Calvin Eugene Hook, 86, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, August 23, 2016, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, surrounded by his family. He was born on April 29, 1930, in Greeley, Iowa, the son of Russell and Elsie (Brady) Hook. He was raised and educated in the Greeley area, and graduated from Colesburg High School in 1948.

On August 6, 1949, Cal was united in marriage to Garneth Ridenour at the Methodist parsonage in Manchester. Four daughters were born to this union. After their marriage, Cal worked as a farm hand and then moved to St. Louis where he worked at Grant Farm for Anheuser-Busch. They moved back to Iowa in 1959 and he opened Cal’s Sinclair Station. He also was a mechanic for J.M. Jones and Smitty’s. Cal then went to work for the City of Manchester in the Wastewater Treatment Plant until he retired in 1988. After retirement he worked part-time for the Manchester City Parks.

Cal was a long time member of the Methodist Church. He loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren and enjoyed tinkering on mowers and “ wheeling and dealing”. Cal also loved camping, dancing, and helping at the Backbone Bluegrass Festivals.

Survivors include his wife, Garneth Hook of Manchester; three daughter Calleen (David) Adam of Postville, Beatrice (Todd) Wheeler of Arlington, and Dawn (Bill) Ross of Manchester; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Norma Sauerbry of Edgewood, Kathleen (Randy) Waterman of Manchester, and Barb Nurre of Elkader.

Cal was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Melani Legassick in 2013; a grandson, Scott Adam in 2015; a great-grandson, Eli Adam; and two brothers-in-law, Dave Nurre, and Wayne Sauerbry.

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

Funeral Services: 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 26, 2016, at the United Methodist Church in Manchester, Iowa. Officiating: Rev. Phil Rogers.

Visitation: 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 25, 2016, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester, Iowa. Also one hour before the service at the church on Friday.

Interment: Grant View Cemetery – Greeley, Iowa.

Robert “Bob” Turner, 70, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at St. Luke’s Hospital after a sudden illness.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 27, 2016 at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Oakland Cemetery in Manchester.

Bob was born June 25, 1946 in Strawberry Point, Iowa to Walter and Bernice (Peters) Turner. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy.

He was employed at Quaker Oats for thirty-six years, and also mowed yards for twenty-five years. He was planning on retirement this fall.

Bob enjoyed going to coffee and socializing with his friends. He loved to garden and fish, and he adored spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his life partner, Margo Nikodim; six children: Brandy Turner, Tara (Darrell) Halverson, Brandi, Robert, Felicia, and Dalynn Turner; many grandchildren; siblings Wayne (Connie) Turner, Lois Turner, and Marilyn (Lloyd) Foster; and special pet companion Cooper.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Gerald “Jerry” Turner.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Bob’s name has been established. Online condolences may be conveyed at www.cedarmemorial.com.

Jerome R. Keppler, 89, of Manchester, Iowa, was called to his heavenly home on Saturday, August 27, 2016, surrounded by his family.  He was born on July 25, 1927, near New Vienna, the son of Henry and Rose (Hoeger) Keppler.  Jerry was raised and educated in the Edgewood area.

Jerry was united in marriage to Verna Mae Berns on October 26, 1953, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Winthrop.  Seven children were blessed to this union.  Together they farmed near Lamont, West Union, and Strawberry Point.  In 1963 they moved to a farm east of Manchester which they farmed until 1979.  Jerry then was employed by Exide until 1992, and in 1997 they moved to town.

Jerry was a long-time member of St. Mary Catholic Church and attended weekly Mass regularly.  He also was a member of The Knights of Columbus.   He enjoyed playing cards and volleyball.  Jerry also loved being with his family, and enjoyed woodworking, the Cubs, gardening, farming and going for drives. Jerry always had chocolate for his kids and Cheetos for the grandkids and great-grandkids.  He went out to Ron’s farm daily because he loved it so much.

Survivors to cherish his memory include his six children, Rosemary Drees, Sue (Bill) Logan, Steve (Gloria) Keppler, Ron Keppler, Lisa (Mark) Hepke, and Diane (Ken) Klein, all of Manchester; 13 grandchildren, Danelle O’Connell, Mike Drees, Jaci Zieser, and Curt Drees, Brian and Brett Logan, Phil and Drew Keppler, Ben and Kelsey Hepke, and Derek, Kayla, and Kristi Klein; 23 great-grandchildren; one brother, Jim Keppler of Cedar Rapids;

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Verna on April 11, 2006; a son, Bill in 1975; a son-in-law, Dan Drees in 2016; his parents; and 10 siblings, Cletus, Harold, Irvin, Leonard, Ray, John, Father Dan Keppler and Mary Burr, Clarinda and Berniece Bushaw,

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to American Cancer Society.

A special thanks to Amanda and all the ladies from Hospice and

 The Good Neighbor Society Staff for their wonderful care.

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

Mass of Christian Burial:  11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 31, 2016, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Manchester, Iowa.  Officiating:  Rev. John Kremer

Visitation:  2:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, August 30, 2016, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home, Manchester, Iowa.  Friends may also call an hour prior to Mass at the church on Wednesday.

Interment:  St. Mary Catholic Cemetery  –  Manchester, Iowa

Bud Schuchmann, 91, of Strawberry Point, Iowa, passed away on Monday, August 29, 2016, at the Edgewood Convalescent Home. He was born on April 11, 1925, in Strawberry Point, the son of Paul and Hilda (Schmidt) Schuchmann. Bud was raised and educated in country schools near Strawberry Point.

On July 21, 1949, Bud was united in marriage to Marian Rafoth in McGregor. After their marriage, they began their life together on a farm near Strawberry Point. Three children were born to this union. Bud was a long-time livestock buyer for Schuchmann Livestock.

Bud loved to dance. He enjoyed squirrel and mushroom hunting. Bud loved to make people happy, especially children.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Marian Schuchmann of Strawberry Point; his three children, Kirk (Susie) Schuchmann of Strawberry Point, Melodee (Bruce) Cunningham of LeClaire, and Jodi (Mike) Cannon of South Bend, Indiana; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two brothers, Fred Schuchmann and Melvin Schuchmann; one sister Ida Mae Johnson; and one sister-in-law, Bertha Schuchmann.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Paul Schuchmann, Jr.

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

Celebration of Life: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 1, 2016, at the United Methodist Church in Strawberry Point, Iowa, where food and drinks will be served.

This will be the only time for family and friends to pay their respects.

Janice West, 73, of Strawberry Point, passed away on Tuesday, August 30, 2016, at the Edgewood Convalescent Home.

Funeral Service: 11:00 AM on Friday, September 2, 2016, at Hope Lutheran Church, Littleport with Rev. Margaret Yackel-Juleen officiating

Interment: Union Cemetery, Littleport

Visitation: 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, September 1, 2016, at Leonard Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Elkader and one hour before the service at the church on Friday.

Leonard Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left with www.leonardfuneralhomes.com.

Adella V. Lahr, 93, of Dyersville and formerly of Petersburg, died Thursday, September 1, 2016, at Oak Crest Manor in Dyersville surrounded by her children and her devoted husband of 64 years, Clarence.

Visitation will be held from 2 – 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 5, 2016, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12^th Ave SW in Dyersville where a parish vigil service will be held at 5 pm.  Visitation will continue Tuesday from 9 – 10 am            at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Petersburg with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. John O’Connor will officiate.

Adella was born October 14, 1922, in Petersburg, Iowa the ninth child of Louis and Anna (Meyer) Willenbring.  Adella was raised and went to school in Petersburg.  She married Clarence Lahr on Sept. 25, 1951, in Petersburg.  Together they farmed for a time in the Worthington area until making their home in Petersburg.  In 2006, they moved to the Ellen Kennedy Living Center in Dyersville.  Adella was an avid crocheter, and loved to play cards, dominos and jig saw puzzles.  She was a wonderful cook and made the best chicken, roast and apple pie.  She was a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother.

Survivors include her husband, Clarence, 3 children: Elaine (Lester) Stoffel of Morton, IL, Loras (fiancé Kate Jones) Lahr of Dyersville and Barb (John) Ronnau of Stilwell, KS; 9 grandchildren: Tammy (Adam) Gurewitz, Becky (Troy) McKnight, Tim Stoffel, Jesse (Sam) Lahr, Justin (Rosanne) Lahr, Travis (Sidney) Lahr, Aaron Lahr, James (special friend Adrian House) Ronnau and Shannon (fiancé Dustin Smiers) Lahr; 9 great grandchildren and one expected in January; in-laws: Mary Jane Felton of Cascade and Alvin “Bud” Lahr of Manchester.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers: John (Hilda) Willenbring, Albert (Stacy) Willenbring and Lawrence “Sonny” (Verna) Willenbring; 5 sisters: Frances and Leona Willenbring, Rose (Anton) Mormann, Irene (Frank) Sassen and Tillie (Lawrence) Rolfes;  Parents-in-law: Nicholas J. and Mary Lahr; brothers and sisters-in-law: John Lahr, Joe (Isabelle) Lahr, Al (Germaine) Lahr, Nick (Mary Jane) Lahr, Veronica (Henry) Russ, Margaret (John Russ and Tom) Oehler, Loretta Lahr, Rose (Wally) Nehl, Joe Felton and Theresa (Jerry) Goedken.

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

Margaret (Peggy) Louise White, of Worthington, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 30, 2016.

Peggy was born on May 8, 1941, in Ryan, to her parents, Stella (Lyness) and Louis McEnany.  She started school in Lamont and graduated from Winthrop High School. Peggy graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing at Mount Mercy College with a BS in Nursing in 1962.  Peggy worked as a nurse at various Eastern Iowa facilities throughout her career.

She is survived by her daughter, Kelly (Ken) Schuyler of Germantown, WI, her son-in-law, Bill Rolfes of Petersburg, IA, her grandchildren, Nicki White (fiancé Nick Klein) of Waterloo, IA, Dani and Sydney Schuyler of Germantown, WI, and Adam Rolfes of Petersburg, IA, a brother, Jim (Audra) McEnany of Marion, IA, a brother-in-law, Mel (Becky) Gerard, of Cedar Rapids, IA, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kim Rolfes, her parents, Stella & Louis McEnany, a sister, Linda Gerard, a brother, Terry McEnany, and a nephew, Jeremy Gerard.

Peggy’s wish was to have a small, graveside service in lieu of a formal wake and funeral.  The services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at St. Francis Cemetery in Dyersville.  Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

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

Daniel E. McElligott, 83, passed away Saturday, September 3, 2016 at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester, Iowa.

A celebration of life will be held at Bohnenkamp – Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Manchester, Sunday, September 18, 2016, from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m., with Military Rites at 3:00 p.m. A private family gathering for the scattering of his ashes will take place at a later date.

Dan was born to James and Mary (Engel) McElligott, January 4, 1933 in Ryan, Iowa. He graduated from St. Patrick’s School in Ryan, in 1950. He proudly served in the US Army from 1953 to 1955 as a machinist, stationed in Korea. He was married to Betty Hilsenbeck in 1958, they divorced in 1972.

Dan worked as a mechanic throughout his life and was the proud owner of the Shell Station in Ryan for many years, as well as working at John Deere in Waterloo and Exide Battery in Manchester, among other places. Dan enjoyed most of his life on Lake Delhi, fishing and boating, as well as snowmobiling.

Dan is survived by his six children, Sue (Randy Gilds) Sanford of Manchester, Terri (Dennis) Cushing, of Cedar Rapids, Patti (Jeff) Boge of Center Point, Russ (Denise) McElligott of Quasqueton, Darrell (Niki) McElligott of Coggon, and Mary (Derek) Jensen of Center Point; nine grandchildren; seven step grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; 7 step great-grandchildren; and many more loving family and friends.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Mary, and all of his siblings, Patricia Wendell, Irene Keenan, Frank, Larry, Marita Monaghan, Ed, Bob, and Marcy Mottet.

The family would like to thank the loving and caring staff at the Manchester Good Neighbor Home; their care was above and beyond.

A memorial fund has been established in Dan’s memory.

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

Ruth Irene (Knight) Feuss, 81, of Coggon, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 3, 2016, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, with her daughters by her side. She was born on December 5, 1934, in the family home east of Strawberry Point, the daughter of Harold Myron and Leonore Irene (Wiltse) Knight. She began her education at the Rankin #4 Country School through 8th grade, and graduated from Strawberry Point High School with the class of 1953.

After graduation she attended school in Omaha, Nebraska, for airline training and then worked for Mutual of Omaha for one year. While working in Cedar Rapids at Collins Radio in 1954, she met Edward Feuss and they were married on April 10, 1956, at the Strawberry Point Methodist Church. Together they continued living in Cedar Rapids until 1957 when they moved to Mount Vernon, where Lois and Doralee were born. Ruth and Eddie were later divorced and she and her daughters moved to Iowa City.

Ruth was employed at Oral B and then H.P. Smith Paper Company. In 1989 she owned and operated a tavern, New Walts LTD in Iowa City. She lived with her daughter, Lois, in North Liberty for ten years, before moving to Coggon in 2011.

Ruth was a Charter member of the 4-H Pointer Blue Bells and the Pleasant Point Grange. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and Women Society. Ruth was a trained Stephen Minister. She enjoyed the Red Hat Charmers, East Country Club, Clayton County Genealogy, and was a Board Member of the Wilder Museum.

Survivors include her two children, Lois Feuss of North Liberty and Doralee (Jim) Davis of Williamsburg; three grandchildren, Kenny (Dana) Desrochers, Dylan (Courtney Appleby) Davis and Brett Davis; four great-grandchildren, Owen and Ethan Desrochers, plus twin boys on the way, and Kinley and Ryker Davis; one brother, Nolan (Marie) Knight of Strawberry Point; a sister, Rita Hill of Hiawatha; and a sister-in-law, Rose Marie Knight of Strawberry Point.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Dean Knight and a brother-in-law, Richard Hill.
Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Visitation: 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 7, 2016, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Strawberry Point, Iowa. Also one hour before the funeral at the church on Thursday.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 8, 2016, at United Methodist Church in Strawberry Point, Iowa. Officiating: Rev. Mary Green

Interment: Cass Township Cemetery – Strawberry Point, Iowa.

Billy “Brownie” A. Bleadorn, 78, of Monticello died Monday, Sept. 5, 2016, at his home in Monticello.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m.to 6:00 pm Friday, September 9, 2016, at the Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello where a prayer service will be held at 5:30 p.m. A meal will be served following at the Eagle’s Club, Monticello. Private burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Monticello at a later date.

Brownie was born October 25, 1937 in Maquoketa, IA the son of Alvin and Florence (Bliss) Bleadorn. He graduated from Monticello High School in 1956. Following his education he worked for Clinton Machine and Foundry and Morris Construction for several years. He married Gayle Hughes on July 31, 1976, in Monticello. She preceded him in death on Nov. 13, 2010. He worked for Energy Manufacturing Co. from which he retired in 2003. Brownie and Gayle owned and operated Brownies Canoe Rental for several years. They enjoyed their yearly trips to the Old Threshers Reunion. Brownie enjoyed fishing and stock car racing, in which he raced around area tracks. Brownie loved working in his garden and keeping his yard beautiful. Feeding the birds and watching the many different species come and go was a favorite pastime.

Brownie is survived by his brother, Neil Bleadorn of Monticello, a sister, Elaine (Jim) Palmer of Denver, CO, his mother-in-law, Aletha Hughes of Monticello, 12 brothers and sisters-in-laws: Russell (Danica) Hughes, Al Hughes, Gus (Julie) Hughes of Anamosa, Red (Joyce) Hughes, Mary Kay Hughes, and Jann (Terry) Turnis, all of Monticello, Lois J. Hughes of North Liberty, Rob Hughes of Monticello, Rich (Suzy) Hughes of Delhi, Gary Hughes of Monticello, Diane Hughes of Anamosa and Lisa (Adam) Gonzales of Austin Tx; Many nieces & nephews: Jenny Hughes, Mikki (Kraig) Manternach, Angie (Tim) Fangmann, Jessica (Tom) Hunter, Justin (Stacy) Hunter, Jalyse (Ryan) Schwal, Shannon (Brant) LaGrange, Jason McElmeel, Luke (Diane) McElmeel, Nic (Michelle) McElmeel, Lexi (Jon) Etringer, Travis Hughes, Nikki, Austin, and Dalton Hughes, Trevor and Elijah Hughes, Zac Martinsen, Jacob, Marina, and Joaquin Gonzales. His great nieces and nephews will miss their Uncle Brownie dearly. He got so much enjoyment visiting and playing with them. He will also be missed by his buddy, Jack his cat.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Gayle, his father-in-law, Tom Hughes in 2001, and a sister-in-law, Arlene Bleadorn.

A memorial fund has been established in Brownie’s memory.

Information available and condolences accepted at www.kramerfuneral.com.

Robert M. O’Dell, 94, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Monday, September 5, 2016, at the Strawberry Point Lutheran Home. He was born on August 7, 1922, in Manchester, the son of Frank and Lillian (Rippon) O’Dell. He was raised and educated in Manchester. Robert graduated from high school in Mexico, Missouri. He served honorably in the United States Navy during WWII.

Robert was united in marriage to Josephine Luizzi in 1944. To this union were born two children, a son, Richard, and a daughter, Barbara. They later divorced. Robert was united in marriage to Iva Edna Hawker Sheppard on November 16, 1958. Iva passed away on August 6, 2003.

Robert worked for Authur Transport. He then worked as a custodian for West Delaware Schools. Robert was a lifetime member of the Manchester American Legion.

Survivors include his son, Richard O’Dell of Connecticut; two grandsons; a niece, Bonnie Fascher of Manchester; and three nephews, Willard (Marcia) Hawker, Wallace (Mary Lou) Hawker, all of Manchester, and Milton (Onalee) Arnold of Marion.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Iva O’Dell; his daughter, Barbara; and a sister, Dorothy.

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

Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 9, 2016, at Peace Lutheran Church, Ryan, Iowa. Officiating: Pastor Roger Mckinstry

Visitation: 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service, on Friday, September 9, 2016, at the church.

Interment: Peace Lutheran Cemetery – Ryan, Iowa

Dean Alan Beauregard, 56, of Marion, Iowa entered into his eternal rest on Monday, September 5, 2016 at the Hospice of Mercy in Hiawatha, Iowa.

Dean Alan Beauregard was born October 22, 1959 at Cedar Rapids, Iowa the son of Darrell and Bessie Johnson Beauregard. He attended Starmont schools and graduated with the High School class of 1978. During his life he worked as an aircraft mechanic for American Eagle and recently for Hy-Vee. He loved airplanes, hunting and fishing, archery, and any outdoor activity, especially spent with his son Logan.

Dean is survived by his son Logan of Cedar Falls, Logan’s mother Betty Gudenkauf Beauregard of Waterloo; Dean’s mother Bessie Beauregard of Strawberry Point, four brothers: Clifford of Center Point, Richard of Cedar Rapids, Don of Casa Grande, AZ, and Keith of Masonville, IA; two sisters: Linda Koehler of Coure-de-lene, ID; and Nancy Long of Oelwein, IA; numerous nieces and nephews , other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Darrell; and one brother Terry.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, September 9, 2016 in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church at Monti, Iowa. Inurnment will take place in the Church Cemetery. Friends may call at the Church in Monti from 9 AM until 11 AM on Friday.

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

Independence –  Burton K. Van Horn, 61 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Thursday, September 8, 2016, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence.  He was born on April 22, 1955, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, the son of Harry Eldon and Evelyn Joyce (Black) Van Horn.  He graduated from high school in Independence with the Class of 1973.  On May 24, 1975, he and the former Barbara Ann Hayward were married at St. John’s Catholic Church in Independence.  After serving in the U.S. Air Force in Spain, they returned to Independence.  Mr. Van Horn was a Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputy and an EMT at Peoples Memorial Hospital.  Next, he was the owner and operator of Wapsie TV in Independence.  Later, he was a bus driver and Director of Transportation for the Independence Community Schools.  He was a member of the Sheehan-Tidball American Legion Post #30 and the Bechter-Boies V.F.W. Post #2440 in Independence.  He was formerly a member of the Independence Parks and Rec. Board and helped with Hunter Safety classes.  He enjoyed every minute of time spent riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Mr. Van Horn is survived by his wife of 41 years, Barbara, 1 son, Brett (Sara) Van Horn of Ames, Iowa, 1 daughter, Brianne Van Horn of Ankeny, Iowa, and his father, Harry Van Horn of Whitehall, Wisconsin.  He is also survived by 2 brothers, Robert (Laura) Van Horn of West Union, Iowa, and Randy (Judy) Van Horn of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and 3 sisters, Brenda (Tom) Kammer of Mankato, Minnesota, Peg Van Horn of Caledonia, Minnesota, and Pam Wenzel of Dubuque, Iowa.and 1 cousin, David Gates

He was preceded in death by his mother.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 12, 2016, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Independence with Pastor Greg DeBoer officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence.  Friends may call for visitation from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday, September 11^th, at the White Funeral Home in Independence where a Military Service begins at 7 p.m.  On line condolences may be left at www.White-MtHope.com.

Velma Irene Cook, 91, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2016, at the Strawberry Point Lutheran Home. She was born on September 10, 1924, in rural Manchester, the daughter of Frank and Florence (Chambers) Elsbury. Velma attended Manchester and Colesburg rural schools.

On November 2, 1946, Velma was united in marriage to Merwin “Bud” Cook in Manchester. Three children were born to this union. The family lived in Manchester. Bud died on March 1, 2009.

Velma enjoyed counted cross-stitch, embroidery, and gardening. Most of all, Velma cherished the time she spent with her family.

Survivors include one son, Richard (Pat) Cook of Manchester; one daughter, Patricia (Scott) Knutson of Elk Point, South Dakota; one daughter-in-law, Cathy Cook of Manchester; five grandchildren, Theresa Cook, Angela Cook, Chris (Nancy) Cook, Coreen (Nate) Nading, and Matthew Hauschild; four great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Lloyd (Charlotte) Cook of Schertz, Texas; and one sister-in-law, Naomi Cook of Eugene, Oregon.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bud Cook; one son, Edward in 2008; one brother in infancy, Floyd Elsbury; and four sisters, Ione Elsbury, Beulah Romig, Loretta Bryant, and Letha Garlow.

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

Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 12, 2016, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester, with Rev. Phil Rogers officiating.

Visitation: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 11, 2016, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester. Friends may also call one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Monday.

Interment: Thorpe Cemetery – Manchester, Iowa

Heather Ann Blasdell, 39, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Friday, September 9, 2016, at her residence in Manchester.

She was born on January 17, 1977, in Cedar Rapids.  She was raised and educated in Cedar Rapids and then graduated from Kaplan University with a two year degree.  Heather worked at Linn Haven Care Center as a home health care aide.

Survivors include her son, Austen Burridge of Manchester; her daughter, AAliyah Blasdell of Cedar Rapids; one sister, Chris; and a brother, Danny.

Heather was preceded in death by her parents.

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

A private family service will be at a later date.

Marie M. Goerdt Brueckner was born on March 7, 1919 and died on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at the age of 97.

Visitation will be held from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 15, 2016 at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

Marie was the daughter of Joseph and Wilhelmina Koopmann Goerdt and married John D. Brueckner on August 15, 1942 in St. Andrews Cathedral in Little Rock, Arkansas.

She graduated from Xavier High School and the State Teacher’s College (now UNI) in Cedar Falls. For nineteen years, Marie taught school, twelve of those years as a third grade teacher at St. Francis Xavier School.

Marie was very active in church work through the Rosary Society as well as with the Girl Scouts. Over twenty years, she served on the Little Cloud Council Board and Established Camp Committee; was chairman of Dyersville’s first fund drive and Troop organizer. She was also an assistant leader and provided the program change training.

She was a member of the ACCW American Legion Auxiliary, the Dyersville Golf and Country Club and a lifetime member of the CDA’s.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband, John on July 2, 2016; a daughter, Lisa; her parents, five brothers (Al, Clete, Bud, Brother Ed and Brother Art); two sisters, Oliva Krapfl and Helen Meyers; and a grandson, Michael George.

She is survived by four daughters: Elaine (Jeff) George of La Crosse, Wisconsin; Cheryl (Mark) Wright of Manton, Michigan; Diane (Don Pirkl) of Victor, Iowa; Lynn (Dr. Greg) Keeling of Baraboo, Wisconsin; and one son, JC (Karin) Brueckner of Overland Park, Kansas. She is further survived by fifteen grandchildren: Jennifer (Ken) Ericson and Katie (Gus) Ewoldt of Maple Grove, Minnesota; Libby George (Jacob Parakilas) of London, England; Jadrian (Dan) Clark and Carolyne Rothrock of Portland, Oregon; David Rothrock of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Melissa Rothrock of Boon, Michigan; A.J. Pirkl of Victor, Iowa; Nathan (Brooke) Keeling of Middleton, Wisconsin; Marlie Keeling and Shannon(Edward) Pike of Austin, Texas; Max Keeling of Baraboo, Wisconsin; Riley and Jackson Brueckner and Ryan Seltman of Overland Park, Kansas; and seven great grandchildren: Zanna and George Ericson and Winnie, Vivian and Leo Ewoldt of Maple Grove, Minnesota; Malia Rothrock and Cyrik Yonkman of Boon, Michigan.
Memorial made be directed to St. Francis Xavier Basilica.

Independence –  Leland D. Hansen, 66 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Monday, September 12, 2016, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence, Iowa.  He was born on October 14, 1949, in Pipestone, Minnesota, the son of Leo Henry and Margaret Leona (Boldt) Hansen.  He graduated from high school in Independence.  On September 8, 1990, he and the former Julia Anne Richards were married in Charles City, Iowa.  Mr. Hansen was a mechanic, woodworker, and all around tinkerer.  He worked at Midwest Wood Products and Edgeton Sanitation and Recycling before retiring in 2013.  He was a league bowler in Independence and enjoyed woodworking, small engine repair, fishing, and antique cars in his free time.

Mr. Hansen is survived by his wife, Julie, 1 sister, Janice (Larry) Randall of Independence, Iowa, 1 brother, Merlyn (Kim) Hansen of Mesa, Arizona, 1 sister-in-law, Donna Hansen of Littleton, Iowa, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, Roger “Butch” Hansen and Verlyn Hansen.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2016, at the White Funeral Home in Independence with Rev. David Beckman officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence at a later date.  Friends may call for visitation from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16^th, at the funeral home.  On line condolences may be left at www.White-MtHope.com.

Jeff A. Woods, 43, of Marion, Iowa, formerly of Ryan, died Sunday, September 11, 2016. Visitation will be Sunday, September 18, 2016, from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ryan, Iowa, with a 3:00 p.m. Scripture Service. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 19, 2016, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ryan, Iowa, with visitation one hour prior to service. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Ryan. Arrangements by Bohnenkamp – Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Manchester.

Survivors include his mother, Janet Woods of Manchester; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father, James Woods.

Jeff was born November 3, 1972, in Manchester, Iowa, the son of James and Janet (Falconer) Woods. Jeff was a West Delaware High School graduate and worked in the construction industry. He enjoyed sports, and was a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and New York Yankees. Jeff also enjoyed playing golf.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Camp Courageous of Iowa or the Ryan Fire Department.

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

LaVerne J. Eike, 92, of Manchester, Iowa, died Thursday, September 8, 2016. Visitation will be Friday, September 16, 2016, from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Bohnenkamp – Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Manchester, with a 2:00 p.m. Scripture Service. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 17, 2016 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Manchester, with visitation one hour prior to service. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Manchester.

Survivors include his daughter, Shirley (Dennis) Lyons of Manchester; one grandson, Caleb Lyons of Manchester; many nieces and nephews; and a special group of friends from Jude’s Café.

LaVerne was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Agnes; siblings, Delores (Eike) and Linus Hoeger, Clarence (Anita) Eike, Leo (Darlene) Eike; brothers and sisters-in-law, Lorretta (William) Hildebrand, Frank (Eileen) Egloff, Cora (Emil) Lentner, and Cordella (Kenny) Powell.

LaVerne was born November 22, 1923, in Dyersville, Iowa, the son of Joseph Eike, Jr. and Clara (Bergfeld) Eike. On August 16, 1948, LaVerne married Agnes Egloff at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earlville. Together the couple farmed in the Manchester area. LaVerne liked to watch the corn grow; his heart never left the farm, even though he did. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, East Central Iowa Two Cylinder Club, served as Milo Township Trustee, and on the Dairy Board. LaVerne hauled livestock for area farmers, was a carpenter, and a school bus driver. He enjoyed dancing, playing cards, driving his restored John Deere tractors in many parades, and dining with friends at Jude’s Café. He loved spending time with friends and family, especially his grandson, Caleb.

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