BETTY JEAN FLANERY
Betty Jean Flanery, the daughter of Thomas Benjamin and Maude Rook Corbin, was born June 14, 1923, in Sioux Falls, S.D. and died Nov. 10, 2001, at Winterset Care Center South. She was 78.
She grew up in Sioux Falls and lived in several towns and cities throughout South Dakota and Northern Iowa. She lived in Mason City before she moved to Winterset 39 years ago. She worked as a clerk for the former Flanery Pharmacy of Winterset before she retired.
She married Paul Flanery on Jan. 16, 1943, at Sioux Falls.
Mrs. Flanery had been a member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary since 1965.
Preceding her in death were her parents; two brothers, Bill Corbin and Vern Corbin and a sister, Daisy Jacomet.
Mrs. Flanery is survived by her husband, Paul Flanery of Winterset; a son, Dan Flanery and his wife, Deb Flanery, of Stewartville, Minn.; a daughter, Nancy McKnight and her husband, Vern McKnight of Osceola; six grandchildren, Deanna Kartchner and her husband, Shane Kartchner, of Osceola; Tim McKnight and his wife, Lynn McKnight and Chris Wilmeth and her husband, Scott Wilmeth, all of Indianola; Chris Flanery and his wife, Lezlie Flanery of Rochester, Minn., Alex Flanery and his wife, Lori Flanery and Amanda Flanery, all of Stewartville; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Vi Ingalls of Aurora, Colo.; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were Nov. 13 at Collins Oak Park Chapel in Winterset, the Rev. Chris Hartshorn officiating. Interment was in Winterset Cem-etery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Winterset.
MARCELLA F. SINIFT
Marcella Faye Sinift, the daughter of Lawrence and Jessie Clark Marquis, was born on July 6, 1916, in Woodburn and died Oct. 2, 2001, at Watertown, S.D. She was 85.
Mrs. Sinift was a Woodburn High School graduate. She married Maurice L. Sinift on Sept. 4, 1937, at Indianola.The couple lived in various communities including St. Paul, Minn., Cedar Rapids and Burlington.
Mr. Sinift died in 1990 and Mrs. Sinift moved to Watertown in 1995. She was a homemaker who enjoyed crocheting, baking, watching world events and spending time with her family. She was a member of Ninth Avenue United Methodist Church.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Aletha and Celeste and a brother, Forrest.
She is survived by her son, Maurice James “Jim” Sinift and his special friend, Mary Solt, of Chicago, Ill.; a daughter, Karen Fishman and her husband, Brad Fishman, of Watertown; a daughter-in-law, Sue Dickson Sinift of Iowa City; five grandchildren, Aaron Sinift of Boston, Mass., John Sinift and his wife, Maria Sinift, of Sweden and Jaclyn, Brenna and Elizabeth “Ellie” Fishman of Watertown.
A memorial service was Oct. 8 at Wight and Fox Funeral Chapel, Watertown, the Rev. Roger Spahr of Ninth Avenue United Methodist Church officiated.
Interment was in Liberty Center Cemetery.
ROBERT E. GREEN
Services were Nov. 13 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home in Des Moines for Robert E. Green, 73, of Weldon, who died of a stroke Nov. 8 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Des Moines. Burial was in Laurel Hill Cemetery.
He was born in Des Moines and spent most of his life there until he moved to Weldon ten years ago. He was a business agent with Heat and Frost Associates, Local Union 74, Des Moines until he retired in 1990.
He served in the U.S. Marines and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Knoxville.
His survived by his wife, Ethel Green of Weldon; a son, Joe Green of Des Moines; four daughters, Sherry Coleman, Debra Jayne, Diane Dalton and Penny Carlson of Des Moines; three stepsons, Glen Kline, Vernon Kline and Danny Kline of Des Moines; a stepdaughter, Carol Ashby of Murray; six grandsons, six granddaughters; twelve great-grandchildren; many stepgrandchildren and great-stepgrandchildren; a brother, Clifford Green of West Des Moines; and a sister,Virginia Ryan of Panora.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family of Robert Green.
Dixie "Jo" Benge
Services were Tuesday at the Overton Funeral Home in Indianola for Dixie “Jo” Benge, 58, who died Nov. 15, 2003. Burial was in the Liberty Cemetery.
Mrs. Benge was born in Polk County but had lived in the Liberty area for the past 25 years. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting and playing with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband Ronald of 32 years; two sons, Raymond Oldsen and Ronnie Benge of Osceola; five daughters, Joan Veach of Poplar Bluff, Mo., Joyce Hason of Waterloo, April Oldsen of Grand River, Kathy Benge of Des Moines and Ronda Clark of Osceola. Other survivors include three brothers, Merle Croy of Bismark, N.D., Bill Croy of Altoona and Bud Croy of Des Moines; two sisters, Lois Herold and Sheryl Hadley, both of Des Moines; 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Lena Beymer
Lena Fern Beymer, 87 of Nevada died Nov. 14, 2003, at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames. Funeral serices were at 10 a.m. Nov. 19 at Chet Ryan Morturary, Pastor David Burling officiating. Burial was in the Nevada Municipal Cemetery.
Mrs. Beymer was born Aug. 10, 1916, in Liberty Township in Clarke County to George Washington and Blanche Elvira Harlan O’Neall.
She graduated from Osceola High School in 1934 and married Richard M. Beymer on July 21, 1935, in Bethany, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Beymer became the parents of a daughter and son.
The couple farmed in Clarke and Story Counties until 1954. Mrs. Beymer worked in retail at the Little Dress Shop and Dillin’s Department Store in Nevada. After Dillin’s closed she worked at Bourns in Ames for 15 years. She has been retired for 17 years.
Mrs. Beymer was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed cooking, traveling, gardening and reading.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband on June 24, 1997, and a daughter Betty J. Apland.
Mrs. Beymer is survived by her son, Nile M. Beymer and his wife, Betty Beymer, and a sister, Irma Curley, all of Nevada.
A memorial fund has been established for the Israel Family Hospice in Ames.
Gladys Bloom
Gladys G. “Gertie” Bloom, 79, of Grinnell and formerly of Osceola, died Nov. 14, 2003, at the Mayflower Home Health Care Center in Grinnell.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 13 at the United Methodist Church in Osceola. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Osceola. Memorial contributions may be directed to the United Methodist Church in Osceola and Mayflower Human Needs Fund in Grinnell.
The daughter of Truman and Gladys Ray Lear, Mrs. Bloom was born Sept. 9, 1924, in Greenfield. She was raised in Osceola and graduated from Osceola High School in 1941. She married William Leo Bloom Jr. on April 19, 1944, in Burlington.
The couple made their home in Chicago, Milwaukee and later Denver, Colo. They returned to Osceola in 1985 and moved to the Mayflower Home in Grinnell in 2000.
She was a member of the Osceola United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women, P.E.O. and the Osceola Hospital Auxiliary.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters; and a grandchild.
Mrs. Bloom is survived by her husband, Bill of Grinnell; two sons James of El Sobrante, Calif. and John of La Mirada, Calif and three grandchildren.
Arrangements were made by the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell and Kale Funeral Home in Osceola.
Cash Crawford
Services were Nov. 14 at the First United Methodist Church in Winterset for Cash A. Crawford, 102, who died at West Bridge Care Center in Winterset. Burial was in Penn Center Cemetery in Madison County.
Mr. Crawford was a farmer and lived in Madison and Adair counties for most of his life.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Merle Beaman Crawford.
He is survived by his son, Paul Crawford and a daughter, Ann Hoadley, both of Dexter; four grandchildren including Dr. David C. Hoadley of Osceola; four great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.
Leonard Linder
Leonard Lyle Linder, son of Carl and Cecile Tompkins Linder, was born Dec. 31, 1916, in Osceola and died Nov. 13, 2003, at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville. He was 86.
He graduated from Osceola High School in 1934 and from Osceola Junior College in 1936.
He married Kathryn Emma Neveln on June 6, 1938, in Osceola. He taught school for a time in rural Clarke County and in 1937 he began working at Iowa Southern Utilities in Osceola as a meter reader. In 1953 he moved his family to Centerville and worked as a systems operating engineer and later he became operations manager. He retired from Iowa Southern Utilities in 1982.
He was a member of Drake Avenue Christian Church in Centerville where he was a church leader and sang in the church choir for many years. He received the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America for his 25 years of service as a Boy Scout Leader.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife on Aug. 11, 1996.
He is survived by his three sons, Lyle Linder and his wife, Kathryn Linder, of Gladstone, Mo., Donald Linder and his wife, Sharen Linder, of Palatine, Ill. and Wayne Linder and his wife, Noel Linder, of Wichita, Kan.; a brother, Bernard Linder of Osceola; a sister, Norma Corn of Grove, Okla.; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Nov. 17 at Drake Avenue Christian Church in Centerville, the Rev. Carl Heien officiating. Burial was in Maple Hill Cemetery at Osceola.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Drake Avenue Christian Church and can be mailed to Schmidt Family Funeral Home at 501 North 18th Street in Centerville, IA 52544.
Maxine Luce
Maxine E. Price Luce, fourth of six children, was born to Ernest Price Sr. and Mary Frances Camp Price in Ward Township, Clarke County on Jan. 1, 1920. Mrs. Luce died Nov. 10, 2003, at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, Kan. She was 83.
She grew up on her parents’ farm and attended Ward Center School. She graduated from Osceola High School in 1937 with a normal training certificate. She taught for a short time at Washington Center School.
She married Lyle “Junior” Luce at Mitchellville on Nov. 8, 1940, and they became the parents of three children. Mr. and Mrs. Luce lived in Clarke County and Indianola for many years. Mrs. Luce worked as a meat wrapper for Hy-Vee and later for Dahl’s Food Stores in Des Moines. She and Mr. Luce moved to Busch, Ark. in 1979. Mr. Luce died in Arkansas in 1986.
Mrs. Luce was always independent and worked hard. She was a child of the depression and never forgot the lessons she learned. She treasured her grandchildren’s visits as they grew up. She loved to play cards and the family spent hours playing by grandma’s rules. She had a good sense of humor and could laugh at herself. She made one of her special afghans for each of her children and grandchildren.
Mrs. Luce was a member of the First Christian Church in Eureka Springs, Ark,. and for 15 years she led the Tuesday morning Ladies Bible Study.
In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by a grandson, Vincent Luce; parents; brother, Ernest Price Jr.; sister, Thelma Langlie and several aunts and uncles.
Mrs. Luce is survived by her two sons, Ted Luce and his wife, Ellen Luce, and Fred Luce and his wife, Lita Luce, all of Las Vegas, Nev.; a daughter, Celia Davis and her husband, Donald Davis, of Ottawa, Kan.; seven grandchildren, Christopher Luce of Dallas, Texas, Patrick Luce of Farmers Branch, Texas, Melissa Luce of Federal Way, Wash., Jay Luce of Guam, Shari Damaso of Cedar Rapids; Jennifer Davis Marsh of Lenexa, Kan. and Brandon Davis of Norfolk, Neb.; nine great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by her sister, Mary Erickson of Des Moines; two brothers, Bob Price of Des Moines and Hubert Price of Osceola; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Mrs. Luce were held Nov. 14 at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola, Pastor Marty Burgus of Osceola officiating. Organist was Anne Johnson. Vocalist was Ronda Lowry. Musical selections were In the Garden and I Know Who Holds Tomorrow.
Casket bearers were Christopher Luce, Patrick Luce, Jay Luce, Brandon Davis, Joseph Marsh and Ray Damaso. Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery at Osceola.
Gary Morey
Services were Monday at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola for Gary L. Morey, 63, of New Virginia who died Nov. 13, 2003, at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. Burial was in the New Virginia Cemetery..
Mr. Morey was born in Des Moines and lived in the New Virginia area for most of his life. He worked for Firestone in Des Moines for 35 years. He retired in 1995. He was also a farmer, professional painter, and did small engine repair.
He enjoyed fishing gardening, nature, traveling and dancing.
He was a member and past president of the Eagles Lodge No. 3495 in Osceola.
Mr. Morey is survived by his son Timothy Morey Sr.; dear friend, Sharon Crabb and a brother, Robert Morey, all of Indianola. seven grandchildren, Shawnee, Nichole, Timothy, Shannon, Morey, Chaney and Cassidy Rhoades and a great grandson.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Gary Morey Memorial Fund.
EDITH MAE FENN
Edith Mae Fenn, daughter of Burlin and Ethel McDougal Surfus, was born April 1, 1919, at Bristow and died Nov. 16, 2001, at Greater Community Hospital in Creston. She was 82.
She spent her early years in Butler and Clarke counties and graduated from Osceola High School in 1936. She attended junior college in Osceola and cosmetology training in Ottumwa.
She married Dwight L. Flesher on Oct. 13, 1940. The couple became the parents of four children, James, Gregory, Cindy and Janet.
Mr. Flesher died in 1959. She married Clarence Fenn on Aug. 15, 1970, in Osceola.
Mrs. Fenn lived most of her married life in Murray where she operated her own beauty salon in her home for 21 years before she retired in 1981.
She was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church in Murray, a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the C-U Tuesday Bridge Club and the United Methodist Women.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Dwight L. Flesher; a sister, Maxine Marie Brown and a brother-in-law, Hillis G. Brown.
Mrs. Fenn is survived by her husband, Clarence Fenn of Osceola; two sons, James Flesher and his wife, Clelia Flesher, of Murrieta, Calif. and Gregory Flesher and his wife, Luisa Flesher, of Mesa, Ariz.; two daughters, Cindy Biersma and her husband, Bill Biersma, of Farmington, Minn. and Janet Brooks and her husband, Steve Brooks, of Mesa; a stepdaughter, Peggy Wetzel and her husband d, Robert Wetzel, of Omaha, Neb.; a stepson, David Fenn and his wife, Patricia Fenn of Manilla; a brother, Claire Surfus and his wife, Lucy Surfus, of Oskaloosa; 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews; a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were Nov. 19 at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola, the Rev. Dwayne Henrichs of Thayer officiating. Pennie Gonseth, organist, accompanied Emil Rinderspacher as he sang Beyond the Sunset and Just a Closer Walk with Thee.
Casket bearers were Jim Anderson, Junior Burgus, Mark Johnson, Max Fenn, Raymond Rider and Oliver Thomas. Interment was in I.O.O.F. in Indianola.
Memorial contributions may be made to United Methodist Women-Murray and Ophir Chapter O.E.S. in Osceola.
DAISY ELLEN SWAIN McQUERN
Daisy Ellen Swain McQuern, daughter of T.H and Jane Hallowell Swain, the eighth of twelve children, was born April 26, 1894, in Clarke County and died Nov. 14, 2001, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines She was 107.
She received her education in the Clarke County Schools and graduated from Osceola High School in 1913. She attended Grinnell College. Her working career included teaching school, bank employment, inspector at the Iowa Ordinance plant during World War II and later operating a hotel in Osceola for 35 years.
She married Floyd McQuern on Sept. 25, 1920, and they became the parents of three daughters, Mary Ellen, Madge and Jane.
Mrs. McQuern lived in Osceola most of her life. She moved to the Village Retirement Center in Indianola in 1992.
She was a longtime member of Research Club, the Osceola Woman’s Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, Two in One Bridge Club, and PTA. She sang in her church choir.
She liked china painting, writing poetry, crocheting and reading.
Mrs. McQuern was well known for entertaining and continued to entertain audiences just recently. She liked to visit nursing homes, clubs and churches where she sang and played the piano, amusing everyone with her skill of playing the piano with her feet.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Floyd after 63 years of marriage; her daughter, Madge Dodson; three brother, and eight sisters.
Mrs. McQuern is survived by two daughters, Mary Ellen Larson and her husband, Lee Larson, of Des Moines and Jane Friedmann and her husband, Fred Friedmann, of Louisville, Ky.; five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services were Nov. 17 at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola, Pastor John Long of Indianola officiating. Musical selections included Pennie Gonseth, organist, accompanying Emil Rinderspacher as he sang Blessed Assurance and Mrs. McQuern’s own taped selection.
Casket bearers were Don Bredle, Mike Dodson, Yuri Bredle, Dan Dodson, Dave Rhein and Joe Kline.
Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery.
GEORGE NELSON
George Martin Nelson, son of Frank Lars Nelson and Mary Christensen Nelson, was born Feb. 22, 1927, in Colome, S.D. and died Nov. 13, 2001, at Mercy Medical Center in Des moines. He was 74.
He attended grade school and graduated from high school in Herman, Neb. He moved to the Osceola area in 1945, when he was almost 18 years old.
Mr. Nelson married Patricia Jane “Patsy” Miller on June 8, 1950, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Osceola. The couple became the parents of six children.
He was a farmer and carpenter and retired only after being forced to by illness. He loved hunting and fishing and horses and had a great passion for his cattle.
He was a charter member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church and served the church as an elder for many years. He was also a member of the Clarke County Sheriff’s Posse, National Farmer’s Organization (N.F.O.) and served many years as a Green Bay Township trustee.
Preceding him in death were his parents; two brothers, Chester Nelson, in World War II and Franklin Nelson; a sister, Vera McKay and a brother-in-law, Joe Miller.
Mr. Nelson is survived by his wife, Patsy Nelson of Osceola; three sons, George Mark Nelson and James Nelson and his wife, Brenda Nelson, all of Osceola; Frank “Gus” Nelson and his wife, Sally Nelson, of LaPorte City, ; three daughters, Jennie Jones and her husband, John Jones, of Osceola, Ruth Anderson and her husband, John Anderson, of Humeston and Julie Nelson of Des Moines ; ten grandchildren, Katherine Ann Nelson of Osceola, Carly Jane Anderson of Humeston, Monika Jones, Heather Jones and Laura Lee Nelson, all of Des Moines, George Michael Nelson of LaPorte City, Amy Jo Mangrich and her husband, Brent Mangrich, of Waterloo, Rebekah Jones of San Antonio, Texas, Dustin Samuelson and Dalton Samuelson, both of Mankato, Minn.; two sisters, Mildred Shumaker and her husband, Bill Shumaker, of Des Moines and Dora Paulsen and her husband, Harold Paulsen, of Blair, Neb.; a brother-in-law, Les McKay of Bismarck, Ark.; two sisters-in-law, Tana McCann and her husband, George McCann of Osceola and Sandra Coultis and her husband, Rob Coultis, of Kansas city, Kan.; as well as many other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services were Nov. 16 at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola, the Rev. Dwayne Henrichs of Thayer officiating. Pennie Gonseth, organist, accompanied Mr. Nelson’s grandchildren as they sang Old Rugged Cross, Just As I Am and Shall We Gather at the River.
Casket bearers were George Michael Nelson, Brent Mangrich, Matt Janssen, Matt McCann, Dustin Samuelson and Dalton Samuelson. Honorary bearers were Tony Stearns, Geary Phillips, Randy Short, Dick Gunderson, Kenny Winters, Helmut Mueller, Carl Parmer and Eldon Proctor. Interment was in New Virginia Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Clarke County Hospital.
LANE LYNN SCHULDT
Lane Lynn Schuldt, son of Louis “Louie” and Pearle Hatfield Schuldt, was born Jan. 28, 1930, in Decatur County and died Nov. 11, 2001, at the Decatur County Hospital in Leon. He was 71.
As he was growing up he attended country school in Decatur County. He joined the Army in the early 1950s.
Mr. Schuldt married Mary Lou Scadden of Murray on March 6, 1954. The couple became the parents of three sons, Rickey Lane, Rodney Lynn and Randy Ray.
At the age of 13, he began an occupation he would grow to love, as a farrier for more than 50 years, he traveled from town to town shoeing horses for hire.
Throughout his life he enjoyed buying, selling and working with his horses and cattle. As a young man he stayed active in rodeos as a bull rider and stock contractor. Later he worked with the cattle for the Little Britches part of the rodeo. Mr. Schuldt and his sons liked breeding horses and going to horse sales. One of his favorite pastimes was visiting with friends at the Weldon Corner.
Preceding him in death were his parents; a son, Randy Ray Schuldt in 1982 and three brothers, infant Willard Wayne, Layton and Lyman Schuldt.
Mr. Schuldt is survived by his wife of Van Wert; two sons, Rick Schuldt and friend, Karen Wanless and her daughter, Megan and Rodney Schuldt and his wife, Karen Schuldt, all of Van Wert; five grandchildren, Breann Schuldt of Cedar Rapids, Tannor Schuldt, Mindy Hamilton and her husband, Wade Hamilton and Trent Schuldt, all of Van Wert and Amy Norman and friend Jacob Moore of Decatur; one great-grandson, Jacob Lane Moore of Decatur; a brother, Boyd Schuldt and his wife, Elaine Schuldt, of Van Wert; two sisters, Darlyne Norman of Decatur and Wanda Lou Schuldt of Osceola; two sisters-in-law, Sharon Schuldt of Osceola and Wanda Mae Schuldt of Bentonville, Ark.; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were Nov. 14, The Rev. Terry D. Roberts officiating. Connie Hook, Organist, accompanied Bud Hook as he sang On the Wings of a Snow White Dove.
Casket bearers were Dave Beers, Perry Parmer, Dave Fisher, Ronald Dean Parmer, Garry Hainline, Bill Ward, Bob Jackson and Doug Yeager. Interment was in Van Wert Cemetery.
BERNICE SHEPHERD
Bernice Electa Shepherd, the daughter of Melvin Leroy and Verna Sonner Lewis, was born April 7, 1914, in Osceola and died Nov. 16, 2001, at Osceola Nursing and Rehab Center. She was 87.
She received her education in the Osceola schools. She married Darrell Shepherd on Nov. 24, 1934, in Kirksville, Mo. The couple became the parents of two children, Robert and Barbara.
Mrs. Shepherd, a homemaker, was a lifetime resident of Osceola. She was a member of the Osceola County Club where she was an avid golfer and she was also a member of the Osceola Presbyterian Church.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Darrell in 1993 and a sister, Willene Simpson.
Mrs. Shepherd is survived by a son, Robert Shepherd of Osceola; a daughter, Barbara Mack and her husband, Ron Mack, of Flower Mound, Texas; four grandchildren, Michelle Amato of Atlanta, Ga.; Shelly Dye and her husband, Mark Dye, of Hastings, Neb., Michael Channon and his wife, Holly Channon, of Wilson and Kelli Mack of College Station, Texas; six great-grandchildren, Andrew, Ashley and Aaron Dye of Hastings, Sarah and Samantha Amato of Los Angeles, Calif. and Zachary Channon of Wilson; a sister-in-law, Ivalee Shepherd of Osceola; other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services were Nov. 19 at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola, The Rev. Bill Kerns of Chariton officiating. Pennie Gonseth, organist, accompanied Emil Rinderspacher as he sang How Great Thou Art and Wind Beneath My Wings.
Casket bearers were David Johnson, Marvin Johnson, Con McDowell, Bob Evans, Lloyd Querrey and Gary Petersen. Honorary bearers were Don Lynn, Jerry Wolfe and Bill Davenport. Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery in Osceola.
James Baringer
Memorial services were Nov. 22, at Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Indianola for James D. Baringer, 47, who died Nov. 19, 2003. A private burial of the cremains will be in the New Virginia Cemetery.
Mr. Baringer graduated from Valley High School in Des Moines. He had lived in Indianola for the past 20 years where he had been active in the Indianola Jaycees.
He worked for Cedar Valley Steel as an iron worker and had been working on the Jordan Creek Mall in West Des Moines. He was a member of Des Moines Iron Workers Local No. 57.
He is survived by his children, Benjamin and Samantha Baringer of Indianola; his parents, Maurice and Dorothy Baringer of rural Woodburn; Barbara Baringer, the mother of his children; a brother, David Baringer of Council Bluffs; two sisters, Sandra Baringer of Valley Center, Calif. and Debra Baringer of Grand River; and two grandchildren, Joshua and Carmen Baringer.
Mary Ann Burkheimer
Funeral services were Nov. 24 at Grandview Park Funeral Home in Des Moines for Mary Burkheimer of Johnston who died at Hospice Kavanagh House in Des Moines. Burial followed in Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
The daughter of Karl and Josephine Kile Koenigsberger, Mary Burkheimer, was born on Dec. 31, 1924, in Des Moines.
A lifelong resident of Des Moines, she enjoyed crocheting and loved animals.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wayne; granddaughter, Robin and great-grandson, Andrew.
She is survived by three sons, Dennis Burkheimer and his wife, Mary Burkheimer, of Osceola, Karl Mahaffey and his wife, Lori Mahaffey, of Florida and Bill Mahaffey and his wife, Sandy Mahaffey, of California; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Contributions may be directed to Hospice of Central Iowa.
Ruth Lauser
Ruth Lauser, 85, died Nov. 22, 2003,at Anna House in Bridgeton, Mo. Memorial Services will be at 11 a.m. Nov. 29 at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola. Visitation will be one hour before the the services on the day of the service.
Mrs. Lauser was born and raised in Osceola and lived in Des Moines and Centerville for most of her life. She was a retired telephone operator and secretary and a dedicated homemaker. Mr. Lauser was an avid reader in her later years and delighted in creating poems for family and friends.
Her husband, George Lauser, preceded her in death. They had been married for 51 years.
Mrs. Lauser is survived by a daughter, Judy Oggero and her husband, Richard Oggero of Bonita Springs, Fla. a son Craig Lauser and his wife, Donna Lauser, of St. Louis, Mo. five grandchildren, Mark Oggero of Cary, N.C., Matthew Oggero of Greenbrae, Calif., Phillip Oggero of San Francisco, Calif. and Heather Lange and Jennifer Lauser, both of St. Louis; seven great-grandchildren; a sister, Ardis Swain of Emmetsburg; two brothers, Ralph Herron of Des Moines and Robert Herron of Cedar Rapids; as well as other relatives and friends.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Osceola United Methodist Church.
Delores Mills
Delores Mills, daughter of Martha Mae Lilly and Al Malcolm,was born April 4, 1922, in Ridgeway Mo. and died Nov. 18, 2003, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. She was 81.
She graduated from North High School in Omaha, Neb. in 1940. She married Lester Lloyd Mills on Sept. 17, 1943, in Bethany, Mo. and they became the parents of five children.
Mr. and Mrs. Mills farmed around Clarke County after he returned from the service until he died in 1964.
Mrs. Mills and her family moved to an acreage in Murray in 1967 and she worked for Webb Grocery Store and Murray Auto Assemblies until she retired in 1986. She moved to Knoxville in November of 1987.
Mrs. Mills enjoyed the outdoors and taking rides through the country. She liked doing needlecraft and crossword puzzles. She was a Hawkeye basketball and football fan. She enjoyed her grandchildren’s visits as well as sharing their pictures with others.
She was preceded in death by her husband; an infant daughter, Nancy Ann; two brothers, Al Malcolm Jr. and Dave Malcolm; twin granddaughters, Tami Ann and Toni Marie Mills and a great-granddaughter, Anna Marie Stowers.
Mrs. Mills is survived by two daughters, Donna Levy of Des Moines and Sharon Bolinger and her husband, Melvin Bolinger, of Knoxville; two sons, Kenneth Mills and his wife, Marlene Mills of Wascott, Wis. and Keith Mills and his wife, Marlena Mills, of Murray; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Mrs. Mills were Nov. 21 at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola, Pastor Marty Burgus officiating.
Casket bearers were Chris Mills, Jeff Stowers, Douglas Levy, Michael Levy, Max Harris and William Osmon. Interment was in the Murray Cemetery.
John Neely
John Harvey Neely, son of Myrtle Margrave Neely and Harvey Neely, was born on April 21, 1915, in northern Missouri and died Nov. 13, 2003, in Riverside, Calif. He was 88.
His education included a high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree from Occidental College in Pamona, Calif. He married Pauline Zula Brown in Corona, Calif. They had no children. Mr. Neely was a building contractor and worked in the construction business for 40 years.
Mr. Neely and his wife lived in Corona, Calif., from 1942 to 1958. They owned a farm of about 80 acres southeast of Osceola. He enjoyed visiting with his friends at the sale barn when he sold livestock. Mr. and Mrs. Neely attended First Christian Church in Osceola and enjoyed the activities there,especially the meals.
They spent the winter in California and the rest of the year in Iowa until Mrs. Neely’s health began to fail and they moved to California and stayed there.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Frances; and his wife on Sept. 16, 2001 at the Pleasant Care Convalescent Home in Corona when she was 87. Mr. Neely died at the Community Care and Rehabilitation Home in Riverside, Calif. Mr. and Mrs. Neely were “good Christian people” who were well thought of by their friends.
Graveside services were held at Maple Hill Cemeteryon Nov. 20 in Osceola. The Rev. Phillip Coe officiated.
J. Rush Cornett
J. Rush Cornett, of rural Davis City, the son of Chas C. and Nettie L. McKinney Cornett, was born Dec.17, 1911, at Pleasanton and died Nov. 18, 2002, at Osceola Nursing and Rehab Center. He was 90.
He married Anna Blanche Crouse on March 7, 1937. The couple became the parents of four children. They spent most of their married life in Pleasanton. Mr. and Mrs. Cornett celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary recently.
Mr. Cornett had several vocations over the years. He was co-owner and operator of Jeffries-Cornett Rock Quarry near Davis City, a mechanic, a mechanic supervisor for International Harvestor, a truck driver and an airplane pilot for the Des Moines Register. He was also a charter pilot. He even painted water towers so he could travel and go to the World’s Fair in Chicago. He and Max Hammer were some of the first to sell television sets in Decatur County.
His nickname has been “Cyc” since he began riding motorcyles and continued into his 80s. He loved planes, motorcycles, reading, camping and traveling.
He was a past member of the Masonic Lodge, Emblem No. 189. He achieved the 33rd level. He was affiliated with the Bethel Methodist Church.
Preceding him in death were his parents; wife on July 17, 2002; infant daughter, Peggy Ann in 1953; sister, Donna Brown and two brothers, Merle and Charles Cornett.
Mr. Cornett is survived by three children, J. R. Cornett and his wife, Diane Cornett of Davis City, Donna Tharp and her husband, Jerry Tharp, of Leon and Pat Cornett of Omaha, Neb.; five grandchildren, Vicki Saxton and her husband, Jay Saxton and Mark Tharp and his wife, Traci Tharp, all of Leon, Doug Tharp and his wife, Rhonda Tharp of Lamoni, Justin Cornett of Davis City and Jarrod Cornett of St. Joseph, Mo.; seven great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Reva Cornett of Columbia, Mo., Orlene Johnson and Irene Diercks Maroney, both of Kansas City, Kan.; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held Nov. 23 at Slade-O’Donnell Funeral Home at Leon, the Rev. Max Carmichael officiating. Musician was Vicki Saxton.
Casket bearers were Mr. Cornett’s grandson’s, Jarrod Cornett, Justin Cornett, Jay Saxton, Lathum Saxton, Doug Tharp and Mark Tharp. Interment was in Hamilton Cemetery near Pleasanton.
Dennis Clayton Allen
Dennis Clayton Allen, son of Arthur L. and Alice L. Jones Allen, was born June 13, 1920, in Grand River and died Nov. 21, 2002, of complications following heart surgery at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. He was 82.
He received his education in Clarke County Schools and graduated from Osceola High School. He was a veteran of World War II and served in the 808 Tank Destroyer Battalion.
He married Helen Catherine Saddoris on July 3, 1943, at Osceola and they became the parents of three children, Peggy, Mike and David.
He was an owner and operator of the Saddoris and Allen Hatchery, a carpenter, postal clerk and rural mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service until he retired 1n 1976.
Mr. Allen served on the Extension Council and the Clarke County Fair Board. He supported his children, grandchildren and a nephew for 40 years by his participation in 4-H activities. His hobbies were fishing, traveling, woodworking, gardening and raising livestock.
He was a member of Calvary Bible Church in Osceola.
He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law; two brothers, Don and Olin Allen; and two brothers-in-law, James Boggs and Keith Snyder.
Mr. Allen is survived by his wife of 59 years of Osceola; a daughter, Peggy Allen of Ankeny; two sons Mike Allen and his wife, Gayle Allen and David Allen and his wife, Deanna Allen, all of Osceola; three grandchildren, Megan Hartman of Augusta, Ga., Travis Hartman and his wife, Tonia Hartman, of St. Charles, Mo. and Alena Allen of Osceola; a great-granddaughter, Hayley Hartman of St. Charles, Mo.
Other survivors include a sister, Uvonne Boggs of Urbandale; and an uncle, Sherman Allen of Des Moines; two brothers-in-law, Harold Saddoris and his wife, Carol Saddoris, of Osceola and Stanley Saddoris and his wife, Nancy Saddoris, of Eden Prairie, Minn.; three sisters-in-law, Louise Hart and Donna Saddoris of Osceola and Martha Snyder of West Des Moines; other relatives and a host of friends.
Services for Mr. Saddoris were Nov. 26 at Kale Funeral Home in Osceola, Pastor Ted Welch officiating. The organist was Angela Jelsma and vocalists were Joyce Neal and Angel Geddes. Musical selections were In the Garden and Amazing Grace.
Casket bearers were Travis Hartman, Randy Hart, Ben Saddoris, Merrill Frost, Mark Snyder and Craig Saddoris. Honorary bearers were Jeff Saddoris, Megan Hartman, Bud Jones, Rick Hart, Cindy Brimmer and Lyle Miller. Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery at Osceola.
