Alabama School Yearbooks by State and County
Mervyn L. Sturdivan
Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on April 26, 1934
Departed on October 15, 2010. Resided in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Visitation: Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Service: Thursday, October 21, 2010
cemetery: Cedar Memorial Park cemetery & Mausoleum
Mervyn L. “Merv” Sturdivan, 76, of Cedar Rapids, passed away very unexpectedly, Friday afternoon, October 15, 2010 at St. Luke’s Emergency Room. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 AM Thursday, October 21, at New Covenant Bible Church, with a luncheon and fellowship to follow the committal service. Entombment with military honors will be in Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 PM Wednesday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.
Surviving to honor his memory are two daughters, Sheryl “Sheri” Sturdivan-O’Donnell (Mike) of Cedar Rapids, a step-grandson Patrick O’Donnell of Des Moines, a step-great granddaughter Emma Barton-O’Donnell of St. Lucas, Iowa; and Sandra “Sandi” (Joe) Wiltgen and their two children, Tanner Wiltgen (whose birthday is shared with Grandpa Merv) and Amber Wiltgen, who all live in Ankeny, Iowa; and his brother Richard “Dick” (Judy) Sturdivan, and their two daughters, Susan Fontal and Tracy Schell, all of California. Merv is also survived by his very special friend and companion, Rita Rummells and her family of Cedar Rapids, as well as many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. He was preceded in death by his parents LeRoy and Mabel Sturdivan, his wife Jayne Ann on December 21, 1987, his very special friend and companion, Bernadine “Brownie” Fritz, on May 18, 2003, and his faithful companion miniature Schnauzer “Mitzi”.
Merv was born on April 26, 1934, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of LeRoy and Mabel (Faas) Sturdivan. He was a lifelong resident of Cedar Rapids, and graduated from Franklin High School in June of 1952. He was the unofficial class historian. He proudly served in the US Army in Korea from September of 1953 to May of 1956.
On October 27, 1956, he was united in marriage to Jayne Ann Stewart at Kenwood Park Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids.
Merv worked at Ledford Engineering as a tool and die maker for 27 years, retiring in May of 1996. After retirement, Merv enjoyed volunteering at St. Luke’s Hospital, his travels to Branson and abroad, his numerous cruises, working on his many rental properties, yard work, and antique cars.
He was a lifelong member of Kenwood Park Presbyterian Church since 1943 and served as an elder, and was also a member of the New Covenant Bible Church – Pathfinders and Young at Heart Groups, as well as an usher and folding bulletins on a weekly basis. He was an active member of Landlords of Linn County for many years, a caller and organizer for YEWS for 17 years, a member of the Widow and Widowers, LADOS, the Corvette Club, and Marion American Legion Post # 298.
Merv thoroughly enjoyed taking his daughters, their husbands, and grandchildren on trips to Branson, as well as on a Caribbean Cruise quite a number of years ago.
He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to everyone. We will miss him tremendously and will love him forever.
Military honors by Marion American Legion Post No 298.
A memorial fund has been established.
Rev. Elmer H. Widmann
Born in Waterloo, Iowa on December 10, 1902
Departed on July 19, 2004. Resided in Cedar Rapids, IA.
cemetery: Newhall Lutheran cemetery
Rev. Elmer H. Widmann, 101, of 5310 Midway Drive NW, died Mercy Medical Center, Monday, July 19, 2004 after a brief illness. Memorial Services: 11 a.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church by the Rev.s Jonathan Offt and Parker Knoll. Burial: Newhall Lutheran cemetery, Newhall. Friends may call at Trinity Lutheran Church from 3 to 5 p.m. and from 7 to 8 p.m. on Friday. Turner West Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include a son Rev. Richard Eileen Widmann of San Diego, CA; a daughter, Dorothy Edward Statton of Cedar Rapids; five grandchildren, Jeanette Terry Marks of Oregon, Rachel Joel Wohfeil and Mary Steven Rochester, all of San Diego, CA, Major Jonathan Mara Widmann of San Antonio, TX, and Faith LCDR Mark Lakamp of Ramona, CA.; 17 Great grandchildren; 1 Great Great Grandchild; a niece Jan Will Jorgenson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Jeanette in 1938.
Elmer was born December 10, 1902 in Waterloo, the son of William and Elizabeth Krueger Widmann. He married
Jeanette A. Happel on August 9, 1929 in Vinton. Elmer was a graduate of Concordia College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Concordia Theological Seminary, in St. Louis. Missouri and was the last living graduate from the class of 1928. Elmer served his pastorates in St. Louis, Missouri, Iona, Minnesota, Ute, Iowa, Ogden, Iowa, formerly, Trinity Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids from 1948-1959, Ventura, Iowa and Hampton, Iowa. He was very dedicated to serving God and the Lutheran Churches he served in. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or the International Lutheran Hour.
Robert Duane Thorson
Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on October 13, 1924
Departed on March 2, 2013. Resided in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Visitation: Sunday, March 10, 2013
Service: Monday, March 11, 2013
cemetery: Cedar Memorial Park cemetery
Robert Duane Thorson, 88, of Cedar Rapids died Saturday March 2, 2013 at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha after a long illness. Funeral Mass: 10:00 AM on Monday at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Rev. David Beckman will officiate. Entombment at Cedar Memorial Park cemetery. Friends may call at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 2 to 4 PM on Sunday and at the Church after 9:00 AM on Monday.
Survivors include his daughter, Rebecca (Tom) Pardonek of Cedar Rapids and two sons, Michael (Teresa) of Sequim, Washington, Robert Shawn of Cedar Rapids and a sister Violet (Jack) Leinen of Hampton. Bob is also survived by two grandchildren Sydney Pardonek, Taylor Thorson and Catherine Larson his companion from Cedar Rapids. He was preceded in death by his wife; three sisters Ivadell, Dorothy, Jeanie and three brothers Martin, Otto and Ted.
Bob was born on October 13, 1924 in Cedar Rapids the son of Otto and Anna Erickson Thorson. He married
Mary Anne O’Meara on October 26, 1950 in Cedar Rapids. She died in 2002. Bob worked at Rockwell-Collins as manager of micrographics for over 36 years, retiring in 1991.
He was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church; the Elk’s Club, and served in the Navy during WWII. Bob volunteered for several years at Ellis Golf Course.
Bob was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing cards with his friends, especially poker. He spent many hours reading a wide variety of books. In his earlier years Bob also played bridge and spent time woodworking and creating many gifts for his family. Watching football, basketball and golf on TV were events Bob looked forward to. He especially enjoyed time spent with his family. Family and friends will miss his sharp sense of humor and strong will.
Memorial donations may be given to the National Kidney Foundation.
Evelyn M. Stodola
Born in Elkader, Iowa on April 16, 1924
Departed on September 21, 2010. Resided in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Evelyn M. Renken Stodola, 86, of Evergreen Estates II died there on Tuesday September 21, 2010 after a short illness. Memorial Mass 10:30 AM on Friday at St. Jude Catholic Church. Rev. Mark Reasoner will officiate. Inurnment at Cedar Memorial Park Mausoleum. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include two daughters, Wanda Renken and her significant other, Wayne Slaughter of Cedar Rapids and Julia (Gary Sr.) Rocarek of Vinton; a son, Bruce (Krys) Renken of Cedar Rapids; one sister, Carolyn Morrissey of Marion, three brothers, William (Dorothy) Farmer of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, Robert (Betty) Farmer of Worthington and Patrick (Laura) Farmer of Strawberry Point. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, a son, Merle Jr., a daughter, Mardelle, one sister, Jean Theel and a grandson, Christopher.
Evelyn was born on April 16, 1924 in Elkader, the daughter of Bryan and Luella Clinton Farmer. She married
Merle Renken Sr. on February 12, 1944 in Elkader. They were later divorced. She then married
Clair J. Stodola on November 26, 1971 in Marion. He died in 2003. Evelyn was a homemaker and a member of St. Jude Catholic Church and the VFW Auxiliary. She enjoyed jig saw puzzles, playing cards, collecting owls and especially the time she spent with her beloved family. A memorial fund has been established in Evelyn’s name.
Dorothy J. Sauter
Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on November 24, 1924
Departed on August 31, 2010. Resided in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Visitation: Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Service: Thursday, September 2, 2010
cemetery: Cedar Memorial Park cemetery
Dorothy J. Sauter, 85, of 214 15th St. NW died Tuesday August 31 at her home after a long illness. Services at 1:00 PM on Thursday at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Rev. H. Burr Bryant will officiate. Burial at Cedar Memorial Park cemetery. Friends may call at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 5 to 8 PM on Wednesday.
Survivors include a son, Floyd Jr. (Judy) of Urbana, a daughter, Carol Knight of Cedar Rapids, two sisters, Evelyn Wieneke of Phoenix, Arizona, Grace Kimbrough of Cedar Rapids, and one brother, Henry (Sue) Matejka of Olin. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Timothy and Troy Sauter, Kasey (Eric) Knight-Day and eight great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son-in-law, Ken Knight, sister, Mildred Pernicka, three brothers-in-law, Harry, Gene and Frank and one sister-in-law, Trixie.
Dorothy was born on November 24, 1924 in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Henry and Mabel Stitt Matejka. She married
Floyd A. Sauter on April 26, 1946 in Cedar Rapids, He died in 1986. Dorothy was a receiving inspector at Collins Radio for over 30 years, retiring in 1987. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, El Kahir Shrine Widows and the Elks Club. She enjoyed going to the casino, shopping, traveling to every state and especially the time spent with her beloved family and many friends.
A memorial fund has been established in Dorothy’s name. “The family would like to give a special thank you to Peggy with St. Lukes Hospice and her care givers, Lori and Karen for the loving care given to Dorothy”.
Darrell M. Schumacher
Born in Near Danbury, Iowa on August 17, 1918
Departed on August 21, 2010. Resided in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Service: Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Family Gathering: Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Darrell M. Schumacher, 92, a longtime resident of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday morning, August 21, at Mercy Medical Center following a short illness. A celebration of Darrell’s life will be held at 3:00 on Tuesday, August 24 at First Congregational UCC with Rev. David Hohmann officiating. A reception will be held at the church immediately following the service. Military honors will be conducted by Iowa Army Honor Guard. According to Darrell’s wishes, he donated his body to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Darrell is survived by his wife of 69 years, Shirley, two sons, Gary (Marsha) Schumacher of Great Falls, Montana and Douglas (Jane) Schumacher of Cedar Rapids; three grandchildren, Justin (Katylin) Schumacher of Seattle, Washington, Jon (fiancée Ellen) Schumacher of Los Angeles, California and David (Amie) of Chicago, Illinois and one great grandson, Enoch. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Earl Schumacher and four sisters, Doris Utterbach, Wilma Wilkening, Norma Knaak and Bonnie Carstens.
Darrell was born August 17, 1918 near Danbury, Iowa, the son of Carl and Alice (Riddle) Schumacher. He loved flying and obtained his private pilot’s license in 1939. He married
Shirley Hegg in Iowa City, Iowa on June 8, 1941. Also in June of 1941, he graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and was inducted into two college honor societies, Tau Beta Pi and Chi Epsilon. Darrell enlisted in the Army serving with the Army Corps of Engineers from August 1941 to March of 1946. He helped build the Alcan Highway, Alaska and served in New Guinea, Morotai and Luzon. He remained in the Active Reserve retiring in 1962 as a Colonel, USAR. Darrell received the Bronze Star, Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two bronze stars and Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with two bronze stars. Darrell also graduated from the Command and General Staff School as an active reservist.
Darrell not only served his country with distinction but also his community. He retired in 1984 as Chairman of Rinderknecht Associates and Merit Construction Company and was currently President of 340th Construction Company. He was a past director of the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce, the former People’s Bank and Methwick Retirement Community. He was a past Chairman of the Cedar Rapids Board of Appeals, United Way and the University of Iowa College of Engineering Advisory Board. He served as President of Downtown Rotary Club, Cedar Rapids Executive Club and the Cedar Rapids Country Club. He also was a past trustee of USP Real Estate Investment Trust. Darrell was a member of the American Society of Military Engineers, the Reserve Officers Association, the President’s Club of the University of Iowa Foundation, Cedar Rapids Downtown Rotary and First Congregational UCC.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Darrell’s memory to the First Congregational UCC, the Methwick Community or the charity of your choice.
