Teri S. Bagby, 62 years old, of Dunkerton, Iowa, died on Saturday, August 6, 2017 in Independence, Iowa.  She was born on August 6, 1955, in Independence, the daughter of Bud and Pat (Meggers) Axline.  She graduated from high school in Independence with the Class of 1973.  On December 1, 1973, she and Tom John Bagby were married at St. John’s Catholic Church in Independence.  He preceded her in death in 2014.  Mrs. Bagby was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church – Barclay, Dunkerton, Iowa, and was formerly a member of the Dunkerton Fire Department.  She enjoyed her grandchildren, cooking and canning, and camping at Backbone State Park.

Mrs. Bagby is survived by 2 daughters, Traci Fettkether of Independence, Trisha Martin of Clarksville, Iowa, 2 sons, Travis (Amanda) Bagby of Lisbon, Iowa, and Trent Bagby of Dunkerton, 9 grandchildren, her parents, Pat and Bud Axline of Independence, and 2 sisters, Gale (David) Harris of Florida, and Billie (Tom) Zimmerly of Independence.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by 1 sister, Jodi Axline.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 9^th, at the White Funeral Home in Independence.  Her cremated remains will be buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence.  On line condolences may be left at www.White-MtHope.com.

Jean S.(Fettkether) Grimm, 74, of Marion, passed away Friday, August 4, 2017, surrounded by her family at the Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha.

Funeral services will be held at the Faith Lutheran Church of Marion at 11:00am Tuesday, August 8th, 2017. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery in Aurora, Iowa. Visitation will be 4-8 pm Monday, August 7th at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home.

Survivors include, daughters, Amanda Buchan (Dean), of Austin, MN, Angela Hahn (Myron), of Cedar Rapids, and Amy Clubb (Josh), of Cedar Rapids.   Grandchildren, Andy(Samantha) Buchan, Isaak Hahn, Brevin Hahn, Kinsley Clubb, Rylann Clubb, Cohen Clubb A brother, Duane (Peggy) Fettkether, sister, Janis (Larry) Lerch. Great grandchildren, Aubrey and Daphne Buchan. Several nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by her former husband Loyd Diercksen, late husband Roger Grimm, and grandson, Braxton Hahn.

Jean was born on December 10, 1942 to Cyril and Ardelle Fettkether at the Delaware County Hospital in Manchester, Iowa.  She was raised on a farm outside of Masonville, and graduated from West Delaware High School in 1961.  After high school she attended Paris Beauty School in Cedar Rapids and graduated in 1962.  Upon graduation she returned to work on the family farm and also at a salon in Winthrop.  In 1964 she married Loyd Diercksen, to this union three daughters were born, Amanda, Angela and Amy.  She was the proud owner of Jean’s Salon and Styles in Strawberry Point from 1975 to 1985.  In 1985, they moved into a family home in Manchester, Iowa.  Upon retiring from Cosmetology, Jean worked for many years in retail management.  In 1996 she moved to Osage Beach, MO where she continued working in retail.  In 1999, she married Roger Grimm.  Jean and Roger enjoyed their time at the lake, owning their own liquor store and raising greyhounds.  They moved to Marion, Iowa in 2006.  Jean recently worked for Associates for Behavior Health, where she enjoyed helping people.

Jean led a very spirited life, she enjoyed cooking and finding new recipes to try.  She loved spending time with her family and always enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s events.  Jean dedicated her life to making people feel special, loved and always welcomed.  We will forever remember and miss her infectious laugh and warm hugs.

Memorials may be directed to the family of Jean Grimm.

Dale J. Sabers, 51, of Rickardsville died Monday, August 7, 2017, at home with his loving family by his side.

Visitation will be held from 1:30 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, August 13, 2017, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rickardsville where parish vigil service will be held at closing of visitation.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 14, 2017, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rickardsville with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Noah Diehm will officiate.

Dale was born March 25, 1966, in Dubuque, the son of Bill and Judy (Fagan) Sabers.  After high school Dale graduated from Iowa State University.  He married his college sweetheart Sheila K. Wilgenbusch on October 13, 1990, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rickardsville.

Dale became part of the Cottingham & Butler team in 2001 and led the Risk Management Safety Consultant Services.   He was dedicated to his work and most importantly he was devoted to his family.  He loved to watch his sons compete in various sports.

Dale’s passion in fishing led him to yearly family vacations in Ely, MN and his many Canadian fly-in fishing trips with his buddies.  Dale took advantage to make memories with his die hard Cubs family after the World Series Victory to celebrate with his brothers and parents in the middle of the night.  The building of his home has taught his boys many skills through his expertise in woodworking.

Surviving are his wife, Sheila, two sons: Hunter and Noah, parents: Bill and Judy Sabers of Dubuque, siblings: Curt Sabers of Central City, Brian (Sue) Sabers, Alan Sabers both of Dubuque, in-laws: Barb (Jerry) Roling of Dubuque, Dale (Sue) Wilgenbusch of Rickardsville, Vickie (Brian) Moore of Windsor, CO, Dean (Amy) Wilgenbusch of Dubuque, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents –in-law Jim and Betty (Gansemer) Wilgenbusch.

A Dale J. Sabers memorial fund has been established, memorials are preferred.

Verna Mae Steffen, 92 of Luxemburg passed away Tuesday, August 8, 2017, at Guttenberg Care Center in Guttenberg.

Visitation will be held from 3 – 8 p.m. Friday, August 11, 2017, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville. Visitation will continue Saturday morning from 9 – 10 at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 12, 2017, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Luxemburg with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Noah Diehm will officiate.

Verna Mae was born August 30, 1924, in Petersburg, Iowa the daughter of Aloys and Abeline (Klostermann) Nurre. She married Julius Steffen on October 21, 1947, in Petersburg. Together they farmed and raised their family in the Luxemburg area until retiring and moving to Luxemburg in 1977. She was a good old fashioned farm wife and mother who was also a lifetime member of the Holy Trinity Rosary Society. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Survivors include her 6 children: Stanley (Linda) and Sam (Pam) both of Luxemburg, Wayne (Debbie) of Rickardsville, Terry (Kathy) of Holy Cross, Laura (Loren) Harbaugh of Sanford, FL, and Lois (Denny) Garin of Guttenberg; a daughter-in-law: Bonnie Steffen of Luxemburg,
26 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, 60 great grandchildren, 5 step great grandchildren,
siblings: Joe (Helen) Nurre of Manchester, Arlene (Dave) Steffen of Luxemburg,Rosemary (Marvin) Nickol of Dyersville, Ken (Dottie) Nurre of Rockford, IL, and Gerald (Rita) Nurre of Petersburg.
in-laws: Rosemarie Nurre of Cedar Rapids.

She was preceded in death by her husband on November 4, 2010; 2 sons: Ronald in 2007, and Joseph at birth; siblings: Alfred Nurre, and Charlie (Alice) Nurre; and in-laws: John Steger, Bernice (Carl) Decker, Tharsilla (Joe) Gerdemann, Lorraine (Frank) Lentz, Reynold (Mildred) Steffen, Leonard (Marie) Steffen, and Wilfred (Florence) Steffen.

Jennifer Potter Colbert, 42, of Strawberry Point, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2017, at home following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born February 21, 1975, in Manchester, the daughter of Dale and Diane (DeShaw) Potter. Jennifer graduated from Starmont High School.

In 1993 Jennifer was united in marriage to Ed Smith in Nashua, Iowa.  Three children were born to this union. They later divorced.  Jennifer stayed at home to homeschool and raise her children.

Jennifer loved board games, playing volleyball, and cards. Her family was very special to her and she loved to spend time with them.

Survivors include her three children, Hannah, Brianne, and Ethan Smith, all of Strawberry Point; her parents, Dale and Diane Potter of Strawberry Point; and three sisters, Stacie (Terry) Groth and Kristy (Cory) Gonzales all of Strawberry Point, and Brittany (Andy) Squires of Center Point.

Jennifer was preceded in death by two sisters, Jaclyn Potter and Linda Rausch; a niece, Makenzie Groth; maternal grandparents, Duane and Virginia DeShaw; and paternal grandparents, Daryl and Mary Potter.

Online condolences may be left with www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, August 15, 2017, at Community Bible Church in Strawberry Point with Pastor Bruce Klett and Bill Knight officiating.

Visitation: 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Monday, August 14, 2017, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Strawberry Point and after 9:30 a.m. at the church on Tuesday.

Interment: Cass Township Cemetery –  Strawberry Point, Iowa

Larry A. Holthaus, 79, of Colesburg, Iowa, died on Sunday, August 13, 2017, at the Edgewood Convalescent Home in Edgewood. He was born on April 30, 1938, in Delaware County, the son of Marvin and Beulah Holthaus.

Larry attended Colesburg High School, graduating in 1956. Following graduation, he resided on the Holthaus Family Century Farm, near Colesburg, in the house built by his grandparents, and farmed the 120 acres. He also worked for Three Rivers Company FS in Colesburg and Earlville for 49 years. After retiring from Three Rivers FS in 2015, Larry worked part-time for the Petersburg Feed Mill.

Larry loved collecting tractors, even building a 50-by-80-foot shed in which to house them. He enjoyed driving them in parades. Larry filled his days with work, reading newspapers, especially the Spokesman, and visiting people. He also greatly enjoyed the Edgewood Rodeo, attending every night of the event for the last 30 years.

Larry was a member of the Farm Bureau; Constellation Lodge No. 67, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of Colesburg; and the Colesburg United Methodist Church.

Survivors include two aunts; many cousins; and lots of friends.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, David, in 2012.

Memorials may be directed to the Colesburg United Methodist Church or the Edgewood Convalescent Home.

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

Funeral Service:  10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 18, 2017, at the United Methodist Church in Colesburg, Iowa, with Pastor Joan Thomas officiating.

Visitation:  3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 17, 2017, at the United Methodist Church in Colesburg. Friends may also call one hour before the service Friday at the church.

Interment:  Zion Cemetery, Colesburg, Iowa

Casket Bearers: Clark Palmer, Tom Callan, John Deutmeyer, Lee Horstman, Lee Wiskus, Ken Faust, Jerry Ries, and Phil Ries

Randall Dennler, 58, of Lincoln, Nebraska formerly of Elkader, Iowa died Sunday, August 13, 2017 at Monarch Hospice House in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Visitation will be 9-11 am on Friday, August 18, 2017 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elkader, Iowa

A Celebration of Life Service will be at 11:00 am on Friday, August 18, 2017 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elkader, Iowa.

Burial will follow at Elgin Cemetery, Elgin, Iowa.

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

Mary J. Brady, 85, of Cascade, Iowa died peacefully at Bethany Home on Sunday, August 13, 2017.

Visitation will occur on Wednesday, August 16^th from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm and from 9:30 am to 10:30 am Thursday, August 17^th at St. Mathias Church in Cascade where a Mass of Christian Burial will commence at 10:30 am.  Rev. Douglas Loecke will preside. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Mary was born on March 21, 1932, the daughter of Joseph and Teresa (Ryle) Herard.  She graduated in 1950 from the former St. Martin’s High School in Cascade and received her BA from Marycrest College in 1954.  In the 1970’s she pursued professional education in insurance at the University of Iowa.

Mary Brady is survived by three children: Terri Brady (David Johnson) of Chicago, IL, Mark (Jamie) Brady of Chicago, IL, and Matthew Brady of New York, NY; and four grandchildren: Mary, Brian, Grace and Sarah Brady.  Mary was preceded in death by three children: Mary Jo, John Patrick and Sarah Elizabeth; her parents and her brother Monsignor Joseph P. Herard.

After graduating from Marycrest, Mary taught high school in Hopkinton, Iowa.  Later she became the Health Recreation Program Director at the YWCA in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  In 1962 she began teaching high school at Aquin in Cascade.  In 1974 she became the owner of J. C. Herard Agency, an insurance business established by her father in the 1920’s.  At the time Mary was among the few Iowa women who owned and ran independent insurance agencies.  She was a long-standing member of the Iowa Independent Insurance Agents and won many awards.

Mary was active in the Cascade community.  Her service included memberships in the Tri-County Historical Society, American Legion Auxiliary, the Shady Rest Auxiliary, the Cascade Chamber of Commerce, and the Cascade Library Board.  She served on the St. Matthias Parish fundraising committee to build the new Aquin Elementary Catholic School. Mary was a founding Director for CARE (Cascade Area Resources for Education) and helped lead the foundation’s successful effort to fund and build the Ellen Kennedy Fine Arts Center.

Mary loved theater, music, politics, Iowa sports, home design, bridge, sewing and quilting, gardening, travel and coffee at Grandma’s Kitchen with “the ladies.” She was a loyal supporter of Cascade High School’s cross country teams and drama productions.

The family would like to thank Bethany Home and Hospice of Dubuque for their kindness and care.  The family requests that memorials support the Alzheimer’s Association of Dubuque.

Betty Jean Orvis McMahon, 87, of Elkader, passed away Monday, August 14, 2017, at the Elkader Care Center.

Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 19, 2017, at Norway Lutheran Cemetery, rural St. Olaf, IA, with Rev. Marshall Hahn officiating.

Online condolences may be left with www.graufuneralhomes.com

Rev. Richard F. Maichen, 90, of Manchester, Iowa, died Monday, August 14, 2017.  Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 18, 2017, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Manchester, with a 2:00 p.m. Scripture Service and Knights of Columbus Rosary at 6:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 19, 2017, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Manchester, with visitation one hour prior. Archbishop Michael Jackels will officiate, with Rev. Joseph Schneider as concelebrant, and Rev. John Flaherty as homilist. Burial will be at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Manchester.

Fr. Maichen was born August 21, 1926, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the son of Leo and Anna (Robl) Maichen.  Graduating from Dubuque St. Columkille High School in 1944, he served in the U.S. Army during WWII, stationed in the Philippines.  He then studied Philosophy at Loras College in Dubuque, graduating in 1950.  He graduated from the Theologian College of Catholic University in Washington, DC, being ordained in 1954 by Bishop Loras Lane.  Fr. Maichen served as a faculty member and priest at the following locations; Dubuque St. Patrick Catholic Church,  Loras Academic Faculty, Elkader St. Joseph Catholic Church, Dyersville St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Dyersville Xavier High School Faculty, Cresco St. Joseph Catholic Church, Waukon St. Patrick High School, Colesburg St. Patrick Catholic Church, Holy Cross High School, Andrew St. John Catholic Church, Marquette High School in Bellevue, Worthington St. Paul Catholic Church, and Manchester St. Mary Catholic Church, retiring in 1996.

Fr. Maichen served as Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus in Manchester, and was a member of the American Legion.  In his spare time, he enjoyed most sports, following the Green Bay Packers, golf, and reading.

Surviving members of Fr. Maichen’s family include a brother, Howard (Joan) Maichen of Shelby Township, Michigan; a sister, Audrey Delwiche (Joe) Kronzer of Troy, Ohio; and nine nieces and nephews, Kathy (Ed) Kelloff of Burlingame, California, Mary Westman of Lake Orion, Michigan, Michael (Kristen) Maichen of Natick, Massachusetts, Caroline (Tim) McGowen of Edina, Minnesota, Larry (Deanne) Delwiche of El Dorado Hills, California, James (Susan) Delwiche of Lima, Ohio, Laurie (Jeff) Ryan of Washington, Illinois, Paul (Cindy) Delwiche of Troy, Ohio, Michael (Jean) Delwiche of Gregory, Michigan, and eleven great-nieces and twelve great-nephews.

Fr. Maichen was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Ann Maichen.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to St. Mary Catholic Church or St. Mary Catholic School in Manchester, or Loras College in Dubuque.

Deanne M. Tobin, 60 of Worthington passed away unexpectedly Monday, August 14, 2017, at Mercy Medical Center in Dyersville.

Visitation will be held 1-8 pm Thursday, August 17, 2017, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12^th Ave SW in Dyersville where the Worthington Volunteer Fire Department will gather at 6 pm.  Visitation will continue Friday from 9-10 am at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Friday, August 18, 2017, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Worthington with burial in the church cemetery.  Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

Deanne was born April 25, 1957, in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Marvin and Betty (Oberbroeckling) Olsem.  She married David Tobin in Worthington on June 6, 1980.

She graduated from Western Dubuque High School with the Class of 1975 and went on to earn a Secretarial Diploma from Northeast Iowa Technical Institute in Peosta, and eventually earned an Associate’s Degree from Northeast Iowa Community College. She worked at the Ertl Outlet Store, All American Homes, Inventory Trading Company, and most recently at the Kid Project and as a Sub-Paraprofessional at the Western Dubuque School District.

Deanne was a genuinely selfless and caring person who always had a smile.  She was one of the first women to join the Worthington Volunteer Fire Department in 1997.  She earned several Fire Service certifications and retired after 10 years on the Department.  She had a great enthusiasm for children and her motorcycle.

Survivors include her husband, Dave, and her children: Stacie Tobin of Worthington, Beth (Chad) Tobin-Post, and their children, Meggan and Olivia of Dyersville, Michelle (Scott) Steffensmeier, and their children, Tyler, Lillian, Jack, and baby of Dyersville; siblings: Her twin, Denise (Jim) Ostwinkle of Worthington, Rick (Nancy) Olsem of Peosta, Deb (Dan) Ament of Dyersville, Judy (Mark) Goetschius of Mount Vernon, David (Becky) Olsem of Robins, Dan (Lisa) Olsem of St. Charles, IL, Jeff (Kate) Olsem of Cedar Rapids;  mother-in-law: Dorothy “Dottie” Tobin and in-laws: Ken (Karen) Tobin and Linda Tobin all of Worthington, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her father-in-law, Eugene “Ede” Tobin.

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

Wilma Catherine Singer, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on August 15, 2017 , at St.Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was born August 26, 1923, in Ocheyedan, the daughter of Gustave Schade and Lillian (Huge) Schade. Wilma was raised in the Stanley area, attending Lamont, Dundee, and Stanley schools through tenth grade.

On October 3, 1948, she married Richard “Dick” Singer, and the couple moved to Manchester. Four children were born to this union.  Self-employed, Wilma preformed custodial work and drove for the Regional Transit Authority (RTA).

Wilma was a member of First Lutheran Church. Wilma enjoyed cooking and gardening. Wilma loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them.

Survivors include her three daughters, Audrey (Larry) Carmichael of Corning, Sharon (Gary) Staton of Cedar Rapids, and Sandra (Nicholas) Bingham of Cedar Rapids; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren, with one on the way; a brother, Herbert Schade of Walker; and two sisters, Agnes McManigle of Baraboo, Wisconsin, and Delores Bebensee of Pharr, Texas.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Donald, Robert, and Mervin Schade; a son, Garry; and a grandson, Michael Staton.

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

Funeral Service:  10:30 a.m., on Saturday, August 19, 2017, at First Lutheran Church in Manchester, with Rev. Tony Ede officiating.

Visitation:  After 9:30 a.m., on Saturday, August 19, 2019, at First Lutheran Church in Manchester.

Interment:  Oakland Cemetery – Manchester, Iowa

Ardyth Weller, 84, of McGregor, Iowa died Monday, August 14, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Visitation will be 4-7 pm on Monday, August 21, 2017 at Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, McGregor, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Tuesday.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, McGregor, Iowa.

Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, McGregor, Iowa.

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

John L. Swanson, 90, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2017. Visitation will be held from  12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 18, 2017, at First Lutheran Church, Manchester with Funeral Services beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial:  Oakland Cemetery, Manchester, Iowa. Arrangements by Bohnenkamp – Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Manchester.

John was born April 6, 1927, in New London, Minnesota, the son of Axel Wilhelm and Ella (Mattson) Swanson. When John was six years old, the family moved to a farm six miles south of Manchester in Prairie Township.  John attended rural schools and graduated from Manchester High School in 1945. On April 6, 1951, John married Una Krieg of Edgewood, Iowa, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Garnavillo, Iowa.  Two children were born to this union, Roxann and Thomas. John and Una farmed the family farm until 1981. In 1951, John was drafted into the Army and served in the Korean War until 1953, and was in the Reserves for four years. He received numerous medals, including the Bronze Star. John was confirmed in the Swedish Lutheran Church, Delaware, Iowa. He was a member of First Lutheran Church, Manchester.

John is survived by his wife, Una of Manchester; daughter, Roxann (Elias) Schumann of Manchester; son, Thomas (Lisa) Swanson of Manchester; one sister, Verna Ahrens of Texas; three grandchildren, Aaron (Tami) Schumann of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, Angela (Yaw) Opoku-Agyemang of Bloomington, Illinois, Jennifer (Luke) Malone of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; two step-grandchildren, Kerry Boyle and Casey Boyle. He is also survived by sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Walter and Beverly Clauson; brother-in-law, Charles Thomas, and sister-in-law, Jeanne Krieg.

John was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Richard and Harold; two sisters, Alice and Florence; sister-in-law, Helen Thomas, and brother-in-law, Leon Arthur Krieg.

Memorials may be directed to Camp Courageous of Iowa in John’s memory.

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

Mary Veronica Kester, 99, formerly of Ryan, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2017, at Hallmar Residential Care Center in Cedar Rapids. She was born on April 5, 1918, in Delaware County, the daughter of James and Agnes (Moroney) Keegan. She attended country school near Ryan, graduating from Coggon High School in 1936.

After graduation, Veronica worked as a bookkeeper for the Great Plains Lumberyard in Ryan and the Ryan Creamery and as a switchboard operator in the Ryan telephone office. However, she was most proud of her work as a farmwife and mother. On March 26, 1951, Veronica married Francis A. Kester at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ryan. Five children were born to this union. Following retirement from farming, the couple moved to Marion, where they attended St. Joseph Catholic Church. Francis passed away on September 22, 2006.

Veronica resided at Hallmar Residential Care Center in Cedar Rapids for the past seven years. She was a long-time member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ryan and a member of the Ryan American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed gardening, attending meetings of the Democratic party, and spending time with family.

Survivors include her five children, Mary (Bruce) Kuhn of Aurora, Colorado, Theresa (Doug) Andrus of Grand Marais, Minnesota, Larry Kester of Waterloo, Karen (Chris) Schendt of Papillion, Nebraska, and Kathy (Ralph) Waltman of Columbia, Missouri; six grandchildren, Adam Kuhn, Ryan (Carrie) Kuhn, Ian (Rachel) Andrus, Ross (Minda) Andrus, and Savannah and Austin Schendt; four great-grandchildren, Nora, Grant, Madison, and Dylan Andrus; a brother, Vincent Keegan of Robins; one sister, Catherine McCusker of Ryan; and many nieces and nephews.

Veronica was preceded in death by her husband, Francis Kester in 2006; her parents; and two sisters, Lavina Claus and Rita Keegan.

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

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2017, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ryan, with Reverend Joseph Schneider officiating.

Visitation: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 25, 2017, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester, with a 4:00 p.m. Scripture Service. Friends may also call one hour prior to the mass on Saturday at the church.

Interment: Calvary Cemetery – Ryan

Galen Walter Griffin, 92, of Manchester, Iowa, formerly of Elkader, passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2017, at Marietta’s Place in Manchester. He was born on February 12, 1925, in Masonville, the son of Walter and Hazel (Morehouse) Griffin. Galen attended rural country school near Masonville, graduating from Lamont High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, honorably serving his country during World War II. Following his service, he graduated from Upper Iowa University in Fayette.

On June 3, 1951, Galen married Velda Streeter at the Oelwein Methodist Church. Six children were born to this union. The couple farmed near Stanley for 11 years. Galen then worked for Farm Bureau in Boone and North Liberty before finally moving to Elkader as a Regional Manager in 1965. After his retirement from Farm Bureau in 1983, he worked for Leonard Funeral Home in Elkader. In 2015, Galen and Velda moved to Manchester to be closer to family.

Galen was an avid follower of youth sports and music, especially that of his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed camping trips and spending time watching nature. He cherished time with family most of all.

Survivors include his wife, Velda; his six children, Sharla Schmidt of Cascade, Pam (Terry) Behning of Pella, Judy (Steven) Berkeland of Fairmont, Minnesota, Bob (Sandy) Griffin of Danville, Patty Griffin of Manchester, and David (Kerri) Griffin of Cedar Rapids; 17 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Galen was preceded in death by his parents; a son-in-law, George Schmidt; his brother, Lee (Leah) Griffin; a sister, Inabel (Jerry) Falck, and two sisters in infancy; and nieces, Janet Freeman and Leanna Roepke.

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

Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2017, at First Presbyterian Church in Manchester, with Reverend Steven Berkeland and Reverend Max Muska officiating.

Visitation: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 22, 2017, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester. Friends may also call one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the church.

Interment: 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2017, at Floral Hills Cemetery in Oelwein.

Casket Bearers: (Grandchildren) Noah Berkeland, Samuel Berkeland, Grace Berkeland, Tate Behning, Tera Noard, Trey Behning, Nate Schmidt, Ashley Reed, Taylor Griffin, Morgan Griffin, Jacob Griffin, Grant Griffin, Olivia Griffin

Marilyn Wilhelm, 85, of Dyersville died Saturday, August, 19, 2017 at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 pm. Wednesday, August 23, 2017, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12^th Ave SW in Dyersville with a parish vigil service at 8pm.

Graveside Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 24, 2017, at in the church cemetery chapel.  Rev. Dennis Conway will officiate.

Marilyn was born January 30, 1932 in Stanley, Iowa, the daughter of Vern and Wyona Strawn.  She married Earl Wilhelm on June 1, 1950 at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville.

Marilyn was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Nothing brought her more joy than to share in the accomplishments and joys of her family. She will be sadly missed by all who have had the pleasure to know and love her.

“May you make Earl take you bargain hunting again, may your hands be unshakeable and nimble to craft with Becky, and may you listen and watch mother play piano as I know you longed for. May you show off your incredible interior design skills and may you share your many stories to new ears.”

Survivors include 3 sons: Terry (Dona) of West Des Moines, IA, Tim (Coleen) of Austin, TX, Tony (Deb) of Dyersville, IA,; daughter; Karen (Bob) Klostermann of Waunakee, WI; 12 grandchildren; John Jr.(Heidi) Nickol, Lindsay (Mike) Dew and Mallory Nickol, Nathan Klostermann and Abbie (Brian) Moilien, Justin (Anita) Wilhelm, Shelly, Rachel and Emily Wilhelm, Marcus Torres, Elizabeth and Brendan Wilhelm; 4 great grandchildren and one on the way; Sister Vicki (Don) Andrus of High Point, NC,

She was preceded in death by her husband Earl, parents Vern and Wyona, two brothers Eldon and Warren Strawn and daughter Becky Nickol.

The family of Marilyn would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff of Assisi Village, Stonehill Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque.

A memorial fund has been established.

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

Macie Jean Hankins, of Edgewood, Iowa, was stillborn on Friday, August 18, 2017, at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo. She was the daughter of Jason and Amber (Steffen) Hankins.

Macie is survived by her parents, Jason and Amber Hankins of Edgewood; maternal grandparents, Phil and Deb Steffen of Winthrop; paternal grandparents, Larry and Darla Hankins of Edgewood; her aunt, Becca (Travis) Bromley and their children, Jozlynn and Dax, of Edgewood; an uncle, Josh (Amy) Steffen and their children, Lauren and Avery, of Edgewood; and her sister-with-a-tail, Fergie Hankins of Edgewood.

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

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Edgewood is assisting the family with arrangements.

Independence –  Erin Elizabeth Wessels, 26 years old, of Independence, Iowa, passed away on Monday, August 21, 2017, in Independence after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.

Erin was born on September 16, 1990, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of James and Diane (Grover) Wessels.  She grew up in Manchester and Independence, and attended West Delaware and Independence schools with the Class of 2009.

In recent years she lived in Cedar Falls and Waterloo where she worked a variety of jobs, including at Sakura and office assistant at a trucking company.

Erin’s greatest joy in life was the time she had with her sons, Kellin, age 7, and Teagan, age 18 months.  Her greatest heat break was, due to illness, realizing she may leave them all too soon.

Erin is survived by her sons, Kellin Vogel, and Teagan Dostanic, her mother, Diane and sister, Alicia Wessels of Independence, her father, Jim, and brother, Parker Wessels of Manchester, maternal grandparents, Max and Charlotte Grover of Rowley, Iowa, and paternal grandfather, David Wessels of Independence.  She is also survived by her devoted significant other, Nenad Dostanic, and his family, in addition to many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandmother, Carol Wessels.

Friends may call for visitation from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 23^rd, at the White Funeral Home in Independence.  Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Rowley, Iowa, on Thursday, August 24^th, with burial following at the Rowley Cemetery.

White Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  On line condolences may be left at www.White-MtHope.com.

Independence –  Donald G. “Spud” Sherrets, 86 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Monday, August 21, 2017, at Lexington Estate in Independence.  He was born on April 16, 1931, in Independence, Iowa, the son of Ray Isaac and Esther (Arnold) Sherrets.  He attended school in Independence.  He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.  On September 4, 1955, he and the former Georgia Bernice McCalley were married in Independence.  She preceded him in death in 2016.  Mr. Sherrets farmed the family farm and worked at John Deere in Waterloo for a time.  He then became the superintendent at the Independence Water Department.  He held that position for 25 years before retiring.  He was a member of the 1^st Baptist Church in Independence, the Bechter-Boies V.F.W. Post #2440, and the Sheehan-Tidball American Legion Post #30.  He and Georgia enjoyed wintering in Texas, camping, and entertaining.  Donald learned to play the dobro and the two of them sang in area hootenannies and care centers.

Mr. Sherrets is survived by 4 daughters, Chris Hocken of Walker, Iowa, Judy (Charlie) Baier of Cresco, Iowa, Donna Hahn of Sioux City, Iowa, and Becky (Billy) Steele of Elk City, Oklahoma, 1 son, Tom (Christie) Sherrets of Las Vegas, Nevada, 12 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and 7 great great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, 2 grandchildren, 5 brothers, and 2 sisters.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 30, 2017, at the 1^st Baptist Church in Independence with Rev. Mike Nemmers and Pastor Gary Wilson officiating.  Burial will be in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Hazleton, Iowa.  Friends may call for visitation from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 29^th, at the White Funeral Home in Independence where a Military Services begins at 4 p.m. on Sunday.  On line condolences may be left at www.White-MtHope.com.