Marian Makepeace Law
Marian Makepeace Law, 83, of Waterloo died Saturday, November 29, 2003 at Friendship Village . Born August 16, 1920 in Waterloo , Iowa , she was the daughter of the late Mary Makepeace Morris Law and William Robert Law, who was the mayor of Waterloo from 1916 to 1917 and the composer of “On Iowa” the University of Iowa fight song. A descendant of Atlantic , Iowa pioneers, Ms. Law loved history and antiques, especially scrimshaw about which she enjoyed giving talks to many organizations. She graduated from East Waterloo High School in 1937 and attended the University of Northern Iowa before going to work for the American Lung Association for 21 years retiring as a regional manager in 1975. Ms. Law was a long time member of Trinity Episcopal Parish. In addition, she was a stockholding member of Sunnyside Country Club and an active member of the Junior League of Waterloo and Cedar Falls , Chapter Z P.E.O., Questers, and Friends of the Grout Museum , and was active in the community spending many years volunteering with various community agencies.
She was preceded in death by her brothers Franklin Law and his wife, Virginia, and Robert (Bob) Law and his wife Molly, and her cousins, Jessie Loomis and Jane Wagner. A much beloved aunt and friend, Ms. Law is survived by three nieces Nancy Law of Houston, Texas, Marian Law Townsend and her husband Foard of San Antonio, Texas and Eleanor Law O'Gorman and her husband Keith of San Antonio, Texas; two great nephews John Townsend and Franklin Townsend; two great nieces Virginia O'Gorman Dibrell and her husband Sam, and Catherine O'Gorman; two step nieces Kathy Tyree and her husband Dennis, and Edith Roach and her husband Steve, and many wonderful, lifelong friends.
The family wishes to give special thanks to the staff at Friendship Village Medical Center .
Bertha M. Lawrence
Bertha M. Lawrence, 84, of Waterloo died Thursday, May 22, 2003 at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home. She was born September 17, 1918 in Moberly, Missouri the daughter of Robert Lee and Anna Mae (Kribs) Barnett.
Bertha married Verdell Lawrence October 31, 1942 in Moberly. He died February 22, 1956. She worked for Eagle Grocery Store in the produce department and as a checker until retiring in 1983.
Bertha is survived by 2 daughters: Bev Amfahr and her husband Ron of Waterloo, and Betty Mastain and her husband Jim of Waverly; 7 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren; 3 brothers: J.D. Barnett of Michigan City, Indiana; Clifford Barnett of Seattle, Washington; and Ron Barnett of Jesup, Iowa. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and a sister Naomi Rutledge.
Lucille M. Leeper
Lucille M. Leeper, 88, of Waterloo, IA, died Tuesday, May 4, 2004 at Ravenwood Nursing and Rehab Center. She was born November 10, 1915 in Butler County, IA, daughter of Frank and Anna (Smidt) Schwartz. She attended Janesville Consolidated School and graduated in 1933.
Lucille married Donald Y. Leeper on November 24, 1938 in Butler County, IA. They built their home in Waterloo, IA and have lived there ever since. Donald died on May 4, 1998.
Lucille attended the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and was a past member of the Unity Presbyterian Church of rural Clarksville. She enjoyed embroidery, baking cookies, especially oatmeal raisin and chocolate chip and reading.
She is survived by her two sons, Lyle Leeper and his wife, Elaine of Waterloo, IA and Jim Leeper and his wife, Catherine of Tuscaloosa, AL; Four grandchildren, Louanne Leeper Huisman and her husband, Larry of Kasson, MN, Russ Leeper and his wife, Susan of Sun Prairie, WI, Evonne Leeper of Stanford, CA; and Connie Leeper of Durham, NC; Two great grandchildren, Jordon and Brittney Huisman of Kasson, MN; Brother, Bob Schwartz of Shell Rock, IA.
Lucille is preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Eleanor Hoffman.
Friends who wish may direct memorials to the family.
Harold C. (Hap) Leohr Sr.
Harold C. “Hap” Leohr Sr., 93, of Waterloo, died Friday, February 11, 2005, at his home. He was born on December 5, 1911, in Coal City, Indiana, son of Henry J. and Hulda (Huffman) Leohr. He married Alice Buehler October 16, 1936, in Waterloo.
Harold was self employed his entire life. He owned Haps French Freyes, Haps Market and worked as a butcher at lockers and for farmers in the area
He is survived by his wife, Alice; a daughter, Patricia Johnson and her husband Eddie of Oklahoma City, OK; 3 sons, Don Leohr and his wife Barb of Evansdale; Harold C. Leohr Jr. and his wife Sandra of Waterloo; and Thomas Leohr and his wife Carla of Eagle Center. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; 4 sisters, Lucille Dunigan, Mary Harden, Agnes Dalton, Blanch Leohr; and 1 brother, Clarence Leohr.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Scott; great-granddaughter, Jesse; 2 sisters; and 2 brothers.
Grace W. Levendusky
Grace W. Levendusky, 90, of Waterville, Minnesota, died Friday, September 10, 2004 at the Waseca Medical Center. She was born on October 27, 1913 in Necedah, Wisconsin, daughter of Fred and Lizzie Ganther Saunders.
She married Lawrence Ticknor on October 22, 1935, in Necedah, Wisconsin. He died March 17, 1945. Later she married George Levendusky on May 1, 1946 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Waterloo, Iowa. Grace worked at the Rath Packing company for 38 years, retiring in 1976 and later worked from 1992 until 2002 as a newspaper
correspondent for the Waterville Newspaper. She was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church of Waterville and a co-founding member of the Waterville Senior Citizen Center which she and her husband started in 1980.
She is survived by her husband George of Waterville, One Son: Donald L. Ticknor and his wife Helen of Waterloo, IA. Four grandchildren: Cindy (Scott) Buck, Larry (Paula) Ticknor, Dawn (Steve) Lowe and Tina Ticknor all of Waterloo. Six great grandchildren. Two great-great-grandchildren. Three Sisters: Elizabeth Erpelding of Waterloo, IA; Hazel Erdmann of Evansdale, IA; Helen Miller of Naples, FL; and a brother: George Saunders and his wife Rose of Cheyenne, WY. Two sister-in-laws: Wilma Saunders of Wisconsin and Millie Saunders, Reno, Nevada.
Grace is preceded in death by her first husband, Lawrence and two brothers: Charles and Fred Saunders.
Keith C. Lichty
Keith Charles Lichty, 85, of Newnan, Georgia died Friday, July 11, 2003 at his home while surrounded by three generations of loved ones.
Keith was born December 12, 1917 in Fillmore County, Minnesota the son of Earl Jay and Vida (Miller) Lichty. He married Mildred M. Segebarth on December 26, 1940 in Waterloo.
Keith was a dairy farmer in Waterloo until 1966 when they purchased a farm in Rochester, Minnesota and he retired from milking. In 1978 he retired from farming and moved to Cedarville, Ohio, where he helped his son in construction. In 1992 they moved to Newnan, Georgia where he helped his sons in construction until ill health forced his complete retirement.
He was a long-time member of Walnut Street Baptist Church.
Keith is survived by his wife, Mildred; two sons, Galen of Newnan, and Dan and his wife Donna of Newnan; a daughter, Deana Nash and her husband Tom of Rochester, MN; a daughter-in-law, Elaine of Newnan; eight grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren; a brother Robert and his wife Gina of Mountain Home, Arkansas; and a sister Ardis Grady of Waterloo. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Wallace and Russell; and a great-granddaughter Savannah.
John T. Liffring
John Tate Liffring, 88 of the Elizabeth E. Martin Health Center of the Cedar Falls Western Home Communities died there Friday, December 31, 2004. A lifelong resident of Waterloo, he was born October 12, 1916 the son of Dr. Frederic C. and Carrie Agnes (Tate) Liffring. John graduated from East High School in 1937 and attended Iowa State Teacher’s College.
John Married Betty Brink June 28, 1942 at Waterloo First Presbyterian Church. He worked for the Illinois Central Railroad for over 40 years retiring in 1976 at the Chief Clerk to the Division Engineer. He was a member of the Waterloo Royals amateur state championship hockey team in the 1930’s. He was also a member of Waterloo Masonic Lodge 105 AF&AM and the El Kahir Shrine Temple.
As a youth, John was a talented bird caller who could persuade wild birds to feed from his hand. He also loved hunting and fishing; and played the guitar and piano.
John is survived by his wife Betty, 3 daughters: Judy Thomas and her husband Jeff of Spencer, Iowa, Suzanne Van Syoc of Waterloo, and Karen Hill and her husband Ross of Hinsdale, Illinois; a son Mark Liffring and his wife Suzy of Seattle, Washington. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren: Stephanie Moore, her husband Lonnie and their children Devon and Gabrielle; Todd Thomas, his wife Nicole, and their daughter Noel; Bethany Nuese and her husband Matthew, Christopher Van Syoc, Timothy Thomas, and Callan Liffring.
F. H. (Herb) Lockard
F.H. "Herb" Lockard, 90, of Waterloo, died Saturday, March 27, 2004 at Allen Memorial Hospital. He was born November 18, 1913 in Geneseo Township, Tama County, Iowa, the son of Fred and Vera (Gardner) Lockard. He married Ruth Hoeppner and they were later divorced. He married Joann Schneiderman on July 21, 1962 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.
Herb worked for John Deere Waterloo Tractor Works as a tool research specialist for forty two years, retiring in 1978.
Herb was a loving family man and a forgiving and tolerant friend. He needed to keep busy to keep happy, working on his acreage, trimming his apple trees, growing popcorn, and working around the house. He was a vital and active member of the Masonic Lodge and Masonic bodies in Waterloo and Iowa. A past Grand Commander of the Knights Templar in Iowa and a founding member of the Masonic Temple Corporation Foundation in Waterloo. He was also involved in Boy Scouts as a leader.
Herb is survived by his wife, Joann; son Al Lockard of Auburn, WA; son Bob Lockard of Des Moines; daughter Rita Werner of Pagosa Springs, CO; six grandchildren; seven great grandchildren: Todd (Edwina) Lockard of London, and their daughters Emma and Kiera; Bryce (Kristy) Lockard of Edgewood, WA and their sons Ethan and Devin; Stephanie Werner of Bayfield, CO; Michael Werner of Jackson Hole, WY; Darren (Meredith) Lockard of Spring Hills, KS and their daughter Kathryn and a child expected soon; Marla (Rick) Williams of Olathe, KS their children Zachary and Anna. Also two sisters, Mauree Nordman of Waterloo, and Thelma (Bud) Starr of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada; and his brother, Wendell (Arlyene) Lockard of Waterloo.
Herb is preceded in death by four brothers; Earl, Roger, Bill and Homer; and sister Lois Smith.
Lawton G. Lockey
Lawton G. Lockey, 90, of 824 Meadow Lane, died on Tuesday, October 12, 2004 at Allen Memorial Hospital. He was born on December 14, 1913 in Sioux City, Iowa, the son of Richard and Esther (Goodell) Lockey. He graduated from West High School in 1931 and attended Platville Teacher’s College in Wisconsin.
Lawton married Madeline Hoofnagle on May 28, 1939 in Waterloo, Iowa. He owned and operated the Benson Butter Company from 1950, until retiring in 1981. He enjoyed bowling and playing softball. He also loved the outdoors, where he could garden, camp, and fish. Lawton was a very family oriented man and had a strong faith.
Lawton is survived by his wife, Madeline; son, Doug Lockey and his wife Molly, of Rochester, MN.; two granddaughters, Megan Mikkalson and her husband Matt, of Eagle Lake, MN. and their daughter Madelyn: Brie Wiltsie and her husband Ben, of Minneapolis, MN; and two sisters, Evonne Bee, of Tucson, AZ. and Darlis Stoyanoff, of Tucson, AZ.
He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kathy Kresser; three brothers, Durward, Cloyce, and Wendell; and one sister, Mardean Poyner.
Friends who wish may direct memorials to Grace Brethren Church.
Vernie Lohnes
Vernie H. Lohnes, 78, of Waterloo, died Saturday, February 19, 2005, at Ravenwood Nursing and Rehab Center. She was born on March 4, 1926, in Waterloo, daughter of Harry and Mildred Hoffman. She met her husband, Don Lohnes, during the summer before her junior year in high school. She graduated from East High School in 1944. Don and Vernie married on April 6, 1946, when Don was discharged from duty in the Navy during World War II.
Mrs. Lohnes was a long time member of First Presbyterian Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church.
During her lifetime, Vernie was a devoted wife to Don; as well as a loving, nurturing mother to her children and grandchildren. She is remembered as a quiet, gentle woman, with a deep Christian faith. Vernie designed the three homes that Don and she built together. She then enjoyed decorating them, making them warm, happy homes. Her family remembers those homes as being filled with style, love and grace. She loved the gardens she planned, and Don planted, especially the roses. She adored the many dogs and cats the family had through the years, including the pets of her children. When not taking care of her family, she enjoyed drawing house plans and was an avid reader. Through the years, she provided unending support for each of her children in whatever directions they chose to travel. She will be forever remembered for her gentle, quiet spirit and her ever-present loving support to all who knew her.
Vernie is survived by her husband, Don; her children Jean Peters (San Diego), David Lohnes (Evansdale) and Lisa (Mark) Lane (Waterloo); and her grandchildren Katie and Megan Lane.
Vernie was preceded in death by her parents; infant daughter, Julie Ann; and son-in-law, Eric Peters.
Theron M. Lowe
Theron M. Lowe, 86, of Western Home Communities, C.F., died Thursday, January 8, 2004, at Covenant Medical Center. He was born May 19, 1917 in Waterloo, son of Millard F. and Cora Belle (Bush) Lowe. He married Pauline B. Fay on April 17, 1939 in Waterloo. Theron had been employed at Rath, Carnation, and owned Lowe’s Duplicating Service. In Theron’s words to grandchildren “My greatest joy: All my children and their children.” “My pleasure: Nature - God’s great outdoors. It is a legacy I want my descendants to enjoy. To that end I worked hard in Isaac Walton League.” “I give each passing year my best effort knowing as a believer I can do all things in Christ.”
Theron is survived by his wife Pauline; son T. Michael (Joan) Lowe of Waterloo; son Max (Gwen) Lowe of Cedar Falls; daughter Marilyn (Robert) Richter of Independence; 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, Randy (Annette) Richter - Jaki & Joy, Melanie (Don) Stelting - Tyler & Lexa & Ashlyn, Craig (Jill) Lowe - Taylor & Jared, Christine (Mike) Specht - Jacob & Tatum, Dennis Lowe, Steve (Dawn) Lowe, David (Andrea) Lowe - Andy & Whitney, Daryl (Brenda) Lowe; brother Donald Lowe of Waterloo and sister Ruth Lowe of Waterloo. He was preceded in death by 3 brothers Montel, Jack, and Verne; 5 sisters, Bea Robb, Opal Schmidt, Mildred Vaughn,Maxine Witt, and Wilma Bender.
Helen Lukes
Helen Beadell Lukes, 91, died Friday, May 2, 2003, at the Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake, where she had resided since 1999.
Helen Beadell was born February 9, 1912, in Austin, Minnesota, to Alvah E. Beadell and Bessie Soule Beadell, the youngest of six children. Her early years were spent on a farm in Lansing, Minnesota, and she graduated from Austin High School. Helen married Richard R. Lukes on October 30, 1930, and they lived in a number of communities throughout Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska, moving to the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area upon Dick's retirement in 1974. Helen was a north Iowa representative of the American Cancer Society for a number of years, while living in Algona. Following a series of strokes in 1998, she moved to Clear Lake. Helen was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Waterloo.
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Jane Felger Lukes, of Los Angeles, California; daughter and son-in-law Joyce and Robert Broshar, of Clear Lake; and six grandchildren and their spouses - Scott and Wendy Broshar of Chelsea, Michigan, Michael and Mary Broshar of Waterloo, Matthew and Diane Broshar of Marshalltown, Patrick and Julie Broshar of Waterloo, Elizabeth Broshar Russett and Robert Russett of Clive, and Anne Marie Lukes Medina and Anthony Medina of Whittier, California. Her seventeen great grandchildren are Sarah and Christine Broshar; and Katherine Broshar Susong; Aaron, Elizabeth, Laura, and Taylor Broshar; Jessica, Steven, and Zachary Broshar; Austin and Sawyer Broshar; Lukes and Lauren Russett; Vanessa, Nicolette, and Ariel Medina.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, in 1987, her parents, brothers Elester, Edwin, Clarence, Don and Walter, and a half sister, Mayre.
William C. (Bill) MacIntosh
William Clair MacIntosh, 100, of the Cedar Falls Lutheran Home; formerly of Bradenton, Florida and Portsmouth, New Hampshire, died Sunday, November 28, 2004 at the Cedar Falls Lutheran Home. He was born on March 10, 1904 in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, Canada, the son of William and Rachel (Snow) MacIntosh.
Mac married Doris May Slack August 28, 1931 in Portland, Maine. She died on January 11, 1953. He then married Gertrude Dockum on February 15, 1957 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. She died October 29, 1994.
Mac worked at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for 37 years, shipbuilding throughout the evolution of the nuclear submarines. He had also served in the British Merchant Marines and the U.S. Merchant Marines. He was a 75 year member of the Masonic Lodge.
Mac was part of a seafaring family. His father was a sea captain, and when Mac was 10 years old, he took a sailboat out into the ocean by himself in order to get a closer look at the large ship there.
Mac gave his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren the gift of unconditional love—and taught them the value of that gift. He was committed to his family and made the effort necessary to reach out to family separated by distance.
He is survived by two daughters, Anita Cunniff and her husband Steve of Hilton Head, South Carolina, and Claire Johnson and her husband Fred of Waterloo; two grandchildren, Eric Johnson and his wife Beth and Sarah Johnson Dillard and her husband Mark; four great-grandchildren, Ian Johnson, Nathaniel Johnson, Davis Johnson, and Elizabeth Johnson.
He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Russell and Victor; and two sisters, Jessie and Mabel.
Marie A. Manross
Marie A. Manross, 83, of Waterloo died Thursday, January 8, 2004 of natural causes. She was born October 4, 1920 in Mt. Vernon, South Dakota the daughter of Nels and Anna (Hansen) Marcussen.
Marie and her family moved to Lamont, Iowa during the dust bowl. She graduated from Lamont High School in 1938. Marie married Donald Manross August 16, 1941 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. He died June 15, 1989. She worked for Rath Packing Company for 43 years retiring from the Canning Department in 1983. The first thing she bought while working for Rath’s was a Harley-Davidson.
Marie was a frugle gormet and an old time pleaser. She enjoyed life including playing the slot machines at Tama. She enjoyed cooking a birthday dinner for all of her family. She and Don and their daughters would take a family vacation somewhere new every year while the kids were growing up.
Marie is survived by 3 daughters: Sharon Shock and her husband Bill of Waterloo, Christine Corcoran and her husband Kerry of Dewar, and Susan Larson and her husband Jerry of Cedar Falls. 3 grandchildren Kimerly (Jon) Metcalf and their daughter Nicole Jolie; William Shock and his daughter Tamara Lavonne; and Cody Larson. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, 2 brothers: Carl Marcussen and Andrew Marcussen, 2 sisters Alma Rohrig and Catherine Jenks.
Emil A. Marx
Emil A. Marx, 81, of Rosewood Estates died Saturday, February 21, 2004 at Covenant Medical Center of natural causes. Emil was born August 26, 1922 in Hamburg Germany, the son of Emil R. and Irene Dorothea Wulfken Marx.
Emil served in the U.S. Navy during WW II. He attended the University of Illinois. He married Barbara J. Farrar June 26, 1948 in Moline, IL. He married Corinne E. Gardner March 15, 1975 in Waterloo. She died April 26, 1986.
Emil was an Architectural Engineer for the John Deere Component Works for 321/2 years retiring February 1, 1978. He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and the Waterloo BPO Elks # 290.
He is survived by his daughter Christine Smith and her husband Kelly of North Bend, Washington; 3 grandchildren Kelly J. Smith Jr. of Snoqualmie, Washington; Ryan C. Smith of Mesa, Arizona; and Katherine A. Hunter of Kennewick, Washington. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Judy Mayes
Judy Mayes, 88, of 231 Miriam Drive, Waterloo, died on Saturday, January 15, 2005 at Parkview Nursing and Rehab Center from complications of Alzheimer's. She was born on May 29, 1916, the daughter of John and Emmile (Schellenberg) Bicknell. She married Raymond Mayes on June 9, 1940 in North Platte, Nebraska. He died August 21, 1997.
Judy graduated from the University of Nebraska and taught kindergarten prior to her marriage. She was a member of Central Christian Church, Past President of T.T.T. in Waterloo, Waterloo Council of Church Women, and the Council of Church Women at Central Christian Church.
Judy is survived by her son, Jerry Mayes of Waterloo.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; and sister, Elizabeth.
Edna A. McCall
Edna A. McCall, 93, of Ravenwood Nursing and Rehab Center, died on Thursday, October 21, 2004, of natural causes. She was born on December 22, 1910 in Hampton, Iowa, the daughter of Henry L. and Bessie E. (Swan) Arnett. She graduated from Hampton Public Schools.
Edna married John McCall on September 30, 1937, in Hampton, Iowa. He died on April 2, 1984. She worked as a registered nurse for the Schoitz Hospital, retiring in 1970.
Edna is survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Graber of Waterloo; and several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sisters, Gladys De Tomasi, and Maxine Beebe; and one brother, Ralph Arnett.
Friends who wish may direct memorials to the Cedar Bend Humane Society.
Jack E. Meggison
Jack E. Meggison, 77, of Rosewood Estate, formerly of 314 Julie Court, died on Monday, November 15, 2004 at Covenant Medical Center of natural causes. He was born on July 1, 1927 in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of John and Hattie (Bender) Meggison. Jack graduated from East High School in 1945 and received his BA in Business from the University of Iowa.
Jack married Winnifred Wells in 1944 in Waterloo. He served in the U.S. Navy during WW II. Jack sold school supplies for 3M, J.S. Latta, and Beckley Cardy for many years. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where he was involved with Prime Timers, as well as an Usher and an Elder. He was also a member of Waterloo BPO Elks 290 and Toastmasters. He was Treasurer of the Waterloo Exchange Club and the Proud Image Chorus. Jack thoroughly enjoyed golf. He enjoyed singing and his involvement with Proud Image Chorus. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and working in his yard.
Jack is survived by his wife, Winnifred; son, Jeff Meggison and his wife Lori of Waterloo; daughter, Melissa Donnelley of St. Louis, Missouri; and four grandchildren: Chelsea, Jessica, Ashley, and John.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Friends who wish may direct memorials to First Presbyterian Church or to the Waterloo Exchange Club.
Dorothy J. Miller
Dorothy J. Miller, 93, of Waterloo, died Friday, December 17, 2004, at Friendship Village. Dorothy was born October 11, 1911, on her parents farm near Bradford, Iowa - Hamilton Township in Franklin County. She was the daughter of Fred and Gertrude (Cook) Stockdale. Dorothy married Perry K. Miller on June 7, 1941, in Charles City.
Dorothy grew up on the farm, graduated from Iowa Falls High School in 1930, and from Ellsworth College in 1935. She also attended USC, Upper Iowa University, and University of Northern Iowa. Throughout Dorothy’s teaching career she taught at rural schools in Franklin County, Quasqueton, New Hartford, and at Hudson Community School, before retiring in 1972.
Dorothy is survived by her husband Perry; son P. Lee and his wife Barbara Miller of Waterloo; daughter Meri Kay and her husband Henry Shepard of LaPorte City; five grandchildren, Kathryn (Nathan) Piller, Grant Miller, Tasha (Trevor) Thomson, Seth (Lori) Shepard, and Gabe (Kim Hansen) Shepard; nine great grandchildren, Zachary & Alexander Piller, Elizabeth, Courier, & Joslynn Miller, Anthony Hall, Arabella & Cade Shepard, and Cole Shepard; and her sister Grace Price of Iowa Falls.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents and sister Neva Stockdale.
Merle L. Miller
Merle LeRoy Miller, 80, of Friendship Village, died Friday, Nov 21 at Covenant Medical Center of complications from a blood disorder, Myelodysplastic Anemia Syndrome.
He was born December 20, 1922, in College Springs, Iowa, son of Otis and Hilda Miller. He married Doris (Fritzie) M. Young on June 4, 1944 in Palmyra, Missouri. She died August 31, 2000.
He started his college years at Hannibal-LaGrange College in Missouri, completed further studies at Iowa State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1944.
He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1942-53 with active duty in World War II as Engineering Officer on LST ships in the Mediterranean and U.S. waters. He advanced to Lieutenant during his commission.
During his 38 year engineering career with John Deere Waterloo in Product Engineering, he supervised testing and design groups developing engine, transmission and general chassis design. Projects included the 8010,1020 and 2020 tractors, roll-over protection, enclosed cabs, the 6000 and 7000 series tractors and several series of four-wheel-drive tractors. He is named on several patents for tractor parts. In later years, he was involved in planning and managing future tractor programs, involving extensive documentation and presentations.
He actively served in the Council of Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE) in which he was awarded a Fellow Membership, an honor given to only 2% of its members. Other organizations included the Waterloo Technical Society and Toastmasters.
In his retirement years, he delivered a paper to a Congressional committee on alternative fuels, promoting the use of ethanol. In 1999, ASAE published his book, Designing the New Generation John Deere Tractors, chronicling the revolutionary change from Deere’s two-cylinder to multi-cylinder tractors, in which he took part.
He was a member of two honorary engineering fraternities, Pi Tau Sigma and Tau Beta Pi. He was active in his 57 years at his church, serving from Sunday School teacher and superintendent to Moderator. He was also a loving and proficient caregiver to his beloved wife in her later years.
His greatest honors were his character and example to his many family members and friends, and his ultimate award of “good and faithful servant” as he returned his Maker on his journey to his eternal home last Friday.
Survivors include: two sons, Mark Miller of St. Petersburg, FL, Kevin Miller (Jody) of Woodinville, WA; one daughter, Jean (Jim) Vaux of Cedar Falls; six grandchildren - Tenia (Darren) Clark of Oregon, Holly (Tony) Yates of Davenport, Heather Miller of Washington, Dana (Tim) Allen of California, Zachary Hedrington of Virginia, Barry Miller of California, Lindsay Vaux of Iowa City, and Elise Vaux of Cedar Rapids; five great-grandchildren: Jessica and Allison Clark, Hope and T.J. Yates, and Abigail Allen; and one brother, John Miller of Champaign, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
