Josephine Rochford

Josephine M. Rochford of Sumner died Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, at Unity Point/Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo after a brief illness. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sumner with Rev. James Brokman and Deacon Michal Schemmel concelebrating. 

Interment followed at Mt. Olivet Cemetery (Pinhook), rural Sumner. 

Memorials may be made in Josephine’s name to St. Bridget’s, Pinhook.

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Sumner assisted the family. 

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

Josephine Marie, daughter of Carl and Mabel (Stunes) Exman, was born Jan. 21, 1926, in Oelwein, Iowa. 

She was baptized at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein and confirmed Oct. 8, 1940, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fayette. 

Josephine received her education in the Fayette schools and graduated from Fayette High School. 

On Aug. 16, 1945, she was united in marriage with James Rochford at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. 

Josephine worked at Amoco in Oelwein, Center Valley, and Sumner Egg Packing. Along with her husband, Jim, she farmed east of Sumner for many years. 

Josephine was a long time faithful member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sumner, where she was very active in the Ladies Guild, sang in the church choir, led the rosary, and served on lunch committees. 

She enjoyed dancing, playing cards (she was a member of the Library Card Club and Hospital Auxiliary Card Club), traveling, and reading. 

Josephine had an unwavering faith and a great love and admiration for her family.

Josephine is survived by her eight sons and one son-in-law, John of Galesburg, Ill., Patrick (Debra) of Hawkeye, William (Rhonda) of Sumner, James (Phyllis) of Rock, Kan., Mark (Lori) of Central City, Thomas (Kathleen) of Fredericksburg, Daniel (Connie) of Westgate, Joseph (Pamela) of Sumner, and Gary Molid of Manito, Ill.; three daughters, Jean Kacick of Marion, Mary (Timm) Berg of South Elgin, Ill., and Nina (Duane) Schellhorn of Fredericksburg; 41 grandchildren; 78 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Josephine was preceded in death by her husband, James, in 2005; a son, Timothy, who died in infancy; a daughter, Cecelia, in 2013; two grandsons, William John Bolte and David Joseph Rochford; three great-grandchildren, Grant Schellhorn, Eva Marie Rochford, and John Paul Smitley; two brothers, Norbert and Jerry Exman; and four sisters, Elizabeth Lewton, Dorothy Anderson, Lois Anderson, and Charlotte Hillman.

Walter Germann Jr.

Walter Germann Jr., 85, of rural Postville, IA, died Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at his home. 

Graveside services were held Friday, Nov. 2, at Smithfield Cemetery in rural Monona, IA, with Pastor Duane Smith officiating.

Honorary casket bearers were Heather Germann, Amber Junk, and AshLee Wood. Casketbearers were Shane, Jesse, and Travis Monroe, Mike Germann, Chris Wood, and Josh Harms.

Martin Funeral Home in Waukon was in charge of arrangements.

    Walter Germann Jr. was born Jan. 3, 1933, in rural Clermont, IA, the son of Walter Sr. and Marjorie (Heubner) Germann. 

On Dec. 31, 1947, he was baptized at First Baptist Church in Elgin, IA. 

Walter attended country school and graduated from Clermont High School in 1952. 

On Oct. 22, 1958, he married LaVon Kurth at St. John Lutheran Church in Farmersburg, IA, by the Rev. Steege. 

Walter started farming with his father, living in the same house until 1974. 

He and LaVon then moved their family to a farm in Franklin Township, north of Postville, where he was living at the time of his death.

   Walter enjoyed his antique Farmall tractors and going to Pioneer Power Shows in Minnesota to watch old tractor pulls. He and LaVon had a camper by the lake in Waterville, Minn., where he spent many hours fishing with his buddy Ron Miller.

    Survivors include his wife of 60 years, LaVon, of Postville; a son Jeff (special friend Bridget) Germann of Postville; two daughters, Lynn (Brian) Monroe of Postville and Karen (Gary) Crawford of Independence, IA; seven grandchildren, Shane (Mandy) Monroe of Eldridge, IA, Jesse (Lisa) Monroe of Norwalk, IA, Travis (Bridget) Monroe of Stillwater, Minn., Mike (Jamie) Germann of Elgin, IA, Amber Junk of Fredericksburg, IA, AshLee (Chris) Wood of Ft. Dodge, IA, and Heather (fiancé Josh Harms) Germann of Postville; 16 great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Chelsey, Brady, Grant, Chase, Madison, Cole, Clark, and June Monroe, Jacob, Tate, and Adalynn Germann, Kylee Junk, and Stella, Scarlett, and Sawyer Wood; two stepgrandchildren, Lisa (Jim) Duffy and Scott (Lisa) Crawford; seven stepgreat-grandsons; nephew Jerry (Sarah) Anderson; and niece Nancy (Tom) Jennings. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Kevin; a grandson, Bobby Germann; a son-in-law, Greg Chilcote; and a sister, Margaret (James) Anderson.

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

Jack Gehring

Jack Dean Gehring passed away at his residence in Orono, Maine, on Oct. 18, 2018.   He was 91.  

Jack was born to parents Charles and Alice (Schoentag) Gehring on Sept. 26, 1927, in Elgin, Iowa, and graduated from Elgin High School in 1944.   

He attended Iowa State University before entering the United States Army in 1946, where he was deployed to Seoul, Korea, in the Signal Corps.  

Jack married Eva Mae Dennler in 1950, and they had two children, Jeffery and Julianne.   

In 1959, he began his career as an air traffic controller for the Federal Aviation Administration in Indianapolis, ultimately retiring as Chief of the Des Moines Flight Service Station in 1985.   

Jack was a member of Masonic Lodge #628 in Norwalk, Iowa, for many years. 

He enjoyed photography, writing, and working with his hands, especially woodworking and working on cars.   He once amazed his suburban neighbors by fully restoring a 1929 John Deere GP tractor in his garage, and by giving the delighted neighborhood children tractor rides.  He enjoyed writing short stories about growing up on an Iowa farm, which were often featured in the Elgin Echo. 

In 2013, Jack and Eve relocated to Orono, Maine, to be near their daughter’s family.  

Eve preceded Jack in death, passing away in 2014.

Jack is survived by his son Jeffery and Gail Gehring of Lenexa, Kan.; daughter Julianne and Philip Cormier of Bangor, Maine; his sisters, Janice Thiese and husband Wayne and Kathy Elliff and husband David; and five grandchildren, Ross and Isabel Cormier, and Lindsay, Ryan, and Jamie Gehring.   

He will be fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched.   

An interment service for Jack and Eve will be scheduled in Elgin, Iowa, in the spring of 2019.         45u45

Gary Gilson

Gary C. Gilson, 79, of Oelwein passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018 at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein with Father Ray Atwood and Deacon Jim Patera officiating. 

Interment was in Woodlawn Cemetery at Oelwein. 

A memorial fund has been established.  

For condolences please visit www.geilenfeldfh.com. 

Gary was born on May 4, 1939 in West Union, Iowa, the son of Oliver W. and Corinne (Wenger) Gilson.

He attended school in Clermont, graduating in 1957. 

He later attended Upper Iowa University for two years where he played football and wrestled, before beginning employment with Interstate Power Company, retiring from Alliant Energy in 1999.  

Gary was united in marriage with Beverly Oelberg on April 24, 1960 at First Baptist Church in Elgin, Iowa. Beverly passed away on Sept. 15, 1996. 

Gary was united in marriage with Karen Stevens on Oct. 11, 1997 at Grace United Methodist Church in Oelwein. 

After his retirement, he enjoyed many years of working with all of the great people at Edgewater and Hickory Grove golf courses, vacations to Florida and Texas, helping his brother-in-law with fall farming, playing Santa Claus, reading Westerns, delivering Meals on Wheels, coffee with the golf guys at Hickory Grove, and eating at Subway. 

He was an active member of Sacred Heart Parish and the Knights of Columbus in Oelwein. 

He loved sports, especially baseball, and was a big fan of the Oelwein Huskies, UNI Panthers, and Wartburg Knights. Gary’s greatest enjoyment was following all his grandchildren’s activities. He was a very proud grandpa. 

Gary touched many lives and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. 

He is survived by his wife, Karen; a daughter, Becky Batterson of Waterloo; a son, Tim (Catherine) Gilson of Oelwein; four stepchildren, Ann (fiancé Kevin Dycus), Bradley Burrows, Jeffery (Jill) Burrows and Kelly (Andrew) Bourquin; 11 grandchildren, Brandon, Beau, Cortney, Taylor, Zack, Jacob, Graciela, Louis, Nolan, Trevor and Kyla; a brother, David Gilson of Des Moines; a sister-in-law, Alyce (Dean) Hilgerson; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Gary was preceded in death by his first wife, Beverly; his parents, Oliver and Corinne; his sister, Karen, and her husband, Gene Ellis. 

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Orville Strand

Orville Strand, 73, of Oelwein passed away on Friday Nov. 9, 2018 at Oelwein Healthcare Center. 

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018 at First Baptist Church in Oelwein with Rev. Dave Byrd officiating.  

Geilenfeld Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

A memorial fund has been established.  

For condolences, please visit www.geilenfeldfh.com.

Orville Joseph Strand was born on March 22, 1945 in Decorah to parents Selmer and Borghild (Barness) Strand.  

He attended school in Ossian and Decorah.  

On April 24, 2004 he was united in marriage with Lucy Ives at First Baptist Church in Oelwein.  

He had been employed with Goodwill Services in Waterloo and the Goodwill store in Oelwein.  

Orville loved a cup of coffee or a Coca-Cola.  He enjoyed playing bingo, fishing, walking around town and running errands, baking (especially apple pies), and his dogs.  

Orville is survived by his wife, Lucy; his brothers, Conley (Lois) Strand of Georgia, Gaylord (Gail) Strand of Minnesota, and Dale (Peg) Strand of Oelwein; his special friend and mother-in-law, Elizabeth Bencke of Oelwein; his sister-in-law, Fran Thorp of Oelwein; many nieces, nephews, and his many friends, who were his extended family.  

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Marvin Strand and Maynard Strand.        

Lorna Zupke

Funeral arrangements for Lorna Zupke, 91, of rural Randalia are pending with Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette.

Lorna died Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, at her home.

Janice Armentrout

Janice Mary (Erion) Armentrout, 86, of Cedar Rapids passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. 

Funeral services were held Monday, Nov. 12, 2018 at Unity Center of Cedar Rapids with entombment in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Janice was born July 21, 1932, in New Hampton, IA to Russell and Leota Reinhart Erion. She grew up in Fayette, IA.  

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and were inspired by her positive outlook on life. “Not all is good, but good comes from all.” 

In addition to Harold, her husband of 56 years, Janice is survived by three children, Nancy Andreasen of Cedar Rapids, Randall (Randy) Armentrout and wife Anne Updegraff of Urbandale, and Karen Potter and husband Lee of Cedar Falls. 

She is also survived by five grandchildren, Jack, Thomas and Katie Andreasen and Alayna and Russell Armentrout; brother-in-law Harlan Armentrout of Des Moines; and several nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters, Connie Smith and Teddy Protsman.

For her full obituary and condolences, please visit www.cedarmemorial.com.

Audrey Bennett

Audrey E. Bennett, 93, of Independence and formerly of Hawkeye, died Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, at the Buchannan County Health Center in Independence.

A Celebration of Life was held, Tuesday, Nov. 13, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Oelwein.

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Hawkeye assisted Audrey’s family. 

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

Audrey Eileen, daughter of Austin and Helen (Huffman) Ames, was born July 7, 1925, in Luana, Iowa. 

She received her education in the Postville schools. 

On Dec. 18, 1940, she was united in marriage with Doyle Bennett at East Clermont Lutheran Church, where she would later be baptized and confirmed in 1947. 

Audrey worked as a waitress for many years, prior to owning and operating Bennett’s Tap in Hawkeye for 21 years. 

She was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye, the Hawkeye Legion Auxiliary, and the V.F.W. 

Audrey was a longtime resident of Hawkeye, prior to moving to Independence to be closer to family.

Audrey is survived by two sons, Mavin Bennett of Wesley, Okla., and Robert (Darcy) Bennett of Fort Gaines, Ga.; four daughters, Beverly (Skip) Baker of Clermont, Barbara Ann (Paul) Hyde of Austin, Texas, Betty Miller of Independence, and Becky Bennett of McGregor; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, David (Judeen) Ames of Wisconsin; three sisters, Darlene Moon of Monona, Marilyn (Bob) Havelec of Cedar Rapids, and Meredith (Gary) Gents of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Doyle; two sons, Kevin and Kirk Bennett; a grandson, Jason Bennett; two brothers, Curtis and Clayton Ames; and three sisters, Donna Mae Protsman, Bonnie Hines, and Diane Benhart.    

Al Klinger

Allan Howard “Al” Klinger, 80, of Windsor, Colo., formerly of Waterloo and West Union, Iowa, died peacefully Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2018 at home. 

Allan was born June 21, 1938 in West Union, son of Howard G. and Alma D. Downs Klinger. 

He graduated from West Union High School in 1957. He obtained a BA from the University of Iowa in 1961.

He married Linda L. Teig on Aug. 19, 1962 in West Union. She preceded him in death on Dec. 16, 2006. 

He was united in marriage with Beatrice “Bea” Troyanek on April 17, 2008  in Cheyenne, Wyo.

Allan was a teacher and coach in Denver, IA. He was an insurance agent for Northwestern Mutual for 50½ years and a part of the Million-Dollar Roundtable.

Allan had been an active member of Bethel Presbyterian Church in West Union, First Presbyterian Church and Central Christian Church in Waterloo. 

He served on the board of Allen Hospital in Waterloo and was active in the Denver, IA Lions Club.

Allan was an avid fisherman and enjoyed his annual fishing trips to Canada with his friends for over 40 years. His fishing trip of a lifetime was with his son, Steve, when they fished at the Arctic Circle. 

Allan loved to play baseball, lettering in high school and at The University of Iowa. He was offered a contract to play ball for the Milwaukee Braves, which he turned down to go back to college. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. 

Most of all, Allan loved his family, friends, and the Lord.

Allan is survived by his wife, Bea, of Windsor, Colo.; a daughter, Kathryn (James) Wieland of Ames, IA; a son, Steven (Allison) Klinger of Salt Lake City, Utah; three grandchildren, Jackson and Lauren Wieland and Alexis Klinger. 

Surviving stepchildren are Regina (Michael) Bonnette and Krista (Dominic) Wright, all of The Woodlands, Texas, Rodney (Erin) Stalker II of Ft. Collins, Colo., Matthew (Ruth) Troyanek of Laramie, Wyo., and Major Elizabeth (Morgan) Osantowski of Bellevue, Neb.; 10 stepgrandchildren, Tatum and Landon Bonnette, Caleb and Amelia Wright, Christian Smyth, Avaree and Dylan Stalker, Owen Hitchcock and Emma and Violet Osantowski. 

He is survived by a brother, James (Kathy), of St. Petersburg, Fla.; sisters Ann (Milt) Borcherding of Strawberry Point and Anita Lang of Waterloo; many nieces, nephews and numerous friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Linda; and stepson Danny Stalker.

Memorials may be directed to Fayette County Conservation Foundation or North Fayette Valley Community School.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, at Galleria De Paco, 622 Commercial Street, Waterloo, IA.           

William Moore

William Dennis James Moore, 62, of West Union, Iowa died Friday, Nov. 2, 2018 in Rockford, Ill. 

He was born Aug. 4, 1956 to William Ronald and JoAnne (Pennington) Moore in Windom, Minn. 

Dennis attended Dunkerton High School and earned his G.E.D. through Waterloo East High School.

Dennis was united in marriage with Lynn Morris on Dec. 12, 1975 at the Methodist Church in Dunkerton, Iowa. 

He worked as an over-the-road truck driver for over 30 years. He was currently driving for Hummer.  

Dennis enjoyed watching “Star Trek,” working on his cars, woodworking, model planes and eating ice cream. He would help anyone he could. His greatest love was spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Lynn Morris of West Union, Iowa; his children, Oliver Om of Minneapolis, Minn., William J. Moore of Pensacola, Fla., Shawn L. Moore (Frank Fulsom) of Rochester, Minn., and Christina L. White of Cresco, Iowa; four grandchildren, Tia L. White, William A. Moore, Sean E. Souhrada and Tatianya C. Fulsom; siblings Pam (Nick) Knebel of Gold Bar, Wash., Patty (Jeff) Wilson of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Mike (Sherri) Moore of Janesville, Iowa, Ginger (Max) Rehman of Waterloo, Iowa, Candice (Ernie) Garcia of Los Angeles, Calif., and Brian (Andrea) Moore of Fairfax, Iowa.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, William and JoAnne Moore; and his dog, Tank.

A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018 at Countryside Vineyard Church in Evansdale, Iowa with Rev. Bill Quibell as the officiant.

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

Tommy Rolison

Thomas “Tommy” Edward Rolison Jr., 18, of Waucoma, Iowa died Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wis., from injuries sustained in a car accident.

Tommy was born on April 2, 2000 at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Thomas Edward Sr. and Dawn (Dancer) Rolison. 

He graduated from North Fayette Valley High School in May of 2018 and was currently attending Northeast Iowa Community College. He had plans to further his education at the University of Northern Iowa and one day become a Science or Physical Education teacher.

Tommy was determined and a fighter. He battled cancer at a young age and was able to overcome that obstacle. 

He was very active in high school, participating in football, track, basketball and choir. 

He enjoyed cracking jokes and could put a smile on anyone’s face. Tommy had the unwavering ability to build friendships with those around him and was often turned to in their time of need. 

Recently, Tommy started attending Youth Group at Harvest Church in New Hampton, Iowa where he enjoyed learning more about his faith and sharing that with others. 

He enjoyed watching sports and was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings.

Tommy was currently employed at Wal-Mart in Decorah, Iowa. One of his greatest joys was being an uncle and getting to spend time with his nieces and nephews.

Tommy is survived by his parents, Thomas and Dawn Rolison of Waucoma, Iowa; his siblings, Nicole Wilder of Waterloo, Iowa, Jay Blue of Blairstown, Iowa, Marissa Rolison of Hubbard, Iowa, Devon Monnahan of Fredericksburg, Iowa, Brandon Monnahan of West Union, Iowa and Dalton Rolison of Waucoma, Iowa; three nieces and two nephews; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Jo Rolison; and maternal grandparents Marvin and LaVonne Dancer.

Funeral Services were held Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018 at the Waucoma Event Center, Waucoma, Iowa with burial to follow at Alpha Cemetery in Alpha, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed to the family of Tommy.

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

Dick Nihart

Dick Nihart was a winner in life and left this earth on Nov. 10, 2018, in Johnston, Iowa with his family by his side. He was 83 years old. 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 19, 2018, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fayette with Rev. Daniel Knipper officiating. 

Burial will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Cemetery at a later date. 

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.  Sunday, Nov. 18, at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette and for one hour preceding services at the church on Monday.

Memorials may be made in Richard’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Big Rock Country Club in Fayette. 

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

Richard Loren Nihart, the son of George and Berneice (Hughes) Nihart Probst, was born on July 18, 1935, in St. Charles, Minn.  

He graduated from St. Charles High School in 1953 and from Winona State University in 1960 with a major in science and a minor in physical education.  

Richard served in the U.S. Army from September 1954 to August 1957.  

  Richard (Dick) was united in marriage to Marjorie Ann Tlougan on Jan. 31, 1956, in Winona, Minn.  

The couple lived in Winona before moving to Rose Creek, Minn., where he taught and coached for three years.  

In 1963 they moved to Fayette, Iowa, where Dick worked in various capacities for Fayette High School. During his tenure, he taught high school sciences, coached basketball, baseball, golf, football, and softball, and also served as athletic director.  

Upon the completion of his master’s degree in administration from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colo., in 1970, Dick also served as an assistant principal for Fayette High School.  When the merger of Fayette High School with North Fayette High School occurred, he served as athletic director for a couple years.  He also taught junior high science.  He retired in 1995.  

Following his retirement, he worked for a few years at Upper Iowa University in Fayette as a student teacher advisor.  

  Dick was an avid sportsman, spending a lot of time fishing the many trout streams and rivers of northeast Iowa.  He also played golf most days of the week.  Among his other sporting activities, he attended and enjoyed many, many Upper Iowa athletic events, especially during his later years!  

However, his biggest love was family.   He so enjoyed getting to see his grandchildren and was their biggest fan and supporter.  He also looked forward to any time his family would visit and had a lot of fun during golfing/fishing weekends with his sons.   His advice to his family was to love each other more each day, and he lived that way, leading by example.     

  Dick was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie; his parents; and one sister, Carol O’Dell.  

He is survived by his two sons, two daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren:  Jeff and Charlene Nihart, of Ankeny, Iowa, and their sons, Adam of Ankeny, Aaron and wife Jayme of Sheldahl, Iowa; Dean and Janet Nihart of Johnston, Iowa, and their daughter, Amy, of Newport, Ky.; and one sister, Janet Campbell of St. Charles, Minn.  

Lorna Zupke

Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Lorna Ruth Zupke, 91, died peacefully at her home in Randalia on Nov. 11, 2018. 

Lorna, daughter of Cora (Rolfe) and Floyd Durey was born on Feb. 19, 1927 near Dundee, Iowa. A

fter graduating from Fayette High School, she received a teacher’s certificate from Upper Iowa University in 1946. She then taught at a country school on W14, four miles south of Hawkeye. 

She married Vaylard Lloyd Zupke on Dec. 4, 1947 at Fayette Wesleyan Church, where Lorna was a charter member.

First and foremost in Lorna’s life was her love for Jesus and her desire to serve Him. She was a godly woman of great faith and a dedicated servant of our Lord. 

In a letter written to a granddaughter, Lorna wrote, “That first year in high school at Fayette was a turning point in my life, for in October of that year (1940), I received Jesus Christ as my Savior. He forgave my sins and came into my heart! What a wonderful change that was – the Lord just filled my young heart with His peace, joy and love for Jesus and His Word, the Bible!”

Her career started as a classroom teacher and moved to being a mother of eight; she was Zupke Sand & Gravel’s receptionist, secretary and accountant. Lorna was still working when she had a stroke in February.

Gardening, canning the produce of those gardens, feeding birds, sewing and making dolls were some of Lorna’s talents and delights. Her gift of hospitality often caused her table to be set with an extra place or two…for the constant flow of houseguests and visitors. These could be family members, missionaries home on furlough, college students, travelers with broken vehicles, Vietnamese refugees and so many more. These guests quickly became part of the Zupke extended family. A favorite of everyone’s was Lorna’s oatmeal rolls, her mother’s recipe. She left a legacy of kindness and generosity. 

Lorna loved to sing.  She could often be heard singing or humming hymns and psalms set to music, as she would go throughout her daily activities.  She was often asked to sing for weddings and funerals, which she did joyfully.

Survivors include her husband, Vaylard; daughters Deborah (David) McCormick of Shellsburg, IA and Lois (Randy) Byars of Lexington, S.C.; sons Mark (Ruth) of Logan, Minn., Andrew (Marilyn) of Prophetstown, Ill., Jon (Debra) of Larrabee, IA, Sam (Margo) of Lakeville, Minn., and Stephen (Ann) of Randalia, IA; her sisters, Eloise Kaltenbach of Hazleton, IA and Shirley Thrall of Calimesa, Calif.; her brothers, George (Lenore) Durey of Farmington, Minn., and Darin (Eva) Durey of Fredericktown, Mo. Lorna has 31 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. 

Lorna was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Daniel Jay; six sisters, Charlotte Fawcett, Margaret Downing, Marian Stewart, Arline Nobel, Joanne Stawn and Carol Durey (infancy); and five brothers, Howard Durey (in WWII), Lucius Durey, Forrest Durey, Paul Durey, and Dale Durey (infancy).

Psalm 16:11: “In thy presence is fullness of joy and at thy right hand are pleasures for evermore” was sung and celebrated at Fayette’s Grandview Cemetery during a private family committal on Nov. 13.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 30, at the Oelwein Community Plaza, 25 W. Charles St., Oelwein, IA from 2 to 7 p.m. 

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 1 at the Sumner-Fredericksburg High School Auditorium, 802 West Sixth Street, Sumner, Iowa at 10 a.m.

Cards may be sent to 17963 150th Street, Randalia IA 52164.

Memorials may be made to the Gideons at P.O. Box 446, Oelwein, Iowa 50662. 

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Sumner is assisting the family.         48u48

Mervin Ungerer

Mervin Ungerer, 89, of Hawkeye died Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 30, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye. 

Burial will follow at Hawkeye Cemetery with military rites conducted by Arnold-Rogers American Legion Post 312 of Hawkeye. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye and for one hour preceding services at the church on Friday.

Mary Billmeyer

Mary Billmeyer, 87, of rural West Union died Monday, Nov. 19, 2018, at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital in West Union.

Robert Hennager

Robert G. “Bob” Hennager, 95, of Fayette, formerly of Maynard, Iowa, died Thursday evening, Nov. 15, 2018 at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette, Iowa.

Funeral Service: Monday, Nov. 19, 2018 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Maynard with Rev. Tracy Hinkel officiating.

Inurnment: At a later date in Long Grove Cemetery, Maynard.

Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Maynard handled the arrangements.

Memorials may be directed in his name to St. Croix Hospice, Maynard Community Library or the Maynard Fire Department.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com.

Robert George Hennager was born Feb. 11, 1923 at Racine, Minn., the son of Conn and Lona (Milligan) Hennager.  

In 1933, Bob’s family moved to Maynard, where he graduated from Maynard High School in 1941.  

After high school, he proudly served in the United States Navy.  

On Dec. 24, 1943, he was united in marriage to Jean Ann “Peggy” Gantenbein at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.  

Bob worked for DeKalb Agricultural Association for 30 years, retiring in 1973.  He was a part-time school bus driver and sang at many funerals and weddings. 

Bob was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and a past member of the Maynard Senior Citizen Housing Board and Men’s Baseball and Softball League.  

He enjoyed woodworking.

Bob is survived by his wife, Jean “Peggy” Hennager of Fayette; a son, Kelly Hennager (Russ Clunn) of Ft. Myers, Fla.; two daughters, Jackie Hennager Reed of Denver and Lona (Don) Albert of Randalia; four grandchildren, Jeremy Reed, Lisa Reed (Mark) Milder, Eric (Laura) Albert and Nicholas (Brittany) Albert; seven great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Milder, Alexis Milder, Jace Milder, Davis VanSickle, Daphney Albert, Dora Albert and Mayer Albert; a brother, Donald (Marilyn) Hennager of Austin, Minn.; a sister, Lois Miller of Fayette; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Grace Evenson and Midge Clough; and three brothers, CJ Hennager, Gene Hennager and Hollis Hennager.

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Margery Lau

Margery F. Lau, 87, of Oelwein, Iowa died Friday morning, Nov. 23, 2018 at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette, Iowa.

Funeral Service:  10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018 at Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Oelwein with Rev. Kent Leydens officiating.

Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27, and one hour before the service on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Interment: Woodlawn Cemetery, Oelwein.

Memorial Fund: Alzheimer’s Association.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com.

Margery Faye Majors was born July 22, 1931 in Boone, Iowa, the daughter of Robert and Goldie Faye (Patterson) Majors.  

Margie was raised in Boone, where she received her education at a country school.  

She moved to Waterloo, where she worked as a waitress at Morg’s Lunch.  It was there that Margie met Roland Lau.  

Margery was united in marriage to Roland Clarence Lau on Jan. 26, 1952 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.  

They lived in Waterloo until moving to their farm near Fayette in 1956. They farmed there together until moving to Oelwein in 1993. 

Margie moved to Maple Crest Manor in Fayette in February 2014.  

She enjoyed needlework, bingo, going to the casino, camping and spending time with her family.

Margery is survived by her son, Alan (Zenda) Lau of Fayette; two daughters, Carol Wolfs of West Union and Susan (Dennis) Burington of West Union; four grandchildren, Bret Lau, Troy Wolfs, Tracie Honerbrink and Coty Lau; several great-grandchildren; a sister, Doris Paris of Boone; five sisters-in-law, Delores (Ron) Kaiser of Aurora, Dorothy Lau of Fayette, Prudy Lau of Rockford, Ill., Donna Lau of Wisconsin, and Jan Lau of Oelwein; a brother-in-law, Ron (Geri) Astor of Florida; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband on May 10, 2006; a granddaughter, Chandra; six brothers; and three sisters.

Sister Ignatia Rosenbaum

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for Sister Ignatia (Helen) Rosenbaum, age 90, at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, 2018 in Francis Chapel, Dubuque, Iowa. The Reverend Ron Friedell presided. 

Sister died Monday, Nov. 12, 2018 at Clare House in the 69^th year of her religious life.

Sister Ignatia, daughter of the late John and Louisa (Bucheit) Rosenbaum, was born July 31, 1928 on a farm near Ossian, IA.   

She was baptized and confirmed at St. Francis DeSales in Ossian, IA.  

She was one of five children. Her mother died when she was age 8, and she and her four siblings did their best to help their father with the farm work.  

She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque from St. Francis DeSales on Aug. 25, 1949. She was received with the name Sister Mary Ignatia on Aug. 12, 1950 and made her final profession of vows on Aug. 12, 1955.

Sister ministered as a homemaker at Briar Cliff College and St. Anthony’s Home, both in Sioux City, Iowa. In Dubuque, she ministered at Holy Trinity, Holy Ghost, Holy Family Hall, and Immaculate Conception Convent. She also ministered at Crescent City, Calif. 

After living and working at Mount St. Francis House in Dubuque for several years, Sister retired to Clare House assisted-living facility in 2014.  

Sister Ignatia is survived by her sisters, Florence (Donald) Gapinski of Anamosa and Ione Hartley of Denver, Colo.; several nieces and nephews; and her Franciscan sisters, with whom she shared over 68 years of her life.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Harold (LuVerne) Rosenbaum; her sister, Gertrude (Carl) Kuhn; and her brother-in-law, Art Hartley. 

Memorials may be given to the Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque, IA.         48u48

Vonna Buchholz

Vonna “Sally” I. Buchholz (Bishop) of Fitchburg, Wis., formerly of Beloit, Wis., and West Union, Iowa died peacefully Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018 in her home. 

The twins, Vonna and Bonna, were born June 5, 1931 to the late Clifford and Agnes Bishop (Saltsgiver) at their grandparents’ Saltsgiver farmhouse.

 Vonna married Marvin Buchholz on Jan. 1, 1950, at which time they began their farming life together. Believing in lifelong learning, they graduated with teaching degrees from the “original” Upper Iowa University in 1965.   

As her 28-year teaching career in Beloit, Wis., ended, she continued taking SLU classes at Beloit College. 

Vonna had a passion for writing, which allowed her to leave a legacy of family stories. Although family came first, her other special interests were gardening, walking, piano, reading, sewing and discussing politics.  

She became the first woman president of the Beloit Kiwanis group and supported peace efforts.   She dedicated her life to helping others and her church, specifically teaching Native American children, working with Latino families, Russian Peace mission and donating blood.  Church activities included teaching Sunday School, Deacon, Layperson and choir.  

She is survived by her children, Sue (Dan) Sippola and Sheryl (Steve) Guetzlaff; grandchildren Chris (Kristin) Guetzlaff, Scott (Erica) Guetzlaff, Patrick (Rebecca Webster) Sippola, Jenny (Logan Gehin) Sippola; and great-grandchildren Isabella, Charlotte, Rylee, Alexa, Stella, and Ryder; her twin sister Bonna Gehring, sister Esther Sivert (Dale), and brother Neal Bishop (JoAnn).  

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Marvin; her son, Tony Buchholz; and siblings Harry Bishop and Clarence Bishop.

Funeral Services were held Friday, Nov. 30, 2018 at Bethel Presbyterian Church, West Union, Iowa with a lunch following.

Interment was held at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, rural West Union, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711.

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa helped the family with arrangements.         49u49

Mary Billmeyer

Mary Billmeyer, age 87, of rural West Union, IA, died on Monday, Nov. 19, 2018 at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital in West Union, IA.

A Celebration of Life was held Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018 at Schluter-Balik Funeral Home, Chekal Chapel, in Fort Atkinson with Rev. Don Best presiding. 

Mary Margaret Billmeyer was born on Oct. 3, 1931 the daughter of T.R. and Grace (Winter) Alton in Hawkeye, Iowa.  

She graduated from Alpha High School in 1947. 

Mary’s teen years (in Alpha) were spent assisting new mothers with Doc Friehle and tending the family cattle. Her remaining hours of the day were in Grandpa Winter’s grocery store (currently Alpha Tap), fighting off banana spiders and tending the pickle barrel.  

Sometime after her graduation from Alpha High School, the Alton family moved to Auburn down the road from her future husband. They met one day on that road as he was on horseback, galloping by her so fast that she fled to the safety of the ditch. 

She married William “Buddy” Billmeyer on March 4, 1951 at Mary’s home, rural West Union.  Together they had three children, Marlys, Lynn and Diana. 

After their marriage Bud was drafted into the Army, and he and Mary were stationed in South Carolina for training.  Mary was employed by the Quatlebaums in their adhesive tape factory and made long-lasting friends.  

Back from Army deployments and discharged, they returned to Iowa to a life of farming and childrearing.  With three girls tagging along, Mary performed farm chores while storytelling, teaching, and comforting. 

Whether cutting firewood, milking cows, or throwing hay bales, she could be found alongside her husband. 

Then the family business transitioned to maintaining county roads, and Mary’s contribution in keeping equipment records for the county road crews was extremely valuable.  

Her many talents and sharp intellect made her excel at many things. In her youth she loved school, choir, drama, art and drawing, fashion design, and illustration. As a homemaker she loved cake decorating, photography, sketching, and was a great seamstress.  Her energy and strength made her a great wife, mother, and, a master gardener that provided nearly all the family sustenance. A keen artist’s eye enabled her to fashion clothes for her daughters, and her knowledge of grammar was only exceeded by her modesty and kindness in not correcting the rest of us. 

After a bad fall at home, her last days were spent recovering at Maple Crest Manor, where she found loving care from all the staff. She missed all her neighbors and friends around Auburn and West Union who looked out for her, but she found a ready companion and roommate in Leona Streif.  

In summary, the family can only relay Mary’s own sentiment: “Don’t overdo this.”   

Mary is survived by her daughters, Lynn Papp of Rockford, Ill., and Diana (Kevin) Langreck of St. Lucas, IA; a sister, Lois Pape of West Union, IA; sisters-in-law Ellen Ruroden of East Dubuque, IA and Marjorie Degner of Traer, IA; a son-in-law, Tony Wheeler of Auburn, IA; many nieces and nephews.  

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, William “Buddy” Billmeyer; her parents, T.R. and Grace (Winter) Alton; a daughter, Marlys Wheeler; a sister, Ruth (Milton) Stevenson; brothers-in-law Everett Pape and Homer Degner; her father- and mother-in-law, William and Marjorie (Ash) Billmeyer.     49u49