NEWHALL - Richard Henry Stien, age 90, died Thursday evening, April 10, 2003 at the Vinton Lutheran Home in Vinton where he had been a resident since January of 2003. He was born November 13, 1912 at Newhall to Henry and Anenia (Bobzien) Stien. On October 9, 1937 he married Mary Dvorak at St. John Lutheran Parsonage in Newhall. Richard loved farming on the Century Farm west of Newhall where his wife, Mary, continues to live. Richard was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Newhall and had served on the Finance Committee of the congregation. He was also a member of the Lamplighters and served on the church cemeterycommittee for ten years. He is survived by his wife, Mary, of Newhall; two sons, Donald and Roger and his wife, Linda, all of Atkins; his daughter, Darlene Ribble and husband, Ron of Newhall; three grandchildren, Zach Stien, Jerid Stien and Tricia Johnson and her husband, Chris; one brother, Delbert Stien and wife, Hazel of Newhall; and one sister-in-law, Edna Stien of Newhall. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Howard Stien. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Monday at St. John Lutheran Church in Newhall with Rev. Steven Rempfer officiating. Interment will be held at St. John Cemeteryin Newhall. Visitation will also be held at the church from 3 to 6 P.M., on Sunday. A Memorial Fund has been established for St. John Lutheran Church, The Vinton Lutheran Home and St. Luke’s Hospice.

MT. AUBURN: William Arthur Studebaker, age 78, died Sunday, June 1, 2003 at Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton following an extended illness. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, June 5, 2003 at the United Methodist Church in Mt. Auburn. Pastor Julie McCullough will officiate, and a Flag Presentation will be conducted by the Emil H. Dutler American Legion Post #177 of Mt. Auburn. Private Committal Services will be held at Evergreen Cemetery. Friends may call at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Vinton from 5 to 8 P.M., on Wednesday. “Bill” was born July 29, 1924 in Harrison Township of Benton County to William and Mary Belle (Cramer) Studebaker and graduated from Brandon High School in 1943. During World War II, he served his nation in the U.S. Army as a Pfc/Lt. Mortar Crewman in Co. C of the 117th Inf. Regt., 30th Div., and was awarded three bronze stars in the campaign. On September 6, 1945 he married Eva Leone Kruger at Brandon, Iowa. Bill was an employee of John Deere & Co. in Waterloo for 24 ½ years before retiring in December 1984. He enjoyed fishing, camping, playing cards, spending time with his wife and grandchildren, and tending to projects. A man who was always thinking about how he could make things better, he left his children with instructions on completing his projects still in progress. He was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church in Mt. Auburn and served many years on the Mt. Auburn City Council. In addition to his wife, Leone of 57 years, he is survived by his son, Keith Studebaker and wife, Sandy of Cedar Rapids; his daughters, Nancy Patrick-Hecker and husband, Miles of Casper, WY, and Denice Stephenson and husband, Emmett of Vinton; eight grandchildren, Brad Studebaker and wife, Brea, Rebecca Severe and husband, Jesse, John Mather, Jeff Mather and wife, Lisa, and Joshua, Adam, Kris and Summer Stephenson; three great grandchildren, Brooklyn and Beau Studebaker, and Micaiah Severe; his brother, David of Mt. Auburn; and his sister, Phyllis Ohrt of Waverly; and many nieces and nephews. He leaves behind many friends and will be remembered lovingly. A daughter, Anna Belle; his parents; five brothers, Robert, Raymond, Herbert, Keith and Edward; and two sisters, Elsie Bolton and Cora Bolton Hopkins, preceded him in death. A memorial fund has been established.

SHELLSBURG - Frank T. Suchomel, age 79, died Sunday, May 4, 2003 at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids following a sudden illness. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, May 8, 2003 at the Urbana Christian Church in Urbana with Rev. Tom Felts officiating. Interment will be held at the Center Point Cemetery. Friends may call at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Vinton from 4 to 7 P.M., on Wednesday where a Masonic Memorial Service conducted by the Benton City Lodge No. 81 AF & AM of Shellsburg will begin at 7 P.M.. Frank was born August 10, 1923 to Frank and Emma (Lnenicka) Suchomel and graduated from the Center Point High School in 1941. On June 9, 1957 he married Edith Walser Cook at Lafayette Evangelical Church in Lafayette, IA. He operated Suchomel Chevrolet in Center Point for twenty-five years. After retiring from the automobile dealership in 1977 he became engaged in farming. He was a member of the Urbana Christian Church. As a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge he was a Past Master of Cedar Valley Masonic Lodge No. 621 AF & AM in Brandon; a member of Benton City Masonic Lodge No. 81 AF & AM of Shellsburg, and a member of Malta Chapter O.E.S. of Cedar Rapids. Frank had served with the Center Point Volunteer Fire Dept. and was a 50 year member and Past President of the Western Fraternal-Klas Lodge 160. He is survived by his wife, Edith of Shellsburg; his son Mike Cook and wife, Sherrill Yoder of Iowa City; and his daughter, Connie Copeland and husband, Keith of Wellman; seven grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. His parents; two grandsons; an infant brother; and his brother, John Suchomel preceded him in death. A memorial fund has been established for the Urbana Christian Church, First Christian Church in Center Point or the charity of the donor’s choice.

SHELLSBURG - Dorrence F. “Dick” Sweet, age 76, died peacefully at his home on Sunday May 23, 2004 after a courageous five and a half year battle with lung cancer. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.m., Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at Oak Grove Christian Church near Shellsburg with pastor Larry Rodgers officiating. Graveside Military Rites will be held at Oakwood Cemeteryin Shellsburg. Friends may call at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Vinton from 4 to 8 P.M., Tuesday. A Memorial Fund has been established. Dick is survived by his wife and best friend, Ethel; sons, Terry (Linda), Barry (Donna) all of Cedar Rapids, Randy (Deb) of Alburnett; seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; brother, Doug (Ora Marie) of Hiawatha; many nieces and nephews and a great many special friends. His parents, seven brothers, and seven sisters preceded him in death. Dick was born February 10, 1928 to George and Grace (Waters) Sweet in Central City. He married Ethel Bruce December 28, 1946 at Oak Grove Christian Church. He served his nation in the U.S. Navy for four years. He retired from H & W Motor Express in 1985. He was a member of Oak Grove Christian Church, retired Teamsters Local No. 238, and the Shellsburg American Legion. He enjoyed the outdoors, doing yard work and he loved fishing. Dick was very proud of his family and loved them deeply.

ROWLEY: Brian Teel, age 33, died Saturday, August 30, 2003, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident in Buchanan County. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 3, 2003 at the Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Vinton, with Rev. Doug Morris of the Toddville Free Methodist Church Officiating. Interment will be at the Rowley Cemetery. Friends may call from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Brian was born on October 9, 1969 in Cedar Rapids, the son of David and Pam (Rakowicz) Teel. He graduated from Washington High School in Vinton with the class of 1988. Brian and Susan (Buchtela) Teel have been a couple since 1989, and were married on February 7, 1997 in Independence. Brian was employed by the city of Cedar Rapids as a truck driver in the solid waste management department. In his spare time, he enjoyed riding his bike and motorcycle, shooting pool and coaching his son’s little league baseball team. He is survived by his wife Susan; a son Jordan and a daughter Madisan at home; his mother Pam Nicola of Killeen, TX; a brother Dion Teel and wife Marion of Liberia, Africa; his father and mother-in-law, Don and Evelyn Buchtela of Urbana; a brother-in-law Duane Buchtela and wife Tanya of Vinton; two sisters-in-law, Ronda and Kelly Buchtela of Urbana; seven nephews, Brandon Teel, Brandon and Christopher Railsback, Ryan, Jonathan and Curtis Buchtela and Jamieson Baker; and one niece, Amber Buchtela. He was preceded in death by his father David Teel, his maternal and paternal grand parents and one aunt and uncle.

URBANA - Ronald E. Tharp, Sr. age 77, died Tuesday, May 18, 2004 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids following an extended illness. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Friday, May 21, 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., Thursday. In lieu of flowers a Memorial Fund has been established for the Urbana Christian Church. Ronald was born January 26, 1927 at Flois, IA to Lester and Mildred Tharp. On October 20, 1951 he married E. Ruth Smith at Cedar Rapids. Prior to his retirement, he was employed by the Linn County Secondary Road Dept. In addition to his wife, E. Ruth, he is survived by his children, Rosemary (Dennis) Taylor, Kenosha, WI, Richard (Lory) Tharp, Walker, IA, and Ruby (Joe) Brown, Toddville, IA; 7 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; and 6 step-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Ron, Jr.; his mother, Mildred Tharp Padgett; his father, Lester Tharp, his stepfather, George Padgett; one sister; and one brother.

ATKINS - John L. Thiel, age 60, of Elmhurst, Illinois, died Saturday, March 6, 2004 at the Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, March 11, 2004 at St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Atkins with Rev. Douglas Woltemath and Rev. Lawrence Schmidt officiating. Interment will be held at St. Stephens Cemeterywith military rites. Friends may call from 9:30 A.M. until service time at the church on Thursday. Phillips Funeral Home in Vinton is in charge of arrangements. He is survived by his wife Marilyn (Haerther) Thiel. He was preceded in death by his parents. John was born on June 6, 1943, the son of Adolph and Barbara (Wallen) Thiel. He served his country in the army in Viet Nam. On February 18, 1984, he married Marilyn Haerther at Trinity Lutheran Church in Roselle, IL. John worked as a mail room clerk for OCE’. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Villa Park, IL, the church choir, and was a member of the church dart ball team. A memorial service will also be held on Sunday, March 14, 2004 at 2:30 P.M. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 300 S. Ardmore Ave., Villa Park, IL. Memorials may be left for St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Atkins, Trinity Lutheran Church in Villa Park or the American Heart Association.

SHELLSBURG - May E. Thomas age 92, died Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at Rock Ridge Residential Care Center following an extended illness. Funeral Services will be held at on 10:00 A.M., Friday, June 18, 2004 at Parkers Grove Church near Shellsburg with Rev. Michelle Scott officiating. Interment will be held at the Parkers Grove Cemetery. Friends may call at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Vinton from 5 to 8 P.M. on Thursday. A Memorial Fund has been established for the Parkers Grove Church. She was born December 6, 1911 at Shellsburg to G. Edward and Lydia (Barton) Fisher and graduated from the Shellsburg High School in 1929. Following the death of her husbands, Ora Woodson and David Thomas, May served as a Missionary in Honduras, Alaska, and on an Indian Reservation in Arizona. She was a member of Parkers Grove Church, the Women’s Auxiliary, the Kitchen Klatter Band, and the American Legion Auxiliary. A kind and generous woman, she loved life and loved to sing. In recent years she initiated the construction of Senior Housing in Shellsburg and also served on the steering committee for the construction of the Rock Ridge Residential Care Center in her community. The facility was constructed on land she had purchased earlier and she was privileged to give the facility its name. May is survived by her sister-in-law, Mildred Fisher of Atlanta, GA, many nieces and nephews including, Rick (Wendy) Raue, and Lydia McCook, and many dear friends including Sandee and Roger Beck. In addition to her parents and two husbands, she was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Johnson and three brothers, Harris, Logan and Orlo Fisher.

VINTON - Laura Elizabeth Thompson, age 92, died Thursday morning, June 3, 2004 at Virginia Gay Annex following an extended illness. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Monday, June 7, 2004 at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Vinton with Rev. Rose Blank officiating. Interment will be held at Evergreen Cemeteryin Vinton. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5 to 7 P.M., Sunday. A Memorial Fund has been established. Laura was born August 22, 1911 at Buzzards Glory in Blackhawk County to Edwin and Anna (Gray) Purdy. She married John Thompson and the couple lived in Vinton all of their married life. He preceded her in death in 1963. Laura worked at the Vinton Produce, Virginia Gay Hospital and as a cook at West School. She retired in 1972. She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church where she served as a Sunday School Teacher. She had been a Girl Scout Leader and was a member of the Navy Mothers, the Vinton Women’s Club, and the Vinton Garden Club. In her leisure she enjoyed growing flowers, gardening, and collecting recipes and cookbooks. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Don and Carolyn Thompson of Shawnee, KS, and Dennis and Donna Thompson of Vinton; her son-in-law, Terry Hiatt of Humeston, IA; eight grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Terry Hiatt; her great-granddaughter, Janessa Hiatt; and her brother, Vi Purdy.

MARSHALLTOWN: Blanche Becker Tobin, age 98, formerly of Vinton, died Tuesday, June 3, 2003 at the Marshalltown Medical & Surgical Center following an extended illness. Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Vinton with Rev. Jim Blair of the Vinton Presbyterian Church officiating. Private Committal Services will be held at Evergreen Cemetery. There will be no public visitation. Blanche was born August 11, 1904 on a farm near Marshalltown, the daughter of Fred C. and Nora (McNamara) Brennecke. She was a graduate of Marshalltown High School, attended the former Iowa Teachers College, and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Drake University. She became a teacher in the public schools of Elkader, where she met and married Earl B. Becker, who is deceased. They were the parents of one son, Robert B. Becker. Blanche later moved to Marshalltown where she taught in the public school system. In 1964 she married Judge John W. Tobin and they made their home in Vinton. For many years they spent winters in Sun City, AZ. Judge Tobin preceded her in death on September 21, 1989. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Robert B. and Sally Becker of Marshalltown; a step-daughter, Patricia Fischer and husband, Karl of Naples, FL; one brother Earl Brennecke and wife, Jean of Marshalltown; two grandsons, Dan Becker and wife, Diane of Ridgefield, CT and John Becker and wife, Julie of Caledonia, MI; a step-grandson, John Fischer and wife, Michelle of Cedar Rapids; and a step-granddaughter, Betsy Hadley and husband, Rick of Vinton. She also has five great grandsons, three step-great grandchildren, and two step-great-great grandchildren. Mrs. Tobin was an active member of her community and enjoyed membership in the Presbyterian Church, P.E.O., AAUW, New Century Club, T.T.T. Society and Elm Wood Country Club. A memorial fund has been established for the Presbyterian Churches of Vinton and Marshalltown.

SHELLSBURG - Vernon B. Tumilty, age 71 died Thursday, June 12, 2003 at his residence following a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M on Saturday, June 14, 2003 at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Atkins with Rev. Douglas Woltemath officiating. Interment will be held at Oakwood Cemeteryin Shellsburg. The visitation will also be held at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Atkins from 4 to 8 P.M., on Friday. Vernon was born December 22, 1931 at Fairfax to Earl and Mable (Benesh) Tumilty and graduated from the Shellsburg High School in 1950. On March 9, 1951 he married Dorothy Alice King at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. She preceded him in death on June 27, 1978. He married Marlene Palas on April 4, 1980 at The Little Brown Church in Nashua. Vernon farmed most of his life in the Shellsburg area and for ten years he was employed as a courier at Jim Arenson's Chevrolet in Center Point. He was a member of St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Atkins and a former member of the Shellsburg Lions Club. In his leisure he enjoyed sporting events and watching birds at his Shellsburg farm. He is survived by his wife, Marlene of Shellsburg; four daughters and sons-in-law, Vicki and Gary White of Phoenix, AZ, Becki and Larry Messer of Winterset, Lori and Roy Gongwer of Carlisle, and Jodi and Brian Thomas of Glendale, AZ; his son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Deb Tumilty of Shellsburg; two step-daughters and their husbands, Lisa and Glen Bleeker of Longmont, CO, and Gina and Wayne McClintock of Charles City; 18 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren; four sisters, Thelma Frese of Watkins, Irene White and husband, Pete of Vinton, Louise Armstrong and husband, Derrol of Atkins, and Kaylene Spicer and husband, Gene of Vinton; two brothers, Raymond Tumilty and wife, Shirley of Van Horne, and Kirk Tumilty and wife, Elaine of Shellsburg. In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial fund has been established.

GARRISON - Walter LeRoy Turner, age 80, of Mesa, AZ, and formerly of Garrison, died Thursday, May 6, 2004 at Arizona Heart Hospital in Mesa following a brief illness. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, May 13, 2004 at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Vinton with Rev. Rose Blank officiating. Graveside Military Rites conducted by Geo. G. Luckey American Legion Post #57 of Vinton will be held at Evergreen Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4 to 8 P.M., today. A memorial fund has been established. Walter was born August 4, 1923 near Garrison to Edward and Vera (Merchant) Turner. He attended school in Garrison and joined the Navy at the age of 17. Walter served his country as a Chief Petty Officer in the submarine service for 22 years. After retiring from the Navy, he worked for the city of Portland, OR for 17 years. On September 14, 1962, he married Helen (Wetzel) Thoreson in Reno, NV. Helen preceded him in death in 1992. On February 2, 1997, he married Deane (Kaiser) Rich in Mesa, AZ. The couple has resided in Mesa for the past 8 years, where they faithfully attended the Desert Chapel United Methodist Church in Apache Junction. Walter was an avid golfer and relished the winter months in Arizona, playing golf and socializing with his brothers-in-law. He was a devoted father, grandfather and husband to his family. He is survived by his wife Deane; his sons, Leslie (Marie) Turner of Portland, OR, Jon (Diane) Turner of Denver, CO, Ron (Annette) Turner of Seattle, WA. Don and step daughter, Susie Thoreson of Gresham, Or; step daughters, Sherill (Ray) Babcock and Sandy (Dick) Sumner of Portland, OR.; 9 grandchildren; 14 step grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; and 21 step great grandchildren; brothers, Edward (Ginger) Turner of Rye, NY., Alvin (Doris) Turner of Columbus, GA, Del (Yvonne) Turner of Myrtle Creek, OR, Eugene Turner of Cedar Rapids; and three sisters, Shirley (Ned) Pippert and Wanda Gingrich, all of Vinton and Sharon Turner of Detroit, MI. In addition to his wife Helen, he was preceded in death by his parents.

GARRISON - Pauline L. Urice, age 90, of Kingsburg, CA,and formerly of Garrison, died September 4, 2004 in California. Graveside Services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Friday, September 17, 2004 at the, Garrison Cemeterywith Rev. Jan Ziskovsky officiating. Phillips Funeral Home, Vinton is in charge of arrangements. Pauline was born to Vernon H. and Maude B. Wilson on September 22, 1913 in Grundy Center. On October 27, 1934 she married Elmo Urice at Rockford, IL. He preceded her in death on December 9, 1980. Elmo and Pauline lived on their farm in Iowa until 1948 when they moved their family to California and began their long teaching careers. Music was an important part of Pauline’s life. She taught choral music in addition to academic subjects. After retiring in 1972, she taught night school citizenship and English to the foreign born. Always willing to serve her community, and her profession, she volunteered as a tutor and was active in many community organizations. Her generous nature touched many lives and she was admired for her accomplishments and her loving devotion to family and friends. Pauline is survived by three daughters, Sally Wagner (Harvey), Visalia, CA, Kathie Rhodes (John), and Lori Brown, all of Kingsburg, CA; her grandchildren, Debbie Arnold, Riverside, CA, Susan McKenzie (Gene), Visalia, CA, Craig Wagner, (Sandi), Westminster, CO, Jeff Rhodes (Heather), Kingsburg, CA, Jill Clausen (Jeff), Kingsburg, Ca and Specialist Randall Brown, U.S. Army; and nine great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, daughter, Sandra Arnold: and grandson, Scott Wagner preceded her in death. The family requests memorials be sent in Pauline’s name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research-Grand Central Station-PO Box 4777-New York, NY 10163.

VINTON - Inez M. Van De Venter, age 78, died Saturday evening, April 5, 2003 at Virginia Gay Annex following a brief illness. She was born September 24, 1924 at Garrison, a daughter of Lewis and Lulu (Cavanaugh) Runyan, and graduated from the Garrison High School On July 5, 1943 she married Joseph H. Van De Venter at Elizabethtown, Kentucky. From 1953 to 1974 she and her husband owned and operated Van De Venter”s Steak House in Vinton. Her husband preceded her in death on July 6, 1985. Inez was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church. In her leisure she enjoyed golfing and playing bridge. She is survived by her son, Dennis D. Van De Venter and wife, Barbara of Vinton; two grandchildren, Coreen Wildebour and husband, Greg of Palo and Joseph David Van De Venter of Belleville, IL; two great-grandchildren, Heather and Ryan Wildebour; two sisters, Vera Weber and husband, Jack of Traer, and June Starbuck of Cedar Rapids; and numerous nieces and nephews whom she all loved. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one sister, Charlene Herman. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M., on Wednesday, April 9, 2003 at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Vinton, with Rev. Rose Blank officiating. Interment will be held at the Garrison Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5 to 7 P.M., today. A memorial fund has been established.