Ivan L. Petrie
Ivan L. Petrie, 71, of Waterloo, died Sunday, February 20, 2005, at Covenant Medical Center. Ivan was born November 27, 1933, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Ross and Reba (Hedrick) Petrie. He graduated from East High School in 1952, and attended UNI.
Ivan served in the United States Marine Corp for five years, 1952—1958. He worked at John Deere as a draftsman, retiring in 1985. He was a member of Burton Avenue Baptist Church, U.S. Power Squadron, and the Moose Lodge.
Ivan is survived by his niece, Barbara Dixon and her husband Chuck of Atlanta, Georgia; and three cousins, Mary Shirk Dickinson of Waterloo, Jerry Kay Muhlstein of Waterloo, and Jack Redlingshafer of Salem, Oregon.
Ivan was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Eugene Petrie.
Arlyn W. (Sonny) Phillips
Arlyn W. "Sonny" Phillips, 69, of Waterloo died Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home from complications of cancer. Arlyn was born May 6, 1934 in Lime Springs, Iowa, the son of Arthur L. and Clara B. (Ruzicka) Phillips. He married Joan M. Plung on May 7, 1959 in Waterloo, Iowa. She died on December 23, 1999.
Arlyn worked as the Grounds Superintendent at Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery for thirty two years, retiring July 1, 1999. He was a hard worker and a caring person. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, trout fishing, and camping in Decorah. Arlyn loved life and had a special talent for cooking, especially roasts, baked chicken and fudge. He enjoyed gardening including his roses and vegetable garden.
Arlyn is survived by his four sons of Waterloo: Kevin Phillips and his wife, Denise, Keith Phillips and his wife, Kim, Craig Phillips and his wife, Joann, Brad Phillips and his wife, Kathy; two daughters of Waterloo: Gail Northness and her husband, John and Debbie Phillips and her special friend, Mike Clark; Eleven grandchildren; and two sisters, Clarice Neisen of Waterloo and Marlys Nefzger of Maynard, Iowa.
Arlyn is preceded in death by his stepbrother, Richard Peters and brother, Alvin Phillips.
Friends who wish may direct memorials to the Cedar Valley Hospice Home.
Edna E. Pierce
Edna Elsie Pierce, 93, of Friendship Village, died Friday, October 15, 2004 at Covenant Medical Center. She was born May 21, 1911 in Plainfield, Iowa the daughter of Vernon and Pearl (Thompson) Pierce. She was raised in Plainfield and graduated from Plainfield High School in May of 1928.
After graduation from high school, she worked at the telephone company in Plainfield before going to St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Cedar Rapids. She graduated from nursing school on September 8, 1933.
She then worked in the Allen Convalescent Home in Waterloo before going home to take care of and live with Mira Pierce, who later adopted her as her adopted daughter. Edna worked at Allen Hospital after that for many years , with breaks to take care of family and loved ones; her life was spent caring for others.
Edna was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waterloo for many years. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Society of Mayflower Descendents. Edna enjoyed fishing, playing cards, genealogy, and spending time with her family.
Those who survive her memory are her adopted daughter Carolyn Otto Hegland and her husband Glenn of Osage; four grandchildren: DeAnn Malfero of Des Moines; Karen Oldenburg of Austin, Minnesota; JoDee Otto of Orchard, and Dr. Michael Otto, DDS of Mason City; ten great grandchildren: Ashley Malfero, LaToya Malfero, Preston Malfero, Fernando Malfero, Julian Malfero, Destiny Otto, Chesley Otto, Megan Otto Semerad, Nicole Otto Semerad, Dakota Otto Semerad; one great great granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents and adopted mother; one brother Riley Pierce; four sisters: Verselia Pierce, Rosina Grapp, Ethel Hastings, Evelyn Beard; and one son-in-law Duane Otto.
Marshall B. Platt
Marshall B. Platt, 82, of Evansdale, died Thursday, September 9, 2004, at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, from complications of an acute pancreatitis. He was born July 6, 1922, on a farm in Grundy County, Iowa, son of George R. and Lena Bulthuis Platt. He attended country elementary school in Hudson and graduated from Orange Township High School.
Marshall was a farmer all of his life and in his spare time, he was an avid bowler. He married Virginia C.
Stafford Allison on February 14, 1988, at the Central Christian Church, Waterloo. He was a member of the South Waterloo Church of the Brethren.
He is survived by his wife Virginia of Evansdale. Four daughters: Patty and her husband Roger Batchelder of LaPorte City, Iowa; Karen Howard of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Nancy and her husband Dale Luhmann of Millville, Minnesota; Becky and her husband Jack Chappelle of Albuquerque, New Mexico; twelve grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; two Brothers: Jim and his wife Phyllis Platt of Waterloo and Robert Platt of Waterloo; and many nieces and nephews.
Marshall is preceded in death by his parents, grandson, Mark Batchelder. Three sisters: Alice Platt, Mary Iseminger and Helen Cable.
Janice J. Plung
Janice J. Plung, 65, of 180 Ryter Rd., Waterloo, died Wednesday, May 12, 2004 at Covenant Medical Center. Janice was born January 20, 1939, in Worthington, Minnesota, daughter of Virgil and Evelyn (Craun) Gleason. She grew up in Waterloo and graduated from East High School in 1959.
Janice married Robert Plung October 12, 1959 in Waterloo. She had worked at Allen Hospital, Esser Paint & Glass, Cohn Brothers, and Hines and Howes Real Estate Office. She had helped Bob with a rural mail route and volunteered with the VFW and Red Cross. She loved to keep busy, baking and sharing with others, cooking, in her garden, collecting giraffes, camping and spending winter in Texas in the RV. She kept close to family, having children and grandchildren home for holidays and special occasions, most recently for her dad's 90th birthday party. She kept in contact with grandchildren with letters and notes.
Janice is survived by her husband Bob; son Michael and his wife Kim and their children Brett and Brandon of La Vergne, Tennessee; son Kevin and his wife Sandy of Nashville; her parents Virgil and Evelyn Gleason of Waterloo; brother Merle and his wife Lois Gleason of Watereloo; and sister Ardis and her husband Byron Morehouse of Evansdale.
Gary D. Poland
Gary D. Poland, 67, of 412 Frederic Ave. died Monday, July 14, 2003, at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, AZ. Gary was born September 7, 1935, in Reinbeck the son of Wellwyn and Helen (Maehrlein) Poland. He grew up in Reinbeck and graduated from high school there.
Gary married Greta Picking July 16, 1967 in Waukon, Iowa. He served in the U.S. Army in France and worked for John Deere as a machinist for 33 years, retiring in 1991.
Gary was a loving and caring person, energetic and hard working. He was a member of Kimball Avenue United Methodist Church men's group, Local 838 UAW, and was active in Landlord/Tenant affairs in Waterloo. He was a volunteer with Lutheran Social Services, helping Bosnian families settle in the area. He enjoyed work, making pens, cars, car shows, and auctions. Greta taught him to enjoy traveling and he taught her to shop. For the last couple of years they spent their winters in Mesa, Arizona.
Gary is survived by his wife Greta; daughter Monica (Scott) Watters of Queen Creek, AZ; son Mark (Cindy) Ortega of Oklahoma City, OK; son Jeff Poland of Phoenix; son Michael Poland of Waterloo; 5 grandchildren, Daniel Watters, Brian Watters, Taft Burleson, Nicole Ortega, and Kelly (Robert) Schmuecker; his mother Helen of Reinbeck; and sister Karen (Glen) Lage of Gladbrook; nephew Rodney Slifer and nieces Kathy Jergenson and Joyce Taylor.
Irma J. Pullin
Irma Jean Pullin, 95, of Waterloo, died Thursday, January 8, 2004, at Ravenwood Health Care Center. Irma was born January 22, 1908, in Waterloo, the daughter of Wilford and Rose Mabel (Ellis) Rivers.
Irma married Harold R. Pullin December 1, 1933 in Fairbault, Minnesota. Together they farmed in Orange Township from 1938 until 1973.
Irma is survived by son Richard (Thelma) Pullin of Dunkerton; son Robert (Elaine) Pullin of Waterloo; son Glen (Kay) Pullin of Waterloo; Twenty-two grandchildren and thirty- four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harold November 21, 2002, Her son Roy and son Max, and grandson Scott.
Patti J. Pullin
Patti J. Pullin, 49, of 101 Woodland Dr., Dunkerton; formerly of Hudson, Iowa and Seymour, Wisconsin, died Wednesday, October 27 at her home. Patti was born August 27, 1955 at home in Hudson, Iowa the daughter of Milo and Mildred (Danner) Hanegan. She graduated from Hudson High School in 1973.
Patti married Larry D. Pullin February 12, 1982 in Waterloo. She worked at Legacy’s, in Jesup as a cook for a brief period. She was a member of the Hudson Am Vet Auxiliary and American Legion Krause-Kraft Auxiliary in Seymour, Wisconsin.
Patti is survived by her husband, and daughter, Krystal Pullin and her fiancé Curt Meggers, of Jesup. Survivors also include a brother Mike (Sandy) Hanegan, of Minnesota; a sister Kathy Hanegan, of Hudson; her mother-in-law Zora (Ron) Milne, of Waterloo; and father-in-law Alfred (Ann) Pullin, of Seymour, Wisconsin; a brother-in-law Marty Pullin, of Wisconsin; and 4 sisters-in-law: Marie Purdy of Algoma, Wisconsin; Gail Bellis of Gilbertville; Barb Pullin, of Denver, Colorado; and Kathy Pullin, of Waterloo. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews: Bryan Hanegan, Olivia (Lance) Chestnut, Sarah (Jason) Neith, Amanda Purdy, Missy (Jon) Massart, Allison Purdy, Dan Purdy, Merville Purdy Jr., Joe Bellis, and Katie Bellis.
Patti is preceded in death by her parents and a son Timothy Pullin.
A. Dewitt Pyle, Jr.
Arnold Dewitt Pyle Jr., 87, of Parkview Manor, Reinbeck, formerly of 1707 East Mitchell, Waterloo died
Saturday, October 25, 2003. He was born July 13, 1916 in Waterloo, son of Arnold and Anna Strohbehn Pyle.
Dewitt attended Reinbeck High School as he was growing up. He married Florence Kotz in May of 1949. She died August 23, 2001.
He worked at Herrick Refrigeration for 10 years and then for the St. Francis Hospital as a Custodian, retiring in 1981. Dewitt was a member of the First Congregational Church.
Dewitt is survived by his sister: Maxine Martens of Waterloo; a nephew Phil Martens and his wife Becky of Waterloo; and a niece Kay and her husband Vic Ecklund of Colorado Springs, CO.
He is preceded in death by his parents and wife.
William L. (Bill) Ramsell
William L. (Bill) Ramsell, 88, of 1656 Williston Avenue died Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home from heart failure. Bill was born April 27, 1915, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of William W. and Margaret Brogan Ramsell.
Bill married Florence Den Adel January 1, 1943 in Fort Worth, Texas. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force during WW II. He was a salesman for Standard Battery and Electric for 28 years, retiring in 1984.
Bill was a great husband, father, grandfather, uncle and brother. He loved his sales work, meeting people and telling jokes. He worked hard to make sure his 4 sons could have a college education and instilled in his sons his belief that one has to work hard to accomplish their goals.
Bill had a great smile and sense of humor. He loved to fish, golf, bowl, dance and play cards, and always enjoyed camping vacations with his family, starting with a tent, then campers and finally a cabin on the Wapsie River in Fredericka for 20 years. He liked to fix things around the house, whether mechanical, electrical or plumbing - a real do-it-your-self-er. He will be missed terribly.
Bill is survived by his wife; 3 sons: Craig of Sedona, Arizona; Kevin of Phoenix, Arizona; and Scott of Waterloo, 5 grandchildren; and 2 sisters of Waterloo: Marguerite Shaw and Virginia Selix. He is preceded in death by his parents, a son William, Jr; 5 sisters: Sara Forsberg, Victoria and Lillian Ramsell, Gladys Gurek, and Dolores O’Donnell; 4 brothers: Jack, Tom, Clifford, and Donald.
Friends who wish may direct memorials to First Presbyterian Church or Cedar Valley Hospice.
Edith Evelyn Rasmussen
Edith Evelyn Rasmussen, 89, of Waterloo, died Saturday, December 13 at the Shell Rock Health Care Center of cancer.
She was born November 9, 1914, in Blairstown, the daughter of Chris and Martha (Haines) Larson. She married Elmer Rasmussen on May 21, 1935, in Vinton. He died in 1991. She was baptized and confirmed at the Van Horne Evangelical Church.
She graduated from Blairstown High School and earned a teaching certificate from Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. Edith taught country school for three years. She was a Sunday school teacher, Bible school teacher, Cub Scout and Brownie Scout leader, homemaker, wife and mother. She worked at Rath Packing and Display Sign Company where she retired in 1974. She was a member of St. Ansgar Lutheran Church and helped make quilts for various charities. She volunteered at the Cedar Valley Food Bank from its beginning in 1981 until November, 2003.
Survived by: a son, Lyle (Carol) of Waverly; a daughter, Bonnie (Jim Kaminsky) Rasmussen of Auburn, Alabama; a daughter in law, Marilyn Rasmussen of Waterloo; 8 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; two sisters, Elsie Rogers of Cedar Falls and Bessie Ross of Shell Rock; and one brother, Lloyd Larson of Cedar Rapids.
Preceded in death by: her husband; a daughter Cordell Gallmeyer; a son Glen Rasmussen.
Charlotte Richter
Charlotte Richter, 82, of 106 East Third St., Waterloo, died Thursday, June 26, 2003 at Allen Memorial Hospital. Charlotte was born August 16, 1920 in Waterloo, the daughter of Fred and Sylvia (Roberts) Stock. She grew up in Waterloo and met Lester P Richter while working at Rath Packing Co. They were married while he was in the service, September 27, 1941 in Memphis, Missouri. They returned to Waterloo to raise their family.
Charlotte was an active member of First Presbyterian Church since 1948 and a charter member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. She enjoyed sewing, knitting and handwork, especially making Christmas ornaments.
Charlote is survived by her husband Les; son Lester P Richter Jr. and his wife Gladys of Belvedere, IL; son Richard H. Richter and his wife Joan of Waterloo; six grandchildren and five great grandchildren, Michael A. (Kathy) Richter, Kim Richter and her son Regis, Jennifer (Pat) Barfels and her son Eric, Angie (Frank) Barajas and her children Monica and Nadia, Wendy Richter, and Daniel Richter and his daughter Haleigh.
Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, and brother Richard D. Stock.
Lester P. Richter, Sr.
Lester P. Richter Sr., 91, of 106 E. 3rd St. died Thursday, October 2, 2003 at Allen Memorial Hospital. He was born August 24, 1912 in Aurora, Illinois the son of Harry and Clara Margaret (Smith) Richter.
Les attended Waterloo East High School. He married Charlotte Stock September 27, 1941 in Memphis, Missouri while he was in the service. She died June 26, 2003. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Les retried from Fahr Beverage in 1982.
Les was a Life member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. Les enjoyed taking his boys camping every weekend during the summer. He would fish while the boys swam. He also enjoyed hunting pheasant and rabbit in the fall.
Les is survived by 2 sons Lester Jr and his wife Gladys of Belvidere, Illinois and Richard and his wife Joan of Waterloo. He is also survived by six grandchildren and five great grandchildren: Michael A. (Kathy) Richter, Kim Richter and her son Regis, Jennifer (Pat) Barfels and her son Eric, Angie (Frank) Barajas and her children Monica and Nadia, Wendy Richter, and Daniel Richter and his daughter Haleigh; and a sister Hazel Margaret Credle of Norfolk, VA.
Les is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Charlotte; 3 brothers: Harold, Milton, and Kenny; and a sister Mildred.
Ellen K. Roberts
Ellen K. Roberts, 86 of Waterloo, died Friday, January 2, 2004 at the Friendship Village Retirement Center. She was born November 2, 1917, in Vinton, Iowa, daughter of Warren and Henriette (Mumm) Goutermont. She graduated from East High School in 1936 and attended business school in Davenport.
Ellen married Bill Roberts on December 6, 1936. He died May 7, 1990.
She worked as a bookkeeper for many years in Waterloo and Davenport, retiring in 1969. Ellen was a member of the Kimball Avenue United Methodist Church and the International Order of Kings, Daughter, and Sons.
Ellen is survived by her two sisters: Lois Watson of San Jose, CA. and Elizabeth Weseman of Oroville, CA. Cousin: Mildred Woods of Waterloo. Four nephews: Bob Scott; Ronnie Scott; Don Liscum and Van Liscum. Four nieces: Becky Liscum; Jerry Liscum; Connie Scott and Karen Brandes.
She is preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Talmage J. (John) Roberts
Talmage J. "John" Roberts, 72, of 320 Bertch Avenue, died on Saturday, January 15, 2005 at Covenant Medical Center Emergency Room of a massive heart attack. He was born on January 22, 1932 in Halls, TN, the son of William Talmage and Ewell Lee (Johnson) Roberts. He married Patricia (Patty) McClintock on June 16, 1957 at the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Dodge, IA.
Talmage graduated from Ripley High School in Ripley, TN. He served in the United States Navy from 1951-1955 and worked at John Deere's in the safety department for 30 years, retiring in 1989. He was a member of the Waterloo American Legion.
Talmage is survived by his wife, Patty; and two sisters, Sue Hamby of Buchanan, TN, and Becky Hopkins and her husband Owen of Ripley, TN.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Jackie Freeman
Donald E. Roloff
Donald E. “Bump” Roloff, 79, of Mallard Point, Cedar Falls, died Monday, August 9, 2004 at ManorCare Health Services of natural causes. He was born on September 12, 1924 in New Hartford, IA, the son of Leonard E. and Daisy G. (Calvert) Roloff.
Bump graduated from Waterloo East High School in 1943. He then served with Headquarters Detachment 12th Group in the U.S. Army during WW II. He worked at Rath Packing Company for forty three years as a meat packer and as a storeroom clerk, until retiring in 1984. Donald married Helen Mellinger on December 31, 1959 in Jesup, Iowa. She died November 8, 1992. He was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose.
He is survived by two step-daughters: Betty Dotson and her husband Dick, Sharon Folks and her husband William, all of Waterloo, IA; two step-sons: James Denning and his wife Sandy, and Maurice Denning, all of Waterloo, IA; eight step-grandchildren; eleven step- great grandchildren; two sisters: Dorothy E. Elfritz and her husband Charles, of Evansdale, IA, and Karen Venter and her husband Irvin, of Geneseo, IL; and dog, Misty of 14 years.
He is preceded by his parents; and his wife.
Friends who wish may direct memorials to the family.
Leo P. Rooff
Leo P. Rooff, 81, of Waterloo died Tuesday, January 6, 2004 at Covenant Medical Center. He was born May 24, 1922 in Waterloo, Iowa the son of John and Gladys (Ackerman) Rooff.
Leo graduated from West High School in 1940. He served in the United States Marine Corp and the U.S. Navy during WW II. He married Lois Burdine June 10, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois.
Leo owned Rooff Construction, he was a member of the Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors for 5 years, the Mayor of Waterloo for 10 years, and retired from the National Bank of Waterloo. He was a very devoted man; devoted to God, his family his country, and his city.
Leo is survived by his wife Lois; 3 daughters: Becky Hatzky of Waterloo; Barbara Shroyer and her husband Don of North Liberty, Iowa; and Robin Friesen and her husband Jeff of Greeley, Colorado. He is survived by 6 grandchildren Dan and Jenn Huting of Iowa City and their son Steven; Regan and Bart Bishop of Lee Summit, Missouri and their children Blake, Abby, Jesse, and Jayden, Judd Hatzky of Bloomington, Illinois, Casey Willhite, Tyler Friesen and Whitney Friesen of Greeley, Colorado.
Leo is preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers John “Bus,” Harold “Hap,” and James “Pat,” and a sister Thelema Paulsen.
Carl W. Roschke
Carl W. Roschke, 88, of 2900 West 4th Street, Waterloo, died on Monday, January 3, 2005 at his home of natural causes. He was born January 17, 1916 in Waterloo, the son of Alex and Marie (Morkal) Roschke. His parents were life long residents of Waterloo.
Carl spent his young life in Waterloo Schools, graduating from West High School in 1935. He was employed at the Rath Packing Co. in the fall of 1935. In the fall of 1942, he joined the Marine Corps and was sent to San Diego where he took his Boot Training. He also spent a month on Treasure Island in San Francisco before boarding the U.S.S. Mt. Vernon for transportation to an unknown island in the South Pacific. He served in Noumea, New Caledonia, the New Hebrides and then the Soloman Islands until December, 1945. During these 3 1/2 years, he was without leave. He left home as a Civilian and returned home as a Civilian.
Carl started his life anew at his previously held job at Rath’s and in April, 1947, started at the Post Office as a clerk where he worked for 35 years, retiring in March, 1979.
Carl married Marcella Thompson at the First Lutheran Church in Waterloo on October 21, 1939. She died October 2, 2003. Carl bought a home at 2900 West 4th Street, Waterloo in 1953, where they lived for more than 50 years. In 1956 they transferred their church membership to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. Carl was a 50 year member of Martin Lodge #624 AF&AM and a member of the El Mecca Shrine Club.
Carl enjoyed his yard and garden and took many trips to Phoenix to visit his folks. They were also on 12 cruises to many parts of the world, from South Pacific to Alaska to Australia and the Mediterranean, besides many bus trips in the U.S.A. Much of his entertainment was spent at the Electric Park Ballroom. He and Marcella loved dancing to Big Band Music. They also celebrated their 50th Anniversary with a dance at the Electric Park Ballroom.
Carl is survived by his daughter, Jan Marie Cole and her husband John of Waterloo and a half-brother, Paul Kowal of Waterloo.
Marcella B. Roschke
Marcella Bernhardt Thompson was born April 25, 1918, in Bismark, ND, daughter of Roy and Grace (Sadler) Thompson. She spent the first 18 years of her life growing up in Oelwein, IA, a thriving Railroad community. She graduated from Oelwein High School in 1936 and in the fall entered Gates Business College in Waterloo.
Her first employment was at the Rath Packing Company where she later met and married her husband, Carl Roschke, who was also employed there. They were married October 21, 1939 at First Lutheran Church in Waterloo. He joined the service in October 1942, during WW II.
In the fall of 1944 she began working for the Chicago Great Western Railroad in the Freight Office in Oelwein. After Carl's return in December 1945, they purchased an acreage North of Waterloo. Soon after Carl was employed at the Waterloo Post Office as a Clerk and Marcella continued working part-time through the years for the Rock Island, Illinois Central, and WCF&N Railroads. She retired in 1980 from the Chicago Northwestern.
Marcella was baptized together with her parents, brother, and sister in law Luella Thompson at the Christian Church in Oelwein in April 1939. She was confirmed in the Lutheran Church in 1947 and a member of Zion Evangelical Church since 1956. Carl and Marcella were 50 year plus members of the Masonic Lodge and Order of the Eastern Star respectively. She was Past Worthy Matron in 1976 and has been the organist since 1966. She survived heart by-pass surgery and ovarian cancer. They shared a love of dancing. Marcella also enjoyed playing the organ, golfing, and bowling. They did a lot of traveling and went on twelve Cruises to various parts of the world besides bus trips in the United States.
Marcella is survived by her husband Carl, daughter Jan Marie and her husband John Cole of Waterloo. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Eldon and Kenneth.
Elza M. Rose
Elza M. Rose, 82, of 313 Trail Ave, Evansdale, died Wednesday, October 22, 2003 at Ravenwood Nursing and Rehab Center from complications of Alzheimer's Disease.
Elza was born October 31, 1920 in Delta, Iowa the son of Hiram Benjamin and Emma (Marion) Rose. He graduated from Delta High School and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater.
Elza married Barbara Rhoades April 21, 1946 at Central Christian Church in Waterloo. He worked for 25 years as a painting contractor before retiring in 1977. Elza was an active member at Central Christian Church serving as an Elder among other positions. He enjoyed walking and generally being outdoors. After his retirement he spent some time fishing. Elza loved his grandkids. He always had a warm sweet smile that would light up the room.
Elza is survived by his wife Barbara; 3 sons: Dwight L and his wife Nancy Scoggins-Rose of Waterloo, Mark E. Rose of Jacksonville, FL and Kevin E. Rose of Waterloo. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother Lloyd Rose, and a sister in infancy.
