Michael Finnegan

Michael Finnegan, 88, of Clermont, Iowa died Friday, February 22, 2019, at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital in West Union, Iowa. He was born December 20, 1930 to John and Helen Finnegan.  Michael attended school at Postville and joined the United States Army and served until 1953.

Michael was united in marriage with Mary Patricia “Pat” on February 12, 1955, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Winthrop, Iowa. Together they farmed the family farm and raised their family. Michael’s hobbies included fishing, reading, forestry, and celebrating his Irish heritage.  He volunteered for hospice patients and prison ministry and also served as a volunteer and board member for the local food shelf.

He was passionate about conservation and educated many on soil erosion prevention.  Michael was a leader in conservation and received several conservation awards over the years.  His most recent award was in January, the Conservation Faces of Iowa award he received in Des Moines.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Patricia “Pat” Finnegan of West Union, Iowa; one sister, Marianne Ironside of Kenosha, Wisconsin; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Margaret Hogan of Winthrop, Iowa; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tom and Terri Brickley of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; sister-in-law, CeAnn Brickley of Cascade, Iowa; his children, Faye of Dubuque, Iowa, Dan (Yolanda) and their children, Brian (fiancée Anchal) and John of Austin, Texas, Michael (Brooke) and their children, Bailey and Abigail of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, Matt (Lisa) and their children, Dane Harnack of Boulder, Colorado and Alexis and Emily of Savage, Minnesota, Joan (Blair) and their children, Thomas, Olivia, and Grace of Chaska, Minnesota and Patrick (Catherine) and their children, Mia and Gus of Bloomington, Minnesota.

Mike was preceded in death by parents, John and Helen Finnegan; and one sister, Jean Schultz.

Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clermont, Iowa. There was also a one-hour visitation before mass at the church on Thursday.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 28, 2019, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clermont, Iowa with Rev. Don Komboh and Rev. George Karnick as the concelebrants. 

Burial with military rites followed at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Clermont, Iowa.

A lunch at Brick City Grill in Clermont, Iowa followed burial.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Michael Finnegan Memorial Fund to support Mike’s favorite charities.

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

Willard Miehe

Willard D. Miehe, 92, of rural Fayette, Iowa died on Wednesday morning, February 27, 2019, at Oelwein Health Care Center in Oelwein.

Funeral services were held at  10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2019, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Maynard, Iowa with Rev. Dennis Frank officiating.

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

The Maynard American Legion Post #245 held military Graveside Services.

Interment was at the Long Grove Cemetery, Maynard, Iowa.

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

Online obituary can be viewed at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

Willard Donald Miehe was born on November 6, 1926 in Oelwein, Iowa the son of  William J. A. and Lena (Schmidt) Miehe, Jr.  He received his education from the Maynard Schools, graduating in the class of 1944.  He honorably served in the Army Air Force at the end of W.W. II.  Willard then attended Iowa State University in Ames for one year.  He was then recalled to the U.S. Air Force to serve during the Korean War.  Following his military service, Willard married Dolores Marilyn McComb.  They were blessed with three children, Ronald, Debra and Lori.  They later divorced.  Willard farmed in rural Fayette and worked for the telephone company for 28 years, retiring from GTE in 1991.

Willard was a lifetime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Maynard and was also a member of the Maynard American Legion Post #245.  He enjoyed working on his farm, tinkering on tractors, participating at the Maynard American Legion and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Willard is survived by his three children:  Ron Miehe of Fayette, Deb (Paul) Miller of Peosta and Lori (Randy) Paulsen of Nixa, Missouri; four grandchildren: Corey (Becky) Paulsen of Olathe, Kansas; Amanda (Andrew) Westrich of Nixa, Missouri; Alesia (Jeff) Burgess of High Amana, and Matt (Jess) Miller of Ely; nine great grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; brother, Robert (Arlene) Miehe of Oelwein and several nieces & nephews.

Willard was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Alfred “Bud” Miehe, and his former wife, Dolores Miehe.

Floyd Alber

Floyd E. Alber, 103, of Maynard, passed away Tuesday, February 26, 2019, at the Hillcrest Home in Sumner.

Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2019, at Grace Lutheran Church in Fayette with Rev. Herbert Mueller, III officiating.  Interment followed at Grandview Cemetery in Fayette. Visitation preceded the service at the church on Saturday starting at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Floyd’s name to Grace Lutheran Church in Fayette, 201 W. State St., Fayette, Iowa 52142.

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette is assisting Floyd’s family. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.  

Floyd Edward, son of Paul and Nina (Tobler) Alber, was born May 25, 1915, near Guide Rock, Nebraska. On June 26, 1937, he was united in marriage with Marie Ann Woods at Morrison, Illinois. The couple lived in Rock Falls, Illinois, prior to purchasing a farm east of Maynard in 1943. Floyd along with his wife, Marie, managed their farm for over sixty years. Floyd was a long-time active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Fayette.

Floyd is survived by his daughter, Iva Jean Kaune of Fayette, his son Larry and daughter-in-law Joyce Alber of Mukwonago, WI; eight grandchildren;  Lynn Kinne (Fred) of Strawberry Point, Laura Kaune of Houston, TX; Julie  Golberg  (Scott) of Mt. Vernon, Jeff Kaune (Amy) of Chesterfield, MO; Sheri Alber Munoz of Lisle, IL; Darrin Alber of Oelwein; Michael Alber (RoniSue) of Lake Zurich, IL, and Patricia Young (Dr. Jeffrey) of Hubertus, WI; and twelve great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson, and a family friend, Shirley Cockerham.

Floyd was preceded in death by his wife, Marie, and his parents, two brothers, four sisters; and one son-in-law, Marvin Kaune.

Jerry Monroe

Jerry Norman Monroe, 70, of Castalia, Iowa died Thursday, February 28, 2019 at his home following a courageous battle with cancer.  Jerry was born March 24, 1948 to Rueben and June (Allen) Monroe in Decorah, Iowa.  He graduated from South Winn High School.

Jerry was united in marriage with Patricia Reckward on October 8, 1966 at The Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. He worked as a Mechanic at Decorah Implement for many years and then started farming in 1977 full time. Jerry kept life simple and lived off the land.  He ran a small farm, affectionately called “Monroe Village” by family and friends.  Jerry raised beef and dairy cows and also crops throughout his life. He enjoyed teaching his grandchildren how to farm (and to fix farm machinery).  Jerry also loved to go deer hunting, coon hunting and fishing. Jerry also liked to tell a hunting story or 2. Family was the most important to Jerry and he cherished spending time with his grandchildren and going on special hunting adventures with his family and friends.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Patricia “Patty” Monroe of Castalia, Iowa; children, Julie (Matt) Mettille of Decorah, Iowa and Summer (Chris) Wiedow of Castalia, Iowa; grandchildren, Olivia Mettille, Britann Mettille, Blake Mettille, Makinzie (Ben Dugger) Monroe, Parker Monroe, Luke Wiedow, Dalton Wiedow and Kolton Wiedow; siblings, Janette Ryder-Blong, Lorrie Beisker (Larry Cox) and Allen Monroe (Amy Ryan); siblings-in-law, Jerry (Julie) Reckward, Sue (Dale) Lenth and Gin (Roger) Sanford;  sister-in-law, Judy Reckward; many special nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Rueben and June Monroe; daughter, Amy Monroe in 2013; sister, LaVerna Peck; and brothers-in-law, Eldo Peck, Don Ryder, Jerry Blong, David Beisker and Jim Reckward.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, March 3, 2019 at Ossian Lutheran Church, Ossian, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Monday.

Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, March 4, 2019 at Ossian Lutheran Church, Ossian, Iowa with Rev. David Lenth as the officiant.

Inurnment will be held at a later date at Greenwood Cemetery in Ossian, Iowa.

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

Rogene Poppen

  Rogene L. Poppen age 92, passed away on March 4, 2019, in Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home, Mt. Morris, IL.

  Rogene was born on April 17, 1926 in Adeline, IL the daughter of Ernest & Rose (Horst) Hartje. Rogene graduated from Forreston High School class of 1944, and she received a bachelor’s degree in organ & piano from Carthage College in 1948.

  Rogene married Alfred V. Poppen on September 29, 1951 in Forreston, IL; and he preceded her in death on November 26, 1988.
Rogene was a piano teacher and she was the St. James Lutheran Church organist and choir director, retiring in 2015.

She was a member of the St. James Lutheran Church, Forreston, IL.

 Rogene is survived by children: Ruth Ann (Kirstie Felland) Poppen, Wheeling, IL and Douglas (Leslie) Poppen, West Union, IA; grandchildren: Marcie (Loran Marceau) Poppen, Melissa (Nathan) Husman, Mindy Poppen, Samuel Poppen, and Lily Poppen; great grandchildren: Sawyer and Keandria Marceau; sister: Leona (Carl) Nelson, Mt. Morris, IL; daughter in law: Marta Poppen, Forreston, IL; niece: Beth (John) Chase, Mt. Morris, IL; nephews: David (Gretchen) Nelson, Mt. Morris, IL and Rick (Michelle) Nelson, Mt. Morris, IL; and several great nieces and nephews.

  Rogene is preceded in death by her parents; husband: Alfred; son: Mark.

  Funeral services were held on Monday March 11, 2019, at 10:30 a.m.. in St. James Lutheran Church, Forreston, IL with Rev. Karyn Kost officiating.

 Burial will be in West Grove Cemetery, Forreston, IL.

 Visitation was held on Sunday March 10, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. in Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL.
Memorials to St. James Lutheran Church and/or Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home.

Michael Smith

Michael G. Smith, 76, passed away on March 6, 2019, in West Des Moines. He was the son of Donald and Joyce (Stichler) Smith of Fayette, IA. 

Mike is survived by his wife, Sue of West Des Moines; two sons, Tim and Chris of Des Moines; sister, Julie (Jerry) Geurink of Whitehall, WI and Charlene (Ray) Murray of Toledo, IA; and brother, Joe (Pat) Smith of Dunkerton, IA. His father, Don, and mother, Joyce, of Fayette, IA, preceded him in death.

Mike loved his family and his church. He was involved in the Knights of Columbus and many volunteer activities at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He was a Hawkeye fan and enjoyed sports, both playing and watching.
The family will greet friends on Monday, March 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Iles Funeral Homes-Westover Chapel, followed by a brief celebration of life at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church on Beaver Ave, 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 12. Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery, with a lunch served at the church directly following.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Holy Trinity Catholic Church. 

Iles Funeral Homes – Westover Chapel is handling arrangements.  Online condolences are welcome at WWW.IlesCares.com.

Miriam Fritz

Mariam Fritz, 9,7 of West Union, formerly of Hawkeye, died Monday, March 11, 2019 at Traditions of Iowa, West Union. 

Arrangements are pending with Becker-Milnes, Hawkeye.

Please call, 563 578-3451 or go to www.beckermilnesrettig.com for more information. 

Roger Erickson

Roger Erickson, 79, of Wadena, Iowa died Monday, March 11, 2019 at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital in West Union, Iowa.  Leigh Roger, son of Johnny and TeoLena (Olson) Erickson was born May 23, 1939 in Elkader, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith.  Roger attended Wadena School and graduated in 1957.  After graduation he attended one year of business school in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He then came home and farmed with his dad.

On February 15, 1964 Roger was united in marriage with Joyce Bushkofsky at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Volga, Iowa. They made their home on the family farm located on the Wadena-Volga road, where they lived and raised their family for forty-one years. In 2006, they moved into Wadena. All his life, Roger was a farmer and always had cattle around him. Roger especially liked spring time, when the new calves were born. Until recently he went to the farm daily to check on his cattle; many great memories from our life there! Roger enjoyed fishing and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Roger is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Joyce; four sons, Brian (Patti) of Sioux City, Iowa, Roger (Leta) of Wadena, Iowa, Darin (Julie) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Galen (Emie Yiannaka) of Lincoln, Nebraska; one daughter, Anita (Chad Lerch) Franklin of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; ten grandchildren, Bradley Erickson, David Erickson, Jack Erickson, Owen Erickson, Elizabeth Erickson, Eleas Erickson, Adonis Erickson, Trey (Cally) Sparks, Garrett Franklin and Ben Lerch; two great-grandchildren, Ryder and Maddyn Sparks; two sisters, Mary Lou Loeb of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Joyce (Dave) Munson of Weatherby, Missouri; four sisters-in-law, Dorothy Bushkofsky, Joan Bushkofsky, Marie Bushkofsky and Juleen Every; brothers-in-law, Norman Erickson and Ron Bushkofsky; and many nieces and nephews.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and TeoLena Erickson; one brother, Carl Erickson on May 7, 2017; brothers-in-law, Robert Bushkofsky, Loren Bushkofsky, Leland Every and Bob Loeb; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Erickson.

Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m, on Friday, March 15, 2019 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Volga, Iowa. There was also a one hour visitation before services at the church on Saturday.

Funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2019 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Volga, Iowa.

Burial followed at Wadena Cemetery, Wadena, Iowa

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

Conley Meyer

Conley David Meyer, 78, of West Union, Iowa passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa. He was born May 20, 1940 to William and Charlotte (Hanson) Meyer in rural Winneshiek County, Iowa. Conley was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado, Iowa. He attended West Union Schools.

Conley was united in marriage with Vickie Popenhagen on May 28, 1961. Two children were born to this union. He farmed his entire life in the West Union area until his retirement in 2010. Conley enjoyed playing cards, going to the races and fishing. His greatest joy was spending time with family and grandchildren. Conley was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who will be missed dearly by those closest.

Left to honor his memory is his daughter, Michelle (Jamie Snyder) of Montezuma, Iowa; his son, Layne (Joni) Meyer of West Union, Iowa; granddaughters, Kayla (Kris Seitz) of Davenport, Iowa and Kaitlin Snively of Lenexa, Kansas; grandsons, Kyle Nosbisch and Seth Meyer; three great- grandchildren, Meredith Snively, Chyles Seitz and Kye Seitz; brother, Duane Meyer; and sister, Marlys (Kerwin) Anderson; sister-in-law, Kathryn Ann Meyer; and many nieces and nephews.

Conley was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-four years, Vickie on December 17, 2015; his parents, William and Charlotte Meyer; brothers, Herbert and Kenneth; and a sister-in-law, Eileen Meyer.

As were his wishes, Conley will be cremated with a private family inurnment at a later date in West Union, Iowa.

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

Howard Hildebrand

 Howard Leon Hildebrand, 84, passed away March 20, 2019 at Regional Medical Center in Manchester, Iowa.

     Howard was born November 2, 1934 in Volga, Iowa to Linus and Viola (Bockenstedt) Hildebrand. At age two, Howard and his parents moved to West Union, Iowa and he lived in and around that area most of his life.

     From June 1959 to November, 1971 he was united in marriage to Eleanor Schrandt and they had four children. Howard worked for the railroad for five years as well as being in the National Guard for six years and farmed for twelve years in northeast Iowa. His last profession was as a welder for ABCO Inc. and FECO Inc. in Oelwein, Iowa. Upon retirement, he did welding and vehicle/equipment repair at his farm for friends and neighbors.

     Howard is survived by his three daughters: Judy (Larry) Duff of Waterloo; Janet (Ralph) Goedken of Lamont; Joyce (Richard) Kauffman of West Union; and one son David Hildebrand of Grand Prairie, TX; fourteen grandchildren: Luke Duff, Jena (Adam) Clemen, Nathan (Lindsay) Goedken, Kenzie (Lucas) Bohnsack; Collin, Donovan and Emma Goedken; Kristopher (Kylie) Kauffman; Samantha, Valleen, Megan, Mackenzie, and Kayla Kauffman; and Joe Hildebrand; fourteen great-grandchildren; and one brother Doyle (Dorine) Hildebrand of Chillicothe, MO.

     He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers: Linus, Earl, Dale, and Denis.

     Funeral services were held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, March 25, 2019 in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Masonville. Visitation took place in Lamont, Iowa at 745 Washington Street (Grace United Methodist Church) from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 24. There was a scripture service at 2 p.m. at Lamont on Sunday. Friends called at the I.C. Catholic Church in Masonville on Monday. Interment was at Mount Calvary Cemetery at West Union. Casketbearers were his grandsons. 

      The Fawcett Funeral Homes and Cremation services of Lamont is assisting the family with arrangements. Online at www.fawcettsfuneralhome.com under obituaries. 

Barbara Ann Hummel

Barbara Ann Hummel, 65, of Oelwein, passed away at Covenant Hospital in Waterloo on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 surrounded by her family.

She was born on February 6, 1954, at the Oelwein Hospital to Wayne and Janet (Shaw) Hummel. Barbara was raised and educated in the Volga area. She graduated in 1972, from Central Community High School in Elkader.

After high school, Barbara worked at the HiWay Café in Strawberry Point. On April 29, 1979, she gave birth to her only child, Brian Hummel. Together they lived in rural Volga, and Barb worked at ATWOOD in West Union for 25 years. In her later life, she retired to the Oelwein area.

Barbara was a member of the Lutheran Church in Volga. She enjoyed sewing and reading books in her free time, but most of all she loved spoiling her grandchildren, great nieces and nephews, and great-great niece, who she adored dearly.

Survivors include her son Brian (Tami) Hummel and their three daughters, Mariah, Madison and Maci; brother, Randy Hummel; sister, Mary Kay Hummel and her children, Holly (Bill) Stoler; Callie Kirschbaum, and her children, great nephew, Jared White, great-nieces, Savannah Kirschbaum and Alexis Anthony, and a great-great-niece, Journee White.

Her parents, Wayne and Janet Hummel, preceded Barbara in death.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left with www.graufuneralhomes.com

Visitation was held 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2019, at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home in Elkader

Funeral Service were held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 22, 2019 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home in Elkader 

Interment was in Hillcrest Cemetery, Volga, Iowa

Kevin Hageman

  Kevin J. Hageman was born on January 25, 1963 the son of Paul and Colleen (Wagner) Hageman in Decorah, IA.  He attended St. Aloysius Catholic School in Calmar and graduated from South Winneshiek High School in 1981.  Kevin excelled in Football receiving many accolades including: 1979 South Winn player of the week, 1979 First team defense, All Cedar Wapsie Conference, 1979 Oelwein Daily Register All Registerland Football team, 1980 Most valuable lineman, All Cedar Wapsie Conference, 1980 First team all conference defensive lineman, 1980 Iowa Daily Press honorable mention – offensive tackle, 1980 Most valuable player, South Winn, Top defensive player South Winn, 2^nd team All State Defense at nose guard.  He was a member of the 1979 and 80 Cedar Wapsie Conference Champion South Winn teams that went 18-0.  

After High School, he attended NIACC in Mason City where he played football for two seasons before transferring to University of Nebraska, Omaha where he played another two years.  After college Kevin moved to Cedar Rapids where he worked for Linn Candy, Farner Bocken and Schimberg Pipe Co.  

He married Donna Weltha and together they had two children: Morgan and Ambur.  They later divorced.  Kevin was a fan of Nebraska Football.  He will be greatly missed; his laugh and humor will always be remembered.

       He is survived by his daughters: Morgan and Ambur Hageman, Cedar Rapids, IA.  Parents: Paul and Colleen Hageman, Calmar, IA.  Sisters: Ann Marie (Ken) Kirkestue, Monona, IA and Anna Mae (Dave) Hageman-Smith, Monona, IA.  Brothers: Scott Hageman, Monona, IA and Joel (Kendra) Hageman, Lanesboro, MN.  Nieces and nephews: Cody, Macauley, Blake and Elizabeth Hageman; Ashley Smith, Kyle Kirkestue, Melissa Hageman and Tami Hageman.  

Arlene Crider

Arlene Crider, 87, of Eldorado, Iowa died Friday, March 22, 2019 at Maple Crest Manor, Fayette, Iowa. She was born July 9, 1931 to Lewis and Amanda (Stray) Ruroden at home on the farm in Fayette County, Iowa. Arlene was baptized and confirmed at East Clermont Church in Clermont, Iowa. She attended Country School at Marion Township #3 Groth and graduated from Elgin High in 1950.

Arlene was united in marriage with James Crider on January 5, 1951 in Caledonia, Minnesota. Two children were born to this union. Arlene worked as a bookkeeper at Big Gain Feed for 25 years, Schwans, Landis Fertilizer and Carpenter and Craft all in West Union, Iowa. She also babysat in many homes for years and they called her “Grandma” and “Ene”.

Arlene is survived by her daughter, Cynthia (Steve) Metzger of Clermont; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James Crider in 1998; her son, Steven Crider Sr. in 2012 and grandson, Steve Crider Jr. in 2014; sister’s, Anna Mae Olson, Myrtle West, Levila Gisleson, Opal Tope and one brother, Leslie Ruroden.

Visitation will be Friday, March 29, 2019 from 4-7 p.m. at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union, Iowa and one hour before services at the church on Saturday.

Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Eldorado, Iowa with Rev. Ginny Olson as the Officiant.

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

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

Mary Hinkel

Mary Maxine Hinkel made the world a better place from October 3, 1941 to March 19, 2019. She had a quiet way of touching lives through her kind and generous spirit at work and especially with her family and friends. Even when she was sick, she was concerned about others and putting them first.

Mary was born in Wadena, Iowa to Donald and Vera (Hicks) Hinkel. She graduated from Clermont-Elgin-Wadena High School and worked for 52 years as the bookkeeper at the West Union grocery store under several owners.

In March 2016, she moved to Carlisle to be closer to family and cancer doctors. Thanks to wonderful care, Mary enjoyed the past three years, despite battling cancer. She loved sports, playing in her younger years and then watching them on TV. Mary liked to collect music boxes, crystal figurines, Iowa Hawkeye memorabilia, and many other things. Most of all she loved spending time with her family, often playing cards and usually winning.

Mary has joined her father and mother, Donald and Vera, stepfather Aulden Wilson, and great-niece, Allisha Candee in heaven. Those left missing her are her siblings, Donna (Roger) Candee (Carlisle, IA), Patty (Cornelius) Yearous (Arlington, IA), Jane (Jerry) Eisele (Bushnell, IL), and Jerry (Jeanie) Hinkel (Round Top, TX), many nephews, nieces, and friends.

There will be a prayer service in Carlisle and a celebration of life in West Union at a later date. Memorials will be directed to Unity Point Hospice and Taylor House. Mary’s family thanks everyone for the love and care they’ve shown. Online condolences may be made at www.petersonfuneralservice.com

Miriam Fritz

Miriam L. Fritz, 97, of West Union and formerly of Hawkeye, died Monday, March 11, 2019, at Traditions of West Union.

Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 16, 2019, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye with Rev. Ginny Olson officiating. Burial followed at Hawkeye Cemetery. Visitation was from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 15, at Trinity Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Hawkeye and for one hour preceding services at the church on Saturday. Miriam’s family suggests memorials may be made in her name to the American Legion in Hawkeye, Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye, or St. Croix Hospice. Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Hawkeye is assisting Miriam’s family. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com

Miriam Lois Schlatter, was born the second child of three on August 23, 1921, to Louis and Emma (Belschner) Schlatter. She was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye, and confirmed there in 1937. She was raised on a farm near Hawkeye and attended country school near Hawkeye as well. She graduated in 1939 from Hawkeye High School.

Miriam worked in homes in the area, caring for newborns to the elderly. After a bout with rheumatic fever, she worked as a nurse’s aid from 1942-1946 at Mankato, Minnesota. Miriam was active in church where she met Leo Fritz. Leo had enlisted in the Navy, so they were married on his return, November 24, 1946, at Trinity Lutheran Church.

They moved to the family farm north of Hawkeye in 1950. Miriam worked at the Fayette County Home and then the Hawkeye Meat Locker. At the age of 59 she became a licensed CNA and worked 5 years at the Good Samaritan Society in West Union.

Leo and Miriam moved to Hawkeye in 1990. Leo passed away November 30, 1997. Miriam moved to Traditions in December 2009, where she enjoyed all activities and made many dear friends. Miriam was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Martha Circle, and lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She enjoyed gardening, reading, crafts, painting, baking, puzzles, playing cards, and visits from family friends…. especially grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Miriam was preceded in death by parents, Louis and Emma Belschner Schlatter; husband, Leo Fritz; two sisters, Evalyn Lueder and Joyce Barber; and two nephews, George and Kenneth Lueder.

She is survived by three sons, Paul (Eileen) Fritz of Oelwein, Dean (Linda) Fritz of Hawkeye, and Gene (Jo) Fritz of Prior Lake, Minnesota. She leaves seven grandchildren, Mark (Christy) Fritz of Jordan, Minnesota, Lenny (Heidi) Fritz of Oelwein, Farrah (Dean Popowski) Fritz of West Union; Ryan (Kellyn) Fritz of Burnsville, Minnesota, Bradley (Daniel Newbold) Fritz of Chicago, Illinois, Angela (Jason) Lee of Prior Lake, Minnesota, and Jaclyn (Kyle) Krivachek of Fredericksburg; eleven great-grandchildren, Tim, Katie, and Leo Fritz, Darrian Fritz, Daijanell Wafford, Tyrell and Indego Lee, Tanner Fritz, Jacob Fritz, Reece and Mara Krivachek; and one great-great-grandson, Isaac Fritz.

Lavanna Frey

Lavanna Frey, 90, a long time resident of West Union,  died March 20, 2019.

A memorial service will be set at a later date. 

A simple website, LavannaFrey.com, has been set up where friends  can post memories and watch for service information. 

Marjorie Strudthoff

Marjorie Studthoff, 85, of West Union, Iowa died Saturday, March 23, 2019 at Good Samaritan Society, West Union, Iowa.

Arrangements are pending with Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union, Iowa.

Andrea Rose

Andrea Rose, 38, of Hawkeye, Iowa died Saturday, March 23, 2019.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, 2019 at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union, Iowa with Rev. Margaret Yackel-Juleen as the officiant.

Visitation will follow the Celebration of Life until 7:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union, Iowa.

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

Anna Marie Jespersen

Anna Marie Jespersen, 96, of West Union, Iowa died Saturday, March 23, 2019 at Good Samaritan Society in West Union, Iowa.

Services will be held in South Dakota at a later date.

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

Howard Landas

Howard Franklin Landas, 88, of Fayette, Iowa died Friday, March 29, 2019 at Maple Crest Manor, Fayette, Iowa. He was born April 8, 1930 to William and Daisy (Brooks) Landas on the family farm near Lima, Iowa. Howard was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic faith as an adult. He graduated from Fayette High School in 1947.

     Howard was united in marriage with Lorna Bergan on May 12, 1951 at St. Francis of Assisi, Fayette, Iowa. Six children were born to this union. Howard worked at Rath Packing in Waterloo shortly after high school. He was primarily employed in ag business and farming for most of his life. Howard also was employed for several years with Schwan’s in West Union. Many may remember the time he spent running the “Donut Hole”. In his later years he thoroughly enjoyed spending his time in the tractor helping with planting and harvesting another season’s crop.  He was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed woodworking, building birdhouses for his family.  He also enjoyed watching the Iowa Hawkeyes and loved spending time with family and friends.

     Howard is survived by his wife, Lorna Landas of Fayette; his children, Sue (Jack) Frey of Fayette; Harry (Linda) Landas of Omaha, Nebraska; Sherry (Steve) Dewitz of Spencer, Iowa; Patty Youll of Spirit Lake, Iowa; Peggy (Tim) Juergens of Elkader and Julie Kopsa of West Union; seventeen grandchildren; twenty-six great-grandchildren; brother, Jake (Joan) Landas of Mankato, Minnesota; sisters, Carolyn (Larry) Werner of Oelwein and Ruth McChane of Fayette and several nieces and nephews.

     Howard was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Elmer Landas, Robert Landas, Junior Landas and Harry Landas.

  Visitation was held Monday, April 1, 2019 from 4-7 p.m. at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union, Iowa and one hour before Mass on Tuesday.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday April 2, 2019 at Holy Name Catholic Church, West Union, Iowa with Rev. Don Komboh as the Celebrant.

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

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