2010-2019, IA, Compiled by James W. Blankenship jkblank1(at)sbcglobal.net

 

SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi , IA,           Transcribed by Jim @ Blankenshipweb.com

Blankenship, Danny L.      60, 30Apr1951 - 06May2011,          (72),                                                 IA-482-66-9176

 

Appanoose                                                                                                        

 

2016, Centerville, Appanoose Co., IA, Obituary

Ad Express & Daily Iowegian (Centerville, IA) - February 7, 2016

Dorothy "Dottie" Cornett, 101 of Centerville, Iowa, passed away Thursday, February 4, 2016 at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville. She was born in Appanoose County, Iowa on September 19, 1914, the daughter of Edward and Muriel (Fowler) Collins.

Dottie graduated from Centerville High School. She served her country faithfully in the Navy during World War II. Dottie was united in marriage to George Cornett on November 5, 1945.

Dottie engaged in numerous hobbies throughout her lifetime. She enjoyed knitting, especially gloves, scarves, hats, as well as baby booties and mittens. Dottie also enjoyed numerous outdoor activities, especially fishing and bird watching. She was a longtime member of the Rathbun Area Bird Club. Dottie was also a lifetime member of the Mystic American Legion.

She is survived by two nieces, Judy Blankenship and Loretta Allen; two nephews, Mark Hancox and Terry Hancox; three great nephews, Randy Nutt, Scott Hancox, and Grant Hancox; and two great nieces, Vicki King and Hope Hancox.

Dottie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George; and two sisters, Mildred McDowell and Goldie Hancox.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at 10:00 AM at Lange Funeral Home and Crematory in Centerville, with Reverend Allen Cooper officiating. A burial with military rites will follow the funeral service at Haines Cemetery, north of Centerville.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Audubon                                                                                                           

 

2018, Kimballton, Audubon Co., IA, Obituary

The Daily Nonpareil, (Council Bluffs, IA) - November 14, 2018

LaVonne June, Leib, age 83, passed away Wednesday, November 7, 2018, at Audubon County Memorial Hospital, [Audubon, Audubon Co., IA]. She was the daughter of Estel Paul and Bessie June (Ferdig) Clark, born April 22, 1935, in Onawa, Iowa.

LaVonne grew up in Onawa and moved to Council Bluffs while in high school. LaVonne was married to William Poffenbarger. Through their union, 3 children were born, William Jr., Cyndie, and Robert. Williams was in the Navy and the family made their home in CA, before returning to Council Bluffs. This marriage ended. She was then united in marriage with Darrell Leib. They made their home in Council Bluffs and to this marriage was born 3 children, Sandra, Suzette and Garry Dean. This marriage ended. She was united in marriage with Robert Hauger. They made their home in Council Bluffs and Oakland, Iowa, and had 2 children, Angel and John. After Robert passed away, LaVonne was then reunited in marriage with Darrell Leib and the couple moved to Kimballton.

LaVonne was mostly a homemaker and worked outside the home in daycare, a deli worker and at Brandeis during the holidays. She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church and was a wonderful seamstress who could also crochet. "Butch," as many knew her, enjoyed camping, square dancing on roller skates (in her younger years), and anything to do with her kids and grandkids.

LaVonne was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Marvin Clark and Gary Dean Clark; and a son, Garry Dean Leib.

LaVonne is survived by her husband, Darrell Leib, of Earling, Iowa; 7 children, William Poffen-barger and wife Kristie, of Glenwood, Iowa, Cyndie Poffenbarger, Robert Poffenbarger, Sandra Leib, and Suzette Leib, all of Council Bluffs, Angel Hauger, of Earling, and John Hauger, of Glenwood; 6 step-children, Roberta Knox, Sharon Blankenship, Michael Hauger, Dean Leib (Nancy), Kelly Leib and Debbie; 17 grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren (and one on the way); and 2 great great grandchildren.

Funeral Services were held on Monday, November 12, 2018, at 10:30 am, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Kimballton, Iowa. Interment followed the funeral, at Bethany Lutheran Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Benton                                                                                                              

 

+2013, Urbana, Benton Co., IA, Obituary

Published in Cedar Valley Daily Times on April 2, 2013

Evelyn Pearl Phelps, 92, died Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at the Vinton Lutheran Home following an extended illness.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel, 212 E. 6th St. in Vinton with Pastor Larry Schmidt officiating. Interment will be held at the Urbana Cemetery in Urbana.

Evelyn was born May 18, 1920 in Platte City, Missouri to Robert and Sarah (Boydston) Blankenship.

On February 5, 1941 she was united in marriage to Morris Phelps at Smithville, MO. He preceded her in death on February 18, 1991. Evelyn was a devoted wife, mother and grandma. She enjoyed membership in the Free Methodist Church in rural Urbana, loved the outdoors, flowers, gardening and birds.

Evelyn is survived by her daughters, Lois (Chester) Schantz of Alburnett, Judy Phelps of Cedar Rapids, Janet (Dennis) Umbdenstock of Urbana, and Joy Wellington of Phoenix, AZ; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and her sisters, Maxine Tester, Ruby Phelps, Thelma (Jack) Shreve, Peggy Rick and Shirley Abbott, all of Missouri.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Jeffrey Rick; her granddaughter, Shelley Gee and her great-grandson, Tobias; her brothers, Marvin, and Robert, Jr; and two sisters, Mildred Huntley and Elsie Medley.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Black Hawk                                                                                                      

 

2014, Washburn, Black Hawk Co., IA, Obituary

Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier (IA) - May 12, 2014

Harold J. "Smitty" Smith, 90, of Washburn, died at home Friday, May 9, 2014, of cancer. He was born Aug. 29, 1923, in Waterloo, son of Harold Louis and Miriam Eleanor Fifield Smith.

He married Betty Jean Friedley on June 23, 1947, in Kansas City, Kan.; she died July 28, 2000. Smitty graduated from Waterloo East High School and served in the U.S. Navy on the submarine USS Piranha during World War II. He worked for Rath Packing Co. for 43 years, retiring as a bacon trucker.

Survived by: two sons, J. Kirby (Cheryl) of Des Moines and Kelly Lee of Charles City; two daughters, Vicki (Steven) Hickman of Lovilia and Cheryl (Stephen) White of Decorah; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson.

Preceded in death by: an infant son, Gregory; and a daughter, Sandra Blankenship.

Services: 11 a.m. Wednesday at Katharine Graham Pahl Chapel at Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery, with burial in the cemetery. Full military rites will be conducted by U.S. Navy Funeral Honors, American Legion Post 138 and VFW Post 1623.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

SSDI: Blankenship, Sandra S., 42, 09Dec1957 - 22Apr2000, (FO), IA-483-82-0472

 

2015, Waterloo, Black Hawk Co., IA, Obituary

The Daily Advocate, (Greenville, OH) Date: July 21, 2015

Thomas Arthur Halley, 71, passed peacefully in Waterloo, Iowa, on May 14, 2015, from surgery complications following a debilitating stroke two years ago. Tom was born April 8, 1944, in Greenville, Ohio, to parents, Mary Catherine Westerman and Arthur G. Halley, who preceded him in death.

He was cremated after the Iowa Donor Network received many of his tissues and eyes. A memorial service will be held Aug. 8 at 11 a.m.in the Greenville, Ohio, City Park Shelter House 4.

A national Honor Society graduate of Greenville High School, 1962, and Ohio All State Champion athlete, he attended Wabash College in Indiana on an athletic scholarship and graduated from Indiana State University with high honors in experimental psychology. A master's in SCI from Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa, completed his formal education.

An avid sports fan, music and nature lover, he liked keeping things lively, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Tom is survived by five sisters and one brother, most of whom reside in the Greenville area. He also leaves behind nine children, Andrew Halley (Iowa), Matt Halley (Iowa), Kathrin Doty (Iowa), Maghen Broyles (Iowa), Kama Blankenship (Texas), Bradley Blankenship (Texas), Jeff Hardeman (Tennessee), Susan White (Tennessee), John Hardeman (North Carolina); nine grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Kama Nicole Blankenship – b. 05Feb1970 - Dallas, TX; https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KG6T-HN4

Relatives: Bradley William Blankenship, Bruce C. Blankenship, Bruce Carl Blankenship, Kaye Williams Blankenship

 

2016, Waterloo, Black Hawk Co., IA, Obituary

Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier (IA) - August 25, 2016

Mildred Evelyn "Millie" Higdon, 80, of Waterloo, died at home Tuesday, Aug. 23, of lung cancer. She was born Aug. 31, 1935, in Barlow, Ky., daughter of William Henry Ward and Margaret Blankenship.

She had been employed at Herrick Refrigeration as an assembler and with Clark Supply as a paint mixer until she retired.

She married Glen Edward Higdon on June 7, 1952, in Piggotts, Ark. He preceded her in death on Sept. 20, 2001.

Preceded in death by: her parents; a brother; and a sister.

Survived by: three sons, Darryl Glen (Mary) of Jesup, Douglas William (Faith) of Hoagland, Ind., and Dwayne Edward (Shirley) of Yoder, Ind.; 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Bobby Ward of Minnesota.

Services: 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at Kearns Funeral Service Kimball Chapel.

Millie and Glen were happily married for 49 years. She was very proud of her three sons, Darryl, Douglas and Dwayne. She was a devoted, loving mother and grandma to her family. Millie loved to bake for Sunday dinners, was an avid reader, enjoyed working crosswords puzzles and playing solitaire. She loved to feed wildlife off her back deck.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

1940 Census, District 2, Ballard Co., KY,

Ward, Bill                          47, M, MO, Head,

Ward, Margarett L.           30, F, MO, Wife,

Ward, M. William              14, M, KY, Son,

Ward, Mildred E.               04, F, KY, Dau,

https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K755-W8G

 

1930 Census, Peotone, Will Co., IL,

Ward, William H.                             36, M, MO, Head,

Ward, Margaret                 20, F, KY, Wife,

Ward, William                   04, M, MO, Son,

Ward, Margarett               04, F, MO, Dau,

https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X397-GZG

 

Bremer                                                                                                              

 

2019, Sumner, Bremer Co., IA, Obituary

Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier (IA) - July 11, 2019

Harry Drewes, 85, of Sumner, died Monday, July 8, at Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner. He was born Oct. 28, 1933, at home in Hawkeye to Robert and Mabel (Scharnhorst) Drewes.

He married Betty Schmidt on Nov. 15, 1957, in Muskogee, Okla. He graduated from Randalia School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1957 as a food inspector stationed in Korea. Harry worked for the Department of Agriculture as a poultry inspector for three years. He and his family then moved to California where he worked as a shipping and receiving supervisor for a commercial lawn mower plant. After moving back to Iowa, Harry worked for John Deere until retirement in 1998. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sumner.

Preceded in death by: his parents; his wife; and a sister, Diane Fox.

Survived by: his daughters, Pamela "Pj" Miller of Sumner, Brenda (John) Bantz of Ham Lake, Minn., Sandra (Scott) Strempke of Sumner and Judy Myers of Ham Lake; a brother-in-law, Cebert Fox of Sumner; seven grandchildren, Stephanie (Travis) Buckendahl, Heather (Eric) Blankenship, Sara (Andy) Zigler, Stacy (Al) Brockmeyer, Stuart (Christi) Strempke, Clayton (Wendy) Miller and Amanda Reed; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Services: 11 am, Friday, July 12, 2019, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Sumner, with burial in Mount Calvary Cemetery, rural Sumner, with military honors provided by the American Legion-Thomas E Woods Post 223 of Sumner. S. K. Rogers Funeral Home, in Sumner.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

+2018, Waverly, Bremer Co., IA, Obituary

Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier (IA) - March 14, 2018

Sharon Jean Roggemann, 78, of Waverly, died Sunday, March 11, at the Waverly Health Center. She was born Dec. 28, 1939, in Webster City, daughter of Lucille Belle (Harmon) and Lawrence Wilson Blankenship.

She married Emil "Bud" Roggemann on March 8, 1959, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. He preceded her in death in 2002. She graduated from Sheffield High School in 1958. Sharon and her husband lived in Charles City before moving to Oskaloosa, then El Paso, TX, and Boaz, AL., due to Bud's job. They retired to Waverly in 2000. Over the years, Sharon had several different jobs including being a cosmetologist, and school secretary at Oskaloosa. Her final position included providing home-cooked meals for the kids at Lutheran Services in Iowa. She was a member of the Red Hats and Peace United Church of Christ.

Preceded in death by: her parents; her husband; and a brother, Sherman Blankenship.

Survived by: a daughter, Pamela (Kevin) Slinger of Naples, FL; three sons, Michael (Kristen) Roggemann of Lake Linden, MI, Mitchell (Lisa) Roggemann of Waverly and Philip (Karen) Roggemann of Camas, WA; a brother, Dennis (Carolyn) Blankenship of Clermont, FL; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services: 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 16, at Peace United Church of Christ, Waverly, with burial in Hillside Cemetery in Sheffield.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Buchanan                                                                                                         

 

+2017, Jesup, Buchanan Co., IA, Obituary

Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier (IA) - September 1, 2017

Frederick Allen Blankenship, 60, of rural Independence, died Wednesday, Aug. 30, at the Cedar Valley Hospice House, [Waterloo, Black Hawk Co., IA]. He was born Feb. 27, 1957, in Waterloo, son of Roger L. Blankenship and Doris M. Thomsen Blankenship.

On Sept. 22, 1979, he married Roxanne Marie McGrath at St. Athanasius Catholic Church in Jesup. He graduated from Denver High School in 1975. Fred was co-owner of G & M Masonry and a 40-year member of the Bricklayers Union Local No. 3. He also was a member of the Jesup Lions Club and St. Athanasius Catholic Church.

Preceded in death by: his grandparents.

Survived by: his wife; a son, Justin (Michelle) Blankenship of Jesup; a daughter, Andrea (Max) Webbeking of Jesup; three grandchildren, Kelsey Blankenship, Beau Blankenship and Madeline Webbeking; his parents, of Janesville; and a brother, Larry (Lisa) Blankenship of Louisburg, Kan.

Services: 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, at St. Athanasius Catholic Church, Jesup, with burial in the church cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Cass                                                                                                                   

 

+2015, Cumberland, Cass Co., IA, Obituary

Published in Atlantic News Telegraph on Sept. 13, 2015

Robert Bruce Blankinship was born May 20, 1928, in Cumberland, the son of Floyd and Leta (Bolt) Blankinship. He passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2015, at the Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, at the age of 87.

Robert graduated from Cumberland High School in 1946. On July 2, 1948, he was united in marriage to Marilyn Carter. To this union, four children were born: Christine, Wes, Leta and Bobbi Lynn.

Bob worked as a farmer, auctioneer, barber, sales representative, and 10 years as a Cass County Supervisor. Bob spent many special times with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed his church, card games, fishing trips, driving the countryside, politics and RV and bus trips. He and Marilyn visited all 50 states. Bob was active in many local and community organizations. He was a life time member of the Christian Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Brent Palmer; three sisters-in-law, Carol Blankinship, Helen Zellmer and Pauline Carter; brother-in-law, Robert Carter; and in-laws, Bert and Nina Carter.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marilyn Blankinship of Cumberland; four children, Christine Coon (Tom) of Sun City, Ariz., Wes Blankinship of Atlantic, Leta Gerlock (Robert) of Cumberland and Bobbi Lynn Berry (Scott) of Spirit Lake; eight grandchildren; 17 great- grandchildren; brother, Ed Blankinship of Madera, California; other relatives and friends.

Celebration of Life Services will be held on Friday, Sept. 18 at 10:30 a.m. United Methodist Church in Cumberland with a luncheon and visitation immediately following at the Cumberland Community Building. Pastors Casey Pelzer and David Clark will officiate the service.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Cerro Gordo                                                                                                     

 

+2012, Mason City, Cerro Gordo Co., IA, Obituary

Globe Gazette (Mason City, IA) - August 1, 2012

Myrna L. Bills, 96, of Mason City, died Sunday, July 29, 2012, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 2, at the First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia Ave., with the Rev. Sean McRoberts officiating. Interment will be at the Rockwell Cemetery in Rockwell.

Myrna was born March 27, 1916, in rural Vandalia, Ill., (Bear Creek Township, Fayette County), the daughter of David and Lillie (Fansler) Blankenship. At age 5, her family moved to Williams, Iowa and eventually Rockwell, Iowa (where she lived for many years). She attended rural schools. In 1979, Myrna moved to Mason City. She married Jessie Bills on Jan. 24, 1935, and later divorced. Myrna worked as a housekeeper at Mercy Hospital from 1969 until she retired in 1981. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, where she belonged to church circle. Myrna enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed sewing, quilting, cooking, traveling, and volunteering at the Good Shepherd Health Center.

Myrna is survived by her children: Ernest Bills and wife Jean of Clear Lake, Larry Bills and wife Linda of Maxwell, Linda Folkerds and husband Roger of Grinnell, Gary Bills and wife Deb of Aredale, and Jim Bills and wife Debbie of Rockwell; daughter-in-law: Helen Bills of Mason City; 20 grandchildren: Ed Smith and wife Jody, Kathy Anderson and husband Larry, Beth Gordon, Diane Aldrich, Kevin Bills and wife Barb, Mark Bills and wife Christy, Darin Bills and wife Kate, Ray Bills, Chris Bills and Steve Hrubes, Charles Bills, Heather Allen and husband Dan, Brandon Bills, Julie Bates and husband Rick, Mollie Warburton, Dawn Rupp and husband Rusty, Adam Bills and wife Anjanette, Ben Bills, Abby Alexander and husband Jason, Jill Bills and husband DaxKuhfuss, and Andy Bills and wife Katie; and 24 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous great-great- grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter: Elaine Evans and husband Harold; her siblings: Velma Behrens and husband Clifford, Bernice Burkett and husband Charles, Mae Ragsdale and husband Lawrence, Leslie Blankenship and wife Geraldine, Erma Bode and husband Dick and Jean Pedersen and husband Ervin; a great granddaughter, Toni Hanson.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

+2018, Rockwell, Cerro Gordo Co., IA, Obituary

Globe Gazette (Mason City, IA) - April 13, 2018

Mildred Lillian 'Mick' Johnson 95, of Rockwell, passed away Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at the Rockwell Community Nursing Home. Mick, was born August 31, 1922 at home in Clarion, a daughter of Earl and Noy (Blankenship) Gates.

Mick attended country school in the Hayfield area and Belmond High School. On April 1, 1940, Mildred was united in marriage with Harold Johnson at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. This union was blessed with four children. They lived on farms near Hampton and Sheffield before moving to farm in the Rockwell area. She was a longtime member of the Rockwell United Methodist Church and was devoted to her family. She was an excellent cook and could make anything, sometimes without using a recipie. She did lots of sewing for her family and many other tasks with love. She enjoyed fishing and camping with her family. After Harold's passing she hosted 'The Boys Coffee Club' every day when her sons would come to her home for morning coffee.

Mildred is preceded in death by her parents, husband, 2 grandchildren Allen William Shoop and Timothy Justin Johnson and her brothers and sisters. www.retzfh.com

Her family includes her children: Lloyd (Marlys) Johnson, Rockwell; Larry (Terry) Johnson, Rockwell; Karie (John) Shoop, Mason City; Marv (Becky) Johnson, Rockwell; 9 grandchildren: Kim Johnson; Dean Johnson; Sondy Ward; Brad Johnson; Brian Johnson; Jill O'Dell; Anna Plank; Trevis Johnson; Brittini Johnson; 11 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held 7:00 p.m., Friday at the Rockwell United Methodist Church, with Pastor Travis Stevick presiding. Burial services will be at the Rockwell Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Clarke                                                                                                               

 

+2012, Osceola, Clarke Co., IA, Obituary

Published in adn.com from January 18 to January 19, 2012

Roger Dale Blankenship, son of Simon B. Blankenship and Alice Justice (White) Blankenship was born August 4, 1947 in Richwood, West Virginia and passed from this life Monday, January 16, 2012 at Clarke County Hospital in Osceola, Iowa at 64 years of age.

Roger grew up in West Virginia. He moved to Alaska in 1976. Roger was united in marriage to Donna McWilliams on September 7, 1984 in Wasilla, Alaska.

Roger loved the outdoors. He was a manager for Western Sheet Metal in Anchorage, Alaska and had lived and worked in Alaska for many years prior to moving to Osceola in 2000. He enjoyed hunting, shooting, snow machines and four wheeling. He enjoyed woodworking and carpentry. He was a member of the NRA.

Roger leaves to cherish his memory; wife, Donna Blankenship of Osceola; son, Lonnie Falke of Osceola; daughter, Cora (Michael) Turner of Alavarado, TX; daughter, Tahra Blankenship of Philadelphia, PA; brother-in-law, Perry McWilliams of Osceola; nephew, Allen (Gina) Blankenship Jr. of Elkton, MD; two grandchildren, Shane and Emily Turner and one great granddaughter, Lilly Cochran all of Alvarado, TX; as well as other relatives and many friends.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2013, Osceola, Clarke Co., IA, Obituary

Osceola Sentinel-Tribune (IA) - December 2, 2013

Ferndelene Lane, 89, of Osceola died Nov. 24, 2013, at Clarke County Hospital.

Services were 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, at Kale Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St. The Rev. Brian McCracken officiated. Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery.

Ferndelene Nancy Lane, daughter of Juanita (Pease) and Joseph Scott, was born March 18, 1924, in Osceola. Ferndelene graduated from Osceola High School. On May 28, 1946, Ferndelene married Donald Clarence Lane in Kansas City, Mo. Ferndelene was a housewife. Ferndelene and Donald lived in Oelwein for several years, before moving to Osceola.

Ferndelene is survived by her daughter Martha (Forrest) Bevineau of Belleville, Ill.; son-in-law Richard Sladky of Omaha, Neb.; grandchildren, Julie (Jason) Blankenship of Omaha, Neb., Angie Tucker of Council Bluffs, Marty (Jen) Price of Omaha, Neb., Heather (Orville) Parker of St. Peters, Mo., Mariah Bevineau of Belleville, Ill., and Forrest Bevineau Jr. of Belleville, Ill.; great-grandchildren, Orville Parker III, Maxwell Parker, Mackenzie Roskowski, Aleah Bevineau; Forrest Bevineau III, Alex, Randy, Anita and Boston Tucker, Andrew and Ian Blankenship and Alyson and Elayne Price; aunt Dessa White of Indianola; cousins, Delmore Scott of Thousand Oaks, Calif., and Davis Scott of Morehead, Minn.; special friends, Scott Sieleman and Joey Gonzales, as well as other relatives and many friends.

Ferndelene was preceded her in death by her mother, who died when she was young, father, stepmother Marguerite Scott, husband, daughter Linda Suzanne Sladky, sister Josephine Scott and granddaughter Marlo Bevineau.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Clinton                                                                                                              

 

2015, Clinton, Clinton Co., IA, Obituary

Clinton Herald (IA) Date: February 25, 2015

George Arley Hudelson, Jr., 95, of Clinton, passed away, Monday, February 23, 2015 at Mercy Living Center North, Clinton. He was born May 16, 1919 in Hillsboro, Illinois, the son of George and Mayme (Chaudoin) Hudelson, Sr.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, February 26, 2015 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Clinton. Burial will be in the Oakland Cemetery, Clinton. Pallbearers will be Ted Dawson, James Sterbenz, Wes Stuedemann, Jason Archer, Michael Schulze and Charles McCluskey.

George was educated in the Hillsboro, Illinois schools and received his GED in May of 1983. George married Norma Blankenship on July 6, 1946 in Edwardsville, Illinois. He was a WWII, U.S. Army Air Corps veteran. George was employed at DuPont as a slitting machine operator for more than 30 years; he retired in 1979. George was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Layman's League.

Survivors include his wife, Norma of Clinton; daughters, Sue Ellen Johnson of Springfield, IL; Judy (Bert) Wascher of Clinton; Lynn Thoms of Clinton; Sheryl Chaudoin of Fulton, IL and Patti (Snuff) Schulze of Sabula, IA; grandchildren, Kim (Floyd) Disney of Springfield, IL; V.J. Viola; Chris Viola; Jeff (Missy) Sterbenz of Clinton; Tim (Jessica) Sterbenz of Camanche; James Sterbenz of Richmond, VA; Lisa (Chris) Fransen of Fulton; and Charles (Stephanie) McCluskey of Cedar Rapids, IA; four great-grandchildren and sister, Josephine Harris of Clinton, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, a sister, sons-in-law, Gary Hargrave and Gary Thoms and three step brothers.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Norma E. Hudelson – b.27May1924 - Clinton, IA; https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KB9S-VWL

Relatives: G. A. J. Hudelson, George A. Hudelson Jr.

 

Dubuque                                                                                                           

 

2013, Dubuque, Dubuque Co., IA, Obituary

Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - August 28, 2013

Virginia Mary Jennings, 86, of Ennoble Manor, died Monday, Aug. 26, 2013, at Ennoble Manor.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 30, at Nativity Catholic Church, with the Rev. Scott Bullock officiating. The Nativity Rosary Society will recite the rosary at 10 a.m. Friday at the church. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Key West, Iowa. Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road, where a parish scripture wake service will be held at 6:45 p.m.

Virginia was born on Aug. 27, 1926, in Portage, Wis., daughter of John and Muriel (Dey) Mootz. She resided in Dubuque since the age of 5 and graduated from Dubuque Senior High School.

On Aug. 19, 1944, Virginia married Noel J. Jennings in Tacoma, Wash.; he preceded her in death on Dec. 10, 2005. She was a longtime member of Nativity Parish and worked in the cafeteria at The Finley Hospital for many years. Virginia was an avid Cub fan and enjoyed reading, embroidering and working puzzles.

Surviving are her four children, Robert L. (Susan) Jennings, of Hubert, N.C., Noelle (Larry Stevenson) Jennings, of Dubuque, David (Genevieve) Jennings, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Kristan Jennings, of Dubuque; eight grandchildren, Robert (Angel) Jennings, T. J. Jennings, Jessica (Steve) Riggles, Chris (Bethany) Blankenship, Sam Jennings, Patrick Jennings, Matthew (Anezka) Lungwitz and Elizabeth Lungwitz; seven great-grandchildren; and her sister-in-law, Patricia Mootz, of East Dubuque, Ill.

She also was preceded in death by her parents; and four brothers, Robert, George, John and James Mootz.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2013, Dubuque, Dubuque Co., IA, Obituary

Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - September 29, 2013

Donald D. Schroeder, 92, of Bethany Home and formerly of 2313 Kevindale St., passed away Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013, at Bethany Home.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 30, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, where military rites will be accorded by the Dubuque American Legion Post 6.

Don was born on Dec. 6, 1920, in Dubuque, son of Fred W. and Mary (Grant) Schroeder. He graduated from Loras Academy in 1939 and served as a tech sergeant in the Army during World War II. On Aug. 16, 1947, he married Mildred "Millie" Kluck.

Don was employed at Northhome Furniture from 1939 to 1942 and then at Stampfer's Department Store until 1952. That same year, Don and Millie opened Schroeder's Grocery Store and operated it for the next 16 years. In 1968, he worked with John Deere Dubuque Works security, retiring in 1984. Don was an active member of St. Anthony's parish for over 50 years and frequently served as a Eucharistic minister. Prior to that he belonged to Holy Ghost Parish and served as president of Holy Ghost Parish Holy Name Society. Don was a volunteer for Meals On Wheels; was active in Uptown Players dramatic club; and square danced for 20 years with Tri-State Twirlers. His passion was sports and he was a devoted Cubs fan for 85 years. He was known for his integrity, love of time spent with family and strong devotion to his Catholic faith. Don knew the value of going to church every Sunday morning, but he also understood the importance of buying doughnuts for the grandkids on the way home. He never turned down an opportunity to go camping, play catch, tennis, horseshoes, golf or just about any activity presented by his kids or grandkids. Don's lighthearted and witty personality was inspirational as it was therapeutic, evidenced best through his ability to mock his own struggles as a "handy man." Those who were fortunate to know him likely hold their own fond memories of this incredibly nice man, and many would like nothing more than to sit with him just one more time on the backyard swing.

Surviving are his devoted wife and sweetheart of 66 years, Millie, of Dubuque; his children, Sandi (Tom) Butler, of Elk Grove, Calif., Susie (Loras) Kluesner, of Lutz, Fla., Connie (Jim) Kuekan, of Shrewsbury, Mass., Tom (Trish) Schroeder, of Fairfax, Va., Jerry (Pam) Schroeder, of Balltown, Iowa, Julie (Matt) Shallow, of Richmond, Va., and Jeff (Amy) Schroeder, of Dubuque; Grandpa's (Pahka's) 18 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; his sisters, Bonnie Kratz, of Dubuque, and Shirley Blankenship , of Anchorage, Alaska; his sister-in-law, Helen Schroeder, of Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert; and his great-grandson, Conner.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2016, Dubuque, Dubuque Co., IA, Obituary

Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - January 23, 2016

James A. Locher, 82, of Dubuque, passed away Wednesday, January 20, 2016, at Stonehill Care Center. He was born September 16, 1933, in Farley, IA, son of Lawrence R. Locher, DDS and Marie (O'Meara) Locher, RN.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 25, 2016, at Holy Spirit Parish-Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Entombment will be in Resurrection Garden Mausoleum, Mount Calvary Cemetery with military rites.

Jim married Ardis C. Herrig February 8, 1958, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Apple River, IL. She preceded him in death on August 15, 1994. He then married Patricia Lewis on July 3, 1999.

Jim worked at the Telegraph Herald in Dubuque and Telegraphics in East Dubuque, IL. He also worked at John Deere and lastly at Carlisle Communications, retiring in 1995. He was a Veteran of the Korean War from 1954 to 1956 stationed in Germany; then a member of the U.S. Army Reserves until 1961. Jim was a member of Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Trinity Catholic Church since 1960. He was one of the co-founders of the Tri-State Antique Classic Car Club in 1964 and held many offices over the years. He enjoyed boating, fishing, photography and outdoor activities in his younger years. Jim also enjoyed Sunday breakfasts with "The Gang" and Thursday night dinners with "The Boys."

Jim is survived by his wife, Patricia; son, Larry Locher, of Dubuque; two daughters, Beth (Dan) Kennedy, of Dubuque, and Becky (Peter) Williams, of Godfrey, IL; eight grandchildren, Amanda (Neil) Dolphin, of Dubuque, Kate (Ryan) Eckhoff, of Cedar Rapids, Tyler (Tara) Kennedy, of Sherrill, Adam (Jenna Wehling) Kennedy, of Beecher, IL, Kathryn, Owen, Abigail and Sean Williams, of Godfrey, IL; four great-granddaughters, Raelynn and Madilyn Dolphin & Elliana and Annabelle Eckhoff; three step-children, Anita (Kevin) Honer, of Spring Green, WI, Kevin (Shannon) Lewis, of Janesville, WI, and Maureen (Michael) Blankenship , of Hopkinsville, KY; six step-grandchildren; a brother, Thomas (Catherine) Locher, of Philadelphia, PA; two sisters, Jane Locher, of Dubuque, and Catherine Curphy, of Cascade; a sister-in-law, Mary Locher, of Sherrill; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ardis; a brother, John M. Locher and a sister Lois Buckley.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

+2017, Dubuque, Dubuque Co., IA, Obituary

http://www.leonardfuneralhome.com/notices/Joe-Smith

Joe A. "Red" Smith, 88, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on December 4, 2017, at Mercy Medical Center. He was born on February 24, 1929, in Donnellson, Illinois, the son of Cecil & Alta (Hampton) Smith.

Joe married Bonnie Beresford on March 17, 1962. Red was a carpenter all of his life until retirement. Most notably, he worked for Dick Loetscher Construction in Dubuque. He was a member of the Carpenters Union and the Musicians Union for many years. Red served as a corporal in the United States Army from 1950-1952 during the Korean War, stationed in Port Whittier, Alaska.

Red grew up in a musical family and spent many years as a local musician, playing guitar and singing with several bands and musicians. He is well known as the leader of the Melody Makers, with his lovely wife by his side providing vocals. He also enjoyed fishing and spending time on the Mississippi on his boat with his family. The best of times were had at the River of Lakes Resort in Bagley, WI.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 sisters, Nelda Blankenship, Elaine "Tainey" Barth, and an infant, Shirley; 3 brothers, Jim, Jack and an infant, Carlton.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie (Beresford) Smith; his sons, Joseph Smith of Nashville, TN and Randy (Lisa) Smith of Dubuque; and a daughter, Karen (Roy) Mullins of Smyrna, TN; grandchildren, Randi (Kalen) Bales, of Dubuque, Joey Smith, of Grand Junction, CO, Matthew Mullins, of Smyrna, TN, Leah Mullins, of West Milford, NJ, and Clifford Mullins, of Hendersonville, TN; six great-grandchildren, Noah, Jacob, Owen, Hatten, Eowyn and Violet; his sister, Phyllis (Doc) Dothager, of Powder Springs, GA; along with many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 8, 2017, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, with Pastor Joshua Martyn officiating. Burial will follow in Dubuque Memorial Gardens.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2018, Dubuque, Dubuque Co., IA, Obituary

Telegraph Herald: Web Edition Articles (Dubuque, IA) - November 15, 2018

Helen E. Schroeder, 94, of Dubuque, passed away Wednesday, November 14, 2018, at home. She was born on April 25, 1924, in Dubuque, the daughter of Leland and Bernadette (Grotkin) Kircher.

Helen graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy. She worked in the office at Wahlert High School for over 18 years and continued to volunteer there after retirement. She was a member of Resurrection Catholic Church, where she enjoyed volunteering and making crafts. Helen also enjoyed volunteering at the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.

Helen married Robert W. Schroeder in September of 1947. He preceded her in death on October 30, 1997. She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Karen Schroeder; son, Steven Schroeder; sisters, Kathleen (Huck) Greenwald and Arlene (Fritz) Conrad; brothers-in-law, William "Jerry" Blankenship, Donald Kratz and Donald Schroeder.

She is survived by her sisters, Mary Frances (Robert) Lewis and Leota Kircher, both of Dubuque; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Kratz, of Dubuque, Shirley Blankenship, of Anchorage, AK, and Millie Schroeder, of Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 16, at Church of the Resurrection. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary CemeteryEgelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 Kennedy Road.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Fayette                                                                                                              

 

2013, West Union, Fayette Co., IA, Obituary

Published in Oelwein Daily Register on May 30, 2013

Eula Lee Larson, 76, of West Union, passed away Monday, May 27, 2013 at her daughter's home in West Union. Eula Lee, the daughter of George and Lula (Nading) Weyant, was born March 11, 1937 on a farm near Edgewood. She attended school in Fayette.

Eula was united in marriage with Laverne Thomas Larson on Sept. 15, 1956 at the West Clermont Lutheran Church in Clermont. Eula and Laverne owned and operated the Clermont Café, a grocery store in Earlville, the Humboldt Hilton in Humboldt, Ariz., and she babysat in her home for many years in Prescott, Ariz. Eula enjoyed cooking, playing the slots and going to the track, spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren, watching the Phoenix Suns, making tacos, eating Barrel Chicken, reading magazines, listening to country and polka music, and her handheld poker games.

Eula is survived by her husband of 56 years, Laverne, of West Union; two daughters, Carla (Everette) Reaves of Sierra Vista, Ariz., and Christy (Wade) Stewart of West Union; 11 grandchildren, Zack Cartier, John Blankenship, Jessica Blankenship, Mariah May, Charity May, Marcus Reaves, Cydney Reaves, Isaac Reaves, Sarah Reaves, Summer Sigmon, and Dylan Stewart; six great-grandchildren, Storm Sigmon, Raven Sigmon, Davey Sigmon, Atreyu Stewart, Carver Burns, and Jayden Reil; four brothers, Whitey (Mary) Weyant of Center Point, Don (Shirley) Weyant of Nevada, Iowa, Marlin (Vickie) Weyant of Oelwein, and Eugene (Michelle) Weyant of the Quad Cities; and four sisters, Luella Pattison of Knoxville, Pat Hanson of Oelwein, Lois (Mervin) Gregorson of Oelwein, and Phyllis Engler of Hazleton.

Eula was preceded in death by her son Craig Larson; a grandson Greg Larson, and her parents.

Celebration of Life services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, June 1, at West Clermont Lutheran Church in Clermont.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Floyd                                                                                                                 

 

2014, Charles City, Floyd Co., IA, Obituary

Charles City Press (IA) Date: September 5, 2014

Kenneth "Ken" Swant, 73, of Charles City, died Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014 at the Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City.

A memorial service for Ken Swant will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014 at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charles City. Pastor Dennis Niezwaag will officiate. Inurnment will be in Riverside Cemetery at Charles City.

Kenneth Wayne Swant, the son of Wayne and Mayme (Meyers) Swant, was born July 15, 1941 in Charles City. He was raised in Charles City and attended school graduating from Charles City High School in 1959. After graduation, Ken enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in Pearl Harbor and San Diego during the time of his service. Ken returned home and began working for Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids before going back to San Diego and working for General Dynamics. In 1971, Ken came back to Charles City, married his wife of 42 years Connie and started Circle K Communications, Inc. which they owned and operated for 30 years. While running the business, he received the Top Volume Dealer 1987-1992 from the E. F. Johnson Co. which was for national recognition of sales. The business is in its 42nd year, now owned by his daughter Tammy and her husband Dan.

Ken was a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church where he served on several committees and loved preparing the Wednesday night dinners with the youth. Food, faith, family and friends were his life. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and also the Lions Club where he was a past president. Ken also was active as a little league coach for his two boys, Brad and Terry, when they were playing baseball. He loved taking his children fishing when they were young, in his later years he also enjoyed collecting coins and sharing his knowledge of them.

Living family members include his wife of 42 years Connie of Charles City; four children: Tammy (Dan) Elthon of Charles City, Lori Phelps of Homosassa, Fla., Brad Swant of Cedar Rapids and Terry (Ana) Swant of Rockford; six grandchildren: Andy (fiancée Abbey Hartman) Elthon, Matt (Angie) Elthon, Shaun Swant, Justin Swant, Nicholas Swant and Harley Jane Phelps; two great-grandchildren: Ethan Blankenship and Ben Elthon; mother-in-law Marjorie Pierson of Charles City; along with other family members and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Wayne and Mayme Swant and his father-in-law Leonard Pierson.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Fremont                                                                                                            

 

2013, Hamburg, Fremont Co., IA, Obituary

Hamburg Reporter (IA) - September 5, 2013

Ruth L. Nook, 98, of Hamburg, died Aug. 29, 2013 at her home. She was born Ruth Leona Miller on Aug. 22, 1915 east of Hamburg on the family farm to Oscar J. and Delia A. (Chaney) Miller. She attended country school through the 8th grade.

She married Chris G. Nook on July 28, 1942 in Nebraska City. He preceded her in October of 1982. Ruth was a housewife and homemaker and during her many years of marriage, she helped in the everyday farming tasks, in addition to raising the kids. Ruth was a member of the United Methodist Church in Hamburg and a Charter Member of the Good Neighbors Club. She was a 4-H Leader and volunteered many hours for the Red Cross Canteen.

She is survived by children James Nook and wife Cathryn of Marana, Ariz., and Judith Holliman and special friend David Newlon of Hamburg; grandchildren Tadd Holliman and wife Darla, Kimberly Hilgenberg and husband Travis, and Kelly Jones and husband Greg; 11 great-grandchildren: Cody Blankenship , Sadie Blankenship , Taylor Holliman, Keeli Holliman, Kolby Hilgenberg, Teryn Hilgenberg, Kyndal Hilgenberg, Lauren Jones, Ethan Jones, Isaac Jones and Andrew Jones; brother Ralph Miller of Hamburg; other family and friends.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded by son Chris Jeffrey in 1976, brother Merle Miller and sisters Eva Risdon and Esther Rose.

Funeral services were Sept. 3 at the United Methodist Church in Hamburg. Burial was at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Hamburg.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Grundy                                                                                                             

 

2016, Grundy Center, Grundy Co., IA, Obituary

Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier (IA) - March 24, 2016

Gladys Rose "Gram" Van Deest, 100, of Grundy Center, died at home Tuesday, March 22. She was born Jan. 31, 1916, on the family farm in Grundy County, daughter of Joe and Kathryn Haren Meester.

She married John B. Van Deest on Dec. 26, 1935, at Colfax Center Presbyterian Church, rural Holland. He died March 31, 1982. Gladys was a member of Bethany Presbyterian Church. Alongside her husband, John, she owned and operated the Farmers Co-op Gas Station, Holland. Gladys was known around Grundy County as the Avon Lady in the VW Bug. She enjoyed gardening both flowers and vegetables and loved the outdoors. Gladys also loved watching and feeding birds at her home.

Survived by: two sons, Norman (Joyce) and Don (Amy); two daughters, Neva Blankenship and Ardi (Dave) Cade; nine grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; and four great great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: her parents; her friend, Charlie Reber; two brothers and a sister.

Services: 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 28, at Bethany Presbyterian Church, with burial in Rose Hill Cemetery, both in Grundy Center.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Hancock                                                                                                            

 

2014, Britt, Hancock Co., IA, Obituary

Britt News Tribune (Forest City, IA) - January 15, 2014

Roy Charbonneaux, 87, formerly of Britt, passed away Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, at Concord Care Center in Garner [Hancock Co., IA], where he had been a resident for the past seven years.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 1 until 2 p.m., at Ewing Funeral Chapel, 178 Center Street West, in Britt. A graveside service followed at 2:30 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Britt.

Roy, the youngest son of Floyd G. Sr. and Lucy M. (Boutilier) Charbonneaux, was born in Ottawa, Ill. on July 29, 1926. Roy married Lillian Gladys Smit on Aug. 12, 1944. He owned and operated several salvage yards, was in construction work and farmed for several years. Roy was an avid fisherman, fur trapper, and hunter and enjoyed metal detecting. He and Lillian wintered in Alamo, Texas for over 35 years.

Roy is survived by his daughters: Lanette (Bill) Arnold of Klemme, Jane Beier (John Farquhar) of Klemme, Joyce (James) Blankenship of Katy, Texas and Peg Charbonneaux of Garner; 14 grandchildren and numerous great-children, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lillian; sisters, Fern Smith, Eva Schleuger, Evelyn Smidt; two brothers, infant Charles and Floyd E. (Pete) Jr. and his faithful canine companion, Pepper.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

+2018, Britt, Hancock Co., IA, Obituary

Globe Gazette (Mason City, IA) - February 16, 2018

Chester "Chet" Vernon Eisenman, Jr., 79, of Britt died unexpectedly Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt. He was born July 14, 1938, at Britt, the son of Chester, Sr. and Catherine (Blankenship) Eisenman.

Chet graduated from Britt High School in 1957. He served his country in the U.S. Army. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Britt where he farmed with his father and brother, Don. On November 28, 1964, he married Sandra Kay Aase at First Lutheran Church in Northwood. They lived on the family farm northeast of Britt where they raised their family and Chet continued to farm with his brother, Don and later his nephews, Ron and Mark.

Besides farming, Chet also worked at Winnebago Industries in Forest City until his retirement. In 2000, Chet and Sandy moved into Britt. In his retirement, he delivered Meals on Wheels and drove for Pritchard Auto. He enjoyed attending West Hancock school activities and loved watching sports. He was a member of First Lutheran Church where he served on the church council. He belonged to the Britt Lions Club, was a board member and past president of the Britt Coop and a member of the Chain Gang at football games.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Brian Eisenman; a sister, Blanche Michelson; three brothers, Daryl, Cyrus and Don (Lola) Eisenman; brothers-in-law, Merle Aase and Duane "Bud" Michelson; and nephews, Ron Eisenman and Steve Aase.

Chet is survived by his wife, Sandra, of Britt; three children, Kristie (Brad) McKinney of Mesa, AZ, Jolene (Marcus) Bruns of Britt and Kevin (Michelle) Eisenman of Britt; grandchildren, Ryan (Chelsea), Andrea, Chase, Bennett, Madison, Carlee, Rhett and Carson; four great grandchildren, Malorie, Taylynn, Sage and Maxsen; a sister-in-law, Sally Aase of Northwood; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 A.M., Monday at First Lutheran Church in Britt with Rev. Willie Rosin officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery with military rites by the Britt Veterans Ceremonial Unit.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

1940 Census, Britt Twp., Hancock Co., IA,

Eisenman, Chester V.        Head, M, 43, Iowa

Eisenman, Catherine E.     Wife, F, 34, Iowa

Eisenman, Blanche A.        Dau, F, 15, Iowa

Eisenman, Donald E.         Son, M, 14, Iowa

Eisenman, Daryl K.           Son, M, 11, Iowa

Eisenman, Chester V.        Son, M, 01, Iowa

https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KMYQ-3K2

 

+2016, Garner, Hancock Co., IA, Obituary

Published in Des Moines Register on Nov. 13, 2016

Ruby Mae Taylor, 90, of Garner died Friday, November 11, 2016 at Concord Care Center in Garner. She was the daughter of Earl & Noy (Blankenship) Gates was born May 19, 1926 in Alden, IA.

Ruby Mae attended various schools in Iowa, graduating from Hayfield High School. On July 30, 1944 she married Wayne Taylor, and together they raised their four children: Howard, Kathy, Pat and Cindy. They began farming on the Taylor farm near Garner, and then went on to farm near Ventura and Clear Lake. In 1966, they returned to the family farm, retiring from active farm life in 1992. In 2002, they moved into Garner where she resided until moving to Cardinal Grove in August, 2015.

She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church and WELCA. Throughout the years, Ruby enjoyed baking and cooking for her family, flower gardening and crocheting as well as assisting her husband, Wayne, in finishing the wood products that he made. She participated in various community organizations and activities.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne in 2006, son-in-law Paul Sperrazza in 2009, brothers Harold, Dale and Raymond Gates, and sisters & brothers-in-law: Evelyn (Jesse) Busick, Faye (Harold) Kahlstorf and Lois (Chuck) Dayton, and in-laws, Marjorie (Richard) Hopper and Eugene Bertelsen.

Ruby's family was her life-long passion. She is survived by her four children: Howard (Marcia) Taylor of Armstrong, Kathy (Joe) Yager of Woodward, Pat (Bill) Haes of Garner and Cindy Taylor of Oceanside, CA; Twelve grandchildren: Paul Taylor, Joel (Peg) Taylor, Ryan (Katie) Taylor, Dawn Mather, Brent (Jullie) Achenbach, Sara Achenbach, Josh Yager, Aimee (Chad) Noehren, Thad (Renae) Haes, Amanda Haes, Beau (Jenny) Haes and Tina (Bryan) Maxwell. 23 great-grandchildren: Erika Taylor, Spencer, Andrea and Paige Taylor, Levi, Kennady and Benjamin Taylor, Chance and Cadynce Mather, Jordyn, Bryce, Jenna and Jaidyn Achenbach, Laura and Jack Noehren, Lilly and Logan Haes, McKinnley and Brayden Haes, Darian (Brittany), Jordan, Dalton and Jalen Lupton, and one great great grandchild, Brandon Cook. Her sister, Mildred Johnson of Rockwell, sisters-in-law, Dixie Gates of Ankeny and Arlis Bertelsen of Sheffield and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 19th at Faith Lutheran Church in Miller with Rose Visser, Lay Minister, officiating. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to services.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

1930 Census, Williams, Hamilton Co., IA,

Gates, Earl A.                    34, M, IL, Head,

Gates, Noy E.                     30, F, IL, Wife,

Gates, Evelyn I.                 11, F, IA, Dau,

Gates, Harold E.                09, M, IA, Son,

Gates, Mildred L.                             07, F, IA, Dau,

Gates, Lola F.                    05, F, IA, Dau,

Gates, Ruby M.                  04, F, IA, Dau,

Gates, Dale L.                    01, M, IA, Son,

Filzhenry, Roy E.               23, M, IL, Lodger,

Larny, Hellen L.                 23, F, IL, Lodger,

https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XMJ8-J58

 

Harrison                                                                                                           

 

+2017, Logan, Harrison Co., IA, Obituary

The Daily Nonpareil, (Council Bluffs, IA) - September 20, 2017

Eula Blankenship, age 103, of Logan, Iowa, passed away September 16, 2017, at Midlands Living Center in Council Bluffs, [Pottawattamie Co., IA].

Eula was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin.

She is survived by her daughter, Barbara (Ed) Hornbeck; and two granddaughters, Ronda (Jeff) Thomas and Denise (Mitch) Lane, all of Council Bluffs; and many other relatives and friends.

The funeral service is Friday, at 10:30 a.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Logan.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2016, Woodbine, Harrison Co., IA, Obituary

http://hosting-3598.tributes.com/obituary/show/Elizabeth-Cook-103729945

Elizabeth Ruth (Siglin) Cook was born on March 4, 1915, to Will J. and Bessie (Cue) Siglin on the family farm in Crawford County, near Dunlap, Iowa. She was raised near Dunlap. Elizabeth died on Tuesday, July 5, 2016, at the Rose Vista Nursing Home in Woodbine, Iowa at the age of 101 years, four months, and one day.

Elizabeth "Betty" married Merlyn Cook on August 4, 1942, in Kimball, Nebraska. Merlyn was in the service and was stationed in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Elizabeth enjoyed working for the Union Pacific Railroad. Betty and Merlyn moved to several states until he was discharged in 1946. The couple returned to Iowa and settled in Council Bluffs.

Betty studied nursing and became a LPN. She worked at Mercy Hospital, Jackson's Rest Home, with Dr. Brown and in later years with Dr. Krummel. She enjoyed her time working with Dr. Krummel and they became very dear friends. Although Elizabeth and Merlyn had no children of their own they were a very loving and caring aunt and uncle to all of their nieces and nephews. Elizabeth enjoyed writing letters to her many family and friends as well as knitting mittens for her family and the needy. In one year she knitted 300 mittens for the Open Door Mission. She also crocheted many afghans. Elizabeth enjoyed playing games with her family, and she liked playing Bingo with her friends.

Elizabeth was an active member of the 1st Christian Church in Council Bluffs. She and Merlyn worked with the youth groups there. After moving to Glenwood, Iowa in 1977, she became an active member of the 1st Christian Church there. Elizabeth was known to make an angel food cake for her church friends for their birthday. Elizabeth moved to Woodbine, Iowa in 2005. She attended the United Methodist Church with her nieces and helped the United Methodist Women.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Loyal "Johnny" and Wayne Siglin; sister, Valdean Blankenship; niece, Leda Hatterman; and nephews, Aaron Siglin and Larry Burkhardt.

She is survived by nieces and nephews, Ila Handke of Glenwood, IA, Lorna Turley of Mound City, KS, Lowell (Joanne) Siglin of Stark City, MO, Lola (Jim) Pelton of Woodbine, IA, Linda Sinnott of Avon, IN, Bill Blankenship of Council Bluffs, IA, Bill (Maryann) Siglin of Denison, IA, Anita (Cliff) Allmon of Moorhead, IA and Doyle (Diane) Siglin of Ankeny, IA; and many other relatives and friends.

Elizabeth often said, "No children of my own could have been more dear to me, or more caring."

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Valdean G. Siglin - 02Sep1922 - Apr1983, Pottawattamie, IA

https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JT9Y-DM4

https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QKQ4-YSQQ

https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV27-SMT6

 

Henry                                                                                                                

 

+2012, Mount Pleasant, Henry Co., IA, Obituary

The Ottumwa Courier, (IA) - September 17, 2012

Robert L. Evans, 87, of Mt. Pleasant, known to most as Coach Bob Evans, longtime head football coach of Mt. Pleasant Community High School, died Sept. 14, 2012, at the Park Place Long Term Care Unit in Mt. Pleasant. Bob was born Feb. 17, 1925, in Macon, Mo., the son of Elmer and Anna (Blankenship) Evans.

He graduated from Macon High School in 1943. On June 3, 1951, Bob married Winifred Kimler. Bob was a Navy veteran of World War II, serving on the submarine USS Bluefish. Bob returned home, entered Northeast Missouri State University and graduated with a bachelor's and master's degree in 1950. Bob came to Mt. Pleasant High School in the fall of 1950, where he began a long career as a physical education instructor and coach of football and basketball. He was the varsity boys' basketball coach from 1953-55 and was named the varsity football coach in 1955. Bob remained at that position until his retirement as athletic director in the spring of 1989. He received numerous awards for his noted accomplishments.

Survivors include his wife, Winifred "Kim" of Mt. Pleasant; four sons, Charles "Chuck" (Susan) Evans of Unionville, Mo., Stanley "Stan" Evans of Mt. Pleasant, Robert G. Evans of Seattle, Wash., and Spence (Abby) Evans, of Ames; one daughter, Kathryn (Greg) Mobley of Albia; six grandchildren; and two great-granddaughters.

His parents and a sister, Beverly Hildebrandt, preceded him in death.

A memorial celebration of life for Coach Evans will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant; with Revs. Herbert G. Shafer and Gary Van Nyhuis officiating. A private family committal service will precede the memorial service at the Forest Home Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Henry County Honor Guard.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Iowa                                                                                                                   

 

2015, Marengo, Iowa Co., IA, Obituary

The Newton Daily News, (IA) Date: August 12, 2015

A time of remembrances for Mary M. Blankenship will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, 2015, at the Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton. Interment will be in the Silent City Cemetery in Monroe.

Mary Marie Blankenship, 63, of Marengo, the daughter of Wendell Anthony and Margaret Marie (Ver Dught) Roseburrough, was born Jan. 27, 1952, in Newton, and was a graduate of the Newton Schools.

On Sept. 24, 1994, Mary was united in marriage with James Ernest Blankenship in Delaware. She devoted her life to her husband and family, and was a member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary in Delaware.

Formerly of Newton, she was a resident of the Marengo area and had lived in Delaware, and then Texas for 19 years. She enjoyed animals, especially horses, and going fishing. She was a shrimp boat owner and operator in Corpus Christi, Texas; she drove trucks with her husband James, and at one time was the assistant manager for a Happy Harry Drug Store in Wilmington, Del.

Mary Marie died Monday afternoon, Aug. 10, 2015, at the St. Luke's/Unity Point Hospice in Cedar Rapids.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Those left to honor Mary's memory include her husband James of Marengo; her son Larry Benton of Texas; a brother, the Rev. Michael Roseburrough of Prairie du Chien, Wis.; sister-in-law Marcie Torres; her cousins; and many family and good friends in New Castle, Del.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.pencefh.com.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Jackson                                                                                                             

 

2016, Maquoketa, Jackson Co., IA, Obituary

Clinton Herald (IA) - August 1, 2016

Melanie Ann Kirk, 59, of Maquoketa passed away on Friday, July 29, 2016 at home surrounded by her family. She was born on October 29, 1956 in Maquoketa to William and Nancy Jones.

Melanie Ann graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1974. On April 20, 1985 she was united in marriage to Robert Kirk in Maquoketa. She worked at Pizza Hut and ADAC in Maquoketa also she was a homemaker. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa. Melanie enjoyed listening to KMAQ Radio Station and boating. She was a Green Bay Packers Fan and loved attending her children's sporting events. She had a heart of gold and loved to help anyone she could and even helped "mother" several kids over the years. Melanie loved any and all animals. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, a sister Mary, her son Jeff Caven and her father-in-law Jim Kirk.

Those left to cherish her memories are her husband of 31 years Robert "Bob" Kirk, three children; Emily (Scott) Streets of Davenport, Robert Kirk of Maquoketa, William (Brianna) Kirk of Maquoketa, four grandchildren; Kale, Brigham, William, Addilynn, three sisters; Carolyn (Gerald) Laughlin of Maquoketa, Jody (Jack) Unmuth of Menasha, WI, Julie Blankenship of Oklahoma City, OK and her mother-in-law Mary Ellen Kirk of Maquoketa.

Her Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 4, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Maquoketa.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Jasper                                                                                                                

 

+2015, Monroe, Jasper Co., IA, Funeral

Published in Des Moines Register on Feb. 22, 2015

Phyllis E. Blankenship, age 93 of Monroe, died Thursday, February 19, 2015, at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines [Polk Co., IA].

Memorial services will be held on Monday, February 23, 2015, at 1:00 p.m. at the Monroe United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Silent City Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Phyllis Eileen Blankenship – b.19Jul1921 - Monroe, IA; https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KYTH-VCB

Relatives: Walter D. Blankenship.

 

SSDI: Blankenship, Walter, 52, 17Nov1918 - ??Jul1971, (Monroe, Jasper, IA), KS-511-12-0994

 

+2015, Monroe, Jasper Co., IA, Funeral

http://www.coburnfuneralhomes.com//obituary/134960/Phyllis-Blankenship//

Phyllis Eileen Gloyd Blankenship, the youngest daughter of Ralph and Letha Hetherington Gloyd, was born in Monroe on July 19, 1921.

She received the prestigious '4-square girl' award at Monroe High School. She graduated from the American Institute of Business in Des Moines following high school. Phyllis met and fell in love with Walter D. Blankenship as she travelled on a train he was working on. They married on September 29, 1945. They had two sons Ralph (R.D.) in 1946 and Charles (Chuck) in 1952.

The most important thing to Phyllis was family. She was always reading to a kid on her lap until they got too big to fit and sometimes even after that! Her vacations always involved visiting relatives, especially the Blankenship families in Kansas and Oklahoma. Phyllis had a very special relationship with granddaughter Tiffany who was more like a daughter to her. She was very close to Tiffany's family, her husband Jaret and their boys Braeden and Deacon. She loved watching the boys in everything they did and their weekly visits to the 'farm.'

Phyllis truly enjoyed being around her friends and was involved in many groups including P.E.O, Woman's Club, Bridge Club and Wednesday Coffee Group. She was a proud lifetime member of the Monroe Methodist Church and sang in the choir for many years. She was close with many people especially Mary, Sharon, Skip and Sue, and the Lewis family.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, husband Walter, sons R.D. and Chuck, a sister Eloise and brother-in-law George.

Survivors include her granddaughter Tiffany (Jaret) and their sons Braeden and Deacon Vasey; former daughter-in-law Sue (Skip) and their son, Trevor (Jennie) as well as many Blankenship nieces and nephews.

Through all the heartache of loss Phyllis endured she never lost her capacity to open her heart and love fully. She cherished sharing memories of those who had passed and we know she is having a great time playing cards and catching up with them now.

 

Johnson                                                                                                             

 

+2019, Swisher, Johnson Co., IA, Obituary

The Gazette, (Cedar Rapids-Iowa City, IA) - November 8, 2019

Gary Gene Downs, 80, of Swisher, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, [Linn Co., IA]. He was born Nov. 1, 1939, in Manchester, the son of Harold and Eva (Blankenship) Downs.

Gary graduated from Dundee High School in 1958 and served honorably in the US Army. On May 16, 1964, Gary was united in marriage to Rose Mary Spaight at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. Two children were born to this union. Gary and Rose worked at Smulekoff's Furniture in Cedar Rapids until starting Downs Flooring in Marion. They operated the company until June 2018. Gary enjoyed bowling, working in the yard and raising thoroughbred race horses. He was an avid reader and a collector of antiques and memorabilia. Gary loved spending time with his family and attending their activities.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Spencer Lange.

Gary is survived by his wife, Rose; his two children, Dianne (Jason) Osmun of Swisher and Michael Downs of Las Vegas; and eight grandchildren, Steven Osmun, Rachel Lange, Emily Lange, Nathan Lange, Hayley Osmun, Kaitlyn Osmun, Miah Downs and Sofia Osmun.

Funeral service: 10 am, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, at Leonard--Muller Funeral Home in Manchester, Iowa, with Pastor Mike Jackson officiating. Interment: Oakland Cemetery in Manchester, Iowa.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

1940 Census, Oneida Twp., Delaware Co., IA,

Downs, Harold                   27, M, IA, Head,

Downs, Eva                        25, F, IL, Wife,

Downs, Gary                      00, M, IA, Son,

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KMTG-4FK

 

Jones                                                                                                                 

 

2013, Morley, Jones Co., IA, Obituary

The Gazette, (Cedar Rapids-Iowa City, IA) - March 28, 2013

Leo Lee Kostiha Sr., 81, of Morley, died Tuesday, March 26, 2013, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, [Linn Co., IA], with his family by his side.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 29, at Goettsch Funeral Home in Anamosa. Dr. Bill Daylong, Pastor Sherri Daylong, and Pastor Laurie Riley will officiate at the service. Interment will be at Green Center Cemetery in Morley.

He is survived by seven children, Becky (Bryan) Woodward, Rosa Lee Moss (Dave Dirks), Leo Lee Kostiha Jr., Kenny Bancroft, Loyd Roling, Rusty Roling and Tammy (Roling) Luchtenburg; 11 grandchildren, Danielle and Heather Smith, Jeff (Caroline) Schmidt, Amanda (Dan) Meyer, Eric and Brad Luchtenburg, Emily, Hannah, and Ben Moss, Jay and Jessie Roling; four great-grandchildren, Sadie Schmidt, Madison, Gracie and Hayden Meyer; two sisters, Mary Cowley and Bertha Lou (J.D.) Malina; a brother, Milton Kostiha; extended family, Darlene Roling (Lee) Schmidt and Daniel (Tamara) Roling; and self-proclaimed granddaughter, Kristina Rundle.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Darlene, and later by his second wife, Dell Rose Roling; son, Randy Roling; son-in-law, Floyd Blankenship; grandson, Joshua Moss; and siblings, Adolph, Joe and Frank Kostiha and Lydia Jackson.

Leo Lee Kostiha Sr. was born Jan. 12, 1932, in rural Cameron, Texas, the son of Joe and Bertha (Krenek) Kostiha. He attended Yule High School in North Elm, Texas. Leo served in the Texas and Iowa National Guard. Leo worked as a corrections officer at the Anamosa State Penitentiary for more than 27 years. A cup of hot tea, Diet Pepsi, talking about "the news," and an auction with family made for Leo's ideal Saturday. Leo had a love for Sunday drives, the Dallas Cowboys, and buying collectibles for his South Forty. He always enjoyed tinkering in his big garage and talking to people about the "big City of Morley." Leo will always be remembered for his strength and for his willingness to help others.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Keokuk                                                                                                             

 

2018, Hedrick, Keokuk Co., IA, Obituary

The Ottumwa Courier, (IA) - February 27, 2018

Daniel Carl Miller, 67, of Hedrick, formerly of Ottumwa, died at 7:50 a.m. February 24, 2018 at his home. He was born November 17, 1950 in Ottumwa to Carl H. and Crete Elizabeth Finn Miller.

A graduate of Ottumwa High School in 1970 he served in the U.S. Army for 4 years and the U.S. Army Reserves for 20 years. He worked for Sieg Auto Parts and at Douds Stone. Dan grew up in Wildwood Evangelical Church and was a member of First United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Sac & Fox Lapidary and Rock Club, enjoyed photography, fixing tools and traveling in the western United States. He was a "shade tree" mechanic and enjoyed sharing his sense of humor.

Preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Matthew and Harriette Carr; and his aunt-in-law, Edith Reed.

Surviving are two daughters, Patrice (Jon) Blankenship of Gardner, KS and Mitzi (William) Risetter of Kansas City, MO; 4 grandchildren, Matthew, Jacob and Ashlyn Blankenship and Reed Risetter; two sisters, Penny (Jon) Ryan of Wheaton, IL and Dannette (Mark) Cunningham of Waukee; a brother, Mark (Cindy) Miller of Ottumwa.

Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Friday at Reece Funeral Home. Military services will be conducted by Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars and O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Jon Lee Blankenship – b.02Apr1969 - Gardner, KS;

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2S6L-FY6

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2M8B-53Z

Relatives - Donald Glenn Blankenship, John G. Blankenship, Jon Lee Blankenship, Michelle M. Blankenship, Patrice C. Blankenship.

 

Lee                                                                                                                     

 

2014, Fort Madison, Lee Co., IA, Obituary

Daily Democrat (Fort Madison, IA) Date: October 6, 2014

Jerry Allan Shriver, 78, of Fort Madison died on Sept. 26, 2014 of mesothelioma. He was born on Sept. 13, 1936 in Chicago to Otis and Vera Shriver.

He grew up in Farmington, then joined the US Navy in which he served 1955-1959 at Great Lakes Navel base and Norfolk. VA. He married Lilly M Blankenship on Oct, 17, 1958 and resided in Fort Madison from 1960 to 2014. He was a welder by trade for numerous companies and also worked as a security guard/custodian for the Iowa State Penitentiary. He was also a driver for Renzenberger. He enjoyed fishing, target shooting, traveling with family and working outside. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather and was foster parent to 31 foster children.

Services and burial will be held on Oct. 25, at 1:30 p.m., at Oakland Cemetery.

Survivors include his wife Lilly Shriver; his son, Kemp Shriver; and daughters Charisse Haas, Misty Stice, and foster daughter Sam Conley; siblings Don Shriver and Bonnie Tompkins; grandchildren Brandon Stice, Bryan Stice, Clayton Haas, Erica Kennett, Robert Harris, Shawn Crawford, Casey Crawford and Melissa Rummell; a foster grandchild, Jessica Crabtree; great grandchildren, Layla Haas, Leah, Averi and, Brooke Kennett, Conner Harris, Brittany, Breanna and Brooklyn Rummell, Keaton Crawford and Foster Great Grand daughter Kalifa McCaleb.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Dick Shriver.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Lilly May Shriver – b.05Oct1937 - Fort Madison, IA; https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KBMP-BRS

Relatives: Jerry Allan Shriver, Kemp Allan Shriver, Misty D. Shriver.

 

+2011, Keokuk, Lee Co., IA, Obituary

Daily Gate City (Keokuk, IA) - February 25, 2011

Francis W. Delaney, 92, of Keokuk died at 6:03 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011, at home in the same house where he was born. He was born on March 10, 1918, in Keokuk, the son of Frank and Alice Flynn Delaney. He married Mary Ellen Wilkens on June 1, 1943, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Nauvoo, Ill. She survives.

He graduated from St. Peter's High School in 1936. Francis was employed as a union member for 43 years at The Hubinger Company and later Heintz. He was a member of All Saints Catholic Church, Keokuk, and the Knights of Columbus. He was a charter member of McNamara's Band. Francis and his wife spent part of 25 winters at the Island House Condominiums on North Padre Island near Corpus Christi, Texas, where they made many lifelong friends with other winter Texans. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Additional survivors include: four children, Frank (Ann) Delaney of Corpus Christi, Mary Lynn (Don) Walters of Fort Madison, Jim Delaney of Keokuk and Kathleen (Ed) Blindt of West Point; 12 grandchildren, Steve (Amy) Johnston, Stacey (Vicki) Johnston, Andrea (JJ) Levine, Frank (Karen) Blindt, Rick (Emilie) Blindt, Rob (Monica) Blindt, Melissa (Josh) Plate, Colleen (Steve) Etka, Ryan Delaney, Shannon Delaney, Anya (Derek) Morales and Chris Delaney; 14 great-grandchildren, Skyler, Brendan, Jarrett, Lane, Ethan, Briella, Joel, Ciana, Allison, Kyle, Ellie, Emmary, Delaney and Quinn; a sister, Mary Helen Blankenship of Keokuk; and several nieces and nephews.

A mass of Christian burial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at All Saints Catholic Church, with the Rev. Robert Lathrop officiating. Burial will be in the Catholic Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2011, Keokuk, Lee Co., IA, Obituary

Daily Gate City (Keokuk, IA) - May 17, 2011

Franklin Eugene "Butch" Cady Sr., 66, of Keokuk died Monday, May 16, 2011, at his home. He was born on Nov. 8, 1944, in Keokuk, the son of Perry "Doc" and Verona Rose Cady.

He was united in marriage to Joann Johnson Scott on Dec. 13, 1996, in Keokuk. She survives. Additional survivors include: a son, Frank Cady Jr. of Keokuk; three daughters, Michele Cady of Goosecreek, S.C., Christina "Tina" Money of Keokuk and Leanna "Annie" Gluyas and her husband, Jason, of Covington, Ga., three stepsons, James "Jimmy" Johnson of Macomb, Ill., Glenn Snyder Jr. of Keokuk and Brandon Slusher, also of Keokuk; two stepdaughters, Amanda Scott and her husband, Christopher, of Keokuk and Sarah Snyder, also of Keokuk; 15 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Sam Cady of Keokuk; and two nieces, Janyce Cady Blankenship and Tammy Cady.

He was preceded in death by his father; his mother, Verona Rose Cady Gatton; and his stepfather, Willie Gatton, whom Butch thought of as a father. Butch had been employed at Keokuk Steel Castings for 29 years, retiring in 2007. He was a member of the Road Rat Street Machine Car Club and United Steel Workers Local 3311. Butch had a 1968 Impala convertible that he loved to cruise around in. He also enjoyed drinking coffee with his friends.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Vigen Memorial Home, Keokuk, with Pastors Doug Horner and Tony Nye officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, Keokuk.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

+2013, Keokuk, Lee Co., IA, Obituary

http://www.dejongsfuneralhome.com/obituary/99082/Mary-Blankenship/

Mary Helen Blankenship, 98, of Keokuk died at 10:15 pm on Sunday, February 17, 2013 at Keokuk Area Hospital. She was born on October 11, 1914 a daughter to Frank and Alice Flynn Delaney in Keokuk, IA. Mary Helen married James Russell Blankenship on February 10, 1938 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Keokuk. He preceded her in death on September 23, 1976.

She was a lifelong resident of Keokuk. Mary Helen worked at St. Vincent's Grade School for 17 years and was head cook there for 9 years. She also worked at the Knights of Columbus. She was a member of All Saints Catholic Church and also belonged to the Daughters of Isabella and the Keokuk Ostomy Club.

Mary Helen is survived by three children: Rosemary Postle and her husand Emmett of Warsaw, IL, Mary Jane Loeffler and her husband Jon of Keokuk, IA, and James Russell Blakenship and his wife Janyce of Fayetteville, AR; eight grandchildren: John (Teresa) Klotzbach of Pensacola, FL, Kimberly (Dusty) Ward of Maine, Karthryn Smith of Montrose, IA, Michael (Michelle) Klotzbach of St. Peters, MO, Laura (Marlon) Keller of Keokuk, IA, Jennifer (Jeff) Conard of High Ridge, MO, Ryan (Lindsay) Blakenship of Denver, CO, and Jada Blakenship of Denver, CO; three step grandchildren: Rodney Postle of Burlington, IA, Cindy Postle of Montrose, IA, and Terri (Chuck) Abell of Keokuk, IA; 17 great grandchildren and 13 great great grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and one brother: Francis Delaney.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at All Saints Catholic Church in Keokuk with Rev. Robert Lathrop officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park in Keokuk.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

SSDI; Blankenship, James R., 61, 06Aug1915 - 05Sep1976, Keokuk, Lee, IA, IA-480-12-5256

Lee Co., Birth; Rose Mary Blankenship 02 Feb 1938, James Russell Blankenship & Mary Helen Delaney

 

2013, Keokuk, Lee Co., IA, Obituary

Daily Gate City (Keokuk, IA) - March 15, 2013

Dorcas E. "Duke" Rose, 85, of Keokuk went to be with the Lord at 2:26 p.m., Wednesday, March 13, 2013, at her home. She was born June 17, 1927, in Mt. Sterling, Ill., to Glen and Beulah Hall Varner.

In 1945, she married Walt Baker. To this union was born a son, Walt Baker Jr. Duke married Philip Rose on Dec. 2, 1950. He survives. She also is survived by one son, Walter (Phyllis) Baker Jr.; one daughter, Linda (Gordy) Blankenship ; one sister, Leasurean McGillivray; five grandchildren, Terri Baker, Corey (Amber) Baker, Gina (Chris) Kester, Gordon (Jamie) Blankenship Jr. and Tony (Jenny) Baker; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, seven brothers and three sisters.

Duke was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who was affectionately known around the community as "Grandma Duke," especially by those who gathered in her home each Halloween to enjoy her homemade pies and sugar cookies. After retiring, she and Phil enjoyed traveling in their motor home, spending time with family and friends and going to their various gospel singing programs. The family would like to express their gratitude to hospice and the other special individuals who helped care for Duke during this past year so that she could remain at home with her beloved husband of 62 years.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Centers, 917 Blondeau St., Keokuk, with Pastor Gordon Blankenship Jr. officiating. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2014, Keokuk, Lee Co., IA, Obituary

Daily Gate City (Keokuk, IA) - April 23, 2014

Larry Loring, 70, of Keokuk, passed away Thursday, April 17, 2014, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, [Johnson Co., IA] after a brief illness. Larry was born Sept. 28, 1943, in Keokuk, to George and Helen Antle Loring.

He was united in marriage Oct. 3, 1973, to Ginny Blankenship in Las Vegas, Nev. Larry was employed as a home protection salesman.

Larry is survived by his five children, Chris (Tina) Loring of Keokuk; Larry Loring (Tara) of Graham, Wash.; Jody Forman (Byron Tinkey) of North Liberty; Toni Lehman (Chad Smith) of Plymouth, Ind.; and Julie Loring of Tennessee. He also is survived by his two brothers, Claude "Crick" Loring (Phyllis) of Keokuk and Roger Loring (Lana) of Glaucester, Va.; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Judy and Jo Anne; brother, Richard "Dick" Loring; daughter, Tari Hansen; and two grandsons.

A gathering of friends and family to celebrate his life will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Center, 917 Blondeau St., Keokuk.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2014, Keokuk, Lee Co., IA, Obituary

Daily Gate City (Keokuk, IA) Date: November 26, 2014

Philip Leroy Rose, 83, of Keokuk died Sunday evening, Nov. 23, 2014, at Montrose Health Center. Philip was born Nov. 8, 1931, in Keokuk, the son of Wesley and Evelyn Long Rose.

On Dec. 2, 1950, he married Dorcas "Duke" Varner in Kahoka, Mo. He provided for her needs until she preceded him in death March 13, 2013. He lived with Linda and Gordy until five weeks ago when he needed 24-hour care. He and two brothers started Rose Brothers in 1960, changing to Keokuk Contractors in 1980. He retired in 1990. He was a member of the Pentecostal faith and later attended New Testament Christian Church. He loved to golf.

Philip is survived by his daughter, Linda (Gordy) Blankenship of Keokuk; son, Walter (Phyllis) Baker of Keokuk; five grandchildren, Terrie Baker, Corey (Amber) Baker, Gina (Chris) Kester, Gordon (Jamie) Blankenship Jr., and Tony (Jenny) Baker; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; four brothers, Joe (Ruth), Bob (Beverly) and John (Carol) Rose of Keokuk and David (Vi) Rose of California; sisters-in-law, Virginia Rose and Rosie Rose; and brother-in-law, Fred Glasgow.

He is preceded in death by his wife; parents; two brothers, Albert and Paul; and sister, Ester Glasgow.

A celebration of his life will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Center, 917 Blondeau St., with the Rev. Gordon Blankenship Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Gordon Lee Blankenship – b.25Jul1946 - Keokuk, IA; https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KBM5-6L6

Relatives: Gina L. Blankenship, Jamie M. Blankenship, Jr. Gordon Blankenship, Linda Louise Blankenship, Tarris Shavone Blankenship.

 

2016, Keokuk, Lee Co., IA, Obituary

The Hawk Eye, (Burlington, IA) - December 1, 2016

Evelyn Bernice Nye, 86, of Keokuk died Monday, Nov. 28, 2016, at home. Born Jan. 20, 1930, in Keokuk, she was the daughter of Frank and Elva Stephenson Mann.

She married Robert L. Nye March 21, 1946, in Keokuk. She was a lifelong resident of Keokuk. She faithfully attended Bel Air Baptist Church and was a mighty prayer warrior. She enjoyed sewing and patching clothes for her family. She also enjoyed gardening, canning and freezing food and later preparing it for family and friends. She fixed dinner every Sunday for her family and any friends they would bring along. Her greatest desire was every one of her friends and loved ones would know Jesus Christ and join her in heaven one day.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings.

Survivors include her husband; four children, Bobbie B. Blankenship and Susan J. Schulte, both of Keokuk, Gariann Mickelson of Argyle and Lynn Nye of Danville; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; four foreign exchange grandchildren; special friends whom she considered family; and nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Mrs. Nye's life will be 10 a.m. Monday at the DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Center, 917 Blondeau St. in Keokuk, with the Rev. Mike Shea officiating.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Bobbie B. Blankenship - b.26Apr1949 - Keokuk, IA: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ7X-5JCC

Relatives - Leann Lynn Blankenship, Lem A. Blankenship.

 

Lem A. Blankenship – b.06Feb1945 - Keokuk, IA: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KBM5-1GY

 

+2017, Keokuk, Lee Co., IA, Death

Published in Quincy Herald-Whig on Sept. 27, 2017

Mary "Mildred" Blankenship, 92 [09Oct1925], of Keokuk, died Sept. 24, 2017, at Unity Point Health.

DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Centers is handling arrangements.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

+2017, Keokuk, Lee Co., IA, Obituary

http://www.mississippivalleypublishing.com/daily_gate/obituaries/mary-mildred-blankenship/article_97d165a0-a6e2-11e7-a171-8f3441cb703d.html

Mary “Mildred” Blankenship, 91, of Keokuk passed away at 3:55 am, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, at UnityPoint Health-Keokuk. Mildred was born Oct. 9, 1925, in Bloomfield, the daughter of Lem and Grace V. Hedges Tallman.

After graduation, she attended Culver-Stockton College, where she received her teaching certificate.

Mildred was united in marriage to Vencil C. Blankenship on April 19, 1944. Shortly after their marriage, she and Vencil moved to Keokuk, where they raised their family on the farm at Peter’s Dairy. In addition to church, Mildred and Vencil enjoyed going to the races, playing cards with friends and were first-class mushroom hunters. Mildred worked many years at Woolworth’s before retiring from there.  She enjoyed sewing, reading and made many crafts. She was a member of First Christian Church for over 65 years.

After more than 49 years of happy marriage, Vencil passed away June 28, 1993. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; a son-in-law, Gene Gruell; a granddaughter, Tari Hanson; and two great-grandsons.

Mildred is survived by two sons, Lem (Bobbie) Blankenship and Gordon (Linda) Blankenship, both of Keokuk; a daughter, Virginia Mae Gruell of Plymouth, IN; seven grandchildren, Troy Blankenship of Quincy, IL, Christopher Loring of Keokuk, Jody Foreman of North Liberty, Gina Kester of Greenville, IL, Gordon Blankenship Jr. of Tennessee, IL, Tony Loring of Plymouth and Larry Loring of Cataula, GA; and several great- and great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at First Christian Church, with Gordon Blankenship Jr. and Dave Turner officiating. Dinner will follow. A private burial will be at a later date in Sunset Memorial Park.

 

2011, Primrose, Lee Co., IA, Obituary

The Daily Nonpareil, (Council Bluffs, IA) - July 29, 2011

Clement W. Watkins, age 93, passed away Wednesday July 27, 2011, at Primrose. Clement was born March 25, 1918, in Woodbine, Iowa, to Perry and Anna Cool Watkins and graduated from Woodbine High School. He was united in marriage to Ardeth Hamann on October 12,1940. Clement worked at Vickers as a inspector for over 28 years, and helped during the War, working in a CCC Camp. His hobbies included camping, gardening and fishing and enjoyed snow birding to Florida for 13 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Merle Swain; and brothers, Perry and Virgil Watkins.

Survivors include wife, Ardeth of 71 years; daughters, Sharon Dryden, of Portland, Ore., Cheryl Evans- Blankenship and husband, Bill, of Carter Lake, Iowa; son, Rod Watkins and wife, Donna, of Silver City, Iowa; 6 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Ruth Hamann, of Council Bluffs; nieces and nephews.

Funeral services Monday, 10:30 a.m., at Broadway Christian Church. Pastor Jann Osborn, officiant. Luncheon will follow immediately. Cortege to Woodbine Cemetery will leave Broadway Christian at 1 p.m.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Linn                                                                                                                  

 

2013, Cedar Rapids, Linn Co., IA, Death

http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Fern-Blankenship&lc=2160&pid=164600509&mid=5520290

Fern Blankenship passed away peacefully in her home on May 3, 2013.  She was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on August 8, 1910.  She was 102 when she passed away. 

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2015, Cedar Rapids, Linn Co., IA, Obituary

http://www.broshchapel.com/?pagetype=obitlink&obit_id=1612059

James “Jim” Donald Rice, 72 of Cedar Rapids, died Monday, June 22, 2015 at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House. He was born January 10, 1943 in Bowling Green, Kentucky, the son of Lester and Ovalitta (McGuire) Rice.

Services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 27, 2015 at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW. Burial will be in Rogers Grove Cemetery near Ely.

James married Judy Blankenship on August 18, 1976 in Rock Island, Illinois. Jim’s children include J. R. (Paula) Rice, Kevin Rice, Brenda (Mike) Dennis, Linda (Bruce) Dennis all of Indianapolis, Indiana, Chris (Blake) Acord of Cedar Rapids, Randy Brown of Indianapolis, Indiana, John (Angela) Brown of Liberty, Danny (Rose) Brown, David Brown all of Kentucky and Debbie (Donny) Kesl of Cedar Rapids, twenty-five grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren; his brother David (Sally) Rice and sisters Rosie (Ronnie) Hill and Shirley Walker all of Indianapolis, Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Betty Groves and a daughter Becky Fair.

Jim was a contract mail carrier for over 38 years. Many of them for the United States Postal Service. He loved the outdoors and was meticulous of his yard. Jim liked spending time with family and friends having many stories to tell. His hobbies were old cars, trucks, watching NASCAR and going to a casino.

Jim was a devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather and friend. His jovial character will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by all.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2015, Cedar Rapids, Linn Co., IA, Obituary

The Gazette, (Cedar Rapids-Iowa City, IA) Date: July 14, 2015

Virginia Ruth McDowell, 88, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Mechanicsville, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2015, with her family at her side. Ruth was born Aug. 24, 1926, in Farnam, Neb., to the late Herman and Daisy Beye.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Gordon; children, Linda Kepler (Bill Newlen), Craig McDowell (Shelley), Gordy McDowell (Belia) and Shelly McDowell (Rick Connelly); grandchildren, Eirik Kepler, Nikki Carmer (Mike), Travis Kepler, Aaron (Casey), Brian and Jason McDowell, Cole Harlan (Emily) and Stephanie Blankenship (Jeff); great-grandchildren, Kourtney Kepler and Dallas Carmer; and nieces, Lorraine Schultz and Kathy Rand.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Margaret Howard (Kenneth).

They later moved to the Marshalltown area where she attended elementary and high school. After graduation, she moved to Cedar Rapids and attended business college. Ruth married Gordon McDowell on June 3, 1950. After moving to Mechanicsville, she became involved in many community activities. She will always be remembered for her years as a Camp Fire leader and how she enjoyed her job at the Mount Vernon Sun News covering all the Mechanicsville social events and city council meetings. Later in life, she loved to play cards and volunteer at the senior center.

A private graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 16.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2018, Cedar Rapids, Linn Co., IA, Obituary

http://www.tributes.com/obituary/show/Larae-Blankenship-106683875

Larae Blankenship, November 15, 1962 - December 22, 2018, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2018, Cedar Rapids, Linn Co., IA, Obituary

https://www.smithfh.com/obituaries/Larae-Blankenship?obId=3962048#/obituaryInfo

Larae Blankenship, age 56 of Cedar Rapids, died on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at her home with her family by her side and under the care of Hospice of Mercy.

Service arrangements are pending at the Smith Funeral Home in Victor.

 

Larae H. Blankenship – b.15Nov1962 - Victor, IA: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KBMQ-Y24

Relatives - Douglas Lee Blankenship.

 

2018, Marion, Linn Co., IA, Obituary

The Gazette, (Cedar Rapids-Iowa City, IA) - July 7, 2018

Sheryl "Sheri" E. Burmahl, 71, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on July 2, 2018, at Springfield Cox South Hospital in Springfield, [Greene Co.,] MO. She was born Dec. 29, 1946, in Anamosa, Iowa, the daughter of Delbert and Wilma (Blanchard) Mayberry.

Sheri graduated from Midland High School in 1965 and, in 1967, Sheri married George Burmahl at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They later divorced. She was employed at Clinton Engineers, Bear River Tiling, Corflex and Walmart, and was a waitress and bartender at the Main Street Inn and Tango. Sheri played in the country western bands of Jerry's Combiners and Ray and the Westerners.

Sheri was preceded in death by her parents, Delbert and Wilma Mayberry; brothers, Bobby Mayberry and Jerry Mayberry; and sister, Sandy Davidson.

Sheri is survived by her son, Chad Burmahl of Marion; siblings, Jim Mayberry of Cedar Rapids, Rick Mayberry of Olin and Wanda Blankenship of Cedar Rapids; nieces, Cyndy J. Davidson of Parker, Colo, Angie Bertch of Cedar Rapids, Pamela Mayberry and Dena Bercher of Marion and Tracy Cousins of Olin; and nephews, Brent Mayberry of Olin, Kirk Mayberry of Olin and Brandon Blankenship of Cedar Rapids.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Marion. Private family burial will take place at Forest Chapel Hill Cemetery, Morley.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2017, Springville, Linn Co., IA, Obituary

The Gazette, (Cedar Rapids-Iowa City, IA) - July 18, 2017

Helen Mary Gogel, 96, of Springville, passed from this life on Sunday, July 16, 2017, at Living Center West, Cedar Rapids, [Linn Co., IA]. She was born Sept. 7, 1920, in Luxemburg, Iowa, one of 15 children to John B. and Theresa (Hahn) Greiner.

Helen was united in marriage to Raymond J. Gogel on Oct. 15, 1940, at Trinity Catholic Church in Luxemburg. Helen was a farm wife and homemaker, raising 10 children. She owned and operated Mary's Cafe from 1964 to 1972 in Springville. Helen also was employed with Mercy Hospital in housekeeping for 10 years before retiring. She was a member of St. Isidore Catholic Church since 1961.

Helen was preceded into eternal life by her parents; husband, Raymond; daughter, Anita McDowell; and nine sisters and five brothers, including Serena Endres, Tillie Morgenroth, Jeanette Reed and Clem Greiner.

She is survived and lovingly remembered by her nine children, Ray (Betty) Gogel of Ventura, Linda (Dick) Taylor of Belfair, Wash., Mary (John) Kelchen of Robins, Jan (Jack Jr.) Miles of Des Moines, Sandy Cummings (John Krob) of Cedar Rapids, Sue Wooder of Morley, Patty (Richie) Price of Palo, Charlie Gogel of Cedar Rapids and Phyllis (Karen Phillips) Gogel of Cedar Rapids; son-in-law, Dave McDowell of Snohomish, Wash.; 19 grandchildren, Lisa (Pete) Kenne, Jeff (BriAnna) Gogel, Connie (Jerry) Clark, Kevin (Julie) Taylor, Angie McDowell Laiser, Scott (Coleen) McDowell, Michelle (Bob) Blankenship, John (Kelli) Kelchen Jr., Don (Laurie) Kelchen, Laura (Darrin) Wood, Jack Miles III, Shannon Miles, Jason (Karin) Martin-Hiner, Melissa (Brian) Reynolds, Lane Wooder, Tara Gassmann, Matthew Price, Chaz Gogel and Chase Gogel; 28 great-grandchildren, Christopher (Nicole) Gogel, Kyle (Bailey) Gogel, Brylee Gogel, Jenna Gogel, Mitchell Kenne, Mollie (Derrick) Meister, Brandon Taylor, Robert Taylor, Cyrstal Taylor, Ryan Clark, Daniel Clark, Dylan McDowell, Morgan McDowell, Colton McDowell, Maddy McDowell, Samuel Blankenship, Grace Blankenship, Jaren Kelchen, Michael Lafler, Tyler Kelchen, Ashley Kelchen, Ryan Kelchen, Brenna Wood, Aby Wood, Gabriel Hiner, Mikayla Hiner, Lauren Gassmann and Mason Gassmann; two great-great grandsons, Ayden Lafler and Karter Lafler; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 20, at St. Isidore Catholic Church, Springville, conducted by the Rev. John R. Flaherty. Burial will follow at Springville Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Marion                                                                                                              

 

2012, Knoxville, Marion Co., IA, Obituary

Knoxville Journal Express (IA) - April 13, 2012

James V. "J. V." Hollingshead, age 87, of Knoxville, passed away April 4, 2012, at the Knoxville Hospital. He was born to George Lee and Thelma Mae (Rowley) Hollingshead on May 3, 1924, in rural Knoxville, on the family farm.

J. V. attended Knoxville High School and was very active in the Knoxville FFA program and sports. After graduation in 1942 he started farming in the Knoxville area. J.V. married Wilma F. Pearson on July 1, 1944, in Sigourney. They were blessed with over 67 years of marriage and five children; James Lee, Jack Wayne, Judy F., JoAnn and Jerry Dean.

J. V. and Wilma lived and farmed in Marion County all their lives. James also worked as a substitute rural mail carrier. Later, he worked at the VA Hospital for over 20 years, and after his retirement from the hospital he drove a Knoxville school bus for several years. J.V. and Wilma shared a love of farming, milking cows, mushrooming and gardening. They passed this passion onto their children and grandkids. He was a devoted family man. He enjoyed attending numerous school and sporting activities of his children and grandchildren. J. V. was well known for pulling practical jokes on others and loved the laughs they brought.

He is survived by his wife Wilma of Knoxville; three sons James Lee (Janice) Hollingshead of Knoxville, Jack Wayne (Linda) Hollingshead of Columbia, Mo., and Jerry Dean (Karen) Hollingshead of Knoxville; two daughters Judy F. (Tom) Kamp of Knoxville and JoAnn (Greg) Lee of Knoxville; 11 grandchildren Tammy Sue (Hollingshead) Sells, James "Jamie" Lee Hollingshead, Jeffrey Wayne Hollingshead, Matthew Wayne Hollingshead, Holly Anne (Hollingshead) Perryman, Tracy Michelle (Kamp) Douglas, Todd Donald Kamp, Amy Jo Lee, Angela Michelle (Lee) Uitermarkt, Shalene Marie (Hollingshead) Morrison, and Kelby James Hollingshead; and 16 great grandchildren Samantha Marie Sells, Alexandria "Lexi" Leigh Sells, Ned Keeton Hollingshead, Matthew James Hollingshead, Mitchell Lee Hollingshead, Sydney Marie Hollingshead, Paige Nicole Hollingshead, Caroline Elizabeth Hollingshead, Katelyn "Kate" Elise Hollingshead, Adam Andrew Perryman, Emily Victoria Blankenship, Erica Lauren Blankenship, Bronson Thomas Kamp, Decklan Lawrence Kamp, Tara Jo Uitermarkt, and Carson James Uitermarkt. J. V. is also survived by one brother William Hubert Hollingshead of Tracy; one sister Betty Mae Catrenich of Knoxville and many other relatives and friends.

J. V. was preceded in death by his parents George and Thelma.

Funeral Services were held Thursday, April 12, at the First United Methodist Church in Knoxville, with Rev. Lane Riggle officiating.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2012, Knoxville, Marion Co., IA, Obituary

Published in Richmond Times-Dispatch on June 20, 2012

Richard Joseph Blankenship, 55, of Knoxville, Iowa, formerly of Richmond, Virginia, passed away May 18, 2012.

He is survived by his daughter, Laura Blankenship; father and stepmother, Joseph and Gail Blankenship; step father, Andrew Hudson; uncles, aunts and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Hudson.

A memorial service will be held at noon Friday, June 22, 2012 at Bethany Place Baptist Church, 1501 S. Providence Rd., Richmond.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2017, Knoxville, Marion Co., IA, Obituary

Published in Des Moines Register on May 2, 2017

Wilma F. (Pearson) Hollingshead, age 91, of Knoxville, Iowa, passed away April 28, 2017, at her residence in Knoxville, Iowa. Wilma was born to Frank Walter and Beulah (DeHeer) Pearson. She was born in Marion County, northwest of Knoxville, Iowa on March 13, 1926.

Wilma went to Knoxville Schools until her Junior year of High School. Her parents then moved to a farm northeast of Pella. She graduated from Pella Schools in May of 1943. Wilma married James Victor Hollingshead on July 1, 1944 in Sigourney, Iowa. They were blessed with over 67 years of marriage and five children: James Lee, Jackie Wayne, Judy Faye, JoAnn, and Jerry Dean.

Wilma taught school until she got married. She then became a devoted wife and mom who worked side by side on the farm with JV. She milked cows, helped with farm work, gardening, canning, cooking, and baking. One of her favorite things to do at Christmas time was to bake cinnamon rolls for each family member.

Wilma and JV kept Sundays for church and family. Wilma's mom, Beulah, instilled in her "to always do your best, and trust God for the rest." She also instilled this saying to her kids and grandkids. At the end of her life she was still able to share that saying with her Hospice Caregivers

Wilma is preceded in death by her husband, J. V., her parents, two brothers, Frank and Pete, and one sister, Lola.

Wilma is survived by three sons James Lee (Janice) Hollingshead of Knoxville, Jack Wayne (Linda) Hollingshead of Columbia, MO, and Jerry Dean (Karen) Hollingshead of Knoxville; two daughters Judy F. (Tom) Kamp of Knoxville and JoAnn (Greg) Lee of Knoxville; 11 grandchildren Tammy Sue (Hollingshead) Denietolis, James "Jamie" Lee Hollingshead, Jeffrey Wayne Hollingshead, Matthew Wayne Hollingshead, Holly Anne (Hollingshead) Perryman, Tracy Michelle (Kamp) Douglas, Todd Donald Kamp, Amy Jo Lee, Angela Michelle (Lee) Uitermarkt, Shalene Marie Hollingshead, and Kelby James Hollingshead; and 19 great grandchildren Samantha Marie Oliver, Alexandria "Lexi" Leigh Sells, Ned Keeton Hollingshead, Matthew James Hollingshead, Mitchell Lee Hollingshead, Sydney Marie Hollingshead, Paige Nicole Hollingshead, Caroline Elizabeth Hollingshead, Katelyn "Kate" Elise Hollingshead, Adam Andrew Perryman, Emily Victoria Blankenship, Erica Lauren Blankenship, Bronson Thomas Kamp, Decklan Lawrence Kamp, Aubriella Elizabeth Kamp, Tara Jo Uitermarkt, Carson James Uitermarkt, Kalynn Jo Hollingshead and Baby Boy Hollingshead (due in May), and Xia Lou Milburn; four brothers Jipe, Scott, Ned Pearson all of Knoxville and Lyle Pearson of Arizona; and three sisters Bess Uitermarkt of Oskaloosa, Sue Surber of Des Moines, and Lyla Scales of Arizona; one brother-in-law Hubert Hollingshead of Knoxville; and lots of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Knoxville at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, May 2, 2017 with Pastor Brent Hanna officiating.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Marion Co., SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi ,

Blankenship, Robert E.      72, 26May1937 - 03Jan2010,          Knoxville, Marion, IA,                    SD-504-40-0858

 

Mills                                                                                                                  

 

+2011, Glenwood, Mills Co., IA, Obituary

Opinion-Tribune (Glenwood, IA) - December 20, 2011

Marian Delores Blankenship, 76, of Glenwood, passed away Dec. 18, 2011, at her home surrounded by her family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011, at 10 a.m., at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Glenwood. Interment will be in the Glenwood Cemetery.

Marian was born Dec. 1, 1935, in Council Bluffs, to Joe and Irene Fost. She married Joseph Richard Blankenship Aug. 14, 1954, with whom five children were born: Doug (Dian) of Council Bluffs; Russ (Tracy), Randy (Jacque), and Mike (Colleen) all of Glenwood; and Betsy (Mike) Larrison of Council Bluffs. Marian was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend.

Marian will be especially remembered for her loving ways, generosity and thoughtfulness. She was a member of P.E.O., The Red Hats, Garden Club, Beta Sigma Phi sorority, a volunteer at the Mills County Store House, a past flower show judge at the Mills, Montgomery and Fremont County fairs and an avid bridge player.

Other survivors include her sister, Joan (Gary) Belt of Wentzville, Mo., 13 beautiful grandchildren and three nephews.

Marian was preceded in death by her father, Joe and mother, Irene Fost and an infant grandson, Joseph Allen Blankenship.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

+2013, Glenwood, Mills Co., IA, Obituary

Published in The Opinion-Tribune on May 22, 2013

Joseph Richard Blankenship, 79 of Glenwood, died May 14, 2013.

Funeral services were Friday, May 17, 2013, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Glenwood. Rev. Howard Fitzgerald officiated. Interment was in the Glenwood Cemetery.

Joe was born Sept. 28, 1933, in Omaha, Neb., to Joseph and Margaret (Sutej) Blankenship.

Joe is survived by his children, Doug of Council Bluffs; Russ Blankenship, Randy Blankenship, and Mike Blankenship all of Glenwood; and Betsy Larrison of Council Bluffs.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2015, Glenwood, Mills Co., IA, Obituary

Published in The Opinion-Tribune on Mar. 11, 2015

Luther C. Gammon, 76, of Glenwood, died March 7, 2015, in Omaha, [Douglas Co.,] Neb. He was born Sept. 26, 1938, in Council Bluffs, to Edward H. and Mamie E. Gammon.

Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at the Peterson Mortuary in Glenwood. Inurnment will be held in the Glenwood Cemetery.

Luther’s family lived in Pacific Junction, until Luther was 2 years old and then moved to Glenwood. He graduated from Glenwood High School in 1956 and attended the University of Iowa for one year. He was united in marriage to Jane D. Good on Sept. 7, 1958, in Glenwood. To this union four children were born, Tracy, Todd, Craig and Meg.

Luther farmed until 1982 and then started Gammon Appraisals until his retirement. He served two terms on the Iowa Appraisal Examining Board. Luther loved spending time at their home on Lake Okoboji where the family had fun boating and fishing. He also enjoyed collecting coins and playing golf.

Preceding Luther in death were his parents; sister, Lettatia Antoniello; and grandson, Joseph Allen Blankenship.

Survivors include his wife, Jane Gammon, Glenwood; children, Tracy Blankenship, Glenwood; Todd (Monique) Gammon, Frisco, Texas; Craig (Alicia) Gammon, Vilonia, Ark.; and Meg (Rob) Schroeder; eight grandchildren; extended relatives and many friends.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2016, Glenwood, Mills Co., IA, Obituary

Published in The Opinion-Tribune on Dec. 14, 2016

Jane Daphne (Good) Gammon, 76, of Glenwood, passed away Dec. 6, 2016 surrounded by her family at her home. She was born on May 13, 1940 in Omaha to Roy Clifford and Laura Catherine (Connor) Good.

Following her education, she was united in marriage to Luther Chester Gammon on Sept. 7, 1958 in Glenwood. To this union four children were born; Tracy, Todd, Craig and Meg.

Jane was employed as a registered nurse for the Glenwood Resource Center until her retirement in 2004. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church and PEO Chapter FF. She loved spending time with her family and going to her home on Lake Okoboji.

Preceding Jane in passing were her parents, husband, grandson, Joseph Allen Blankenship; sister, Wardine Bang; brother, Jack Good; and cousin, Carole Connor Williams.

Survivors include her children, Tracy Blankenship of Glenwood; Todd (Monique) Gammon of Frisco, Texas; Craig (Alicia) Gammon of Vilonia, Ark.; Meg (Rob) Schroeder of Glenwood; eight grandchildren, Devonne, Joe, Jacob, Brekke, Frances, Alyssa, Drew and Grant; canine companions, Hildi and Bella; half-brother, Jack Butler of Orlando, Fla.; cousin, John (Jan) Connor of Lincoln; extended relatives and many friends.

Services were held Saturday Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. at Peterson Mortuary. Interment was held in the Glenwood Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

+2018, Glenwood, Mills Co., IA, Obituary

Opinion-Tribune (Glenwood, IA) - January 17, 2018

Russell Allen Blankenship, 59 of Glenwood, died on Jan. 8, 2018, in rural Glenwood. He was born on June 28, 1958, in Council Bluffs to Joseph Richard and Marian Delores (Fost) Blankenship.

Survivors include his children, Devonne and husband Seth Marshall of Glenwood, Joseph Blankenship and fiancé, Emilie Congdon of Greenfield; siblings, Doug and wife Dian Blankenship of Council Bluffs; Randy and wife Jacque Blankenship of Glenwood; Mike and wife Colleen Blankenship of Glenwood and Betsy and husband Mike Larrison of Omaha.

Services were Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Interment was held in the Glenwood Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Muscatine                                                                                                         

 

+2014, West Liberty, Muscatine Co., IA, Obituary

Muscatine Journal (IA) - August 11, 2014

Goldie M. Hayes, 93, died Monday, Aug. 11, 2014, at the Simpson Memorial Home in West Liberty. Goldie was born Dec. 13, 1920 in Macon County, Missouri, the daughter of Robert F. and Jesse Blankenship Connor.

She was united in marriage to Eldon F. Hayes on Aug. 3, 1945 in Berlin, Maryland. They moved to Iowa in 1972 after living in Wisconsin for many years. Goldie was a member of the West Liberty United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her daughter Lisa Hayes of West Liberty, a granddaughter Christina Hines and great-grandchildren Mayson Connor O'Malley and Mikayla Lynnae Simmons, all of Lewistown, Missouri and a sister Cordelia Connor of Portage, Wisconsin.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Eldon.

Funeral: 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2014 at the West Liberty United Methodist Church. Burial: Oak Ridge Cemetery in West Liberty.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

1940 Census, Callao Twp., Macon, Macon Co., MO,

Connor, Robert F.              50, M, MO, Head,

Connor, Jessie                   51, F, MO, Wife,

Connor, William R.            26, M, MO, Son,

Connor, Goldie M.             19, F, MO, Dau,

Connor, Cordelia A.          15, F, IL, Dau,

https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/K77W-7JQ

 

1930 Census, Callao, Macon Co., MO,

Conner, Robert F.              40, M, MO, Head,

Conner, Jessie                   41, F, MO, Wife,

Conner, W. Robert             16, M, MO, Son,

Conner, Goldie                  09, F, MO, Dau,

Conner, Cordelia               05, F, IL, Dau,

https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XHF1-ZJT

 

1920 Census, Callao, Macon Co., MO,

-------, Robert                    30, M, MO, Head,

-------, Jessie                     31, F, MO, Wife,

-------, William                  05, M, MO, Son,

-------, Annie                      72, F, IN, Mother,

https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M8CQ-43Y

 

Page                                                                                                                   

 

2017, Shenandoah, Page Co., IA, Obituary

Valley News Today (Shenandoah, IA) - November 28, 2017

John David Hall, son of James Lewis, Sr. and Darleen Jane (Vaneman) Hall was born on May 8, 1981 in Stratford, New Jersey. He passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Nebraska Medicine – Omaha, [Douglas Co., NE] at the age of 36 years, 6 months, 10 days.

In his early years, John and his family lived in Millville, New Jersey. At the age of 18, John was diagnosed with a heart condition which deteriorated over the years. He worked in construction at various levels before becoming a stay-at-home dad.

Family and friends were the most important to John. He enjoyed spending time with his children and the love of his life, Jamie Nosekabel Hall. He will be remembered as a family man who enjoyed grilling out and making memories with friends. He was a big jokester, always making everyone laugh and smile. He loved to scare people for a laugh.

Being from the east coast, he developed a deep love for his favorite NFL team, the Philadelphia Eagles. A true diehard fan, he was enjoying this season's resurgence of the Eagles. An avid dart player, John, received many awards through the years participating in dart tournaments. Another passion of John's was offroading and was a member of the GTO Club (Good Times Offroad) . He loved the outdoors in general and particularly enjoyed hunting and fishing any time he could get away.

Preceding John in death were his grandparents, John and Alice Hall; mother, Darleen Hall; brother-in-law, Robert Harris; sister-in-law, Marsha Harris; great nephew, Emmett Woodyard; and father-in-law, Doyal Nosekabel, Jr.

Survivors include his spouse, Jamie Lynn Nosekabel Hall of Shenandoah; four children, Bryan Kevin Doyal Blankenship, Brenden Bass, Marsha Lynn Marie Hall and Katelynn Darleen Hall; adopted daughter Naomi Christmas of Anchorage, AK; father, James Lewis Hall, Sr.; siblings, Jimmy Hall (Amy Riggins) of Buena Vista, NJ, William McCorkie (Ella) of Philadelphia, PA, Lisa Coatsolonia (Mike, Jr.) of Shenandoah Valley, VA and Scott Hall of Millville, NJ; mother-in-law, Janie Hastie of Glenwood, IA; sister and brothers-in-law, Brandie Woodyard (Kevin) of Shenandoah, IA and Shawna Bolton (Kurtis) of Glenwood,IA; nieces and nephews, Seth Barratte and Norris Glass of Buena Vista, NJ, Ashley Harms (Sid) of Shenandoah, IA, David Woodyard (Sadie Brooms) of Shenandoah, IA, Alisha Woodyard (Ryan Gibson) of Shenandoah, IA, Cody Hall of Onancock, VA, Amber Hall and Autumn Hall of Buena Vista, NJ, and Brian Bolton and Zach Bolton of Glenwood, IA; great nieces and nephews, Nathan Parson, Lyrica Woodyard, Brentley and Sammy Woodyard, and Makenna Gibson; cousins, George Hall of Millville, NJ and Les Hughes (Jessica) of Pensacola, FL; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services were held on Monday, November 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Nishna Valley Funeral and Cremation Service with Dave Widger officiating. Honorary bearers were David Woodyard, Michael Wilson, Tyler Havrum, Kurtis Bolton, Nathan Parson, Les Hughes, George Hall, Jr., Bryan Blankenship , Levi Johnston, Sid Harms, James Hall, Jr., Kevin Woodyard and Scott Hall. Registry attendant was Kendra Hallam. Musical selections were "See You Again", "Daddy's Hands", "Dancing In The Sky", "He Didn't Have To Be", "Forever And Always", "Jealous Of The Angels" and "Ridin High". Inurnment will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah at a later date.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Plymouth                                                                                                          

 

2017, Le Mars, Plymouth Co., IA, Obituary

Sioux City Journal (IA) - May 8, 2017

Milton "Milt" August Martin, 86, longtime coach and teacher at Westmar College in Le Mars, passed away Thursday, May 4, 2017, at Good Samaritan Society in Le Mars. He was born March 2, 1931, in Forbes, ND, the son of Henry and Helena (Vossler) Martin.

Milt was baptized at the Evangelical Church in Kulm, ND. He attended country school near Forbes, and graduated from Forbes High School. He continued his education at Westmar College in Le Mars, graduating in 1953. Milt served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War era from 1953 to 1954.

Milt began his teaching and coaching career in Hazel, SD. Later, he taught and coached in Morton, Minn., and Sibley, Iowa. In 1961, Milt accepted a position at Westmar College in Le Mars, as a coach and teacher. He continued his education and received his Master of Arts degree from the University of Northern Colorado. He continued teaching and coaching at Westmar until the school closed in 1997.

Milt was united in marriage to Dorothy Friese in 1959. Dorothy passed away in 1977. He later married Connie Truckenmiller on Nov. 7, 1987. She passed on Dec. 13, 1994. Milt married Ruth (Zanger) Blankenship on July 31, 1999, in Le Mars.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two wives, Dorothy (Friese) Martin and Connie (Truckenmiller) Martin; three sons, Mike, Doug, and Tom Martin; and three brothers, Kenneth, Dale, and Lloyd Martin.

Survivors include his wife of over 17 years, Ruth Martin of Le Mars; a son, Jim (Kerry-Lee) Martin of Lisburn, Northern Ireland; his stepchildren, Aaron (Katie) Lee of Des Moines, Iowa, Adam (Amanda) Lee of Portland, Ore., Pam (Jules) Banks of Westfield, Iowa, Dan (Neuma) Blankenship of Brazil, and Ned (Susan) Blankenship of Edina, Minn.; his grandchildren, Michaela (Luke) Denlinger, Ben Martin and Grace Martin; his stepgrandchildren, Blake and Oliver Lee, Alexandra, Annabelle, and Madeline Lee, Ben and Leah Banks, John and Aja Blankenship, Mac and Jacob Blankenship ; two daughters-in-law, Angela Wilson of Indiana, and Melinda (Dan) Stelling of Pierce, Neb.; two sisters, Audrey Dewes of Jamestown, N.D., and Cora Lee (Jim) Reuter of Lancaster, Calif.; one brother, Gerry (Barbara) Martin of Marcus, Iowa; three sisters-in-law, Betty Martin of Ellendale, N.D., Kathy Martin of Palmdale, Calif., and Shirley Martin of Forbes, N.D.; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at Le Mars Bible Church. The Rev. Fred Gums will officiate. Burial will be in Memorial Cemetery at Le Mars, with military honors conducted by the Wasmer American Legion Post 241 of Le Mars.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Ruth J. Martin – b.26Mar1937 - Le Mars, IA: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2MNC-H8L

Relatives - Angela M. Martin, Connie R. Martin, Dan A. Blankenship, Douglas J. Martin, James L. Martin, John P. Blankenship, Melinda Lee Martin, Michael David Martin, Milton August Martin, Thomas L. Martin.

 

John P. Blankenship – b.15Mar1945 - Le Mars, IA: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJ76-N9MN

Relatives - Brian Patrick Blankenship, Dan A. Blankenship, Dawn Marie Blankenship, Michelle M. Blankenship, Ruth C. Blankenship, Ruth J. Blankenship.

 

Polk                                                                                                                   

 

2012, Des Moines, Polk Co., IA, Death

http://ilesfuneralhomes.com/_mgxroot/page_10785.php?id=1071702

Richard J. Blankenship; Born on Mar. 1, 1957; Departed on May 18, 2012 and resided in Des Moines, IA.

              No Service 

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2014, Des Moines, Polk Co., IA, Obituary

Published in Des Moines Register from Jan. 19 to Jan. 20, 2014

James Thomas Reed Jr, 54, of Des Moines passed away January 17, 2014 at Taylor House after his 20 year battle with cancer.

He is survived by his wife Teresa, daughter Jamie (Ryan) Blankenship, Granddaughter Abigail Blankenship, his sister Teri (Bryce) Heberlin.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

No services will be held.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

+2016, Des Moines, Polk Co., IA, Obituary

Published in Des Moines Register on Dec. 1, 2016

Lester L. Neer, 82, was born Sunday, August 12, 1934 in Springfield, Illinois and passed away Friday, November 25, 2016 in Des Moines.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents; their daughter Cheri Lynn; two sisters, Edna Grady, Lela Blankenship; and one brother, Robert "Bobby" Neer.

Lester is survived by his wife, Joyce (Maxfield) Neer; son, Steven (Kristen) Neer of Fairmont, MN; nephew Bill Stahl of Missouri; and niece, Marilyn McMorran of West Des Moines.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Kanawha Co., WV, Marriage;

http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_view2.aspx?FilmNumber=521724&ImageNumber=379

Blankenship, Harrison, 21 [1927], – Neer, Lela, 23 [1925], – 30Sep1948

 

2018, Des Moines, Polk Co., IA, Obituary

The Ottawa Herald, (KS) - January 14, 2019

Doris Likes Griffin, 94, Des Moines, Iowa, passed away Nov. 29, 2018. She was born Aug. 23, 1924, north of Ottawa in Franklin County. She was the second daughter of Mae. L. Stoffer Likes and J. Edgar Likes.

Doris graduated from Ottawa High School in 1942. After a couple years of studying at Emporia State Teacher's College, she moved to Kansas City and went to work at Trans World Airlines in the payroll department. While working at TWA, she met her future husband Donald Griffin. After a long career at TWA, she left to set up the family home in Prairie Village. They had one son, Blake. Doris and Don were married over 50 years. Doris lived in that same home for over 54 years until her health required her to move closer to her son and his family in Des Moines.

Doris was raised by a widower during the depression which made her a strong, patient person. Doris' purpose in life was to be an encourager, a teacher of manners and a corrector of one's grammar. She missed her calling of being a school teacher like her mother and sisters Doris sat through a lot of band concerts and a really bad season of little league baseball, but she was quite the cheerleader.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sister Phyllis Likes.

She is survived by a sister, Donna Stone of Victoria, Texas; son, Blake and wife, Cheryl; four grandchildren, Faith Blankenship(Thomas), Ashley Hunsberger (Jake), Nathaniel Griffin, Benjamin Griffin; and one great granddaughter, Riley Blankenship , who carries on the famous Likes girls red hair.

A graveside service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 9, 2019, at Highland Cemetery, Ottawa.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Pottawattamie                                                                                                  

 

2012, Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie Co., IA, Obituary

The Daily Nonpareil, (Council Bluffs, IA) - July 1, 2012

Janice Louise McNeal, age 73, passed away Saturday, June 30, 2012, at her home. Janice was born January 31, 1939, in Panama, Iowa, to Walter and Virgie Boggs Burns. Janice worked as a receptionist at Baum Iron for over 22 years and Auto Mart 150 for over 5 years, and was very fond of her cats.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Ron and Dick Burns.

Survivors include her husband, Don, whom she married on March 25, 1983; sons, Joe Gascoigne and wife, Marie; Dennis Gascoigne and wife, Lori; step-children, Sally Hall and husband, Bill, Judy Webster and husband, Mike, all of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Vicki Barnes and husband, John, of Texas; 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren; sisters, Beverly Webster, Joni Riddle and husband, Jerry, all of Council Bluffs, Shirley, Della Daugherty, of Missouri; brothers, Bob Burns and wife, Karen, of Council Bluffs, Bill Blankenship and wife, Cheryl, of Carter Lake, Iowa; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services Tuesday, 11 a.m., all at Cutler  O'Neill  Meyer Woodring Bayliss Park Chapel. Interment Garner Township Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2014, Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie Co., IA, Obituary

The Daily Nonpareil, (Council Bluffs, IA) Date: November 16, 2014

Beverly Marlene Webster, age 77, passed away Friday, November 14, 2014, at Mercy Hospital surrounded by her family. Beverly was born November 7, 1937 in Dunlap, Iowa, to Walter and Virgie (Boggs) Burns.

She was a homemaker, taking enjoyment in providing a wonderful home for her family. She enjoyed singing and dancing.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Russell Webster, Jr.; son, Russell Webster III; great grandson, Cameron McCormick; brothers, Jack, Dick and Ron Burns; sisters, Debbie Blankenship and Janice L. McNeal.

Survivors include daughter-in-law, Cheryl (Webster) Brockelsby; daughter, Vikki Kuhl (Ed); son, Mike Webster (Judy); daughters, Katherine Webster (John Watt), Lisa Campbell (Scott), Julie McCabe (Rick), all of Council Bluffs; 17 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren; sisters, Joni Riddle, of Council Bluffs, Shirley Klabunde, of Omaha, Neb., and Della Daugherty, of Missouri; brothers, Bob Burns (Karen), of Council Bluffs, Bill Blankenship (Cheryl), of Carter Lake; sister-in-law, Connie Burns, of Council Bluffs; a host of nieces and nephews; special friend, Charlie Garcia, of Omaha.

Celebration of her life is Tuesday, 10 a.m., at the Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home. Interment is in the Cedar Lawn Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Leland William Blankenship – b.20May1954 - Carter Lake, IA; https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KYBT-6GB

Relatives: Amy Lynn Blankenship, Cheryl D. Blankenship, Cheryl Evans-Blankenship, Kathy Ann Blankenship-Godfroy, Toby Leland Blankenship.

 

+2015, Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie Co., IA, Obituary

http://hosting-3598.tributes.com/obituary/show/Alvin-Blankenship-103018606

Alvin Leroy Blankenship was born on March 15, 1914, north of Logan, Iowa to Frank and Dora Anna (Plath) Blankenship. He died on Monday, November 16, 2015, at the Midlands Living Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa at the age of 101 years, eight months, and one day.

He attended country school and then started farming with his parents. Alvin attended a dance in Woodbine where he met Eula Adamson. The two were married on June 12, 1935, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Magnolia, Iowa. The couple farmed near Logan and raised cattle, hogs, chickens, and sheep. The couple moved into Logan in 1975. Alvin completely remodeled the home taking it from a two story to a comfortable one story. In the fall of 2012 they moved to Council Bluffs due to some health concerns and to be closer to their daughter and her family.

Alvin was baptized a on April 26, 1914 and confirmed on July 12, 1928 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Magnolia by Pastor George Kupke. He was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Logan. Alvin loved farming and his horses. The couple loved to square dance and belonged to the Circle 8 Square Dance Club. They also liked to travel and took many trips around the United States visiting a total of 48 states. Alvin enjoyed woodworking in his retirement and made replicas of the Harrison County Courthouse, the church, wagons, etc.

Alvin was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Harold and Francis Blankenship and infant great great grandson, Easton Lane.

He is survived by his wife of 80 years, Eula Blankenship of Council Bluffs, Iowa; daughter, Barbara and her husband Ed Hornbeck of Council Bluffs, Iowa; two granddaughters, Ronda and her husband Jeff Thomas and Denise and her husband Mitch Lane all of Council Bluffs, Iowa; six great grandchildren Ashley (Jesse) Smith, Cody (Janna) Thomas, Tyler Thomas, Korey (Amanda) Lane, Kylie lane, and Kelly Lane; three great great grandchildren, Nicole Smith, Lucas Smith and Brinley Lane; and many other relatives and friends

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2015, Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie Co., IA, Obituary

The Daily Nonpareil, (Council Bluffs, IA) - December 22, 2015

Jerry L. Reynolds, age 80 [1935], passed away December 20, 2015.

Preceded in death by mother, Dorothy.

Survived by wife of 57 years, Rita (Blankenship) Reynolds; son, Robert (Susan); daughters, Judi Hand (Greg) and Denise Moore (John); brother, Don (Candy); grandchildren, Nichole Heinz (Ken), Brianne Clare (Nolan), Ryan, Lizabeth Montpetit (Brock), Chris Hand, Ryan Hand, Maggie, Katharine Moore, and Caroline Moore; great grandchildren, Dominic, Kale and Cora Heinz.

Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, 10 a.m., at Mary, Our Queen Catholic Church. Interment Resurrection Cemetery with Military Honors.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2016, Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie Co., IA, Obituary

The Daily Nonpareil, (Council Bluffs, IA) - July 20, 2016

Ardeth B. Watkins, age 94, of Council Bluffs, passed away July 18, 2016, in Council Bluffs. She was born August 26, 1921, in Persia, Iowa, to the late Carl and Lela (Shadden) Hamann.

Ardeth graduated from Persia High School. She was united in marriage to Clement W. Watkins on October 12, 1940, and to this union Sharon, Rod and Cheryl were born.

Clement passed away July 27, 2011. Also preceding her in death were son-in-law, Keith Dryden; and great-grandson, Aiden Dryden.

Survivors include daughter, Sharon Dryden, of Clackamas, Ore.; son, Rod Watkins and wife, Donna, of Silver City, Iowa; daughter, Cheryl Evans Blankenship and husband, Bill, of Carter Lake, Iowa; grandchildren, Darrin (Angela) Dryden, Jennifer (Scott) Miller, Shawn (Christy) Watkins, Shannon (Cody) Mason, Brandon Evans, Matthew (Chenice Perdue) Evans; 7 great grandchildren; sister, Ruth Hamann, of Council Bluffs.

Funeral services Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at 11 a.m., all at the Cutler-O'Neill-Meyer-Woodring Bayliss Park Chapel. Interment at the Woodbine Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Leland William Blankenship - b20May1954 - Carter Lake, IA: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KYBT-6GB

Relatives - Amy Lynn Blankenship, Cheryl D. Blankenship, Cheryl Evans-Blankenship, Kathy Ann Blankenship-Godfroy, Toby Leland Blankenship.

 

2017, Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie Co., IA, Obituary

The Daily Nonpareil, (Council Bluffs, IA) - January 31, 2017

Carol A. Lee, age 89, son of George and Bonnabelle (Vallier) Lee, passed away January 29, 2017, with his family present.

When Carol was younger he truck farmed with his father and brothers and sisters. He worked at Independent Metal and American Smelters. For the next 32 years, Carol worked for Griffin Pipe, retiring in 1992. He was a member of Community of Christ Church.

Carol was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, David and Bob Lee; sister, Marie Sinderson.

Carol is survived by his wife of 67 years, Tolora (Hinman) Lee; son, Dennis Lee, all of Council Bluffs; daughter, Denise Howard, of Crescent, Iowa; 9 grandchildren, Brandon (Traci) Howard, of Holland, Mich., Jeanna (JP) Sherbondy, of Underwood, Joe (Sherri) Lee, of Neola, LeeAnn (Rick) Petree, of Council Bluffs, Jacob Lee, of Omaha, Elyzabeth (Steven) Jacobs, of Council Bluffs, Jessica (Nick) Semrad, of Sherman Oaks, Calif., Page (Toby) Blankenship, Hope (Ben) Gubbels, all of Council Bluffs; 11 great grandchildren, Abi Sherbondy, Quinn Howard, Kelsey Petree, Greta Lee, Emerson Howard, Kaleb Petree, Miles Lee, Tegan Blankenship, Connor Jacobs, Gabriel Petree, Alexia Jacobs; brothers, Everett (Lavonne) Lee, of Sacramento, Calif., George (Kathy) Lee, of Council Bluffs; sisters, Audrey Neiwerth, of Rupert, Idaho, Karon (Tom) Jones, of Ft. Scott, Kan.; sister-in-law, Vivian Lee, of Council Bluffs, nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services Thursday. 11 a.m., all at the Cutler-O'Neill-Meyer-Woodring Bayliss Park Chapel. Interment Hazel Dell Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2017, Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie Co., IA, Obituary

The Daily Nonpareil, (Council Bluffs, IA) - January 31, 2017

Gary D. Olsen, age 63, of Council Bluffs, died Saturday afternoon, at the CHI Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs. He was born in Council Bluffs, to Dean and Nadine (England) Olsen.

He graduated high school, four years of college and went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force. He owned and operated a private corrections company.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Janet (Stultz) Olsen; his 3 sons, Chris and Troy Belt, Ron (Chris) Blankenship ; grandchildren, Josh (Savannah) Belt, Zach Belt and Justice Fisher, Christy, Troy and Jeremy Belt and Connor Blankenship ; great grandchildren; siblings, Michael and John Olsen, Rita Fidler, Bonnie Francis, Sandra Molley, Linda Olsen, Connie Treat and Debra Thacker.

The funeral will be held Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., also at the Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home. Burial of the cremated remains will be later in the Grange Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

+2017, Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie Co., IA, Obituary

http://hosting-3598.tributes.com/obituary/show/Eula-Blankenship-105204752

Eula Vendetta (Adamson) Blankenship was born January 8, 1914, near Panama, Iowa to William G. and Eva Rae (Smith) Adamson. Eula died Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Midlands Living Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa at the age of 103 years, eight months and eight days.

The family moved closer to Woodbine and she attended Douglas Hill, Sunny Glenn, Meadowbrook and Pleasant Valley Schools before entering Woodbine High School and graduating in 1931. Eula stayed at home following graduation to help her mother with the housework and feeding the farm hands. At a dance in Woodbine, Eula met Alvin Blankenship and the two were married on June 12, 1935, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Magnolia, Iowa. The couple farmed near Logan, Magnolia and Beebeetown and moved into Logan in 1975. In the fall of 2012 they moved to Council Bluffs due to health concerns and to be closer to family. Alvin died November 16, 2015.

Eula was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Logan. Eula would help out at funeral lunches and weddings at the church. They loved to square dance and belonged to the Circle 8 Square Dance Club. They also liked to travel and took many trips around the United States. They have been in 47 of the 48 continental states.

Eula was preceded in death by her parents; infant brother, Cyril Dalton Adamson; husband Alvin Blankenship; infant great-great grandson, Easton Lane; brother, Lee (Juanita) Adamson; and sister, Leeta (Ed) Hubbard.

She is survived by her daughter, Barbara (Ed) Hornbeck of Council Bluffs, Iowa; two granddaughters, Ronda (Jeff) Thomas and Denise (Mitch) Lane all of Council Bluffs, Iowa; six great grandchildren, Ashley (Jesse) Smith, Cody (Janna) Thomas and Tyler Thomas, Korey (Amanda) Lane, Kylie Lane and Kelly Lane; four great-great grandchildren Nicole Smith and Lucas Smith and Brinley Lane and Hadley Lane; and many other relatives and friends.

 

+2018, Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie Co., IA, Obituary

The Daily Nonpareil, (Council Bluffs, IA) - July 27, 2018

Eileen Mae Vietzen, age 97, of Council Bluffs, passed away July 21, 2018, at Risen Son Nursing Home. She was born November 15, 1920, in Council Bluffs, to the late Edward M. and Gladys L. (Bridges) Blankenship.

Eileen married Jack Vietzen on August 11, 1942. They were blessed with two daughters, Cindy and Trudy. Eileen owned and operated various restaurants. She was a baptized member of St. John's United Church of Christ and an avid bingo player.

In addition to her parents, Eileen was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Vietzen on June 13, 1975, and her brother, Jim Blankenship.

Eileen is survived by her daughters, Cindy Jones, of Omaha, Neb., Trudy (Ronald) Kuhlmann, of Council Bluffs; 4 grandchildren, Michael (Terri) Kuhlmann, Michelle Kuhlmann, Kim (Ray) Slobodnik, Tanya (Shawn) Murphy; 6 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral service, Monday, 11 a.m., at Cutler-O'Neill-Meyer-Woodring Bayliss Park Chapel. Interment Cedar Lawn Cemetery with a lunch following at the Walnut Hill Reception Center, 1350 E. Pierce St.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Poweshiek                                                                                                         

 

2012, Brooklyn, Poweshiek Co., IA, Funeral

The Gazette, (Cedar Rapids-Iowa City, IA) - September 25, 2012

Ruby Irene Blankenship, 76, of Brooklyn, Iowa, died Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, at Brooklyn Community Estate, Brooklyn.

Funeral Service: 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, at Kloster Funeral Home, Brooklyn. Burial will be in the Brooklyn Memorial Cemetery.

 

2012, Brooklyn, Poweshiek Co., IA, Obituary

http://www.klosterfuneralhome.com/obituaries.htm

Ruby Irene Blankenship, age 75 of Brooklyn, Iowa, died Saturday, September 22, 2012 at Brooklyn Community Estate, Brooklyn.

Funeral Service: 1:00 P.M. Thursday, September 27, 2012, at Kloster Funeral Home, Brooklyn. Burial will be in the Brooklyn Memorial Cemetery. 

Ruby is survived by her sons, Duane and wife Becky of Brooklyn, Douglas and fiancée Tammy Andrews of Heiskel, TN, and David of Brooklyn; a step-daughter, Tammie Hoffman of Durham, NC; thirteen grandchildren; three brothers, Merril, Gerald and Keith Speas; and three sisters, Iva Jean Beckett, Maria Ellington, and Joyce Hartz.

She was preceded in death by her parents and six siblings.

Ruby Irene Speas was born October 20, 1936 in New Providence, Iowa, the daughter of Clarence and Goldie Clark Speas. She graduated from Gilman High School, where she was a member of the girls’ basketball team that went to the state tournament. Ruby was employed for many years as a nurses’ aide at Brooklyn Community Estate. She also worked at Montezuma Manufacturing in earlier years.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Scott                                                                                                                  

 

+2012, Bettendorf, Scott Co., IA, Obituary

The Quad-City Times, (IA) - December 10, 2012

Evelyn Frances Ruch, 85, of Bettendorf died Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf.

Funeral services celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012, at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf. Burial will be in Davenport Memorial Park.

Born on March 4, 1927, in Springfield, Mo., Evelyn was the daughter of Benjamin Burton and Mabel Gertrude (Waite) Blankenship.

She married William J. Taylor. He preceded her in death in 1973. On Dec. 7, 1974, in Davenport, she married Rev. Paul Ruch. He preceded her in death on Dec. 13, 2001. Evelyn worked at St. Luke's Hospital and for the Bettendorf Community School District. She was a member of West Side Assembly of God Church in Davenport and had gone to Jamaica and Puerto Rico for missionary work. Evelyn enjoyed cooking, baking, playing Yahtzee and paddleball, and going for walks. She collected elephants, had many friends and cherished her time spent with her grandchildren.

Those left to honor her memory include her sons, Gerald (Alison) Taylor of Hillsboro, Ore., Robert (Sue) Taylor of Sedona, Ariz., and Thomas Taylor of Davenport; her daughters, Karen (Mike) Gurke of Cedar Creek, Mo., Janet (Jerry) Welvaert of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Cheryl Mumford of Bettendorf; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; two stepsons and two step-daughters; and one sister, Vivian West of Springfield.

She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, one son, William, two brothers, Thomas and Russell, and three sisters, Lois "Peachy," Virginia and Dorothy.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Shelby                                                                                                               

 

2017, Defiance, Shelby Co., IA, Obituary

https://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?CFID=4933d9fc-2cdd-48ce-95cf-b696ec1bd58c&CFTOKEN=0&o_id=4080616&fh_id=14503

Joyce Schroeder Amdor was born to Gregory and Edna Maas Schreoder at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Carroll, IA on August 16, 1942. With loved ones by her side, Joyce died at her home in rural Defiance on Thursday, January 19, 2017, having been blessed with 74 years, 5 months, and 3 days.

The family made their home in Breda for three years until moving to Odebolt where they resided for 10 years. From Odebolt, they moved to Manson, IA and later to Lake City, IA where Joyce graduated high school, Class of 1960.

Following high school, Joyce moved to Ames, IA where she was employed in various departments for Iowa State University. After being coaxed by a high school classmate to attend an off-campus function, Joyce met a young Veterinary Medical student named John Amdor who would become her future husband. Joyce and John were united in marriage on August 8, 1964 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lake City, IA with Father James Fandel officiating. Their union was blessed with 3 children: John III, Julie, and Jason.

They made their home in Ames while John completed his Veterinary Medical studies and moved to Massena, IA after his graduation. There he established his own practice with Joyce designing his clinic and working there as his assistant. They operated the clinic there for 18 years, moving to Denison in 1987. Joyce began her very rewarding career as a librarian at the Norelius Community Library, first as a Children’s Librarian for 11 years, then as the Library Director for 8 years, retiring in 2006. She was most proud of serving as Chairperson of the Children and Young People’s Library Roundtable where she won several awards, including one for the Summer Reading Program 4 years in a row. She was privileged to serve on the committee that organized and developed the HealthInfoIowa website.

Church and community were important to Joyce. Her music ministry began in the 5thgrade when she and a friend would sing the Requiem Mass in Latin at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Odebolt, IA. She was a CCD teacher in Massena and continued her music ministry. She was active as a member at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison where she served on their Building Committee, Stained Glass Committee, Liturgy Committee, as a cantor, and sang in the Adult Choir.

Joyce’s long and interrupted college education began at Iowa State University while residing in Ames, continued at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, and concluded at Buena Vista University, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business in 2006.

While living in Massena, she served on the Massena Library Board and helped to remodel their library. She was a Cub Scout leader for 14 years and received the coveted Cub Wood Badge Award, a licensed Amateur Radio Operator, the second licensed Veterinary Technician in the state of Iowa, served as a co-chair of politics in Cass County, an Election Judge, and enjoyed being a part of the Defiance Quilting Ladies sewing for charity. In her leisure time Joyce enjoyed music, singing, quilting, her water aerobic classes, and traveling, having visited Scotland four times and Ireland once. In 1995, John and Joyce purchased their current acreage north of Defiance, IA where she spent her retirement years.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her four sisters: Loeta Boudia, Irene Traner, Dorothy Landgraf, and Neva Anderson Blankenship; several nieces; and four brothers-in-law: Don Traner, Robert Boudia, Tony Dvorak, and Keith Blankenship.

Those remaining to cherish her memory include her husband, Dr. John Amdor of Defiance, IA; three children: John Amdor III, wife Maria, their children Kristine, Kathryn, Kiri, and her twin brother John IV of Council Bluffs, IA; Julie Stice, husband Richard, their children Nicholas, Heather, and Gregory of Fairview, TN; and Jason Amdor of Omaha, NE; three great-grandchildren; two brothers: Neil Schroeder of Burlington, IA, Cliff Schroeder and wife Judy of Williamsburg, VA; maternal aunt Irma Maas of Schleswig, IA; brother-in-law George Landgraf and wife Margaret of Odebolt, IA; sisters-in-law Ruth (Alvin) Klouda of Moline, IL, Mary Pat Gregerson-Dvorak of Tucson, AZ, and Judi (Raymond) Smith of West Des Moines, IA; cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and countless friends.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Shelby Co., SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi ,

Blankenship, Keith W.      84, 31Jul1927 - 15Aug2011,            Harlan, Shelby, IA,                          NE-508-22-0668

 

Wapello                                                                                                             

 

+2014, Eldon, Wapello Co., IA, Obituary

The Ottumwa Courier, (IA) Date: November 10, 2014

Arlene Louise Mumper Baer, 67, of 909 W. Walnut St. died at 11:13 p.m. November 7, 2014 at her home. She was born May 20, 1947 in Fort Dodge to Oliver J. and Delsie L. Blankenship Mumper.

She married Joseph Z. Baer Jr. on August 15, 1987. Louise attended school in Lehigh, IA and graduated from Central Webster High School in 1965. She worked for Everco for 22 years and for Cargill Meat Solutions / Excel for 17 years.

Surviving is her husband, Joe; her children, Bryon (Dagmar) Cundiff, Tammy (Gary) Harland, Julie (Scott) Tyler and Joseph H. Baer; 13 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 3 sisters, Linda Taylor, 2 whom she raised, LeeAnn (Craig) Glosser and Debbie (Mike) Glosser.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Oliver Mumper and a sister, Karen Rector.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Danny Cary officiating. Her body will be cremated following the service. Private inurnment will be in Hopewell Cemetery at a later date.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2015, Eldon, Wapello Co., IA, Obituary

The Ottumwa Courier, (IA) Date: January 28, 2015

Albert E. Thomas, 90, of Eldon, passed away Jan. 26, 2015, at the Good Samaritan Hospice in Ottumwa. Albert E. Thomas was born June 27, 1924, in Eldon to Lewis Grant and Amy (Sedore) Thomas.

He was the youngest of 12 children and was raised on the family farm south of Eldon. Albert attended school in Eldon, where he graduated with the class of 1942. His roots ran deep in the family farm. After graduation, he continued to farm alongside his father. In October 1944, Albert joined the U.S. Navy. He served his country for two years before being honorably discharged in the summer of 1946. On Sept. 2, 1950, Albert married Beatrice Streeby in Nashua. They worked side-by-side on the farm and as loving parents to their children Sue, Allen and Robert.

During the Navy and even before, Albert had a love for flying. He obtained his pilot's license and spent many hours in the air. He enjoyed attending area fly-ins and was able to go for one last flight with his son Allen this past summer. In 1974, Albert bought a farm west of Eldon and lived there until moving to town in 1995. Albert has always been a farmer but also found time to carry the rural mail route for the United States Postal Service and deliver Sunday papers for the Des Moines Register. As a farmer, Albert did everything from livestock to row crop. He also provided custom combining, hay baling and fertilizer application. He was the first in the area to sell anhydrous ammonia, keeping it in large storage tanks on the farm. When he wasn't working on the farm, you might find him at Wapello County Fair Board meetings, collecting old cars, searching for mushrooms or working on one of his jigsaw puzzles. He was a farmer from the moment he took his first breath until the day he took his last. He will be missed by his family and those that called him friend.

Left to honor his memory are his three children, Sue Thomas (Steve Wilkinson) of Ottumwa, Allen (Kathryn) Thomas of Cedar Rapids and Robert Thomas (Kelly Blankenship) of Eldon, as well as his two grandchildren, Leslie and Laurie Thomas.

Albert is preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Beatrice (2012); an infant son, Matthew; as well as 11 older siblings.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Eldon Cemetery in Eldon.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Kelly Darlene Blakenship – b.10Sep1958 – Eldon, GA; https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJCS-NLMH

Relatives: Angelita T. Blankenship, Benton Ray Blankenship.

 

2012, Ottumwa, Wapello Co., IA, Obituary

The Ottumwa Courier, (IA) - October 26, 2012

Wilbur Dean Livingston, 78, of Ottumwa, went home to his Lord and Savior at 1:30 a.m. Oct. 25, 2012. He was born Oct. 2, 1934, in Bunch to William and Clara Belle Hickinbotham Livingston.

He married Kay Sleeth Jan. 5, 1954, in Drakesville. Wilbur worked for John Deere in Ottumwa for 25 years, retiring in 1995. He was a member of the Last Days Ministries in Ottumwa and UAW #74. Wilbur enjoyed hunting, horses, dogs, tractors, being at the farm, and, most of all, his family.

He is survived by his wife; a son, Gary Livingston of Ottumwa; two daughters, Rhonda (Tom) Vandenberg of Leighton and Joy Livingston of Ottumwa; seven grandchildren, Doug (Theresa) Livingston, James (Ashley) Olinger, Roxanne (Doug) Anderson, Stanley (Naiden) Livingston, Cara Livingston, Sarah Vandenberg and Becky Vandenberg; 15 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Wayne Livingston of Estherville.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Harold, Estel, Vern, Robert Paul and Harvey Livingston; and eight sisters, Mildred Rominger, Edna Smith, Opal Peek, Edith Hopkins, Elma Veatch, Erma Blankenship, M. Doris Elgin and LaVelle Howell.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield; with Rev. Garry Shepherd officiating. Burial will be at the Shaul Cemetery in Ottumwa.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Warren                                                                                                             

 

2013, Indianola, Warren Co., IA, Obituary

Published in Des Moines Register on June 17, 2013

Richard Walton of Indianola passed away June 15, 2013 at the Bright Kavanaugh House in Des Moines Iowa.

Visitation for Richard will be from 10 a.m. till 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, 2013, with Funeral Services at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Peterson Funeral Home in Indianola. Burial of ashes will be in the I.O.O.F Memorial Gardens in Indianola at a later date.

Richard is survived by two sons: Todd (Rachel) Walton of Des Moines and Tim (Jenna) of Indianola; sisters: Jennie Beery of Indianola, Ora Lorene Tigner of Des Moines, Teresa Blankenship of Tuscon, Arizona; brothers: Andy Curnes of Indianola and Randy Allen of New Virginia; grandchildren: Jason, Connor, Jill Sergant and Isiaha and Samantha Walton.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2015, Indianola, Warren Co., IA Obituary

The California Democrat, (MO) Date: August 12, 2015

Jimmie H. Barbour of Granbury and Indianola, Iowa, passed away Friday, August 7, 2015. Jimmie was the son of Virgil L. and Goldie (Hill) Barbour, born on July 22, 1937.

He was married to Lois Ann (Vander Hamm) Barbour on November 6, 1960, and together they owned and operated Barbour Construction, Inc. for 35 years. Their company sold, installed, and serviced grain and fertilizer handling equipment. Jimmie served his country in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963. He was stationed at Ft. Leonard-wood, Ft. Knox and Ft. Carson. He was a member of the American Legion.

For over 52 years, Jimmie worked as a millwright in the grain-handling business. He was hard-working, ingenious with developing mechanical solutions, stood by the quality of his work, and delivered exceptional customer service.

He was a dedicated son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. Family was of utmost importance and he especially enjoyed seeing his children and granddaughters grow and make their way in the world. Jimmie impacted thousands of lives in person and through his service to others.

Preceding him in death were his parents and one brother, Jackie L. Barbour.

He is survived by: his wife, Lois Ann; a daughter, Dixie Lee (and her husband Craig) Hedgecock; a son, Dwight H. Barbour and two granddaughters, Allison Ann (and her husband Mason) Luedeker and Alisha Lynn (and her husband Colt) Thomas. He is also survived by three sisters, Mae Gordon, Pauline Klenz and Judy Blankenship; one brother, Joe A. Barbour; his step mother, Lucille Barbour; three step sisters, Elsie (and her husband Billy) Meyer, Kathy (and her husband Larry) Murphy and Sherry Lynn (and her husband Richard) Tuttle; many nieces and nephews.

Memorial service was held in Granbury where his daughter's family lives. A full military service will be held at Iowa Veteran's Cemetery at a later date.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Winnebago                                                                                                       

 

2012, Leland, Winnebago Co., IA, Obituary

Globe Gazette (Mason City, IA) - May 19, 2012

Harold (Tub) Melvin Miller, 70, of Leland, died Thursday, May 10, 2012, at Hospice of North Iowa, in Mason City [Cerro Gordo Co., IA]. Harold Miller was born April 8, 1942, to Wilbur and Vera (O'Donnell) Miller.

He attended high school in Osage and served three years in the Navy. Harold worked at various jobs throughout the years including Bell Telephone, Ford Manufacturing, Winnebago Industries, was assistant manager at the bowling alley and drove limo in Chicago. Harold recently delivered the Sunday Des Moines Register and had a candy machine route. Harold enjoyed bowling, fishing, camping, old cars, old 50's/60's and country music, and playing softball.

For the last 28 years he has enjoyed being with his special friend Jan Blankenship, playing penny cribbage, gambling, gardening, watching birds and had traveled to the Gulf in their motor home. Harold had a great love of dogs and growing roses.

He is survived by his mother Vera (Miller) Ross of St. Ansgar, brother Duane Miller of Boaz, Ala., sister Annette Bryan of Florida, daughter Marla Sgarbossa (Joseph) of Illinois, sons Harold Britt Jr. (Laurie) of Florida, Michael Britt (Gina) of Illinois and stepson Dean Storgaard of St. Ansgar, 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; special friend of 28 years, Jan Blankenship of Leland, and her children Leslie Grothe, Todd Blankenship (Joni) and Robin Peterson (David) their children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Wilbur Miller and stepdaughter Susie Storgaard.

A memorial Mass will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, June 29, at St. James Catholic Church in Forest City. Family and friends are welcome to attend.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Winneshiek                                                                                                       

 

2015, Ridgeway, Winneshiek Co., IA, Obituary

http://iagenweb.org/boards/winneshiek/obituaries/index.cgi?read=555171

Amy M. Blankenship, age 47, of Ridgeway, Iowa passed away on April 24th, 2015 at her home. Amy was born in Fort Hood, Texas to Richard and Doris Traister on October 29, 1967.

With her dad being in the military her family lived in many places while she grew up. She lived in Lawton, Oklahoma for many years and was looking forward to moving back there. For many years she worked for the Kwik Trip/Star Convenience stores in West Salem and Stoddard in Wisconsin and their Cresco, Iowa location. Amy enjoyed camping, fishing, visiting and horses.

Amy is survived by her parents; a sister, Gina (Ray) Gibson; two nieces: Jennifer (James) Hill and Morgan (Travis) Armstrong; a nephew, Nathan Gibson. Also survived by her step-mother, Judith Traister and three step-brothers and one step-sister. Further survived by her ex-husband, John Blankenship and his children: Ryan, Sam and Alex as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.

 

Woodbury                                                                                                        

 

2010, Sioux City, Woodbury Co., IA, Obituary

http://obitsforlife.com/obituary/14239/Grubel-Chloris.php

Chloris Louise Grubel, 101, of Sioux City passed away Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010, at a Sioux City hospital, surrounded by her family. Services will be 11 a.m. Friday at the Community of Christ Church, with the Elder Robert C. Eybers officiating. Burial will be at Graceland Park Cemetery.

Chloris was born Sept. 4, 1909, in Nebraska City, Neb., the daughter of Fred and Dorothy (Comstock) Davis. She moved to Sioux City with her family as a young girl, residing in the South Bottoms area for a time. Her family also lived in Sergeant Bluff. As a child, Chloris was baptized at the Wall Street Mission.

She was united in marriage to George Herman Grubel on March 31, 1929, in Moville, Iowa, at her paternal grandmother's home. Chloris attended Community of Christ Church. In years past, she was also involved with the Girls of '68, Royal Neighbors of America, YWCA and Y-WIVES, and devoted much of her time to those organizations. She was also a past treasurer of the Sioux City Eagles Auxiliary and chairwoman of the Eagles Decorating Committee, decorating the hall for numerous weddings over the years. Her hobbies included crocheting, gardening, cooking, dancing, and spending time with her beloved family. She enjoyed many vacation trips with family to numerous destinations throughout the United States. She was Gramma Grubel to nearly everyone who knew her.

Survivors include two daughters and their husbands, Joanne and Ed Rowe and Judy and Ralph Petrik, all of Sioux City; a daughter-in-law, Maxine Grubel of Sioux City; nine grandchildren and spouses, Brad and Joan Rowe, Dan and Sherri Rowe, Glenda and Jeff Davis, Lisa and Mike Chesher, Georgi and Eric Grau, Kim and Troy Dake, Craig and Michele Patrick, Jill and Jeff Greig, and Scott and Vivian Patrick; 22 great-grandchildren, Matt Rowe, Ryan Rowe, Melanie (Russell) Albenesius, Melissa (Josh) Hansen, Jaime (Mike) Blankenship, Nick Davis, Caitlin and Shelby Grimsley, Trey Chesher, Riley and Thomas Grau, Hunter and Carson Dake, Mitch, Garrett, and Leah Patrick, Justine and Jessica Greig, Collin, Cara, Caiden and Cameron Patrick; three great-great-grandchildren, Abby and Carli Albenesius, and Lainey Blankenship; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George H. Grubel; a son, Henry G. Grubel; three sisters, Minnie "Sally" Sorensen, Hazel Johnson and Mabel Noyes; and one brother, Glen Davis.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2011, Sioux City, Woodbury Co., IA, Obituary

Sioux City Journal (IA) - April 26, 2011

Ernest D. Dandurand, 85, of Sioux City died Saturday, April 23, 2011, at a Sioux City nursing home. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church. The Rev. Douglas Dandurand, son of the deceased, will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Ernest was born July 22, 1925 in Anthon, Iowa. He was the son of Eugene and Cecelia (Cyrier) Dandurand. He moved to the Sioux City area in 1937. He graduated from Trinity High School in Sioux City and attended two years of college. Ernest served in the United States Navy as radar man during World War II and was involved with the invasion of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He also served during the Korean War. On Sept. 29, 1952, he married Bernadette R. Maurice. Ernie was a route salesman for Messer Distributing Co. and for Ray V. Mitchell Distributing Co. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Bernadette died on May 16, 2008, in Sioux City.

He is survived by his children, David of Sioux City, Father Doug Dandurand of Minneapolis, Minn., Maureen (Stewart) Huff of Dakota Dunes, S.D., Colleen (Thomas) Bainbridge of Kingsley, Iowa, Joanne (Steve) Cote of Sioux City, and Roxanne (Kelly) Clausen of Dakota Dunes; 9 grandchildren, Kelly (Adam) Stokes, Michael (Jaime) Blankenship, Andrew and Brandon Bainbridge, Christina (Justin Emmick) and Matthew (Ruthie Thongphet) Liston, Wendy, Ryan (Kathy) and Sean Clausen; 7 great-grandchildren, Ethan and Maycee Jo Emmick, Bella and Ben Stokes, Lainey Blankenship, Raechel Clausen and Brody Liston.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, 8 brothers and 7 sisters.

Pallbearers will be Father Doug and David Dandurand, Kelly Clausen, Tom Bainbridge, Stewart Huff and Steve Cote.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2019, Sioux City, Woodbury Co., IA, Obituary

Sioux City Journal (IA) - August 14, 2019

Randall Albert Barker, 67, of Sioux City, passed into glory on Monday, Aug. 12, 2019, after battling cancer and ensuing health problems since 2012. He was born Oct. 4, 1951, to Roy and Lois Barker and grew up in a devout Catholic household alongside his two brothers, Rodney and Rory.

Randy attended Sacred Heart as a student and later became a proud member of the Sacred Heart Parish. He was also a brother in the Knights of Columbus. Notably, Randy served six years in the Air National Guard. He made memories working for the Milwaukee Railroad for six years prior to working for MidAmerican Energy (formerly IPS), where he worked for 34 years until retiring in 2013.

Some of Randy's favorite things to do were watch Notre Dame Football with his close family and friends along with being a shareholder of the Green Bay Packers Football Team. He always referenced his catalog to ensure he knew who made the latest great play. He also enjoyed fishing and golfing with family, although he'd be the first to admit he came in third in a group of three. Randy really enjoyed spending time with his lifelong sweetheart Nancy, to whom he'd been with since they were 19 years old. They would enjoy sitting on their bench swing behind the house and watch wildlife by the river and just talk and drink coffee.

Although Randy may have left many friends and family members prematurely, we all can find solace that he is with his eldest son, Cole, once again rooting on the Fighting Irish.

Most people that knew Randy will agree that he possessed the following characteristics: Generous, honest, friendly, quirky, and hardworking. He would give you his shirt of his back and was hard pressed to tell a lie. Randy was easy to talk to and was willing to smile and chat with anybody. He may have mispronounced a word or two or needed something done in just a particular manner, but his goofy sense of humor always had his sons and wife laughing. Lastly, Randy was a hardworking man who provided for his family, whether it be putting his kids through college or ensuring we had the best medical care when we were ill. The world would be a better place if we had more people like Randall Barker. He will be truly missed.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents; and son, Cole Barker in 2010.

Randy was a proud father of two college graduates, Cole and Ceith, and an even prouder "Grimp" of his three grandchildren, Knox, River, and Eisley. Knox was his number one fishing buddy. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Nancy; son, Ceith and his wife, Lyndsay; his three grandchildren; godchildren, Kylie Marie Podany, Kezden Blankenship, Logan and Jadyn Smith; brothers, Roddy Barker and Rory (Sammee) Barker; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jackie (Lonny) Larson, Randy (Marilyn) Coleman, Brad Coleman, and Bruce Coleman; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Services will be 10:30 am, Friday, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with the Very Rev. Terry Roder officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Wright                                                                                                              

 

2010, Clarion, Wright Co., IA, Obituary

http://www.mocavo.com/visit?q=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fiagenweb.org%2Fboards%2Fwright%2Fobituaries%2Findex.cgi%3Fread%3D274933%0A&m=c172ee9e855497175c894aa32bd895ee

Wright County Monitor, Clarion, Iowa April 15, 2010

Lynn Rochelle Blankenship, 52, of Clarion, passed away Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at Careage of Clarion.

A celebration of life for Lynn Blankenship was held on Tuesday, April 6 at Careage of Clarion with Pastor Warren Curry officiating and music provided by Doris Andrews. Ewing Funeral Home in Clarion assisted the family with arrangements.

Lynn was born on June 7, 1957 in Newton to Verle and Marliss Blankenship.

Lynn came to live at Careage of Clarion December of 1978. Her second home provided her with excellent care and the many friends she made blessed her with love beyond measure. Lynn worshipped God at the Clarion Church of Christ and had a wonderful church family. They have cared for, loved her, and transported her to church services each Sunday. The city of Clarion embraced Lynn as a very special citizen, and she was known and loved by many. Her smile lighted many people's lives.

Lynn's family would like to acknowledge with special remembrance her Aunt Betty and Uncle Keith Bell and Aunt Karen and Uncle Harvey Hilpipre.

Lynn is survived by her parents, Verle and Marliss Blankenship; one sister Lisa Tompkins and her husband Dr. William Tompkins; and four beloved nephews.

Lynn was preceded in death by one sister, Maura Blankenship.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2010, Clarion, Wright Co., IA, Funeral

http://www.messengernews.net/page/content.detail/id/523718.html , POSTED: April 7, 2010

A celebration of life for Lynn Blankenship, 52, of Clarion was held on April 6, at Careage of Clarion. Ewing Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

2012, Dows, Wright Co., IA, Death

Published in Globe Gazette on December 21, 2012

Esther R. Blankenship, 92 [1930], of Dows passed away Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, at her home in Dows.

Inurnment will take place in the Graceland Cemetery in Webster City, at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Dugger Funeral Home, 100 N. Lee St. in Dows.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

 

Wright Co., SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi ,

Blankenship, Lynn R.        52, 07Jun1957 - 30Mar2010,           Clarion, Wright, IA,                        NY-108-46-3837