OBITUARIES/MILESTONES

Lavern R. Nie

   Lavern R. Nie, 62, of Oelwein, died February 27, 2008, at Mercy Living Plus in Oelwein after a lengthy illness.

   Lavern was born August 9, 1945, in Waterloo, the son of Louis and Hilda (Zeiser) Nie. He graduated from Don Bosco High School in 1964. Lavern married Stephanie Bonwell on March 1, 1965, in Gilbertville. She preceded him in death. He later married Pam Fratzke on August 7, 1987, in Waterloo.

   He is survived by his wife, Pam, of Oelwein; his children, Connie (Jeff) Heidemann of Fairbank, Tom Nie of Jesup, Kelly (Todd) Kieffer of Waterloo, Angie (Bob) Lannes of Alexandria, Minnesota, and Troy (Donna) Nie of Waterloo; two sisters, Karen (James) Rottinghaus of La Porte City and Kathy (Mike) Murphy of Waterloo; two brothers, Jerome Nie of Jesup and Don Nie of La Porte City; six grandchildren, four great grandchildren; and his mother, Hilda Nie of La Porte City.

   Lavern was preceded in death by his first wife Stephanie; his father Louis; and two sisters, Rosella Sadler and Lenora Nie.

   Services were held March 1 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein, with burial in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Gilbertville.

   A memorial fund has been established in his name.

Kathryn "Kay" Jensen

   Kathryn "Kay" Jensen, 91, of La Porte City, formerly of Stanwood, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2008, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha due to complications of advanced age.

    Kay was born April 13, 1916, in rural Garrison, the daughter of Harry Roscoe and Alpha Irene Cross Merchant. She graduated from Garrison High School in 1934. On October 10, 1943, Kay was united in marriage with William J. Jensen at her parents' home in La Porte City. He preceded her in death on July 19, 1995.

   Kay worked as an Administrative Secretary at Tipton Elementary School for 20 years, retiring in 1984. She was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in La Porte City, where she participated in the Gentleness Joy Circle.

   Kay is survived by one son, David (Dee) Jensen of Des Moines; one daughter, Tamara Jensen of Cedar Rapids; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Maxine Kearns of Vinton and Marion Foss and Jean Sides, both of La Porte City; and numerous nieces and nephews.

   She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and two brothers, Clyde and Myron Merchant.

   Services were held March 7, at Russell Funeral Home in Vinton with Pastors Dan Merchant and Carol Lamp officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Oak Ridge Cemetery in West Liberty.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, 315 18th Ave., Hiawatha, IA 52233.

Richard H. "Dick" Lemert

   Richard H. "Dick" Lemert, 89, of Marshalltown, formerly Brandon and La Porte City, died February 29, 2008, at the Iowa Veteran's Home in Marshalltown. He was born June 5, 1918, in Waterloo, the son of Harley and Lillian Hark McElhany. He married Margaret Messer on June 5, 1946, in Kansas; she preceded him in death on June 29, 1995.

   Dick was a farmer and worked at the Rath Packing Company for 25 years, retiring in 1978. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1939-1945, during WWII he was a Pearl Harbor survivor and spent the entire war serving on submarines, achieving the rank of Chief Motor Machinist Mate.

   He is survived by one son, John (Sandy) Lemert of Brandon; one daughter, Sue (Lloyd) Bathen of La Porte City; eight grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren and one sister, Karen Hark of Illinois.

   Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife Margaret and one brother, Lewis Lemert.

   Services were held March 6, 2008, at the La Porte City Funeral Service with burial in the Brandon Cemetery. Military rites were conducted by the La Porte City American Legion San Diego Post #207. 

   Memorials may be directed to the La Porte City American Legion San Diego Post #207.

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

Mabel L. Geltz

   Mabel L. Geltz, 90, of La Porte City, died March 4, 2008, at the La Porte City Nursing and Rehab Center of natural causes. She was born April 27, 1917, in rural La Porte City, the daughter of Henry G. and Ella Klink Stirm. 

   Mabel grew up on a farm south of La Porte City and later her family moved to a farm in the Shady Grove area. She married Earl Geltz on August 4, 1952. They farmed many years near Brandon. Mabel had been a school teacher for 45 years, the last 16 years of which she taught at La Porte City, retiring in 1982.

   She loved teaching and enjoyed meeting with her former school children. Her hobbies were arts and crafts.

   She is survived by one sister, Dorothy (Don) Boldt of La Porte City; two brothers, Marlin Stirm of Ankeny and Walter (Kathryn) Stirm of West Lafayette, IN; one sister-in-law, Doreen Stirm of Independence and many nieces and nephews.

   Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband; two brothers, Ralph and Clyde Stirm and one step daughter, Berniece Adams.

   Services were held March 8, 2008, at the Brandon Church of Christ, with burial in the Brandon Cemetery.

   Memorials may be directed to the Brandon Church of Christ.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com.

Marlene L. Fairbanks

 

   Marlene Lucille Fairbanks, 73, of Cedar Falls died February 1, 2008, at Sartori Hospital.

 

   She was born May 5, 1934, in La Porte City the daughter of Guy and Mildred Wilson Hummel.  They later moved to Cedar Falls where she graduated from Cedar Falls High School. 

 

   She married John Doeppke in 1951 and they were later divorced. She then married Bruce Fairbanks on March 8, 1981, in Waverly.

 

   Marlene worked as a seamstress for Powers Engineering and retired from Emerson Electric in Rogers, Arkansas as a machinist.

 

   She is survived by her husband; four sons, Fred (Na-Kish) Doeppke of Rogers, AR,  John (Linda) Doeppke, Jr. of Pineville, MO, Dan (Joyce) Doeppke of Seligman, MO, Tim (Cindy) Doeppke of Centerton, AR; three daughters, Rebecca Rademaker of Plainfield, Janet (Lloyd) Bradley of Greene, Sherri (Doug) Hinders of Osage; one step-daughter, Tina Fairbanks of Colorado Springs, CO; 12 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; five nephews; and a sister Patricia (Gerald) Albright of Cedar Falls.

 

   She was preceded in death by her parents and her step-mother, Ruth Hummel.

 

   Services were held February 7, at St. Paul United Methodist Church in La Porte City, with burial in West View Cemetery.

 

   Those who wish may direct memorials to the family.

Harding A. Schuman

 

   Harding A. Schuman, 86, of La Porte City, died Monday, February 4, 2008, of natural causes.

 

   He was born September 8, 1921, in Cresco, the son of Edward H. G. and Thenora Sinland Schuman. He married Betty I. Howland on May 4, 1943, in Cresco.

 

   Harding worked at Rath Packing Co. for 31 years as a fork lift driver in the bacon department, retiring in 1984. He was an avid sports fan who loved the Cubs and whatever sport his children and grandchildren were involved in. Harding was a family man. He was always happiest when he was surrounded by his kids and grandchildren. He was extremely proud of each and every one of them.

 

  He is survived by his wife, Betty of La Porte City; two sons, James (Jan) of Waterloo, Jon (Cindy) of Ft. Dodge; two daughters, Beverly Palmer of La Porte City, Barbara (Wesley) Walker of Muscatine; 13 grandchildren, Anthony (Sandy) Brown, Kim (Mark) Thomsen, Angie (Darren) Bechthold, Karla (Chad) Meester, Graham, Greg, Geoffrey Walker, Lisa Schuman, Beth (Jared) Jones, Kyle (Angie) Schuman, Allison (Dustin) Kupka, Daniel and Alex Schuman; 12 great grandchildren, Tony and Ashley Brown, Logan, Max, Mason and Jack Thomsen, Nicole, Jacob and Josh Bechthold, Colin Meester, Ella and Gavin Jones; and one sister, Helen Landswerk of Cresco.

 

   He was preceded in death by a brother, Gale.

 

   Services were held February 9, at St. Paul United Methodist Church with burial in West View Cemetery, both in La Porte City. 

 

   Those who wish may direct memorials to the family.

Helen M. Johnson

 

   Helen M. Johnson, 83, of La Porte City, died February 6, 2008, at Allen Memorial Hospital from complications of a stroke.

 

   She was born February 24, 1924, in Lincoln Township, Tama County, the daughter of Emil and Wilhelmina Siemens Jans. She married Raymond E. Johnson on January 23, 1943, in Denver, Colorado.

 

   Helen was a Beautician/Barber in Washburn, Gilbertville and La Porte City.

 

   She is survived by her husband; one son, Van Johnson of La Porte City; two daughters, Judy (Dick) Frush of La Porte City, Cynthia (John) Nichols of Shellsburg; three sisters; Eleanor (Gordon) Paulson of Page, AZ, Loretta Blohm of Reinbeck, Dorothy Boisen of Le Sueur, MN; 9 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 3 step great grandchildren.

 

   She was preceded in death by one grandson, Bret Frush; one step great grandson, Christopher Baker; four brothers, Arthur, Edward, Melvin, and Dale, and four sisters, Evelyn Kaestner, Anna Zeilstorf, Edna Johnson, and Nadine Anders.

 

   Services were held February 11, 2008, at St. Paul United Methodist Church with burial in West View Cemetery. 

 

   Those who wish may direct memorials to the Church or the Ag Museum in La Porte City.

Viola M. Schmitz

 

   Viola Mae Schmitz, 91, of rural Jesup, died February 3, 2008, at West Village Care Center, Independence, of natural causes. She was born December 1, 1916, at La Porte City, the daughter of Oscea Lange and Allie (Bunce) Lange. She graduated from La Porte City High School.

 

   Her first husband William Benorden, preceded her in death in 1974. She later was united in marriage to Roman C. Schmitz, February 24, 1976, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Gilbertville. He preceded her in death on May 1, 1993.

 

   Viola was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, rural La Porte City. She will be remembered for her love of farm life, especially gardening.

 

   Mrs. Schmitz is survived by one brother, Everett (Geraldine) Lange of La Porte City; one sister Darlene Hopkins of La Porte City; three step-daughters, Mary (Richard) Kurt of Independence, Doris (Lawrence) Schmidt of Columbia, MO, Rita (Don) Schmidt of Hudson; three step-sons, Roger (Gloria) Schmitz of Gilbertville, Thomas (Mary) Schmitz of Apache Junction, AZ, James B. (Teresa) Schmitz of Jesup; 19 step-grandchildren, 32 step-great grandchildren.

 

   In addition to husbands William Benorden and Roman Schmitz, she was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Howard and Melvin, a brother-in-law, David Hopkins and one step-granddaughter, Tina Marie Schmitz.

 

   Funeral services were held February 7, 2008, at Zion Lutheran Church-Jubilee, rural La Porte City, with burial at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Gilbertville.

 

   Memorials will be directed to Zion Lutheran Church-Jubilee rural La Porte City and to The Bosco System in Gilbertville.

Kenneth L. Kennedy

 

   Kenneth L. Kennedy, 51, of La Porte City, died February 8, 2008, at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo.

 

   He was born July 20, 1956, in Sparta, Wisconsin, the son of Donald and Geraldine Atkins Kennedy. He married Carla Jungling on April 16, 1977, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. 

 

   Kenneth worked for Meyers Nursery, was in the maintenance department at Prairie Village and worked at IBP.

 

   He is survived by his wife, Carla of La Porte City; his parents of Waterloo; two sons, Jeremy (Beth) Kennedy, Justin Kennedy; one daughter, Kayla Kennedy, all of La Porte City; two grandsons and one sister, Debra (William) Jungling of La Porte City.

 

   Services were held February 13, 2008, at Heartland Community Church in La Porte City with burial in the Mt. Auburn Cemetery.

 

   Memorials may be directed to the family.

Terry W. Remington

Terry W. Remington, 68, of Waterloo, died January 11, 2008, at Manor Care. He was born July 14, 1939, in Wateroo, the son of Theodore and Margaret Sandquist Remington.

He married Nancy Kressley on June 20, 1959, in Waterloo; they were later divorced. He married Kaye F. McMillan Rodden on January 6, 1971, in Waterloo; she preceded him in death on September 9, 2000.

Terry worked in Building Maintenance. He served in the U.S. Navy.

He is survived by two sons, Troy (Caroline) Rodden of Waterloo, Rick Rodden of Waterloo; five daughters, Suzanne Remington of Waterloo, Pam (Tim) Coleman of Nebraska, Debra (Wes) Hunter of Kansas, Tracy (Ron) Dougherty of Alaska, Denise (Mike) Bruno of Waterloo; twelve grandchildren; two brothers, Barry (Beth) Remington of Cedar Falls and Ted (Karen) Remington of Stillwater, Minnesota.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Kaye; one son, Terry Rodden and one sister, Walda Roquet.

Memorial services were held January 15, 2008, at the Guy W. Iversen AMVETS Post #49 in Cedar Falls (20 & Irving St.) with inurnment in the Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Elwin B. Foss

Elwin B. Foss was born March 3, 1916, in La Porte City, son of Glen and Margaret Alice Smith Foss Sr. He graduated from La Porte City High School in 1934. He was united in marriage to Betty Poyner on April 3, 1939, and they made their home farming near Raymond. After Betty’s death on December 21, 1946, he married Mildred Conn June 26, 1948, and they made their home all their married life farming near Dunkerton, Waterloo, Garrison and Dysart. In 2000, they made their home at the Western Home in Cedar Falls.

Elwin’s death came January 17, 2008, at the age of 91. He was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Dysart.

He is survived by his wife Mildred of Cedar Falls; his children, Sharon and Tom Drilling and Roger and Colleen Foss of Waterloo, Coleen and Mike Wagner of Cedar Falls, Bill and Sue Foss of Vinton, Ron Foss of Burbank, Washington, Connie Hansen of Janesville, Wendell and Lynda Foss of Menasha, Wisconsin; 16 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren; two brothers, Harold and Kathleen Foss of Buckingham, Glen and Novie Foss of La Porte City; and two sisters, Margaret Purdy of La Porte City, and Verna Mae Dengler of Cedar Falls.

Services were held January 21 at Parrott & Wood Chapel of Memories with burial at Poyner Cemetery, rural Waterloo.

Douglas J. Bushnell

Douglas J. Bushnell, age 65, of Richmond, Missouri, and formerly of La Porte City, passed away on January 3, 2008, at the Lexington, Missouri Hospital.

Doug graduated from La Porte City High School in 1960. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving from 1960-1964, and was a member of the American Legion and the Heartland Community Church in La Porte City.

Doug is survived by one sister, Ardis Fenimore of Richmond, Missouri; and two brothers, Tim Collins of Richmond, Missouri, and Don Collins of Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

A military, graveside service was held at Benton County Memorial Cemetery in Rogers, Arkansas, on January 7, 2008. No memorials are requested.

Online condolences can be left at www.kaisercorson.com

Edna Pearl Bauer was born April 13, 1913, in Elberon, the daughter of Frank and Olive (Heath) Kavalier. She graduated from Toledo High School in 1931, where she earned her teaching certificate. Edna taught country school before she was married. On May 24, 1936, she was united in marriage to Herbert Bauer in Waterloo. They farmed their entire married life in La Porte City, Mt. Auburn, Dysart, then returning to La Porte City.  

    Edna passed away on November 28, 2007, at the Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton following a short illness at the age of 94. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Herbert on May 7, 1985; four brothers, Frank "Hank", Harold, Clarence and Richard "Dick" Kavalier and a sister, Lucille Bauer. Edna is survived by two daughters, Eleanor (Don) Roquet of Keystone and Shirley (Lynn) Arthur of Mt. Auburn; four grandchildren, Kimberlee (Jim) Pecenka, Christopher (Michelle) Holst, Todd (Kathy) Arthur and Erin (Harold) Devilbiss and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

    Services were held December 1, 2007, at Zion Lutheran Church in Dysart, with burial in Dysart Cemetery.

    Memorials may be directed to the family.

Orlin D. Taylor

Orlin Dee Taylor, Sr., died Sunday, November 18, 2007. at his home in La Porte City of natural causes.

    He was born October 29, 1926, in Geneseo, the son of Dewey and Lois Harrington Taylor. He married Flora Mae Martinez on March 2, 1952 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Orlin retired from the U.S. Army after 22 years having served in Korea. He then worked for Roland Electric in California for a number of years as an electrician before retiring and moving to La Porte City in 1979.

    He was a member of the San Diego Post #207 and the VFW Post #3983.

    He is survived by his wife; three sons, Jim (Sandy) Taylor of Walker, Orlin (Karen) Taylor, Jr. of Waterloo, Eddie (Wendy) Neeley of Independence; two daughters, Beverly (Lester) Griswold of La Porte City, Sharon (Mike) Stone of Mt. Auburn; three brothers, Lyle (Marg) Taylor of Hudson, Donald (Mary Lou) Taylor and Merlin (Lois) Taylor both of Waterloo; one daughter, Karen Ulmanis of Waterloo; a brother-in-law, Keith Riggins of Waterloo; 19 grandchildren, and 23 great grandchildren.

    He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Virginia Riggins.

    Services were held November 24, 2007, at St. Paul United Methodist Church with inurnment in West View Cemetery. Graveside military rites were conducted by the San Diego American Legion Post #207 and the VFW Post 3983.

    Those who wish may direct memorials to the family.

Robert A. Harkness

Robert A. Harkness, 80, of La Porte City, died November 17, 2007, at Covenant Medical Center Emergency Room of cardiac failure.

    He was born August 17, 1927, in La Porte City, the son of Leo J. and Irene Wheeler Harkness. He married Rose L. Herold on November 29, 1947 in Waterloo. She preceded him in death on August 8, 2001.

    Robert retired from John Deere Waterloo Tractor Works in 1987 after

28 years. He was also a veteran of WWII having served in the South Pacific in the Navy. He was a member of the San Diego American Legion Post #207 in La Porte City.

    He is survived by seven sons, Timothy (Sue) of Dubuque, Robin (Christina), Frank, Kenneth (Elena), David (Deborah) all of La Porte City, Joseph of Anamosa, Anton (Kay) of Edina, MN.; four daughters, Lorraine (Darryl) McFarland, Doris (Bruce) Parker of both of La Porte City, Marlene (Rick) Arbaugh of Webster City, Ruth (Russell) Richards, Sr. of Robison, TX.; 31 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter.

    He was preceded in death by two brothers, Melvin and Roger.

    Memorial services were held November 21 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with inurnment at West View Cemetery, both in La Porte City.

Graveside military rites were conducted by the San Diego American Legion Post #207.

   Those who wish may direct memorials to the family.

Ralph C. Peters

Ralph C. Peters, 82, of La Porte City, died Sunday, November 11, 2007, of pulmonary fibrosis. He was born April 1, 1925 in Emerson, Nebraska, the son of Henry and Mary Reninger Peters. He married Gladys Chalupsky on August 28, 1946, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua.

Mr. Peters was a farmer and then worked at Rath Packing Co He was a self taught musician and provided 25 years of entertainment with his accordion and harmonica at many senior centers and elementary classrooms. Ralph was also a self taught artist who painted a duck marsh on the wall in his home, which was a true expression of another enjoyment in his life, hunting and fishing. His creativity even extended to handyman skills as he thought "outside the box" and arrived at many unique solutions, and brought chuckles

He is survived by his wife Gladys of La Porte City; three daughters, Cheryl (James) Robb of La Porte City, Janan (David) Bader of Las Vegas, Nevada, Karene (Kevin) Potter of Delafield, WI; six grandchildren, Dolph (Rania) Robb of Bondurant, Seth Robb of Des Moines, Natisha Robb of La Porte City, Chase Potter of Buffalo, MN, Brock (Monica) Potter of Burnsville, MN, Trey Potter of Delafield and two great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents; four brothers, Ray, Henry, Irwin and Lloyd Peters and three sisters, Esther Cook, Pearl Griffin and Mary Ann Rosauer.

Services were held November 14, 2007, at St. Paul United Methodist Church, La Porte City.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Cleone B. Gogerty

Cleone B. Gogerty, age 107, of La Porte City, Iowa, died Monday, November 12, 2007, at the La Porte City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of natural causes.

She was born November 27, 1899, in Waucoma, Iowa, the daughter of Henry and Flora (Goldsberry) Shook. She married Lewis F. Gogerty on November 24, 1920, in Marion. He preceded her in death on January 28, 1948.

Cleone worked at the Rath Packing Co. in Waterloo for twenty years, retiring February 1, 1962.

She is survived by a niece, Sharon (Larry) Amos of Waterloo; several other nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; great-great nieces and nephews and great-great-great nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband; four sisters, Charmon Glass, Blytha Collins, Dorothy Shook and Gladys Shook; and two brothers, Kenneth Shook and LaVere Shook.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Funeral services were held November 15, 2007, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with private family burial in Fairview Cemetery in Waterloo.

Margaret M. Nichol

Margaret M. Nichol, 50, of La Porte City, died November 12, 2007, at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home of breast cancer. She was born June 26, 1957, in Waterloo, the daughter of Frederick and Margaret Raska Brown. She married Todd Nichol in 1991 in Aldan, Pennsylvania; they were later divorced.

Margaret worked as a Special Needs Language Arts teacher at Waterloo West High School for two years. She served in the U.S. Navy on active duty for four years then remained in the Navy Reserves for another 18 years, stationed out of Cedar Rapids.

She is survived by two daughters, Julia Rose and Anna May Nichol both at home; one brother, Robert Brown of Belfair, Washington and one sister, Donna (Carl) Yant of Evansdale.

Preceding him in death were her parents and two brothers, Le Roy and George Brown.

Services were held November 15, 2007, at the First Church of the Open Bible in Waterloo. Military Rites were conducted at the church following the service by the Becker-Chapman American Legion Post #138 and the VFW Post 1623.

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

Jeanne F. Lewis

Jeanne F. Lewis, 79, of La Porte City, died Thursday, November 8, 2007, at Covenant Medical Center from complications of cancer. She was born December 31, 1927, in Waterloo, the daughter of Nelson and Lybia Koloc Osborn. She married Jack Knight in 1948; they were later divorced. She married Robert Connor in 1951; they were later divorced. She married Jim Lewis in 1972; he preceded her in death on November 11, 1989.

She worked as a Draftsman for Waterloo Steel.

Jeanne loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed cross stitching, quilting, reading, baking and music.She was a member of St. Catherine’s Circle, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, La Porte City.

She is survived by two sons, Steve (Luann) Conner of Sumner, Tim (Ludy) Conner of La Porte City; two daughters, Amy (Dave) Nelsestuen of La Porte City, Beth (Kenneth) Sewell of Denton, TX; five step-sons, Jim, John, Jay, Jerome and Jason Lewis; two step daughters, Julie Lewis and Jenny Anderson; a son-in-law, Dusty Winkler of Denver, CO and nine grandchildren, Mike and Chris Nelsestuen, Jake Connor, Zach, Kelsey, Tyler and Bruce Connor, Kailey Cox and Trevor Sewell.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband and one daughter, Kathy Winkler.

Services were held November 13, 2007, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church with inurnment at a later date in the West View Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Mary "Maxine" Runyan

Mary "Maxine" Runyan, 85, of La Porte City, died Tuesday, November 6, 2007, at Covenant Medical Center of a short illness. She was born October 4, 1922, in Benton County, the daughter of Clate and Netta Hitt Sheffler. She married Rolland Runyan on April 6, 1940 in Independence; he preceded her in death on September 27, 1978.

Maxine worked 20 years for local fertilizer and chemical plants.

She is survived by two sons, Ronald Runyan and Dennis (Rebecca) Runyan both of La Porte City; two daughters, Carol (Shannon) Emberton of Anamosa, Joyce Chrisinger of Coralville; eleven grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her step-mother, Jewel; her husband; two daughter-in-laws, Diane and Judy Runyan and three sisters, Helen Thiele Hartong, Mildred Kuhn and Lucille Porter.

Services were held November 9, 2007, at the St. Paul United Methodist Church with burial in West View Cemetery, both in La Porte City.

Memorials may be directed to the La Porte City Fire and Rescue and the La Porte City FFA Historical & Ag Museum.

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

Earl H. Strohecker

Earl H. Strohecker, 88, of La Porte City, died Thursday, November 8, 2007, at his home of natural causes. He was born October 7, 1919 in La Porte City the son of Clifford and Mary Brandt Strohecker. He married Joan Wilken on June 5, 1952, in La Porte City.

Earl attended the La Porte City Schools and then worked at the Mars Theater in La Porte City and Chamberlain Manufacturing. He graduated from Gates Business College. He worked for John Deere as a computer technician, retiring in 1984. He served in the U.S. Marine Corp during WWII.

He enjoyed woodworking, golfing, gardening, taking road trips and his cat Bentley. He had been a volunteer on the La Porte City Fire Department, served on the city council, a member of the La Porte City American Legion San Diego Post #207, a member of the El Kahir Shrine club and a member of the Masons Trowel Lodge #216 AF&AM.

Earl is survived by his wife Joan of La Porte City; two sister-in-laws, Janice Evans of Cedar Falls, Mildred (Vernon) Dengler of Traer and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; two brothers, Ralph and Harold Strohecker and three sisters, Ruth, Isabelle and Marlene.

Services were held November 12, 2007, at St. Paul United Methodist Church with burial in the West View Cemetery, both in La Porte City. Graveside military rites were conducted by the La Porte City American Legion San Diego Post #207 and VFW Post #3983.

Memorials may be directed to the St. Paul United Methodist Church, American Cancer Society or the La Porte City Veterinary Clinic.

Marjorie J. Baum

 

   Marjorie J. Baum, 86, a lifelong resident of the Garrison, Vinton and La Porte City area, died October 25, 2007, at the Vinton Lutheran Home following a long illness.

 

   Marjorie was born June 17, 1921, in Vinton, the daughter of Dale A. and Jesse Mae Clime Davin. She graduated from Vinton High School in 1938.

 

   In June of 1941, Marjorie was united in marriage with Harold Dean Baum at the First Christian Church in Vinton. She farmed with her husband south of La Porte City, where they raised their three children.

 

   Marjorie was a member of First Christian Church in Vinton and was very active in the Mt. Auburn American Legion Auxiliary.

 

   She is survived by one daughter, Judy Wellner of Louisville, TN; one sister, Bette Johnson of Des Moines; one daughter-in-law, Vicky Baum of Lakeville, MN; eight grandchildren: Deanne Benorden, Rich Wellner, Jr., Ryan Wellner and Blaine Wellner, all of Knoxville, TN, Roxanne Rolland of Mt. Vernon, Stacey Branscomb and Breanna Baum, both of Lakeville, MN, and Corey Baum of Elko, MN; 18 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

 

   She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dean, on May 18, 1984; two sons: James Dale and Ronald D. Baum; and one sister, Bernice Swartz.

 

   A graveside service was held Oct. 29 at Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton.

 

 Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to a charity of the donor's choice.

 

 

   William Harvey Schoonover, 83, of Dysart, died October 6, 2007 at Sunnycrest Nursing Center in Dysart. Bill was born October 5, 1924 in Vinton, the son of Dale and Ruby (Rice) Schoonover.

   Bill worked as a milkman for Walnut Dairy and later for Anderson Erickson Dairy. He then worked at John Deere in Waterloo in the foundry for 25 years until his retirement in October, 1990. Bill was a member of the American Legion and the Dysart United Methodist Church.

   Bill is survived by his wife, Arlene; three sons, Tim of Memphis, TN, Scott of Spring Branch, TX and Bart of Dysart; two daughters, Kay and husband Duane Schumacher of Center Point and Lisa and husband Rod Pritchard of Cedar Rapids; three brothers, Dale (Lalia) Schoonover of Victorville, CA, Harold (Marian) Schoonover of Waterloo, Richard (Mary) Schoonover of Vinton; one sister, Shirley (Jim) Welter of Waterloo; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

   Memorials may be directed to the family.

Maxine M. Kotouc, age 83, died Monday, October 15, 2007 at Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab following an extended illness.

   Maxine had also been employed at Vinton Popcorn and had been a long time member of the Assembly Of God Church in Vinton. She enjoyed working with her husband on the farm, gardening and entertaining family and friends. She also loved to play cards.

   Funeral services were held October 20, 2007 at Phillips Family Center in Vinton with interment at Dysart Cemetery.

   Rev. Msgr. Edward C. Petty, 60, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Gilbertville and St. Joseph Parish in Raymond, died October 16, 2007 at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

   Msgr. Petty was born October 8, 1947, to Edward and Lillian (Bosley) Petty in Des Moines. Surviving is a brother, William, of Des Moines. He was preceded in death by his parents.

   Memorials may be sent to Beckman High School or Hospice of Dubuque.

   Jane A. Frost, 80, of La Porte City, died Sunday, October 7 at Covenant Medical Center, Waterloo.            

   She was born September 14, 1927 in New Hartford, daughter of Nels P. and Jeanette Hutting Jenson. She graduated from East High School in Waterloo. Jane married Richard M. Frost on May 21, 1946 in Gilbertville; he died June 21, 1992.

   She is survived by three sons, Gary (Lynette) of La Porte City, Bob (Diane) of Gilbertville and Mike also of LaPorte City; six daughters, Mary Jane Schaefer of St. Joseph, Missouri, LuAnn (Joe) Neighbors of La Porte City, Jackie (Stan) Frost of La Porte City, Linda (Mike) Seedorff of Waterloo, Toni (Dan) Ramaker of Gilbertville and Kristi (Dr. Victor) Lawrinenko of La Porte City; 28 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild; a brother, Dwayne Jenson of California; and a sister-Carol (Wendell) Craft of Harvey.

   Services were held October 10, 2007 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Gilbertville, with burial in St. Mary's Cemetery.

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

Julie A. Glass Wiederin, age 44, of La Port City, died October 6, 2007 at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo following a bout with cancer.

   Julie was married to Timothy Wiederin; they were later divorced.

   Julie is survived by two daughters, Kelsey and Karly of La Porte City; her parents of Waterloo; one brother, Dan Glass of Waterloo; one sister, Dawn (Scott) Duecker of Lisbon, Iowa; and a niece and nephew.

   Services were held October 10, 2007 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waterloo, with burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Waterloo.

   Condolences may be left online at www.LockeFuneralHome.com.

Mary D. Riensche

Mary D. Riensche, 86, formerly of Jesup, died of kidney failure, Monday, September 10, 2007 at the Oelwein Healthcare Center in Oelwein, where she had been a resident for the past two years.

She was born July 11, 1921, in Independence, the daughter of Odell Hendricks and Mayme (Bonorden) Hendricks. On August 26, 1943, she was united in marriage to Marvin Henry Riensche at Zion Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

They made their home on the farm south of Jesup where they raised their family. Mary was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Jubilee, and the Ruth Circle.

She is survived by one son, James (Jolayne) Riensche of Cedar Rapids; two daughters, Carol (John) Chase of Scottsdale, Arizona, Sandra (Steven) Smothers of Oelwein; two grandchildren, Bryan (Melissa) Riensche of Illinois, Carmen Riensche of Cedar Rapids; six step-grandchildren; 16 step-great grandchildren; one sister, Dorothy Delmonico of Burnsville, Minnesota and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin, on August 3, 2005, and by her parents.

Funeral services were held September 13, 2007, at Zion Lutheran Church, Jubilee rural La Porte City with burial at Zion Lutheran, Jubilee Cemetery.

Memorials can be directed to Zion Lutheran Church at Jubilee.

Jack C. Krueger

Jack Carl Krueger, 86, of Waterloo, died August 20, 2007 at the La Porte City Nursing and Rehab Center. He was born May 12, 1921 in La Porte City, the son of Carl R. and Lucille Husman Krueger. He was raised by his grandparents, Dallas and Bessie Husman formerly of La Porte City. He married Mildred Frost, they were later divorced. He married Mariann Basford on September 6, 1949 in Leavenworth, Kansas.

Mr. Krueger worked as an independent trucker for Warren Transport for 40 years, retiring in 1984. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was a Lifetime member of the Waterloo Elks Lodge #290 BPO.

He is survived by his wife Mariann of Waterloo; one son, Bill (Nancy) Krueger of Waterloo; two daughters, Mary Lou (Tom) Frost of Gilbertville, Karen (Keith Highberger) Krueger of Cedar Falls; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents and grandparents.

Services were held August 24, 2007 at the Kearns, Huisman-Schumacher Chapel on Kimball with burial in the Garden of Memories Cemetery, both in Waterloo.

Memorials may be directed to the La Porte City Nursing and Rehab Center. Online condolences may be left at www.kearnsfuneralservice.com.

Harold E. “Mike” Schreiber 

   Harold E. “Mike” Schreiber , 87, died August 5, 2007 in Dallas, Texas. He was born in La Porte City, to Max and Laura Rundel Schreiber.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, LaVerne Schreiber and sister, Bernadine Hay.

   He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Rojean; daughters, Audra Morris, Marilyn Young, and Sandra (Ron) Jones, all residing in the Kansas City, Kansas area; step-daughter, Lori (Keith) Simmons, of Dallas; five granddaughters; six great-granddaughters; two great-grandsons; three sisters, Naomi Gunn, Mildred Burris, and Arleen Schreiber, all of Eastern Iowa.

   A memorial service was held Thursday, August 9, 2007 at Sparkman/Hillcrest in Dallas.

   Memorials are suggested in lieu of flowers and  may be directed to Faith Hospice, 6100 Colwell Boulevard, Suite 225, Irving, TX, 75039

Gary Lee Blocker

   Gary Lee Blocker, 70, of La Porte City, died Wednesday, August 1, 2007 at the Covenant Medical Center of heart failure.  He was born March 1, 1937 in Benton County the son of Herman and Sylvie Raymond Blocker.  He married Dorothy Wester on November 21, 1960 in La Porte City.

   Gary was a farmer. He served in the U.S. Marine Corp.

   He is survived by his wife Dorothy of La Porte City; two sons, Steven Blocker of La Porte City, Scott Blocker of Ames; one daughter, Sherry (Todd) Mesenbrink of Dike; one grandson, Clint Mesenbrink of Dike; one brother, Alan (Linda) Blocker of La Porte City; one sister, Bettye (Jim) Wester of Waterloo and one sister-in-law Hisako Blocker of Vallejo, California.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Delbert and Bill Blocker.

   Services were held on Saturday, August 4, 2007 at Sacred Heart Church with burial in West View Cemetery, both in La Porte City.

   Graveside Military Rites were conducted by the La Porte City American Legion San Diego Post #207 and the VFW Post #3983.

   Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be left at www.kearnsfuneralservice.com.

William H. Thomsen

   William H. Thomsen, born on September 18, 1920, in Black Hawk County, Iowa, to George and Elizabeth Thomsen, died after a long illness on July 22, 2007, in Tucson, where he had lived much of his adult life.    

   Bill served his country with courage and distinction in the United States Navy during World War II. On December 7, 1941, he was aboard the U.S.S. Nevada, the only ship to get underway during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

   Bill was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in the war. He also received a Presidential Unit Citation for the heroism, aggressiveness, and vigilance shown by his anti-submarine task force group. He was also  among those awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for heroism displayed by the crew in several actions in the Pacific Theatre.          

   Following his discharge from the Navy, Bill moved to Tucson in 1947 and spent the rest of his life in Arizona, primarily in Tucson and Willcox. He was employed for many years by the Ashton Company and, later, M.M. Sundt Company as a construction superintendent on building projects such as bridges, interchanges, and long stretches of interstate highways.   

   Bill was proud of being a 32nd degree Mason and a charter member of the Sabbar Shrine. He was also an avid and enthusiastic golfer who firmly believed that a bad day on the golf course was better than a good day anywhere else.           

   Bill was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Ila Larum and Alta Amaya.

   He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Frances Thomsen; brothers Jack Thomsen of Needles, California, Daryl Thomsen of Waterloo, Iowa, and Don Thomsen of La Porte City, Iowa; children Susan Thomsen of Olympia, Washington, and William H. Thomsen II of Sequim, Washington; stepchildren Lea Courington of Dallas, Texas, and John Courington of Lawton, Oklahoma; two grandchildren and two great-grand children.

Virginia F. Elliott

   Virginia Faye Elliott, 88, of La Porte City, died Tuesday, July 17, 2007 at the La Porte City Nursing and Rehab Center from complications of Alzheimer’s. She was born August 29, 1918 in Cedar Falls the daughter of Bert and Beulah Cooper Crummer. Virginia attended La Porte City Schools graduating in 1937. She attended Willamatte College in Salem, Oregon. She married Thomas W. Elliott, Jr. on December 7, 1940 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua.

   They farmed in rural Geneseo and then moved to Liberty, Missouri in 1957, where she worked as a Legal Secretary for the Clay County Courthouse for many years until her retirement. Tom Jr. worked at the Kansas City Stockyards during that time as a Feeder Cattle Order Buyer until his retirement. As Virginia’s health declined, they returned to La Porte City in 2001 where she became a resident of the La Porte City Nursing and Rehab Center.

   Virginia is survived by her husband Thomas Jr. of La Porte City; three sons, David (Laura) Elliott of Chino Valley, Arizona, Thomas W. III (Marsha) Elliott of Fullerton, California, Mark P. Elliott of Holt, Missouri; seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

   Preceding her in death were her parents and one brother, Paul Crummer.

   Memorial services were held July 20, 2007 at the St. Paul United Methodist Church in La Porte City with inurnment in the West View Cemetery. 

   A memorial fund will be established at a later date.

Velda Jean Brust

Velda Jean Brust died July 4, 2007 in Corvallis, Oregon. Velda was born on December 30, 1923 in La Porte City to Charles A. and Floy (Bailey) Brust.

Velda graduated from La Porte City High School, a member of the Class of 1941. She then attended Oregon State University where she earned a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 1953. She taught Occupational Therapy at Oregon State University, retiring 18 years ago

She is survived her brother, Richard Brust MD, of 772 N. Crave St., Monmouth, OR 97361.

A Celebration of Life will take place August 12, 2007 in Corvallis.

Memorials may be directed to the Oregon State University Foundation.

Mary M. Sturtz

Mary M. Sturtz passed away June 28, 2007, due to complications related to heart surgery. Mary was born March 22, 1930, in Winston Salem, North Carolina. She married Harold Sturtz September 8, 1945. She and Harold made their home in La Porte City for several years.

Mary was called to the ministry after the family moved to Waterloo. In 1998 the family moved to Wickenburg, Arizona.

Mary was the loving mother of Sylvia Beahr, Sharon Myers and Brenda Blomquist Jarl; grandmother of Richie Beahr, Brenton Beahr, Shannon Rousselow, Ashlee Myers, Amber Lulkiwicz, Christian Sturtz, and Meredith Long and eight great grandchildren.

Mary was proceeded in death by her mother Ella Bennett.

A Celebration of Life was held July 5 at her home church, Calvary Cathedral in Waterloo. Cards of sympathy may be sent to Harold Sturtz, 44631 San Domingo Pl. Tr., Movistown, AZ 85342.

Roger R. "Bud" Struve, Sr.

Roger R. "Bud" Struve, Sr., age 76, died Monday, July 9, 2007 at Virginia Gay Hospital following a sudden illness.

Bud was born June 24, 1931 at Vinton to Ralph and Dorothy (Haines) Struve and graduated from Lincoln High School in Vinton in1948. During the Korean Conflict he served his nation as a Airman 1st Class in the US Air Force.

On July 29, 1957 he married Loretta Salger in Vinton. She preceded him in death on September 6, 1995.

For over forty years Bud served as a rural letter carrier for the US Postal Service and retiring on March 1, 2005. He was a member of the Rural Letter Carriers Association and had served as County President and Northeast District Vice President of the organization. In 2005 he was honored as Northeast District Outstanding Rural Carrier Of The Year. An active member of his community, he was a member of and held several offices in the Emil H. Dutler American Legion Post #177 of Mt. Auburn and was a forty-five year member of the Mt. Auburn Fire Department where he served as Chief for fifteen years. Bud was also a member of the Mt. Auburn United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his son, Roger (Kristi) Struve, Jr. of Mt. Auburn; his daughters, Patti (Brad) Moore of Yorktown, Virginia, Lori (John) Mortenson of Lake City, Minnesota, Mary (Doug) Schmidt of Waterloo, and Stacy (Brad) Thorpe of Nemaha, Iowa; ten grandchildren; his sister, Frances Burrows of La Porte City; and special friend, Phyllis Thoren of Dysart.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Lois Miller, and Donna Becher.

Funeral services were held July 12, 2007 at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Vinton with interment at Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton. Graveside military rites were conducted by the Emil H. Dutler American Legion Post #177 of Mt. Auburn.

A memorial fund has been established.

Ellie Josephine Van Brocklin

Steve and Julie Van Brocklin of Madrid, Iowa, are the parents of a baby girl born January 3, 2008.

Joining big brothers Dane 14, and Camden 11, is Ellie Josephine Van Brocklin. She weighed 7 lbs. 10 oz. and was 21 1/2" at birth.

Ellie’s grandparents are George and Lois Pfeifer of La Porte City and Lester and Carole Van Brocklin of Raymond.

Brennan - 90

 

   Mrs. Donald (Mae) Brennan will be celebrating her 90th birthday on February 15, 2008. Mae is a lifelong resident of La Porte City. She has babysat for many area children and was actively involved in the VFW and Methodist Ladies' Church Circle. Birthday greetings can be sent to Mae at the La Porte City Nursing & Rehab, P.O. Box 175, 1100 Hwy. 218 N, La Porte City, IA 50651.

   The couple resides in Waterloo.

Denise Thompson Promoted

 

 

   Lt. Col. Denise Thompson was promoted to Chief, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Training and Rsearch, and Special Projects Officer for Airman, Family and Community Research and Technology, Air Force Personnel Center at Randolph AFB, Texas, in September 2007.

 

   Lt. Col. Thompson, daughter of Roger and Bonnie Thompson of La Porte City, is married to CMsgt (ret.) Jeff Gryczewski from Chicago, Illinois with four "fur" children, Baby, Smokey, Snoopy and Tiger. Lt. Col. Thompson, is a 1984 graduate of La Porte City High School and was a direct commission into the Air Force in February 1991.

 

   Currently, Lt. Col. Thompson is stationed at Balad Air Base, Iraq, serving as the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator where she educates all Airmen deployed to the unit and associated air expeditionary groups regarding sexual assault reporting and how to access victim support.

 

   "My goal during my deployment is to have a cadre of trained victim advocates to provide one-on-one victim support," said Lt. Col Thompson. "I also plan to provide education and training to all Air Force personnel - military and civilian."