Donna Rae Pence, 81, of Burlington, died Saturday, June 3, 2023, at her home.

Born Sept. 21, 1941, in Burlington, she was the daughter of Alvin Matthew and Mary Virginia Stuck Rittler. On April 15, 1961, she married Jeremiah "Jerry" LeRoy Pence at St. John's Church in Burlington. He died on June 15, 1988.

Donna was a homemaker for many years. She later became the office manager for Advance Chiropractic Center.&nbsp;

Donna enjoyed bird watching and flower gardening. She was a good seamstress and liked remodeling projects. She enjoyed her many pets over the years and gave many stray cats a place to call home. Most of all, Donna enjoyed her family and loved spending time with "her girls," Jaedyn and Shae

Survivors include her son, Jeff (Michelle) Pence of Burlington; daughter, Alecia (Larry) Riley of Dardenne Prairie, Mo.; grandchildren, Jaedyn Pence and Shae Riley; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Mary Rittler, brother, Richard Rittler, and sister, Cheryl Mary Rittler.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.

Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials have been established for Burlington Notre Dame Foundation and the Special Needs Foundation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/6/1686069704257.jpeg" alt="Donna Rae Pence" />
 <figcaption>Donna Rae Pence</figcaption>
 </figure>Donna Rae Pence, 81, of Burlington, died Saturday, June 3, 2023, at her home.Born Sept. 21, 1941, in Burlington, she was the daughter of Alvin Matthew and Mary Virginia Stuck Rittler. On April 15, 1961, she married Jeremiah "Jerry" LeRoy Pence at St. John's Church in Burlington. He died on June 15, 1988.Donna was a homemaker for many years. She later became the office manager for Advance Chiropractic Center.&nbsp;Donna enjoyed bird watching and flower gardening. She was a good seamstress and liked remodeling projects. She enjoyed her many pets over the years and gave many stray cats a place to call home. Most of all, Donna enjoyed her family and loved spending time with "her girls," Jaedyn and ShaeSurvivors include her son, Jeff (Michelle) Pence of Burlington; daughter, Alecia (Larry) Riley of Dardenne Prairie, Mo.; grandchildren, Jaedyn Pence and Shae Riley; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Mary Rittler, brother, Richard Rittler, and sister, Cheryl Mary Rittler.Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery at a later date.Memorials have been established for Burlington Notre Dame Foundation and the Special Needs Foundation.

Donna Rae Pence

Doris Dalrymple Landes, 87, of Burlington, died Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center.

Born Sept. 23, 1935, in Fort Madison, she was the daughter of Clarence and Sadie Whittlesey Dalrymple. On October 23, 1955, she married Donald Landes at the Sante Fe Methodist Church in Fort Madison. He preceded her in death on April 15, 2022.

Doris graduated from Fort Madison High School. She worked for NW Bell Telephone in Fort Madison for eight years and later worked on the family farm in Denmark, Iowa.

Doris was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Middletown and held several offices. She enjoyed planting flowers, reading, taking care of her grandchildren, and loved to make family dinners. She enjoyed square dancing with the Merry Mixers.

Survivors include one daughter Brenda Wilkins of Danville; two sons Russell Landes of Denmark, Iowa and Mark Landes of Brazil; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one brother Chester Dalrymple of Burlington; one sister Joan (Rolland) Hancock of St. Louis, Mo. and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Don, one sister Sue Magoon and two grandchildren, Roy and Deanne .

Per her wishes, cremation has been accorded and entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel.

The memorial service for Doris will be 11 a.m. Saturday, June 10 at Lunning Chapel with Jay Clover officiating. Family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Inurnment will be held on a future date in Long Creek Cemetery.

Memorials have been established for the Battered Women’s Shelter and Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/6/1686069289237.png" alt="Doris Dalrymple Landes" />
 <figcaption>Doris Dalrymple Landes</figcaption>
 </figure>Doris Dalrymple Landes, 87, of Burlington, died Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center.Born Sept. 23, 1935, in Fort Madison, she was the daughter of Clarence and Sadie Whittlesey Dalrymple. On October 23, 1955, she married Donald Landes at the Sante Fe Methodist Church in Fort Madison. He preceded her in death on April 15, 2022.Doris graduated from Fort Madison High School. She worked for NW Bell Telephone in Fort Madison for eight years and later worked on the family farm in Denmark, Iowa.Doris was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Middletown and held several offices. She enjoyed planting flowers, reading, taking care of her grandchildren, and loved to make family dinners. She enjoyed square dancing with the Merry Mixers.Survivors include one daughter Brenda Wilkins of Danville; two sons Russell Landes of Denmark, Iowa and Mark Landes of Brazil; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one brother Chester Dalrymple of Burlington; one sister Joan (Rolland) Hancock of St. Louis, Mo. and several nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Don, one sister Sue Magoon and two grandchildren, Roy and Deanne .Per her wishes, cremation has been accorded and entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel.The memorial service for Doris will be 11 a.m. Saturday, June 10 at Lunning Chapel with Jay Clover officiating. Family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Inurnment will be held on a future date in Long Creek Cemetery.Memorials have been established for the Battered Women’s Shelter and Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice.

Doris Dalrymple Landes

Carole M. Klees, 91, of Burlington, died Friday, June 2, 2023, at the OakView Nursing Home and Rehabilitation in Burlington. Born Aug. 23, 1931, in Bonaparte, she was the daughter of Peter and Ludgardis Striegel Osweiler. On Jan. 22, 1955, she married Mervin R. Klees in Farmington. He died on April 28, 2015. She was a 1949 graduate of Bonaparte High School and a 1952 graduate of Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Burlington. She was a nurse for 40 years working at Mercy Hospital, IRC, BMC, and IAAP. She was a member of Divine Mercy Parish. She belonged to St. Gerardi Circle, Burlington Federated Women's Club, Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary, Jane A. Delano Nurses Association, BMC Auxiliary, AARP, Friends of the Depot volunteer, and NARVRE unit 167. Carole loved gardening, bird watching, watching any Iowa Hawkeye sports, and dancing. Survivors include her three sons, Michael Klees and Peter (Lisa) Klees both of Burlington, and Paul Klees (Michelle) of Stronghurst, Ill. grandchildren, Phillip, Kyle (Jessica), Chad and Amanda Klees, and Machele Osborn Bey, and great-grandchildren, Khloe and Adam Lundquist, Kelse and Kaleb Klees, and Mikai Osborn Bey; one sister Patricia (Paul) McMican of Millersville, Pa.; very dear friend Ruth Powers and foreign exchange student, Sebas Olivan of Barcelona, Spain. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two brothers, five sisters, and numerous dogs named Smokey. Visitation will be&nbsp;from 12:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. with the family to receive friends following&nbsp;a 6 p.m. Rosary Service&nbsp;until 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service,&nbsp;3940 Division Street. The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection for Mrs. Klees will be&nbsp;10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 8, 2023, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Very Rev. Father Marty Goetz as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.&nbsp; A time of food and fellowship will be held at St. John's Cafeteria following the burial.&nbsp; In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for St. Vincent De Paul. Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/6/1686066136914.jpeg" alt="KleesCarol.jpeg" />
 <figcaption>KleesCarol.jpeg</figcaption>
 </figure>Carole M. Klees, 91, of Burlington, died Friday, June 2, 2023, at the OakView Nursing Home and Rehabilitation in Burlington. Born Aug. 23, 1931, in Bonaparte, she was the daughter of Peter and Ludgardis Striegel Osweiler. On Jan. 22, 1955, she married Mervin R. Klees in Farmington. He died on April 28, 2015. She was a 1949 graduate of Bonaparte High School and a 1952 graduate of Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Burlington. She was a nurse for 40 years working at Mercy Hospital, IRC, BMC, and IAAP. She was a member of Divine Mercy Parish. She belonged to St. Gerardi Circle, Burlington Federated Women's Club, Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary, Jane A. Delano Nurses Association, BMC Auxiliary, AARP, Friends of the Depot volunteer, and NARVRE unit 167. Carole loved gardening, bird watching, watching any Iowa Hawkeye sports, and dancing. Survivors include her three sons, Michael Klees and Peter (Lisa) Klees both of Burlington, and Paul Klees (Michelle) of Stronghurst, Ill. grandchildren, Phillip, Kyle (Jessica), Chad and Amanda Klees, and Machele Osborn Bey, and great-grandchildren, Khloe and Adam Lundquist, Kelse and Kaleb Klees, and Mikai Osborn Bey; one sister Patricia (Paul) McMican of Millersville, Pa.; very dear friend Ruth Powers and foreign exchange student, Sebas Olivan of Barcelona, Spain. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two brothers, five sisters, and numerous dogs named Smokey. Visitation will be&nbsp;from 12:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. with the family to receive friends following&nbsp;a 6 p.m. Rosary Service&nbsp;until 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service,&nbsp;3940 Division Street. The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection for Mrs. Klees will be&nbsp;10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 8, 2023, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Very Rev. Father Marty Goetz as the Celebrant. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.&nbsp; A time of food and fellowship will be held at St. John's Cafeteria following the burial.&nbsp; In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for St. Vincent De Paul. Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.

Carole M. Klees

Ronald M. Bechtel, 77, of West Burlington, died Friday, June 2, 2023, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.

Born January 27, 1946, in Burlington, Iowa, he was the son of Earl Max and Helen P. Conlee Bechtel. &nbsp;

He was a 1965 graduate of West Burlington High School and served in the Army and Army Reserves.

He married Joanne Brown, they later divorced. &nbsp;He then married Barbara Howell on Nov. 23, 1976.

Ron was a welder and machine operator for Winegard Co., until his retirement in 2008. &nbsp;He previously worked for Catepillar and J.I. Case.

Ron enjoyed playing golf and cookouts and fish fries at the house. &nbsp;He had&nbsp;a great personality and was always there for his family and was very close to his nieces.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Bechtel of West Burlington; two children, Mary Lou (Jeff) Birdsell of Montrose, and James Bechtel of West Point; four grandchildren, April Fields of Good Hope, Ill., Jessica (Billy) Foutch of Bushnell, Danielle (Ian) Kreps of Fort Madison, and Caleb Birdsell of Montrose; five great grandchildren; god daughter and niece, Lindsay (Ryan) Schneider of Davenport; godson and nephew, Jonathan Mack of Ames; &nbsp;one brother, Gary Bechtel&nbsp;of Burlington; four sisters, Linda (Fred) Hofmann, Marlene Jacobs, Tina Olomon and Brenda (Kevin) Graham all of Burlington; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Wilbanks, Cheryl (Jerry) Powell, Kathy (Mike) McCannon and Julia (Dan) Wischmier all of Burlington; brothers-in-law, John Howell,&nbsp;James (Tammy) Howell&nbsp;and Rick Schoof&nbsp;all&nbsp;of Burlington and Michael Howell of Biggsville, Ill. and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four sisters-in-law, Sandra Howell, Patricia Sutty, Joann Schoof and Theresa Mack and brother-in-law Hoss Sutty.

The funeral service for Mr. Bechtel will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 7 at Lunning Chapel. &nbsp;The Very Rev. Father Marty Goetz will officiate. &nbsp;The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the funeral service.&nbsp;

A private family inurnment will be held on Thursday as Aspen Grove Cemetery.

A memorial has been established for the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/6/1685851929853.jpeg" alt="Ronald M. Bechtel" />
 <figcaption>Ronald M. Bechtel</figcaption>
 </figure>Ronald M. Bechtel, 77, of West Burlington, died Friday, June 2, 2023, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.Born January 27, 1946, in Burlington, Iowa, he was the son of Earl Max and Helen P. Conlee Bechtel. &nbsp;He was a 1965 graduate of West Burlington High School and served in the Army and Army Reserves.He married Joanne Brown, they later divorced. &nbsp;He then married Barbara Howell on Nov. 23, 1976.Ron was a welder and machine operator for Winegard Co., until his retirement in 2008. &nbsp;He previously worked for Catepillar and J.I. Case.He was a member of Divine Mercy Parish.Ron enjoyed playing golf and cookouts and fish fries at the house. &nbsp;He had&nbsp;a great personality and was always there for his family and was very close to his nieces.He is survived by his wife Barbara Bechtel of West Burlington; two children, Mary Lou (Jeff) Birdsell of Montrose, and James Bechtel of West Point; four grandchildren, April Fields of Good Hope, Ill., Jessica (Billy) Foutch of Bushnell, Danielle (Ian) Kreps of Fort Madison, and Caleb Birdsell of Montrose; five great grandchildren; god daughter and niece, Lindsay (Ryan) Schneider of Davenport; godson and nephew, Jonathan Mack of Ames; &nbsp;one brother, Gary Bechtel&nbsp;of Burlington; four sisters, Linda (Fred) Hofmann, Marlene Jacobs, Tina Olomon and Brenda (Kevin) Graham all of Burlington; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Wilbanks, Cheryl (Jerry) Powell, Kathy (Mike) McCannon and Julia (Dan) Wischmier all of Burlington; brothers-in-law, John Howell,&nbsp;James (Tammy) Howell&nbsp;and Rick Schoof&nbsp;all&nbsp;of Burlington and Michael Howell of Biggsville, Ill. and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents and four sisters-in-law, Sandra Howell, Patricia Sutty, Joann Schoof and Theresa Mack and brother-in-law Hoss Sutty.The funeral service for Mr. Bechtel will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 7 at Lunning Chapel. &nbsp;The Very Rev. Father Marty Goetz will officiate. &nbsp;The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the funeral service.&nbsp;A private family inurnment will be held on Thursday as Aspen Grove Cemetery.A memorial has been established for the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House.

Ronald M. Bechtel

Carol Oglesby, 69, of Lowell, died Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice in West Burlington.

Born Oct. 31, 1953, in Burlington, she was the daughter of Joseph Edward and Jane C. Moyner Clark. On March 11, 1972, she married Richard Oglesby.

She graduated from Western Illinois University.

She was a CPA and CFE, and taught at Iowa Wesleyan University and Southeastern Community College.&nbsp;

She enjoyed reading; especially anything by Stephen King, cooking and spending time with her grandchildren and her dog, Popcorn.

Survivors include her son, Ed (Kathy) Oglesby of Kansas; two grandsons, Justin and Jacob Oglesby; one granddaughter, Breanna Oglesby; four great-grandsons, Jaedin, Simon and Jonah Oglesby and Brantly Windsor; three great-granddaughters, Kinleigh Oglesby and Khloe and Brooklynn Windsor; two sisters, Liz (John) Modrell of Beaverdale, and Jane (Kevin) Rechkemmer of West Burlington; one brother, Joey Clark, Jr. of Burlington; sister-in-law, Nancy Clark of West Beaverdale; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Jane, and brother, Charles Clark III.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/6/1685763263172.jpeg" alt="Carol Oglesby" />
 <figcaption>Carol Oglesby</figcaption>
 </figure>Carol Oglesby, 69, of Lowell, died Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice in West Burlington.Born Oct. 31, 1953, in Burlington, she was the daughter of Joseph Edward and Jane C. Moyner Clark. On March 11, 1972, she married Richard Oglesby.She graduated from Western Illinois University.She was a CPA and CFE, and taught at Iowa Wesleyan University and Southeastern Community College.&nbsp;She enjoyed reading; especially anything by Stephen King, cooking and spending time with her grandchildren and her dog, Popcorn.Survivors include her son, Ed (Kathy) Oglesby of Kansas; two grandsons, Justin and Jacob Oglesby; one granddaughter, Breanna Oglesby; four great-grandsons, Jaedin, Simon and Jonah Oglesby and Brantly Windsor; three great-granddaughters, Kinleigh Oglesby and Khloe and Brooklynn Windsor; two sisters, Liz (John) Modrell of Beaverdale, and Jane (Kevin) Rechkemmer of West Burlington; one brother, Joey Clark, Jr. of Burlington; sister-in-law, Nancy Clark of West Beaverdale; and several nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Jane, and brother, Charles Clark III.&nbsp;Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.There will be no visitation or services.

Carol Oglesby

Dennis Lee Zegarac, 80, of Burlington, died Thursday, May 25, 2023, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.

Born Feb. 5, 1943, in Waterloo, he was the son of Nick &nbsp;and Irene Delores Aldrich Zegarac.&nbsp;

After high school, Dennis served in the United States Air Force from Nov. 1961 to Nov. 1965 and then received his bachelor's degree in English.&nbsp;

Dennis was employed with the Southeast Iowa Agency on aging, serving as their Executive Director in Council Bluffs.

Survivors include nephew Scott Zeharac of Waterloo, and &nbsp;friend, Glen Hupp of Wever.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Nicholas.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory, and no services will be held at this time.

Dennis Lee Zegarac, 80, of Burlington, died Thursday, May 25, 2023, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.Born Feb. 5, 1943, in Waterloo, he was the son of Nick &nbsp;and Irene Delores Aldrich Zegarac.&nbsp;After high school, Dennis served in the United States Air Force from Nov. 1961 to Nov. 1965 and then received his bachelor's degree in English.&nbsp;Dennis was employed with the Southeast Iowa Agency on aging, serving as their Executive Director in Council Bluffs.Survivors include nephew Scott Zeharac of Waterloo, and &nbsp;friend, Glen Hupp of Wever.He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Nicholas.Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory, and no services will be held at this time.

Dennis Lee Zegarac

Jeannie Kuster, 81, died in the Klein Center in West Burlington, at 1:42 a.m. on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Her husband, her daughter Beth, and her younger sisters Kim and Jackie were by her side when she took her last breath. Her cremation was entrusted to Iowa Cremation in Cedar Rapids.&nbsp;

A celebration of Jeannie’s life will take place at First Christian Church on Park Avenue in Burlington on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, at 11 a.m., with food and fellowship to follow at the church. In the meantime, please plan to visit Jeannie’s memorial bench, which will be installed near the gazebo in Perkins Park sometime this summer.

Born Claudette Jean Brown on Nov. 20, 1941, in Leon, Iowa, Jeannie was the daughter of Claude and Bernice Baker Brown. She married Thomas Kuster at Grace Methodist Church in Burlington on Feb. 18, 1962.&nbsp;

As the oldest of 10 girls, Jeannie was a loving mother to not only her own two daughters, Tamara (Washington, Iowa) and Elizabeth (Brooklyn, New York), but also to many of her younger sisters. A tomboy as a child, she liked to climb trees and peek into birds’ nests. She grew up in poverty in a house without indoor plumbing or running water.&nbsp; Ever practical, she started grocery shopping for her family at age 7, pulling her wagon to the grocery store in Leon and buying as much food as she could with the money her mom gave her. At age 8, she walked into church in Leon all by herself and demanded to be baptized. She bought a life insurance policy at age 12 when she realized that her parents couldn’t afford to bury her if she died.

Jeannie was bubbly, kind, honest, considerate, gracious, conscientious, fun, and funny. Whenever Hot Butter’s “Popcorn Song” came on the radio in the 1970s, she would gently brake in time to the beat, making the car “dance” — and her little girls shout with laughter. She once astonished her family by breaking into a tap dance routine; turned out, she had learned how to tap as a kid by watching her best friend’s lessons through the window.&nbsp;

Jeannie was talented, hard-working, reliable, loyal, and logical. She could and did fix almost anything. She led by example and was a mentor to many. She loved life and handled everything life threw at her with great confidence and ease.

Jeannie was a drum majorette at Leon High School; after her family moved to Burlington, she became a member of the National Honor Society at Burlington High School, where she won the Sylvania Secretarial Award. She graduated from BHS in 1960, then worked as a legal secretary for Hirsch, Riepe &amp; Wright in Burlington until 1963. She sold Avon in Peoria, Ill., for a few years in the 1960s and ’70s, and was very successful at it because she loved the products and was so gorgeous, glamorous, elegant, and stylish herself. She was especially obsessed with nail polish and had dozens of bottles.&nbsp;

From 1974 to 1984, Jeannie was executive secretary and bookkeeper for Orville E. Kelly, founder of the nonprofit organizations Make Today Count and the National Association of Atomic Veterans (NAAV). A skilled stenographer, she took excellent shorthand and had expert knowledge of office management. She typed and proofread Orville’s two successful nonfiction books, “Make Today Count” (Delacorte Press) and “Until Tomorrow Comes” (Everest House), and also wrote and edited the NAAV newsletters. In 1985, she became a licensed life and health insurance agent, with clients in Iowa and Illinois.

Most Friday and Saturday nights of their marriage, she and Tom would hit the local hotspots and dance the night away. She had a great sense of rhythm and loved a good beat. To listen to Jeannie’s favorite dance tunes, check out the Spotify playlist “Boogie with Jeannie!” by visiting <a href="https://tinyurl.com/5n6e6e5t">https://tinyurl.com/5n6e6e5t</a> .

Jeannie loved interior decorating and was constantly rearranging her home. She loved taking care of her yard, too, and called it her “Garden of Eden.” She enjoyed fishing and being in nature, and fed thousands of squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, raccoons, butterflies, and birds over the years. (Hummingbirds were her favorite.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jeannie also enjoyed traveling around the U.S. (especially New York and California), reading and playing word games, card games, and Bingo. A passionate bridge player, she played duplicate bridge with the Mississippi River Bridge Gang for decades. She made fabulous fried chicken, rabbit gravy, potato soup, and barbecue spare ribs.

On June 26, 2003, Jeannie’s tire blew on Burlington Hill in Fort Madison and she collided with a truck head-on. She suffered a traumatic brain injury in the wreck, along with a severed portal vein, two severed arteries, broken ribs, collapsed lungs, a shattered elbow, a fractured ankle, and injured colon. She literally bled to death and was resuscitated seven times. At one point she stopped breathing for five minutes. Jeannie had to be cut out of her car and airlifted to Iowa City, where she was comatose for several days, then hospitalized for 10 weeks. At first, she didn’t recognize her husband, her daughters, or even herself. She didn’t remember the months of the year, the days of the week, or how to walk. Her healing process took months, but was truly miraculous to see.

Incredibly, Jeannie’s brilliant mind eventually regained its sharpness: In 2014, an astounding 11 years after her brain was permanently injured in the car crash, she received her Gold Life Master Certificate from the American Contract Bridge League.&nbsp;

She felt closer to God after the accident, telling a Hawk Eye reporter in 2003, “I am the Lord’s saved person. All I’ve done is pray and thank Jesus for saving me.” She and Tom became members of First Christian Church; for several years, the two of them visited fellow church members in area nursing homes. Jeannie’s family is so grateful that they had her for those 20 extra years.

In addition to her husband and two daughters, Jeannie is survived by her sisters Jaye Taylor,&nbsp;of Santa Barbara, Calif.; Debbie Dotson, of Dickson, Tenn.; Claudia Rehman, Tina Brown, Kimberly Kienast&nbsp;and Jackie Brown, all of Burlington; and dozens of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She is also survived by many in-laws she loved dearly: Gerry Kuster, Sherry Kuster, Dennis and Joyce Kuster, Karen and Larry Eickmann, Jan and Frank Hennenfent, Debbie Eastburn and Linda Kuster.

Jeannie was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Marilyn Pilgram, Dianna Dickinson and Linda Seitz, and many adored friends and in-laws.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation in Jeannie’s name to First Christian Church or the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Diversity Program, which works to protect the beautiful native butterflies and birds that Jeannie loved so much: <a href="https://programs.iowadnr.gov/donations/Donation/Add/4">https://programs.iowadnr.gov/donations/Donation/Add/4</a> .

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/6/1685646796386.jpeg" alt="Jeannie Kuster" />
 <figcaption>Jeannie Kuster</figcaption>
 </figure>Jeannie Kuster, 81, died in the Klein Center in West Burlington, at 1:42 a.m. on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Her husband, her daughter Beth, and her younger sisters Kim and Jackie were by her side when she took her last breath. Her cremation was entrusted to Iowa Cremation in Cedar Rapids.&nbsp;A celebration of Jeannie’s life will take place at First Christian Church on Park Avenue in Burlington on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, at 11 a.m., with food and fellowship to follow at the church. In the meantime, please plan to visit Jeannie’s memorial bench, which will be installed near the gazebo in Perkins Park sometime this summer.Born Claudette Jean Brown on Nov. 20, 1941, in Leon, Iowa, Jeannie was the daughter of Claude and Bernice Baker Brown. She married Thomas Kuster at Grace Methodist Church in Burlington on Feb. 18, 1962.&nbsp;As the oldest of 10 girls, Jeannie was a loving mother to not only her own two daughters, Tamara (Washington, Iowa) and Elizabeth (Brooklyn, New York), but also to many of her younger sisters. A tomboy as a child, she liked to climb trees and peek into birds’ nests. She grew up in poverty in a house without indoor plumbing or running water.&nbsp; Ever practical, she started grocery shopping for her family at age 7, pulling her wagon to the grocery store in Leon and buying as much food as she could with the money her mom gave her. At age 8, she walked into church in Leon all by herself and demanded to be baptized. She bought a life insurance policy at age 12 when she realized that her parents couldn’t afford to bury her if she died.Jeannie was bubbly, kind, honest, considerate, gracious, conscientious, fun, and funny. Whenever Hot Butter’s “Popcorn Song” came on the radio in the 1970s, she would gently brake in time to the beat, making the car “dance” — and her little girls shout with laughter. She once astonished her family by breaking into a tap dance routine; turned out, she had learned how to tap as a kid by watching her best friend’s lessons through the window.&nbsp;Jeannie was talented, hard-working, reliable, loyal, and logical. She could and did fix almost anything. She led by example and was a mentor to many. She loved life and handled everything life threw at her with great confidence and ease.Jeannie was a drum majorette at Leon High School; after her family moved to Burlington, she became a member of the National Honor Society at Burlington High School, where she won the Sylvania Secretarial Award. She graduated from BHS in 1960, then worked as a legal secretary for Hirsch, Riepe &amp; Wright in Burlington until 1963. She sold Avon in Peoria, Ill., for a few years in the 1960s and ’70s, and was very successful at it because she loved the products and was so gorgeous, glamorous, elegant, and stylish herself. She was especially obsessed with nail polish and had dozens of bottles.&nbsp;From 1974 to 1984, Jeannie was executive secretary and bookkeeper for Orville E. Kelly, founder of the nonprofit organizations Make Today Count and the National Association of Atomic Veterans (NAAV). A skilled stenographer, she took excellent shorthand and had expert knowledge of office management. She typed and proofread Orville’s two successful nonfiction books, “Make Today Count” (Delacorte Press) and “Until Tomorrow Comes” (Everest House), and also wrote and edited the NAAV newsletters. In 1985, she became a licensed life and health insurance agent, with clients in Iowa and Illinois.Most Friday and Saturday nights of their marriage, she and Tom would hit the local hotspots and dance the night away. She had a great sense of rhythm and loved a good beat. To listen to Jeannie’s favorite dance tunes, check out the Spotify playlist “Boogie with Jeannie!” by visiting <a href="https://tinyurl.com/5n6e6e5t">https://tinyurl.com/5n6e6e5t</a> .Jeannie loved interior decorating and was constantly rearranging her home. She loved taking care of her yard, too, and called it her “Garden of Eden.” She enjoyed fishing and being in nature, and fed thousands of squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, raccoons, butterflies, and birds over the years. (Hummingbirds were her favorite.)&nbsp;&nbsp;Jeannie also enjoyed traveling around the U.S. (especially New York and California), reading and playing word games, card games, and Bingo. A passionate bridge player, she played duplicate bridge with the Mississippi River Bridge Gang for decades. She made fabulous fried chicken, rabbit gravy, potato soup, and barbecue spare ribs.On June 26, 2003, Jeannie’s tire blew on Burlington Hill in Fort Madison and she collided with a truck head-on. She suffered a traumatic brain injury in the wreck, along with a severed portal vein, two severed arteries, broken ribs, collapsed lungs, a shattered elbow, a fractured ankle, and injured colon. She literally bled to death and was resuscitated seven times. At one point she stopped breathing for five minutes. Jeannie had to be cut out of her car and airlifted to Iowa City, where she was comatose for several days, then hospitalized for 10 weeks. At first, she didn’t recognize her husband, her daughters, or even herself. She didn’t remember the months of the year, the days of the week, or how to walk. Her healing process took months, but was truly miraculous to see.Incredibly, Jeannie’s brilliant mind eventually regained its sharpness: In 2014, an astounding 11 years after her brain was permanently injured in the car crash, she received her Gold Life Master Certificate from the American Contract Bridge League.&nbsp;She felt closer to God after the accident, telling a Hawk Eye reporter in 2003, “I am the Lord’s saved person. All I’ve done is pray and thank Jesus for saving me.” She and Tom became members of First Christian Church; for several years, the two of them visited fellow church members in area nursing homes. Jeannie’s family is so grateful that they had her for those 20 extra years.In addition to her husband and two daughters, Jeannie is survived by her sisters Jaye Taylor,&nbsp;of Santa Barbara, Calif.; Debbie Dotson, of Dickson, Tenn.; Claudia Rehman, Tina Brown, Kimberly Kienast&nbsp;and Jackie Brown, all of Burlington; and dozens of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She is also survived by many in-laws she loved dearly: Gerry Kuster, Sherry Kuster, Dennis and Joyce Kuster, Karen and Larry Eickmann, Jan and Frank Hennenfent, Debbie Eastburn and Linda Kuster.Jeannie was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Marilyn Pilgram, Dianna Dickinson and Linda Seitz, and many adored friends and in-laws.In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation in Jeannie’s name to First Christian Church or the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Diversity Program, which works to protect the beautiful native butterflies and birds that Jeannie loved so much: <a href="https://programs.iowadnr.gov/donations/Donation/Add/4">https://programs.iowadnr.gov/donations/Donation/Add/4</a> .

Jeannie Kuster

Loretta Lynn Byous, 64, &nbsp;May 30, 2023, in Burlington, after a brutal battle with Leukemia. She was 64.

Better known as "Cookey" to much of her family, Lynn was born in Modesto, Calif. but spent the later years of her life in the simple comforts of the Midwest. She will be remembered as a vibrant and charismatic woman who marched through life to the beat of her own drum. Her song was one of persistence, perseverance, and above all, humor. She was an animated storyteller and her laugh was contagious. She was the "cool" aunt. She was the ever-proud lover of all cats, having taken in just about every stray she ever encountered. She both loved and fought so fiercely.

Lynn is survived by her daughter, Desiree Marchant; granddaughter, Kellie Marchant; brother, Larry Friesen; sisters, Dawn Clausen, Kitty (Nick) Bakker, Lawanna (Bob) Soto, and Ginger Edwards; and her many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Lori, Linda, and Lana, and her brother, Mark.

After inurnment, a remembrance will be held privately for her family.

Prugh Funeral Service is in care of arrangements.

Cremation has been entrusted to Prugh Crematory.

In lieu of flowers, her family has set up a fund to assist with end of life expenses at https://gofund.me/5eae9919.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/6/1685645955817.jpeg" alt="Lorett Byous" />
 <figcaption>Lorett Byous</figcaption>
 </figure>Loretta Lynn Byous, 64, &nbsp;May 30, 2023, in Burlington, after a brutal battle with Leukemia. She was 64.Better known as "Cookey" to much of her family, Lynn was born in Modesto, Calif. but spent the later years of her life in the simple comforts of the Midwest. She will be remembered as a vibrant and charismatic woman who marched through life to the beat of her own drum. Her song was one of persistence, perseverance, and above all, humor. She was an animated storyteller and her laugh was contagious. She was the "cool" aunt. She was the ever-proud lover of all cats, having taken in just about every stray she ever encountered. She both loved and fought so fiercely.Lynn is survived by her daughter, Desiree Marchant; granddaughter, Kellie Marchant; brother, Larry Friesen; sisters, Dawn Clausen, Kitty (Nick) Bakker, Lawanna (Bob) Soto, and Ginger Edwards; and her many nieces and nephews.She is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Lori, Linda, and Lana, and her brother, Mark.After inurnment, a remembrance will be held privately for her family.Prugh Funeral Service is in care of arrangements.Cremation has been entrusted to Prugh Crematory.In lieu of flowers, her family has set up a fund to assist with end of life expenses at https://gofund.me/5eae9919.

Loretta Lynn Byous

John Joesph Gayewski, 87, of Burlington, died Sunday, May 28, 2023, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.

Born May 31, 1935, in Pine Island, N.Y., he was the son of Bronislaw and Regina S. Sedlak Gayewski. John was the first member of his family to be born in the United States, after his parents immigrated from Poland. On May 25, 1957, he married Ruth Ann Miller in Orange County, N.Y.. She died Sept. 28, 2015.

John worked on his onion farm in Pine Island, N.Y., for many years. He then moved his family to Iowa and worked for Georgia Pacific.

He was a member of Divine Mercy Parish. John enjoyed listening to Polkas, and was a friend with Polka King Jimmy Stir. He loved being outdoors, either fishing or tending his hundreds of acres of onions. John was great at making Polska Kielbasa.

Survivors include one son, John (Denise) Gayewski, Jr. of Burlington; two daughters, Nancy Mutchler of West Burlington, and Diane (Keith) Ball of Oakville; 10 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Viola Gayewski of Warwick, N.Y., and Regina Gayewski of West Town, N.Y. and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Barney, and eight sisters, Jean, Mary, Charlotte, Genevieve, Josie, Pauline, Mickie, and Stella.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., Friday, June 9, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.

The funeral service for Mr. Gayewski will be 11 a.m. Friday, June 9, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street with Rev. Father Bill Roush officiating. &nbsp;Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/6/1685635842385.jpeg" alt="John Joesph Gayewski" />
 <figcaption>John Joesph Gayewski</figcaption>
 </figure>John Joesph Gayewski, 87, of Burlington, died Sunday, May 28, 2023, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.Born May 31, 1935, in Pine Island, N.Y., he was the son of Bronislaw and Regina S. Sedlak Gayewski. John was the first member of his family to be born in the United States, after his parents immigrated from Poland. On May 25, 1957, he married Ruth Ann Miller in Orange County, N.Y.. She died Sept. 28, 2015.John worked on his onion farm in Pine Island, N.Y., for many years. He then moved his family to Iowa and worked for Georgia Pacific.He was a member of Divine Mercy Parish. John enjoyed listening to Polkas, and was a friend with Polka King Jimmy Stir. He loved being outdoors, either fishing or tending his hundreds of acres of onions. John was great at making Polska Kielbasa.Survivors include one son, John (Denise) Gayewski, Jr. of Burlington; two daughters, Nancy Mutchler of West Burlington, and Diane (Keith) Ball of Oakville; 10 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Viola Gayewski of Warwick, N.Y., and Regina Gayewski of West Town, N.Y. and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Barney, and eight sisters, Jean, Mary, Charlotte, Genevieve, Josie, Pauline, Mickie, and Stella.Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., Friday, June 9, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.The funeral service for Mr. Gayewski will be 11 a.m. Friday, June 9, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street with Rev. Father Bill Roush officiating. &nbsp;Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. &nbsp;

John Joesph Gayewski

Kevin Brent Nickell, 60, of Mount Pleasant, died Sunday, May 28, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals &amp; Clinics in Iowa City.

Born Feb. 24, 1963, in Mo., he was the son of James William and Carolyn Ruth Krummel Nickell.

He graduated from Burlington High School in 1981. Kevin worked at Innovairre for 39 years where he ran the printing press and then later became the Press Room Lead Supervisor.

Kevin was part of Midwest Central Railroad as a conductor/ brakeman in Mt Pleasant. Kevin was a Civil War history buff. He enjoyed golfing at the Mt Pleasant Golf Club. He also enjoyed gambling, playing cards (Pitch), hiking, Geode Hunting, and baseball, especially the St. Louis Cardinals fan. Kevin liked traveling with his son, and they visited many natural parks.

Survivors include son, Ben Nickell of Mount Pleasant; sister, DeeAnn (John) Howard of New London; nephew, Matthew (Stephanie) Hicks of New London; and niece, Karrie (Justin) Lox of Kansas City, Kan.

He was preceded in death by his parents.&nbsp;

The Graveside Committal Service for family and close friends will be held for Mr. Nickell will be 2 p.m. Friday, June 2, 2023, at Long Creek Cemetery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/6/1685634564822.jpeg" alt="Kevin Nickell" />
 <figcaption>Kevin Nickell</figcaption>
 </figure>Kevin Brent Nickell, 60, of Mount Pleasant, died Sunday, May 28, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals &amp; Clinics in Iowa City.Born Feb. 24, 1963, in Mo., he was the son of James William and Carolyn Ruth Krummel Nickell.He graduated from Burlington High School in 1981. Kevin worked at Innovairre for 39 years where he ran the printing press and then later became the Press Room Lead Supervisor.Kevin was part of Midwest Central Railroad as a conductor/ brakeman in Mt Pleasant. Kevin was a Civil War history buff. He enjoyed golfing at the Mt Pleasant Golf Club. He also enjoyed gambling, playing cards (Pitch), hiking, Geode Hunting, and baseball, especially the St. Louis Cardinals fan. Kevin liked traveling with his son, and they visited many natural parks.Survivors include son, Ben Nickell of Mount Pleasant; sister, DeeAnn (John) Howard of New London; nephew, Matthew (Stephanie) Hicks of New London; and niece, Karrie (Justin) Lox of Kansas City, Kan.He was preceded in death by his parents.&nbsp;Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.The Graveside Committal Service for family and close friends will be held for Mr. Nickell will be 2 p.m. Friday, June 2, 2023, at Long Creek Cemetery.

Kevin Brent Nickell

Connie J. Gentry died Thursday, May 25, 2023, at the Morning Sun Care Center.

Connie was born in Burlington on Sept. 3, 1949, to James W. and Opal L. Armpriest Gentry.

She graduated from Burlington High School and the University of Iowa.

She chose a career in the business world and held several professional positions with companies in Iowa, Illinois, Arizona, and California; where she resided until she returned to Iowa.

Music was a large part of her life, and she became an accomplished vocalist, singing at events and performing in the theater.

She is survived by her brothers, Edward and Michael (Michele) Gentry; a niece; four nephews; and several great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

Per her wishes, no services will be held.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/6/1685634360802.jpeg" alt="Connie J. Gentry" />
 <figcaption>Connie J. Gentry</figcaption>
 </figure>Connie J. Gentry died Thursday, May 25, 2023, at the Morning Sun Care Center.Connie was born in Burlington on Sept. 3, 1949, to James W. and Opal L. Armpriest Gentry.She graduated from Burlington High School and the University of Iowa.She chose a career in the business world and held several professional positions with companies in Iowa, Illinois, Arizona, and California; where she resided until she returned to Iowa.Music was a large part of her life, and she became an accomplished vocalist, singing at events and performing in the theater.She is survived by her brothers, Edward and Michael (Michele) Gentry; a niece; four nephews; and several great-nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.Per her wishes, no services will be held.Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery.

Connie J. Gentry

William Pike “Bill” Porter, 87, of Danville, died Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Oakview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Born Sept. 27, 1935 in Lewis County, Mo., he was the son of James "Pike" and Ruth Cary Porter.&nbsp; He graduated from Mediapolis High School in 1953, and on Dec. 23, 1956, he married Jeanita “Sally” Croson in Morning Sun.

Mr. Porter lived a life of service and dedicated himself to changing his community through direct action. A longtime Democrat and member of West Hill United Methodist Church, he served on the Danville City Council for 15 years, volunteered on the Danville Fire Department for 28 years, and both coached and umpired for Danville Little League baseball games for countless years. His passion for workers’ rights led him to serve as a founding member of the UAW 807 retirees, where he was the first recording secretary. Bill ran the Danville Farm Service Station and worked for 20 years at J.I. Case Company. He loved bowling and traveling, grilled one heck of a hamburger, attended every event he could of his children and grandchildren, adored his wife, and will be remembered by his loved ones as a tender-hearted teddy bear who loved to tease.

Survivors include his wife, Sally, of Danville; one daughter, Lori (Dan) Waldron, of Woodbine, Ga.; one son, Tom (Annette) Porter, of St. Charles, Ill.; eight grandchildren Ashlea Hingst, Brandee (Zach) Elliott, James (Chieko) Knopp, Rachel Gunn, Jocelyn (Cass) Hornbaker, Bekah (Chris) Sandy, John (Sarah) Porter, Katie (Samuel) Foreman; one step grandchild Brian Waldron; sixteen great-grandchildren Raelynn, Elias, Nik, Robyn, Dylan, Juliet, Jordan, Alexis, Cole, Cal, Ruth, Nathanael, Malachi, Asher, Ainsley, Eleanor; five step great-grandchildren Martin, Kenze, Peyton, Bradley and Kace and his chosen brother, Jim Cary, of Danville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Rhonda Reeves, granddaughter Melissa Porter, and one infant sister.

Per his wishes, cremation has been accorded and entrusted to the care of Lunning Funeral Chapel. Services and inurnment will be at a later date at Long Creek Cemetery.

Memorials have been established for Danville volunteer fire department and the Danville library.

The greatest love story isn’t how Romeo and Juliet died, but how long Grandpa and Grandma were married.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/6/1685626598052.jpeg" alt="William Porter" />
 <figcaption>William Porter</figcaption>
 </figure>William Pike “Bill” Porter, 87, of Danville, died Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Oakview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.Born Sept. 27, 1935 in Lewis County, Mo., he was the son of James "Pike" and Ruth Cary Porter.&nbsp; He graduated from Mediapolis High School in 1953, and on Dec. 23, 1956, he married Jeanita “Sally” Croson in Morning Sun.Mr. Porter lived a life of service and dedicated himself to changing his community through direct action. A longtime Democrat and member of West Hill United Methodist Church, he served on the Danville City Council for 15 years, volunteered on the Danville Fire Department for 28 years, and both coached and umpired for Danville Little League baseball games for countless years. His passion for workers’ rights led him to serve as a founding member of the UAW 807 retirees, where he was the first recording secretary. Bill ran the Danville Farm Service Station and worked for 20 years at J.I. Case Company. He loved bowling and traveling, grilled one heck of a hamburger, attended every event he could of his children and grandchildren, adored his wife, and will be remembered by his loved ones as a tender-hearted teddy bear who loved to tease.Survivors include his wife, Sally, of Danville; one daughter, Lori (Dan) Waldron, of Woodbine, Ga.; one son, Tom (Annette) Porter, of St. Charles, Ill.; eight grandchildren Ashlea Hingst, Brandee (Zach) Elliott, James (Chieko) Knopp, Rachel Gunn, Jocelyn (Cass) Hornbaker, Bekah (Chris) Sandy, John (Sarah) Porter, Katie (Samuel) Foreman; one step grandchild Brian Waldron; sixteen great-grandchildren Raelynn, Elias, Nik, Robyn, Dylan, Juliet, Jordan, Alexis, Cole, Cal, Ruth, Nathanael, Malachi, Asher, Ainsley, Eleanor; five step great-grandchildren Martin, Kenze, Peyton, Bradley and Kace and his chosen brother, Jim Cary, of Danville.He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Rhonda Reeves, granddaughter Melissa Porter, and one infant sister.Per his wishes, cremation has been accorded and entrusted to the care of Lunning Funeral Chapel. Services and inurnment will be at a later date at Long Creek Cemetery.Memorials have been established for Danville volunteer fire department and the Danville library.The greatest love story isn’t how Romeo and Juliet died, but how long Grandpa and Grandma were married.

William Pike “Bill” Porter

Richard “Dick” Laverne Gibson, 79, formerly of Danville died Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Klein Center, West Burlington, from complications of Lewy Body Dementia. His wife of 40 years, Marjorie Beck Gibson, died in 2022.

Born Nov. 11, 1943, in Waterloo, he was the youngest child of Charles Laverne and Melvina Harriet Hoover Gibson. Richard was raised in Waterloo and graduated from East High School in 1961. He attended the University of Northern Iowa and Saint Cloud State School in Minnesota with a focus on Industrial education, before earning his master’s degree in management at Lake Forest School of Management in Ill. in 1979.

His early career was in the field of engineering, working for the companies Sifo, Honeywell, Playskool, and Baxter Travenol Laboratories, where he was the recipient of the Outstanding Engineering Award for his work with the artificial kidney division. He was awarded several corporate patents for cardiovascular devices.

His middle career years were spent largely in industrial management, where he was an operations manager, vice president, and director of research and development for plastic manufacturing companies such as Polyblend and Tenex Corp.

After spending many years in the manufacturing and business world, he felt called to work for the Lord in missionary service. He was executive director for Biblical Literature Fellowship for 10 years, and then spent two years living in Belgium to work with their parent organization, Editeurs de Litterature Biblique. He was the director of international development for the International Christian Centers for the Deaf, where he was instrumental in redesigning the system for building schools for deaf children in developing countries. He was the director of Caleb Resources, a missions mobilization organization. He was on the Board of Directors for seven not-for profit organizations.

Richard’s final career years were spent working in special education, working one on one with students in the Fishers, Ind. school system and the Danville schools.

Richard and Marjorie (Beck), his wife of 40 years, were passionate about traveling, having visited all 50 states, 69 countries, and all 7 continents. They led over 24 personally guided group tours to Brussels, Amsterdam, and Paris. Richard was also an unabashed thrill-seeker, spelunking, bungee jumping, white water rafting, rock climbing, sky diving, parasailing, tower diving, and riding as many roller coasters as he could. He personally built and flew one of the first powered ultralight airplanes, and earned a small engine pilot license, which he maintained for many years.

His other lifelong passion was woodworking. He enjoyed many years of sharing his knowledge (and extensive workshop) with his children and friends, eventually starting a program called Cross-Cut, whose goal was to mentor students, share life lessons and core values while teaching them woodworking skills.

He was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Danville.

Survivors include his children from his first marriage David Gibson, Festus, Mo., Amy Frahm, Shakopee, Minn., and Jennifer (Ronald) Lofgren, Arnold, Mo.; granddaughters: Dana Berkshire, Shakopee, Minn., Jacqueline Lofgren, St. Louis, Mo., and Valita Frahm of Shakopee, Minn.; sister Barbara and her husband Gary Scoggin, Dubuque, sister-in-law, Virginia Beck, Danville, brother-in-law, Larry Spencer; numerous nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marjorie, who died in 2022, sister, Carol Spencer, brother-in-law, Donald Beck, and sister-in-law, Marleen Beck.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 3, from 12 to 1:30 p.m., with services to follow at 1:30 at Lunning Chapel in Burlington. Interment will be private.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1685593068414.jpeg" alt="Richard Laverne "Dick" Gibson" />
 <figcaption>Richard Laverne "Dick" Gibson</figcaption>
 </figure>Richard “Dick” Laverne Gibson, 79, formerly of Danville died Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Klein Center, West Burlington, from complications of Lewy Body Dementia. His wife of 40 years, Marjorie Beck Gibson, died in 2022.Born Nov. 11, 1943, in Waterloo, he was the youngest child of Charles Laverne and Melvina Harriet Hoover Gibson. Richard was raised in Waterloo and graduated from East High School in 1961. He attended the University of Northern Iowa and Saint Cloud State School in Minnesota with a focus on Industrial education, before earning his master’s degree in management at Lake Forest School of Management in Ill. in 1979.His early career was in the field of engineering, working for the companies Sifo, Honeywell, Playskool, and Baxter Travenol Laboratories, where he was the recipient of the Outstanding Engineering Award for his work with the artificial kidney division. He was awarded several corporate patents for cardiovascular devices.His middle career years were spent largely in industrial management, where he was an operations manager, vice president, and director of research and development for plastic manufacturing companies such as Polyblend and Tenex Corp.After spending many years in the manufacturing and business world, he felt called to work for the Lord in missionary service. He was executive director for Biblical Literature Fellowship for 10 years, and then spent two years living in Belgium to work with their parent organization, Editeurs de Litterature Biblique. He was the director of international development for the International Christian Centers for the Deaf, where he was instrumental in redesigning the system for building schools for deaf children in developing countries. He was the director of Caleb Resources, a missions mobilization organization. He was on the Board of Directors for seven not-for profit organizations.Richard’s final career years were spent working in special education, working one on one with students in the Fishers, Ind. school system and the Danville schools.Richard and Marjorie (Beck), his wife of 40 years, were passionate about traveling, having visited all 50 states, 69 countries, and all 7 continents. They led over 24 personally guided group tours to Brussels, Amsterdam, and Paris. Richard was also an unabashed thrill-seeker, spelunking, bungee jumping, white water rafting, rock climbing, sky diving, parasailing, tower diving, and riding as many roller coasters as he could. He personally built and flew one of the first powered ultralight airplanes, and earned a small engine pilot license, which he maintained for many years.His other lifelong passion was woodworking. He enjoyed many years of sharing his knowledge (and extensive workshop) with his children and friends, eventually starting a program called Cross-Cut, whose goal was to mentor students, share life lessons and core values while teaching them woodworking skills.He was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Danville.Survivors include his children from his first marriage David Gibson, Festus, Mo., Amy Frahm, Shakopee, Minn., and Jennifer (Ronald) Lofgren, Arnold, Mo.; granddaughters: Dana Berkshire, Shakopee, Minn., Jacqueline Lofgren, St. Louis, Mo., and Valita Frahm of Shakopee, Minn.; sister Barbara and her husband Gary Scoggin, Dubuque, sister-in-law, Virginia Beck, Danville, brother-in-law, Larry Spencer; numerous nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and nephewsHe was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marjorie, who died in 2022, sister, Carol Spencer, brother-in-law, Donald Beck, and sister-in-law, Marleen Beck.Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 3, from 12 to 1:30 p.m., with services to follow at 1:30 at Lunning Chapel in Burlington. Interment will be private.

Richard Laverne "Dick" Gibson

Molly K. Sanders, 43, of Gowrie, died May 27, 2023, at the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home in Fort Dodge. Services will be held Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Mission Community Church in Harcourt. Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m., service at 11 a.m., with burial in Gowrie Township Cemetery after the service. Arrangements are being handled by Palmer Funeral Services in Gowrie. Molly was born in Mount Pleasant to William and Caralee Jefferson McGinnis on Aug. 28, 1979. She grew up in Danville and attended Danville Schools. She attended Iowa Wesleyan University in Mount Pleasant. Molly was a classically trained pianist. Most of her adult life was devoted to being a full-time mother to her children. Survivors include Molly’s children, Logan, Liberty, Miles and McKenna; her parents, Bill and Caralee McGinnis, brother Dan (Mary) McGinnis, and former husbands Mark Prehm and Lenny Sanders. Memorials may be left at the discretion of the family.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1685571683075.jpeg" alt="Molly K. Sanders" />
 <figcaption>Molly K. Sanders</figcaption>
 </figure>Molly K. Sanders, 43, of Gowrie, died May 27, 2023, at the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home in Fort Dodge. Services will be held Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Mission Community Church in Harcourt. Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m., service at 11 a.m., with burial in Gowrie Township Cemetery after the service. Arrangements are being handled by Palmer Funeral Services in Gowrie. Molly was born in Mount Pleasant to William and Caralee Jefferson McGinnis on Aug. 28, 1979. She grew up in Danville and attended Danville Schools. She attended Iowa Wesleyan University in Mount Pleasant. Molly was a classically trained pianist. Most of her adult life was devoted to being a full-time mother to her children. Survivors include Molly’s children, Logan, Liberty, Miles and McKenna; her parents, Bill and Caralee McGinnis, brother Dan (Mary) McGinnis, and former husbands Mark Prehm and Lenny Sanders. Memorials may be left at the discretion of the family.

Molly K. Sanders

Kerman L. Copeland, 78, Burlington, died May 27, 2023. &nbsp; Kerman was born Sept. 11, 1944, to Kenneth L. and Edith M. Anderson Copeland.&nbsp; Kerman graduated from Mediapolis Community School in 1962. He served in the Air Force from 1962 to 1966. While he was stationed at Lincoln Air Force Base, he met and married his wife.&nbsp; After his discharge, they moved back to Mediapolis. Kerm (Red) worked at the IAAP as a plumber/pipefitter for eight years, and then went into construction as a 50 year member of Local 212; now Local 125. Kerm served as Yellow Spring Township Trustee from 1990 until 2008 when he and Carol moved to Burlington. He was chairman of the local Democrat party for several years and was honored with the Hall of Fame Award in 2015. Kerman was a Life Sponsor of Ducks Unlimited. He was a Life Member of the American Legion and the NRA. He spent over 52 years working fundraisers for Ducks Unlimited and he and his family enjoyed many trips to their national conventions. Kerman received the Jay Neubauer Award in 2016. &nbsp;He was known as “The Photographer” for DU and Democrat events and was named Grumpy Goldeneye #1. &nbsp;He loved his family and especially doted on his granddaughters. He appreciated all the friends who called and sent cards while he was struggling with his disease. &nbsp; Survivors include his wife, Carol (Cullen); three sons; Ross (Melissa) of Mediapolis, Kevin (Tabitha) of Burlington, and James of Cedar Rapids. He also is survived by granddaughters, Grace and Courtney of Burlington; two sisters; Katherine Crow of Mediapolis, and Karen Gittings of Wapello; one brother, Keith (Connie) Copeland of Wellman; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dean Crow and Bernard (Buck) Gittings, nephews, Brent Crow, Joshua Avery and Christopher Copeland. His body has been entrusted to Prugh Funeral Home and will be cremated per his request. Visitation will be June 2, 2023 from noon until 5 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Prugh Funeral Home at 10 a.m.on Saturday, June 3, 2023. Pastor Dean Graber will conduct the service, with full Military Honors rendered by the Burlington Area Honor Guard. A private inurnment will be held at a later date. &nbsp; In lieu of flowers, Kerman would appreciate donations to the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House or the Southeast Iowa Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1685483328769.jpeg" alt="Kerman L. Copeland" />
 <figcaption>Kerman L. Copeland</figcaption>
 </figure>Kerman L. Copeland, 78, Burlington, died May 27, 2023. &nbsp; Kerman was born Sept. 11, 1944, to Kenneth L. and Edith M. Anderson Copeland.&nbsp; Kerman graduated from Mediapolis Community School in 1962. He served in the Air Force from 1962 to 1966. While he was stationed at Lincoln Air Force Base, he met and married his wife.&nbsp; After his discharge, they moved back to Mediapolis. Kerm (Red) worked at the IAAP as a plumber/pipefitter for eight years, and then went into construction as a 50 year member of Local 212; now Local 125. Kerm served as Yellow Spring Township Trustee from 1990 until 2008 when he and Carol moved to Burlington. He was chairman of the local Democrat party for several years and was honored with the Hall of Fame Award in 2015. Kerman was a Life Sponsor of Ducks Unlimited. He was a Life Member of the American Legion and the NRA. He spent over 52 years working fundraisers for Ducks Unlimited and he and his family enjoyed many trips to their national conventions. Kerman received the Jay Neubauer Award in 2016. &nbsp;He was known as “The Photographer” for DU and Democrat events and was named Grumpy Goldeneye #1. &nbsp;He loved his family and especially doted on his granddaughters. He appreciated all the friends who called and sent cards while he was struggling with his disease. &nbsp; Survivors include his wife, Carol (Cullen); three sons; Ross (Melissa) of Mediapolis, Kevin (Tabitha) of Burlington, and James of Cedar Rapids. He also is survived by granddaughters, Grace and Courtney of Burlington; two sisters; Katherine Crow of Mediapolis, and Karen Gittings of Wapello; one brother, Keith (Connie) Copeland of Wellman; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dean Crow and Bernard (Buck) Gittings, nephews, Brent Crow, Joshua Avery and Christopher Copeland. His body has been entrusted to Prugh Funeral Home and will be cremated per his request. Visitation will be June 2, 2023 from noon until 5 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Prugh Funeral Home at 10 a.m.on Saturday, June 3, 2023. Pastor Dean Graber will conduct the service, with full Military Honors rendered by the Burlington Area Honor Guard. A private inurnment will be held at a later date. &nbsp; In lieu of flowers, Kerman would appreciate donations to the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House or the Southeast Iowa Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.

Kerman L. Copeland

Cheryl Ann “Sherry” Sharp, 68, of Burlington, died Monday, May 29, 2023 at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington after an eight-year battle with Alzheimer’s.

Born December 16, 1954, in Burlington, she was the daughter of Frank and Helen Geiger Suchy. She graduated in 1973 from Burlington High School.

Sherry married Danny Dickens. They later divorced. She then married Jim Geren. They later divorced. On March 2, 2001, she married Jon Sharp in Burlington.

Sherry was a self-employed seamstress. She was well known for her work, especially draperies.

Sherry was named women’s Bowler of the Year many times, and was inducted to the Bowling Hall of Fame. She was a member of the Moose Lodge #579. Sherry enjoyed going to the Senior Center. Sherry enjoyed spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren and her cats, dancing, bowling, sewing and playing bingo. She made many of her children’s and grandchildren’s Halloween costumes.

Survivors include her husband Jon of Burlington; two sons Bill (Rachel) Dickens of West Burlington and Ben (Doris) Geren of Marion; one daughter Andie (Bob) Gerst of Mediapolis; seven grandchildren; two step-grandchildren and one step-great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister Judy Haag.

The funeral service for Sherry will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 2 at Lunning Chapel with Mr. Lee Sharp officiating. Interment will be in Burlington Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, June 1 at Lunning Chapel.

Memorials have been established for the Des Moines County Humane Society and the Alzheimer’s Association.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1685479928584.jpeg" alt="Cheryl Sharp" />
 <figcaption>Cheryl Sharp</figcaption>
 </figure>Cheryl Ann “Sherry” Sharp, 68, of Burlington, died Monday, May 29, 2023 at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington after an eight-year battle with Alzheimer’s.Born December 16, 1954, in Burlington, she was the daughter of Frank and Helen Geiger Suchy. She graduated in 1973 from Burlington High School.Sherry married Danny Dickens. They later divorced. She then married Jim Geren. They later divorced. On March 2, 2001, she married Jon Sharp in Burlington.Sherry was a self-employed seamstress. She was well known for her work, especially draperies.Sherry was named women’s Bowler of the Year many times, and was inducted to the Bowling Hall of Fame. She was a member of the Moose Lodge #579. Sherry enjoyed going to the Senior Center. Sherry enjoyed spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren and her cats, dancing, bowling, sewing and playing bingo. She made many of her children’s and grandchildren’s Halloween costumes.Survivors include her husband Jon of Burlington; two sons Bill (Rachel) Dickens of West Burlington and Ben (Doris) Geren of Marion; one daughter Andie (Bob) Gerst of Mediapolis; seven grandchildren; two step-grandchildren and one step-great grandchild.She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister Judy Haag.The funeral service for Sherry will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 2 at Lunning Chapel with Mr. Lee Sharp officiating. Interment will be in Burlington Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, June 1 at Lunning Chapel.Memorials have been established for the Des Moines County Humane Society and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Cheryl Ann “Sherry” Sharp

Wayne E. Yetter, 92, of LaHarpe, Ill., died Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at the Macomb Post Acute Care Center in Macomb, Ill. Wayne was born Dec. 6, 1930, in Carthage, Ill., the son of Morris Ross and Cleta Pauline Loop Letter. On Oct. 10, 1959, he married Patricia Louise Henry&nbsp; at the Blandinsville United Methodist Church, Blandinsville, Ill. She preceded him in death on Sept. 10, 2021. Mr. Yetter was a 1944 graduate of Carthage High School. Following high school he served in the U.S. Army. Upon returning home, he owned a service station in Carthage. He moved to LaHarpe in 1957, where he and Bill Hasten became the co-owners of LaHarpe Motor Sales, a Ford Franchise. He enjoyed his job and remained active selling cars after his retirement in 2003. He was a member of the LaHarpe American Legion, LaHarpe Christian Church and the LaHarpe Golden Rule Club.&nbsp; Survivors include one daughter: Candy (Bobby) Lee of rural LaHarpe; one granddaughter: Rossi (Blake Moore) Lee and one great-grandson: Stetson Wayne Moore. Cremation has been entrusted to Banks &amp; Beals Funeral Home. Friends may callafter 2 p.m. Friday, June 2, 2023 at Banks &amp; Beals Funeral Home where the family will receive friendsfrom 5 to 7 p.m. A graveside service will be heldat 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 3, 2023at the LaHarpe Cemetery with Rev. Rick Goettsche officiating.&nbsp; A memorial fund has been established for the LaHarpe American Legion or his grandson, Stetson Wayne’s education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1685474823947.jpeg" alt="Wayne Yetter" />
 <figcaption>Wayne Yetter</figcaption>
 </figure>Wayne E. Yetter, 92, of LaHarpe, Ill., died Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at the Macomb Post Acute Care Center in Macomb, Ill. Wayne was born Dec. 6, 1930, in Carthage, Ill., the son of Morris Ross and Cleta Pauline Loop Letter. On Oct. 10, 1959, he married Patricia Louise Henry&nbsp; at the Blandinsville United Methodist Church, Blandinsville, Ill. She preceded him in death on Sept. 10, 2021. Mr. Yetter was a 1944 graduate of Carthage High School. Following high school he served in the U.S. Army. Upon returning home, he owned a service station in Carthage. He moved to LaHarpe in 1957, where he and Bill Hasten became the co-owners of LaHarpe Motor Sales, a Ford Franchise. He enjoyed his job and remained active selling cars after his retirement in 2003. He was a member of the LaHarpe American Legion, LaHarpe Christian Church and the LaHarpe Golden Rule Club.&nbsp; Survivors include one daughter: Candy (Bobby) Lee of rural LaHarpe; one granddaughter: Rossi (Blake Moore) Lee and one great-grandson: Stetson Wayne Moore. Cremation has been entrusted to Banks &amp; Beals Funeral Home. Friends may callafter 2 p.m. Friday, June 2, 2023 at Banks &amp; Beals Funeral Home where the family will receive friendsfrom 5 to 7 p.m. A graveside service will be heldat 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 3, 2023at the LaHarpe Cemetery with Rev. Rick Goettsche officiating.&nbsp; A memorial fund has been established for the LaHarpe American Legion or his grandson, Stetson Wayne’s education.

Wayne Yetter

Robert James&nbsp;Steingreaber, Sr.,&nbsp;72,&nbsp;of Keosauqua, died Saturday May 27,&nbsp;2023,&nbsp;having been&nbsp;brought&nbsp;back&nbsp;home to Van Buren County by his family.&nbsp;

Bob was born May 29,&nbsp;1950,&nbsp;to Darlene and Robert W.&nbsp;Steingreaber, Jr.&nbsp;in Burlington.&nbsp;&nbsp;He graduated from Burlington High School in 1968 and received his bachelor’s degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology from ISU in 1972.

He taught H.S. science at Breckenridge, Mo. from 1972-75 and&nbsp;H.S.&nbsp;physiology,&nbsp;chemistry,&nbsp;and&nbsp;math, and was tech coordinator at Van Buren Schools, Keosauqua, from 1975-1997.

He coached both five-player and six-player Iowa Girls&nbsp;basketball. &nbsp;There were good teams and an overall record of&nbsp;259-168 during his 21 years of coaching at VB. &nbsp;The 1980 team finished with an 18-3 record while 85 team was 20-2. &nbsp;1980, 85 and 92&nbsp;teams&nbsp;went to regionals, each time&nbsp;finishing&nbsp;just one game&nbsp;from&nbsp;qualifying for the state tournament, according to the Hawkeye.&nbsp;In 1986, he was the girls Coach of the Year.

As a leader, he served both as the Van Buren Teachers Union President and in later years, as the Van Buren School Board President. &nbsp;

He received his&nbsp;master’s in educational administration&nbsp;from Drake University in 1997 and took a position as coordinator, technology services at Southern Prairie AEA from 1997 – 2001 and as Coordinator, Instructional Services: Resources&nbsp;at Great Prairie AEA&nbsp;from 2001 until he retired in&nbsp;2010. &nbsp;He was Chair of the&nbsp;Iowa&nbsp;State Media Directors and served as president of NAMTC&nbsp;– National Association of Media and Technology Centers.

He was on several boards&nbsp;including the&nbsp;Van Buren Conservation Board. &nbsp;This year marked 30 years of service on this&nbsp;board,&nbsp;and&nbsp;he has been chairman since 2003.&nbsp;&nbsp;He loved the&nbsp;work and working with members of the community to highlight the parks and opportunities nature provides.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bob was an avid outdoorsman.

Bob is survived by his wife, Kristin. &nbsp;They&nbsp;were a team in education and raising their family&nbsp;together. &nbsp;He was a very proud dad to three children: Robert James “Jim”, Jr. (Tori); Will (Lauren) and Anne (Landon)&nbsp;Plagge. &nbsp;He spent a lot of time following the interests of his kids&nbsp;and loved every minute of it.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Three grandchildren: Jimmy (Liz); Kylie (Joel)&nbsp;Hugo&nbsp;and Cassidy.&nbsp;&nbsp;He was looking forward to being a&nbsp;great grandpa.

His siblings:&nbsp;Elaine (Tom) Shipley; David (Jean) and Mary&nbsp;(Jim) Olson and their families; many&nbsp;Thronson&nbsp;in-laws&nbsp;and families.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 3 at the Congregational Church in Keosauqua. &nbsp;There will be areception and gathering at the Beach House Lodge at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park&nbsp;starting at 5 p.m.

Online condolences can be shared at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com/">www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com</a>&nbsp;Donations can be directed to Van Buren Co Conservation&nbsp;and mailed to the Cranston&nbsp;Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556

He was a good man and enjoyed his life to the fullest. &nbsp;He gave to his family and&nbsp;community,&nbsp;and we are missing him.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1685467909406.jpeg" alt="Robert Steingreaber" />
 <figcaption>Robert Steingreaber</figcaption>
 </figure>Robert James&nbsp;Steingreaber, Sr.,&nbsp;72,&nbsp;of Keosauqua, died Saturday May 27,&nbsp;2023,&nbsp;having been&nbsp;brought&nbsp;back&nbsp;home to Van Buren County by his family.&nbsp;Bob was born May 29,&nbsp;1950,&nbsp;to Darlene and Robert W.&nbsp;Steingreaber, Jr.&nbsp;in Burlington.&nbsp;&nbsp;He graduated from Burlington High School in 1968 and received his bachelor’s degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology from ISU in 1972.He taught H.S. science at Breckenridge, Mo. from 1972-75 and&nbsp;H.S.&nbsp;physiology,&nbsp;chemistry,&nbsp;and&nbsp;math, and was tech coordinator at Van Buren Schools, Keosauqua, from 1975-1997.He coached both five-player and six-player Iowa Girls&nbsp;basketball. &nbsp;There were good teams and an overall record of&nbsp;259-168 during his 21 years of coaching at VB. &nbsp;The 1980 team finished with an 18-3 record while 85 team was 20-2. &nbsp;1980, 85 and 92&nbsp;teams&nbsp;went to regionals, each time&nbsp;finishing&nbsp;just one game&nbsp;from&nbsp;qualifying for the state tournament, according to the Hawkeye.&nbsp;In 1986, he was the girls Coach of the Year.As a leader, he served both as the Van Buren Teachers Union President and in later years, as the Van Buren School Board President. &nbsp;He received his&nbsp;master’s in educational administration&nbsp;from Drake University in 1997 and took a position as coordinator, technology services at Southern Prairie AEA from 1997 – 2001 and as Coordinator, Instructional Services: Resources&nbsp;at Great Prairie AEA&nbsp;from 2001 until he retired in&nbsp;2010. &nbsp;He was Chair of the&nbsp;Iowa&nbsp;State Media Directors and served as president of NAMTC&nbsp;– National Association of Media and Technology Centers.He was on several boards&nbsp;including the&nbsp;Van Buren Conservation Board. &nbsp;This year marked 30 years of service on this&nbsp;board,&nbsp;and&nbsp;he has been chairman since 2003.&nbsp;&nbsp;He loved the&nbsp;work and working with members of the community to highlight the parks and opportunities nature provides.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bob was an avid outdoorsman.Bob is survived by his wife, Kristin. &nbsp;They&nbsp;were a team in education and raising their family&nbsp;together. &nbsp;He was a very proud dad to three children: Robert James “Jim”, Jr. (Tori); Will (Lauren) and Anne (Landon)&nbsp;Plagge. &nbsp;He spent a lot of time following the interests of his kids&nbsp;and loved every minute of it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Three grandchildren: Jimmy (Liz); Kylie (Joel)&nbsp;Hugo&nbsp;and Cassidy.&nbsp;&nbsp;He was looking forward to being a&nbsp;great grandpa.His siblings:&nbsp;Elaine (Tom) Shipley; David (Jean) and Mary&nbsp;(Jim) Olson and their families; many&nbsp;Thronson&nbsp;in-laws&nbsp;and families.A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 3 at the Congregational Church in Keosauqua. &nbsp;There will be areception and gathering at the Beach House Lodge at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park&nbsp;starting at 5 p.m.Online condolences can be shared at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com/">www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com</a>&nbsp;Donations can be directed to Van Buren Co Conservation&nbsp;and mailed to the Cranston&nbsp;Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556He was a good man and enjoyed his life to the fullest. &nbsp;He gave to his family and&nbsp;community,&nbsp;and we are missing him.

Robert James Steingreaber

&nbsp;James&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;Graham, 91, of Ames, died May 21, 2023 at Northridge Village.

He was born April 15, 1932 to Esther and James from Dexter.

He&nbsp;was born April 15, 1932 to Esther and James from Dexter, Iowa. James was proud of the fact that he attended Penn #3, a country school. He often joked about running a six- mile trapline before school where he trapped racoons, skunks.&nbsp;“Sometimes I didn’t smell so good as I carried my gun into the school house”.&nbsp;

He graduated from&nbsp;Dexfield&nbsp;High&nbsp;in 1950.&nbsp;&nbsp;After graduation, he entered the Navy specializing inintercepting&nbsp;Morse code messages.&nbsp;He worked for the telephone company in Ames for over&nbsp;35&nbsp;years.

James would tell his children how he was given fifty cents on the weekend. “I could buy a haircut, a sandwich and have change leftover for a movie.”&nbsp;

James was a learned man. He taught himself about Morse code, becoming a certified ham radio operator at 16, one of the youngest in the state of Iowa. He carried this skill into the Navy, where he served overseas during post WWII era.&nbsp;

“I learned how to shoot and throw a knife from someone involved in the shootout of Bonnie and Clyde,” James would start a conversation. He loved re-telling stories about his&nbsp;childhood. Bonnie and Clyde – The Iowa Connection was published when James was 90 years old.&nbsp;

James agreed to a blind date where a&nbsp;spunky gal named Hazel Welder captured his&nbsp;attention.&nbsp;“Boy!&nbsp;She could really cook!” Dad would begin, spinning into another story about his beloved. They were&nbsp;married June 11, 1960 in Perry. On their honeymoon&nbsp;trip to Yellowstone,&nbsp;Hazel tossed an entire package of Fig Newton cookies at a bear hovering over the top of their red thunderbird.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;newlyweds&nbsp;made Ames their home, residing on the banks of&nbsp;Squaw (Ioway)&nbsp;creek.&nbsp;Here&nbsp;they enjoyed&nbsp;dining&nbsp;al fresco&nbsp;on the&nbsp;deck James built overlooking the bubbling water.&nbsp;

As an only child,&nbsp;James said,&nbsp;“I felt lonely growing up on a farm with only a dog for a companion.”&nbsp;He was blessed with three children- Lynda Lee, Suzanne Lynne and Michael James.&nbsp;

James had a brain which thrived on knowledge. He was always reading, watching history channels,&nbsp;observing wildlife,&nbsp;weather,&nbsp;UFOs, and ancient civilizations.&nbsp;He loved taking Senior College classes&nbsp;at Iowa State&nbsp;and sharing his new-found knowledge on world religions and astronomy.&nbsp;

He enjoyed telling his nurses that he was 5 foot 14 inchestall&nbsp;so that they had to do math. His gangly&nbsp;build responded well to athletic training. The family bought him a bike&nbsp;for his fortieth birthday. He became a bicycle racer, racing for Michael’s Cyclery.&nbsp;

After experiencing the thrill of athletic competition, James had the fever. He went from racing bicycles to running,&nbsp;biathalons, and&nbsp;cross-country&nbsp;skiing.&nbsp;

An avid fisherman, James could often be found with his family vacationing at Hanging Kettle Lake in Minnesota. James took his family&nbsp;on memorable vacations to Disney, Civil war battlefields, museums, Pioneer village and especially RAGBRAI.&nbsp;

James loved riding his&nbsp;Specialized&nbsp;bicycle. He was proud of the fact that he&nbsp;completed&nbsp;33 full RAGBRAIs, even riding with&nbsp;his grandchildren, Katy, Harrison and Trenton.

James biked the Rocky Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, Nebraska (BRAN ride) and Wisconsin. “One of the highlights of my life was riding up Monarch pass with RAM rider,&nbsp;Dr&nbsp;Bob Breedlove.”

James&nbsp;was&nbsp;curious and&nbsp;inquisitive&nbsp;with a&nbsp;keen intellect&nbsp;that&nbsp;drove all his pursuits. His passion was&nbsp;ham radio. He entered many&nbsp;radio&nbsp;competitions. He was proud of having contacted&nbsp;over 300 countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His&nbsp;children always knew when&nbsp;James&nbsp;was gearing up for another&nbsp;competition as&nbsp;Mom would stock up on Fig&nbsp;Newtons, his&nbsp;favorite cookie.&nbsp;

Feline&nbsp;companions were dear to him.&nbsp;His beloved cat, Tiger is being cared for by grandson, Harrison.&nbsp;

James enjoyed going out to eat at Perkins, Dutch Bakery, and Village Inn. He generally tipped the waitstaff in $2 bills. Think of James the next time you see a $2 bill.&nbsp;

James&nbsp;was pre-deceased&nbsp;by his parents&nbsp;and his wife, Hazel. survivors include his children,&nbsp;Lynda Graham -Murray (Matthew), Suzi&nbsp;Rickels&nbsp;and&nbsp;(Michael) Michael (Heather);Grandchildren, Katy&nbsp;Vakranoff&nbsp;(Tim), Harrison Murray,&nbsp;Trenton Murray, Bobby Chase,&nbsp;Khole Graham, Dexter Graham ; and great-grandchildren: Millie&nbsp;Vakranoff.&nbsp; Services for James will be Friday, June 2 at the Northminister Presbyterian Church in Ames. Visitation is at 9:30 a.m., followed by the service at 10:30 a.m. A light lunch follows. Burial with military honors in the Dexter cemetery at 2 p.m.

Memorials have been established for the Dexter Historical Society, Iowa Public Television and&nbsp;Northminister Presbyterian Church.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1685466539643.jpeg" alt="James Graham" />
 <figcaption>James Graham</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;James&nbsp;Lee&nbsp;Graham, 91, of Ames, died May 21, 2023 at Northridge Village.He was born April 15, 1932 to Esther and James from Dexter.He&nbsp;was born April 15, 1932 to Esther and James from Dexter, Iowa. James was proud of the fact that he attended Penn #3, a country school. He often joked about running a six- mile trapline before school where he trapped racoons, skunks.&nbsp;“Sometimes I didn’t smell so good as I carried my gun into the school house”.&nbsp;He graduated from&nbsp;Dexfield&nbsp;High&nbsp;in 1950.&nbsp;&nbsp;After graduation, he entered the Navy specializing inintercepting&nbsp;Morse code messages.&nbsp;He worked for the telephone company in Ames for over&nbsp;35&nbsp;years.James would tell his children how he was given fifty cents on the weekend. “I could buy a haircut, a sandwich and have change leftover for a movie.”&nbsp;James was a learned man. He taught himself about Morse code, becoming a certified ham radio operator at 16, one of the youngest in the state of Iowa. He carried this skill into the Navy, where he served overseas during post WWII era.&nbsp;“I learned how to shoot and throw a knife from someone involved in the shootout of Bonnie and Clyde,” James would start a conversation. He loved re-telling stories about his&nbsp;childhood. Bonnie and Clyde – The Iowa Connection was published when James was 90 years old.&nbsp;James agreed to a blind date where a&nbsp;spunky gal named Hazel Welder captured his&nbsp;attention.&nbsp;“Boy!&nbsp;She could really cook!” Dad would begin, spinning into another story about his beloved. They were&nbsp;married June 11, 1960 in Perry. On their honeymoon&nbsp;trip to Yellowstone,&nbsp;Hazel tossed an entire package of Fig Newton cookies at a bear hovering over the top of their red thunderbird.&nbsp;The&nbsp;newlyweds&nbsp;made Ames their home, residing on the banks of&nbsp;Squaw (Ioway)&nbsp;creek.&nbsp;Here&nbsp;they enjoyed&nbsp;dining&nbsp;al fresco&nbsp;on the&nbsp;deck James built overlooking the bubbling water.&nbsp;As an only child,&nbsp;James said,&nbsp;“I felt lonely growing up on a farm with only a dog for a companion.”&nbsp;He was blessed with three children- Lynda Lee, Suzanne Lynne and Michael James.&nbsp;James had a brain which thrived on knowledge. He was always reading, watching history channels,&nbsp;observing wildlife,&nbsp;weather,&nbsp;UFOs, and ancient civilizations.&nbsp;He loved taking Senior College classes&nbsp;at Iowa State&nbsp;and sharing his new-found knowledge on world religions and astronomy.&nbsp;He enjoyed telling his nurses that he was 5 foot 14 inchestall&nbsp;so that they had to do math. His gangly&nbsp;build responded well to athletic training. The family bought him a bike&nbsp;for his fortieth birthday. He became a bicycle racer, racing for Michael’s Cyclery.&nbsp;After experiencing the thrill of athletic competition, James had the fever. He went from racing bicycles to running,&nbsp;biathalons, and&nbsp;cross-country&nbsp;skiing.&nbsp;An avid fisherman, James could often be found with his family vacationing at Hanging Kettle Lake in Minnesota. James took his family&nbsp;on memorable vacations to Disney, Civil war battlefields, museums, Pioneer village and especially RAGBRAI.&nbsp;James loved riding his&nbsp;Specialized&nbsp;bicycle. He was proud of the fact that he&nbsp;completed&nbsp;33 full RAGBRAIs, even riding with&nbsp;his grandchildren, Katy, Harrison and Trenton.James biked the Rocky Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, Nebraska (BRAN ride) and Wisconsin. “One of the highlights of my life was riding up Monarch pass with RAM rider,&nbsp;Dr&nbsp;Bob Breedlove.”James&nbsp;was&nbsp;curious and&nbsp;inquisitive&nbsp;with a&nbsp;keen intellect&nbsp;that&nbsp;drove all his pursuits. His passion was&nbsp;ham radio. He entered many&nbsp;radio&nbsp;competitions. He was proud of having contacted&nbsp;over 300 countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His&nbsp;children always knew when&nbsp;James&nbsp;was gearing up for another&nbsp;competition as&nbsp;Mom would stock up on Fig&nbsp;Newtons, his&nbsp;favorite cookie.&nbsp;Feline&nbsp;companions were dear to him.&nbsp;His beloved cat, Tiger is being cared for by grandson, Harrison.&nbsp;James enjoyed going out to eat at Perkins, Dutch Bakery, and Village Inn. He generally tipped the waitstaff in $2 bills. Think of James the next time you see a $2 bill.&nbsp;James&nbsp;was pre-deceased&nbsp;by his parents&nbsp;and his wife, Hazel. survivors include his children,&nbsp;Lynda Graham -Murray (Matthew), Suzi&nbsp;Rickels&nbsp;and&nbsp;(Michael) Michael (Heather);Grandchildren, Katy&nbsp;Vakranoff&nbsp;(Tim), Harrison Murray,&nbsp;Trenton Murray, Bobby Chase,&nbsp;Khole Graham, Dexter Graham ; and great-grandchildren: Millie&nbsp;Vakranoff.&nbsp; Services for James will be Friday, June 2 at the Northminister Presbyterian Church in Ames. Visitation is at 9:30 a.m., followed by the service at 10:30 a.m. A light lunch follows. Burial with military honors in the Dexter cemetery at 2 p.m. Memorials have been established for the Dexter Historical Society, Iowa Public Television and&nbsp;Northminister Presbyterian Church.&nbsp;

James Graham

Dick Richards, 88, of Mount Pleasant, died Friday, May 26, 2023, at Savannah Heights.&nbsp;

Dick was born Sept. 23, 1934, in Fort Madison, the son of James and Mable Ross Richards. He attended Fort Madison High School. Dick proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. After he had concluded his service, he joined the Army Reserves. On Aug. 16, 1958, Dick was united in marriage to Cecelia Hogan at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fort Madison, to this union the couple was blessed with three children. Dick worked as a deputy sheriff for Des Moines County before becoming an electrician. Prior to retirement, Dick owned and operated Industrial Motors in Burlington. Dick was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, New London VFW Post 7641, and the Moose Lodge. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, photography, and making jewelry.&nbsp;

Dick is survived by his wife Cecelia; daughter Barbara (Randy) Brown of Mount Union; two sons David (Cathy Sanders) Richards of Montrose, Mark Richards of Danville; eight grandchildren, Mitch (Julie) Brown, Sarah Edwards, Kevin (Kelsey) Brown, David Richards, Mary Richards, Curtis (Mary) Richards, Trent Richards, Miranda Richards; and seven, soon to be eight, great-grandchildren.&nbsp;

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jim Teel, sister Betty McMillian, and daughter-in-law Michelle Richards.&nbsp;

Mass of Christian Burial will be held&nbsp;10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 1, 2023, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Father Paul Connolly as celebrant. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Burlington, with Military Rites conducted by the Henry County Honor Guard. Visitation will be held&nbsp;9 a.m.&nbsp;until the time of service on Thursday. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and New London VFW Post 7641. The Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel and Crematory is caring for Dick and his family.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1685466201899.jpeg" alt="Dick Richards" />
 <figcaption>Dick Richards</figcaption>
 </figure>Dick Richards, 88, of Mount Pleasant, died Friday, May 26, 2023, at Savannah Heights.&nbsp;Dick was born Sept. 23, 1934, in Fort Madison, the son of James and Mable Ross Richards. He attended Fort Madison High School. Dick proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. After he had concluded his service, he joined the Army Reserves. On Aug. 16, 1958, Dick was united in marriage to Cecelia Hogan at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fort Madison, to this union the couple was blessed with three children. Dick worked as a deputy sheriff for Des Moines County before becoming an electrician. Prior to retirement, Dick owned and operated Industrial Motors in Burlington. Dick was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, New London VFW Post 7641, and the Moose Lodge. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, photography, and making jewelry.&nbsp;Dick is survived by his wife Cecelia; daughter Barbara (Randy) Brown of Mount Union; two sons David (Cathy Sanders) Richards of Montrose, Mark Richards of Danville; eight grandchildren, Mitch (Julie) Brown, Sarah Edwards, Kevin (Kelsey) Brown, David Richards, Mary Richards, Curtis (Mary) Richards, Trent Richards, Miranda Richards; and seven, soon to be eight, great-grandchildren.&nbsp;He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jim Teel, sister Betty McMillian, and daughter-in-law Michelle Richards.&nbsp;Mass of Christian Burial will be held&nbsp;10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 1, 2023, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Father Paul Connolly as celebrant. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Burlington, with Military Rites conducted by the Henry County Honor Guard. Visitation will be held&nbsp;9 a.m.&nbsp;until the time of service on Thursday. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and New London VFW Post 7641. The Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel and Crematory is caring for Dick and his family.

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