Ellen Halverson

   Ellen Halverson, age 77, of West Union, IA, died on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at her home in West Union, IA.  

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 4, 2019 at the Madison Lutheran Church, 2658 Madison Road, Decorah, IA, with Rev. Jeff Hansen presiding.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 3, 2019 at the Schluter-Balik Funeral Home, 604 South Ave in Decorah and also after 10:00 a.m. at the Church on Saturday morning.  The Schluter-Balik Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Ellen Jane (Headington) Halverson was born on November 19, 1941 the daughter of Gerald and Evelyn (Vine) Headington in Decorah, IA.  She attended country school through 8^th grade before graduating from Decorah High School.  After high school, Ellen attended Winona State where she earned a Bachelor Degree in Education.  She married Harry Halverson on July 18, 1970 at the First United Methodist Church in Decorah.  She taught at Decorah Public Schools for many years before retiring and then substitute taught for another ten years after retiring.  She enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking and canning.  She was very involved in her circle at Madison Lutheran.  Ellen loved keeping track of her grandsons’ athletic endeavors.  

Ellen is survived by her sons: Jeff (friend, Dayline) Halverson, Waterloo, IA and Keith (Tina) Halverson, Waverly, IA.  Stepchildren: Larry (Bonnie) Halverson, Oconomowac, WI; Robert (Joyce) Halverson, Adel, IA; Roger (Becky) Halverson, Cresco, IA; Lyle (friend, Marcia) Halverson, Mabel, MN and Janice (John) Grafenberg, West Union, IA; Seventeen grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren along with one on the way.  Brother: Jerry (Diane) Headington, Cedar Falls, IA.  Sister-in-law: Brenda Headington, Decorah, IA along with many nieces and nephews.

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband Harry.  Parents: Gerald and Evelyn (Vine) Headington.  Brother: Bill Headington.  Sister: Diane Headington.  Brothers-in-law: Sidney (Betty) Halverson and Duane (Inga) Halverson.  Step grandson: Nathan Halverson.    

Curtis McCallum

Curtis E. McCallum, 83, of Hawkeye, died Tuesday, April 30, 2019, at the Hillcrest Home in Sumner.

Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 3, 2018, at the United Methodist Church in Hawkeye with Mona Christie, Lay Servant officiating.  Interment will follow at Bethel Cemetery, rural Hawkeye.  Visitation was held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 2 at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Hawkeye and for one hour preceding services at the church on Friday. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com Curtis Eugene, son of Christopher and Maxine (Baker) McCallum was born June 9, 1935, at the family’s home in Edgewood. He was baptized in the Methodist Faith and was a graduate of Lamont High School in 1953. Curtis served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1953 before being honorably discharged in 1955. On May 29, 1958, he was united in marriage with Joan Latham at the Little Brown Church, rural Nashua. Curtis received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Upper Iowa University in Fayette in 1961, would later receive his Master’s Degree from the University of Iowa, and continued his Master’s earning a MA+ 30. Curtis began his teaching career in Sibley, where he taught for a year, continued at Blairstown for an additional two years, and would complete his teaching career at College Community (now known as Prairie High School) in Cedar Rapids where he taught for thirty-three years, retiring in 1994. Following retirement, he along with his wife, Joan traveled throughout the Southwestern United States for ten years. Through their travels they became members of SKPs which is a group that also shared the same love of travel as they did. In 2004, the couple bought a home in Hawkeye, but would continue their travels. Curtis was a faithful attendee of the Methodist Church and was a member of the Conservation Club in Hawkeye. He enjoyed rock hunting, collecting rocks and making jewelry out of the rocks he collected, led a Lapidary Club at College Community, and learned how to build airplane models out of pop cans, and wood working.

In addition to his wife, Joan of Hawkeye, Curtis is survived by his son, Curt (Laurie) McCallum of Cedar Falls; daughter, Zhen E “Jenny” (Bob) Rammelsberg of Marion; two grandsons, Nik (Sheila) McCallum of Waterloo and Jordan Rammelsberg of Wisconsin; one step-granddaughter, Brandie Davidson of Fort Worth, Texas; four siblings, Clark (Caroline) McCallum of Texas, Calvin (Sandy) McCallum of Rockford, Illinois, Charlotte (Kenny) Tennis of Texas, and James (Linda) McCallum of Anamosa, Iowa; and one sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Susanne and Clete) Moser of Alpha.

In addition to his parents, his two brothers, Christopher and Keith McCallum, preceded him in death.

Ryan Upton

     Ryan “Easy Money” Lee Upton, 46, of Waucoma, Iowa died Sunday, April 28, 2019, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Ryan was born November 5, 1972 to Ronald and Linda (Kamaus) Upton in Iowa City, Iowa. He attended North Fayette High School, earned his GED from NICC and then attended John Deere Tech.

    Ryan spent many years as a truck driver, with the majority of his recent career driving for Lynch Livestock Express. He was a dedicated member of the Postville Fire Department and an enthusiastic advocate for Epilepsy Awareness in support of his great niece. In his spare time, Ryan enjoyed fishing, racing, watching Chicago Fire on TV, riding dirt bikes and four wheelers and eating good food. His greatest joy was spending time with his children.

     Ryan is survived by his parents, Ron and Linda Upton; his five children, Rylee Upton, Dalton Upton and Reed (Kristina) Upton, Austin Upton and Jacob Upton; his grandbaby-on-the-way, Brantley Upton; and his siblings, Robin (Marty) Bissell, Larry (Kelly) Upton and Layne Upton.

     Ryan was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles and Marjorie Upton and Lloyd and Deloris Kamaus; and his uncle and aunts, Gene Upton, June Upton and Grace Kamaus.

  Visitation was held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, 2019 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville, Iowa. There was also a one-hour visitation before services at the church on Monday.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 6, 2019 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Postville, Iowa with Rev. Lynn Noel as the Officiant.

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

Roger Conner

Roger Conner, 61, of Fayette, died Friday, May 3, 2019, at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette, surrounded by his loving family.

A celebration of Roger’s life will be held at Klocks Island Park in Fayette starting at 5:00 p.m., Friday, May 10, 2019. Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette is assisting Roger’s family.

Julia Martin

Julia Ann (Pettit) Martin, 92, of Elgin, Iowa passed away Saturday, April 27, 2019 at Maple Crest Manor Nursing Home in Fayette.  

She was born on March 27, 1927 in Independence, Iowa to Pearly and Margaret (Lane) Pettit. She was baptized at St. John’s Catholic Church in Independence, Iowa and confirmed at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing, Iowa.  Judy attended several years at Village Creek Country School, finished grade school at Immaculate Conception School and graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in 1945. After high school, she worked as a typist at Lansing Co for several years.

Judy was united in marriage with Giles Martin, son of Melvin and Mary (McCoy) Martin on February 11, 1947, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and they spent their married life in Elgin. They first farmed and later built the family home in town where their youngest son resides.  

Julia was employed at the Elgin Echo for twenty four years. She was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Rosary and Altar Society and the Elgin Auxiliary. During her retirement years, Judy and her husband, Giles, spent many hours quilting for various missions, gardening and traveling.  

Julia is survived by her chilcren, Mike (Jane) Martin of Corpus Cristi, Texas; Wanda (Alan, deceased) Himmel of Aurora Ohio; Donna (Bill)Harmon of Flint, Michigan; John (Nicole) Martin of Tonganoxie, Kansas; and Tom (Robin) Martin of Elgin, Iowa. She was the proud grandmother of twenty-nine grandchildren, thirty-four great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Giles L. Martin; grandchildren, Rita, Paula, Jonathan, Patrick and Nicolas; her parents, Pearly and Margaret Pettit; and two sisters and a brother.  

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 3, 2019 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Clermont, Iowa with a one hour visitation before services at the church on Friday. Rev. Don Komboh was the celebrant.

Interment was in St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery, Clermont, Iowa following the services.

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

Linus Menne

Linus Donald Menne, 72, of West Union, Iowa died Friday, May 12, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Home after a long illness. Linus was born on October 5, 1946 in Ossian, Iowa to Bernard and Irene (Wieling) Menne. Linus graduated from St Francis De Sales School in Ossian, Iowa in 1964. He attended University of LaCrosse for several years. As a teenager, he worked part-time for a milk hauler who collected the milk from farmers, lifting cans of milk onto a truck. After graduation, he had a milk route with Nordness Creamery resulting in extended knowledge of the area farmers and where they lived. 

In 1969, he married his friend, Alice Hackmann, the couple’s first home was west of Castalia. They purchased a farm in Fayette County north of West Union focusing on milking cows, hogs, and crops. They had two children, Dawn and Ben.  During their ownership, the Turkey River frequently flooded the area. One major flooding happened in August, 1990 while they were at  their daughter’s wedding in Des Moines. The water rose high to cover their farmland, and several feet in the barn and outbuildings. With their absence, their neighbors joined to save their cows from drowning in the barn.  In the mid 1990’s Linus farmed in Fayette County east of Auburn. Linus found great joy in being a farmer and sharing his knowledge. He enjoyed using his skills including mechanic and carpentry skills to maintain his tractors and machinery, growing and producing his own food, while living towards independence and “eating off the land.”  He had a lifelong love of animals including his numerous pets and animals for farming. He took pride in his milking cows, giving them personal names. He took pleasure in watching his sheep and horses graze in the pasture, especially on a summer night.  His fondness of horses extended from using teams of horses in the field to hosting a sleigh riding through the hills for family gatherings. Linus also routinely enjoyed watching the Western Channel especially re-watching Gunsmoke and Bonanza numerous times. 
   Linus is survived by his daughter, Dawn (Michael) Diehl of Oskaloosa, Iowa and son, Ben (Denise) of Hawkeye, Iowa; four grandchildren including granddaughter, Gabrielle, grandsons Joshua, Ian and Jonas; his sisters, Edna (Al) Ahlgren of California, Ann Aders of California and Phyllis Menne of Wisconsin; sister-in-law, Rita (Hageman) of Wisconsin; and his brothers, Richard (Kathy) of West Union and Larry (Millie Kalvelage) Menne of Decorah. In addition, he is survived by his aunt, Mageline (Ralph) Wieling; many nieces, nephews, and cousins, both in the US and Germany.
Linus was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Irene; his grandparents, Joseph, Frances (Bengfort) Wieling of Festina and Lorenz and Johanna (Wulfhurst) Menne of Germany; sister, Mary in 1941, Frank in 1943, Anthony (Tony) 1967, Joan in 2010, and Joseph in 2016. .
Linus was blessed with numerous lifelong friends who supported him later in life.  With his brother’s Larry’s support and his friends’ assistance, he was able to enjoy the farm experience despite his health limitations the last 7 or so years. He will be forever grateful.  For the last twelve years, he has embraced the support, companionship and special friend Sherry Paul.
The family of Linus Menne expresses sincere appreciation to the DaVita Dialysis Center of West Union for the years of professional and personal support. Although the process of dialysis was difficult, he appreciated their genuine kindness and respect for his decisions.  Linus’ family expresses sincere appreciation to the Good Samaritan Home in West Union whose interventions and care increased his comfort level and quality of life. He is forever grateful for the respect you showed him.
Linus never stopped expressing his desire nor attempting to return to his beloved farm and animals, despite his need for medical support. Although that was not possible, we can respect and honor his desire to be where his heart and soul resided. 

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in West Union, Iowa.

A Private Family Burial will be held at a later date.

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

Dennis Schaller

Dennis Ray Schaller, 59, of Spring Grove, Minnesota passed away on February 26, 2019 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Dennis was born on September 24, 1959 in West Union, Iowa to David and Arleta (Jellings) Schaller. He attended school in West Union, graduating from North High School in 1978. He received his degree from Northeast Iowa Community College, Calmar, IA in the Industrial Electrician program, and started his career at Midland Tile in Redfield, Iowa. In 1990, he began working for Northern Engraving in Spring Grove, Minnesota where he worked as an electrician and, maintenance foreman until the time of his death.

In 1990, Dennis was married to Brenda Knutson. They resided in Decorah, Iowa. To this marriage, two sons were born, Casey John and Zachary Stephen. They later divorced.

Dennis is survived by his sons Casey of Cedar Falls, IA., Zac of Denver, Co., his mother Arleta Schaller (Don) Vandersee, his sister Metta (Vernon) Beninga, brothers Steve (Pam) Schaller and Gene (Diana) Schaller and brother-in-law Paul Figge, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father David Schaller and sister, Wendy Figge.

Friends and family members are invited to attend the Celebration of Life service on May 18th at 10:00 a.m. at Bethel Presbyterian Church in West Union. Pastor Don Best will officiate. Visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. with lunch and reception to follow.

Lavanna Frey

On Friday, May 31, 2019, 11 a.m. a celebration of Life will be held at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 407 West Bradford St, West Union, IA. On Saturday, June 1, at 10:30 a.m. a Celebration of life will be held at the Harvest Baptist Church, 614 2nd Ave S., Fort Dodge. IA 50501.

William Shafar Jr.

Birth Date: October 29, 1968

Date of Death: May 11, 2019

It is with lots of love that I say I will miss my brother William Shafar. He had an amazing last night on earth that included bowling with friends, and of course it included singing one of his favorite songs at karaoke. – “Every rose has its thorn.” He had an overflowing amount of love for those he called friends and had an amazing way of accepting people for who they are, even when they did not do the same. We always ended every text conversation, phone call, or visit with LMB – so one last time I say to you brother – “I will Love You, Miss you, Bye.”

Love Cindi         Adv

Roger Conner

Roger D. Conner, 61, of Fayette, passed away Friday, May 3, 2019, at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette. His loving family surrounded him.

A celebration of Roger’s life was held at Klocks Island Park in Fayette at 5:00 p.m., Friday, May 10, 2019. Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Fayette assistedRoger’s family. Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com Roger Dean, the youngest of four boys was born, Friday, February 21, 1958, to Raymond Everett and Marjorie Jean (Shepard) Conner in Oelwein. He attended school in Fayette and would later attend the Job Corp in Nemo, South Dakota. On April 24, 1976, he was united in marriage with Susan Elizabeth Mojzak. To this union three children were born, Corey, Emily, and Elizabeth. The couple would later divorce. Roger began his working career in construction with his brother, Dennis at Conner’s Construction. He would later work for the Fayette County Conservation, Imperial Roofing (which took him all over the country), Tyson, Dyersville Die Cast, and Agri Star. Roger celebrated every day. He could always find the best in any situation. He enjoyed meeting new people and had friends he hadn’t even met yet. If you were fortunate enough to know him, you never would forget him. He enjoyed being outdoors, camping, mushroom hunting, and baseball in his younger years, cutting wood, antiques, and reminiscing. Roger was an avid hobo and attended several hobo conventions. He always had some wisdom to share and had a great fondness for authority (his own). He also enjoyed pizza, lasagna, a cold one, and listening to some good tunes (and you better pay attention to the music because there would probably be a test). Roger had many things in his life that gave him great joy, but his greatest joy came from the time he spent with his grandchildren. Trying to explaining the love he had for his grandchildren would be like trying to count all the stars in the sky. We can try but that's simply impossible! 

Roger leaves behind his three children, Corey Conner, Emily Conner, and Elizabeth Conner all of Oelwein, four grandsons, Jakub, Dylan, Mason, and Andrew; three granddaughters, Maggie, Mylie, and Shelby; brother, Darwin “Beezer” Conner of Fayette; several cousins, nieces, nephews, and life long friends; and his two favorite dogs, Delilah and Joey.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Dennis and  Donald Conner; sister, Melva Ray who died in infancy; grandparents, Maudline and Phillip Conner and Lou and Edith Shepard.

The family feels blessed and are appreciative for the care their Dad received from the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Maple Crest Manor, and Roger’s best bud and son, Corey who never left his Dad’s side. For the record the cancer did not win but a chapter out of the Chronology we will have forever!

Roger lived his life as a generous man and continued his generosity by deeding his body to the University of Iowa for the advancement of medical education. 

Charles Frieden

Charles LeRoy Frieden, 71, of Elgin, Iowa, passed away May 8, 2019, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

Chuck was born February 7, 1948, in West Union, Iowa, to Floyd and Coranel (Rothlisberger) Frieden. He was the third of their five children, and the first to be born in a hospital.

Chuck loved growing up with David, Dianne, Jessie and JoNell in the stone house along State Highway 56. A crucial part of growing up was being an active member of the Illyria Community Church.

Chuck began working on their Fayette County farm from a young age. He described Floyd as his best friend and greatest teacher in showing him how to be a thoughtful steward of their land.

Chuck was a stand-out athlete for Valley High School and was voted homecoming king as a senior. He graduated in 1966 and then attended Upper Iowa University, graduating in 1970. He met Deb Rogers at Upper Iowa and proposed to her outside Illyria on Christmas Eve 1970. They married April 11, 1971, in Toledo, Iowa.

Chuck taught sixth grade in Clear Lake, Iowa, in 1970/71. From 1971 until his retirement in 2003, he taught at Valley of Elgin, including sixth grade; junior high math and social studies; and he developed one of the state of Iowa’s first pilot high school At-Risk/Learning Center programs.

Mr. Frieden was known for his extra-loud sneezes, which echoed through the school hallways. He also was known for corny jokes, and giving students time to talk every day. He was proud of so many his students long after graduation.

As he taught school, Chuck continuing farming and broadened his stewardship ethic to the abundant trees on the family farm. In 2010, the Fayette Soil and Water Conservation District named him the Woodland Owner of the Year, and in 2009, he was a Watershed Achievement Award winner from the conservation district.

Throughout his life, Chuck enjoyed being the center of attention — “Don’t you know it’s all about me?” he would say — but was just as happy being the butt of his family’s jokes and playful ribbing.

He had many signature one-liners: “I’m in pretty good shape for the shape I’m in!”  When being asked how he was faring in his cancer battle. After noting his age, he’d remark, “I know, hard to believe!” When playing cards, he would say “Shuffle up and deal” or “What would a smart man do?” when deciding how to play his hand.

Chuck loved sharing stories about his community, his family or just life lessons. He was a member of a neighborhood coffee club, walking to the local hog-buying station many days a week to meet with life-long friends. He loved arguing politics and commenting about what was going on close to home or in the world. No one he met remained a stranger for very long.

Like his mother, he loved to play cards and was competitive, but it was the togetherness with family and friends that mattered most.

His grandchildren will always adore him for being the Best Grandpa in the World. He spoiled them in countless ways, including rides in the Gator, treats and slushies; basically anything they wanted. So many of his favorite pastimes were outdoors, or with family and friends: chopping firewood; eating out; going to coffee; walking his fields and trees; spending time in Clear Lake, especially on July 4; attending the grandkids’ events; visiting with friends and strangers; and of course, farming.

Chuck handled his two-year cancer journey with grace, courage and — most of all — great faith. As that final journey progressed, many former students and community members shared their thanks for his friendship, teaching and mentorship.

“No one really dies until the ripples they cause in the world fade away. Frieden will enjoy everlasting life through his loving family and the countless people who had the honor to know him. You can rest easy, Frieden, knowing you will never be forgotten. Your ripples will continue to flow.”

“Your dad has been one of the kindest and respectful farmers we have worked for over the years. The long discussions of life lessons we have had in the planter and combine will be missed dearly this spring.”

“Mr. Frieden (too respected to not be Mr. Frieden) is a true example a great man and is such a beacon of light for a countless number of lost kids. If anyone deserves the opportunity to get called home and enjoy eternal peace and joy, it’s you Mr. Frieden. I’m honored to say you have been an influence on me.

“He never gave up on me and better yet wouldn’t let me give up on myself. When I walk across the stage in May and receive my college diploma, I will have him to partially thank from all those years ago.”

His first granddaughter, Kenli, may have said it best how Chuck approached his cancer journey, and what it meant for him to stay focused on his family despite the diagnosis:  “The guy who, up until the very end, showed up with all of the strength in the world for his kids and grandkids when no one would have faulted him for being tired and wanting to rest. “Being loved by you was one of the greatest honors of my life.”

Chuck is survived by his wife of 48 years, Deb; siblings: David (Karen) Frieden, Swisher, Iowa; JoNell (Mike) Young, Waverly, Iowa; and Jessielee Frieden, Mason City, Iowa.

He also is survived by his brother-in-law, Ed Havens, Newton, Iowa; sister-in-law Sara Sheets, Independence, Iowa; brother-in-law Doug (Anne) Rogers, Estes Park, CO; and sister-in-law Vicki (Philip) Rogers-Goodwin, Frant, England.

His children and grandchildren carry forward Chuck’s spirit, many life lessons and love of life: Jen (Pat Deninger) Frieden, St. Paul, Minn.; Blaine (Becky) Frieden, Mason City, Iowa; and Kim (Ben) Steines, Tiffin, Iowa. His grandchildren: Kenli (Bryan) Parker, Des Moines, Iowa; Jacob and Jack Frieden, Mason City; Cora, Isla and Aria Steines, Tiffin; and great-granddaughter Lucy Parker, Des Moines. He also has many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Chuck was preceded in death — and has now rejoined -- his parents Floyd and Coranel; sister Dianne Havens; and parents-in-law Gress and Katherine Rogers.

Visitation was held Sunday, May 12, 2019 from 4-7 p.m. at Illyria Community Church, Elgin, Iowa and one hour before services at the church on Monday.

Funeral Services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 13, 2019 at Illyria Community Church, Elgin, Iowa with Pastor Pam Reinig as the Officiant.

Private Inurnment will be at a later date.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Chuck’s honor to the Illyria Church Renovation Project.

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

Ernestine Chase

Ernestine S. Chase, 97, of Oelwein, lowa passed away on May 17, 2019 at Buchanan County Health Center, Independence, Iowa. Ernestine was born November 13, 1921 in Elgin, Iowa to Sieg and Martha Hope. Ernestine was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church.

On April 3, 1939, she was united in marriage with Dale A. Chase in Fayette. They adopted twin girls, Carol and Cheryl, from the Annie Whitney Orphanage in Davenport, at age 6. 

Ernestine was a wife and mother. She had many friends in many parts of the country. She and her husband owned and operated Chase I.G. A. Super Market in Fayette and Chase Music Store, West Union and were also the first meal site managers at West Union. They both taught music and gave many guitar lessons at school and their studio in West Union. 

Ernestine was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church, Lay Carmelites and Auxiliary all of West Union. She enjoyed fishing and spending time with Dale. They traveled to the West Coast many times and some years to Texas, South Padre Islands for winters.

Ernestine is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Walker of Oelwein; one brother, Lester Hope of West Union; three sisters, Bessie Smith of West Union, Jean Kusty of Davenport and Carolyn Sullivan of Waterloo; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ernestine was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Chase in March of 1998; her daughter, Carol on February 13, 2009; her parents; four sisters and two brothers.

Visitation was held Monday, May 20, 2019 from 4-6 p.m. at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union, Iowa and one hour before Mass at the church on Tuesday.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at Holy Name Catholic Church, West Union, Iowa with Rev. Don Komboh as the Celebrant. 

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

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

Loretta Zweibohmer

Loretta Ann Zweibohmer, 96, of Norwood Young America, MN, formerly of Ossian, IA died Friday, May 10, 2019 at St. Mary’s Care Center, Winsted, MN.  She was born November 30, 1922 to Henry C. and Mary (Langreck) Mihm in Auburn Township, Fayette County, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas, IA and educated at St. Luke’s School in St. Lucas.

Loretta was united in marriage with Clarence L. Zweibohmer on January 8, 1946 at St. Luke’s Catholic Church.  They had two daughters:   Mary Kay of NYA, MN and Jean Ann of Golden, CO.   Loretta lived most of her married life in Ossian, except for two years in Riverside, California.  Clarence and Loretta ran Zweibohmer Tavern and Café for about two decades.  Later, she cooked at De Sales School.   She was a member of De Sales Rosary Society, Catholic Daughters and American Legion Auxiliary.  Family was very important to Loretta, both immediate and extended.  Travel to enjoy their company brought her to California, Oregon, Colorado, and Minnesota.  A highlight was the 2005 trip to Washington, D.C. with her daughters.   Her hobbies included quilting, gardening, visiting and listening to music.

Loretta is survived by her two daughters, Mary Kay Spille of Norwood Young America, Minnesota and Jean Ann (Mark) Brodie of Golden, Colorado; one granddaughter, Katie Spille of Chaska, Minnesota; her brother, Leo (Mary) Mihm of Oregon City, Oregon; sister-in-law, Adriana Mihm of Portland, Oregon; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Zweibohmer; parents, Henry and Mary Mihm; son-in-law, Jim Spille; parents-in-law, Fred and Catherine Zweibohmer; siblings, Florence (Sylvester) Manderfield, Frances (Clarence) Thole, Ann (Mark) Roach,  Agnes (Vernon) Bohr, Clarence Mihm and Robert Mihm, ; and in-laws,  Dorothy (Leo) Mihm,  Rose and Leo Becker,  Ray and Winifred Zweibohmer, Hilda and Joe Powers, Olivia and Leonard Schlee, Ervin and Ruby Zweibohmer and Gerald and Barbara Zweibohmer.

Visitation was held Friday, May 17, 2019 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. with 7:00 p.m. Rosary at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian, Iowa. There was also a one hour visitation before Mass at the church on Saturday.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian, Iowa with Rev. Robert Gross as the Celebrant. Burial followed at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery, Ossian, Iowa.

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

Bonnie Schmalle

Bonnie M. Schmalle, 81, of Fayette, died Saturday, May 18, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa.  

Memorial services will be at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22 at the Gay and Ciha Funeral Home, 2720 Muscatine Avenue in Iowa City, Iowa. 

Bonnie Maxine Aamodt, daughter of H. Oscar and Margaret Cunningham Aamodt was born August 17, 1937 in Joice, Iowa. She received her education in Joice, graduating from Joice High School in 1955. She earned an Associate’s Degree from Waldorf College in May of 1957 and later earned a Bachelor of Arts from Morningside College, and a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Iowa.

Bonnie was united in marriage with Verdell Schmalle of Thornton, IA on June 2, 1957 in Joice.  Verdell and Bonnie spent their careers as educators. Bonnie taught in 4th grade in Sioux City in 1957-1958 and worked as a substitute while in Dayton (1959-60), Martelle (1961), and Ventura (1962-68) before moving to Fayette in 1968.   There, Bonnie became the high school special education instructor for North Fayette in West Union and the special education coordinator for the Fayette and Valley school districts.   

As a special education teacher, Mrs. Schmalle instilled in her students the confidence that they could succeed.  Through her encouragement, patient instruction, and training programs, her students thrived and demonstrated abilities that had been previously undeveloped.  Bonnie collaborated extensively with local employers to provide her students the opportunities to achieve their goals of graduation, employment and independence.   

Bonnie shared her passion for special education as an instructor in the College of Education at the University of Iowa.   In so doing, her program at North Fayette became a model for many special education programs across the state. 

In retirement, Bonnie traveled extensively and spent many years in Florida.  Bonnie returned to Iowa in 2016 to spend her final years close to her family.

  Bonnie is survived by her three children, Verlynn (Anne) Schmalle of Minneapolis, MN., Margaret Schmalle (Pat McArtor) of Iowa City and Marlys Franzen of Hawkeye; seven grandchildren, Angela (Jesse) Craycraft, Greta (Dan) Backman, Andie (Curtis) Davis, Kayla Schmalle, Kimberly Kallis and Max and Gabriel Caballero, and one great grandchild August Backman; sister Myrna Langerud of Des Moines and sister-in-law, Beulah Schmalle of Belmond; and several nieces and nephews.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service helped the family with arrangements.

Nancy Samson

Nancy Samson, 81, of West Union, passed away peacefully in her sleep, May 21, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Center. Services will be held May 31 at 10 a.m. at United Methodist Church, West Union.

Nancy Samson

Nancy Samson, 81, of West Union, passed away peacefully in her sleep, May 21, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Center. Services will be held May 31 at 10 a.m. at United Methodist Church, West Union.

Nancy Samson

Nancy A Samson, 81, of West Union, Iowa passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at the Good Samarian Center in West Union, IA.

Nancy was born September 25, 1937 to Samuel and Harriet Dearhart. 

Nancy was married on July 11, 1959 in Jackson, MN. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. 

Over the years, Nancy worked for the Fayette County Union and Bostrom’s Super Valu both in West Union.  She enjoyed playing golf, bowling, spending times with friends, her children and mostly her grandchildren and great-grand children. She was an avid Hawkeye fan, Yankee’s fan and a Green Bay Packer fan.

Her husband Robert (Bob) L. Samson proceeded Nancy in death after 52 years of marriage, on April 2, 2012.

Nancy is survived by her children: Deb (Leigh) Bemus Hudson, IA; Dwight (Denise) Samson of Corona, SD; Dawn Samson of West Union, IA; and Derrick (Donna) Samson of Atkins, IA.  Grandchildren: Brenda (Dustin) Engel; Linda (Eric) Marovets; TJ (Abby) Blockhus; Bree (Adam) Aldrich; Logan (Kim) Bemus; Jen (Dave) Hengel, Cassie (Zach) Groenewold; Zachary (Lauren Schaefer, fiancee); and Jerica Samson (and friend Mitch Dunlap); great-grandchildren: Ella, Addy, Carter, Gavin, Spencer, Body, RaeLynn, Tobias, Kali, Veda, Cole, Lincoln, Jack, Ben and Natalie; sisters and brothers:  Mary (Gearhart) Jenkins, Laura (Bill) Truesdell, Roger (Beth) Gearhart and Ronnie (Pam) Gearhart.

Services will be held Friday, May 31, 2019 at 10 a.m. in the United Methodist Church, West Union. Guests may visit with the family following the service.

Memorials may be mailed to the family at: 113 Fair Oaks Pl, Hudson, IA 50643  

Ronald Schlattter

Ronald Erwin Schlatter, 82, long time Hawkeye farmer, passed away Friday, February 8, 2019. He was born October 27, 1936 to George and Ruth (Nieman) Schlatter at the Schlatter farmstead. He was baptized and confirmed in the Trinity Lutheran Church at Hawkeye and attended Bethal country School. “Tiny” graduated in 1955 from Hawkeye High School where he was the Homecoming king that year.

He married Connie Lawless on November 26, 1959 (Thanksgiving Day) at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye. Ronald is survived by his wife, three sons, Martin (Amelia), Wichita; Michael (Erin), Kansas City; and Ron, Kansas City. Grandchildren: Elizabeth and Sam Schlatter of Wichita; Santana Lindaman of Parksburg, Iowa; Addison and Jillian Schlatter of Kansas City, KS. Three great grandchildren: McKennen, Reagan and Everett Lindaman. Heart-picked grandkids: Zach, Corey and Sarenia.; brothers Lavern Schlatter; Russell (Sally) Schlatter; sisters, Marilyn Berns, Evelyn Richards, and LaDonna (Bob) Hough; sister-in-laws Lois Schlatter; Gloria Lawless; brother-in-laws, Augie Bindert; James (Diane) Lawless; Kenneth (Mary Jane) Lawless and Jeff (Teresa) Lawlesss; numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Kenneth Schlatter; wife’s parents Floyd and Ivah Lawless; sister-in-laws Phyllis Schlatter and Patricia Bindert, and brother-in-laws Darold Lawless, Larry Berns and Jim Richards.

Ronald built Bulter Bins for Carpenter/Kraft, loved his Century Farm, served on the Co-op and church boards, helped with the Hawkeye Hurd Museum, drove miles for a grandkid fix and later great grandkids. He could fix anything and if he could not fix it… it was broke. He loved wintering in California and fought hard against the effects of heart, kidney and Parkinsons disease. It was those reasons he reluctantly sold the Century Farm and in 2011 moved to BelAire, Kansas to be near family where he lived at Shepherds Crossing, a Catholic Care Retirement Center. He lived among all new people who witnessed his determination, his strength, and later his weakness that ended his life early in the morn of February 8, 2019. He fought the good fight.

Services will be held on June 22, 2019 at Hawkeye, Iowa: Trinity Lutheran Church with a 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. visitation with family. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flower, memorials may be given to the Hawkeye Trinity Lutheran Church Roof Fund or Hawkeye Community Hall Renovation.

Barry Kamm

Barry Reid Kamm, 70, died Tuesday, May 21, 2019.

Visitation will be held June 1, 10-11 a.m. at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in West Union, IA with the celebration of life at 11 a.m.

Burial will follow the ceremony in the West Union Cemetery.

Gordon S. Murray-John

Gordon S. Murray-John, 76, of Maynard, Iowa died Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Gundersen Health in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 A.M. Friday, May 31, 2019 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fayette with Rev. Daniel J. Knipper and Deacon Michal Schemmel officiating.

Visitation: 3:00 to 6:00 P.M. Thursday at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Maynard and for one hour before the service at the church on Friday.

Time of Remembrance: 6:00 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home.

Inurnment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in Gordon’s name to Fayette County Master Gardeners or Fayette County Fairgrounds, Floral Hall.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

Gordon Scott Murray-John was born February 24, 1943 in Swindon, England, the son of David and Elsie Murray-John.  He graduated from Dauntsey’s Boarding School in Devizes, England.  On August 31, 1967, he was united in marriage to Sandra Helen Smiggen at St. Francis Catholic Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  Gordon was employed in many aspects of agriculture throughout his career, ranging from hog farm management to consulting.  In his retirement, Gordon was highly involved in local food production and the local farmers market.  He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fayette, and Fayette County Master Gardeners.  Gordon enjoyed gardening and spending time with his family.  He was especially proud of his granddaughter Lola and looked forward to spending time with her.  Gordon was an eternally devoted husband to his wife of 52 years.

Gordon is survived by his wife: Sandy Murray-John of Maynard; 2 sons: Michael (Debbie) Murray-John of Minneapolis, Minnesota and

Patrick Murray-John of Boston, Massachusetts; granddaughter: Lola Murray-John of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and a sister: Anna (Rob) Cook of Metung, Australia.

His parents; and a brother preceded him in death: David Murray-John.