Alabama School Yearbooks by State and County
Charles S. Benesh
Born in Walker, Iowa on August 11, 1926
Departed on July 3, 2010. Resided in Mountain Home, Arkansas.
Visitation: Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Service: Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Family Gathering: Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Cemetery: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery
Charles S. Benesh, 83, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, formerly of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday July 3, 2010 at Hospice of the Ozarks in Mountain Home after a long illness. Services at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 14 at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories where friends may call after 10:00 AM. Burial with military rites at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include his daughter, Stacy Benesh and her partner, Janet Weilbrenner of West Plains, Missouri; a son, Scott Benesh and his wife, Patti of Spring, Texas; and a sister, Maxine Lanning and her husband, Arnold of Cedar Rapids.
He is also survived by two granddaughters, Karina Benesh of Los Angeles, California, and Kyra Benesh of Spring, Texas; and a special friend, Ramona Jenson of Mountain Home, Arkansas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and a brother, Richard Benesh.
Charles was born on August 11, 1926 in Walker, Iowa, the son of Samuel and Nora Reid Benesh. He married
Jo Ann Bentien on July 28, 1956 in Monona, Iowa. She died June 19, 2006.
Charles worked at Cherry Burrell for 42 years, retiring in 1989. He was a U.S. Army World War II veteran, 25th Mechanized Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop. He was a member of the NRA and the Izaak Walton League. He enjoyed the outdoors, trap shooting and especially time spent with his many friends and beloved family.
Memorial donations may be given in Charles’s name to Hospice of the Ozarks – Mountain Home, 701 Burnett Dr., Mountain Home, AR 72653.
Leila Neuenswander Brown
Born in Fayette, Iowa on April 28, 1915
Departed on July 10, 2010. Resided in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Leila Neuenswander Brown, 95, of Cedar Rapids, IA, died Saturday, July 10, 2010 at Northbrook Manor Care Center of Cedar Rapids.
Leila was the oldest of five children, born on April 28, 1915 on a farm in Fayette, IA. Leila enrolled in Nurses Training at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA right out of high school. Her first job after receiving her RN Degree was on staff at Finley Hospital in Dubuque, IA.
Leila voluntarily joined the World War II effort as a Lieutenant JG in the U.S. Navy. Her first duty-station was Oak Knoll Naval Hospital, Oakland, CA. followed by Aiea Heights Naval Hospital, Honolulu, Hawaii and later the Naval Air Station at Pearl Harbor. Leila was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and served close to the front lines in the Pacific Theatre assigned to the Marine medical group on the island of Guam. While in Guam she saw thousands of U.S. troops evacuated from battles on the islands of Mariana, Marshall and Soloman chains such as Tarawa Atolls, Gilbert Islands and Saipan.
After discharge from active duty in November 1945, Leila returned to Cedar Rapids where she worked as an RN for Dr. Gertsman in Marion and Dr. Aschoff in Cedar Rapids.
In June 1962 Leila married
Hollis Brown. In February 1975 she retired from nursing. During her retirement, Leila volunteered at the VA Hospital in Iowa City and St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids.
Leila was a member of Kenwood Park United Methodist Church and the New Encounters Widows Group.
Survivors include a brother, Noel (Marilyn) Neu of Moline, IL; a sister-in-law Jeanne Neuenswander of Cedar Rapids, IA; a stepdaughter Diane (Dewayne) Spillers of Cheyenne, WY; 13 nieces and nephews and 34 great, great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Levi and Katie Neuenswander; husband, Hollis Brown; brother, L. J. Neuenswander; sister, Cleo Washburn; and brother, Gale Neuenswander.
Leila donated her body to the University of Iowa’s Deeded Body Program for Medical Research. Private family services will be held at a later date.
Rev. Leroy E. Bauman
Born in Denver, Iowa on October 15, 1916
Departed on July 22, 2010. Resided in Des Moines, Iowa.
Visitation: Saturday, August 21, 2010
Service: Saturday, August 21, 2010
Rev. Leroy E. Bauman, 93, of Des Moines, formerly of Cedar Rapids, died Thursday, July 22, 2010, at the Edgewater Care Facility in West Des Moines. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1 PM Saturday, August 21, 2010, in Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Visitation will begin at the chapel at noon on Saturday.
Leroy was born in Denver, Iowa on October 15, 1916 to Louis H. Bauman, sr. and his wife, Meta Meyer. He was educated at East Waterloo High School, graduating in 1935. He was awarded a B.A. Degree at Iowa State Teacher’s College in 1940 and an S.T. B. Degree from Boston University School of Theology, Boston, Mass. In 1943. He completed the residential work on a Ph. D Degree at Boston University Graduate School during the years following.
Leroy married
Loyce M. Miller on Dec. 25, 1941, the 39th Anniversary of his parents. He is survived by Kathryn Bauman Harmsen and her two sons, Erik and Paul, of Peach Tree City, Ga., Leroy E. Bauman, II of Des Moines, Iowa, Loyce M. Ivers, her husband Rod, of Overland Park, Kansas, and two sons, Christopher and Ben; Paul Kermit Bauman of Kansas City, Mo. And his two daughters, Amanda and Alison, Christina Mueller of Postville, Ia. and her two daughters, Natalie and Lindsay Loy, Thayer Louis Bauman of Aurora, Illinois, his wife, Pamela, and children Spencer and Dana, and Betsy Blythe Bauman of Urbandale, Ia. and a sister, Demaris Thompson of Jesup, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and two brothers, and a grandson, Leroy E., III.
Leroy was an ordained minister of the United Methodist Church and served churches in Fall River, Mass., Bridgewater, Mass., Lime Springs-Chester, Ia., Grundy Center, Ia., West Branch-Springdale, Iowa, First United Methodist Church, Mason City, Ia., Kimball Avenue United Methodist in Waterloo, Ia., and Kenwood Park United Methodist in Cedar Rapids, Ia. He was a member of the Iowa United Methodist Conference.
Leroy served on the Board of Missions and the Board of Education of the former North Iowa United Methodist Conference and was the chairman of the Town and Country Commission. He was also very active in youth activities and directed several high school youth camps. During his career he also had been a member of the Rotary and Lions” Clubs. He served as chairman of the Fall River, Mass., Mason City and Waterloo Ministerial Committees. He was active in community activities wherever he lived and served at times on the Red Cross, Visiting Nurses, Eagle Boy Scout Boards, and Rotary Club Committees.
Leroy was a devoted husband and father and grandfather, and deeply loved his wife, Loyce, their seven children, ten grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him especially throughout his ministry.
A memorial fund has been established.
Etta L. Ballard
Born in Manchester, Iowa on November 20, 1922
Departed on August 5, 2010. Resided in Jacksonville, Florida.
** Etta L. Ballard, 87, passed away on August 5, 2010. Because of our mother’s faith in Jesus Christ, she now lives forever in a place called Heaven. Born on November 20, 1922 in Manchester, Iowa. Etta was the eldest daughter of George and Louiemaude White. In 1939, she was united with Dean Ballard (deceased 2006) in marriage for 66 years. Temporally left behind are: her 2 sons, Don Ballard (Ruth) and Dick Ballard (Linda); 5 grandchildren, Donna Lynses (Rick), Rich Ballard (Christine). Don Ballard (Tracy), Carol Fowler (Mike), and Ricky Ballard (Sabrina); 10 great grandchildren, Chris, Cindy, Rachel, Richie, Alec, Allison, Brandon, Haley, Sarah, Allen, one brother, four sisters and many friends.
Services will be held at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories on Thursday at 11:00 AM. Friends may call at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 6 to 8 PM on Wednesday.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Beginnings Church, 910 Boyson Ct., Hiawatha, Iowa 52233 or Community Hospice 4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, Florida, 32257
Donald Quincy Beck
Born in Kansas City, Missouri on January 29, 1931
Departed on August 10, 2010. Resided in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Cemetery: Mound Grove Cemetery
Donald Quincy Beck, 79, of Cedar Rapids, died August 10, 2010 in his home following an extended illness. A graveside service will be held at a later date at Mound Grove Cemetery, Independence, Missouri. Arrangements by Cedar Memorial Park Westside Chapel.
Surviving are his wife Claudette; children, Brenda Hampton and husband Tim of Cedar Rapids, Melissa Beck of Alexandria, VA, and Jef Beck of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Myles Hampton and Alisha Ruble; great grandchild, Bryson Quincy; and his sister, Grace Herr and husband Robert of Keller, TX.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Joyce.
Donald Quincy Beck was born January 29, 1931 in Kansas City, Missouri the son of John Henry and Dorothy Mildred (Anderson) Beck. He served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He was united in marriage to Claudette Elaine Jenkins on December 16, 1960. He was a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for 28 years. He was a member of Community of Christ Church, the VFW, and the Kansas City Branch of the Postal Carrier’s Union # 30. His greatest enjoyment was time spent with his family. He will be greatly missed.
Memorial donations in Donald’s honor may be made to Hospice of Mercy, 701 10th Street SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403, who assisted with kind care in his last days.
Margaret Joan Billett
Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on February 13, 1933
Departed on August 15, 2010. Resided in Hiawatha, Iowa.
Visitation: Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Service: Thursday, August 19, 2010
Cemetery: Mt. Calvary Cemetery
Joan Billett, 77, of 3228 Shasta Ct NE, died Sunday August 15, 2010 in the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Pius X Catholic Church by the Rev. Phil Thompson. Burial: Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home and after 10:00 at the church on Thursday.
Survivors include her husband Mike Billett, her daughters, Kari Kruger and husband Scott of Marion, Julie Billett of Cedar Rapids, and Cristie Shepperd and husband Chris of Pella, Iowa, her grandchildren, Jordan and Derek Kruger both of Marion, and Nick, Mitch and Mikhail all of Pella.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Joan was born February 13, 1933 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of William and Margaret LaMasters Meehan. She married
Mike Billett on April 4, 1959 in Cedar Rapids. Joan was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, Beta Sigma Phi and a volunteer at Mercy Medical Center. She was very loving and dedicated to her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Memorials may be made to the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy.
Diana Marie Berry
Born in Arlington, Iowa on February 24, 1941
Departed on August 25, 2010. Resided in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Diana M. Berry, 69, of Cedar Rapids, died August 25, 2010 at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy following an extended illness. A memorial gathering will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, August 30, 2010 at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Inurnment will take place on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at Oelwein, Iowa.
Surviving are her children, Steve Berry and wife Leah of Ft. Worth, TX and Susan Beer and husband Eric of Phoenix, AZ; her grandchildren, Walker and Grace Berry and Issac and Addison Beer; her sister Wilma Siler and husband Harvey of Costa Mesa, Ca; as well as other extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Diana Marie Berry was born February 24, 1941 in Arlington, IA the daughter of John and Faith Roquet. She married
Wayne Berry in Cedar Rapids. She and Wayne had two beloved children. They were later divorced. She was employed at GE Capital in accounts receivable. She had a good sense of humor which was displayed with her latest car purchase which had flames depicted running down the sides of the vehicle. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests all memorial contributions be directed to Hospice of Mercy in Diana’s honor.
Steven R. Blankenburg
Born in Highland Park, Illinois on July 11, 1959
Departed on December 4, 2001. Resided in Marion, IA.
Visitation: Thursday, December 6, 2001
Service: Friday, December 7, 2001
Cemetery: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery
Steven R. Blankenburg, 42, of 149 Cedar Dr., Marion, died Tuesday, December 4, 2001, in his home after a long struggle with complications of diabetes. Services at 10:30 AM Friday in Faith Lutheran Church in Marion. Rev. John Albertson and Rev. Mark Hasty will officiate. Burial in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home from 4:30 to 6 PM on Thursday and at the church after 9:30 AM on Friday.
Survivors include his parents, Arley and Darlene Blankenburg of Marion, a son Travis of Toledo, Iowa, and a brother Robert of Marion.
Steven was born July 11, 1959, in Highland Park, Illinois to Arley and Darlene Ross Blankenburg. He graduated from Linn Mar High School in 1977 where he had participated in music and drama. He then attended Coe College and the University of Iowa. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Marion.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church or the American Diabetes Association.
Stevens's family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses in the dialysis unit at Mercy Medical Center.
John R. Battin
Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on December 5, 1928
Departed on March 12, 2002. Resided in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Visitation: Sunday, March 17, 2002
Service: Monday, March 18, 2002
Cemetery: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery
John R. Demmy Battin, 73, of 426 29th St. Dr. S.E., died Tuesday at St. Luke's Hospital following a short illness. Services: 11 a.m. Monday at the Bethany Lutheran Church by Rev. Donald Loesch officiating. Inunrment: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call at the Cedar Memorial Funeral Home from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday and at the church after 10 a.m. on Monday.
Survivors include his wife, Patricia; a daughter, Amy Leone Paul and twin granddaughters, Madeline and Margaret of Lakewood, Colorado; a sister, Barbara Darby Ralph, of Rochester, Michigan; a sister in law, Marie Battin of Brookfield, Wisconsin; five cousins, four nieces and one nephew.
His parents and a brother, Douglas Battin, preceded him in death.
John was born December 5, 1928 in Cedar Rapids, the son of the late John R. and Leota Croson Battin. On December 28, 1957, he married
Patricia Hutt in Cedar Rapids. John recided in Cedar Rapids his entire life.
A 1947 graduate of Franklin High School in Cedar Rapids, John earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Coe College in 1951, where he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.
John was employed as an agent by the National Life Insurance Company of Vermont from 1951 until the time of his death. During his lengthy insurance career, John achieved many awards, including the Newell C. Day Award for Life Underwriter of the Year from the Iowa Association of Life Underwriters. He was a member of both the Iowa and National Life Underwriters Associations, he held several offices and served on numerous committees during his lengthy tenure with both associations.
Throughout his life, John devoted his spare time to community service and activities. His many contributions to the community included service with the following organizations and committees: chairman, Annexation Committee of the City of Cedar Rapids; past president, Cedar Rapids Junior Chamber of Commerce; past president, Cedar Rapids Exchange Club; former chairman, Cedar Rapids Recreation Commission; former chairman, Iowa Parks and Recreation Association; former chairman, National Coe College Alumni Association; member, Coe College Board of Trustees; member, Tau Kappa Epsilon Alumni; former president, Cedar Rapids P.T.S.A.; and former board member, Iowa Council of Camp Fire Girls.
John was honored with a variety of awards for his community service over the years, including the Distinguished Civic Service Award, presented by the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce. He was selected for the Outstanding Young Men of America, and he was the recipient of the Junior Chamber International Senatorship. In 1980, John received the Luther Halsey Gulick Award from the Camp Fire Girls, the highest national award for a Camp Fire volunteer. In addition, John served his church community in a variety of capacities, culminating with membership at Bethany Lutheran Church.
John was a passionate sports fan with a special affinity for the Chicago Cubs and the Iowa Hawkeyes. He thoroughly enjoyed his family and friends, and will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Coe College c/o Dan Breitbach, 1220 1st Ave. N.E., Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402, or Bethany Lutheran Church, 2202 Forest Dr. S.E., Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403.
