SHELLSBURG - Steve Hyde, age 43, died Monday, May 5, 2003 at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids after suffering a massive heart attack at his residence. Private Family Services will be held and the Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery. There will be no public visitation. Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Vinton is in charge of arrangements. He was born February 19, 1960 at Cedar Rapids to Clifton and Betty Lou (Fiebelkorn) Hyde and graduated from the Shellsburg High School in 1979. Steve is survived by his parents, Clifton and Betty Lou of Shellsburg; his sisters, Marcia Beatty of Vinton and Pam Hyde of Shellsburg; his maternal grandmother, Edith Fiebelkorn of Shellsburg; and his nieces and nephews, Brittany, Courtney, Wesley, Kelsey and Brody Beatty. His maternal grandfather, Harold Fiebelkorn and his paternal grandparents, Albert and Marcella Hyde preceded him in death. Condolences and memorials may be sent to his parents at 6307 33rd Ave Dr—Shellsburg, Iowa 52332.

VINTON - Harriet E. Janes, age 86, died Monday, July 14, 2003 at the Vinton Lutheran Home after a lengthy illness. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at 10:30 A.M., at the Vinton Presbyterian Church with Noel Andrew officiating. Interment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery. Friends may call at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Vinton from 5 to 8 P.M., today. A memorial fund has been established for the Vinton Presbyterian Church. Harriet was born February 12, 1917 in Vinton, to James and Nellie Grant McAndrews. After graduating from Lincoln High School in Vinton, she was employed as a secretary at the Tobin Law Firm and later was secretary in the Vinton High School Superintendent’s office. She later worked 18 years at the Cedar Valley Daily Times as Society Editor. She married Laverne Janes on August 12, 1939, and they lived in Vinton all their married lives. Harriet was a 50-year member of the Vinton Presbyterian Church and served two terms as Deacon. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for more than 50 years and was a 17-year member of the American Red Cross volunteers. Surviving is one son, Jon S. Janes and his wife, Lynda of Topeka, KS; three grandchildren, Ashley, Matthew and Christopher; three nieces and one nephew. She was preceded in death by her husband, Laverne, on November 5, 1976; her parents; an infant sister; her sister, Hazel Rieke; and her brother, Harvey McAndrews.

KEYSTONE - Charles "Kelly" Johnson, Jr., age 88, died Wednesday, October 27, 2004 at the Keystone Nursing Care Center in Keystone following an extended illness. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, October 30, 2004 at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Keystone with Rev. Bruce Kaltwasser officiating. Interment will be held at the Keystone Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4 to 7 P.M., Friday. A memorial fund has been established. "Kelly" was born November 18, 1915 at Keystone to Charles and Emma (Schuett) Johnson, Sr. and grauduated from the Keystone high School in 1933. On June 24, 1938 he married Dorothy Bernstorf at Keystone. He owned and operated Johnson Hardware in Keystone, retiring in 1985. Kelly had served as Chief of the Keystone Volunteer Fire Dept., and was a member of the Keystone Turners. "Kelly" coached youth baseball teams for several years and in his leisure he enjoyed bowling, target shooting and spending time at Holiday Lake. He was also one of the founders of the Keystone Nursing Care Center. He is survived by his son, Steve Johnson of Keystone; two daughters and sons-in-law, Jerrine and Loren Pippert of Elberon, and Rita and David Franklin of Blue Springs, MO; five grandchildren, Laurie St. John and husband, Trent and Chris Pippert and wife, Pam, all of Belle Plaine, Scott Pippert and wife, Heidi, and Kellie Patterson and husband, Derrick, all of Elberon, and Todd Franklin and wife, Courtney of Clairmont, FL; and thirteen great grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Charles Johnson, III who died in Viet Nam in 1970; and his brother, JayDee Johnson.

VINTON - Dennis Johnson, age 62, died Friday evening, July 2, 2004 at his rural Vinton residence following an extended illness. Dennis was born on March 19, 1942 at Vinton to Howard and Alma (Stueck) Johnson. A lifelong Vinton resident, Dennis graduated from Vinton High School in 1960. On June 13, 1964 he married Sandy Whitson at the Presbyterian Church in Vinton. Dennis farmed with his father and brother all of his life. Dennis was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Vinton, where he also served as an elder. He was a member of the Farm Bureau and the Benton County Pork Producers. His greatest joy came from his family and especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Sandy; his children, Diane Kenney and husband, Jeff, Steve Johnson and wife, Jeanne, and Amy Noe and husband, Ryan all of Vinton; seven grandchildren, Karley and Cassie Kenney, Daisy, Kort and Charlee Johnson, and Ashley and Erica Noe, all of Vinton; his father, Howard of Vinton; his brother, Dick and wife, Terrie of Vinton; and his sister, Judy Stevenson and husband, Dan of Robins. Dennis was preceded in death by his mother, Alma on December 30, 1994. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, July 6 at the Presbyterian Church in Vinton with Rev. Noelle Andrew officiating. Interment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton. Friends may call from 4-7 P.M., Monday at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel, Vinton. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.

VAN HORNE - Pauline Kaestner, age 95, died Friday, January 9, 2004 at Colonial Manor in Amana following a short illness. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, January 12, 2004 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Van Horne with Rev. David Lindenberg officiating. Interment will be held at St. John Cemeterynear Newhall. Visitation will also be held at the church in Van Horne from 4 to 7 P.M. on Sunday. Phillips Funeral Home in Keystone is in charge of arrangements. Pauline was born on March 6, 1908 in rural Williamsburg, the daughter of William and Rosina (Hertle) Wiese. On February 28, 1926, she was united in marriage to Otto Kaestner in Newhall. Otto and Pauline farmed in the Van Horne – Newhall area for many years, retiring in 1976. Otto preceded Pauline in death in 1981. Pauline was a member of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church and the ladies aid. She enjoyed baking and cooking and dearly loved her grandchildren. She is survived by her son-in-law, Calvin Rinderknecht of Van Horne; two daughters-in-law, Janet Gustafson of Williamsburg, and Mae Kaestner of Belle Plaine; 17 grandchildren; 40 great grandchildren; and 5 great great grandchildren She was preceded in death by her husband Otto; two sons, Dallas Kaestner, and Richard Kaestner; daughter, Lolita Rinderknecht; grandson, Richard Rinderknecht; and five sisters; Bertha Teggatz, Anna Wille, Rose Broendel, Emma Werning and Elsie Wiese. A memorial fund has been established.

VAN HORNE - Dennis Edward Kanke, age 54, of Saginaw, MN, formerly of Cedar Rapids and Van Horne, died Thursday, August 5, 2004 in Duluth, MN. from injuries suffered in a house fire. Memorial services will be held Sunday, August 8, 2004 at 12:00 noon at the Vietnam Memorial at the Lakewalk in Duluth, MN., a second Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, August 9, 2004 at the Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Keystone, with Rev. Norman Bennett officiating. He is survived by his wife of six years, Carol; children, Chad Allen Kanke of Watkins, Jennifer (Shai) Skalsky of Ely, Melissa (Roger) Pavlovec, Jessica and Patricia Kanke, all of MN; step children, Donald (April) of Sioux Falls, SD, Faye of TX; brothers, Gordon of Hartley, Richard of Dania Beach, FL; sisters, Karen James of Vilas, NC, Jean Norton of Hartley, IA; nine grandchildren, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Irene Kanke. Dennis was born on October 3, 1949 in Cedar Rapids and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1967. He was a Vietnam veteran, having served in the Marine Corps from 1968 - 1972. He was active in the Vietnam P.O.W./M.I.A., VFW, North Vets Association. Dennis had many interests, including photography, boating, fishing and especially spoiling his grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the Disabled American Veterans or a charity of the donor’s choice.

VINTON - Darlene H. Kaufman, age 72, died Thursday, March 18, 2004 at Sartori Hospital in Cedar Falls, following an extended illness. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, March 22, 2004 at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Clarke E. Frederick and Vicar Keith Knea officiating. Interment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery. Friends may call at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel from 2:00 to 7:00 P.M., on Sunday. Darlene was born on June 18, 1931 in Van Horne, the daughter of Henry and Hilda (Claussen) Hessenius. Following her graduation from Van Horne High School, she worked for a time at the Vinton Telephone Company, Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids and as a teller at the Brenton Bank in Vinton. On August 30, 1974, she married Milvoy M. Kaufman at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton. Milvoy preceded Darlene in death on January 18, 1988. Darlene was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She loved to drive around the county, sightseeing and visiting. She loved people and was especially fond of roller skating. In her younger years, she enjoyed stock car racing and even raced herself in the powder-puff division. She is survived by three sons, Rick Johnson, and Ron Johnson, both of Vinton, David Kaufman and wife Judy, of Cedar Rapids; one daughter, Karen Wohlers and husband Don of Dyersville; 8 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother Delbert Hessenius. A memorial fund has been established.

VAN HORNE - Colin Patrick Kelly, age 60, died Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at his residence of Cancer. A Mass Of The Resurrection will be held at 9:30 A.M., Saturday, July 19, 2003 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Van Horne with Rev. John Walsh as Celebrant. Interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemeteryin Keystone. Visitation will also be held at the church from 3 to 7 P.M., on Friday, where a Scripture Service will begin at 6 P.M. Phillips Funeral Home in Keystone is in charge of arrangements. Colin was born September 17, 1942 at Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton to Virgil and Mary (Bevins) Kelly and graduated from the Van Horne High School in 1960. Following his graduation he served his nation in the U.S. Army and later in the Army Reserve. On July 18, 1964 he married Janet Walter at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Watkins. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Van Horne and the U.A.W. Union and was employed at John Deere in Waterloo. In addition to his wife, Janet, he is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Bill Lynch of Savannah, GA; his son and daughter-in-law, Terry and Kari Kelly of Sugar Land, TX; five grandchildren, Emma, Katie and William Lynch, and Cole and Carly Kelly; his sister, Joyce McCormick of Coralville; and his brothers, Michael Kelly of Van Horne, and Jim Kelly of Belle Plaine. Colin was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, George and Nellie Kelly, who raised him, his parents; one son Chris Kelly in 1982; one brother, Monte Kelly; and one sister, Janice Bryant. A memorial fund has been established for St. Luke’s Hospice.

VAN HORNE - Orpha Viola Zeman Kerkman, age 84, died Wednesday evening, June 25, 2003 at the Virginia Gay Hospital following an extended illness. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, June 28, 2003 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Van Horne with Rev. David Lindenberg officiating. Interment will be held at St. John Cemeterynear Newhall. Friends may call at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Keystone from 5 to 8 P.M. Friday. She was born November 4, 1918 at Chelsea, IA to James F. and Julia (Berka) Zeman and graduated from the Chelsea High School in 1935. She received a teaching certificate from Northern Iowa Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls. On November 4, 1936 she married Roy W. Kerkman at the parish hall in Chelsea. The couple farmed and raised their family near Van Horne. Orpha and Roy were members of Square Dancing clubs for many years. Orpha was a member of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church where she served as church organist for many years and enjoyed membership in the Missionary Society. She was also a member of the Van Horne Garden Club. For several years she had been employed in the fabric department of the former Armstrong’s Department Store in Cedar Rapids and had been a volunteer at St. Luke’s Hospital. She is survived by her husband, Roy W. Kerkman of Van Horne; her children, Anita Stimson and husband, Ralph of Marion, Janet Bigelow and husband, Boyd of Center, CO, Marlys Kerkman-Gains of Lakehurst, Ontario, Canada, and Galen Kerkman and wife, Linda of Van Horne; grandchildren, Karie Meyer and husband, Tyrone of Marion, Kent Stimson of Kansas City, MO, and Jason and Slade Kerkman both of Van Horne; great grandchildren, Daniel and Michael Meyer; and many nieces and nephews. A devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother, she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Leon and Melvin Zeman; half brother, Bill Zeman, half Sister, Celia Uridil; and son-in-law, Michael Gains. A memorial fund has been established.

NEWHALL - Vernon W. Kerkman, age 83, died Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at St. Lukes Hospital in Cedar Rapids following a brief illness. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, February 21, 2004, at St. John Lutheran Church in Newhall with Rev. Steven Rempfer officiating. Interment will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Cemeteryin Cedar Rapids. Friends may call from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M. today, Friday, February 2004. at the church in Newhall. Phillips Funeral Home in Vinton is in charge of arrangements. He is survived by his wife Virginia; one son, William Kerkman and wife Kathy of Atkins; one daughter Rita Hammitt and husband Bill of Portsmouth, IA; three grandchildren, Rebecca Mohning and husband Adam of Chantilly, VA, Erick Kerkman and wife Courtney of Cedar Rapids, and Wesley Hammitt of Denver, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents. Vernon was born on July 5, 1920, in Van Horne, the son of Fred and Clara (Kreutner) Kerkman. On September 18, 1945, he married Virginia Kemme in Atkins. Vernon farmed near Van Horne and Atkins and served many years on the Atkins Telephone board and Farm Service board. He moved to Newhall in 1977 and continued farming with his son until retiring in 1982. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Newhall and Lamplighters. He enjoyed custom combining in his early years and woodworking after retirement. Vernon was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who greatly enjoyed his grandchildren. A memorial fund has been established.

VINTON - Leeon Kiler, age 84, died Sunday, February 9, 2003 at the Virginia Gay Annex in Vinton. Leeon was born August 4, 1918, near the Oak Grove Church in rural Shellsburg, the son of Earl and Neva (Skea) Kiler. On February 20, 1937, he married Dora Cumberland at her parent’s home in Urbana. Dora preceded Leeon in death in 2001. Leeon farmed in the Walker area for twenty-five years and worked for Elliott Brothers trucking in Dysart for twelve years, retiring in 1974. The couple have lived in Vinton since their retirement, where they were members of the First Christian Church. He is survived by one daughter, Karen Grummer of Cedar Rapids; one son Kenneth Kiler and wife Marlene of Hackensack, Mn.; his grandchildren, Renee Miller and husband Scott of Cedar Rapids, Jeff Grummer and wife Debra of Ames, Kori Busho and husband Brad of Brainerd, MN, Kurtis Kiler of Portland, OR and Kendra Kiler and fiance Bill Taylor of Hackensack, MN; eleven great grandchildren: one sister, Valita Viers of Des Moines; and one brother, Lytell Kiler and wife, Barbara of Brandon. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Dora in 2001 and an infant daughter, Beverly Ann Kiler. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, February 12, 2003 at the First Christian Church in Vinton with Rev. David Gates officiating. Interment will be at the Urbana Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at the Phillips Funeral Home in Vinton.

URBANA - Norma L. Kisling, age 77, died Friday evening, October 8, 2004 at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City following an extended illness. Funeral Services will be held at 1 P.M., Wednesday, October 13, 2004 at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Vinton with Rev. Tom Felts officiating. Interment will be held at the Urbana Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4 to 7 P.M., Tuesday. A memorial fund has been established. Norma was born September 24, 1927 at Urbana to Leland and Frances (Wachal) Benson. In 1945 she graduated from the Urbana High School and then married Clarence Kisling at Cedar Rapids. Norma was employed as a N-C Drill Press Operator at Collins in Cedar Rapids prior to her retirement. A member of the Urbana Christian Church, she enjoyed crocheting, and crossword puzzles. Her greatest pleasure in life came from time spent with her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Clarence of Urbana; her mother, Frances Benson of Vinton; her son and daughter-in-law, Gregory and Charlene Kisling of Waxahachie, TX; her daughter and son-in-law, Lynne and David Berry of Duncan, OK; grandchildren; Renee Ransdell of Vinton, Shelly Berry of Marion and Teresa and Kenny Thompson of Marion; five great grandchildren; and her brother and sister-in-law, Lloyd and Marilyn Benson of Urbana. She was preceded in death by her father and her sister, Shirley Levell.

URBANA - Leo C. Kramer, age 88, died Friday morning, August 8, 2003 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids following a brief illness. A Mass of The Resurrection will be held at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, August 13, 2003 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Urbana, with Rev. Gabriel Anderson as Celebrant. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemeterynear Urbana with Military Rites conducted by the Walter J. Meyocks American Legion Post #264 of Urbana. Friends may call at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Vinton from 4 to 8 P.M. on Tuesday, where a Scripture Service will begin at 5 P.M., and after 9 A.M. Wednesday at the church in Urbana.. The son of Edward J. and Elizabeth (Schmitz) Kramer, Leo was born on October 9, 1914 at Rowley. He was the first resident of Polk Township to be drafted during World War II. Leo served as a light tank commander in the Army from 1941 until 1945. He attained the rank of sergeant and served in Normandy, Northern France, the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was wounded in action on December 26, 1944 and received the Purple Heart. On July 6, 1942 he married Ardis Schlotterbeck at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Vinton. Leo served as the Urbana Postmaster for twenty-six years, from 1948 until his retirement in 1974. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Walter J. Meyocks American Legion Post #264 of Urbana. Leo loved to spend time with his family and enjoyed fishing and playing cards. He was very fond of gardening and especially enjoyed growing tomatoes. He is survived by his wife, Ardis of Urbana; four daughters, Marilyn Mathews and husband Darrell of Grand Prairie, TX, Marlys Klindt and fiancé Michael Brown of Bluegrass, IA, Mardi Russell and husband Maurice of Panora, Monica Zieser and husband Dennis of Urbana; two sons, Russell Kramer and wife Cindy of Delhi, Rob Kramer and wife, Tonya of Urbana; sixteen grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; one brother Harold Kramer of Vinton and two sisters, Irene Schlotterbeck of Urbana and Darline Sommerfeld of Vinton. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Roger in 2000; grandson, Jared Russell; great granddaughter, Elizabeth Cox Boore and two brothers Harry and Henry Kramer. A memorial fund has been established.

Shellsburg: Lillian L. Kreutner, age 81, died Wednesday morning, January 1, 2003 at the Vinton Lutheran Home where she had been a resident since 1998. She was born March 7, 1921 at Ettrick, WI to Ludvig and Luella (Anderson) Tranberg and graduated from the Galesville, WI High School in 1940. On September 18, 1943 she was united in marriage to Henry F. Kreutner at Alliance, NE. The couple farmed and raised their family near Shellsburg. Mr. Kreutner preceded his wife in death on December 26, 1984. Lillian was a member of Zion Lutheran Church where she enjoyed membership in the Fellowship Club, L.W.M.L. and the Ladies Guild. She was also a member of the Shellsburg Legion Auxiliary. She and her husband had loved traveling and spending their winters in West Palm Beach, FL where they made many friends. She is survived by her daughter, Diane Brock of Broken Arrow, OK; her son Tom Kreutner and wife, Janelle of Shellsburg; grandchildren, Jillian Cobb, Justin Brock, and Dustin Maynard; great grandson, Jason Cobb; and two sisters, Signe Buck and husband, Ray of Cambridge, MN, and Betty Kallstrom and husband, Russell of Bloomington, MN. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by grandson, Jason Brock and two brothers, Orville and Lloyd Tranberg. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.m., Saturday, January 4, 2003 at Zion Lutheran Church in Shellsburg with Rev. Mark Leckband officiating. Interment will be held at St. Stephen’s Cemeterynear Atkins. Friends may call at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Vinton from 4 to 7 P.M., today. A memorial fund has been established.

KEYSTONE - Duane F. Kromminga, age 71, died Thursday, July 1, 2004 at the Keystone Nursing Care Center following a lengthy battle with COPD. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Monday, July 5, 2004 at St. John Lutheran Church in Keystone with Rev. Steven Rempfer officiating. Interment will be at the Keystone Cemeterywith Military Rites. Friends may call from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m., on Sunday at the Phillips Funeral Home in Keystone. He is survived by his wife Elaine, one son Kurt Kromminga and wife Jane of Urbandale; one daughter, Lori McCulloh and husband Brian of Viroqua, WI; five grandchildren, Ryan, Matt and Allison McCulloh, and Hailey and Ross Kromminga; two brothers, Edmund Kromminga and wife Genevieve, Donald “Dutch” Kromminga and wife Mardean; one sister, Elaine Selk and husband Kenneth, all of Keystone and his step-sister, Margarite Willmore and husband James II of Hubbard and Mesa, AZ. And many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his step-father Henry Buck. A memorial fund has been established. He was born March 21, 1933 in Keystone to Ferdinand and Else (Harder) Kromminga and graduated from the Keystone High School with the class of 1950. Duane served his country in the Army from 1954 through 1956. He was stationed in Korea for 16 months. On August 3, 1957, he was united in marriage to Elaine Schminke at St. John Lutheran Church in Newhall. Duane farmed in the Keystone area until retiring in 1994. Duane was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Keystone, where he served on the church council for ten years. He was also a member of the Merkel Bockholt American Legion Post # 107, the Keystone Turners, the Keystone Community Youth Club, the Rural Fire District Board, where he served for 20 years. He also served as a 4-H leader for ten years, was the past president of the Benton County Pork Producers and was recognized as the Benton County Cattlemen’s Farmer-Feeder of the Year in 1994.