Evelyn M. VanLaningham Ohrt, 89 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Saturday, July 1, 2017, at ABCM Rehab. Center of Independence – West Campus.  She was born on November 20, 1927, in Stanley, Iowa, the daughter of George Herman and Ethel Mae (Eschen) Kuper.  She graduated from high school in Independence with the Class of 1945.  After graduation, Evelyn worked at a variety of jobs, such as Tegen’s, Jack & Jill Grocery, Pinicon Hotel, Micro Switch, (all in Independence, Iowa) Triangle Plastics in Winthrop, Iowa, Family Rexall Drug Store in Hutchinson, Minnesota, and Walgreen Drug, in Cedar Falls, Iowa.  In 1975 Evelyn attended a Secretarial Workshop at Hawkeye Tech in Waterloo, Iowa, and in 1979 became involved with the Minnesota Literacy Council, helping individuals learn to read and write.

On May 11, 1947, she and David Otto VanLaningham were married at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Independence.  They later divorced.  On January 18, 1997, she and Kenneth Eugene Ohrt were married in Dunkerton, Iowa.  In addition to time spent with her family and friends, she enjoyed attending school and church programs of her grandchildren and attending her many class reunions.  She also enjoyed traveling, camping, sewing, and crochet.  A favorite pastime was bowling.  Evelyn was a life time member of the Women’s International Bowling Congress.

Evelyn is survived by sons, Terry VanLaningham of Waverly, Iowa, and Robert (Dan) VanLaningham of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, daughter, Eva (Steven) Lorenz of Ankeny, Iowa, daughter-in-law, Diane VanLaningham of Hazleton, Iowa,. 11 grandchildren, and 22 great grandchildren and sister, Jean (Norman) Perry of Chino Hills, California.

She is also survived by many Ohrt family members and Evelyn’s immediate family wishes to express a special thank you for the love and care they extended her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Kenneth Ohrt, son, Harold VanLaningham, daughter-in-law, Connie Jo VanLaningham, grandson, Dustin VanLaningham, brother, John Kuper, and sisters, Shirley Witte and Neva Carnes.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 6, 2017, at the White Funeral Home in Independence with Rev. Sue Ann Raymond officiating.  Burial will be in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Hazleton.  Friends may call for visitation from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5^th, at the funeral home.  On line condolences may be left at www.White-MtHope.com.

Mary Jane Wolf, 87, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, July 2, 2017, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. She was born on April 16, 1930, in Hopkinton, the daughter of Cyril and Anna (Heims) Recker. She grew up in the Hopkinton, Prairieburg, and Worthington areas, attending St. Paul School in Worthington.

Mary Jane was married to Urban Wolfe at St. Paul Catholic Church, Worthington, in 1947. The couple resided in Worthington. Three children were born to this union. Urban passed away on June 18, 1963.

Mary Jane married Donald Wolf on June 12, 1965, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Monticello. Together they raised six children. Donald passed away in 1994.

Mary Jane was a member of St. John Catholic Church, Delhi, St. John Guild, and the Ladies Auxilary Post 160. She served as a cook at Maquoketa Valley High School for 20 years. She loved to travel to Arizona for the winters, spending time in O.J., living at the river, Friday night fish with the ladies, Wednesday morning breakfasts, and the “Secret Hair Club.” She also found joy in golfing, crafts, and especially spending time with friends and family. Friends knew her as Queenie.

Survivors include six children, Richard (Marge) Wolfe of Ryan, Shari (Keith) Parker of Manchester, Michael (Shari) Wolfe of Ryan, Annette (Michael) Hoffa of Lebanon, New Hampshire, Marilyn (Gary) Wilson of Delhi, and Joan (Jeff) Salow of Manchester; a son-in-law, Allan Merfeld of Rockford, Illinois; 21 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren, with two on the way; and children of her heart, Paula Timmer and Dave and Vicki Fink.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands; one daughter, Judy Merfeld; a brother, William Recker; three grandchildren, Alexandria Hoffa, Natalie Merfeld, and Glenn Merfeld; and one great-grandson, Lane Salow.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 7, 2017, at St. John Catholic Church in Delhi, with Rev. John Kremer officiating.

Visitation: 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 6, 2017, at St. John Catholic Church in Delhi, where there will be a 3:00 p.m. Scripture service. Friends may also call one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Interment: 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 7, 2017, at St. Paul Cemetery in Worthington, Iowa.

Casket Bearers: Chris Parker, Mitch Parker, Kurt Parker, Shawn Wolfe, Nick Wolfe, Tim Wolfe, Jessie Wolfe, Chad Wilson, Dan Wilson, Brian Wilson, Adam Salow

Honorary Pall Bearers: Larry and Linda Larson, Alita Koeneke, Vi Hackbarth, Ward Harbaugh, Etta Wilson, Audrey Meister, Janet Cords, Dorothy Williams

Evelyn M. VanLaningham Ohrt, 89 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Saturday, July 1, 2017, at ABCM Rehab. Center of Independence – West Campus.  She was born on November 20, 1927, in Stanley, Iowa, the daughter of George Herman and Ethel Mae (Eschen) Kuper.  She graduated from high school in Independence with the Class of 1945.  After graduation, Evelyn worked at a variety of jobs, such as Tegen’s, Jack & Jill Grocery, Pinicon Hotel, Micro Switch, (all in Independence, Iowa) Triangle Plastics in Winthrop, Iowa, Family Rexall Drug Store in Hutchinson, Minnesota, and Walgreen Drug, in Cedar Falls, Iowa.  In 1975 Evelyn attended a Secretarial Workshop at Hawkeye Tech in Waterloo, Iowa, and in 1979 became involved with the Minnesota Literacy Council, helping individuals learn to read and write.

On May 11, 1947, she and David Otto VanLaningham were married at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Independence.  They later divorced.  On January 18, 1997, she and Kenneth Eugene Ohrt were married in Dunkerton, Iowa.  In addition to time spent with her family and friends, she enjoyed attending school and church programs of her grandchildren and attending her many class reunions.  She also enjoyed traveling, camping, sewing, and crochet.  A favorite pastime was bowling.  Evelyn was a life time member of the Women’s International Bowling Congress.

Evelyn is survived by sons, Terry VanLaningham of Waverly, Iowa, and Robert (Dan) VanLaningham of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, daughter, Eva (Steven) Lorenz of Ankeny, Iowa, daughter-in-law, Diane VanLaningham of Hazleton, Iowa,. 11 grandchildren, and 22 great grandchildren and sister, Jean (Norman) Perry of Chino Hills, California.

She is also survived by many Ohrt family members and Evelyn’s immediate family wishes to express a special thank you for the love and care they extended her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Kenneth Ohrt, son, Harold VanLaningham, daughter-in-law, Connie Jo VanLaningham, grandson, Dustin VanLaningham, brother, John Kuper, and sisters, Shirley Witte and Neva Carnes.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 6, 2017, at the White Funeral Home in Independence with Rev. Sue Ann Raymond officiating.  Burial will be in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Hazleton.  Friends may call for visitation from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5^th, at the funeral home.  On line condolences may be left at www.White-MtHope.com.

Mary Jane Wolf, 87, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, July 2, 2017, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. She was born on April 16, 1930, in Hopkinton, the daughter of Cyril and Anna (Heims) Recker. She grew up in the Hopkinton, Prairieburg, and Worthington areas, attending St. Paul School in Worthington.

Mary Jane was married to Urban Wolfe at St. Paul Catholic Church, Worthington, in 1947. The couple resided in Worthington. Three children were born to this union. Urban passed away on June 18, 1963.

Mary Jane married Donald Wolf on June 12, 1965, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Monticello. Together they raised six children. Donald passed away in 1994.

Mary Jane was a member of St. John Catholic Church, Delhi, St. John Guild, and the Ladies Auxilary Post 160. She served as a cook at Maquoketa Valley High School for 20 years. She loved to travel to Arizona for the winters, spending time in O.J., living at the river, Friday night fish with the ladies, Wednesday morning breakfasts, and the “Secret Hair Club.” She also found joy in golfing, crafts, and especially spending time with friends and family. Friends knew her as Queenie.

Survivors include six children, Richard (Marge) Wolfe of Ryan, Shari (Keith) Parker of Manchester, Michael (Shari) Wolfe of Ryan, Annette (Michael) Hoffa of Lebanon, New Hampshire, Marilyn (Gary) Wilson of Delhi, and Joan (Jeff) Salow of Manchester; a son-in-law, Allan Merfeld of Rockford, Illinois; 21 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren, with two on the way; and children of her heart, Paula Timmer and Dave and Vicki Fink.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands; one daughter, Judy Merfeld; a brother, William Recker; three grandchildren, Alexandria Hoffa, Natalie Merfeld, and Glenn Merfeld; and one great-grandson, Lane Salow.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 7, 2017, at St. John Catholic Church in Delhi, with Rev. John Kremer officiating.

Visitation: 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 6, 2017, at St. John Catholic Church in Delhi, where there will be a 3:00 p.m. Scripture service. Friends may also call one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Interment: 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 7, 2017, at St. Paul Cemetery in Worthington, Iowa.

Casket Bearers: Chris Parker, Mitch Parker, Kurt Parker, Shawn Wolfe, Nick Wolfe, Tim Wolfe, Jessie Wolfe, Chad Wilson, Dan Wilson, Brian Wilson, Adam Salow

Honorary Pall Bearers: Larry and Linda Larson, Alita Koeneke, Vi Hackbarth, Ward Harbaugh, Etta Wilson, Audrey Meister, Janet Cords, Dorothy Williams

City or Town Heading:  Winthrop

Name of Deceased:        Henry “Hank” Lammers

Age of Deceased:           78

Date & Place of Death:  Monday, July 3, 2017 at ABCM East in Independence

Services:               10:30 A.M . Friday, July 7, 2017

Place of Services: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Winthrop

Special Services:   Rosary at 4:30 PM Thursday at Fawcett’s

Burial:         St. Patrick’s Cemetery at Winthrop

Visitation Time:  From 5 PM until 7 PM Thursday, July 6, 2017 at Fawcett Funeral Home in Winthrop

 Survivors include: his wife Connie of Winthrop; three daughters: Michelle “Micko” (Brett) Heiserman of Rowley; Melanie Jo (Robert) Allison of Fort Collins, CO; and Debi (Chester) Zermeno of Fort Collins, CO; four grandchildren, one great grandson, one sister Betty Cusick of Dyersville; and two brothers: Les (Janet ) Lammers of Estherville and Charlie (Ellen) Lammers of Manchester

Please run above information Plus:

             Online at www.fawcettsfuneralhome.com.

City or Town Heading:  Winthrop

Name of Deceased:        Alvera “Vera” Helle

Age of Deceased:           90

Date & Place of Death: Tuesday , July 4, 2017 at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester

Services:               10:00 A.M. Saturday, July 8, 2017, 2017

Place of Services: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Winthrop

Special Services:   CDA rosary at 3:30 PM Friday at Fawcett’s in Winthrop

Burial:         St. Patrick’s Cemetery at Winthrop

Visitation Time:  From 4 PM until 8 PM Tuesday, July 7 at Fawcett Funeral Home in Winthrop

 Survivors include: her son Terry (Lynne) Helle of Manchester; her daughter Judy (Dennis) Childers of Winthrop, six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren.

Please run above information Plus:

             Online at www.fawcettsfuneralhome.com.

Eric Larson was born on June 13th, 1960, to Paul and LaVerne Larson in Cresco Iowa. While he was the quietest of their three children, he was born with perfect pitch, along with the ability to memorize every aspect of a song to later replicate, play and rearrange. He fell in love with the magic of music early on, studying the masters – both classical and contemporary. The possibilities of the medium seemed endless to Eric.

Growing up in Iowa City, it was just a given that once through primary school, the University of Iowa would naturally follow. There, he majored in Music and was soon playing his euphonium in the University of Iowa marching band, highlighted by helping cheer on his beloved Hawkeyes during the 1982 Rose Bowl. He also soloed during a Bruckner Symphony with U of I Symphony Orchestra.

After graduation, he pursued teaching positions without success. Held back by his introverted demeanor and reluctance to promote his abilities as a musician or teacher, Eric ultimately chose to follow a different path. He found employment in food services, specifically delivery.

This change of course didn’t dampen his desire to create and play his music, nor did it slow him down from wanting to share his gift with others. The time spent driving between deliveries afforded Eric the opportunity to work on his music in his mind. He could hear a new song on the radio during his shift. Then once he got home, he’d pick up his trusty Fender Stratocaster and faithfully replicated what he’d just heard – even put a new spin on it – like he’d been practicing it for months.

He was by no means limited to other musician’s creations. Throughout his life, Eric composed and arranged music behind the scenes for the University of Iowa marching band – music that has been played in stadiums and broadcasted around the world.

He also collaborated with his college professor, Robert Yeats, in starting “Tuba Christmas”. From its inception, Eric arranged and composed music for the now annual event, even playing along with his own euphonium in what has become one of the centerpieces of the holiday celebration in Iowa City. Performances are shown on television news broadcasts and available online to reach those living outside of Eastern Iowa.

Although Eric never landed that teaching job he so coveted, he never lost sight of his mission to help others and make the world a cheerier, happier place through his gift. He never asked for compensation for his works and he never copyrighted them, saying that the satisfaction of others enjoying his creations was more than enough for him.

Last week, Eric heroically faced the biggest challenge of his life. Due to complications from two damaged heart valves, Eric died on Thursday, June 29th, 2017, in the hospital of the University that he so loved.

Even though he’s gone, Eric’s compositions and arrangements will live on, continuing to teach students and charm listeners alike. Just as they have over the past 40 years.

When Eric wasn’t involved with his music or working and the weather was warm and sunny, he could often be found tinkering with and driving his MGB Roadster with the top down.

Surviving are his parents, LaVerne Larson and Paul Larson, sisters Janet Larson (John Moes) and Kristen Larson, and her two children.

The family and friends visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 AM on Friday, July 7th, 2017 at Lindstrom Funeral Home, 119 2nd Ave SW, Cresco, IA 52136 with the funeral to immediately follow at 11:00 AM.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 7th, 2017 at Lindstrom Funeral Home, 119 2nd Ave SW, Cresco, IA 52136, with Pastor Leo Combs-Lay officiating. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery in Cresco.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to one of the following: the University of Iowa Tuba Euphonium Studio, UI Carver College of Medicine or Toys for Tots.

Roger A. Sundermeyer, 72, of Center Point, Iowa, died Tuesday, July 4, 2017. Visitation: 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Sunday, July 9, 2017 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Center Point, Iowa, and one hour prior to the service on Monday.  Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 10, 2017, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Center Point, with Pastor David Hansen officiating and burial following at 2:30 p.m., Fairview Cemetery, Earlville. A luncheon will be served at church immediately following the service. Arrangements by Clifton – Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Earlville.

Roger was born September 1, 1944, at Manchester, Iowa, the son of Martin and Ethel (Scovel) Sundermeyer.  He was a 1961 graduate of Maquoketa Valley High School. On February 14, 1965, he married Charlotte Wilson at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Delaware, Iowa. After farming for several years in Linn County, the couple moved to Center Point in 1973, where they raised their two children. Roger worked for 43 years at Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids.  Roger enjoyed traveling in the west and crossword puzzles. He loved his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

Roger is survived by his wife of 52 years, Charlotte of Center Point; a son, Allan Sundermeyer of Strawberry Point; a daughter, Amy (Thad) Manning of Bloomington, Illinois; three grandchildren, Taylor Sundermeyer, Kyle Manning, and Megan Manning; a brother, Richard (Linda) Sundermeyer of Marion; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Merlyn Sundermeyer.

In lieu of flowers and other memorial gifts, donations may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Center Point or St. Paul Lutheran Church in Delaware.

Please share a memory of Roger at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

Janet K. Willenbring, 67, of Dyersville, Iowa passed away after a short battle with lung cancer, Wednesday, July 5, 2017, at St. Mary’s Campus of Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, July 9, 2017, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12^th Ave SW in Dyersville where a parish vigil service will be held at 5:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue Monday, July 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 10, 2017, SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Petersburg, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. John O’Connor will officiate.

Janet was born August 21, 1949, the daughter of Donald and Eileen (Westemeier) Huberty.  Janet graduated with the first class at Beckman High School.  She married James Willenbring on January 16, 1971 in Dyersville, Iowa.

Janet worked in the mental health profession for over 30 years.  She loved caring for her flowers and became a Master Gardener. Janet was an avid bowler, she bowled in Dyersville, Dubuque and Farley.  She was a past Vice President of the Farley Women’s Association and previously on the Board of Director’s for Dubuqueland Bowling Association.  She was a diehard Republican and spent many years on various boards in the city and county.  She loved her family’s pets, as well as her own.   Janet’s grandchildren meant the world to her, she will be missed dearly.

Survivors include her husband, Jim, children: Julie (Doug) Bockenstedt of Dubuque, Judy Dean of Dyersville, Joe (Shana) Willenbring of Dyersville, Jill (Nathan) Black of Farley, grandchildren: Taurus Black and Allyssa Dean, in-laws: LeRoy “Sal” Willenbring of Earlville and Olga Willenbring of Petersburg.

She was preceded in death by her parents, parents-in-law, John and Hilda Willenbring, granddaughter, Isabelle Dean at birth, siblings: Jack Huberty, in-laws: Ervin Willenbring, Patricia Willenbring.

Janet’s family would like to thank the ICU nurses at St. Mary’s Campus for their care, compassion and support.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com.

Donna Mae Schonscheck, 86, formerly of Neenah, Wisconsin, passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2017, at the Circle of Life Missions Boarding Home in Strawberry Point, Iowa.  She was born on December 14, 1930, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the daughter of Alton and Rhea (Jahnke) Wilde.  Donna attended country school near Oshkosh.

On June 4, 1949, Donna was united in marriage to Elvin Schonscheck in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  Three children were born to this union.  The couple lived on their farm near Neenah their entire married lives.  Elvin passed away in 1991.

Donna was a member of the Oshkosh Eagles.  She and Elvin were foster parents for many years.  Donna enjoyed bowling and cherished time spent with her family.  She moved to Iowa to be near her daughter and family.

Survivors include her daughter, Jean (Jack) Resor of Masonville; one son, Neil (Kathy) Schonscheck of Wisconsin; seven grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and four siblings, Lois Blechl, Virginia Schonscheck, Darlene (Robert) Kumbier, and Dale (Judy) Wilde, all of Oshkosh.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Elvin Schonscheck; her daughter, Lisa Schonscheck; her granddaughter, Tamatha Resor; and two brothers-in-law, Harold Schonscheck and Frank Blechl.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Memorial Service:   11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, July 12, 2017, at the Circle of Life Missions Boarding Home, 624 Commercial Street, Strawberry Point.

Inurnment:  at a later date

Steve S.  “Papa” Ward, 66, of Ryan, Iowa, passed away at Regional Medical Center Emergency Room in Manchester, on Friday, July 7, 2017.  He was born on February 15, 1951, in Independence, the son of Richard T. and Arlene G. (Fox) Ward. Steve was raised in rural Monti where he attended school through eighth grade.  He then attended East Buchanan and North Linn Schools.

On June 15, 1968, Steve was united in marriage to Lynette McEnany at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ryan, where they made their home and raised their two children, Stephanie and Shane.  After working at the Ryan Creamery, he started his career at John Deere in Waterloo in 1972 until he retired in 2002.

Steve missed many “Thursday night meetings” uptown, choosing to be in his shop restoring his many classic cars, too many to count.

Steve and Lynette after years of hard work at Deere, Collins, on the Ward family farm, and at home in Ryan, finally started treating themselves by spending winter months in Florida.  They enjoyed Nascar races and warm weather with the Ryan crew and many new friends from across the U.S. they never met a stranger. Steve loved fishing, golfing, finding a good deal, and pontooning, the more the merrier.  Steve played first base for the A.M.P.I. fast pitch softball team for several years.

Survivors left to cherish his memory are his wife, Lynette of Ryan; two children, Stephanie (Scott Wharton) Sauter of Cedar Rapids and Shane (Ami) Ward of Manchester; six grandchildren, Taylor and Brody Kruse, Mason Sanders, Owen, Will, and Eva Ward; one great-granddaughter, Jordynn; nine siblings, Don (Rose) Ward of Waterloo, Shirley (Greg) Lehmann of Dubuque, Gary (Faye) Ward of Ryan, Tom (Kathy Walski) Ward of Dubuque, Sharon (Paul) Woods of Ryan, Karen (Jerre) Hauck of Ephrata, Pennsylvania,  Linda (Jerry Don) Wright of Dallas, Texas, Darwin (Michelle) Ward of Le Claire, and Shawn (Cindy) Ward of Peoria, Illinois;  nine brothers-and-sisters-in-law, Mike (Bev) McEnany of Walker, Pat McEnany of Cedar Rapids, Mary Pat (Brian) Kucera and Kenny McEnany, all of Cedar Rapids, Marcia (Randy) Fergesen of Ryan, Judy Wendling, Sean (Pam) McEnany, and Frank McEnany, all of Manchester, and Kevin (Tara) McEnany of Independence; one aunt, Mary Ann Ward Fangman of Monti; and many nieces and nephews.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents; two infant brothers, Patrick and Keven Ward; his parents-in-law, Don and Louise McEnany; a sister-in-law, Karen J. Ward; two brothers-in-law, Joe McEnany and Emil Wendling.

As a husband, son, brother, father, papa, teacher, comic, and friend – Steve will be more than missed!

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Mass of Resurrection:  11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 12, 2017, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ryan, with Reverend Joseph Schneider officiating.

Visitation:  3:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, July 11, 2017, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ryan and one hour before Mass on Wednesday at the church.

Inurnment:  Calvary Cemetery – Rural Ryan, Iowa

Services for 71 year old William “Bill” Lee of Lamont will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, July 13, 2017 at  Grace United Methodist Church in Lamont.

Visitation 4 PM until 7 PM Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at Grace United Methodist Church in Lamont.

Burial in the Campton Cemetery, Lamont

Survivors of Bill Lee include his wife Colleen Lee of Lamont, three sons: Matt Lee of Manchester; Mark Lee of Princeton; and Greg Lee of Manchester; one daughter: Connie  DeMoss of Winona; one sister: Lois Murray; and three brothers: Jim, Jerry, and Bob Lee.

Walter Whittle, age 89, passed over to the father on Monday, July 10, 2017, at Madonna Towers in Rochester, MN.

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

Visitation: 4:00 to 8:00 pm on Sunday, July 16, 2017, at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home in Elkader and one hour before mass time the church on Monday.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 am on Monday, July 17, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elkader with Rev. Paul R. Peters as Celebrant.

Interment: St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Elkader.

William “Bill” Joseph Wernimont, age 81, died Thursday, July 13, 2017, at his son’s home on the Wernimont family farm near Monticello.

Visitation will be held at the St. Luke Catholic Church, Hopkinton, on Monday, July 17, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., beginning with the Parish Vigil Service. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, July 18, 2017, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 18, 2017, at the St. Luke Catholic Church, Hopkinton. Interment will be at the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Monticello.  Fr. Paul Baldwin will officiate.   Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello has been entrusted with Bill’s services.

William Wernimont was born on March 29, 1936, in Delaware County, Iowa.     He was the son of Gilbert and Doris (Eggiman) Wernimont. Bill attended Buck Creek schools until the 8th grade, when he left school to take over the farm operation following his father’s back injury.  Bill married Ella Mae DeShaw on July 12, 1955, at St. Luke Catholic Church, Hopkinton.   They retired from active farming in 2000 and moved to Hopkinton.

Surviving are two children: Brenda Wernimont, Cedar Rapids,  Patrick Wernimont and his special friend, LuAnne Schneider, Monticello,  his son-in-law, Dennis Freiburger,  Delhi; four grandchildren: Chevy (Maria) Freiburger, Angie (Jay) Britt,  Heather Freiburger, and Chantal Petesch;  five great-grandchildren: Alex, Aspen, Valentina , Ryleigh and Jacey; a sister, Lora Gudenkauf,  a brother Gary (Patsy) Wernimont, and in-laws, Betty McIntosh, Sharon Meyer, Juanita Lake, Diane (Dale) Potter, Robert DeShaw, Steve (Lyda) DeShaw, Lee (Gale) DeShaw, Gary (Deb) DeShaw, Larry (Connie) DeShaw, Earl (Joann) DeShaw,  Luella DeShaw, Donna Rae DeShaw.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ella, a daughter, Cindy Freiburger, an infant son, Charles, and also by in-laws: Duane and Carrie (Besler) DeShaw, Virginia “Jen” DeShaw, David Gudenkauf, Duane DeShaw, Jr., Francis DeShaw, Roger DeShaw, Jacqueline DeShaw, Bernadine DeShaw, Roger McIntosh, and Paul Lake.

Bill loved life on the farm.  He enjoyed playing cards, bowling and taking a drive with Ella and the kids around the country side on a Sunday afternoon.   Bill and Ella also enjoyed going square dancing.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com.

Carl Wolken, age 96, died peacefully on Friday, July 14, 2017 at the Monticello Nursing and Rehabilitation Center with his wife Betty of nearly 75 years by his side.

A celebration of Carl’s life will be held 11:00 Monday morning, July 17, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church, Monticello with interment in the Oakwood Cemetery.  Friends may call from 3 until 6 Sunday at the Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello.   Rev. Wade Reddy and Rev. Emory Gillespie will officiate at the services.  Thoughts, Memories and Condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com.   In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Monticello First Presbyterian Church, the Wayne Zion Lutheran Church, or the charity of your choice.

Carl is survived  by his wife, Betty, Monticello, Iowa, and their 3 sons: Stephen Wolken, MD (Sue), Iowa City, and their 3 children Wendy Wolken Ruhde (Jeff) of Aurora, Illinois, Mark Wolken, MD (Jen Huber) of Belton, South Carolina, and Jeffrey Wolken (Marion Quirk) of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania; son Stanley Wolken, DDS (Sue Andre), Incline Village, Nev.,and his 4 children, Heidi Wolken Monahan (Sean) of Menlo Park, CA, Chris Wolken of Menlo Park, CA, Jon Wolken (Joy) of Menlo Park, CA, and Alia Wolken of Capitola, CA; and son Richard Wolken, DDS (LuAnn), Monticello, Iowa, and their 4 children Michael Wolken (Teresa), of Monticello,IA, Mathew Wolken (Pam), of Highlands Ranch, CO, Melissa Wolken, of Kings Beach, CA, and Brian Wolken (Ali). of Monticello, IA.  His beloved 18 great grandchildren are: Nathan, Ryan, Adam, Carter, Mitchell, Eliza, Will, Henry, Eli, Dylan, Mackenzie, Alexis, Emma, Max, Eve, J.R., Kaley, and Piper.   He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaretha, and siblings, William D. Wolken and Lena Butschi.

Carl was born in the family farmhouse in Wayne Township, Monticello, Jones County, Iowa, to John and Margaretha (Peters) Wolken on July 28,1920.  He was just a few days short of celebrating his 97th birthday.  Carl was baptized and confirmed in the Wayne Zion Lutheran Church, rural Monticello.  Carl and Betty Adams were married December 10, 1942, and lived a wonderful nearly 75 years together.  Carl and Betty lived on the family farm for nearly 75 years. The farm has provided many wonderful memories for family and friends.   Carl continued his farming interest and involvement until the day he died.  Carl served on the Session of the Monticello Presbyterian Church.  He was a 66 year member of the Monticello Lions Club and received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award in 2008.  Carl was elected to the Jones County Cattlemen’s’ Hall of Fame in 2001.  He served as a 4-H leader for the Wayne Wranglers 4-H Club for many years.  Carl served as a Wayne township trustee for many years.  He truly loved farming which he continued until his passing.

Carl truly loved life and all its blessings, especially his family and friends.  He taught his family to appreciate all the Lord’s blessings and to give back as much as reasonably possible.  His positive attitude and smile were contagious.  He will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.

     Verla M. Schaefer, 91, of Manchester, Iowa, died peacefully at the Good Neighbor Home, Sunday, July 16, 2017.  Visitation: 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at Bohnenkamp – Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Manchester and one hour prior to service on Thursday.  Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 20, 2017, Bohnenkamp – Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Manchester, with Rev. David Weber officiating. Burial: Greenwood Cemetery, Masonville.

Verla was born April 20, 1926, in Masonville, Iowa, the daughter of Charles and Alta (Hearn) Decker.  She attended Lamont High School. On March 25, 1942, she married Albert A. Schaefer in Kahoka, Missouri.  Together the couple farmed in the Masonville area until 1970 when they retired and moved to Manchester. Verla worked as a hot lunch cook for  the West Delaware Schools. She enjoyed genealogy, reading books, playing scrabble and card games. Family and friends were fortunate to have enjoyed many good roast beef dinners and apricot pies Verla lovingly prepared.

Verla is survived by her children, Gary (Connie Beck) Schaefer of Cedar Rapids, Alberta Lee of Cedar Rapids, Rosemary (Charles) Roe of Salt Lake City, Utah, Dena (Arden) Fischer of Manchester, Dona (Gary) Vontalge of Manchester, and Nancy (Jeff) Roe of Lakeland, Tennessee; ten grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Albert in 1989; two brothers, Charles and Merle Decker; and a granddaughter, Vicki.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Delaware County Genealogical Society, Buchanan County Genealogical Society, Manchester Public Library, or the Good Neighbor Home in Verla’s memory.

Please share a memory of Verla at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

Independence –  Bernadine May Hoffman waved goodbye to her family and friends on July 14, 2017.  She had spent over 93 years on this earth giving love, friendship, caring, help to those who needed it, and a welcoming smile to all.  She was a vibrant lady who had a passion for gardening and a skill for growing anything.  Over the last few months, she struggled with pain that kept her from enjoying the life she loved.  God has now welcomed her and as she often talked about looking forward to, is once again with her husband of 62 years.

Bernadine was born May 31, 1924, in a house in Independence, IA, just ahead of a twin sister, Bernadette.  Her parents were Ira John and Grace Imogene (Brown) Clue.  When she was only 9 years old her mother died.  A year or so later, she gained a new mother and friend, Marge (Deyo) Clue.  As she progressed through school, she was encouraged to drop out after 8^th grade, as “girls did not need an education.”  She fought this idea and graduated from Independence High School in 1942.  She loved sports, especially softball and also became a champion bowler.  She later enjoyed following kids, grandkids, and great grandkids in their activities.

On April 6, 1945, she married a farm boy, from the Littleton area, named Warren G. Hoffman.  While hard work and raising a family was their priorities, they found time to become great square dancers.  This activity created many family activities with these friends that extended far beyond the dances.

While gardening was her passion, she was known for her cooking.  Most notably, her potato and pea salads, custard pie, bread pudding, goulash, rhubarb crisp, and especially cream puffs were listed by family as memorable.  As a part of nurturing morals and ethics in her 4 children, she served as a Den Mother for Cub Scouts and helped with the Girl Scouts.  She also was a member of the First United Methodist Church where she served on varied committees.  In her later years, she never missed the radio broadcast of the service.  It is also important to note that Bernadine loved to learn and jumped at the chance to learn about computers and the internet.  She always searched out information for family and was an avid user of Facebook to keep up with family and speak out on politics.

Bernadine was preceded in death by both of her mothers, her father, her infant sister Connie Marie Clue, her brother-in-law’s:  Gene Klenzman of Marion, OH and Claire Kuchenberg of Independence, IA, and her older brother Laverne Ira Clue of Somerset, KY.

Surviving is her twin sister, Bernadette Kuchenberg of Marion, OH, her younger brother Ira John (Rosie) Clue of Rochelle, IL, her sister-in-law, Jo Clue of Summerset, KY, her daughters;  Marjorie K. Merfeld of Cedar Rapids, IA and Nancy M. Smith of Marion, IA,  her sons;  Ronald J. (Vicki) Hoffman of Charles City, IA and Dennis R. (Dawn) Hoffman of Waterloo, IA.  Also surviving are her grandchildren;  Kristen (Matt) Gillam of Deforest, WI, Brian (Debbie) Merfeld of Cedar Rapids, IA, Sarah (Warren) Schmitt of North Sioux City, SD, Heather (Vince) Penningroth of Ankeny, IA, Angela (Shawn) Peverill, Dana Sparks,  Andy Hoffman of Waterloo, IA, and Rebecca (Aaron) Orth of Coggon, IA.  She is also survived by 15 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 19, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church in Independence with Rev. Scott Meador officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence.  Friends may call for visitation after 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 19^th, at the church.  On line condolence may be left at www.White-MtHope.com.

Bernadine created a positive, welcoming home that was always open to family and friends.  Looking back on her life, they remember that after visits to her home, she would always give a wave from the door to wish them a safe journey home.  Those waves will remain in the hearts and minds of all that visited her.

White Funeral Home of Independence is in charge of arrangements.

Andrew M. Gravel, 29, of Worthington, died Monday, July 10, 2017, in Dubuque, Iowa as the result of a motorcycle accident.

Funeral arrangements are pending at the Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville.

Andy was born July 24, 1987, in Dubuque, Iowa the youngest son of Michael and Kathy (Hunt) Gravel.

Andy was a 2006 graduate of Beckman High School. He earned his associates degree from Kirkwood and attended the University of Iowa.

Andy grew up on the family farm with a love for animals.  When he found an interest in something he became passionate about it – baseball, snowboarding, Hawkeye football, Denver Broncos, cars, photography, and most recently motorcycles.  Many of his interests involved being around others.  He loved spending time with his friends and family especially his nieces and nephew who will miss him dearly.

Survivors include his parents, Mike and Kathy of Worthington; siblings: Benjamin (Beth) Gravel of Cedar Rapids, IA, Laura (Dave) Bateman of Des Plaines, IL, Bob (Natalie) Gravel of Anamosa, IA, Allison (Hasan) Al-Mabuk of Denver, CO; nieces and nephews: Nathan and Hannah Gravel, Elliot Bateman, Brielle and Nichole Gravel; maternal grandmother Carlyn Hunt of Edgewood, IA; paternal grandmother Mary Lou Gravel of Dyersville, IA, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Virgil Hunt and paternal grandfather, Loras Gravel.

Andy’s final gift to others was being an organ donor.  The family would like to thank the individuals that assisted and prayed at the scene of the accident.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com.

John Eugene “Jack” Hense, 51, of Strawberry Point, Iowa, passed away on Monday, July 3, 2017, at his residence. He was born on June 26, 1966, in Dubuque, the son of Eugene and Betty (Lebben) Hense. John was raised in the Dubuque area and was a 1984 graduate of Dubuque Hempstead High School.

On April 20, 1991, John was united in marriage to Dee Berns at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garnavillo. One son was born to this union. The family lived in the Dubuque County area until the spring of 2005. They then moved to the Edgewood/Strawberry Point area. John worked at Hodge’s in Dubuque for several years and then was a truck driver for Simons Feed and Grain in Manchester.

John had a dairy herd and milked cows until 2009. He enjoyed raising Shorthorn cattle and woodworking.

Survivors include his wife, Dee Hense of Strawberry Point; his son, Matt Hense of Strawberry Point; three siblings, Chris (Pat) McNamara of Dubuque, Tom (Mary) Hense of Epworth, and Bev (Steve) Wagner of Dubuque; his father-in-law, Donald Berns of Garnavillo; a brother-in-law, Lee Berns of Garnavillo; and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his mother-in-law, Carolyn Berns.

A John Hense Memorial Fund has been established at Dupaco Community Credit Union.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Funeral Service:  11:00 a.m., on Thursday, July 20, 2017, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Strawberry Point, Iowa. Officiating: Pastor Mike Jackson

Visitation:  4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19, 2017, and one hour prior to the funeral service on Thursday, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home, Strawberry Point.

Interment:  Cass Township Cemetery – Strawberry Point, Iowa