Kenneth Dale Hostetler, of Jefferson, son of Willard and Lois Hostetler, was born Sept. 24, 1964, in Ames. Kenny died June 10 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines at the age of 54 years.

A service of remembrance was held June 14 in the Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, with words of comfort by Pastor Larry Monthei, of Hope United Methodist Churches.

Words of encouragement were provided by Josh Monthei.

Special music was “Tom Sawyer” by Rush and “Back in Black” by AC/DC.

Honorary bearers were Willard Hostetler, Scott Mullica, Scott Halligan, Mike Monthei, Jim Wyckoff, Marc Hostetler, Craig Anderson, Steve Hildreth, Dan Lau, Vince Sterk, Dan Burkhardt, Randy Burkhardt and Derek DeMoss.

Casket bearers were Jordan Hostetler, Dennis Hostetler, Larry Mullica, Kevin Sherlock, Mike Miller, Rick Henning, Bret Durbin, Chad Gilroy, Josh Monthei and Jerry Schneider. 

Interment was in the Jefferson Cemetery.

Kenny grew up on a farm south of Jefferson with his parents and siblings, Rae and Dennis. 

Kenny always had a wild side growing up, and seemed to have a way of finding trouble, especially after he got his first car. While in high school, Kenny played football, and that is where he met companion Sue Sherlock. 

While in high school, Kenny was in a serious motorcycle accident and was banged up pretty good. Sue started visiting him a lot while he was recovering. It wasn’t long after that they started to date.

In 1997, Kenny and Sue were the proud parents of a son, Jordan. 

Kenny loved to farm, and helped his father, Willard, for many years until he retired, then Kenny took over the farming. He also started a mowing and snow removal business to keep him busy during the off season. 

He loved to do anything with motors, whether it was working on them or driving them.  He also loved motorcycles, whether it was a Harley or a dirt bike. 

One of his favorite things to do was go to Casa de Oro for happy hour with Bret before meeting Sue and Carol out at the casino.

Kenny really enjoyed his poker runs and tried very hard to never miss one. He enjoyed bowling at Spare Time Lanes and traveling to tournaments. At one point, he was bowling in a league three nights a week.  During the winter months he enjoyed going up north on snowmobile trips. In recent years, Kenny had bought a dirt track hobby stock car and had raced it a couple of times.

Kenny was preceded in death by his mother, Lois.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Sherlock, of Jefferson; son Jordan Hostetler, of Jefferson; father Willard (Janette) Hostetler, of Jefferson; sister Rae (Larry) Mullica, of Johnston; brother Dennis (Maureen) Hostetler, of Boone; sister-in-law Beth DeMoss, of Jefferson; brother-in-law Kevin (Tammy Hale) Sherlock, of Jefferson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Clyde Wesley Maile, of Jefferson, died June 19 in Des Moines at the age of 83 years, 11 months and 29 days.

A Mass of the Resurrection was held June 25 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jefferson; Mass was celebrated by Father John Gerald.

Music was provided by Sheilah Pound, soloist, with Lois Last, accompanist.

Honorary bearers were Tom Wilcox, Carl Garnett, Jim Watters, Marilyn Mobley, Chop Gibson, Richard Johnson, Linda Eckstrom and Bob Sondgeroth.

Casket bearers were Randy Monthei, Russ Johnson, Steve McCoy, Tim McCoy, Lyle Brinker and Bill Allen.

A funeral luncheon was held in the St. Joseph Parish Center.

Private interment will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery.

Clyde Maile, son of Charles Leroy Maile and Cynthia Blanche (Garnett) Maile, was born in Jefferson on June 21, 1935. He attended school in Scranton and graduated from the eighth grade. When he finished school, he worked as a farmhand. 

Around 1966, Clyde started working at the Franklin Manufacturing Company in Jefferson. He worked there for seven years and was also employed with the Greene County Sanitation Department. He began working for the city of Jefferson on Jan. 1, 1991. 

When Clyde worked at Franklin Manufacturing, he met Rose Peter Hagaman, who also worked there. The couple was married on Oct. 21, 1973.   They were members of St. Joseph Catholic Church. 

In 1985, Clyde participated in the Bell Tower Festival Horse Shoe Contest. He received a trophy as first place winner.  

Over the years, both Clyde and Rose enjoyed the casinos, traveling regularly in Iowa to Tama or Jefferson, and also trips to the state of Nevada to Laughlin and Las Vegas.

Clyde had a giving spirit. He was recognized by the Blood Center of Iowa for making a vital contribution of over nine gallons to the Volunteer Blood Donor Program. At his death on June 19, his giving spirit continued as a tissue donor to the Iowa Donor Network.

He has given gifts that will forever benefit others.

Clyde was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Rose, who died in 2007; three brothers: Vernon, Raymond and Paul Maile; a sister, Thelma Watters; and a sister who died in childhood, Eleanor Louise Maile.

Survivors include his sisters: Hazel Monthei, of Jefferson, and Wilma Rushing, of Grimes; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. 

Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Congregate Meals in Jefferson.

Services were arranged by the Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home.

Elizabeth (Betty) Corrinne Williams Reese was born on July 20, 1922, to Francis and Opal (Gingery) Williams in Sioux Falls, S.D., and departed this life on June 25. Betty lived her life to 96 years, 11 months and five days.

In 1923, Betty and her family moved to her grandparents’ farm in Cedar Twp. The family moved in 1926 to an acreage near Paton. Betty began her formal schooling in Paton, later moving to Churdan, and graduated from Churdan High School in 1940.

Betty attended the Iowa State Teachers’ College in Cedar Falls for one year. In 1941, Betty began her lengthy teaching career and, in 1970, completed her bachelor’s degree from Drake University in elementary education. Betty taught three years at the Minnehan Country School. In 1944, she taught two years in Readlyn, Iowa. From 1946 to 1948, Betty taught in the elementary school in Churdan.

On May 23, 1948, Betty married William (Bill) Reese at St. Columbkille in Churdan. Bill was enlisted in the United States Air Force and in September 1948, Betty joined him in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She taught fifth and sixth grade students at the school on Ramsey Air Force Base for the next three years.

In May 1951, they returned to the United States and were stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base near Shreveport, La., where Betty taught kindergarten on the base until 1959.

To this union, two daughters were born: Linda and Nancy. 

In 1959, the family returned to Churdan while Bill was stationed in Goose Bay, Labrador. Betty began teaching in Lohrville Community School in Lohrville, where she continued her teaching career until her retirement in 1986 after 41 years of dedication.

Upon her retirement, Betty traveled extensively throughout the United States. She particularly enjoyed many bus trips with her friend, Ann Donnelly. In January 2012, Betty moved to SunnyBrook of Carroll and later was a resident of Regency Park of Carroll. 

Although Betty was an only child, she was considered a sister to her many Carey cousins. Many a card game of Nickel and RummiKub were played with her cousins. Betty was an avid reader, enjoyed completing crossword puzzles and watching “Jeopardy.”

Betty thoroughly enjoyed her many years in education and was widely regarded as a favorite teacher. Betty was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her easy-going, supportive and patient manner made her special to everyone who knew her. Her wisdom and steadfastness supported many of her students’ learning as well as being a role model. 

Betty was a member of St. Columbkille Catholic Church, Rosary Society and Catholic Daughters of America.

Betty is survived by her two daughters: Linda (Quentin) Minnehan, of Churdan, and Nancy (George) Croy, of Appleton, Wis.; four grandchildren: Jason (Brooke) Minnehan, of Churdan; Michelle Minnehan (Ryan Lamb), of Clive; Kristin (Matthew) Percival, of Waukee; and Skylar Croy, of Madison, Wis.; and six great-granddaughters: Ava and Hallee Minnehan, Reese Golightly, Savannah and Charlotte Lamb and Penny Percival. 

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bill in 1975; and grandson Matthew Minnehan in 1995.

Mass of the Christian burial was held on June 28 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Churdan with Father John Gerald officiating. Visitation was held on June 27 with a prayer service at vigil prayer service.

Interment was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Cedar Twp.

Organist at the service was Michelle Fields, and cantor was Greg Carey. Casket bearers were Jason Minnehan, Ryan Lamb, Matthew Percival, Skylar Croy and Anthony Minnehan and David Minnehan. 

Honorary casket bearer was Matthew Minnehan.

Brown Funeral Home assisted the family.

Jean Marie DeBoest (Finnegan), 83, passed away June 29 at the Kavanaugh House in Des Moines.

A funeral service was held July 3 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jefferson. The family received friends July 2 at the Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home.

Burial will be in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Jean was born to Roger and Ella (Piepel) Finnegan on June 3, 1936, at the Greene County Hospital. She was the third daughter of four, and her sisters, Rita, Joan (Jim Pierret) and Mary Ann, were lifelong friends and confidants.

She graduated from Jefferson High School with the class of 1954 and was united in marriage to Joe A. DeBoest on Oct. 5, 1957, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. They were blessed with three children: Marcia, Timothy and Daniel. 

Jean and Joe raised their children in Forest City. Jean worked at Anderson’s Clothing Store, for Bill Welsh at Welsh’s, and finally with Joe at the DeBoest Insurance & Real Estate Agency. Jean was also a dedicated volunteer. She worked tirelessly for American Field Service, The March of Dimes, Meals on Wheels, St. James Catholic Church and many more organizations.

Jean was the consummate party giver!

She and Joe hosted parties for friends that sometimes lasted well past anyone’s bedtime. She was constantly looking for new recipes to try out on her friends. She also helped her children entertain their friends at their home with endless supplies of pizza, pop, ice cream, cookies, you name it!

Throughout her faithful life, Jean was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Forest City, St. Theresa Catholic Church in Des Moines and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Des Moines. Jean and her husband, Joe, were longtime communion servers and served on many boards and committees within these parishes.

Jean was known for her big heart and welcoming home. As an expert homemaker and entertainer for her whole adult life, she always kept extra food on hand in case company dropped by (family and friend favorites were her fudgins and turtles) — and acted as a “second mom” and “bonus grandma” to dozens in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives. She enjoyed entertaining, cooking, spoiling her children and grandchildren, and playing bridge and dominoes. 

In retirement, Joe and Jean moved to Des Moines to be closer to family. Jean found community within her Red Hats group and served as the Queen Mum for her Des Moines chapter. These dear friends traveled together, dined together and were there for each other for all of life’s ups and downs. 

Jean and Joe wintered in Port Aransas, Texas, and later in Mesa, Ariz., developing great friendships in both locations.

Jean’s bright personality was matched only by her colorful wardrobe. She loved all of the brightest colors — reds, blues, purples and more. Her love for purple carried through to decorating her beautiful home as well as picking out all of the purple jelly beans and gum drops from the candy bowl she always kept well-stocked.

Jean is survived by her husband, Joe; her daughter, Marcia (Murray) Katter; her sons, Tim (Ellen) and Dan (Lisa); her sister, Joan Pierret; grandchildren Emilie Katter, Andrew DeBoest (Mary Ellen), Ali DeBoest, Morgan Julson (Jordan) and Riley DeBoest. She is also survived by her cousins, Joyce (Jim) Calder, Jack (Ann) Piepel, Becky Piepel Sisca, Mike (Dianne) Piepel and Peggy Stevens.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Roger and Ella Finnegan; her sisters, Rita and Mary Ann Finnegan; brother-in-law Jim Pierret; brother- and sister-in-law Ralph and Ann Morlan, John and Virgina DeBoest, and Darwin and Ida Robinson, along with Joe’s special cousin, Howard Voshell.

Memorials may be directed to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jefferson.

Elizabeth Ann Kamps Guess, daughter of Hartwig and Elsie (Bolt) Kamps, was born May 7, 1929, in Des Moines. She died June 18 in her own bed, as was her desire.

She lived her life to the age of 90 years, one month and 11 days.

Liz grew up with her parents and brother, Rudy, on her family farm near Polk City. Liz was proud of her German heritage and to be a first-generation American. She enjoyed playing basketball on the Alleman High School team, riding the inter-urban train to Ankeny to have her knee taped before games.

After graduating in 1946, she attended the University of Iowa, where she became a proud Hawkeye and made many lifelong friends. After graduating from the university, she worked for the YWCA in Rockford, Ill. 

In 1951, she married Martin Guess and they settled in Washington, Iowa. Martin was called back into the Navy and the couple moved to Norman, Okla., where Martin was stationed during the Korean War.  Liz worked for a newspaper in Norman. 

When the war ended, Liz did what she never expected to do. Martin became a farmer, Liz a farmer’s wife and they settled on the Guess farm near Adaza.  

Martin and Liz grew their farm and family. 

Martha Ellen, John Clayton, Ann Elizabeth and Susan Lynn soon joined the couple and Liz became a 4-H leader, band parent and school board member. She was a longtime member of the Churdan Library board, working many hours to raise funds for the new library addition. Liz was a member of the Churdan Friday Club, Adaza Thursday Club, Edward English American Legion Post 198 Auxiliary, Greene County Historical Society and PEO Chapter CZ.

She and Martin loved to travel. They traveled all over the country. She and her mother, Elsie, traveled to Germany in 1987 and met family members for the first time. She traveled to Spain, France, Russia, Denmark and China to visit Susan. After Martin’s death, Liz traveled to Alaska, Australia, New Zealand and Greece. She also wintered in Texas a few times. 

Thursdays were special days for many years, first for breakfast coffees in the library and then for lunch with friends at cafes and restaurants in the area.

Liz is survived by her children: Marty Hennesy, of Churdan; John (Joan), of Scranton; Ann Elizabeth (Wade) Gemberling, of Lohrville; and Susan (Drew) Cover, of Hamburg, Germany; her nieces and nephews: Karen (Larry) Schunk, Ron (Sheryl) Kamps, Steve Kamps, Leslie (Michael) Richardson, Jeff Tucker and Jim (Susan) Tucker.

Also surviving are her grandchildren: Katherine Hennesy, Nathan (Jess) Guess, Cara (Todd) Sawyer, Travis (Sara) Gemberling, Tucker Gemberling, Anna Fitzgerald, Elizabeth Ann (John) Towers, Natalie (Chance) Webb, Alena Cover and Tia Cover; her 10 great-grandchildren: Jacob, Georgia, Cru, Joanna, Waylen, Alexa, Brystle, Anna Elizabeth, Claudia and Riley; and her many great nieces and nephews.

Liz was preceded in death by her parents; Martin in 1998; her brother, Rudy, and his wife, Donna; brother and sister-in-law Norman and Mary Ellen Tucker; niece and nephew Lynn and Phillip Brown; and Katie Hennesy’s soulmate, Jason Schultz.

Liz wished to be cremated.  Services will be held at 11 a.m. July 13 at the Churdan Community Room, followed by lunch with a celebration of a life-well-lived after the lunch. 

Burial will be in the Highland Cemetery in Churdan. 

The family asks to have memorials left to the Churdan Public Library or the Churdan Park Improvement fund.

The Guess family wishes to thank Lisa, Michelle, Brenda and the rest of the Kindred Hospice, Panora, for their help caring for their mother. A special thank you also to Taylor Rose, mom’s favorite person to ignore in her last days.

Cheers to a life well lived!

The Brown Funeral Home in Jefferson is assisting the family.

Gary Pardun, 77, of Jamaica, passed away July 1 at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines.

Funeral services were held July 5 at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Perry. Visitation with the family was before the service.

Burial was in Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry.

Memorials will be given to family, and may be left at the Carris Family Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Online condolences may be sent at carrisfuneralhome.com.

Gary Lee Pardun was born on June 9, 1942, in Perry to Willard Alman and Mildred Elizabeth (Book) Pardun. He lived in Perry until his family moved to their farm north of Jamaica when he was six. He graduated from Jamaica High School with the class of 1960. 

He was united in marriage to Linda Ann Ross at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Brookfield, Ill., on Jan. 18, 1964. He worked at the office of the Burlington Railroad in Chicago, and then Electro Motive in LaGrange, Ill., helping build locomotives.

They moved back to Iowa to farm at Bouton. He also worked at Ideal Manufacturing in Jefferson, the Retread Plant and McAtee Tire in Jefferson.

He was a member of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Perry. He enjoyed gardening, growing flowers, bird watching, making birdhouses and watching his grandchildren’s sporting events.

In death, he rejoins his parents, Willard and Mildred, and three brothers: Orin, Paul and Bert.

Left to cherish Gary’s memory are his wife, Linda, of Jamaica; children: Mike (Nancy) Pardun, of Denison; David (Tonja) Pardun, of Ankeny; and Jeff (Angie) Pardun, of Ankeny; grandchildren: Nate, Ben, Scott, Sydney, Gavin, Conner, Logan and Harper Pardun; sisters: Phyllis (Carvel) Naeve, of Woodward; and Dorothy Griffin, of Valdosta, Ga.; and several in-laws, nieces and nephews.

John Gannon, 68, of Churdan, died July 3 at the Greene County Medical Center.

A visitation for family and friends was held on July 5 at the Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson.

John Michael Gannon, son of Phyllis Adamson Gannon and Eugene Gannon, was born June 29, 1951, in Jefferson.  

John grew up in Grand Junction, on a farm, and graduated from East Greene High School with the class of 1969. John farmed for many years before going to work for Osmundson Manufacturing in Perry, where he worked for more than 20 years.

John was the proud father of two daughters: Becky and Sara.

On July 21, 2012, John was united in marriage to Lori Beck at Twin Lakes. They made their home in Churdan, where John became a father to Autumn and J.J.

John never met a stranger.  He had a huge heart and loved to be able to help people. He was an avid Iowa State fan and loved to watch sports. He also enjoyed showing cattle in his younger years and camping.

John was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Gannon; his sister, Kathy Kirschbaum; and his father-in-law, Elmer Beck. 

He is survived by his wife, Lori Gannon, of Churdan; his children: Becky Gannon, of Amarillo, Texas; Sara (Jed) Finley, of Bethany, Mo.; Autumn Gannon, of Ankeny; and J.J. Gannon, of Churdan;  his mother, Phyllis Gannon, of Grand Junction; his grandson, Rance Gannon, of Amarillo; mother-in-law Liz Beck, of Churdan; numerous brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

Memorials are suggested to Unity Point Hospice.

 Janet Kay Davis was born Dec. 12, 1944 in Kansas City, Missouri.

She died July 13, 2019 in Grand Junction at age 74.

Graveside Service of Remembrance was held Monday July 22, 2019 at Jefferson Cemetery – Jefferson, Iowa

Words of Comfort: Pastor Steve Ransom, First United Methodist Church – Grand Junction, Iowa

Honorary Bearers: Frankey Anderson, Kelly Walker Carolyn Spaulding, Pat Monagin, Carol Crouse, Toni Vandivier

Music Precious Lord, Take My Hand, The Prayer

Meladee Graven, Soloist

Keri Brooker, Pianist

Janet Kay Davis, adopted daughter of Beryl E. and Pauline N. Probst Graven, was born December 12, 1944 at Kansas City, Missouri.  Janet was adopted at age 9 months and came to live on the family farm in Bristol Township, Greene County, Iowa.  She attended country school at Farlin, Iowa until the 7th grade when the country schools closed.  She then attended Jefferson Community School.

In 1960 she was united in marriage to Donald Molle at Grand Junction.  During this union, two sons were born, Douglas Duane and Richard Shane.  In 1965 she married Richard John at Omaha, Nebraska.  To this union, two daughters were born, Linda Kaye and Lanice Renee.  Jan was married to Eldon Cunningham for five years.  In 1975, she married Edwin Davis and he adopted Douglas and Richard and she became step-mother to Sandra and John.  The family made their home in Greene County with the exception of two years in Missouri and three years in Calhoun County.

During her life, Janet worked as a bookkeeper and in retail sales.  She was manager of the Greene County Golf and Country Club for six years, Elks bar manager and banquet manager for many years, and she was a cook at the Maid Rite Café in Jefferson.

She worked in the Dietary Department at the Greene County Medical Center for ten years. Jan’s hobbies included crafts, genealogy and collecting.  She was a member of the Jefferson BPO Does Drove #196.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents and husband of 27 years, Eddie, who died in 2002.  She is survived by son, Douglas and his wife Debi of Glendale, AZ; son, Richard and his wife Pam of Grand Junction, IA; daughter, Linda Buenavista of Plant City, FL; and daughter, Lanice Jones of Lake Charles, LA; step-daughter, Sandy Davis of Grand Junction, IA and step-son, John Davis of Carroll, IA; brother, Don Graven of Jefferson, IA;  many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends. 

Memorials are suggested to the Greene County Animal Facility fundraising effort.  To make a donation, checks may be given to Rick Davis, or checks may be made payable to the City of Jefferson, earmarked for the animal shelter, and dropped off at City Hall. 

Liam Sterling Renwanz

“And to think the first thing he saw when his little eyes opened was the face of Jesus”

 Liam Sterling Renwanz was born into Heaven on July 18th, 2019 at 11:36 PM to parents, Cody and Leah Renwanz and brother, Brooks, at Broadlawns Medical Center.

In his short time with us, Liam only knew love. He never had his feelings hurt, felt scared from an Iowa thunderstorm, or knew the pain of a skinned knee or his first tooth poking through. Liam enjoyed kicking his mom, listening to his dad cheer for the Chicago Cubs, and numerous kisses from his big brother. He was embraced in love from the beginning and is now embraced in the love and arms of our Heavenly Father. We are blessed to have been chosen to be Liam’s parents and cannot wait until the day we are reunited in Heaven.

Those left on Earth to grieve are Liam’s parents - Cody and Leah Renwanz (Jefferson, IA). Brother - Brooks Renwanz (Jefferson, IA). Great grandmas - Kay Renwanz  (Scranton, IA) and June Destival (Marion, IA). Grandparents Bill & Terri Renwanz (Jefferson, IA) and Dave & Ginny Destival (Jefferson, IA). Aunts & Uncles - Alex & Tori Gettler (Jefferson, IA), Blake Renwanz (Jefferson, IA), Micah & Kelly Destival (Dike, IA), and Tommy & Miriam Augustin (Mason City, IA). Cousins - Alaina & Brady Gettler, Drew & Breyden Destival, and Asher & Luca Augustin. Many other extended family and friends.

Liam was joyfully welcomed in to heaven by his twin cousins - Addison & Emma Destival. Great grandparents - Harlan Renwanz, Bob & Carol Park, Delmon Destival, Rev. Warren Sterling & Irene Paige. Many great aunts and great uncles.

A private family burial was Monday, July 22nd, at the Jefferson City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the Renwanz household or to 1407 N. Elm St. Jefferson, IA 50129. 

Service of Remembrance was held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 22, 2019 at the Jefferson Cemetery, Jefferson, Iowa.

Words of Comfort were provided by Rev. Julie Poulsen, First United Methodist Church, Jefferson, Iowa

Recorded Music: Baby Mine, Bette Midler; Lullaby, Billy Joel

Interment was at Jefferson Cemetery in Jefferson, Iowa

Michael (Mike) Dean Laub was born on December 11th, 1966 in Ft. Dodge Iowa.

He became the son of Russell & Sharon Laub on January 9th, 1967.

Mike died July 14, 2019 at Mary Greeley Hospital in Ames, Iowa at the age of 52 years.

His funeral service was held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday July 18, 2019, at the Rippey United Methodist Church. The Rev. Paul Burrow officiated.

Honorary casket bearers were Mark Hamilton, Mark Holz, Allison Laub, Kenny Muir, Brenda Kennedy and Craig McDowell active casket bearers were David McDowell, Greg Phillips, Mitchell Laub, Collin Laub, Colby Laub and Carter Laub.

Musicians were Dick Bardole and Brenda Roberts.

Music was The Lord’s Prayer and How Great Thou Art, with burial in the Rippey Cemetery, Rippey, Iowa. Lunch and fellowship followed the burial. Mike and his parents resided on a farm just NE of Grand Junction until 1974.

Mike loved the farm. He always wanted to be right next to his dad while he was working on the farm.

Tractors, machinery and animals were things Mike loved to be around from an early age.

Mike loved to spend time with his Grandma Laub and she had a special place in her heart for him as well.

He loved helping Grandma pick cherries, bake pies, feed the ducks and chickens and drive a car at a very early age!!  Mike was joined by twin brothers, Kristopher and Kurtis, on September 22nd 1969.  He loved having two new playmates.  The Laub Family moved to Rippey Iowa in 1974 to a new house built by Russ and Sharon on a farm they had purchased a couple of years prior.

Mike continued to enjoy helping Dad on the farm and discovered several other new hobbies at his new home.

Mike found a passion for riding dirt bikes, working on anything with tires and an engine, welding and loved learning more and more about farming.  Mike attended East Greene High School at which he was very involved in FFA.  Mike also discovered he had a knack for spelling and won several spelling bees!

Mike left school early and went back to the farm to help his father.  Through the years Mike also had many different occupations:  ran a combine during the wheat run, worked for Cattle and grain farmers in Nebraska, drove a semi hauling cattle throughout the U.S., worked for Hamilton Ready mix doing dirt work, was a welder for the Todd & Sargent Company, installed gutters and construction. among many others.

He was certainly a jack of all trades

In his most recent years, Mike came back to the farm to help his two brothers with the farming operation.

When Mike returned to the farm, he brought a new friend along, his female dog named Jewels.  The love he had for animals continued to grow and he was very caring of Jewels.

Through the years Mike had become very talented and performed many operations on the farm.  He was a very skilled welder and could fix anything that was metal.  He was a very good mechanic and performed maintenance and repairs on everything on the farm.  He could run any type of machinery that was used on the farm and did so up until his last days.

Mike had battled congestive heart failure for several years that was caused by a leaking heart valve.  Mike passed away on July 14th, 2019 from congestive heart failure and kidney failure in Ames, Iowa.

Mike is preceded in death by his father, Russell Laub, his grandparents Harry & Hilda Laub and Anna and George Challands.

Mike is survived by his mother, Sharon of Rippey, his two brothers and sister in-laws, Kristopher & Jennifer of Johnston, Kurtis & Jennifer of Ankeny, his nephews and niece Collin & Colby of Johnston, Allison & Carter of Ankeny.  His aunt and uncle Lewis & Joyce Laub of Grand Junction and four cousins, Mitch Laub, Susan Holz, Craig McDowell and David McDowell. And last but not least….Jewels Laub his dog! Memorials in His name may be sent to Hastings Funeral Home, Box 204 Perry, Iowa.  When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.

Gale Whiton, age 87, passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 17, 2019, at the Rowley Masonic Community in Perry. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services were Saturday, July 20, at 11 a.m. at the Murdock Funeral Home in Perry, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial with military rites was at Violet Hill Cemetery following the service.

Pallbearers were all of Gale and Bev’s grandchildren and families. Honorary pallbearers were Mike Flynn, Rick Noring, Greg Weis, Howard Natzel, and Scott Whiton.  

Gale Dean Whiton was born Dec. 20, 1931, the son of Russell Rufus Whiton and Winifred “Winnie” V. (Sayles) Whiton. He attended country school and graduated from Perry High School in 1950. He farmed and took pride in raising beef cattle for most of his life. He began farming with his father and his brother Lloyd, and he continued a successful farming operation on his own in later years. He was a member of the Elks Lodge, the Greene County Cattlemen’s Association and Moose Lodge.  

He married Beverly Ann Hendershott on Feb. 4, 1957, at Blair, Neb. Two daughters were born to this union, Rosanna L. (Roz) Whiton Weis and Lori Whiton-Damron. They later divorced.

He married Beverly Elaine Walker on June 29, 1966, at Omaha, Neb. She had two children of her own – Michael Flynn and Sharon Flynn Noring, and Gale took an active role in their upbringing. 

Gale and Bev became residents at the Rowley Masonic Community in 2018. They celebrated 53 years of marriage this past June.

Gale enjoyed mowing, shelling walnuts (tons of walnuts), feeding the birds and squirrels in his backyard, old Western movies, and visits from family and friends. He loved a big bowl of his homemade ice cream and his homemade fudge. He spent many hours in conversation with coffee buddies in Perry.

Gale was preceded in death by his parents; his son-in-law, Jim Damron on Nov.  5, 2016;  his brother and sisters: Thurlow Whiton in 1978; Roland Russell Whiton in 1987, Sylvia Adeline Whiton Riley in 1987; Lloyd Arthur Whiton in 1997; Virginia Mae Whiton Rinker in 2003; and Donald W. Whiton in 2014; by his sister-in-law, Eleanor Whiton; two brothers-in-law: Lyle Riley and Harold Rinker; and by his in-laws, Florence and Dewey Walker. He also was preceded in death by a host of good friends.

Surviving are his wife Beverly of Perry; two daughters, Roz (Greg) Weis of Decorah, and Lori Whiton-Damron (Howard Natzel) of Panora; his step-children, Mike (Nancy) Flynn of Glendale, Ariz., and Sharon (Rick) Noring of Grimes; his grandchildren: Andy and Jessica Weis, Paul and Lindsey Weis, and Nick and Carol Hopp; his step-grandchildren: Valerie and Bill Ruiz, Veronica and Fran Forsythe, Tracy and Torrey Noring, and Ashley Noring (Andy Weber); his two great-grandsons; 12 step-great-grandchildren; and four step-great-great-grandchildren; his brothers-in-law, Richard and Bob Walker; and by his sisters-in-law:, Jo Whiton, Shirley McDougal and her husband Dale, and Eldora Whiton.  Also surviving is a special niece, Connie Whiton Newville.

Memorials in Gale’s name will be directed to Kindred Hospice and may be left or mailed to Murdock Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at murdockfuneralhome.net.

Arnold E. Steinke, 90, longtime Jefferson resident, went home to heaven on July 17, 2019.

Arnie was born on June 6, 1929 in Gillett, Wisconsin, to Christina Lemke Steinke and Rudolph Steinke.

He grew up in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin and graduated from high school in 1946.  He then went to railroad school in St. Paul, Minnesota, before enlisting in the US Army in 1948.  He was honorably discharged in 1951. 

He married Joan McMillan of Andover, Massachusetts on August 2, 1953 and they made their home in Jefferson, Iowa.  Arnie opened A to Z Radio & TV, where he sold and repaired radios and tv’s, and he retired in the early 1990’s.

Arnie was a member of American Legion Post 0011 since 1967 and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church since 1953.

He enjoyed fishing, bowling, golfing, and playing cribbage and card games.  He loved to spend time with his family.  Our family was blessed to have him in it.  Our memories are bittersweet but wonderful.

Arnie was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, granddaughter Shayla Gilbert, great grandson Xavier Goodwin, 2 sisters, and 5 brothers. 

 He is survived by his children:  Laura Steinke-Simms of Graettinger, IA, Debra Vimmerstedt of Aurora, CO, and Patricia (Bill) Goodwin of Globe, AZ; five grandchildren:  Joanie Simms, Joel Venteicher, Chris Goodwin, Bo Goodwin, and Derek Allender; 8 great grandchildren; three sisters:  Norma Alsteen of Milwaukee, WI, Dorothy Bauer of Milwaukee, WI, and Helen (R. Pat) Smith of Cerritos, CA; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends.

Service of Remembrance was held on Wednesday July 24, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson, Iowa.

Words of Comfort were from Rev. Dennis Martens, Trinity Lutheran Church – Jefferson, Iowa

Casket Bearers: Joel Venteicher, Chris Goodwin, Tim Ely, Joanie Simms, Lori Whiton Damron and Sheryl Peterson

Music

Josh Groban – To Where You Are

Beautiful Savior

I’m But A Stranger Here

How Great Thou Art

Mark Erickson, Church Organist

Military Rites were handled by the Iowa Army National Guard Honor Guard

Interment will be at a later daye at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Van Meter, Iowa

Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association.

Marilyn Rowles passed away peacefully at her home on July 20, 2019.  She was 92 years of age.

Mass of the Resurrection was held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at St. Brigid Catholic Church in Grand Junction, with Fr. John Gerald of St. Joseph Catholic Church presiding. In lieu of flowers, contribution can be made to Mount Calvary Cemetery Fund [Grand Junction] or St. Joseph Catholic Church. 

 Margaret Marilyn Rowles was born on March 31, 1927 to Tom and Teresa (Schall) Gannon. Marilyn was an active member of St. Brigid Catholic Church in Grand Junction, Iowa, 9 Holers Golf League at Apache Wells in Mesa, Arizona, and numerous clubs and organizations.  She was always willing to share her time and talents with others.  Marilyn enjoyed playing bridge, sewing, golfing, fishing and square dancing.   Her favorite times, though, were the ones spent with her family and friends.

Marilyn was preceded in death by Warren, her husband of over 62 years; her daughter-in-law Judy Rowles; and her granddaughter Teresa Fagen.  Marilyn is survived by her children Lynn (Dennis) Havlicek of Veseli, Minnesota; Rosemary (Dominic) Riccordino of Oak Lawn, Illinois; Peggy (Steve) Fagen of Perry, Iowa; and Tom (Jayne) Rowles of Oxford, Iowa; 13 grandchildren; and 22 great grandchildren.

 Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home of Jefferson was in charge of arrangements. 

GaDate of Death:  July 21, 2019 A Celebration of Life Service for Barb Freeman, 77, of Jefferson, will be held at 11:00am, Thursday, July 25, 2019 at The Dwelling Place, 303 Gallup Road, Jefferson, IA.  Pastor Rod Block will officiate.  The family will greet friends beginning at 10:00am Thursday at the church, until the time of the service.  Burial will take place at a later date at Franklin Township Cemetery, Cooper, Iowa.  Memorials are suggested to The Dwelling Place.

 Barb is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Arden; four daughters and two sons:  Lisa (Wes) Klobnak of Waukee, IA; Deborah (Greg) Carr of Bismarck, ND; Rodney (Becky) Freeman of Jefferson, IA; Craig (Kelly) Freeman of Jefferson, IA; Tammy (Greg) Amick of Stanley, NC; Kimberly (David) Block of Jefferson, IA; 25 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren; two brothers: Larry and Kenny Monthei of Cooper, Iowa; numerous brothers-in-love and sisters-in-love; nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

 Online condolences may be left at www.sliningerschroeder.com.

Bill Conroy was born May 21, 1953 in Fort Dodge, Iowa to William A Conroy and Betty (June) Mears. He passed away July 11, 2019 at Bloomfield Living Center in Bloomfield, Mo after a short battle with cancer.

On March 10, 1973 Bill was united in marriage to Sue Waldo. They were blessed with two daughters, Melinda and Jenell, two grandchildren Allison and Brock, and in 2016 he became great grandpa (Papo) to Mackynlee.  His favorite day was Wednesday as he would pick her up from “school” get a treat and go searching for choo-choos. Best day of the week he would say! In May 2019 Papo welcomed Decklyn into his family, his family was now complete.

Bill worked as a grain supervisor for many years. Working in Jefferson, Gowrie, Schleswig, and spending two years in Oklahoma before returning home. For the last 5 years Bill was a government contracted mechanical engineer working for the Federal Courthouses in Des Moines, IA and later in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

When Bill wasn’t working you could find him reading, researching his genealogy, attending auctions (to add to his “collections”) in earlier days he spent his time helping family and friends work on dirt track race cars.  Bill never knew a stranger and was always there with a witty comeback or the best advice ever.

Welcoming him into heaven were his parents William and June Conroy, Brother Tom, sister in law Dyana Conroy, nephew Chip Conroy, and way too many friends and other relatives.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Sue of Dexter, Mo, daughter Melinda (Jason) Palmer of Jamaica, IA, daughter Jenell Conroy of Dexter, Mo, granddaughter/daughter Allison (Michael) Shemwell and their children Mackynlee and Decklyn of Bloomfield, Mo, grandson Brock (Kate McDowell) Louk of Jefferson, Ia., Brother Kirk, of Pittsburgh, Ks, Niece Katie and daughter Kaylie Conroy of Pittsburgh, Ks. nephew Chad (Melissa) Johnson and children Grace and Ben of Semeca,Mo. Mother in law and father in law Chet and Betty Waldo of Scranton, Ia.

Bill fought a courageous battle he knew he could not win, always with a smile; he gave it his all.....

IRISH BLESSING...

May the road rise up to meet you,

may the wind always be at your back,

may the sun shine warm upon your face,

and rains fall soft upon your fields.

and until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of his hand.............

Mildred L. Skalla, 85, of Scranton, passed peacefully home July 15.

A memorial service was held July 27 at Gospel Open Bible Church in Jefferson.

Mildred was born in Jefferson on Dec. 26, 1933, the daughter of Eleanor (Fischer) and Harold Phelps.

After she graduated from Jefferson High School, she became a farm wife when she married Junior Skalla, of Scranton, on June 2, 1952. They shared 50 years together, raising six children. Mildred enjoyed her home and hard-working life on the farm for 67 years.

Mildred was involved in church, community and social events, but her priority was always “family first.” Her large family and friends will remember her ability to make them smile, her love of cooking, and her kind and caring spirit. Mildred’s friends were all so very dear and supporting to her, which she greatly appreciated.

Left to carry her memory are her six children: Michael Skalla, of Bettendorf; Teresa Jones, of Ackworth; Rose Mary (Mark) Thompson, of Ames; Karen (Mark) Caraher, of Glidden; Daniel (Lynn) Skalla, of East Moline, Ill.; and Dennis Skalla, of Pueblo, Colo.; 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; one brother; four sisters; one sister-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were husband Junior and son-in-law Fred Jones.

Mildred was so anxious to go home to Jesus and see passed loved ones. She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.

Editor’s note: Mrs. Skalla’s obituary was mistakenly omitted from the July 25 Herald. We sincerely apologize for the mistake.

Duane D. (Shorty) Clark, the son of Grant and Velma (Steward) Clark, was born Feb. 1, 1936, in Adaza, Greene County. He departed this life July 23 at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames.

He lived his life to the age of 83 years, five months and 22 days.

Shorty graduated from Churdan High School in 1954. He was a member of the Iowa National Guard from 1952-58.  Shorty was united in marriage to Joyce Miller on Dec. 23, 1955, at the Scranton Methodist Church. Three children were born to this union: Teresa, Bret and Sherry.

Shorty and Joyce made their home in Churdan. Shorty was employed by the Hadden Motor Company and later operated the Churdan Auto Service in partnership with Leslie J. Picht. Shorty and Les operated this business until 1973. Following that he was employed for 25 years for the Greene County Secondary Road Department. 

Shorty and Joyce lived in a house they personally built in 1984 until his death; making that his biggest accomplishment as a builder. In later years, Shorty joined Les in creating many beautiful wood projects made with love in a shop located on Main Street. 

Shorty was active in the community and freely offered his talents in woodworking in remodeling the Catholic Church kitchen and the Methodist Church addition. He served on the Churdan Fire and Rescue for many years and also as fire chief. 

Shorty served as the Churdan Business Club president, served 38 years as a Highland Twp. trustee and also served as Highland Housing Board trustee. 

Shorty was a member of the Churdan United Methodist Church, and for many years was the “Chief Dishwasher” for the Beef Dinner fundraiser.  He also was a Friend of the Churdan Library and helped with the building and equipment maintenance.

Shorty had great joy in the family time that he shared with his children and his grandchildren, which included fishing and working on family projects. He also enjoyed attending auctions and collecting antiques.  

Shorty is survived by his wife, Joyce; children Teresa (Troy Gibson) Mobley, of Scranton, Bret (Heidi) Clark, of Kingston, Wash., and Sherry (Rod) Graven; brother Richard Clark, of Storm Lake; and sister Berneice Taylor, of Jefferson; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; special friend John Mosher, of The Villages, Fla.; and many nephews and nieces.

Preceding him in death were his parents and his mother and father-in-law, Russell and Violet Miller; sister Phyllis Meyer; and brothers Eugene Clark and Melvin Clark.

Funeral services were held July 26 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson with the Rev. David Arulnathan of the Churdan United Methodist Church officiating. Musical selections “The Lord’s Prayer” and “On Eagles Wings” were sung by soloist Larry Dowd and accompanied by organist Becky Greiner.

Honorary bearers were his grandchildren, Jeremy (Elissa) Mobley, Derek Graven and Jenna (Wade) Nasheim; great-grandchildren Tiffany (Chris) Elmore, Chase Mobley, Carter Mobley, Nora Nasheim, Grady Nasheim; and great-grandchildren Baileigh Elmore, Aleigha Elmore and Brody Elmore.  

Burial was made in the Highland Twp. Cemetery in Churdan with military honors conducted by Churdan American Legion Post 198.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Churdan City Park Playground Equipment Fund or the First United Methodist Church in Churdan.

Friends and family were invited to a time of lunch and fellowship at the church following the service.

Assisting the family was the Brown Funeral Home of Jefferson.

Judith (Judi) Leone McClurg, of North Port, Fla., passed away on June 28 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital at the age of 68 years young.

Judi was born to the late Dale and Hazel Salisbury on Nov. 20, 1950, at Greene County Hospital in Jefferson. Judi graduated from Paton-Churdan High School, received her bachelor’s degree in social work from Mount Mercy College and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Iowa.

She is survived by her loving husband of 25 years, Stanley (Sam) McClurg, of North Port; six children: Chad (Marci), Danette (Steve), Heather (Brenda), Scott, Jade (Brian), and Alicia; 15 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and her loving brother, Ron (Dorothy), of Johnston, whom she loved and respected so much. Judi is also survived by her longtime best friend, Deb Geisler (Jerry), of Churdan.

Judi loved her family and strived to make this world a better place for everyone she met.

A celebration of life was held July 5 in North Port. 

The family will host a celebration of life for Judi in Cedar Rapids at 10 a.m. Aug. 12 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. A lunch will be served proceeding the service.

Marjorie M. Beecher, the daughter of Henry and Blanche (Perkins) Blasnitz, was born Jan. 4, 1926, in Jefferson and departed this life July 28 at Regency Park Care Center in Jefferson. She lived her life to the age of 93 years, six months and 24 days.

Marge was raised in a family of 13 children and graduated from Jefferson High School.  On March 4, 1946, Marge was united in marriage to Forest E. Beecher in Omaha. Three children were born to this union: Jeannie, Stephen and Lindsey. 

Forest and Marge farmed west of Churdan. Marge was active in helping work the farm, along with raising her children and being a homemaker.  

Forest passed away in March of 2005, and Marge and her daughter, Jeannie, moved to an apartment in Jefferson, where they lived for many years. Due to the onset of Alzheimer’s, Marge made her home in her later years at Regency Park in Jefferson. 

Marge was a hard worker who helped Forest in all aspects of their life together, from driving tractor to walking beans to campaigning with him when he was a county supervisor for 23 years. 

She was an amazing cook and fed her family well at all holidays and family gatherings. She opened her home to visiting family and catered to all of her guests. You always knew you were welcome at the Beecher farm. 

She and Jeannie also enjoyed going to play Bingo together and visiting with neighbors. She was a devoted wife and mother, but she was a shining star as a grandmother. She loved having her grandchildren stay overnight, playing cards, eating popcorn and hearing about their activities. Her love and support for them was unconditional. 

Marge was a member of the Churdan United Methodist Church and the Adaza Club. 

Marge is survived by her children: Stephen and his wife, Bernadette, of Spencer; Lindsey and his wife, Virginia, of Ames; and Jeannie, of Jefferson; five grandchildren: Adam (Gina) Beecher, Katie Beecher, Thomas Beecher, Kristen (Brennen) Triplett and Julie Beecher; and five great-grandchildren: Luke, Ben and Noel Beecher and Rozlyn and Crayton Triplett. 

Those who preceded her in death were her parents; husband; and 12 brothers and sisters: William (Bill), Wiona, Doris, Katherine (Mick), Darrell (Dike), Gladys, Beverly, Mary Lou, Don, Kay, Charlie and Joyce.

Funeral services were held July 31 at the Brown Funeral Home in Jefferson with Marge’s grandson, Pastor Adam Beecher, officiating.

Burial was made in the Highland Twp. Cemetery in Churdan. 

Serving as honorary casket bearers were her five grand- children. A visitation was held prior to the service at the funeral home. 

Family and friends were invited to a time of lunch and fellowship at the Churdan Methodist Church basement following the graveside services.

Wendell Roscoe Sheer was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Wendell will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Simply stated, Wendell was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. 

Wendell leaves behind him a legacy of lifelong friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Wendell Roscoe Sheer.

Wendell Roscoe Sheer was escorted to heaven by the angels on July 20 following a long battle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). He passed peacefully at his home with his wife and a friend at his bedside. 

Visitation was held July 23 at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove, Texas. A funeral service was held July 29 at Ascension Lutheran Church in Coon Rapids, with burial in the Union Twp. Cemetery in Coon Rapids.

Mr. Sheer has a twin brother, and they were born July 10, 1953, at Audubon Hospital in Audubon. He attended a country school near Audubon and attended school in Exira, Guthrie Center and Coon Rapids. His parents were Kenneth Edwin Sheer and Phyllis Sheer. 

During his high school years, he was a member of FFA, played football and worked for Garst Company. 

After high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps for two years and was stationed in Camp Pendleton, Calif., as a cook. After he was honorably discharged in 1973, he attended Des Moines Area Community College. 

On June 1, 1974, he married Janet Starman at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dedham. He received his associates degree in hotel and restaurant management in 1975. He was hired by International House of Pancakes in Belleville, Ill., as an assistant manager. He later worked as an assistant manager and promoted to manager at Church’s Fried Chicken in Belleville. He then worked at a stove manufacturing company before moving back to Iowa. 

He and Janet moved to Dedham, where he worked for General Electric. Two children were born of this union: Rachel and David. 

Mr. Sheer enlisted in the Army Reserve, but later entered the Army full-time as a truck driver. His duty stations while in the Army were: Fort Lewis, Wash., Korea, Honduras, Germany and Fort Hood. He received several commendations and received awards for driver safety. During his time in the Army he had nicknames of Gramps, Grandpa, Pops and Fuzzy. 

By the time he was discharged from the Army, he had achieved the rank of staff sergeant. 

After leaving the Army, he attended Central Texas Community College and received a certificate in computers. He then worked on Fort Hood hauling ammo, followed by working at the gates X-raying trucks. He transferred to the Welcome Center and then transferred to the post office on Fort Hood.

In his retirement, he enjoyed gardening and being on the computer. He also enjoyed grilling almost every weekend. 

But he enjoyed being with his grandchildren most of all. He would get the telescope out and teach them about the planets and universe, plant a garden with them, play with them in the backyard and just be with them. He would give himself permission to spoil the grandchildren by always saying, “They are only little once.”

Wendell is survived by his wife of 45 years, Janet; daughter Rachel Sheer Francis and her children Matthew and Mary Young; son David and his wife Zayda and daughters Clarissa and Mia; brother John Sheer and wife Diana; twin brother Wayne Sheer; aunts Darlene McConnell, Della Holdsworth; Uncle Cliff Nelson and wife Peggy.

Mr. Sheer was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Edwin Sheer; mother, Phyllis Nelson Sheer; two brothers, Merlin Sheer and Richard Sheer; niece Heather Sheer; grandparents Roscoe and Amanda Sheer, Ina Ernst and Theodore Nelson; uncles Mike McConnell, Vernon Holdsworth; and Louise Hamilton, special friend of Wayne Sheer.

 Ohde Funeral Home in Manning assisted the family.