Alabama School Yearbooks by State and County
Lori Williams, 54, Keokuk
Lori Lynn Hatfield Williams, 54, of Keokuk died Monday, Jan. 30, 2017, at her home.
She was born March 23, 1962, in Keokuk, the daughter of Jerry and Dixie Calfee Hatfield.
On June 10, 1984, she was united in marriage to David Williams. They later divorced.
Lori had been employed at several area businesses through the years including Methode Electronics in Carthage, Ill., and BTR in Keokuk, and had been a certified nursing assistant in home health care for many years until she became disabled.
She attended St. Paul United Church of Christ in Keokuk.
Lori loved her children and enjoyed spending time with them. She loved animals, especially her cats.
Lori was a very giving person and would never hesitate to lend a hand to anyone. She would do anything to make you smile.
Lori will be forever loved and missed by her family and friends.
She is survived by three children, David Williams II of Chicago, Ill., Amanda Williams of Keokuk and Devan Williams of Keokuk; her mother, Dixie Mason of Washington, Ill.; her father, Jerry Hatfield of Keokuk; two brothers, Jim Hatfield of Fort Madison and Michael Hatfield of Washington, Ill.; a sister-in-law, Leah Williams of Keokuk; and a cousin, Geraldine Hatfield of Burlington.
She was preceded in death by her ex-husband, David Williams; and her best friend, JoAnn Davison.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, with the Rev. Milo VanVeldhuizen officiating.
Visitation will be after 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with family meeting with friends from 6 to 8 p.m.
Memorials may be made to the family.
Rex D. Mueller, 86, Donnellson
DONNELLSON – Rex D. Mueller, 86, died Jan. 24, 2017, at Hiawatha Care Center after a long illness.
Rex was born on April 10, 1930, on the family farm near Donnellson, to Earl and Clara Mueller. He graduated from Donnellson High School as class salutatorian in 1947. Always a hard worker, his early employment included labor for nearby farm neighbors; irrigation and ranch work in western Kansas; apple harvest in Yakima, Wash.; factory work in Burlington; and retail store work in Donnellson.
Rex served in the U.S. Army from August 1951 through July 1953 during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged as corporal and received four medals: the Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Medal, and United Nations Service Medal. On Veterans Day 2016, he was recognized by the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight.
On Aug. 19, 1955, Rex married
Carol Hooten in Fort Madison. Carol died on Nov. 19, 1995. Their children are Kathy Hall (Terry Pitts), Dan Mueller, and Doug Mueller; grandchildren, Nick (Sarah) Mueller, David Hall, and Jessica (Brennan) Umthun; and two great-granddaughters, Cora Umthun and Caroline Mueller.
On May 16, 1997, after declining an invitation to join the Peace Corps, he married
Karen Tweedy Marsh in Milaca, Minn., and welcomed her four children and nine grandchildren to the family. Karen died on June 22, 2013. Also preceding him in death were his parents, brother Kenneth and wife Betty, and his parents-in-law.
For 40 years ending in 1996, Rex had an independent business career as the owner and sole proprietor of Donnellson Feed & Fertilizer Inc. Many long friendships were made at the feed store, where he always had a smile and something witty to say. His professional memberships included Iowa Grain & Feed Association, Iowa Fertilizer & Chemical Association, National Fertilizer Solutions Association, and the National Federation of Independent Business.
Rex was strongly committed to community service. His volunteer activities included the Donnellson Independent and Central Lee School District boards, the Donnellson City Council, Donnellson Presbyterian Church, Donnellson Lions Club, Green Acres Country Club, and American Legion Post 474.
A highly intelligent man of honor and duty, Rex had a wry sense of humor and an unwavering moral compass. He taught his children to care for family, think for themselves, be compassionate to the weak, challenge the strong and do the right thing. He will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
According to his wishes, his body was donated to the University of Iowa. Military services and inurnment will be held at a later date at the Keokuk National Cemetery. Entrusted with the arrangements is Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the Green Acres Country Club and American Legion Post 474, both in Donnellson, or a charity of your choice.
Terry White, 63, Keokuk
Terry L. White, 63, of Keokuk, died Friday, Nov. 4, 2016, at his friend’s home in Argyle.
He was born June 8, 1953, in Winchester, Mo., the son of Ralph Leroy and Eva Jean Allen White.
Terry was a veteran of the U.S. Army and proudly served his country.
Terry had worked as an over-the-road truck driver for many years.
He enjoyed reading and spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. He adored his four-legged friend, Chaos.
He is survived by two grandchildren, Autumn and Austin White; a great-granddaughter; two brothers, William White (Linda) of Argyle and Kevin White of Kahoka, Mo.; three sisters, Rebecca Woodside of Carthage, Ill., Kitty Davis (Steven) of Kahoka and Robin Garlough (Shawn) of Clinton; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Misty Dawn White; his parents; three brothers, Charles, Richard and Ralph; his grandparents; and a sister, Melissa Axtell.
There will be no services or visitation.
Memorials may be made to the family.
Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk is assisting the family with arrangements.
Catherine Bentler, 98, West Point
WEST POINT – Catherine M. Bentler, 98, of rural West Point, passed away at 12:20 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, at Henry County Health Center in Mount Pleasant.
She was born July 1, 1918, in St. Paul, the daughter of Angela Witte and Theodore Dingman.
Survivors include her four children, including locally, Joe Bentler of St. Paul, Mark (Cathy) Bentler of Fort Madison, and Joan (Larry) Steffensmeier of St. Paul.
Friends may call and meet with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at St. James the Less Catholic Church in St. Paul.
Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, with Father Bruce DeRammelaere as celebrant.
Burial will be in St. James Cemetery, St. Paul.
Schmitz Funeral Home in West Point is assisting the family with arrangements.
Duane DuBois, 89, Keokuk
Duane E. DuBois, 89, died Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, at Keokuk Area Hospital.
Duane was born July 18, 1927, to Harry J. and Edna G. Barber DuBois in Montrose, McCook County, S.D.
He was united in marriage to Margaret Alice Lee on Nov. 21, 1948, in Waterloo. They were blessed with two daughters.
Survivors are his wife, Margaret of 68 years; daughters, Pamela (James) Bliss of Oklahoma and Susan DuBois (Richard Yabunaka) of Colorado; grandchildren, Eric, Ethan and Laura Bliss; and nephew, William (June) DuBois of near Chicago.
His only sibling, Warren, preceded him in death.
While in the U.S. Army Air Force, he spent 1946 as a member of the Army of Occupation in Germany.
He graduated from Coe College, Cedar Rapids, with a bachelor of arts degree; received an master of arts degree from Iowa State Teachers College, Cedar Falls; and later earned about 90 additional graduate hours.
He was employed by the Carnation Fresh Milk Division, Waterloo, for eight years as director of quality control. Beginning in 1959, he was employed by the Keokuk Community School District, where he taught mathematics for 28 years at Keokuk Junior High School and Keokuk Middle School.
Always active in the community, he has been both member and treasurer for United Presbyterian Sunday School, Cedar Rapids; Kiwanis Club, Evansdale; St. Paul United Church of Christ and Sunday school, Keokuk; Keokuk Education Association; Keokuk Community School Employees Credit Union; Lee County Retired School Personnel; Keokuk Masonic Lodge No. 29 A.F. & A.M.; and Keokuk Masonic Building Association.
A member of St. Paul United Church of Christ for more than 50 years, he served on the Consistory, as an elder and trustee. He was a life member of the National Education Association.
Active in Masonic organizations, he served as Master, Keokuk Lodge; Worthy Patron, Elmira Chapter No. 40 OES; Grand Representative of Virginia in Iowa, OES; and Rainbow Dad, Rainbow Girls Keokuk Assembly No. 44; and was a member of Diamond Chapter No. 37, OES.
During August 1967, 1968, 1969 and 1970, the family spent the month camping at western National Parks and Monuments.
With his wife Margaret, they attended 39 elderhostels in the U.S., Canada, England, Scotland and Wales. He enjoyed reading, yard and garden work, home maintenance and wood working – especially crafting scroll-sawed ornaments. He donated the proceeds from 2,500 ornament sales to the Order of the Eastern Star, St. Paul United Church of Christ and other organizations. In addition, he donated more than $5,000 to Lee County Retired School Personnel Scholarship Fund. Always generous, he also gave over 3,000 ornaments as gifts.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to St. Paul United Church of Christ Memorial Fund or Keokuk Masonic Lodge No. 29 A.F. & A.M.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Center, 917 Blondeau St., Keokuk, with the Rev. Milo Van Veldhuizen officiating. Inurnment with military rites will follow in Keokuk National Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at DeJong-Greaves.
A public Masonic memorial service will follow visitation at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Ronald Wagner, 48, Montrose
MONTROSE – Ronald Lee Wagner, 48, Montrose, died Jan. 3, 2017, – drowning in the river just outside of Montrose.
Ronald was born on Jan 29, 1968, at Fort Madison, to Roy Lee Wagner and Jerri Welsh.
He is survived by a son, Sheldon Wagner of Fort Madison; a daughter, Sheena Wagner of Montrose; and a sister. Janet Rudd of Washington, Mo.
A celebration of life service will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today (Monday) at Ivor Fowler Community Room, Montrose.
A memorial has been established in his name.
Ronald was a fisherman, a logger and a mechanic – a jack of all trades. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.
He died in a fishing accident with his cousin/friend, Bill White Sr. Ronald died doing what be loved on the river that he loved.
He was loved by many and will be missed.
