Richard K. Kern
Funeral services for Richard K. Kern 76, of Ladora, were Tuesday, March 29, 2005, at the Smith Funeral Home in Victor, with the Rev. Morris Hurd, pastor of the Marengo United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial was in Victor Memorial Cemetery. Mr. Kern died Thursday, March 24, 2005, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. Pallbearers were Loren and Steve Beyer, Ron and Steve Busch, Carroll Miller and Chuck Young. Music was provided by organist Marilyn Rodgers. Richard K. Kern was born April 28, 1928, the son of Edwin and Lottie Steinford, on the family farm in Benton County. He was raised in Benton County and attended rural school near his home. He was married to Lucille Myers on October 6, 1957, in Iowa City and the couple lived on a farm southeast of Victor. He was a farmer and also worked as a carpenter and took great pride in his work. He was a member of the Marengo United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Lucille of Ladora; four children, Duane Kern of Ladora, Tim Kern of Kirkwood, MO, Robin Kern of Fenton, MO, and Tamara Andrews of Windsor Heights; and four grandchildren, Allison, Sara and James Kern, and Seth Andrews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Erma. Smith Funeral Home in Victor was in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Richard Kern Memorial Fund.

Mary I. Kenner
Funeral services for Mary I. Kenner, 96, of Chelsea, were Thursday, March 24, 2005, at Chelsea United Methodist Church in Chelsea with the Rev. Charles Johnson officiating. Burial was in Sheridan Cemetery, Malcom. Mrs. Kenner died March 21, 2005, at Sunny Hill Care Center in Tama. Casket bearers were Max Beck, Edgar Cloyd, Jeff Johnson, Bernard Upah, James Johnson and Richard Anthony. Organist was Judy Ochs. Vocalists were Jackie Dvorak and Stephanie Johnson. Mary Isabelle Anthony Kenner was born July 19, 1908, the daughter of Lincoln and Ada Vandeveer Anthony, at her parents home in Malcom. She attended country school in Sheridan Township. After graduating from Grinnell High School in 1927, she taught in rural schools in Tama County. She married Harry Kenner at the Methodist parsonage in Toledo on October 10, 1928. She lovingly referred to Harry as 'Uncle Crumb'. The couple worked as farm hands for several years in the Sheridan and Chelsea communities before purchasing their own farm. She was proud that she used her teaching salary to buy their first tractor. She worked beside her husband in their farming operation, planting crops, milking, and caring for their chickens and ducks, and was especially proud of all their pets. One dog in particular loved ice cream and seemed to know that when the freezer door opened he was in for a treat. Mary was a loving aunt who took to heart the scripture in Romans "rejoice with all who rejoice and sympathize with those whose sorrows overtake them." Family was always welcomed into her home and she lovingly cared for both her mother and mother-in-law for many years. That love and care has been returned to her by her nephew and wife, Jim and Marilyn Johnson. She loved to wear rings and one her life-long heartaches was the fact that her own diamond was lost in the fire that destroyed their home in Sheridan in 1937. The record of the fire is one of the clippings she had kept in a scrapbook of family events dating back to 1925. Harry and Mary never had children of their own, but treated nieces and nephews like each was a 'favorite'. They retired from farming in 1972 and moved into Chelsea, up the street from the Methodist church where she took part in many activities as long as her health permitted. After Harry's death in 1981, she eventually moved to Prairie Village in Tama, and after a fall and broken hip she resided at Sunny Hill Care Center. She is survived by many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Emory, Ray, Leslie and David Anthony; and three sisters, Hazel Saunders, Myrtle Cloyd and Laura Johnson. Hrabak Funeral Home in Belle Plaine was in charge of arrangements.

Dennis Jacobs
KEWAUNEE, WI­Dennis "Jake' Jacobs, 53, of Kewaunee, WI, died Wednesday, March 23, 2005, at his home in Kewaunee. Funeral services were Saturday, March 26, 2005, in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with the Rev. Ralph Sprunk officiating. Burial was in the University Park Cemeteryin University Park, with graveside military rites given by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion, V.F.W. and D.A.V. Dennis Jacobs was born Aug. 11, 1951, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Vernon and O. Carolyn Kodras Jacobs. Following high school he served in the United States Marine Corps from 1971 to 1973. In the 1980s, he attended Vennard College in University Park. On July 1,1983, he was united in marriage to Yvonne Slagle. He enjoyed spending time with his family and playing his guitar, fishing, riding his motorcycle. He recently learned to play the drums, and enjoyed that also. He is survived by his wife, Yvonne Jacobs of Kewaunee, WI; a daughter: Lydia Jacobs; his mother: Carolyn Jacobs of Tama; two brothers and their wives, David and Chong Jacobs of Mesa, AZ, and John and Sherry Jacobs of Earlham; a sister: Luann Manthei of Colorado Springs, CO, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and a brother-in-law Charlie Manthei.

James Kithcart
A celebration of the life of James Kithcart, 79, of Littleton, CO, was held Friday, March 11, 2005, at Drinkwine Family Chapel, Littleton, CO, by the Rev. Phil Green of Littleton United Methodist Church. Mr. Kithcart died March 6, 2005, five minutes into his 79th birthday, at Porter Hospice, Centennial, CO, of cancer. A memorial for Belle Plaine area relatives, classmates and friends and inurnment will be held at a later date. James Kithcart was born March 6, 1926, in Belle Plaine at the home of his parents, Homer and Ruth Kithcart. He attended Belle Plaine Schools and graduated in 1944. He served in the U.S. Army for 15 months during World War II, after which he earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from Drake University. After graduation, he moved to Palantine, IL, where he was employed by Western Electric Company in Chicago. In 1954 he married Tina Cardone and they were later divorced. In 1964 he was transferred to Littleton, CO, where he spent the remainder of his life. He retired in 1984. He was a big fan of Dixieland jazz. He attended the Bix Biederbecke festival in the Quad Cities several times with his best friend, Billy Nichols. He also enjoyed dancing, camping, fishing, gardening and travel, especially his several trips to Europe. He could never get Belle Plaine out of his soul. He was proud and eager to talk about his childhood and growing up in Belle Plaine. To the end, he was hoping to move back to spend the rest of his life in his hometown. He is survived by his daughters, Adrianna Saunier and Janet Reynolds, both of Kallispel, MT, and Victoria Bernhard of Thornton, CO; a son, James Robert of Littleton, CO; two step-daughters, Carol Ondrick and Sandy Ondrick, both of Denver, CO; a brother, Bryce of California; and 14 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Betty Mulherin. Drinkwine Family Chapel of Littleton, CO, was in charge of arrangements.

William E. Lazenby
Funeral services for William E. Lazenby, 68, of Vinton, were Friday, June 10, 2005, at Overton-VanSteenhuyse Funeral Home in Vinton with the Rev. Noelle Andrew officiating. Burial was in Cedar Memorial Cemeteryin Cedar Rapids with military rites by VFW Post No. 788. Mr. Lazenby died Monday, June 6, 2005, at his residence of cancer. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Louise of Vinton; his children, Bill (Teresa) Lazenby of Keystone, Rick Lazenby and Lori Kimm of Vinton, Pat Lazenby of Minnesota, David Lazenby and Krystal Anderson, and Kevin Lazenby, all of Vinton; two sisters, Rose Bascom of Cedar Rapids, and Lois (Junior) McCloney of Osceola; eight grandchildren and two step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Belva Ward Lazenby; his stepfather, Henry Maulson; and a sister, Ruth Wathier. Overton-Vansteenhuyse Funeral Home of Vinton was in charge of arrangements. A memorial fund has been established.

Robert G. Becker
Funeral services for Robert G. Becker, 52, of Shellsburg, were Saturday, June 11, 2005, at Overton-VanSteenhuyse Funeral Home in Vinton with Brother Richard Johnson officiating. Burial was in Parkers Grove Cemeteryin Shellsburg. Mr. Becker died June 7, 2005, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from the result of an automobile accident. He is survived by his parents, Glenn and Shirley King Becker of Walker; his wife, Juanita of Shellsburg; a son, Joseph (Sandy) Kearns of Baltimore, MD; daughters, Carol (John) Gibbs of Vinton, and Julie (Scott) Rouse of Omaha, NE; sisters, Carole (Steve) Eldred of Center Point, and Karen (Paul) Enos of Walker; a son-in-law, Paul Hofer of Douds; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and a daughter, Angie Hofer. Overton-VanSteenhuyse Funeral Home in Vinton was in charge of arrangements. A memorial fund has been established.

Roberta E. Meyer
KEYSTONE­Roberta E. Meyer, age 99 died Friday, June 10, 2005 at the Keystone Care Center in Keystone. Funeral services were Monday, June 13, 2005 at St. John Lutheran Church with the Rev. Douglas Woltemath officiating. Interment was at the Keystone Cemetery. Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Keystone was in charge of services. Roberta Meyer was born October 22, 1905 in Dysart to John and Lydia (Horstman) Selk. On February 11, 1925 she was married to William H. Meyer. They farmed in the Dysart, Clutier, Garrison and Keystone area until his death in 1949. A long-time member of St. John Lutheran Church, Roberta enjoyed her membership in the Home Mission Society and other volunteer activities at the church. In her leisure time, she enjoyed sewing and playing cards with her friends. Roberta is survived by her daughter, Marjean Meyer of Marshalltown; her son Harlan Meyer (Joyce) of Minneapolis, MN; four grandchildren, Jeffrey Meyer (Carol) of Washington, D.C., David Meyer (Lauri) of Minneapolis MN, Brian Meyer (Wendy) of St. Paul, MN, and Jennifer Meyer of Atlanta, GA; four great-grandchildren, Merritt and Simon Meyer, and Kyle and Christopher Meckley; one sister, Alice Pippert of Cedar Rapids and numerous loved nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, six brothers, Harry, LeRoy, Raymond, Paul, Vincent, and Albert Selk preceded her in death. A memorial fund has been established for St. John Lutheran Church and the Keystone Care Center.

Joseph F. Venneman
Funeral services for Joseph F. Venneman, 63, of Luzerne, were Friday, June 10, 2005, at St. John's Catholic Church in Blairstown with the Rev. Paul C. Baldwin officiating. Burial was in Holy Trinity Cemetery, rural Toledo. Mr. Venneman died June 6, 2005, at his home following a lengthy illness. Pallbearers were Sam Humble, Dean Jensen, Darrell Stevens, Scott Formanek, Francis Kimm, Max Miller and Steve Crall. Honorary pallbearers were Wyatt Hagen, Noah Hagen and Brandon Venneman. Music was provided by organist and cantor, Peggy Epping. Lectors were Melisa Venneman and Gary Venneman. Eucharistic ministers were Robert Buresh, Twi Wiley and Connie Buresh. Gift bearers were Todd Hagen, Brandon Venneman and Larry Wiley. Servers were Wyatt Hagen and Noah Hagen. Joseph F. Venneman was born February 1, 1942, at Iowa City, the son of Joseph B. and Leona Reha Venneman. He received his education through the 10th grade at Vinton. He married Janet Buresh on August 10, 1963, at St. Mary's at Vining. He was a farmer. He lived in Vinton from his birth until 1973 when he moved to his present home in Luzerne. He was a member of the Keystone Turners. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and cooking. He is survived by his wife, Janet of Luzerne; his children, Joetta Venneman Pbym of Louisville, KY, Jacqueline (Todd) Hagen of Shellsburg, Janice (Balfour) Correll of Atlanta, GA, and Joe W. (Melisa) Venneman of Blairstown; a sister, Twila (Larry) Wiley of Palo; a brother, Gary (Linda) Venneman of Humboldt; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. Hrabak Funeral Home of Belle Plaine was in charge of arrangements.

Raymond Richard Busher
A celebration of the life of Raymond Richard Busher, 63, of Wilton and formerly of Belle Plaine, was Monday, August 15, 2005, at First Presbyterian Church in Wilton with Pastor Bruce Griese officiating. Burial was in Oakdale Cemeteryin Wilton. Mr. Busher died August 12, 2005, at University Hospital in Iowa City after an extended battle with a respiratory disease. Music was provided by organist, Deborah Hurd and vocalist, Gerald Dias. Raymond Richard Busher was born December 12, 1941, at Selix Maternity Home at Ottumwa, the son of Raymond John and Maxine E. McGrew Busher. He attended schools in Ottumwa until the family moved to Belle Plaine where he attended Belle Plaine High School. He married Marcia Rusk in 1958. They became the parents of five children and later divorced. He married Kay Y. Beinke Mauer in 1986 at Wilton. He was a trucker, retiring in 1995 due to declining health. He loved stockcar races, serving for a time as a flagger, reading, history, fishing, dancing and being with his family. He is survived by his wife, Kay; daughter, Christine (John) Ekin of Sterling, IL; sons, Doug, North Liberty, Dick (Danielle) of Wilton, John Paul and Joe, Chicago, IL; step-daughters, Lisa Nelson of Wilton, Joyce (Billy) McCrabb of Durant, Jean (Steve) Minder of Muscatine; step-sons, Dean of Wilton, and Jeff (Cindy) of Elgin, SC; sister, Marilyn Konicek of Belle Plaine; 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and three grandchildren. Bentley Funeral Home of Wilton, was in charge of arrangements.

John C. Collins
Graveside services for John C. Collins, 92, of Hoffman Estates, IL, were Friday, August 19, 2005, at Oak Hill Cemeteryin Belle Plaine, with Deacon Joe Behounek officiating. Mr. Collins died August 15 ,2005, at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL, following a long illness. John C. Collins was born June 17, 1913, at Stilwell, OK, the son of Albert and Ellen Meyers Collins. He was married to Helen Pech and she preceded him in death in June 1986. He then married Ida DeStefano, who also preceded him in death. He was metallurgist for A. Finkle and Sons Co. in Chicago. He had lived in Belle Plaine for 10 years. He was a member of the American Society of Metallurgists, served as deacon and elder at Community Presbyterian Church in Mt. Prospect, IL. He is survived by a daughter, Linda (Glenn) Sedey of Mt. Prospect, IL; and three grandchildren, Katrina, Jon and Matthew Sedey. In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; and a son, Lawrence Wayne, in infancy. Hrabak Funeral Home in Belle Plaine was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer's Association.

Robert "Bob" Kent
Funeral services for Robert "Bob" Kent, 66, of Tama, were Friday, August 12, 2005, at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama with Pastor Ron Arends officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Tama. Mr. Kent died August 9, 2005, at Sunny Hill Care Center in Tama. Casket bearers were Larry Beal, Gary Lee Timm, Joel Kelling, Scott Mathes, Tom Mathes and Brian Mathes. Music was provided by organist, Delores Harris, and the St. Paul Gospel Group. Selections included "Amazing Grace" and "Love Can Build a Bridge". Flower committee was Tony and Debbie Smith. Robert "Bob" Kent was born August 30, 1938, at Belle Plaine, the son of Ralph and Helen Frondle Kent. He was united in marriage to Colene Timm on July 12, 1958. He was retired from the Donaldson Company in Grinnell. He was formerly active on the Tama Fire Department and was a member of the Tama Snowmobile Club. His hobbies included riding motorcycles, snowmobiles, three-wheelers and horses. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He is survived by his wife, Colene Kent of Tama; two daughters, Kay (Marty) Metz of Tama, and Bobi (Brad) Maus of Tama; nine grandchildren, Brandi (Chris) Timm, Michael Vest, Heath (Erica) Metz, Adam and Nathan Vest, Jennifer and Jeremie Maus; two great-grandchildren, Makayla Vest and Brody Timm; four sisters, Carol Hlas of Belle Plaine, Mayme Beal of Belle Plaine, Eunice Houska of Marshalltown, and Hazel Jones of Oquawka, IL; many nieces and nephews and great and great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; and five brothers. Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama was in charge of arrangements. A memorial fund has been established.

Frederic McIntire
Frederic A1len McIntire, 66, of Belle Plaine, died Sunday November 20, 2005; at Parkview Care. Center, Fairfield, from complications of Alzheimer's. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 26 at Christ United Methodist Church in Belle Plaine by the Rev. David Crow and the Rev. Jack Andrews and fellowship with the family at 10 to 10:45 a.m. Private burial will be held at a later date. His body was donated to medical science. Frederic McIntire was born Dec. 8, 1938 in Fairfield, the son of Col. John E. and Elvena (Hunt) McIntire. He married LaRue Ensor on July 2, 1961 in Attica. Survivors include his wife LaRue, two daughters Anita (Tony) Young, Cedar Rapids; Lori McIntire, Belle Plaine; a son, Paul McIntire, Belle Plaine; grandchildren, Joshua and Rachel Young, Cedar Rapids, Madison and Hailey McIntire, Belle Plaine; sisters Regina (Chuck) Rasche, Sun City, AZ, and Martha (Frank) Cathey, McAllen, TX. Fred enlisted in the Army in 1957 and was a graduate of the Radar School at Fort Mammoth, NJ. He served in the Army Reserve for six years. In addition, he was a graduate of Weaver School of Real Estate, Auctioneer School, life member of National Rifle Association (NRA), active member of the Republican Party, member of the Rotary Club, National Association of Fraternal Insurance Counselors Fellows (FICF), Water Treatment Plant Operator Grade III certification, and a member of the Methodist Church, Fred joined his father in McIntire Real Estate in Fairfield in 1967. He was active in many real estate organization on the loca1, area and state level. He was president of the Southeast Iowa Board of Realtors. Fred taught classes for pre-licensing for the Iowa Real Estate Commission in Des Moines for several at years. He owned and operated McIntire Pump and Water in Thornburg from 1977 to 1984. He later taught classes for pre--licensing for life insurance and was state sales manager for Woodman of the World, National Mutual Benefit, Catholic Workman, Degree of Honor, and Gleaner. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sons, Frederick and John. Memorials may be made to the family. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is in charge of arrangements.

Robert C. Hathaway
Robert C. Hathaway, 63, Keystone, passed away Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at his home in Keystone, after a battle with cancer. Memorial services will be held Saturday, November 19, 2005, at 10:30, at the Blairstown Presbyterian Church. Robert Charles Hathaway was born October 9, 1942, in Waterloo. He was the son of Russell and Marie Kiefer Hathaway. Robert grew up in Waterloo, and graduated from Waterloo West High School. On October 20, 1979, he married Sue Erger at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Robert farmed for over 40 years in the Blairstown and Keystone area. He was a member of the Blairstown Presbyterian Church and the Cracker Jack Collectors Association. His hobbies and interests included hunting, fishing, collecting antiques and old Cracker Jack prizes. Robert is survived by his wife, Sue Hathaway, of Keystone; two sons, Rob (Kandi) Hathaway of Tama, and Dave Hathaway of New York, NY; one daughter, Chris (Mike) Vest of Grinnell, as well as eight grandchildren, and one sister, Julie Seegmiller, of St. Charles, Mich. Memorials may be directed to the family in Robert's name. Cremation Society of Eastern-Central- Western Iowa is handling the arrangements.

Kermit H. McElroy
Services are planned at a later date for Kermit H. McElroy, who died Nov. 10, 2005 in Marshalltown. Kermit H. McElroy was born on January 19, 1921, in Belle Plaine, to Archie and Nina (Hewitt) McElroy. He was raised and attended school in Belle Plaine. Following high school Kermit lived for a time in Baltimore, MD, and he then entered the US Navy during WWII. He married Violet Sidel on July 8, 1944, in Madison, WI. They were later divorced. Kermit worked many years in a meat packing plant as a meat packer. He has spent the last twenty years at the Iowa Veteran's Home in Marshalltown. He enjoyed gardening, fishing and hunting. He is survived by one daughter, Sandra (Carmen) Delgado, Craig, CO; one son, Ronnie (Debra) McElroy, Craig, CO; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one brother, Richard C. McElroy, Oklahoma City, OK. His parents, a daughter Sharon Elaine and a son Larry preceded him in death. Cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held at the Craig Cemeteryin Craig, CO at a later date. Grant Morturary, Craig, CO was in charge of arrangements.

Phyllis England
KEYSTONE­Phyllis Caroline Heckt England, 87, Keystone, died Sunday evening December 11, 2005 at the Keystone Nursing Care Center following a brief illness. Funeral services are 10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 15, 2005 at Christ United Methodist Church in Belle Plaine with the Rev. David Crow officiating. Interment will be held at the Keystone Cemetery. Friends may call at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Keystone from 4 to 7 p.m., on Wednesday. A memorial fund has been established. Phyllis was born December 27, 1917 at Keystone to Ernst and Emma (Ohde) Heckt and graduated from the Keystone High School in 1935. On March 30,1937 she was united in marriage to Ronold Otho England at Rock Island, IL. In 1939 the couple moved to their farm south of Keystone. For many years they enjoyed square dancing and playing "500" with friends. Ronold preceded his wife in death on August 15, 2001. Phyllis was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Belle Plaine and in her leisure she enjoyed playing bridge and visiting with family and She is survived by her children, Jacqueline Schoettmer and husband, John of Vinton, Duane England and wife, Pamela of Keystone, Michael England of San Francisco, CA, and Robin England of Cedar Rapids; her grandchildren, Dave Schoettmer and wife, Julie of Cedar Rapids, Jolene Kronschnabel and husband, Jeff of LaPorte City, Kipp Schoettmer and wife, Melinda of Vinton, Eric Schoettmer and fiancee, Jenny Lenz of Cedar Rapids, and Nicholas England of Manhattan, KS; her great grandchildren, Jodee, Jamie and Jessie Schoettmer, Kamryn and Charles Kronschnabel, and Jordan and Ryan Schoettmer; her brother, Herbert Heckt and wife, Beryl of Denver, CO, and her sister-in-law, Joyce Grier of Pella. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Rodney K. England in 1989 and two brothers, Raymond and Clement Heckt.

Richard J. Uchytil
Funeral services for Richard J. Uchytil, 87, were Friday, Dec. 9, 2005 at St. Michael's Catholic Church by Deacon Joe Behounek. Inurnment was in Rector Cemetery, Chelsea with military rites by Jennings-Bradshaw Legion Post 39. Uchytil died Tuesday, December 6, 2005 at his home following a long illness. Richard J. Uchytil is survived by his wife, Agnes; daughters, Diana (Brian) Gage of Sioux Falls, SD, and Linda (Gary) Brendes of Amana; brothers, Sidney (Helen) of Belle Plaine, Edward (Edna) of Normal, IL, and Bernard (Joy) of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Bradley (Nikki) Gage, Cameron Gage, Aron Brendes, and Jason Brendes; great-grandchildren, Dawson, Brynn, Alex, Branden, Gage, and Jacob Brendes. Richard was born March 6, 1918 in Belle Plaine to James and Mary (Krajicek) Uchytil. He attended and graduated from Belle Plaine schools. He was in WWII serving in the Philippines. On May 10, 1948 he married Agnes Weaver in Belle Plaine. He worked for the Chicago-Northwestern Railroad for 42 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post #39, FOE Eagles, St. Michael's Catholic Church, and Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees. Richard loved to fish, trap, hunt, and be with his grandchildren. Honorary casket bearers were Aron Brendes, Sara Kluesner, Jason Brendes, Paulette Milewski, Bradley Gage, Nikki Gage and Cameron Gage. Organist was Judy Parizek. Cantor was Barb Cibula. Lector was Gaynelle VanGampleare. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, James, and grandson, Eric Brendes. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hrabakfuneralhome.com under "obituaries." Hrabak Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Velma DeKlotz
Velma Marie Christina Reisser DeKlotz, 97, of Newhall, known by many as Grandma "D," died at the home of her daughter, December 9, 2005 after a brief illness. Services were Monday at Central Presbyterian Church, Newhall by the Rev. David Snyder. Burial was at Raetz Cemetery, Atkins. Turner West Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids, was in charge of the arrangements. Survivors include five children; a son Donald (Bonnie) De Klotz, and Barbara (Cleyon) Franck, all of Newhall, Joyce (Donald) Wheeler of Watkins, Elsimae (Wayne) Mochal and Sheryl (Robert) Bouton, all of Cedar Rapids; one half sister, Mabel Moore of Lincoln, AK; 33 grandchildren; 66 great-grandchildren; and 20 great-great-grandchildren. Velma was born March 6, 1908 in Archer, Iowa, to Arthur and Elsie Schulze Reisser. She married Gilbert De Klotz on February 8, 1928 in Van Horne. He died in 1977. She was a member and a trustee of Central Presbyterian Church in Newhall, and the Newhall Reject Band. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, a brother, a sister, a half sister, and 3 grandsons. Memorials may be directed to Central Presbyterian Church or Hospice of Mercy. Please leave a message, tribute, or memorial to the family on our web page, www.turnerfunerals.com under obituaries.

Ray Cress
Private family graveside services will be held for Ray Cress, 68, of Vinton, at Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton. Mr. Cress died Sat. Dec. 10, 2005, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City following a brief illness. He is survived by his wife, Karen; his children, Ronnie (Cindy) Cress of Cedar Rapids, Ronda (Scott) Hamilton of Stanwood, Ricky (Marla) Cress of Gooding, ID, and Rex (Jill) Cress of Blue Springs, MO; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; seven sisters, Fern Karr of Urbana, Decie Mason of Shellsburg, Anna Mae Witherell of Cedar Rapids, Alberta Mason of North English, Doris Haefner of Vinton, Elaine Boddicker of Newhall and Marilyn Kolsrud of Shellsburg; and a brother, Roy Cress of Hiawatha. He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Erma Van Fossen Cress. Overton-Van Steenhuyse Funeral Home in Vinton was in charge of arrangements.