Gene Walker, 89, of Carroll, Iowa passed on February 24, 2017 at St. Anthony’s Nursing Home in Carroll.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, February 28 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jefferson. Mass was celebrated by Fr. Jeff Schleisman. Eucharistic Ministers were Aaron Weddle, Kerry Hastings and Corinne Hastings. Lectors were Kerry Hastings and Jamie Mertz. Gifts were by Julie Tuel, Christie Pope and David Wolf. Linda Mertz was the soloist, accompanied by Lois Last. Interment was at Scranton Township Cemetery.   

Eugene James Walker, only child of James and Mary (Field) Walker, was born on April 14, 1927. The descendant of Irish/Canadian immigrants, he was raised on a farm near Cooper, Iowa. As a young boy, he attended Catholic boarding school in Carroll. He later attended school in Scranton and began farming with his father, Jim, in 1944.  He married Betty Jean Shaffer on January 14, 1946 and they had five children. Gene married Kathy (Remund) Weddle on February 15, 1992.

Gene loved to farm and visit about weather and politics. He also was a pilot of a Piper Cherokee airplane, went boating and skiing with his family on weekends and in later years enjoyed restoring old cars and tractors. He farmed for over 70 years and was a Garst & Thomas seed corn grower. He sat on the West Central cooperative Board for 20+ years and was a member of the Brenton Bank Board in Jefferson. He also raised feeder pigs and cattle. In the early years of his farming career, he traveled by train to sell cattle at the Chicago Stockyards. A favorite pastime of his was to drive his pickup around every day checking his crops. He also enjoyed spending winters in Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Jim and Mary Walker; his first wife, Betty; his son, Jim; and his grandson, Erik Walker.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy of Jefferson; his children: Jerry (Julie) Walker of Fishers, Ind., John “Jack” Walker of Guthrie Center, Linda (John) Mertz of West Bend, Iowa and Becky (Dave) Wolf of Scranton; his step-children: Kerry (Craig) Hastings of Perry, Joe (Tracy) Weddle of Minburn, Andy (Kathy) Weddle of Pleasant Hill and Aaron Weddle of Ankeny. Also surviving him are 15 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Services were arranged by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson.

John Philip “Bud” Minnehan, the son of Jack and Helen (Tasler) Minnehan, was born April 19, 1927 at his parent’s home in Adaza, Iowa and departed this life February 21, 2017 at SunnyBrook Assisted Living Facility in Carroll, Iowa. Philip lived his life to the age of 89 years, 10 months and 2 days.

Philip attended rural school and then attended high school in Lohrville, Iowa. After school, he farmed with his dad on the family farm in Greene County.

On February 3, 1948, Philip Minnehan was united in marriage to Rosemary Monahan at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lohrville. They farmed in Calhoun County for ten years until they bought a farm west of Churdan that they called home where they raised their family and lived for fifty-six years. To this union, three children were born.

Philip enjoyed living on the farm and working outside. He was involved in agriculture for sixty years. Philip was a crop farmer but his love was livestock. He raised cattle and hogs and had a special fondness for his horses and dogs.

Philip never failed to find a card game of euchre or 500 whether with his family or grandchildren or his many friends at SunnyBrook. Family was important to Bud, and he was happiest being surrounded by close family and friends. Many a story was shared by Bud at the family gatherings.

Philip is survived by his three children: Quentin (Linda) Minnehan of Churdan, Elaine (Dennis) Taute of Scottsdale, Ariz. and John Minnehan of Yankton, S.D.; six grandchildren: Jason (Brooke) Minnehan, Michelle Minnehan, Kristin (Matthew) Percival, Sara (Brett) Estervig, Bryan (Natalie) Taute and Tyler Minnehan; and eight great-grandchildren: Ava and Hallee Minnehan, Reese Golightly, Penny Percival, Abby, Ty and Will Estervig and Lukas and Genevieve Minnehan; and many niece; nephews; relatives and friends. Those who preceded him in death were his parents; his wife, Rosemary; his grandson, Matthew Minnehan; two brothers, William Minnehan and Patrick Minnehan; and four sisters: Beatrice Henning, Delores Conley, Karen Wagner and Marjorie Minnehan.

Mass of the Christian burial was held on Monday, February 27, 2017 at St. Colunbkille Catholic Church in Churdan with Father Jeff Schleisman officiating. Burial was in the St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Cedar Township. Organist at the service was Lois Last and Cantor was Greg Carey. Casket bearers were Jason Minnehan, Bryan Taute, Anthony Minnehan, David Minnehan, Ron Wagner and Tim Wagner. Friends and family were invited to a time of lunch and fellowship at the church following the graveside service.

Brown Funeral Home.

Kenneth Eugene Stevens, 81, of Glidden, Iowa, went to the loving arms of his Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at Swan Place in Carroll, Iowa.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Peace Lutheran Church in Glidden with Pastor Alan Miller and Pastor Robert Zellmer of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Farnhamville officiating. The organist will be his son-in-law, John Van Horn. Congregational hymns will be “Onward Christian Soldiers” and “Jesus is Tenderly Calling.” Pallbearers will be Lyle Coon, Arlen Hirsch, Roger Hoyt, Pastor Robert Zellmer and Maria Van Horn, representing the grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers are Jerry Ball, Herman Seil and Ken’s grandchildren. Burial will be in the Scranton Township Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Merle Hay Post of the American Legion of Glidden. A luncheon will be held for all friends and family at Peace Lutheran following graveside service.

Friends may call at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Glidden from 6 - 8 p.m. on Friday. The casket will be moved to Peace Lutheran Church at 9 a.m. on Saturday where visitation will resume until the time of service. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Glidden and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com

Kenneth Eugene Stevens was born on January 4, 1936 at his family’s home near the coal mines near Scranton, Iowa. He grew up in Scranton and graduated from Scranton Consolidated High School in 1955. Ken, as he was known to most, joined the United States Army in 1958 and served a total of six years. He was stationed in Italy and the United States during his service. For 25 years, he was on the Scranton Fire Department and he was in the first group of firemen to start the Scranton Rescue Unit.

Ken was married to Verneva Blanchard on November 18, 1962 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson. They made their home in Grand Junction for two years, moved to Scranton until 1979, Lohrville for 28 years and in 2008 moved to Glidden to a new handicap-accessible house where they both lived until her passing. While in Lohrville, Ken owned and operated Stevens Electric and Vee taught in the Lohrville and Southern Cal Schools. Before retirement in 2001, he also worked for Menninga Electric in Carroll for a few years. Before starting his own electrical business, he also worked on a bridge crew (favorite job), as a gravel truck driver, worked for a manufacturer of washing machines in Jefferson and helped his father with his businesses of shearing sheep and plumbing. Until a year ago, he had a CDL license and helped a friend driving semi during harvest for a few years.

Ken and Vee were members at Holy Trinity Lutheran in Farnhamville where Ken served as Trustee. He was a 50 year member of the American Legion and served as Chaplain of Merle Hay Post 386.  Ken was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (earning 2nd Chair while he was stationed in Italy) and he served as a Cub Scout Packmaster. Ken was very proud of those who received the highest Scouting ranks. All three of his sons, his son-in-law, grandson Daniel and grandson David obtained the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. A granddaughter, Maria, earned her Stars and Stripes Award from the American Heritage Girls. At grandson Daniel’s Navy Commissioning, he was the honored recipient of Daniel’s first salute and was very proud of the honor.  Until going to Swan Place in January, 2017, he carried a newspaper article about the Commissioning in his pocket. Ken enjoyed gardening, making horseradish, playing cards, woodworking and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Most people who knew him knew of his gift of giving horseradish to those he knew would enjoy it. While growing up, the family had Boston Terrier dogs. Corky and Boots were the Bostons in Scranton. In Lohrville, the family raised Boston Terrier pups (Brindy and Jenny were some).

Ken is survived by daughter, Cindi Van Horn (John) of Glidden; three sons: Michael Stevens (Teresa) of Dallas, Texas, Todd Stevens (Monica) of Des Moines and Brian Stevens (Michelle) of Cedar Rapids; 15 grandchildren: Elizabeth, Daniel, Sarah, Josh, Jacob, Maria, Zach, David, Nathan, Rebecca, Rachael, Justin, Esther, Jason and Nathaniel; a sister, Joyce Frazier (Larry) of Scranton; a brother, Denny Stevens (Leigh) of Newtown, Conn.; a brother-in-law, Derwyn Blanchard (Betty) of California; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Blanchard of Coon Rapids; and several nieces and nephews. Ken was preceded in death by his father in 1981; his mother in 2014 at 96; his wife, Vee in 2011; a daughter-in-law, Lisa Stevens in 2009 and a granddaughter, Katie Van Horn in 2003.

Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Homes Inc.

William C. Whitsell, the son of John W. and Eva Verlee (Purvis) Whitsell, was born August 10, 1930 in Jefferson, Iowa and departed this life February 25, 2017 at the Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson, Iowa. He lived his life to the age of 86 years, 6 months and 15 days.

Bill grew up in the Grand Junction area and graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1948. Bill served in the U.S. Navy from December of 1951 to October of 1953. After the service, Bill returned to Grand Junction and helped his father on the farm. Later he worked in Ames as a boiler maker. Bill was married and later divorced. One daughter was born to this union. For most of Bill’s working years, he was an over the road semi truck driver. He lived in Denver, Colorado and drove to and from California.

On August 31, 1978, Bill was married to Delores Uselton in Colorado. They made their home in Denver. Bill continued to drive trucks and later drove heavy equipment at a mining operation in northwestern Colorado. After retiring, Bill and Delores operated a self-serve gas station in Greeley, Colorado. They moved to Grand Junction to make their home in the late 1990s. Due to Bill’s health, he was a resident of the Regency Park Care Center in Jefferson for a short time.

Bill was a member of the Church of Christ Church in Jefferson, a Life Member of the V.F.W and a Past Commander in the V.F.W. Bill enjoyed picture and word search puzzles, traveling and seeing the country and to eat, trying out all the cafes. Before his health problems, Bill loved to do wood working, making lots of shelves for Delores to load with pictures and he also made many yard ornaments.

Bill is survived by his wife, Delores; a daughter, Belinda (Kelly) Caldwell of Carroll; step-children: Allen (Jan) Chapman of Highlands Ranch, Colo., Wyatt (Diane) Chapman of Broomfield, Colo., Anita (Joe) Armenta of Sierra Vista, Ariz. and Teresa (Paul) Welston of Fredricksburg, Colo.; and a sister, Dorothy McComb of Iowa Falls, Iowa. Those who preceded him in death were his parents; a brother, Wayne Whitsell and a step-daughter, Maria Chapman.

Graveside services were held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 3, 2017, at the Jefferson City Cemetery with Pastor Bruce Webster officiating. Full military honors were conducted by the U.S. Navy Honors Service with assistance from the Jefferson V.F.W. Casket bearers were Allen Chapman, Wyatt Chapman, Kelly Caldwell and Bryan Higgins. Honorary bearer was Gary Higgins.     

The Brown Funeral Home in Jefferson assisted the family.

Evelyn Belle Stevens Shearman, daughter of Gordon and Mamie Reeder Stevens, was born October 5, 1916 in Jackson Township in Greene County, Iowa on the Stevens family farm, 1/2 mile from her future life long home. When Evelyn was four years old the family moved north of Jefferson to Hardin Township and she attended Kindergarten in Jefferson. The next eight years she attended Mt. Horeb School in Hardin Township.

Evelyn was baptized in the Central Christian Church in Jefferson when she was 12 years old. She worked in C.W.F. and taught bible school. Her church family was very important to her for the majority of her long life. She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1934. She continued her training and received her teaching certificate. She taught school in West Bend one year and three and a half years in rural schools in West Bend and Jackson Townships in Greene County.
On February 26, 1939, Evelyn and Aurthur G. Shearman were married and stayed together for 66 years. They had two children, James Arthur and Thomas Gordon. They raised their family on the farm which was their life long home.

Evelyn and Art loved camping, and traveled all over this country with their young children and in later years their grandchildren. They spent many years going to Canada where they made and kept long friendships. They spent many years camped at State Fair where the grandkids would stay with them exploring and enjoying all of its many wonders. They would also have outings where “no parents” were allowed, only the grandkids. “Best Grandma Ever” was a title expressed by these kids.

Evelyn passed from this Earth Saturday, March 4, 2017 to return to her true home. She was preceeded in death by her son, Jim in 1991 and by her soulmate, Art in 2005. She is survived by nieces Marilyn Shearman and Nancy Nelson Rogers; a nephew, Dick Nelson; her daughter-in-law, LaVonne Shearman and her son, Tom. Additionally, there are the grandchildren, their spouses and their children plus many cousins and friends.

At a later date, there will be a gathering at her farm to celebrate her life where stories will be told and pictures and love for her as well as one another will be shared. Anyone wishing to remember Evelyn can donate to the Jefferson Public Library.

Leona Hadden, 90, formerly of Churdan, Iowa, died Monday, February 27, 2017 at Northern Mahaska Specialty Care in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

Leona was born November 12, 1926, on a farm west of Churdan, to John and Anna (Carey) Shoemaker. Being the second oldest in the family, she assumed the responsibility of caring for others early in life. Leona stayed with her grandparents, Joe and Mary Carey, a lot of the time since her grandmother was in poor health. After her grandmother died when Leona was 12 years old, she continued to stay with her grandfather a lot of the time to help him with cleaning and cooking. When Leona did spend a night at home, her mother would always ask her what she wanted for supper. Leona went to country school and graduated from Churdan High School in 1945. While in high school, Leona was on the girl’s basketball team, and she always commented that she was good. Leona worked at Johnson Drug Store and Minnehan Grocery in Churdan while growing up. When her mother passed away in 1947, Leona helped with raising her two younger siblings.

On June 2, 1947, Leona was united in marriage to Edward Hadden by her uncle, Reverend Leo Schumacher at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church in Churdan. They were blessed with four children.  They lived in Des Moines while Ed went to Drake. Following Ed’s graduation, they returned to Churdan, where Ed served as the postmaster from 1950 until his death on August 11, 1987. Leona kept busy through the years raising their family and was always happy to share some of her baked goodies with the Hardy grandchildren when they were growing up near Lohrville. She also worked part time as a postal clerk at the Churdan Post Office for 24 years. Leona and Ed attended many national postal conventions throughout the states.

Leona enjoyed the many family camping trips the family took each summer throughout the United States. She was even a cook while they were camping, cooking many meals on the road in the makeshift kitchen that Ed designed. After retiring from the post office, Leona operated a second hand shop, Leona’s Boutique in Jefferson. She later found a way to share her cooking with others by making salads at the Redwood in Jefferson.  

After Ed’s death, Leona moved to Carroll. She helped her Aunt Bertha Schumacher while they were both living at Orchard View in Carroll. Leona would take Bertha out to eat, to the grocery store, or to appointments and when Leona baked you can be sure Bertha got some. She moved to Oskaloosa in 2014 after her daughter, Linda, passed away.  

Leona was a long time member of St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church in Churdan. She was also a lifelong member of Catholic Daughters of the Americas. She loved spending time in the kitchen cooking and baking, and got great joy from giving it to others. Leona loved to dance, play bridge, solitaire and go to garage sales and second hand stores.

Leona is survived by her sons: Neal (Marcia) Hadden of Oskaloosa and Larry Hadden of Washington, D.C.; 10 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren: Christina Stotts and her children Tyler and Tiffany of Clive, Joseph (Stacie) Hardy and their children Sidney, Madison, Payton and Joey of Sergeant Bluff, Michael (Christy) Hardy and their children Megan, Mariah, Matthew and Maximus of Lohrville, Kevin (Patricia) Hardy and their children Burke, Kennedy and Meeghan of Cincinnati, Ohio, Karen (Chad) Mussig and their children Madeline, Thomas, Samuel, Henry, Anna and Kate of Gladbrook, Iowa, Mary (Andrew) Tice and their children Olivia, William, Caroline, AJ and Josephine of Des Moines, Marc (Megan) of Amarillo, Texas, Andrew (Samantha) Hadden and their daughter Evelyn of Ankeny, Brian (Rachel) Hadden of Oskaloosa and Caitlin (Aaron) Kissinger of Pleasant Hill. She is also survived by two sisters, Marcella Nurse of Carroll and Teresa Fitzsimmons of Des Moines; a brother, Johnnie (Beth) Shoemaker of Churdan and numerous other family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years; an infant son, Joseph Charles; her daughter, Linda; her parents; two brother-in-laws, Maury Nurse and Gene Fitzsimmons; a brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Sarah Shoemaker; and a sister and brother-in-law, Arlene and Mel Lamaak and other family members.  

Mass of the Christian burial was held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 4, 2017 at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church in Churdan with Father Jeff Schleisman officiating. Serving as casket bearers were her six grandsons. Her granddaughters were the gift bearers. Honorary casket bearers were Cecil Hoyle, Larry Adams, Jerry White, John Hardy, Dan Nurse and Chuck Lamaak. Burial was at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Cedar Township west of Churdan.    

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials may be made in Leona’s memory to St. Patrick’s Historical Society, the American Legion Flag Project or the Churdan Library Building Project.  

Brown Funeral Home, Churdan.

Gerald “Lloyd” Flook, 77, passed away on March 8, 2017 at Mt. Ogden Nursing Home in Ogden, Utah, after a long illness. Interment and services will be held in Jefferson, Iowa at a later date.

Lloyd was born to LeRoy F. Flook and Bernice Hollar Flook on September 5, 1939. On September 7, 1958 he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Mary Beth Jewett.

Lloyd grew up on a farm near Grand Junction, Iowa where he learned the values of hard work, thrift and the skills needed to be an electrician, carpenter, plumber and mechanic. Lloyd could build or fix anything and used this ability to help others. He raised prize Duroc hogs as an FFA project and it was the sale of these hogs that paid his way to the University of Iowa where he earned his BBA degree in l962. Lloyd received his MA degree from Ball State University in 1975 and graduated Cum Laude with a BS degree from Weber State University.

Lloyd served 22 years in the Air Force specializing in supply/logistics. He served in Florida, Virginia, Ohio, Thailand, Vietnam, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany before spending the last five years in Utah. He retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1984. His achievement awards include the Bronze Star medal, three Meritorious Serve medals, Outstanding Unit award, National Defense Service medal, Vietnam Service medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship ribbon and Vietnam Gallantry Cross to name a few. Lloyd’s military education honors and achievements included Air Command and Staff College, Squadron Officer School, Supply Management School (honor grad.) and Automated Systems Analyst Course (honor grad.). He was selected outstanding supply officer for four years by the Air Force.  

After his retirement from the Air Force, Lloyd was an elementary school teacher in Davis County specializing in social studies. Lloyd served as a volunteer tour guide at the HAFB Aerospace Museum for 15 years. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, traveling, camping and was an avid fisherman. Cribbage, bridge or pinochle games with friends gave him many hours of pleasure and he remained a loyal Iowa Hawkeye sports fan all his life.

Lloyd is survived by his wife and son, Kent (Lori); grandchildren: Raelyn Pratley, Chance Pratley, Demi Summers and Taylor Pratley of Boise, Idaho; three great grandchildren; sister, Peggy Cronin of Moulton, Iowa; and many other relatives and friends.  

Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 North Fairfield, Layton, Utah. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lindquistmortuary.com.

Cleo Bernice Hunter, age 98, of Scranton ascended the stair steps of heaven to be with her husband, Jim on Friday, March 10, 2017 at the Gardens Assisted Living in Jefferson surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 15 at the Scranton United Methodist Church with Rev. Joyce Webb officiating. Music for the service was by Karen Murphy as organist, Jim Howard as vocalist and Cassady Hoff playing the fiddle. Casket bearers were Monty Lumsden, Jim Howard, Mark Mattke, Dr. Todd Lumsden, Scot Lumsden and Mackenzie Mattke.  Burial was in the Scranton Township Cemetery. Visitation was held at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Scranton from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. The casket was moved to the church at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday where visitation resumed until the time of service.

Born on July 11, 1918 on her family’s farm on Horseshoe Bend near Scranton, Iowa, Cleo was the daughter of Elmer and Jessie (Sayre) Silbaugh. She grew up on the farm and attended country school as a girl. She graduated from Scranton High School in 1937. Cleo was married to James Pangborn Hunter on April 21, 1939 at the home of Lucy Richards, her aunt, in Dawson, Iowa. Jim and Cleo made their home on a farm south of Scranton for their first year of marriage and they purchased their current farm in 1940. Cleo was very active in the farming operation. She had her own John Deere tractor, she walked beans, raised chickens, kept a master garden and an immaculate home. Cleo was an excellent cook and served three meals a day in the home and to the farm help in the fields during planting and harvest.  

She was active in the Scranton community and served as a mother advisor for the Rainbow Girls for many years. She was a member of Eastern Star, she belonged to the U Go I Go Club, the Greene County Saddle Club, the Iowa Quarter Horse Association, the Square Dancing Club and was a Pink Lady at the Greene County Medical Center for over 20 years. She was also a member of the International Clown Club and entertained as “IZZY” the clown for countless events. Cleo was a lifelong member of the Scranton United Methodist Church where she served as superintendent of the Sunday School and did a great deal of volunteer work.

Cleo is survived by her three daughters: Karen Lumsden (Monty) of Marion, Iowa, Jessie Howard (James) of Spirit Lake, Iowa and Inez Mattke (Mark) of Marion; four grandchildren: Dr. Todd Lumsden (Janice) of Jackson, Mo., Scot Lumsden (Carol Johnson) of Marion, Cassady Hoff (Kevin) of Casper, Wyo. and Mackenzie Mattke (fiancé Candi Hager to be wed in June) of Ames; three great-grandchildren: Dr. Marc Lumsden of Elmira, N.Y., and Rogen and Kavin Hoff of Casper; a great-great grandson, Broden; her brother, Sherman Silbaugh (Virginia) of Humboldt, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

Cleo was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Jessie Silbaugh; her husband, James P. Hunter in 2013; her mother and father-in-law, Inez and Charles Hunter; three sisters: Myrtle Hoskins, Ruth Shiflett and Darlene Silbaugh; and three brothers: Foster, Paul and Norman.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Scranton and online condolences may be left for Cleo’s family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com.

Martha Fister died March 20, 2017 at Regency Park Nursing & Rehab Center in Jefferson, Iowa at the age of 96 years.

A graveside service was held Thursday, March 23, 2017 at Scranton Township Cemetery in Scranton, Iowa. Words of comfort were provided by her nephew, Tim Robbins. Visitation was held Wednesday, March 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson.

Martha Mae (Robbins) Fister was born January 27, 1921 in Faulkton, South Dakota to Ethwell Charles and Lottie (Wischmeyer) Robbins. She attended country school near Onaka, South Dakota thru the 8th grade. She moved to a farm near Paton, Iowa with her family in 1934 and graduated from Paton High School in 1939.

Martha married George Ray Fister on August 23, 1941 at Fall City, Nebraska. She was a secretary at the United Methodist Church in Ogden, Iowa for 15 years and also helped with the farm work.

Martha was a member of the United Methodist Church in Ogden, Iowa as well as Eloy and Casa Grande, Arizona. She had been a member of First United Methodist Church in Jefferson since 2011.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband, George; her parents; 1 sister; 4 brothers; 1 niece and 1 nephew. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson. 515-386-2171.

Floyd Duane Dunlop, son of Donald Archibald Dunlop and Mamie Rose Schuttler Dunlop, was born September 22, 1920 in Hardin Township, Greene County, Iowa on his parents’ farm. He died Sunday, March 12, 2017 at Greene County Medical Center Long Term Care at the age of 96 years, 5 months and 20 days.  

Floyd’s funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 16, 2017 at Hastings Funeral Home in Jefferson, Iowa with  Reverend Sheldon Henderson of Central Christian Church officiating. Casket bearers were Edward Calvert, Donald Dunlop, Steven Smith, William J. Calvert, Wayne Juhl and Doug Fouch. Sheilah Pound was the musician and the hymns were “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” and “The Old Rugged Cross.” Burial was at the Jefferson Cemetery with full military rites provided by U.S. Army Honors, Camp Dodge, Iowa, V.F.W. Post #9599, Jefferson and American Legion Post #11, Jefferson. Lunch was served by the Central Christian Church Ladies at the Church.

Floyd Duane Dunlop attended country school in Bristol Township and later at Hardin Township #7. Floyd Duane was drafted into the U.S. Army August 12, 1942. He was an Antiaircraft Artillery Crewman and saw service for nearly two years in the European Theatre and was then stationed stateside in Washington D.C. until his honorable discharge October 12, 1945. He started farming northwest of Farlin. In 1946 he helped build the John Deere building on Chestnut St. in Jefferson, working as a brick tender.

Floyd Duane was married to Maxine G. Calvert on May 28, 1952 in Maryville, Mo. They were blessed with 64 years of marriage before her passing, March 14, 2016. Floyd Duane purchased his farm in 1964. The couple moved to the Harry Richardson farm, renting the land until 1968. At that time, they moved into Grand Junction. Floyd Duane always stayed busy, working for Monsanto Fertilizer, part-time for Schmidt Corn Shelling and then for Juhl Feed Store. He retired and the couple moved to Jefferson to make their home.  

Floyd Duane loved to work on the farm. Even in his later years, he would take drives out to his farm and up to Juhl’s just to see what was going on. He loved visiting and could be seen at his favorite spots “catching up” on the news at the Bank and at Tammy’s office. Floyd Duane also enjoyed reading and traveling. He loved his trip to Washington D.C. with the honored WWII Veterans. Crocheting and rag punching were also favorite pastimes.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his beloved wife, Maxine; his brother, Ronald Dunlop and his wife, Wilma; and his sister, Arlene Schmidt and her husband, Merle. His memory will be cherished by nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Billie Pevestorf of Jefferson; brother-in-law, Robert William Calvert  and his wife, Margaret of Charles City; other relatives and many friends.  

Memorials in his name may be sent to Hastings Funeral Home, Box 253, Jefferson, Iowa 50129.  

Hastings Funeral Home, 515 386-8181, www.hastingsfh.com.

Ruth “Elaine” Parker, 81, of Manly, Iowa, passed away Thursday, March 16, 2017 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minn. after a serious illness.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Bethel United Methodist Church in Manly, with Pastor Don Preston officiating. A luncheon will follow the service at the church. Burial will take place at Highland Township Cemetery in Churdan, Iowa. Visitation will be held Friday, March 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 E. Spring St., Manly.

Cards and condolences may be sent to 404 Club Terrace, Manly, IA 50456.

Elaine was born October 7, 1935 in Greene County, Iowa, the daughter of Lloyd and Ruth (Dudley) Hoskins. She graduated from Paton High School in 1954. After graduation, she worked as a bank teller in Jefferson and then Churdan. On November 4, 1956, Elaine married Harold Parker. She helped out as a bookkeeper in Harold’s office when the need arose. They celebrated 60 years of marriage in November 2016. Three children were born to the couple: Jolene, Lorrie and Jeff.

Elaine was an active member of Bethel United Methodist Church and received her 50-year pin from the Order of the Eastern Star. She was a member of the OES Lucky Charms Grand Family in 1995 and enjoyed the traveling, visitation and holding the office of Grand Electa with the Grand Family. She was a long-time member and secretary of the local UMW and attended School of Missions for 15 years. She was also a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Over the years, Elaine enjoyed cooking, flower arranging, square dancing as a member of the Laurel Lariats, traveling and spending time with her family. She rarely missed any family members’ events. Elaine was known for her caring heart and the great love she had for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Elaine is survived by her husband, Harold Parker; children: Jolene (Ron) Davis of Jasper, Ga., Jeff (Cathlin) Parker of Colorado Springs, Colo. and son-in-law, Dave Curry of Le Mars, Iowa; siblings: Myrna (Joel) Heifner, Frank (Claudia) Hoskins, and Betty Ann (Jim) Byson; grandchildren Daniel (Laura) Schrader, Stefanie (Chris) Steies, Shannon Parker (fiancé Jim Sherwood), J.J. Parker, Adam Curry, Ross Curry, Ryan Davis and Shane (fiancé Mekaela Harrison) Davis; and ten great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Lorrie Curry and siblings: Rose Ozbun, Lois Galpin and Ralph Hoskins.

Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 E Spring Street, Manly, IA 50456. (641)454-2242. ColonialChapels.com

Larry David Blackburn was born March 11, 1946, to Marjorie (Miller) and Darrell Blackburn in Jefferson, Iowa. He died of bladder cancer on March 16, 2017 at the Hospice House in Ames, Iowa.

Larry grew up in Jefferson and married Betty Jo Wright in Jefferson on September 7th, 1965. Larry served his country in Vietnam in the U.S. Navy. Larry was the father of four girls: Teresa (Ron) Bentz, Tamara, Jenifer (Jeremy) Clipperton and Penny (Bobby) Platter. Larry was the grandfather to Alexandra, Cody, Taylor, Julie and Chase.

A time of fellowship with Larry’s family and friends will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, April 1, 2017, at the Greene County Community Center, 204 W. Harrison St., Jefferson, Iowa. The family requests in lieu of flowers and plants that memorials may be sent to Betty Blackburn, 602 W. Adams, Jefferson, Iowa, 50129.

Kenneth Henry, son of Henry and Anna (Grimm) Ewoldt, was born on November 14, 1922 in Manning, Iowa. He was baptized in the Lutheran church in Manning. Ken attended rural grade schools and graduated from Manilla High School in 1939. On July 25, 1959, Ken was united in marriage with Dolores Ann (Coats) Ranes in Kansas City.

He assisted his parents on the farm near Manilla for 17 years. Ken then worked at Amoco Oil in Manilla for 19 years and as the Manilla City Clerk for nine years until his retirement in 1988. He was a member and board member of the former Presbyterian Church and then member of the United Church and Golden Leaf Lodge. During the 1940-50’s Ken served on the township committee for Red Cross and government agriculture programs. He was interested in all sports, especially his children and grandchildren’s, and enjoyed traveling. Ken was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and at one time held football season tickets.

Ann died in 2012 and Ken moved to the Manilla Manor in 2015. Following a sudden illness, Ken died at Crawford County Memorial Hospital on Saturday, March 25, 2017. He was 94 years, 4 months and 11 days of age.

Preceding Ken in death were his parents and wife, Ann Ewoldt.

He is survived by daughters, Phyllis Drake (Dan Towers) of Scranton and Paula Burgin (Richard) of Penfield, N.Y.; stepchildren, Terri Gimlin (Gregg) of Leawood, Kan. and Randall Ranes (Nancy) of Bakersfield, Calif.; grandchildren, William and Anna Burgin; step grandchildren, Jennifer Starkey (Sean) and Nicholas Ranes; 2 step great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.  

Funeral service were held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 30, 2017, at United Church of Manilla in Manilla, Iowa with Rev. Vicki Fisher officiating. The recorded hymns “How Great Thou Art,” “He Touched Me” and “God Be With You Till We Meet Again” by Mike Bolton were played. Randall Ranes was the speaker. Honorary urn bearers were grandchildren, Anna and Will Burgin. Interment was at Manning Cemetery in Manning, Iowa.

The family requests memorial donations in Ken’s honor, in lieu of flowers.

Ohde Funeral Home, Manning, Iowa. www.ohdefuneralhome.com.

Wayne Eugene Robbins, son of Lloyd Forrest Robbins and Arline Lois Hess Robbins, was born December 27, 1944 in Jefferson, Iowa. He died on March 22, 2017 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 72 years.

Wayne grew up on a farm near Scranton, Iowa. He graduated from Scranton High School in 1963. After high school, Wayne worked at Walnut Grove delivering feed, farmed with his dad and drove a Semi for Priority Express and Niece Trucking Inc.

On April 17, 1971, Wayne was united in marriage to Frances Kersey. They were the proud parents of three children: Tracy, Tanya and Tiffany. They made their home on a farm near Scranton. Wayne farmed and also drove a truck for many years. In 2000, Wayne and Frances moved to Ankeny, Iowa so that they could be closer to their children and grandchildren.  

Wayne loved to drive his truck, listen to live music, watch horse races at Prairie Meadows, watch comedy shows and enjoyed all family gatherings. He was a member of the FFA, Scranton Jaycee, and the Methodist Church.

Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Robbins and his sister, Carolyn McCullough. He is survived by his wife, Frances Robbins of Ankeny; his three children: Tracy Robbins, Tanya Segebart and Tiffany Robbins all of Ankeny; 2 grandsons, Brandon and Braden Segebart of Ankeny; his mother, Arline Robbins of Jefferson; 2 sisters, Connie (Ken) Chitty of Davenport, Iowa and Cindy (Alan) Carlisle of Carrollton, Texas; nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends.

A service of remembrance was held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 25, 2017 at First United Methodist Church in Jefferson with Rev. Julie Poulsen officiating. Honorary bearers were Brandon Segebart, Braden Segebart, Nick Lawton, Steve Carlisle, Alan Carlisle and Ken Chitty. Casket bearers were Tracy Robbins, Kevin McCullough, David Kersey, Ron Tourte, Matt Sass and Joshua Sass. The recorded music played was “How Great Thou Art” by Carrie Underwood, “Go Rest High On That Mountain” by Vince Gill and “Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler)” by Alabama. Interment took place Saturday, March 25 at 1:30 p.m. at Oralabor Cemetery in Ankeny with Tim Robbins presiding.

Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Ryan L. Mortensen, 35, passed away Monday, March 27, 2017 with his loving family by his side. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, March 31 at Ankeny Funeral Home (1510 W. First St. Ankeny, IA 50023). Memorial services will be 11 a.m., Saturday, April 1 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (517 SW Des Moines St. Ankeny, IA 50023). A luncheon will follow the services at the church. Memorials may be made to Ryan Mortensen Memorial to benefit his daughters’ education fund.

Ryan Lynn was born on a wintery day January 13, 1982 to Marvin and Barbara (Heerema) Mortensen in Ames, Iowa. He graduated from Jefferson-Scranton High School in 2000 and then attended Central College in Pella, Iowa where he graduated in 2004 with his bachelor’s degree in communications. Ryan was united in marriage to Megan Bonnstetter and they were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Finlay Rae and Franki Louise. They were later divorced. He was most recently employed at John Deere with their Intelligent Solutions Group in Urbandale, Iowa.

Ryan enjoyed spending time with his family, from teasing his younger brother and sister to farm talk with his dad and grandpa. He loved every minute he spent with his daughters, watching movies with them such as their recent favorite, “Moana.” He also enjoyed watching “Star Wars,” music and football.

Left to cherish his memory are Ryan’s daughters, Finlay Rae and Franki Louise of Johnston, Iowa; parents, Marv and Barbara Mortensen of Ankeny; brother, Alex (Megan) Mortensen and daughters Katelyn and Emmaline of Kansas City, Mo.; sister, Jeneka Mortensen of West Des Moines; grandfather, Ray Mortensen of Fort Dodge; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Ralph and Frances (Bielema) Heerema and paternal grandmother, Eunice (Peterson) Mortensen.

Online condolences and memories may be shared on Ryan’s page at www.ankenyfuneralhome.com.

Ankeny Funeral Home, 515-964-4674.

Beverly Janice (Condit) Lehman was born on October 2, 1929 to Boyd and Hazel (Hansen) Condit. Bev was raised in the town and country in and around Paton, Iowa with her older brother by 14 months, Duane. Her earliest memories are of loving school, even before she was enrolled as a student. She attended Paton Community school and graduated as valedictorian in 1947. She then enrolled briefly at Iowa Teachers’ College in Cedar Falls before moving back to the Paton area.

Bev married Dwight Lehman on May 23, 1948, and they raised four boys: Allen, David, Daniel and Dick and one girl, Cynthia. They farmed for many years near the small towns of Burnside, Paton and Jefferson before moving to Jefferson in 1965. At that time, Bev took an office job at American Athletic before enrolling at Boone Junior College and then Iowa State University, where she graduated in 1971 as the top scholar in the English Department. Following her graduation from ISU, Bev taught school at Scranton for nine years and then took a position at Jefferson Community school system. She then moved on to take various positions at the Jefferson Bee and Herald until her retirement in 1998 at the age of 70.

Following retirement, Bev and Dwight traveled, with highlights being trips to Europe and Alaska, along with regular trips to visit their children and families in Houston, Chicago, Buffalo and Lake Panorama. Bev also had a canny knack for keeping up with technology (of course with the help of her granddaughter, Heidi and her husband, Sean), setting up a facebook account and learning how to use a smart phone. While she also used a Kindle for reading, she continued to check out books from the library.

Beverly Lehman died at her home March 26, 2017. She was preceded in death by her parents, Boyd and Hazel Condit; brother, Duane Condit; son, Daniel and grandson, Andy. She is survived by her husband, Dwight Lehman of Jefferson; sons: Allen (Susie) Lehman of Houston, Texas, David (Coreen Arnold) Lehman of Chicago, Ill. and Dick (Nancy) Lehman of Houston, Texas; daughter, Cindy (Glenn) Summers of Blasdell, N.Y.; daughter-in-law, Muriel Lehman of Panora; ten grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 31, 2017 at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson. Visitation with the family present to greet friends will be Friday, March 31 at the funeral home from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. A private family burial will take place at Paton Township Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Jefferson Public Library.

Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home.

Marjorie Ione (Lincoln) Blanshan, formerly of Grand Junction, Iowa died on December 29, 2016 in Omaha, Nebraska. A graveside service will be held Saturday, April 15th at 11:00 a.m. at the Junction Township Cemetery.

Marge was born on July 4,1923 in Canby, Minnesota to Charles and Rachel (McGee) Lincoln. She grew up in the Madrid/Woodward area and graduated from Ogden High School in 1941. On July 12, 1941 she was joined in marriage to Donald Blanshan of Grand Junction. They farmed the family farm and raised three children: Carol, David and Patty. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Ladies Aid but the majority of her time and life was spent on the farm. She was an able farm partner as she could handle the farm equipment as well as anyone.

She and Don became snowbirds in their retirement, thoroughly enjoying their travels to Texas and southern California. Later she traveled with her sister-in-law and spent happy times in the Mississippi area. Marge lived contentedly on the farm for many years before moving to Omaha in 2009. She missed being on the farm and her Grand Junction friends, but enjoyed being near her family.

Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband, Donald and son, David. Also preceding her in death were her parents; brothers: Milo, Cleo, Kenneth and Wayne; and sister, Mildred. She is survived by Carol Eckwall and Patty McKowen, of Omaha, Neb.; seven grandchildren: Lori (Carl) Nardin, Teri Minardi, Jodi Minardi, Brian (Heather) McKowen, Bill (Shelly) Blanshan, Jenny (Bruce) Wessling and Daryl Blanshan; and eight great-grandchildren.

Bel Air Chapel, Omaha, NE. 402-391-3900.

Wanda Sue Bowers Gilligan passed away peacefully on April 1, 2017 with family by her side. Services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 6, 2017 at Merle Hay Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m.

Wanda was born to Frank and Annie Spence Bowers on August 4, 1924 in Churdan, Iowa. Wanda graduated from Churdan High School in 1941. She was married to William L. Gilligan for 70 years and had two daughters, France Suzanne Evans and Marilyn Kay Noe.

Wanda and Bill moved to Johnston, Iowa in 1945. Wanda was a homemaker until 1947 when she began working for Pioneer Hi-Bred Seed Corn Company. On her retirement she was honored for 38 years of service. Her family increased at this time as Pauline Gilligan joined the family making a family of five. Always active in the activities of the girls she became a Johnston band parent. During football and basketball season she would make and serve sloppy joes, pies, cookies, and cakes at each home game.

The family’s activities expanded to horse shows and then to the Quarter Horse show. Wanda served in several different board positions for many years. Wanda and Bill were inducted into the Iowa Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 2007.

Wanda enjoyed staying active. She still attended the Quarter Horse meetings, she was a frequent presence at The Prairie Meadows race track. Not for betting; it was to bring some baked goodies to her friends and family who worked there.

Wanda and Bill enjoyed dancing all their lives, Big Band and Square dancing especially. They also traveled often to Quarter Horse conventions and to Florida to visit their family there. They would fish with the Florida boys and attended their graduations and weddings. With so many grandchildren they traveled a great deal.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a granddaughter and six brothers.  Survivors are daughters, Suzanne Evans and Marilyn Noe; granddaughter Jolene Edmundson; grandsons, Bart Edmundson (Chris), Martin May (Margaret), Randall May (Amy), Ronald May (Susan), Phillip May, William May (Amanda), and Daniel May (Amy); sister-in-law Gertrude Nabor; brother-in-laws, James Gilligan (Jean), Daniel Peters, and Mike Gilligan (Carol).  Wanda was blessed with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren with whom she enjoyed spending time with.  Affectionately she was called Grandma 14, Little Gramma, and Grammy.  She will be missed by many.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Grimes Public Library.

Merle Hay Funeral Home, Des Moines.

Karen (Cain) Peters, 78, of Burlington, formerly of Rippey, Ft. Dodge and Humboldt, died Friday, March 24, 2017 at Great River Hospice in Burlington, Iowa at the age of 78 years, 9 months and 4 days.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Paul Burrow at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 29 at the Rippey United Methodist Church in Rippey, Iowa. Casket bearers were her grandchildren: Tyler Jensen, Colton Jensen, Joshua Peters, Neil Ericson, Nicholas Rhame, Jacob Peters, Shannon Van Horn, Ashley Jensen, Jessica Ericson and Abby Peters. The pianist was Marjorie Vannatta and the soloist was Brenda Roberts. The hymns were “How Great Thou Art,” “Precious Lord Take My Hand” and “The Lord’s Prayer.” Burial was at the Rippey Cemetery. Lunch was served at the Rippey United Methodist Church by ladies of the church.   

Karen was the daughter of Bruce William Cain and Bernice Louise States Cain, and was delivered by her uncle on June 20, 1938 in Lake City, Iowa. Karen grew up on her parents’ farm southwest of Rippey. She was an active student, attending Rippey Consolidated School and graduating from high school in 1956. Karen was a wonderful friend to all during school and she will be forever cherished by her classmates. She had an exceptionally beautiful singing voice which was not injured from her cheerleading days! In addition to lending her vocal attributes to many small groups, choir and solos, she played the alto saxophone in the band and small groups. She was pleased to be selected for Iowa Girls State, and was chosen “Miss Rippey” and “Miss Greene County.” To say Karen was beautiful inside as well as outside is an understatement. Throughout her life she loved animals, thus the appropriate memorial selection.

After graduation, Karen attended Morningside College in Sioux City for two years and received her teaching certificate. She was united in marriage with Dan Peters in 1958 and they were blessed with six children: Kathy, David, Jane, Donna, Julie and Doug. Karen was a very busy wife and mother, yet was always involved with her church and in the community. Her children appreciate the legacy she gave them to be leaders in their respective communities. They remember her involvement in 4-H and the Girls Scouts. She also loved being a part of the Bell Choir, playing at church and at Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge.  

The family made their home in Sioux City for six years, then Ft. Dodge, Harcourt and Humboldt where she taught junior high in the Humboldt Schools. She taught special education for ten years and then reading, literature and 9th grade speech classes.  Karen was dedicated to completing her own education and received her B.A. degree from Buena Vista at Storm Lake and then received her master degree in special education from Drake University in Des Moines.

After retirement she enjoyed traveling and being with her children and grandchildren. Karen was a member of Rippey United Methodist Church, later attending the Methodist Church in other communities and for several years attending Covenant Church in Lanyon. She also enjoyed her memberships in the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Alpha Omega Sorority in Humboldt, Chautauqua Book Club and community chorus and band, to name a few.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents and her father and mother-in-law, Jake and Wilmuth Peters. Her memory will be ever in her family’s hearts, children: Kathy Jensen (George) of Waukee, David (Shari) of Humbold,; Jane Ericson (Ron) of Pueblo West, Colo., Donna Peters of Lakewood, Colo., Julie Georgiou of Denver, Colo. and Doug Peters (Ann) of Burlington; ten precious grandchildren: Tyler Jensen, Ashley Jensen, Colton Jensen, Shannon Van Horn (T.J.), Joshua Peters, Jessica Ericson, Neil Ericson, Nicholas Rhame, Abby Peters and Jacob Peters; cousins; other relatives and many, many friends.  

Memorials are respectfully suggested to the Burlington Humane Society, and may be sent to Hastings Funeral Home, PO Box 204, 1417 2nd St., Perry, Iowa 50220.   

Hastings Funeral Home, (515) 465-4691, www.hastingsfh.com.    

Mary Ann Finnegan, 79, of Chicago, Illinois, formerly of Jefferson, Iowa, died on April 1, 2017 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease.

Mass of the Resurrection was held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 5 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jefferson celebrated by Fr. Jeff Schleisman. Readers were Marcia Katter, Kathy Kramer and Patrick Pierret. Gift bearers were Emilie Katter, Morgan De Boest, Katie Allen and Daniel Muskin-Pierret. Mike Pierret gave the eulogy. Casket bearers were Charles Pierret, Steve Pierret, James Pierret, Peter Pierret, Brian Pierret and Dan De Boest. Amy Roberts was the soloist accompanied by Lois Last. Interment was at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.     

Mary Ann was born in Jefferson on Sept. 7, 1937 and was a proud member of the Jefferson High School class of 1954. She began her career at the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical School in 1959. After years of hard work and dedication she retired as Director of Personnel in 1992. Her professionalism and rock-solid reliability made her beloved by all she worked for and all who worked for her.

Mary Ann enjoyed trips throughout the USA and all seven continents with her sister, Rita, her friend, Alice, her mother, Ella and other members of her family. Her pictures of African safaris, Alaskan cruises and the wonders of China were a source of pleasure to her family.  During her career, and especially after retirement, she was an active volunteer at her parish where her organizational skills were always put to good use.

Although Mary Ann became a devoted Chicagoan, she never cut her ties with Jefferson.  She and her sister made quarterly trips back to Iowa while their parents were alive. She rarely missed a high school reunion and for many years served as one of the organizers of the event.

For all her career success, extensive travel, volunteer activities and parish work, Mary Ann’s true priority was her family. She served as chief baby-sitter, reunion planner, holiday hostess and well-wisher to two generations of DeBoest and Pierret children. She was the dedicated chauffeur for her mother, sister, nieces and nephews on countless family trips. She also spent many hours on family history and photo documentation for her Finnegan relatives. No request for help was too large for Mary Ann. The one and only consolation for her long and inspiring struggle with Parkinson’s was the opportunity to give back to her a small measure of the kindness she lavished for so many years on her family.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Roger and Ella (Piepel) Finnegan of Jefferson; her sister, Rita Finnegan of Chicago, Ill.; and her brother-in-law, James Pierret of Muskogee, Okla.  She is survived by her sisters, Joan Pierret of Muskogee, Okla. and Jean DeBoest of West Des Moines; her brother-in-law, Joe DeBoest of West Des Moines; and her dearest friend, Alice B. Long, fellow Iowan and Chicago transplant. She is survived by one niece, eight nephews, their spouses and their 25 children who will miss her greatly.

Condolences to the family may be made on line at www.sliningerschroeder.com.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s or the Rita M. Finnegan Scholarship Fund at the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical School.

Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, 515-386-2171.