, Lyle Butikofer of Elgin, Iowa, Doug (Karin) Butikofer of La Grange, Ill., Brenda (Gordie) Smock of Independence, Iowa and Brian (Theresa) Butikofer of Elgin, Iowa; six grandchildren, Daniel Smock, Nicole Smock, Benjamin Butikofer, Dane Butikofer, Ashia Gerdemann and Sarah Butikofer; two great-grandchildren, Nova and Nyla Smock; two step-grandchildren, Kory (Dacia) Warrington and their three children and Emily Haws and her four children; a sister, Sheryl Schroeder of Clermont, Iowa; and a sister-in-law, Joann Butikofer of Elkader, Iowa.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah, in 2009; his parents, Lawrence and Carolyn Butikofer; a brother, Dennis Butikofer; and a sister, Shirley Ann Butikofer.

Funeral Service was held Saturday, May 19, 2018 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Elgin, Iowa with Rev. Hyeunmee Kang as the officiant.

Burial followed at Apostolic Cemetery, Elgin, Iowa.

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

Phyllis Ann Hackman

Sister Phyllis Ann Hackman, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 95, died on Saturday, May 12, 2018, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse, Wis.

She was in the 70^th year of her religious profession.

Sister Phyllis Ann was born April 2, 1923, to Edward and Anna (Schmitt) Hackman in Festina, IA. 

She entered St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wis., in 1945.  Beginning her active ministry as a homemaker, Sister Phyllis Ann served her sisters in convent homes in Guam, Idaho, Utah, Wisconsin and Washington.  

After earning her dietetics degree, she became a dietary supervisor at Milbank, S.D., and Hillsboro, Wis.  

Sister Phyllis Ann felt called to serve in the pastoral care ministry and became a clinical pastoral educator. She eventually became certified as a chaplain.  From 1980 to 1993, Sister Phyllis Ann was employed as a chaplain at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Belleville, Ill.  

Her last nine years of active ministry were at St. Joseph’s Parish, New Hampton, Iowa, serving as pastoral associate.  While serving in New Hampton, she started a food pantry and also worked in hospice.  

She retired to St. Rose Convent in 2002 and moved to Villa St. Joseph in 2017.

Sister Phyllis Ann is survived by her religious community; two sisters, Lucille Kruse of Ossian, Iowa and Phyllis (Duane) Einwalter of Fort Atkinson; two brothers, Paul (Betty) Hackman of Calmar, Iowa and Norbert (Mary) Hackman of Fort Atkinson; nieces and nephews.  

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Othmar; and her sisters, Sister Marcella Hackman, FSPA, Irene Shatek and Rita Shatek.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, May 22, in Mary of the Angels Chapel at St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wis.  

Burial took place in the family plot in Festina.  

Dickinson and Hugeback funeral homes are handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market St., La Crosse, WI 54601-4782.          21u21

Alice Schroeder

Alice M. (Becker) Schroeder, 91, of Cedar Rapids and formerly of La Porte City and Elgin, died Saturday, June 2, 2018, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 7, at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Evansdale.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. tonight (Wednesday, June 6) at the La Porte City Funeral Home.

Alice was born on June 13, 1926 in Pleasant Valley Township Iowa, the daughter of Louis Frederick and Estella Irene (Peters) Becker.

She graduated from Elgin High School and attended Upper Iowa University in Fayette.

She married Joseph Kjosa, and they were later divorced.

She married Cecil L. Schroeder on Aug. 22, 1966 in Elgin, and he preceded her in death on March 18, 1990.

Alice worked as a bookkeeper at Falb Chevrolet in West Union and Elgin and later at Clark Chevrolet in La Porte City for 16 years.

She was a member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Evansdale and also attended the Methodist Church in La Porte City.

Alice enjoyed dancing, painting, playing cards and bingo as well as going to the casino.

Survivors include a son, Keith (Bonnie) Kjosa of Fairfax; two daughters, Kathryn Hansen of Haines City, Fla., and Susan (Dennis) Wierck of Redington Beach, Fla.; two stepdaughters, Diana Westendorf of Sumner and Rebecca Skalsky of Des Moines;  two stepsons, Lonnie and Gary Schroeder, both of Des Moines; two sisters, Mary Lou Downey of Reinbeck and Judy (David) Larson of Ossian; two sisters-in-law, Ila Mae Becker of Clermont and Sharon Becker of Elgin; and she is survived by many grandchildren and stepgrandchildren.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Cecil; two sons-in-law, Paul Hansen and Arnold Westendorf; two brothers, Charles Becker and Louis Becker Jr.; and a brother-in-law Sheridan Downey.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Condolences may be left at www.kearnsfuneralservice.com.    23u23

Carolee Wolfs

Carolee Nydegger Wolfs, was born March 16, 1944 in West Union, IA to Fred and Helen Cook Nydegger. She passed away after a long illness on May 29, 2018 in Jacksonville, Fla. 

Married to Dennis Wolfs on June 10, 1962, they lived in Merced, Calif., until 1965 while Dennis served in the Air Force. 

Upon his discharge they moved back to Waterloo, Iowa, where Dennis attended UNI and Carolee completed the LPN course at Hawkeye Tech. 

In 1970 they moved to Marshalltown, Iowa, then to Muscatine, Iowa, in 1980, relocating to Kennesaw, Ga., in 1998.  Last year they moved to Jacksonville, Fla., to be near their daughter.

  While in Muscatine, Carolee was active in the Trinity Hospital Auxiliary; Chapter M of the PEO Sisterhood; Chapter M of the T.T.T. Society; Phoenix Federated Women’s Club of Iowa; Wesley United Methodist Church; Geneva Country Club (Muscatine), and more recently Chapter BE (Kennesaw) PEO and Kennesaw United Methodist Church.

  Before retiring she spent 27 years as a Licensed Practical Nurse in geriatric care. 

Some of her happiest days were spent playing golf with friends at the Geneva Country Club. 

Carolee is survived by her husband, Dennis Wolfs; daughter Karen Thompson; son-in-law Kevin Thompson; daughter Shari Wolfs, and special daughter Lynn Gauthier; brother Kent Nydegger; nephew Todd (Tracy) Nydegger and their children, Tyler and Taylor; niece Marcia (Scott) Bartolo and her son, Grant Willard; nephew Chris (Jessica) Nydegger and their children, Brayden, Ashlee and Haylee.

  A Memorial Service will be held 11 am on June 30, 2018 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, West Union, Iowa with Pastor Rusty Phillips officiating. 

Burial will be in Elgin City Cemetery with reception to follow at church.

  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to: Abandoned Angels Cocker Spaniel Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 545426, Flushing, NY 11354 or rescue@abandonedangels.com.

  Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223; www.hgmandarin.com; (904) 288-0025.            23u23

Lyle Johansen

Lyle Carl Johansen, 78, of West Union died Monday, May 28, 2018 at Maple Crest Manor Fayette, Iowa surrounded by family. 

Lyle was born Feb. 26, 1940 to Carl and Bernice (Kamaus). 

He graduated from high school in 1958 as a member of the last West Union Bombers class. 

On Feb. 24, 1961 Lyle was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Lois Jacobson. Four sons were born to this union: Lee (and so began the “L” saga), Lonny, Larry, and Lane.  

Lyle had a passion for farming and was a master hog farmer; he appreciated the stability farming provided his family. 

In reflecting on Lyle’s life, family reflected on his love of NASCAR (he even had the pants to prove it), his Scrooge-like appreciation of Christmas, his pleasure in “stirring the pot,” and a work ethic that allowed him to be a great provider for his family. 

Grandson Lincoln can tell you about Grandpa’s enduring love of tractors; Nick J. can tell about the joy a kindergartner feels when picked up from school by his grandpa pulling a livestock trailer. Ask Lonny about Lyle’s art of making his point clear. Lois remembers how Lyle enjoyed having coffee regularly at the hog buying station and Wilson’s Feed & Supply. Grandson Nate can tell you about Grandpa’s enjoyment of a good card game (and card club friends can add to that story). Granddaughters Emily and Chloe can highlight the perks of being the token girls among many (many) boys. Golf stories and love for 1980s Iowa basketball are fond memories, as is Lyle’s enjoyment of reading the Des Moines Register cover-to-cover.

Lyle’s position as a farmer and father was a natural fit for his role as a supporter of FFA. Each of his sons was actively involved in FFA. Lyle supported the great opportunities FFA offered; he also noted the demands involvement dictated, and in good humor, he referred to FFA as Father-Farms-Alone.

In 2014 Lyle became a great-grandpa. At his death he had four great-grandchildren (and a fifth expected in November): Lily and Levi (“L’s” continue), Nora and Otto. Lyle was amazed by how quickly these babes grew and how they walked on their tiptoes (those who know Lyle best recognize Lyle’s sensitivity to toes). 

Lyle is missed by his wife, sons and daughter-in-laws, and grandchildren:  Lee (Linda) Johansen of West Union; sons Lucas (Lexie), Landon (Lindsay). Lonny (Tiffany) Johansen of West Union; children Nicholas (Amie), Nathan (Liz Franzen), Amber Fox and Bryce Adams. Larry (Anna Kalkoff) of Cedar Falls; children Nick Hambly and Emily Hambly.  Lane (Lezley) of West Union; children Lincoln and Chloe. Four great-grandchildren. One brother, Richard (Betty) Johansen of Tripoli. Lyle is also survived by sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews. 

Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Bernice Johansen, and his in-laws, Arnold and Hilda Jacobson.

The Funeral Service was held Monday, June 4, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church, West Union, Iowa with Rev. Adam Starrett as the officiant.

Burial followed at West Union Cemetery, West Union, Iowa.

Burnham-Wood- Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union, Iowa helped the family with arrangements.         23u23

Lucille Boyer

Lucille Anna Boyer, 94, of West Union, Iowa died Sunday, May 27, 2018 at Stoney Brook Assisted Living Center in West Union, Iowa.   

Lucille was born April 19, 1924 to John and Mary (Schmitt) Wurzer on the family farm near St. Lucas, Iowa. Lucille joined a sister, Leona and a brother, Edmund, where she helped with milking, feeding chickens, and gardening.  

She fondly shared stories about walking 3 miles to St. Luke’s School in St. Lucas, Iowa where she graduated from eighth grade.  

As a lifelong member of St. Luke Catholic Church and Rosary Society, Lucille faithfully practiced and shared her Catholic faith with her family and those around her. Recent years found her watching daily Mass on TV.    

Lucille was united in marriage with Joseph John Boyer on Jan. 27, 1953, after which they purchased and moved to a farm near the Turkey River in rural Hawkeye, Iowa.   

In addition to a busy life as a wife and mother to five children, she assisted in the farming operation by raising chickens, selling eggs, driving the tractor when baling, washing the milking machine, gardening, canning, and freezing for the family.  

She enjoyed crocheting, painting, and growing flowers, especially peonies, gladiolus and dahlias.  

After Joe passed away in 1992, she remained on the family farm and continued with her gardening and yard work.  She remained interested with the daily operations of the farm and appreciated updates from her sons on their daily visits.   

In 2012 Lucille moved to Stoney Brook Assisted Living Center. She enjoyed visiting and dining with the residents, doing puzzles, and playing bingo. Lucille and her best friend, Colette Ameling, walked many laps in and outside of Stoney Brook and enjoyed discussing the good ol’ days.   Colette’s passing in February 2018 was especially hard for Lucille. With their loving care, the staff at Stoney Brook became like family.  

Lucille was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph John Boyer; parents; brother; sister; two sisters-in-law; and three brothers-in-law.

Lucille was especially proud of her family and enjoyed their visits, phone calls, and family gatherings.

She is survived by daughter Mary Ann (Wayne) Strohmeyer and children: Mike (Tara) Wilbur, Taylor, Thomas, Riley and Bryce Wilbur; Shari (Joel) Marousek, Nathan Wilbur, James Marousek; and several stepchildren. Son Don (Jeannie) Boyer and children:  Matt (Liz) Boyer, Sydney, Cadence, and Quinn; Joey (Monica) Boyer, Adalynn and Claire; Jessica (Matt) Phillips and Morgan; and Christine (Jordan) Mitchell. Son Ron (Donna) Boyer and children:  Carrie (Jeremy) Davis, Brianna and Tyler; Sarah (Jake) Palmer; Richard (Megan) Boyer and Aubrey. Daughter Deanna (Paul) Gray and children:  Karen (Nathan) Hardisty, Hannah and Nora; Alex (Chelsea) Gray and Winchester. Son Kenny (Veronica) and children:  Andy Boyer; Laura Boyer and Hailey and Kortney Holzer; Greg (Lindsey) Boyer; and Eddie Boyer. Nephew Roger (Patty) Sendlebach and niece Phyllis Duffrin.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, June 4, at St. Luke Catholic Church, St. Lucas, Iowa with Rev. Kyle Digmann as the Celebrant.

Burial followed at St. Luke Cemetery, St. Lucas, Iowa.

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa helped the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the funeral home.           23u23

Alvina Bodensteiner

Alvina Katherine Bodensteiner, age 97, of Rapid City, N.D., formerly of Waucoma, Iowa died Oct. 10, 2017 at the Rapid City Hospice House.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 14, 2018 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Waucoma, Iowa with burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Waucoma. 

Honorary urnbearers are Alvina’s grandchildren Steve, Luke, Nathan, Bert, Carl, Matt Bodensteiner, Sheryl Batt, Megan Archer and Andrea Tripolino, and great-grandchildren Bergen, Gage, Thea, Julia, Sydney, Ashtyn, Aubrey, Ellery, Lindemn, Eli, Izzy, Amelia Bodensteiner, Towsend and Johanna Batt, and Jack Archer. 

Friends may greet the family from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. at the church Thursday morning. A luncheon will follow at the Waucoma Event Center.

Services are entrusted to Hugeback Johnson Funeral Home in Waucoma. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to the Ray and Alvina Bodensteiner Family Perpetual Memorial Scholarship at Turkey Valley High School, Jackson Junction, Iowa.

Alvina Katherine Bodensteiner was born Aug. 28, 1920, the second child in a family of six to Theodore and Rose (Croatt) Schmitt.

Alvina lived 90 years in Waucoma, Iowa, and then moved to Rapid City, S.D., to be closer to her family in 2011.

On April 23, 1940 Alvina married Ray Bodensteiner at St. Mary’s in Waucoma; they welcomed six children, five sons and a daughter, into this world. 

Alvina was very involved in their farming operation and in the Waucoma community. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America at St. Mary’s Catholic Church for 65 years. 

Alvina loved to play cards with family and friends. She and Ray traveled the world and Alvina enjoyed visiting about their many adventures. Alvina had a passion for flowers and gardening. Spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were some of the most precious times of her life. Alvina was so proud of all her children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren always believing in them.

Alvina is survived by four sons, Mark (Judy) of Seattle, Wash., Dr. Bob (Mary Kay) of West Bend Wis., Don (Pat), Tom (Mary Katherine), and daughter Mary (Cal) Weidenbach, all of Rapid City, S.D.; 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, brother Alfred (Arlene) Schmitt of Waucoma, Iowa; and one sister Cecilia O’Rourke of Manteca, Calif.

Alvina was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ray, in 2001; son Carl in 1979; grandson Jon Bodensteiner in 2013; brother Roy and sisters Loretta and Esther.     24u24

Kenneth Kuennen

Kenneth Kuennen, age 89, of Decorah, IA, died on Saturday, June 2, 2018, at his home in Decorah, IA.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by the Rev. Kyle Digmann on Friday, June 8, at St. Luke Catholic Church in St. Lucas.

Interment was in the church cemetery. Military rites were conducted by the St. Lucas American Legion Post, Turkey River VFW, and the U.S. Army.

Casket bearers were Wayne Smith, Marianne Huinker, Ken Bodensteiner, Joel Smith, Clair Blong, and Daniel Kuennen. Honorary casket bearers were Tim Kuennen and James Schneberger.

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

Kenneth Clair Kuennen was born on Oct. 13, 1928 in St. Lucas, Iowa, to Albert and Philomena (Minnie) Schneberger Kuennen. 

He was baptized in his faith by Father Paul Kirchhoff, assistant pastor at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas.  

All 12 years of his education were received at St. Luke’s Catholic School, taught by the Franciscan Sisters of St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wis.. 

Ken started his career in hardware at the age of 9, working at George Kruse’s hardware store nailing egg cases together. 

When cousin Victor Kuennen bought the store and started selling Oliver and New Idea farm machinery and Studebaker cars, Ken worked in all positions until he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War in 1951.  

On June 11, 1951, Ken was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Lorraine Bodensteiner, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas. After serving 15 months in Korea, he received his discharge and resumed working at the hardware and implement business. 

Ken and Lorraine became owners of Ken’s Hardware on Jan. 1, 1956. They immediately joined the S&Q Franchise Program and became Ken’s S&Q Store. In 1960, they joined the Coast to Coast Stores organization, and from then until Ken’s retirement in 1992, their store was known as Ken’s Coast to Coast. In 1994, they donated their store building to the Town of St. Lucas to be used as a City Hall and Community Center.  

From boyhood on, Ken enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing, and being batboy for the town baseball team, the St. Lucas Pirates. Later, he played on the team for many years. Sunday afternoons at Schnebergers were special; they could muster up two baseball teams. He took up golf when the South Winn Country Club was established. 

Ken served on the Town Council for many years, also on the Parish Council and the Parochial School Board. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. For over 50 years he was a member of the St. Lucas American Legion Post, and also joined the Turkey River Veterans of Foreign Wars Post when it was formed. 

In 1999, Ken and Lorraine sold the country home they had built and moved to Vennehjem, a new retirees’ apartment complex in Decorah, where they enjoyed making many new friends, and without yard work, they had extra time to do many of the things they still wanted to do. 

Ken very much enjoyed being a Winneshiek County Census taker in 2000. He also enjoyed the extra amenities of a college town, such as concerts and Tuesday Seminars.  

They were still close enough to their hometown to remain members of St. Luke’s Catholic Church. In 2003 they became founding members of the St. Lucas Historical Society, where they have been very involved in preserving their beloved school, as well as in the formation of the German-American Museum.  

Kenneth is survived by his daughter, Kathleen “Kathe” Kuennen of Decorah, IA; and one son, Paul Kuennen of Urbandale, IA.  

Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine, in 2012; a son, Jimmy, in 1965; his father and mother, Albert Kuennen in 1983 and Minnie (Schneberger) Kuennen in 1951; a brother, Marvin Kuennen, in 1997; a sister, Arlene Smith, in 1998; his father- and mother-in-law, Ben Bodensteiner in 1978 and Rose (Rausch) Bodensteiner in 1980.               24u24

Marcy Alcorn

Marcia “Marcy” Alcorn, 86, of West Union, Iowa died Thursday, June 7, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Society in West Union.  

Marcia Rose, the daughter of James and Dora (Lynn) Willsey, was born Sept. 17, 1931 in Burrough, Saskatchewan, Canada.  

She graduated from West Union High School and attended Iowa State Teachers College for two years.  

Marcy was united in marriage with Rollyn Colberg on March 16, 1951. Two sons, Kim and Kent, were born to this union. Rollyn passed away on Oct. 19, 1954. 

Marcy was then united in marriage with Lavern Alcorn on Dec. 30, 1955. Vern passed away on July 25, 2015.  

Marcy worked as a secretary for the North Fayette Elementary School Principal and the Athletic Director for several years. She then worked for PIL in West Union until her retirement.

Marcy had been an active member of Bethel Presbyterian Church in West Union.  She was a member of the church women and sang in the church choir.  

She loved to sew, go shopping, and volunteer at the Good Samaritan Society.

Marcy is survived by her two sons, Kim (Sandy) Colberg of Marion, Iowa, and Kent (Lynn) Colberg of East Moline, Ill.; three grandchildren, Ryan (Jackie) Colberg, Nicholas (Meredith) Colberg, and Krista (Alan) Vrombaut; four great-grandchildren, Hayden and Jackson Colberg, Allyson Colberg, and Adler Vrombaut; one sister, Iris (George) Woodard of West Union, Iowa; one nephew, Dick Woodard; and four nieces, Nancy (Bill) Marker, Jane (Jonathon) Aves, Tami (Mark) Miller, and Terri (Gene) Boyson.

Marcy was preceded in death by her husbands, Rollyn and Lavern; and her parents, James and Dora Willsey.    

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at Bethel Presbyterian Church in West Union, Iowa. Rev. Don Best was the officiant.

Inurnment was held in the West Union Cemetery, West Union, Iowa.

Memorials may be made to the Good Samaritan Society, 201 Hall Street, West Union, IA 52175. 

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Services of West Union, Iowa assisted the family with arrangements.         24u24

Ilene Rosauer

Ilene Ann  Rosauer, 56, of Cedar Falls died at her home Friday, June 15, 2018.  

She was born July 26, 1961 in Waterloo, the daughter of Elmer C. and Nancy J. (Pape) Heller. 

Ilene married Allan M. Rosauer on Aug. 7, 1993 in Waterloo. 

She graduated from Waterloo West High School and was a cook for Mama Nick’s in Waterloo for many years.

She loved her kitties and her dogs, Mikey and Buddy. 

Ilene is survived by her husband, Allan M. Rosauer, of Cedar Falls; her mother, Nancy Heller, of Clermont; three brothers, Mike (Mary) Heller of Clermont, Pat (Kayla Stevenson) Heller of Cedar Rapids, Tim Heller of Clermont; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her father.  

Services were held Tuesday, June 19, 2018, at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home in Cedar Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Cedar Bend Humane Society.

Condolences may be left at www.DahlFuneralHome.com.       25u25

Darlene Gibbs

Darlene Elizabeth Gibbs, 91, of West Union, Iowa died Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette, Iowa. 

Darlene Elizabeth was born on July 20, 1926 to Fritz and Amanda (Grafenburg) Vagts. 

She graduated from West Union High School in 1944.

Darlene received her teaching certificate and taught at many country schools, including Eldorado, then worked as a secretary to the bank president at First National Bank, West Union.

Darlene was united in marriage with Arnold Gibbs on April 22, 1951 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado, Iowa. To this union five children were born. 

Together they started farming near Strawberry Point, then later east of West Union. Darlene helped Arnold with the farm work and enjoyed cooking and baking, gardening and canning the vegetables from her garden. 

She was an active member of St. Peter in Eldorado, then of Zion Lutheran Church, West Union. Darlene taught Sunday school and Confirmation class for many years.  

She and Arnold retired from the farm in 1991 and moved to West Union.  They traveled in their retirement years with her sister Ardath and husband Buzz Cannon to Arizona, cruised to Alaska, and took a bus tour of the Northeast United States in addition to several other bank trips.  

She volunteered at the elementary school with the reading program and especially enjoyed working with her grandchildren there.  She was always willing to help out when needed.  

In January 2017 she moved to Maple Crest Manor, Fayette.

Darlene is survived by her husband of 67 years, Arnold Gibbs of West Union, Iowa; three children, Mary Gibbs (Brian) of Hiawatha, Iowa, Mike (Cindy) Gibbs of Waterville, Iowa and Gary (Carol) Gibbs of Elgin, Iowa; 16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Russ Medberry of Wadena, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Audrey Gibbs of West Union, Iowa; and one brother, Dr. Bud (Judy) Vagts of Ossian, Iowa.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Sue Medberry; son, Jon Gibbs; and her siblings, Everett Vagts, Herb Vagts, Virginia Schwenk and Ardath Cannon.

Funeral Service was held Saturday, June 16, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church, West Union, Iowa with Rev. Adam Starrett as the officiant.

Burial followed at St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery in Eldorado, Iowa. 

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa helped the family with arrangements.     25u25

Adalene Busch

Adalene Busch, age 85, of Festina, IA died on Friday, June 8, 2018 at the Ossian Senior Hospice in Ossian, IA.

  A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by the Rev. Robert Gross on Wednesday, June 13, at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Festina. 

Interment was in the church cemetery. Casket bearers were John Bear, Alan Boess, Don Wurzer, Allen Lukas, Duane Brincks, Bruce Bonestroo.

Arrangements were handled by Schluter-Balik Funeral Home, French Chapel, in Calmar.  

Adalene Marie (Wieling) Busch was born on March 11, 1933, the daughter of Gustave Gerhardt and Mary Catherine (Schmitz) Wieling in Cresco, Iowa.  

Adalene attended school in Cresco and Lawler and then graduated from Calmar High School in 1950. 

She worked at Brueckner’s Drugstore in Calmar.  

Adalene was united in marriage to Hubert Busch on Sept. 16, 1952, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar.  Together they farmed near Festina. 

Adalene also worked at Graphics in Calmar from 1969 until she retired in 1998.  

Hubert and Adalene moved into Festina in 1986, and she moved to Wellington Place in the Assisted Living in March 2011 and to the Ossian Senior Hospice in October 2013.  

Adalene enjoyed crocheting, dancing to polka music and going to Polka Fests. 

Adalene was a member of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Festina, where she was an active member helping with music and as the bookkeeper.

Adalene is survived by her five children: Robert Busch of Festina, IA, Donna (Dennis) Anderson of Hager City, Wis., Jerry (Judy) Busch of Ossian, IA, Sheila (Wayne) Baird of Denver, IA, and Loren (Colleen) Busch of Burr Oak, IA; 16 grandchildren: Scott Busch, Michelle (Jason) Landa, Travis Busch, Jeremy (Dulcie) Anderson, Kelly (Jennifer) Anderson, Stacy (Adam Lenz) Anderson, Lyndsey Anderson, Chris (Allison) Busch, Terri Busch, Samantha Sutton, Sandra (Damian) Kraft, Alexander Baird, Celine Houdek, Crystal Busch, Chelcie Busch and Cloey Busch;  great-grandchildren: Derek, Avery and Nora Busch; Nevaeh Busch, Gabriel, Adalaide and Reagan Landa, Roslind and Riley Anderson, Kali Swanson, Braydon and Landon Anderson; two sisters: Rosalyn Baldwin of San Diego, Calif., and Alice (Lester) Lukas of Calmar, IA; a sister-in-law: Alice Peters of West Union, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

Adalene was preceded in death by her parents: Gustave Gerhardt and Mary Catherine (Schmitz) Wieling; her husband: Hubert Busch; infant son: Lawrence Busch; daughter-in-law: Sharon Busch; one sister: Mary Jane Bonestroo; one grandson: Benjamin Baird; sisters-in-law Regina Busch, Loretta (Leo) Fisher, Bernice (Raymond) Bear; brothers-in-law: John Baldwin Jr., Alfred Busch, Leo Brincks, Bill Peters, and Ewald Busch.

Marjorie Kilburn

Marjorie Kilburn, 96, of West Union, Iowa, died Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at Stoney Brook Village in West Union, Iowa. 

Marjorie Lois was born Jan. 14, 1922, to Harold and Hazel (Horn) Farland in Jasper County, Iowa. 

She graduated from Newton High School in 1939 and attended Iowa State Normal School, where she earned her two-year teaching degree. She taught three years in rural Jasper County.  

For several years she was a medical receptionist in Marengo, Iowa, for Dr. Burns Byram and Dr. Robert Sauer.

Marjorie was married to Marion “Jim” Dale on May 30, 1942, in Newton, Iowa; they later divorced. 

Marjorie was then united in marriage with Norman Kilburn on Feb. 14, 1970, in West Union, Iowa. 

She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, taught Sunday school and was also an Elder. She was a longtime member of PEO, Wednesday Art Club, American Legion Auxiliary, Decorah Rug Hooking Guild, and a dedicated Girl Scout leader. 

Marge enjoyed gardening and rug hooking. Her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marge is survived by her children, Dianne (Pete) Engel Cullum of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and James (Sandra) Dale of Morrison, Colo.; four grandchildren, Tracy McLane, Doug Engel, Kathy Dale and James Dale; five great-grandchildren, Aiden McLane, Ian McLane, Cole Engel, Blake Engel and Jarrett Engel; stepchildren Kim (Paul) Miller of Surprise, Ariz., and Norman (Bettina) Kilburn of Decatur, Ga.; and one brother, Jim Farland of Newton, Iowa.

Marge was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Kilburn; parents, Harold and Hazel Farland; brothers, Wayne Farland, Delbert Farland, Clifford Farland and Ronn Farland; sisters, LaVonne Thorson, Marilyn Green and Jean Dillin; a grandson, Richie Engel; son-in-law, Rich Engel; and stepchild, Tracy Kilburn.

Visitation was set for 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 19, at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa. There will also be a one-hour visitation before services at the church today (Wednesday).

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. today (Wednesday, June 20, 2018) at Bethel Presbyterian Church, West Union, Iowa, with the Rev. Don Best as the officiant.

There will be a luncheon at the church prior to burial at the West Union Cemetery, West Union, Iowa.

Memorials can be made in Marge’s name to Stoney Brook Village, 705 S. Pine St., West Union, IA 52175.

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa, is helping the family with arrangements.    25u25

Milo Frieden

Milo W. Frieden, 85, of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin formerly of Elgin, Iowa passed away Saturday, June 16, 2018 at Great River Care Center in McGregor, Iowa.  Milo William was born February 4, 1933 to William and Eliza (Moore) Frieden in Elkader, Iowa. He attended school in Elgin, Iowa. Milo joined and proudly served in the United States Army.

Milo was united in marriage with Marilyn DeWitte on April 28, 1954 in Arlington, Iowa.  He farmed the family farm in the Elgin area for many years. Milo also worked at the Casino in Marquette, Iowa for eleven years, retiring in 2006.

Milo is survived by his children, D. Mark Frieden of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Greg Frieden of McGregor, Iowa, Karen Harvey of Des Moines, Iowa and Mari Ellen Koehn of Monona, Iowa; six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Milo was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn on February 25, 2013; daughter, Lisa Frieden; son Jeffrey Frieden; parents, William and Eliza Frieden; two-grandsons, Michael and Matt Frieden; and one sister, Ardis Seeman.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at Norway Lutheran Church, St. Olaf, Iowa.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at Norway Lutheran Church, St. Olaf, Iowa with Rev. Marshall Hahn as the officiant.

Burial will follow the funeral lunch at Illyria Cemetery, Elgin, Iowa.

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

Shirley Schmitt

Shirley Elizabeth Schmitt, 87, of Ossian, Iowa died Saturday, June 9, 2018 at Ossian Senior Hospice, Ossian, Iowa. Shirley Elizabeth was born January 9, 1931 to Theodore and Alice (Mansheim) Uhlenhake in Ossian, Iowa. She graduated from Ossian Public School, Ossian, Iowa.

Shirley was united in marriage with John Schmitt on September 19, 1949 at St. Aloysius Church, Calmar, Iowa. To this union, eight children were born. She was a loyal farm wife and loving mother. Shirley raised chickens, enjoyed cooking, canning the fruit of her labor and gardening. She loved reading and spending time with her family. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren. Shirley had served on the Ossian Public Library board, as an officer for the St. Francis de Sales Rosary Society, God’s housekeeper at the church and also helped at St. Francis de Sales School. Shirley and John lived on the family farm northeast of Ossian until moving to town in 1984.

Shirley is survived by her eight children, Gerald (Julie) Schmitt of St. Joseph, Missouri, Susan Croatt of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Cynthia (Dean) Bushman of Graham, Washington, Daniel (Mary Lynn) Schmitt, of Sumner, Iowa, Richard (JoAnn) Schmitt of West Des Moines, Iowa, Allan (Luann) Schmitt of Ossian, Iowa, David (Anita) Schmitt of West Burlington, Iowa and Margie (Denis) Holien of Ossian, Iowa; twenty-one grandchildren, Sara (B.J.) King, Douglas (Melanie) Schmitt, Emily (Brandon) Holtz, Karen (Chris) Martin, John (Abbey) Croatt, Jason (Jamie) Bushman, Christina (Keith) Taylor, Brooks (Terra) Schmitt, Storm (Shea) Schmitt, Mitchell Schmitt, Noah (Jessica) Bloom, Matthew (Piya) Schmitt, Jenny (Phil) O’Brien, Kristin (Javier Guzman) Schmitt, Alyssa (Bob) Bullerman, Chelsea (Tim) Courtney, Ethan ( Glenda) Schmitt, John (Kylie) Schmitt, Aubrey Schmitt, Chase (Alanda) Holien, and Caitlin Holien; twenty–six great grandchildren; sister, Virginia Reicks; sister-in-law, Kathryn Uhlenhake.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, John Melvin Schmitt; parents, Theodore and Alice Uhlenhake; two grandchildren, Andrew Croatt and Ann Marie Bushman; grandson-in-law, Dana Reicks; three sisters, Lucille Uhlenhake, Irene Tieskoetter and Ruth Elsbernd; and two brothers, Walter Uhlenhake (in infancy) and Ray Uhlenhake.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm with a 7:00 pm Scripture Service on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before mass at the church on Friday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Friday, June 15, 2018 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian, Iowa with Father Robert Gross as Celebrant and Tyler Raymond as Deacon.

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

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

Hildred Pleggenkuhle

Hildred B. Pleggenkuhle, 98, of West Union and formerly of Hawkeye, died Friday, Feb. 16, 2018, at Traditions of West Union. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at noon Sunday, July 1, 2018, at United Methodist Church in Hawkeye with Mona Christie, Lay Servant, and Rev. Dayna Winke officiating. Lunch and fellowship will continue after the service at the Hawkeye Community Hall. 

Private family inurnment will be held at the West Union Cemetery.

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Hawkeye is assisting the family.

Hildred Bernice, daughter of Floyd and Gladys (Swale) Whitcher, was born Nov. 5, 1919, on a farm east of West Union. 

She received her early education in the country schools near West Union and graduated from West Union High School in 1937.

Hildred continued her education at Upper Iowa University in Fayette, where she received her Teaching Certificate. She taught in the country schools near Eldorado and Windsor Township. 

On March 5, 1943, she was united in marriage with Clarence Pleggenkuhle in West Union. The couple farmed for 50 years in the Hawkeye area. She was an active farm wife and was a member of the Bethel Farmerettes. 

Hildred and her sister, Virgie Bruening, participated in the moving of the Whitcher Country Schoolhouse to the Fayette County Fairgrounds and helped with programming during the fair. 

Hildred loved picnics, painting, singing, fishing, playing cards, square dancing and socializing with family and friends. She and Clarence and their four boys spent many days fishing in Minnesota and at the Mississippi River and picnicking at Gouldsburg Park. She and Clarence also loved the time they spent wintering in Arizona. 

Her grandchildren adored her. She taught her granddaughters (and grandsons) how to make noodles and her grandsons how to be “helpful” in the kitchen and all of her children and grandchildren how to love and respect others.

Hildred is survived by her four sons, Daryl (Susan) Pleggnenkuhle of Papillion, Neb., Duane (Olivia) Pleggenkuhle, Ronald (Lynn) Pleggenkuhle, and Gene (Janice) Pleggenkuhle all of Hawkeye; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and several extended family members and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence, in 2001; daughter-in-law, Ellen Pleggenkuhle; granddaughter, Sarah Pleggenkuhle Penniewell; two great-granddaughters, Madeline and Emma Pleggenkuhle; and her siblings, Dale Whitcher, Jerry Whitcher, and Virgie Whitcher Bruening.    25u25

Gary Guyer

Gary Eugene Guyer, 76, of Oelwein passed away on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at Grandview Healthcare Center in Oelwein. 

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

For condolences, visit www.geilenfeldfh.com.

Gary was born June 23, 1941 on the family farm near Elgin, the son of Aubrey and Mabel (Christianson) Guyer.

He grew up in the area, graduating from North High School in West Union in 1959. 

Gary entered the U.S. Army and served a tour in Vietnam. 

He was a truck driver most of his life, driving for many different companies. 

Gary is survived by his five sons: Garret, Bensen, Shayne, Clayton, and Barton Guyer; nine siblings: Angie Andrews of Palo, Rodney (Doris) Guyer of Elgin, Betty Benjegerdes of Postville, John (Ellen) Guyer of Clermont, Kay Behnken of Monona, Nita (Harry) Pape of West Union, Becky (Bob) Keehner of Luana, Rachel (Gary) Woodson of Elgin, and Cindy (Dale) Bilden of Clermont; and several grandchildren.  

He was preceded in death by his parents: Aubrey and Mabel; siblings: Doug Guyer, Ethan Guyer, Patricia Hofland, Belle Kleppe and Olivia Drewes; four brothers-in law: Al Behnken, Sig Hofland, Carl Andrews, and Paul Benjegerdes.      26u26

Gary Guyer

Gary Eugene Guyer, 76, of Oelwein passed away on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at Grandview Healthcare Center in Oelwein. 

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

For condolences, visit www.geilenfeldfh.com.

Gary was born June 23, 1941 on the family farm near Elgin, the son of Aubrey and Mabel (Christianson) Guyer.

He grew up in the area, graduating from North High School in West Union in 1959. 

Gary entered the U.S. Army and served a tour in Vietnam. 

He was a truck driver most of his life, driving for many different companies. 

Gary is survived by his five sons: Garret, Bensen, Shayne, Clayton, and Barton Guyer; nine siblings: Angie Andrews of Palo, Rodney (Doris) Guyer of Elgin, Betty Benjegerdes of Postville, John (Ellen) Guyer of Clermont, Kay Behnken of Monona, Nita (Harry) Pape of West Union, Becky (Bob) Keehner of Luana, Rachel (Gary) Woodson of Elgin, and Cindy (Dale) Bilden of Clermont; and several grandchildren.  

He was preceded in death by his parents: Aubrey and Mabel; siblings: Doug Guyer, Ethan Guyer, Patricia Hofland, Belle Kleppe and Olivia Drewes; four brothers-in law: Al Behnken, Sig Hofland, Carl Andrews, and Paul Benjegerdes.      26u26

Beulah Butikofer

Beulah M. Butikofer, 94, of Elgin, Iowa died Monday, June 18, 2018 at Good Neighbor Society in Manchester, Iowa. 

Beulah Margaret Favrhow, daughter of William Favrhow and Sarah (Guardhouse) Favrhow, was born Oct. 25, 1923 in Emerson, Mo. 

She was raised and educated in Emerson and Palmyra, Mo. 

After high school Beulah worked as a supervisor at two factories in Quincy, Ill., where she lived for several years. 

She was baptized into the Apostolic Christian Church on Dec. 31, 1950. 

Beulah waited for Bert Butikofer to return from his 16-month deployment in South Korea, and they were married on Feb. 22, 1953 in Taylor, Mo. On Aug. 18, 1953 they moved to the Elgin/West Union area. 

Together they both enjoyed dairy farming, raising crops, working with their children on the farm, and were involved in many agricultural and church activities. Together they faithfully served in the Apostolic Christian Church. 

Beulah loved to garden and quilt in her spare time and will long be remembered for transporting many community and church members to distant hospitals for treatments and care. She will also be remembered for her beautiful singing and guitar playing.

Beulah entered the Good Samaritan Society, West Union, Iowa in November 2010 where she resided with her husband, Bert, until his death on Aug. 25, 2014. 

In August 2015, Beulah transferred to Marietta's Place at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester, Iowa to be near more family where she resided until her passing. 

Beulah was preceded in death by her husband, Bert; parents, William and Sarah Favrhow; her sisters, Wilma and Murlene; and brothers Harvey, Earl, Elmo, and Donald. 

In addition to losing her parents and siblings, Beulah suffered the loss of her eldest child, Tony Bert Butikofer, at the age of 18 on May 21, 1972 and her eldest grandson, Jerry Lynn Butikofer (son of Lon and Sandy Butikofer), on July 10, 1998, both of tragic motor vehicle accidents.

Beulah is survived by her sons, Lon (Sandy) of Manchester, Iowa, and Tracy (special friend Phyllis Fosaaen), of West Union, Iowa; and her daughter, Melanie (Steve) Streicher of Milwaukee, Wis.; grandchildren Melisa (Tim) Gerst, and their children, Anelyse, Joseph, Jenna, Anthony, Jared, Aleyna, Jessica, and Aliyah of Delhi, Iowa, Aaron (Andrea) Butikofer, their daughters, Jaelyn, Shelby, and Reagan of Manchester, Iowa, Monica (Michael) Milovancev, their children Martyn, McKenna, and Maxtyn of Franklin, Tenn., Maria (Dean) Rocke, and their children Rylee, Myra, and Natalie of Elgin, Iowa, Brandon Streicher, Washington, D.C., and Sarah Streicher, of Milwaukee, Wis. 

In addition, Beulah is survived by her brothers- and sisters-in-law; Paul and Mildred Butikofer, Albert and La Verne Butikofer, William and Norma Butikofer, Harry Butikofer, Shirley Nester and Bertha Butikofer; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services were held on Friday, June 22, 2018 at Apostolic Christian Church, Elgin, Iowa.

Burial followed at Apostolic Cemetery, rural Elgin, Iowa.

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

William Charles Ohloff

William Charles Ohloff, 86, of Castalia, Iowa died Sunday, June 24, 2018 at Good Samaritan Society in Postville, Iowa. William Charles was born June 21, 1932 to Charles and Velma (Schultz) Ohloff in Postville, Iowa. He graduated from Postville High School in 1950.

William was united in marriage with Shirley M. Olson on August 4, 1950 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. He farmed his entire life. William was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, 4-H foundation board-Pine Bluff and the Bloomfield Historical Society. He enjoyed mushroom hunting, cutting wood and fishing. William had a love of animals and the outdoors. He greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren.

William is survived by his five children, Dean (Laurel) Ohloff of Postville, Stephen (Wendy) Ohloff of Dubuque, Daniel Ohloff of Postville, Marlyn (Debra) Ohloff of Cresco and Glen (Kathryn) Ohloff of Castalia; a daughter-in-law, Carmela (John) Hubler of Round Rock, Texas; fourteen grandchildren, Aaron (Stephanie) Ohloff, Seth (Beth) Ohloff, Arica Ohloff, Blake (Stephanie) Ohloff, Matthew (friend, Hanna) Ohloff, Patience (Robert) Kober, Sara (Kevin) Palas, Candice (Matt) Stier, Collin (Mindy) Ohloff, Craig (Chelsea) Ohloff, Jacob Ohloff, Garret Ohloff, Shane (Heather) Fox and Dustin Fox; great-grandchildren, Paige, Dalton, Hannah, Summer, Haley, Brittany, Bobby, Will, Ryker, Jackson, Reed, Claire, Preston, Emily, Mia, Kade, Zoe, Sawyer, Dawson, Bella, Hudson, Jordyn, Jetta and Josie; sister-in-law, Mary Koevenig of Oviedo, Florida; three nieces, Kim Koevenig (friend, Pete) of Daytona, Florida, Julie Smith (Kevin) of Faribault, Minnesota and Tammy Jacque of Tripoli, Iowa,.

William was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley on April 23, 2013; son, Thomas in 1988; parents, Charles and Velma Ohloff; sister, Kathleen Koevenig; brother-in-law Martin Heller, sister-in-law, Carol Heller; brother-in-law, James Koevenig; and a nephew, Kurt Koevenig.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. with a 3:30 p.m. Prayer Service on Thursday, July 5, 2018 at St. Paul Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, Postville, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Friday.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 6, 2018 at St. Paul Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Postville, Iowa with Rev. Lynn Noel as the Officiant.

Burial will follow at Postville Cemetery, Postville, Iowa.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.