Alabama School Yearbooks by State and County
Bessie “Malee” Unrue
Bessie “Malee” Unrue, 94, of Fountain West Health Center, died December 30, 2003 at Hospice Kavanagh House. Funeral services and burial will be held next week in Abilene, TX.
Bessie was born in Wolcottville, Indiana and lived in Abilene, TX and Tucson, AZ before moving to the Des Moines area 15 years ago. She was a skilled musical instrument technician and retired from C.E. Unrue Musical Repair in 1980. She was a member of the Methodist Church.
Malee was a determined, loving, caring mother with exceptional creative and artistic skills. She is survived by her son, Duane Unrue of Abilene, TX; daughter, Jeanne Lange of Clive; grandchildren, Bruce Unrue of Bedfor, TX, Mary Jean Baker of Abilene, TX, Brnet Unrue of Arlington, TX, Carol Murphy of The Colony, TX, Lisa Wiltgen of Charles City, Kathryn Lange of Minneapolis, MN, and Kurt Lange of Urbandale; 17 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie and a granddaughter, Charlotte Unrue.
Visitation is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. December 31 at Brooks Funeral Care – University Chapel. Memorial may be made to Hospice Kavanagh House, 900 56th St, Des Moines, IA 50312.
Dominic F. (Don) Amadeo
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 AM Wednesday, November 26, 2003, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church with Father Michael Amadeo presiding.
A retired new car salesman, Don was a avid golfer and a real people person. He served his country in the US Army during WWII and was a member of Bellizzi MacRae American Legion Post 659.
Don will be missed by his wife of 60 years, Helen; a son and daughter-in-law, Leonard and Diana Amadeo of Merrimack, NH; a daughter, Lynn Amadeo of Phoenix, AZ; his grandchildren, Nathan, Angie, Tony, and DeeDee; two great-grandchildren; his sister, Lucille Tucci and his brother, Frank Amadeo both of Des Moines.
Visitation will be held 4:30 to 7 p.m., Tuesday with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m. at Brooks Funeral Care Tonini Chapel.
Dorothy Sweasy
Dorothy Sweasy, 78, died Sunday, December 14, 2003, of a heart attack at her home. A memorial gathering will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, December 20, at Brooks Funeral Care – University Chapel.
Dorothy was a homemaker and enjoyed baby-sitting her great-grandchildren, playing cards with her friends, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and family activities.
She will be missed by her daughter, Paula (Brad) Coulter of Winterset; granddaughter, Laura (Kevin) Byrum of Des Moines; grandson, Eric Gates of Winterset; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clayton Sweasy.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.
Edith L. Kazebeer
Funeral Services for Edith L. Kazebeer, 87, will be held 2 PM, Tuesday, December 30, 2003, at Brooks Funeral Care Tonini Chapel. Edith retired from Parker Brothers. She enjoyed bowling, making crafts, reading and raising quarter horses with her husband. She was a member of Wakonda Christian Church. Edith will be missed by her son Casey and wife Cheryl, 5 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Floyd and her daughter Sheila Kear.
Visitation will be held 6 to 8 PM, Monday, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions suggested to Kavanaugh House on 56th Street or the American Lung Association.
Eric R. Marcks
Eric R. Marcks, 47, died December 31, 2004, at Hospice Kavanagh House in Des Moines. A Celebration of Life Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, January 3, 2004, at Grace United Methodist Church in Des Moines.
Eric was born in Sedalia, MO. He enjoyed sharing music with family and friends and birdwatching. He served as President of the Roosevelt High School Band Boosters and was a strong advocate for fair labor practices, human rights, child welfare and environmental justice. Eric was also involved in Peace Activism, Animal Rescue League, Iowans Against the Death Penalty and Environmental causes. He was a child abuse investigator for the Iowa Department of Human Services. He was an executive secretary for UE/IUP of Iowa and a member of the Des Moines Audubon Society.
Eric is survived by his wife, Charlene Marcks; parents, Raymond and Donna Marcks of Perry; daughter, Elizabeth Simon of Des Moines; brother, Craig Marcks of Waukee; and innumerable friends and family.
The family will greet friends following the services at the church. Memorial gifts may be made to the Animal Rescue League, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation or Iowans Against The Death Penalty.
Frank Dougherty
Frank Dougherty, 95, died December 12, 2003, at Regency Care Center in Norwalk of a heart attack. Graveside services will be held at 3:30 pm, Monday, December 15 at Booneville Cemetery.
Frank was born September 13, 1908, in Booneville and had lived in Cumming for 53 years. He was a farmer, also working at Smith Meats and most recently Crestview Acres. He was a member of Living History Farms, past state and national corn shucking by hand champion, and loved to travel.
He will be Missed by his son, Bud (Sharon) Dougherty of Cumming; daughter, Twyla (Lloyd) McNair of Van Meter; daughter, Frankie (Barney) Webb of Cumming; daughter, Santha Sukut of Cumming; brother, Bob (Dorothy) Dougherty of Indianola; sister Edna Consoliver of Des Moines; 15 grandchildren; many great and great-great-grandchildren; and his dog, Lady. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mable Cassidy Dougherty.
Visitation will be Monday, December 15, from 1-3 p.m. at Brooks Funeral Care – University Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Warren County Meals on Wheels.
Gordan K. Formaro, Sr.
Funeral Mass for Gordan K. Formaro, 76, Sr. will be held Friday, January 2 at 2pm at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.
Visitation will be held today from 3-5pm at the funeral home.
He will be missed by his two sons, Frank Varner and Timothy Formaro, Sr.; eight grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; sister, Angie Larson; and mother of his children, Blanche Formaro. He was preceded in death by his son Gordan K. Formaro, Jr.
Brooks Funeral Care – Tonini Chapel
John J. Gaps, Jr.
John Joseph Gaps, Jr., 72, died December 24, 2003 at Kavanaugh House on 56th St in Des Moines, Iowa. Raised in Ohio, John was stationed at Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City, Oklahoma where he met his wife, Jo Ann Gibson. They lived in Oklahoma, Columbus, OH, Overland Park, KS. and Springfield, MO. before their last move to West Des Moines in 1970.
John was a devoted grandfather of 10 grandchildren who loved him and will miss him very much. John was a US Air Force veteran of the Korean War. He graduated from Oklahoma City University in 1961. In his retirement, John enjoyed working part-time as an accountant for Action Accents in Des Moines. He was a devout member of St. Francis of Assisi in West Des Moines. His passion was as a fan of the Oklahoma Sooners.
John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jo Ann Gibson Gaps, daughter Julie (Kevin) Thomasson, son John J. (Gina) Gaps III and daughter Jeri (Greg) Williams. His grandchildren include Dr. Matt Van Dyke, John Henry "Hank" Gaps, Melissa Thomasson, Ethan Gaps, Sarah Gaps, Emilia Gaps, Audrey Williams, Kori Thomasson, Frannie Williams and Daniel Williams. Other survivors include uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and other family members in Oklahoma, Ohio, California and Texas.
Cremation is being handled by Brooks Funeral Home. Per John's request, a funeral mass will be said at 11:00 am Saturday, December 27 at St. Francis, with the family greeting friends after the mass. Private burial of the cremains will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kavanaugh House on 56th or St. Francis of Assisi Church in West Des Moines.
John J. Sisul
John Joseph Sisul, 87, died December 31, 2003, at Iowa Lutheran Hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Saturday at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m., Saturday at Oakland Cemetery in Centerville.
John was born in Diamond and had lived in the Des Moines area for 45 years. He was a self-employed barber and had served in WWII with the U.S. Army’s 753rd Tank Battalion. John was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, American Legion #374, and Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Sisul of West Des Moines; son, Steven (Janet) Sisul of La Crosse, WI; two granddaughters, Jessica and Nicole; and sister, Sylvia Mack of Hilo, Hawaii. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; and one sister.
Visitation will be Friday, January 2, 2004 from 5-7 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with a 7 p.m. Vigil Service. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or his church.
Brooks Funeral Care – University Chapel
Lillian Nelson Kern
Lillian Kern, 97, died of pneumonia Thursday, December 11, 2003 at Community Care Center in Stuart.
Lillian was born October 19, 1906 in Cameron, MO and lived most of her life in NE Kansas City. Lillian graduated from NE High School in 1925. She also attended Huff Business College and worked in the insurance industry as an executive secretary. She belonged to the NE Presbyterian Church, NE Order of the Eastern Star, and Daughters of the Nile.
Lillian is survived by her daughters Shirley Cardwell of Elgin, IL, and Caroline Barzen of Des Moines, IA; 8 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry A. Kern and one daughter, Betty Carra.
No services have been planned. Memorial donations in her name may be made to the Shrine Hospitals for Children, 2025 East River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55414.
Lee McClish
Lee McClish, 77, died late Friday night of heart ailment at the VA Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Helen; sister, Jane; eight daughters; six sons; 37 grandchildren; and more than 70 great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him.
A memorial gathering will be held Monday, December 22, from 10 am until 12 pm at Brooks Funeral Care-University Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to his wife, Helen.
Leonard Scorpiniti
Funeral Mass for Leonard Scorpiniti, 51, will be 10 a.m. Friday, November 7 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, of which he was a member. He was a past General Services employee for Polk County. Lenny was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He will be missed by his mother, Rose; his brother, Lou; and his nephew, Ryan. He was preceded in death by his father Louis, Sr.
Family will greet friends following the mass in the lower church. Memorials may be made to St. Anthony’s School.
Brooks Funeral Care – Tonini Chapel
Lucille Seward
Funeral Services will be held 11 AM Friday January 2, 2004 at First Christian Church of which she was a 50 year member and active in the church womens club. Lucille was a long time employee for Wolf’s Clothing Store and Younkers Department Store. She served Auburn-DeNova Order of the Eastern Star as a past Worthy Matron and was a member of White Shrine, Rosenberg-Osterhout Order of Rebekahs serving as Grand Noble and served two terms as a former PTA president. Lucille will be missed by her husband of 63 years Floyd, a son Dennis and his wife Mary Kay, a daughter Sandra and husband Robert, a daughter Sharon, 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held 3 to 6 PM (family will greet friends 4-6 PM) today at Brooks Funeral Care University Chapel. Memorial Contributions suggested to Alzheimer’s Foundation or American Cancer Society.
Mable A. O’Neal
Beloved Mable Alice O’Neal, formerly of West Des Moines, passed away peacefully at Regency Care Center in Norwalk where she was a resident for two and a half years. She went to be with the Lord on December 10, 2003. Funeral services will be 2 pm Sunday, December 14 at Brooks Funeral Care-University Chapel in Clive with burial at 11am Monday at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.
Mable was born in Lawler, Iowa on August 18, 1902, the daughter of Rose Ann and Guy Kucker. She married Tony O’Neal on June 30, 1920. They had seven children, Donald (Evelyn) O’Neal of Kennewick, WA, Virgel (Warren) Myer of Norwalk, Elsie (Bud) Wilbert of Des Moines, Melvin O’Neal (Bev Howe) of West Des Moines, Bob (Callie) O’Neal of West Des Moines, Guy O’Neal of Indianola and Barbara (Bill) Burnham of Clive. Also surviving are 24 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; 43 great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Kenneth (Grace) Kucker and Lloyd (Bernie) Kucker; two sisters, Ruth Nelson and Muriel Larson; and several nieces and nephews.
Mable was preceded in death by her husband, Tony, her parents, four brothers, five sisters, a grandson, and two great-grandsons.
Mable was a very loving, outgoing person. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, shopping with her grandchildren, baking lots of cookies and decorating her entire house at Christmas. She was a member of West Des Moines Christian Church, Royal Neighbors, Women of the Moose Lodge, Sunshine Club, Iowa Power Retirees, P.T.A., West Des Moines Christian Women’s Fellowship, and was a volunteer for several years at the Senior Center Meal Site in West Des Moines, where she received several volunteer awards.
Visitation will be Sunday from 12:30 pm until the time of service at Brooks Funeral Care, 7975 University Blvd. in Clive. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the West Des Moines Christian Church or the West Des Moines Senior Meal Site.
Margaret Veronica Weil
Margaret Veronica (Lynch) Weil, 92, died Friday, December 12, 2003, of a respitory ailment. A Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m., Monday, December 15, 2003, at St. Patricks Irish Settlement.
Margaret will be missed by her daughters, Marlene Kean and Joan Harkin; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband John. Friends may call 4-7 pm Sunday, December 14, at St. Patrick’s with the Rosary recited at 7pm.
Brooks Funeral Care – University Chapel
Rose Latrice
Rose Latrice, 94, passed away December 18, 2003, at Trinity Center, Luther Park. A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 am Tuesday at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.
Rose retired from the Iowa Dental Supply Company.
She will be missed by her daughter, Carol (Arthur) Senn of Des Moines; and her grandchildren, Toni and Arthur Jr. (Laurie) of Des Moines. She was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony, her parents Angelo and Loretta Cacciatore, her brothers Noche and Carl Cacciatore, and her sisters, Florence Cacciatore and Mary Mortellaro.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 pm Monday with a 7 pm Rosary at the funeral home.
Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.
Brooks Funeral Care ~ Tonini Chapel
