Marlys Lien

Marlys Lien, age 82, of Decorah, IA died Friday, Sept. 28, 2018 at Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah surrounded by her family. 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today (Wednesday, Oct. 3) at Springfield Lutheran Church in Decorah. The Rev. David Werges will officiate.

Interment will be held in the church cemetery. Casket bearers will be Marlys’ grandchildren Kari, Aaron, Megan, Mikayla, Isaac, Taylor and Shayla Lien.

Schluter-Balik Funeral Home, Decorah, is in charge of arrangements.

Marlys was born Oct. 28, 1935, daughter of William H. (Bill) and Esther (Nordheim) Wilkens, in Decorah, IA. 

She attended Pleasant No. 2 Country School and Decorah High School. She continued her education at Luther College, completing a two-year program, and also attended summer school in Boulder, Colo. 

Marlys was a teacher in Postville, IA and Calmar Public School. For a time, she also ran a preschool in Calmar, IA. Marlys then went on to serve as the South Winneshiek Elementary librarian in Ossian, IA. 

Marlys’s lifelong love of literacy education was inspired by her work with preschool and elementary-aged children. She held a lifelong childlike spirit and could be seen leading leaf walks in the fall, making snow angels in the winter, making hollyhock dolls in the spring, and blowing bubbles using nontraditional bubble wands in the summer. 

Marlys was an active part of her classroom, and part of her love of teaching was finding a way to reach every child in the best way she knew how. There was no hesitation in being on the floor with the children and doing the activities along with them. She made sure when mentoring student teachers in her classroom that they understood the importance of engaging children by knowing their needs.  

After 20 years in education, Marlys realized a lifelong dream of owning and operating a children’s bookstore named “Once Upon a Time,” which opened in fall of 1994. As a part of her community outreach, she continued to visit schools as “The Story Lady,” which is how thousands of children across Iowa knew her best.

One of her greatest wishes of her bookstore was to place a book in every child’s hands. Those who survive her hope to carry out that mission. When Marlys opened the cover of a book, the magic happened as the story began. ​Marlys was a champion of children’s literary achievement and celebrated the victories, big and small, of her students, as well as children, grandchildren and adults.  

Her achievements were recognized in 2014 by the Iowa Reading Association in awarding her the Celebrate Literacy Award. Upon receiving the award, Marlys had this to say, “It’s what I love to do. I’m not sure I should get an award because doing it all these years has been my reward!”  

Marlys married ​Robert (Bob) Lien on June 2, 1957 at Decorah Lutheran Church. 

She was involved with the farm work, and Marlys was also active in promoting the importance of agriculture. That extended to her volunteer work in the community, including 4-H, Winneshiek County Fair Board, and a variety of roles within Springfield Lutheran Church.  

Marlys and Bob’s home was open to everyone, and they hosted many, including foreign exchange students, as well as students from the Scandinavian Teachers Institute for many years, This was in addition to family, friends, and those who were in need of inclusion.  

Her favorite book of all was the Bible. Marlys brought her faith to life for the Sunday school children she ministered to through F.R.O.G.s. (Forever Rely on God.) She lived out the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself, and later in life, she took great joy in ministering to those who were unable to attend services. 

Marlys is survived by three sons, Gary (Patty) Lien of Calmar, IA, Scott (Sally) Lien of Newport Beach, Calif., and Kris (Pamela) Lien of Sheldon, IA; seven grandchildren, Kari, Aaron, Megan and Mikayla Lien, Isaac Lien, Taylor and Shayla Lien; a son-in-law, Gary Rausch of Decorah; a sister, Mary (Jon) Jensen of College Place, Wash.; a brother, Bill (Barbara) Wilkens of Franklin, N.C.; sisters-in-law Jeanie Wilkens of St. Joseph, Minn., Viola Linderbaum of Ossian, IA, Celia (Harold) Stoen of Highlandville, IA, and Helen Thune of Davenport, IA;  brothers-in-law, Ray (Aurora) Lien of Orlando, Fla., and Harold (Janice) Lien of Rochester, Minn.  

Marlys was welcomed into heaven by her parents, Esther (Nordheim) and William H. “Bill” Wilkens; her husband, Robert “Bob” Lien; her daughter, Deb (Lien) Rausch; her brother, Wilbur Wilkens; her sister-in-law, Phyllis Wilkens, as well as two brothers-in-law, Dean Thune and Conley Linderbaum.      40u40

Julie (McIntyre) Ash

Word has been received of the death of Julie (McIntyre) Ash of Charles City, formerly of West Union. 

Julie’s death occurred on Sept. 9, 2018.

She was the daughter of the late Newell “Mac” and Verla McIntyre and sister to Nick McIntyre, Holly Heying, and John McIntyre.

Condolences can be sent to the family in care of Walter Ash III, P.O. Box 244, Charles City, IA 50616.

Patricia Froning

Patricia N. Froning, 82, of Hazleton, Iowa died Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 at Grandview Health Care Center in Oelwein, Iowa.

Funeral services were held Thursday, Oct. 4, at First Baptist Church in Oelwein with Pastor Dave Byrd officiating.

Interment was in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, rural Oelwein.

Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home, Oelwein, was in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be given in Patricia’s name to First Baptist Church, Hazleton School Museum, or Mended Hearts of the Cedar Valley.

Online obituary is at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com.

Patricia Nadine Bridges was born on Nov. 17, 1935 in Carthage, Mo., the daughter of Fred Cecil and Katherine Dorothy (Hughson) Bridges. 

She graduated from Hazleton High School in Hazleton, Iowa in 1954 and from Cosmetology School in Waterloo, Iowa in 1955. 

Pat married Loyd William Froning on May 8, 1955 at First Baptist Church in Oelwein, Iowa.

She was a hairstylist for 53 years, owning and operating Pat’s Beauty Shop in Hazleton and later working at Cardin’s Beauty Shop in Oelwein, retiring in 2008. 

Pat was a member of First Baptist Church, where she held numerous offices.  

She was also a member of the Cosmetology Association of Iowa for 52 years, Hazleton Commercial Club, Hazleton Housing Corporation, Hazleton School Museum, Buchanan County Tourism, Mended Hearts of the Cedar Valley, Hazleton Veterans Park, and neighborhood coffee groups in Hazleton.  

Pat enjoyed reading, collecting recipes, flowers and embroidery.

Pat is survived by her son, James Froning of Little Rock, Ark.; her daughter, Joylyn Steinfadt of Atkins; two grandchildren, Cathrine Steinfadt (Kurt) Martinson of Haysville, Kan., and George Steinfadt of Atkins; a stepgrandson, Brent Parker of West Union; two foster grandchildren, Adriana Schults and Alex Schults, both of Little Rock, Ark.; a sister, Phyllis (LaVerne) Lentz of Aurora, Iowa; a brother, Darrel (Pat) Bridges of Bondurant, Iowa; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband on July 8, 2014; and two brothers, Charles Robert Bridges in infancy and Delbert Bridges.          41u41

Alyce McFadden

Alyce J. McFadden, 80, of West Union, Iowa died Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018 at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette, Iowa.  

Alyce Jean, the daughter of Frank and Bernice (Bennington) Kimpling, was born Sept. 29, 1937 in Pontiac, Ill. 

She graduated from Streeter High School in Streeter, Ill., on May 24, 1955.  

Alyce was united in marriage with Marvin Woltzen on Sept. 7, 1958 in Long Point, Ill.  To this union three sons, Mike, Darryl, and Richard, were born.  

Alyce and Marvin farmed for many years in the rural West Union area. Alyce also worked for many years as a teller at Farmers Savings Bank in West Union. 

Marvin passed away on Nov. 30, 2003, and Alyce was then united in marriage with John McFadden on June 25, 2008 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fayette, Iowa.

Alyce was very active in the Hawkeye and West Union United Methodist Churches and United Methodist Women.  

She enjoyed camping, boating on the Mississippi, ceramics, knitting, playing cards, bowling, gardening, traveling, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Alyce is survived by her husband, John McFadden, of Sumner, Iowa; three sons, Mike (Teressa) Woltzen, Darryl (fiancée Becky O’Dell) Woltzen, and Richard (Rhonda) Woltzen, all of West Union, Iowa; 13 grandchildren, Aaron (Kris) Woltzen, Tristia Woltzen, Holli (Steve Krull) Vagts, Trent (Breanna) Woltzen, Corey (Becca) O’Dell, Kyle (Brean) Woltzen, Amber (Dan Figdore) Woltzen, Jentry Woltzen, Rhett Woltzen, Joseph Woltzen, Kendra (Clayton) Cameron, Matthew Helgerson, and Raven Green; 16 great-grandchildren; siblings Margaret Murray of Streeter, Ill., Carol (Bud) Kaminke of Long Point, Ill., and Sam (Sandy) Kimpling of Long Point, Ill.

Alyce was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin; her parents, Frank and Bernice; a brother, Bill Kimpling; and a sister, Nancy Maxwell.

   Memorial Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018 at West Union United Methodist Church in West Union, Iowa with Rev. Chris Ebbers as the officiant.

Visitation will be held one hour before services at the church on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018.

Inurnment will be held in the West Union Cemetery, West Union, Iowa.

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Services of West Union, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.    41u41

Services held for Julienne Wander of Clermont

Julienne Maedel Wander, 77, of Clermont, Iowa died Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon, Iowa.  

Julienne was born to Richard and Violet (Miller) Hangartner on July 23, 1941 at her rural Postville home. 

She attended Postville Junction Country School and graduated from Postville High School in 1958. 

Julienne was united in marriage with James Wander on June 23, 1959. To this union three children were born. She and Jim had a Century Farm outside of Clermont where they lived until 1983.  

As well as being a farm wife, Julienne also worked for REC and Frisch Dentist Office both in Postville. 

She enjoyed traveling with her friends Donna and Leanna.  Some of her favorite places she visited were Paris, Israel and Germany.

She was a longtime member of West Clermont Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and was a member of Ruth Circle. 

She was also a member of the Treore Club and the American Legion Auxiliary in Clermont. 

She liked to sit and watch the sun set in her house with good coffee and dark chocolate. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends. 

Julienne is survived by her children, Kelly (Rose) Wander of Elgin, Iowa, Kim Wander of West Union, Iowa and Kyle (Kathy) Wander of Clermont, Iowa; nine grandchildren, Joshua (Claire) Wander, Jessica (Jon) Baker, Christopher Wander, Steven (Katie) Kress, Nicholas Wander, Johnathon Wander, Hope Wander, Daniel Wander, and Brendan Wander; one great-grandchild, Harrison Wander; one sister, Peggy Hangartner of Postville; nieces and nephews Jason Hangartner, David (Tiphnie) Sanborn, Andy (Michelle) Sanborn, Jay Rekow, Katie (Kent) Schupbach, and Shaun Rekow; great-nieces and -nephews Logan, Morgan, Ethan, and Lucy Hangartner, Pierce Sanborn, Orion Sanborn, Brieanna Tanner and Layla Rekow, Ava, Ella, Brody, Brynly and Jace Schupbach; and two brothers-in-law, Steve (Eileen) Wander of Elgin, Iowa and Ron Sanborn of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Julienne was preceded in death by her husband, James Wander, on Nov. 24, 2004; her parents, Richard and Violet Hangartner; and one sister, Linda Sanborn.

Funeral Service was held on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 at West Clermont Church, Clermont, Iowa with Rev. Gary Catterson as the officiant.

Private inurnment will be held at a later date.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Clermont, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.      41u41

Services held for Julienne Wander of Clermont

Julienne Maedel Wander, 77, of Clermont, Iowa died Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon, Iowa.  

Julienne was born to Richard and Violet (Miller) Hangartner on July 23, 1941 at her rural Postville home. 

She attended Postville Junction Country School and graduated from Postville High School in 1958. 

Julienne was united in marriage with James Wander on June 23, 1959. To this union three children were born. She and Jim had a Century Farm outside of Clermont where they lived until 1983.  

As well as being a farm wife, Julienne also worked for REC and Frisch Dentist Office both in Postville. 

She enjoyed traveling with her friends Donna and Leanna.  Some of her favorite places she visited were Paris, Israel and Germany.

She was a longtime member of West Clermont Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and was a member of Ruth Circle. 

She was also a member of the Treore Club and the American Legion Auxiliary in Clermont. 

She liked to sit and watch the sun set in her house with good coffee and dark chocolate. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends. 

Julienne is survived by her children, Kelly (Rose) Wander of Elgin, Iowa, Kim Wander of West Union, Iowa and Kyle (Kathy) Wander of Clermont, Iowa; nine grandchildren, Joshua (Claire) Wander, Jessica (Jon) Baker, Christopher Wander, Steven (Katie) Kress, Nicholas Wander, Johnathon Wander, Hope Wander, Daniel Wander, and Brendan Wander; one great-grandchild, Harrison Wander; one sister, Peggy Hangartner of Postville; nieces and nephews Jason Hangartner, David (Tiphnie) Sanborn, Andy (Michelle) Sanborn, Jay Rekow, Katie (Kent) Schupbach, and Shaun Rekow; great-nieces and -nephews Logan, Morgan, Ethan, and Lucy Hangartner, Pierce Sanborn, Orion Sanborn, Brieanna Tanner and Layla Rekow, Ava, Ella, Brody, Brynly and Jace Schupbach; and two brothers-in-law, Steve (Eileen) Wander of Elgin, Iowa and Ron Sanborn of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Julienne was preceded in death by her husband, James Wander, on Nov. 24, 2004; her parents, Richard and Violet Hangartner; and one sister, Linda Sanborn.

Funeral Service was held on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 at West Clermont Church, Clermont, Iowa with Rev. Gary Catterson as the officiant.

Private inurnment will be held at a later date.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Clermont, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.      41u41

Marvellis Dixon

Marvellis May Dixon, 83, of West Union, Iowa died Friday, Oct. 12, 2018 at her residence in West Union, Iowa. 

Marvellis May was born Dec. 9, 1934 on the family farm in Chadwick, Ill. She was the daughter of Frank and Florence (Kendall) Prowant. 

She was baptized in the Methodist Church in Milledgeville, Ill. 

On June 27, 1953 she was united in marriage to Walter J. Dixon in Kansas City, Mo.

Marvellis spent 19 years in a banking career, 14 years as an administrative assistant with Society Bank in Cleveland, Ohio, then five years as a senior client representative in the court order department of First Chicago Bank of Wheaton, Ill. 

She lived in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, for 26 years. 

In 1961 she joined the Lutheran Church and was a current member of Zion Lutheran Church in West Union. 

Marvellis enjoyed golf, travel, antiques, and her annual trip to Kitty Hawk, N.C., with family and friends since the 1970s, but her most treasured activity was spending time with all of her grandchildren. 

Survivors include two daughters, Lori Dixon Carey and husband Matt of Randalia, Dee Ann Speece of Bucyrus, Ohio; three grandchildren, Elizabeth Comerford (William), Joseph Walter Dixon Sodoma, Matthew John Dixon Sodoma (Sarah); three great-grandchildren, Seamus Comerford, Lorelei Comerford, Eliza Jane Sodoma; brother, Clare L. Prowant (Karen) of Clarksville, Fla.; and sisters-in-law Carol Schiro of Rockford, Ill., Ruth French of Savanna, Ill., Bonnie Lamoreux of Illinois; many beloved nieces and nephews; and her beloved pets, Chloe, Darcy and Misty. 

She was preceded in death by parents; her husband in 2006; two brothers, Frank J. Prowant and W. Dean Prowant. 

  Visitation was set for 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church, West Union, Iowa.

Funeral Service were set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church, West Union, Iowa with Rev. Adam Starrett as the officiant.

Burial will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018 at Oak Hill Cemetery, Mt. Carroll, Ill.

Lunch at Manny’s in Savannah, Ill., will follow the burial. 

Memorials may be given to Humane Society of NE Iowa, 2345 Millennium Road, Decorah, IA 52101.

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.    42u42

Harold Popenhagen

Harold Joy Popenhagen, Wadena, died on Tuesday, October 9, 2018, at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital, West Union.

He was born on May 7, 1924, near Wadena in lllyria Township, Fayette County, the oldest child of Joy and Fern (Ward) Popenhagen.

His family farmed southeast of Wadena in Fairfield Township, where he attended country school. During high school he walked or rode his pony from home to Wadena. The family later farmed near Lima and at that time Harold entered the Army, serving in Virginia until medically discharged. 

Harold was united in marriage to Leone Corrine Anfinson of Lima, on June 11, 1950, at the Bethel Presbyterian Church, West Union. They farmed east of Wadena on his grandparents’ farm at Steamboat Mound. Harold also hauled canned milk for the Wadena Creamery. 

In 1957, Harold and family moved to Wadena where he owned and operated Harold's DX in the late 60's and early 70's. Later he worked as a carpenter and also as a driver for Northeast Iowa Community Action. Harold also was a bus driver for the Valley Community School District, served as a member of the Wadena-Illyria Fire Department, and was an active member of the Wadena Presbyterian Church.

Harold enjoyed singing and playing guitar, camping, hunting, snowmobiling, relating stories of his youth, and working on his tractors. 

Harold is survived by his wife of sixty-eight years, Leone, and the following children and grandchildren: Larry and his son, Ean, of Wadena and Larry's step-daughter Devin (Raul) Herrera and their daughter Delanie of Royal Palm Beach, Florida; Ron (Ludvika), Aix, France and children Darius and Renata of Los Angeles, California; Charla (Don) Mailey and children Sari and Rhiannon of Minnetrista, Minnesota. 

Also surviving are Harold's sisters, Shirley Kleinlein of Arlington and Dora (Jerry) Bortels of Oelwein as well as brother-in-law Darrel (Bonnie) Anfinson of Cedar Rapids and sister-in-law Kolleen Asaad of Danville, Illinois and brother-in-law Verle Pugh of Strawberry Point. 

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Joy and Fern; his brother, Russ; his sister, Mabel Bockholt; sister-in-law, Darlene Pugh; brothers-in-law, Duane Bockholt and Norman Kleinlein; maternal grandparents, John and Moldonata (Wooldridge) Ward; and his parents-in-law, Leonard and Catharine (Bishop) Anfinson. 

Visitation will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Saturday.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, at Wadena Community Church in Wadena, Iowa, with Pastor Rusty Phillips as the officiant.

Burial will follow at the Wadena Cemetery, Wadena, Iowa.

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

Doris West

Doris J. West, 87, of Oelwein, Iowa, formerly of Randalia, IA, and Mission, Texas, died of natural causes at Mercy Living Plus in Oelwein on Sunday evening, October 7, 2018.

Graveside memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018 at the Alpha Cemetery, Alpha, Iowa with Rev. Dennis Frank officiating. A reception will follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Oelwein.

Inurnment will be held at the Alpha Cemetery, Alpha, Iowa.

Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home, Maynard, is assisting the family.

Online obituary is at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

Doris Jane Buenzow was born on September 28, 1931, in West Union, Iowa, the daughter of Ernest Fred & Hattie (Pfahning) Buenzow. 

She graduated from West Union High School with the class of 1948.  Doris was united in marriage to Leslie George West, Sr. on December 17, 1960, in West Union, Iowa. 

Doris worked at the Fayette County Recorder's office at the courthouse in West Union for 41 years, the last three years as the Fayette County Recorder, retiring in 1993. She had formerly been a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Maynard.  During the prime of her life, Doris enjoyed traveling, fishing, and playing cards with friends and family.  She kept active during retirement by engaging in activities with friends in Texas, including bingo, card games, numerous social activities. ‘Grandma’ was known for her excellent cooking and baking and always had a cookie for her guests.  Her pleasant demeanor and strong moral character will be missed. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to David and Sherry Scheffert for all of the help and support they have given Doris over the years.

Doris is survived by her three sons: James West of Harvard, Illinois; David (Jill) West of North Liberty and

John (Hope) West of Randalia; four step children: Leslie (Ruth) West, Jr. of New Waverly, Texas; Michael (Teresa) West of New Waverly, Texas;  Mary (Gary) Anderson of Mason City and

Lila McCracken of Lancaster, Wisconsin; seven grandchildren; one great grandson; a sister, Arlene Brickman of Oelwein and a brother, Dale (Janette) Buenzow of Marion.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leslie, on May 10, 2011; a stepdaughter, Jane Archibeque; and a brother, Kenneth Buenzow.

Murvel Barness

  Murvel D. Barness, 75, of Waukon, IA, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018.

  Memorial services with military honors were held Monday, Oct. 15, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Waukon with Pastor Wayne Ellingson officiating. Visitation was held  from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon.

     Murvel Duane Barness was born on June 23, 1943, in Decorah, IA, the son of John and Gladys (Kleppe) Barness. He attended Ossian Public Schools and was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church in Ossian, IA.

 Murvel enlisted in the United States Army at 18 and proudly served his country from 1962-70. He attended basic training at Fort Carson, CO, and was later stationed in Korea, Japan, Fort Sill, OK, and Fort Hood, TX. He earned the rank of Staff Sergeant and was a veteran of the Vietnam War.

     After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, Murvel returned home to Ossian to work on his family farm. He also worked as a carpenter, milk hauler, and later continued his career at Bruening Rock and Northern Engraving. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, making kumla and lefse for his family, and loved woodworking - especially for his grandchildren.

     Murvel is survived by his wife Cindy (Palas) O'Neill of Waukon; his first wife Margaret (Thiel) Anderson and their four children: Debra (David) Panka of Prairie du Chien, WI, Troy (Amy) Barness and Kris (Tina) Barness, both of Ossian, and Gary (Nick Wallin) Barness of Calmar, IA; stepchildren: Tyler O'Neill of Waukon and Tiffany (Matt) Heuer of Mason City, IA; 12 grandchildren: Nicholas, Nathan, Kaitie, Samantha, Daphne, Jonathan, Bradan, Brock, Brody, Andrew, Emma, and Ainsley; two great-grandchildren: Nora and Otto; three siblings: Sharon Butterfield of California, Joyce (Rick Villemaire) Barness of Florida, and Janet (Mike) Gerleman of Creston, IA; a sister-in-law Shirley Barness of West Union, IA; and his best buddy Toby.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Gordon, Lloyd, and Clifford Barness; and brother-in-law Keith Butterfield. 

     Honorary casketbearers were Gordalana Neubauer, Barbara Schroeder, Lee Barness, Brent Butterfield, and Ben, Brian, and Cory Gerleman.

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

Edna Anderson

Edna Theodora Anderson, 97, of Postville, Iowa died Oct. 9, 2018 at Good Samaritan Society, Postville, Iowa. 

Edna Theodora was born Feb. 9, 1921 to Theodore L. and Emma Josephine (Amundson) Loftsgard at the family farm south of Gunder, Iowa. 

She graduated from Postville High School in 1939. She attended the Alumni Banquet up until this year.

Edna was united in marriage with Kenneth Joseph Anderson on June 4, 1947 at Marion Lutheran Church in Gunder, Iowa. Three children were born to this union. 

Edna worked as a Dietary Manager at Postville Community Hospital until her retirement in 1989. She walked to work every day and worked almost every holiday to allow others to be with their families. 

She belonged to the Women’s Group at the church and enjoyed baking and making quilts for all the family. Her great joy was spending time with her family,

Edna is survived by her three children, Curtis (Claudia) Anderson of Paullina, Iowa, Bruce (JoDee) Anderson of Postville, Iowa and Karla (Doug) Schrader of Luana, Iowa; nine grandchildren, Stephanie (Gary) Johannsen, Richard (Jan) Anderson, Kari (Ryan) Garry, Chris (Christine Rush) Anderson, Aaron (Sara Baker) Anderson, Rachel (Dustin) Harms, Taylor Anderson, Brant (Kayleen) Schrader and Burke (Kaitlyn) Schrader; and 16 great-grandchildren. 

Edna was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth, on June 17, 1967; a brother, Marion Loftsgard; and a sister, Lillian (Mervin) Reierson.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018 at Marion Lutheran Church, Gunder, Iowa with a visitation two hours before services at the church from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Burial will follow at Marion Lutheran Church Cemetery, Gunder, Iowa.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Postville, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.       42u42

Ellen Kneeland

Ellen Viola Kneeland, 82, of Clermont, Iowa died Friday, Oct. 19, 2018 at Good Samaritan Society in West Union, Iowa.  

Ellen was born Oct. 17, 1936 to Clement and Viola (Schmelzer) Kneeland in West Union, Iowa. 

She was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clermont, Iowa.

Ellen graduated from high school in Clermont, Iowa.

She lived her entire life at 401 Carlton Street in Clermont.

  Ellen worked as a secretary and bookkeeper at Antes Law Office in West Union, Estes Law Office and was also a receptionist at the doctor’s office in Elgin, Iowa.

She was a member of St. Peter’s Rosary Society, the Catholic Order of Foresters and the National Honor Society.  

Ellen enjoyed the simple things of life, watching little children and seeing dogs.

Ellen is survived by her brother, Ralph Kneeland, of Clermont, Iowa. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clement and Viola Kneeland.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. with a 10 a.m. rosary on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clermont, Iowa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church with Rev. Daniel Knipper as the celebrant.

Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Catholic Church Cemetery, Clermont, Iowa.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Clermont, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.      43u43

Billee Conner

“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.”                - Tagore

Beulah “Billee” Conner went to her heavenly home on Oct. 16, 2018, and is now in the loving arms of her husband, family and friends who preceded her in death.

Billee was born Oct. 25, 1923, near Williamstown, Mo., to Bertha Melvina (Kell) Mitts and Eddie Pearl Mitts. She was seventh of 10 children. 

After graduating from high school Billee went to Washington, D.C., to work in the Washington Navy Yard during World War II, an environment in which she flourished. 

She returned home to Elgin, Iowa, where she met and married Harold Conner on Sept. 8, 1946, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They spent the first four years of their marriage living in Des Moines while Harold attended Drake University. 

Billee and Harold made a home with their four children in West Union, Iowa. Billee put her dream of college on hold to become an outstanding wife, mother and member of her community. Her kitchen was always open for anyone to enter. From bread in the oven to dinner on the stove, she was an excellent cook.

After her husband’s death in 1980, Billee became a housemother at sororities on the campus of Iowa State University and Drake University. She was known as “Mrs. C” to many young women. 

Billee had numerous interests, including reading; studying the Bible; cross-stitch; knitting; horses; traveling to England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Greece and Jerusalem; and, of course, cooking. 

She enjoyed watching the Kentucky Derby every year and was fortunate to attend the Derby twice with Harold.

She was a 50-plus-year member of the Order of Eastern Star and a member of United Methodist Church in West Union. 

Billee’s children – Judson (Nellie) Conner of Fort Worth, Texas, Kirk Conner of Indian Hills, Colo., Kevin Conner of Marion, and Kristin (James) Novak of Cedar Rapids – will carry on her memory, along with her grandchildren Katie (Jason), Ben, John, Sean, Caitlin, Melisa, Paige (Carter), and Whitney); 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Billee was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and nine siblings, Homer, Jasper, Floyd, Walt, Wanna, Dorels, Dean, Imogene and Jennings. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.     43u43

Janice (Pinney) Budensiek

On Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018, Janice (Pinney) Budensiek went to meet the Lord.  Her faith in God helped carry her through many difficult situations, from a tree falling on her to the loss of her husband 10 months ago. Janice knew her scripture, but her faith was expressed through her singing. 

  Janice was born on April 19, 1935, in Elgin, Iowa, to Frank and Mabel Pinney.   

She attended school in Elgin and graduated in 1953.

Janice had her first job in Rochester, Minn., at Mayo Clinic. 

  Janice met Roger Budensiek shortly after moving to Rochester.  She married the love of her life in 1956 and enjoyed 61 years of blissful marriage. They were blessed with three children, Pam, Paula, and Todd. 

  She had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed practical jokes, particularly on April 1.  Janice did not believe in an alarm to wake up her children, but instead, woke them up to her singing the “Good Morning Song” from Booth and Cannon.  She loved spending time with both her immediate and extended family.

Family was very important to Janice.  She looked forward to celebrating birthdays and holidays, with immediate and extended family and friends. 

Janice leaves behind daughter Pam Holubetz, daughter Paula (Jim) Stewart, son Todd (Virginia) Budensiek; grandchildren Chris (Bekki) Watkins, Patrick (Nicole) Watkins, April (Ryan) Tuquero, Maren (Matt) Hustad, Xong Xiong Stewart, Megan (Aaron) Wenker, Jon Holubetz, David Holubetz, Aaron (Angela) Budensiek, Josh (Brooke) Budensiek, Andrew Buckholtz, Katie Buckholtz; 13 great-grandchildren, sister Sharon (Roger) Krech; and sister-in-law Pauline (Glen) Todd.  

   Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Mabel Pinney; sister Patty and sister Gerry (Robert) Musser; son-in-law Kevin Holubetz; grandson Matt Stewart; great-grandson Koob Hmoov Stewart; and other relatives. 

  Visitation will be held Friday, Oct. 26, 2018, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.  

The memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, and visitation will continue at 10 a.m. at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Goodhue, Minn.  

Paul Hackman

Paul Hackman, age 87, of Calmar, IA, died on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018 at Gundersen Health Systems in LaCrosse, Wis.

  A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by the Rev. Robert Gross on Saturday, Oct. 13, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Calmar.

Interment was in the church cemetery with grandsons Jason Zuck, Justin Zuck, James Zuck, Joshua Taylor, Jackson Taylor, Isaac Taylor, Paul E. Hackman, Jon Hackman, Travis Tekippe, Matthew Tekippe, Nathan Einck, Bryan Einck, and Mitchell Einck (in spirit) as casket bearers.

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

Paul Christopher Hackman was born on June 29, 1931 in Festina, Iowa to Edward and Anna (Schmitt) Hackman.  

He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and attended St. Mary’s Parochial School in Festina, Iowa.  

On Oct. 21, 1952, he married the love of his life, Betty Jane Junk, in St. Lucas, Iowa.  Together they had six children.  

Paul was a successful dairy farmer along with his wife, Betty, and children for 27 years. 

In 1980, Paul and Betty became owners and operators of Handy True Value Hardware Store in Calmar, Iowa for 23 years until retiring in 2002.  

Paul was a member of St. Aloysius Parish, where he served on the parish council, and was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, South Winn Golf and Country Club, and Farm Bureau. 

Paul’s family was very important to him, and he enjoyed the time spent with them. His love for music led him to become a self-taught guitarist, singer and dancer.  He and Betty would attend many dances; first, waltzes and polkas and later, line dancing.  They also enjoyed bowling, golfing (even had a hole-in-one), and playing cards.   

Paul is survived by his wife Betty Hackman of Calmar, IA; children Kathy Sacquitne of Marion, IA, Donna (Dave) Taylor of Spillville, IA, Nancy (Dave) Einck of Waukon, IA, Ed (Lisa) Hackman of Calmar, IA and Paula (Linus) Tekippe of Fort Atkinson, IA; grandchildren Jason (Amy), Justin (Miranda) and James Zuck, Shannan, Joshua (Laura) Jackson, Isaac Taylor, Nathan (Debbie) Einck, Tiffany (Sean) Merrick, Bryan (Kate) Einck, Mandi (Aaron) Tieskoetter, Paul E. Hackman, Kristin (Landon) Einck, Jon (Lindsey) Hackman, Travis and Matthew Tekippe;  19 great-grandchildren, Brock Blake, Tobin Shea, Tristan Zuck, Miah and Maddox Taylor, Leni and Ari Taylor, Brenden Aberle, Luke, Ben and Katelyn Merrick, Evan and Austin Einck, Tyler and Brooklyn Einck, Hayden and Courtlyn Tieskoetter, Hudson and Harper Einck;  a brother, Norbert (Mary) Hackman;  sisters Lucille Kruse and Phyllis (Duane) Einwalter; sisters-in-law Nellie Pavlovec, JoAnn (Frances) Massman, Dora Lee (Bob) Terry; and many nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by his son, James, in 1974; son-in-law Don Sacquitne in 2010; grandson Mitchell Einck in 2012; parents Edward and Anna (Schmitt) Hackman; father- and mother-in-law Vincent and Elizabeth Junk; a brother, Othmar (Florence) Hackman; sisters Irene (Wesley) Shatek, Sister Marcella and Sister Phyllis Ann Hackman, Rita (Joe) Shatek; brothers-in-law Art Kruse, Lee Junk and Alfred Pavlovec; sisters-in-law Elenore Hackman, Anna Mae (Ernie) Hageman, Rita Lou (Jerome) Einck and Carol Jean (Don) Winter. 

Ralph Adams

Ralph B. Adams, 63, of Waucoma died Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, at the Good Samaritan Society in West Union.
 

A Celebration of Life memorial service was held Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at the Waucoma Event Center in Waucoma. 

Private interment will take place at the Alpha Cemetery, Alpha, IA.  
 

Funeral arrangements were handled by Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in Waucoma.  

Online condolences for Ralph's family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com.
 

Ralph Blair Adams was born Dec. 16, 1954, near Tacoma, Wash., the son of Howard and Charlotte (Oler) Adams. 

He received most of his education in Big Fork, Minn., and then the family moved to Waucoma, IA, where he graduated from Turkey Valley High School in 1973. 

He married Alice Schaufenbuel, and to this union two daughters were born, Amy and Carrie. The couple later divorced. 

Ralph had many jobs, but he was most proud of owning his own landscaping business called Adams Lawncare and Landscaping.

On Feb. 23, 1986, in Waverly, IA, he married Kathy Northrop. The couple enjoyed many years together until her passing from brain cancer on March 26, 2007.

Ralph was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting and riding his motorcycle. He also enjoyed woodworking, making things for his girls and their families.
 

Survivors include two daughters, Amy Adams (Ben Hanson) of St. Lucas and Carrie Leff of Cresco; six grandchildren, Lucas, Ava and Ezra Hanson, Dillon, Aidan and Ethan Leff; three brothers, Jeff (Jody) Adams of Aurora, Minn., Robert (Theresa) Adams of South Carolina, Gary Adams of New Hampton; three sisters, Susan Adams of South Carolina, Kathleen Snyder of Alpha, Pamela Ramfry of Charles City; sister-in-law Cheryl Adams of Nashua.
 

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Kathy; a brother, Russell Adams; a brother-in-law, Daryl Snyder.

Jerry Medberry

Jerry Dean Medberry, 72, of Elgin died Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, at Good Samaritan Society – West Union following a long illness.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at the Elgin Cemetery.

Iowa Cremation is handling the arrangements.

Jerry is survived by a brother, Bob (Helen) Medberry, of Elgin and many nieces and nephews.

Ruth Sieck

Ruth M. “Toots” Sieck, 78, of Fayette died Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Westgate, Iowa with Rev. Herbert Mueller III officiating.  

Interment was held at Hawkeye Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made in Ruth’s name to Grace Lutheran Church or Maple Crest Manor, both in Fayette. 

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette assisted Ruth’s family. 

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

Ruth Marie, daughter of Herman and Melinda (Schlatter) Sieck, was born March 4, 1940, at Mercy Hospital in Oelwein. 

Shortly after Ruth was born, her mother died, and Florence raised Ruth along with her father and many loving family members. 

Ruth received her education in the West Central schools. 

She was a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church in Fayette. 

Ruth loved music, had a beautiful singing voice, playing cards, played the chord organ, the Minnesota Twins and jigsaw puzzles.

She also thoroughly enjoyed her many years at Maple Crest Manor and the many friends she made while living there. Ruth enjoyed life, and the most important thing to her was her faith.

Ruth is survived by her brother, Eugene (Doris) Sieck of Maynard; 11 nieces and nephews, Steve (Patty) Sieck of Denver, Colo., Kathy (Ed) Traeger of Readlyn, Donald Jr. (Shelly) Sieck of Fayette, David Sieck of Fayette, Karen (Glen) McCort of Cedar Rapids, Susie (Mark) Caffrey of Minnetonka, Minn., Robbie (Faye) Sieck of Cedar Rapids, Jim (Dawn) Sieck of Waverly, Joel (Jennifer) Sieck of Maynard, Gary (Tammi) Fink of Maynard, and Al (Roxanne) Fink of Randalia; 27 great-nieces and -nephews; 18 great-great-nieces and -nephews; and many other family and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Vera, who died in infancy; a brother, Donald Sr.; stepmother, Florence; two great-nephews, Dylan McCort and Chase Haskins; and great-great-nephew Wyatt Lee Sieck.       44u44

Daniel Volker

Daniel S. “Big D” Volker, 33, of Maynard, Iowa died Saturday morning, Oct. 27, 2018 at his parents’ home in Arlington, Iowa.

Memorial Service: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 2, 2018 at Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Maynard with Pastor Scott Hall officiating.

Life Celebration Visiting Time: 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Inurnment: Campton Cemetery, rural Lamont, Iowa at a later date.

Memorial Fund: Arlington Fire Department and E.M.S.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com.

Daniel Scott Volker was born Jan. 19, 1985 in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of James Scott and Susan Elizabeth (Weston) Volker.  

Dan lived in Sumner until he moved to Arlington when he was 10 years old.  

He graduated from Starmont High School, Arlington, in the class of 2003 and continued his education at Upper Iowa University in Fayette.  

Dan had worked as a custodian at Upper Iowa University for over 10 years. 

He enjoyed collecting baseball cards, listening to music, playing video games, camping, looking at cars, watching the Bears, playing cards and visiting with his friends and family.

Dan is survived by his parents, James and Susan Volker of Arlington; a brother, Phillip Volker of Maynard; grandparents Bonnie and Don Meister of Bremen, Ind., and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Dan was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Kenneth Weston; maternal grandmother, Deloris Weston; paternal grandfather, Frederick Volker; and an uncle, David Weston.  44u44

Rosemary Hanson

Rosemary Hanson, 93, of Sumner, Iowa, formerly of West Union, Iowa, died Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at Hillcrest Living in Sumner, Iowa.  

Rosemary was born Nov. 17, 1924, to Samuel R. and Zenita (Howe) Leitch in New Hampton, Iowa. 

She was a graduate of Waucoma High School. She earned her B.A. in Music and English Education from Luther College and her Master’s Degree in Remedial Reading from Upper Iowa University.

Rosemary was united in marriage with Daniel C. Hanson on May 28, 1944, at Plymouth Congregational Church in Los Angeles, Calif. Five children were born to this union.  

Rosemary taught at Lehigh, Iowa; Somers, Iowa; Holy Name in West Union, Iowa; and in the South Winneshiek School District, including the parochial schools.  She was a substitute teacher in the North Fayette and South Winneshiek Schools following her retirement.

Through the years, the couple made their home in Brainerd, Minn., from 1945 to 1947; Prairie du Chien, Wis., from 1947 to 1948; and West Union, Iowa from 1949 to 2015. 

She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, West Union United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Manna and Evening Circle.   She was the children’s choir director at her church for many years.  

Rosemary loved music and playing the piano; she taught piano lessons. She also played trumpet and was in the orchestra and choir while attending Luther College. 

Rosemary enjoyed gardening, tending to her flowers, and loved watching the birds and squirrels that visited her feeders. She was an amazing seamstress, making most of her family’s clothes.  She was known for her cooking and baking (especially cinnamon rolls, cookies and pies), which she shared generously. Her greatest joy was spending time with family.

Rosemary is survived by her children, Olivia (Duane) Pleggenkuhle of Hawkeye, Iowa, Daniel  (Jan) Hanson of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Kathy Miller of Waterloo, Iowa, Mark (Judy) Hanson of West Union, Iowa and Brent Hanson of West Union, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Craig (Peggy Fischer) Pleggenkuhle of Elk Grove Village, Ill., Lynn Williams of St. Johns, Fla., Jennifer Hanson of Chicago, Ill., Kari Hanson of St. Louis Park, Minn., Joshua (Bethany) Hanson of Hawkeye, Iowa, April (Casey) McDermott of West Union, Iowa and Thomas Hanson (UNI, Cedar Falls); stepgrandchildren Perry (Kisha) Grant of Polk City, Iowa and Kimberly (Derek) Novak of Ankeny, Iowa; great-grandchildren, Mary Kate and Samuel Pleggenkuhle, Regan, Luke, Taylor and Carter Williams, Keegan, Kale and Kelton McDermott, Kaden, Isaiah and Matthew Hanson; stepgreat-grandchildren Brendan and Aidan Grant, Charlie and Ava Novak, and Bailey and Parker Poor;  a sister, Isabell Wegner of Des Moines, Iowa; and many relatives and friends.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Hanson on Nov. 10, 1977; a grandson, Shane Miller; her parents, Samuel and Zenita Leitch; and a brother, Thomas Leitch.

  Funeral services were held Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, at United Methodist Church, West Union, with Rev. Chris Ebbers as the officiant. 

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

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa, is helping the family with arrangements.    45u45