Graveside memorial services for Julie DeBok, 55, of Columbia Falls, Mont., will be held at the Jefferson Cemetery at 11 a.m. Oct. 31, with words of comfort by Pastor Wendy Pittman.

A luncheon and visitation for family and friends will follow at First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson.

Julie Ann DeBok was born April 23, 1965, in Nevada to Ron and Loretta (Lori) DeBok, and moved with her family to Jefferson when she was seven years old.

She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1983 and from the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1987. After five years living in Denver, she followed her heart to northwest Montana. While there she completed another bachelor’s degree in information technology and combined that with her nursing experience and worked in both fields.  

Her last employment was at the Montana State Veterans Home.

She passed away at age 55 at her home in Columbia Falls on Oct. 16 after a short illness.

Julie loved being out in nature, whether hiking in nearby Glacier National Park, camping, cross-country skiing, gardening at her mountain home, or even shoveling all that Montana snow. She was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed watching baseball and her beloved Chicago Cubs.  

She was a dedicated nurse, a loving and thoughtful daughter, granddaughter and sister, a kind and generous friend and the fun aunt, always available to color and play board games, play ball outside or take all the gang of kids sledding at Seven Hills Park.

She is survived by her parents, Ron and Lori DeBok, grandmother Edith Roth, and sister Lisa (Darwin) Tucker, all of Jefferson; sister Michele (Chuck) Herscovici, of Olathe, Kan.; four nieces, one nephew, other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by three grandparents. 

Services were arranged by the Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home.

Helen Pauline Mallett was born Dec. 1, 1916. She was the only child of Perry Wesley Mallett and Grace Florence Potter Mallett. 

From an early age she went by the name Pauline.

She grew up in the Scranton area, enjoying fun times with her cousins of the extended Mallett family. She attended country schools then Jefferson High School, graduating in 1935. After graduating she worked as a “hired girl” for several families.

She met Joel Johnson while working for a farm family where he was the “hired man.” They were married on Jan. 3, 1938. They began their married life on a farm near Goose Lake in Hardin Twp. They lived and farmed there until 1970.

She was a typical farm wife, raising chickens, taking care of a large garden and working side by side with Joel. Their only child, Joeline, was raised on that farm. When Joel and Pauline retired, they moved to a house on Olive Street in Jefferson.  

Pauline was a member of the Farlin Church of Christ, then transferred her membership to Central Christian Church in Jefferson, where she was an active member of the church women’s group. For over 25 years, she kept the church kitchen immaculate. She ironed every dish towel before folding and putting away in the kitchen drawer. She helped prepare and serve many meals, from funeral dinners to salad luncheons. She also served as one of the first women elders. After Joel passed away in 1986, she had the opportunity to attend the Christian Church Quadrennial in Indianapolis.

Pauline loved to be outside. She was still mowing her own lawn in her 90s.

After she dealt with a broken hip, she moved to Greenewood. She enjoyed the years she was able to live in her apartment and the good neighbors she had there. Those neighbors could count on seeing her on her daily walks. She enjoyed Fun Travel bus trips with her daughter. The “four generation” summer trips with daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter found her ready for any adventure, including an air boat trip on the Platte River in Nebraska when she was 94.

In recent years, she looked forward to card games with her grandsons or anyone else who stopped by.

Pauline passed away peacefully on Nov. 2 at the Greene County Medical Center at the age of 103.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 10 at the Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, with words of comfort by the Rev. J. Alexander of Central Christian Church, Jefferson.

Honorary bearers will be Jax Carstensen, Jayden Carstensen, Krista Henning, Eli Carstensen, Brady Carstensen and Maddox Carstensen.

Casket bearers will be Gary Carstensen, Paul Carstensen, Jacob Miner, Jeremiah Miner, Justin Henning and Jeremy Henning.

Interment will be in the Jefferson Cemetery.

Preceding Pauline in death were her husband, Joel; and her parents, Perry and Grace Mallett.

Pauline is survived by her daughter, Joeline (Glenn) Carstensen; three grandchildren: Linda Henning, Gary (Carrie Jo) Carstensen and Paul (June) Carstensen; 10 great-grandchildren: Justin, Jeremy and Krista Henning, Jax, Jayden, Eli, Brady and Maddox Carstensen; two step-great-grandsons, Jacob and Jeremiah (Melissa) Miner, and their two children, Olivia and Gunner.

Margaret Irene Rice, 82, passed away peacefully on Oct. 26 at the Greene County Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held at a later date.

Margaret Irene Bennett was born Jan. 14, 1938, the daughter of John and Edna Bennett, in Chillicothe, Mo. She was joined at home later by her sister, Elaine. At the age of 4, the family moved to Jefferson. 

Irene attended Jefferson Schools her entire life. Irene married Joe Busch. To this union three children were born: Steven, Gary and Susan. The couple later divorced. 

Irene married Charles Rice on June 7, 1963, in Jackson, Minn. To this union they welcomed two more children, John and Anita. They made their home in Jefferson.

Irene wore many hats through her life in her various jobs at Chicago Rivet Factory, Truck Haven Cafe, The Klassi Klub and the bean fields. Oh the memories we have of those days in the bean field.

Mom loved bowling, fishing, playing cards with friends and family. She was active in the local Raccoon River Valley Muzzleloader Club as the club secretary. 

To many she was simply “Queenie.” In 1994, Irene and her mom were the first-ever mother and daughter duo to be inducted into the Iowa Bowling Hall of Fame.

Irene is preceded in death by her parents and her son, John Alan Rice.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 57 years, Charles Rice; her children, Steven (Lisa) Busch, of Fort Dodge; Gary (Candy Hoyle) Busch, of Rippey; Susan (Duane) Forkner, of Jefferson; and Anita (Barry) Gribble, of Manson; grandchildren, Travis (Samantha) Busch, Elisha Kennedy, Anthony Kennedy, Patrick Kennedy, Heather (Tony) Geerdes, Jacob Rice, Cherie (Robert) Peck and Chris Mack; 16 great-grandchildren and two great-great-granddaughters; her sister, Elaine (Duane) Marsh; and many nieces and nephews.

Cards may be sent to: Charles Rice, 406 W. Adams St., Jefferson, IA 50129.

Margorie B. Shaffer, 94, of Cedar Rapids and formerly of Scranton, passed away on Nov. 11 at Mercy Hallmar Residential Care in Cedar Rapids.

Due to COVID-19, services will be held at a later date.  

Arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Scranton, and online condolences may be left for the family at: dahnandwoodhouse.com

Those who wish to send cards or memorials may mail them to: The Family of Margorie Shaffer, c/o Jeni Hartford, 115 D. St. NE, Walford, IA 52351.

Margorie was born on May 3, 1926, in Scranton, and was the daughter of Ernest M. and Pearl (Baker) Taylor.

Marge, as she was known to most, grew up in Scranton and graduated from Scranton High School in 1943. Following high school, she worked for Security Savings Bank in Scranton.

She was married to Thomas Shaffer on July 12, 1945, at Maryville, Kan. The couple made their home south of Scranton, where they raised their family. Marge and Tom built a house and moved into Scranton in 1972.

She was a member of the Scranton United Methodist Church and the Red Hat Society. Marge and Tom spent 20 winters in Weslaco, Texas. She enjoyed dancing, golfing, socializing, reading and spending time with her family.

Margorie is survived by a son, Norman Shaffer, of Cedar Rapids; three grandchildren: Jeniffer Hartford (Greg), of Walford, Amanda Tamunoigoni (Sonye), of Yukon, Okla., and Daniel Wilkes (Theresa), of Hiawatha; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Margorie was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Pearl Taylor; her husband, Thomas Shaffer; twin sisters and their husbands: Doris and John Mouw and Dorothy and John Frease; daughter-in-law Marilyn Shaffer; son Richard Shaffer; and grandson John Shaffer.

John Marion Bass was born Nov. 14, 1927, in Laurel, Neb., to George and Mae (Papenhausen) Bass. He passed away on Nov. 11 at his home in Fontanelle at the age of 92.

John grew up in the Laurel, Neb., and Scranton areas. He was united in marriage to Bernice Brown on Nov. 6, 1948, at the Scranton United Methodist Church. To this union three children were born: Diane Carol, Charlene Kathryn and Jim Marion.

John was a farmer and he farmed near Scranton and Jefferson. His farm was one of the farms that hosted the 1966 Agri-Rama U.S.A. National Plowing Match.

They purchased their farm north of Fontanelle in 1968.  Upon retirement, they moved to their home in Fontanelle in 1993.

John was a member of the Methodist Church, Fontanelle Lions Club, Fontanelle Elevator Board and Farm Bureau.  He enjoyed dancing, jigsaw puzzles, reading, playing cards, bowling, boating and traveling.  He also looked forward to winters in Arizona for many years.

He is survived by his two daughters, Diane Rice (Darwin), of Jefferson, and Charlene Wood (Dean), of Coralville; son Jim Bass (Kathy), of Fontanelle; six grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law Mary Bass, of Banning, Calif., Phyllis Brown, of Bayard, Elaine Seaman (Robert), of Carroll, and Lois Taylor (Merlin), of Cedar Falls; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather Lester Weaver; wife Bernice Bass; brothers George and Stanley Bass; brother-in-law Wayne Brown; granddaughter Karen Wood; great-grandson Timothy Wood; and great-granddaughter Ava Farrand.    

Graveside services were held on Nov. 18 at the Scranton Cemetery.

The Steen Funeral Home in Fontanelle is in charge of the professional arrangements.  Online condolences may be left to the family at steenfunerals.com.

Benito Ortiz Jr., 30, of Perry, passed away on Nov. 6 at his home in Perry.

A memorial service in his honor will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Carris Family Funeral Home & Cremation Care in Perry. Everyone is required to wear face coverings and practice social distancing while attending the service. 

Memorials will be given to his family and may be left at the Carris Family Funeral Home & Cremation Care.

Online condolences may be sent at carrisfuneralhome.com.

Benito Ortiz Jr. was born on Aug. 8, 1990, in Berwyn, Ill., to Benito and Dolores (Gentry) Ortiz Sr. He graduated from East Greene High School. He was employed at Tyson Foods in Perry.

Benito collected Pokemon, was the king of useless facts and made people laugh with his corny jokes. He played football all four years of high school and was involved in Video Club.

He loved to spend time with his daughter, Emaleigh, taking her swimming, to the park and on many adventures.

Left to cherish Benito’s memory are his parents, Benito Sr. and Dolores; daughter Emaleigh Allyn Ortiz; grandmother Mary Pongracz; siblings Maria Hernandez, Andrea Hernandez, Carla Hernandez and Candice Ortiz; nieces and nephews Alexis Bumgardner, Douglas Bumgardner, Nayana Broc, Breanna Brock, Delrico Brock, Madianna Bell, Pedro Ortega, Gabriela Ortega, Jeffery Reiman, Jason Reiman, Shiley Reiman, Raven Osborne, Elijah Osborne, Luna Bermudez, Erica Holloway, Madisol Hernandez and Matea Hernandez; great-nieces and nephews Louis Maldonaldo, Jahseh Ozuna, Adelina Ortega, Luciana Ortega; and his best friends Hiram Black, Marcus Cannon, Tyree Felton and Adam Monroe. Also, many aunts and uncles from Illinois and Michigan.

Frank Thompson “Tom” Milligan died Oct. 17 at his Fountain Hills, Ariz., home. He was 82.

Tom was born on Jan. 2, 1938, to Frank Toliver Milligan and Ruth Thompson “Tommy” Milligan. He had the distinction to be the very first baby born in the new Greene County Hospital in Jefferson.

Tom married his high school sweetheart, Loralee “Lori” Hildreth, on May 28, 1966, in Boulder, Colo.

He was a graduate of UCLA where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He then began his Navy career serving aboard the USS Vance and USS Barney, achieving the rank of lieutenant, and was honorably discharged in 1964. He continued with graduate studies at University of Colorado and University of Washington, where he received his MBA in 1967.

Tom had a love of airplanes.  His parents gifted him his first flying lessons his senior year of high school, where he spent the spring and summer learning to fly in a 65HP Piper J-3 Cub. This love led to a successful and illustrious 33-year career at Boeing, where he held various positions in marketing and sales.

He was instrumental in supplying the innovative Boeing planes to North American airline fleets. He flew the very first 737-300 that was delivered. When he “retired” from Boeing, he spent the next two years as senior vice president, aircraft acquisitions, for the Las Vegas-based National Airlines.

Tom had a great love of playing and watching golf, was a voracious reader and was a member of The Fountains, A United Methodist Church in Fountain Hills.  

Tom and Lori were longtime residents of Washington State and lived briefly in Nevada prior to moving to Arizona, where they had homes in Payson and Fountain Hills.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Tommy, his wife, Lori, and his sister, Jane.

Tom leaves behind his nieces, Alison, Joni, Julie, Karen; and nephews Eric and Steve; along with their families. He also leaves the Mercer family godchildren. 

A celebration of life will be held in 2021 when it can be thoughtfully planned to take into consideration the current state of the pandemic.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to:

AZ Maine Coon Cat Rescue  https://azmccr.org/ss-donate.html

Fearless Kitty Rescue https://fearlesskittyrescue.org/donate/

The Fountains, A United Methodist Church http://thefountainsumc.org/all-about-donating-to-the-fountains/

Charles (Chuck) Burkhardt, 77, of Jefferson, died Nov. 9. 

Chuck was born Jan. 20, 1943, in Guthrie Center to Kenneth and Ruth (Badger) Burkhardt. Chuck grew up on a family farm outside of Bagley and graduated from Bagley High School in 1961.

Chuck married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie Burns, on July 2, 1961, in Bagley. To this union, four children were born: Karon, Randy, Dan and Rich.

Chuck worked as a mechanic for several different companies (Gilliland Inc., DOT and Harrison Ford) before opening his own mechanic shop in 1975 in Jefferson, where he mentored many young men. His hobbies and his work were one in the same.

He loved to go snowmobiling, do truck pulls and drag racing. Through the years, Chuck built many winning race engines for several local racers. He built the engine for the 1987 IMCA modified Winter Series Champion in New Smyrna Beach, Fla.

The love of racing took Chuck and Bonnie to Daytona to attend Speed Week for many years. They were also avid snowbirds and loved to spend time in the Florida Keys and spent many summer trips with family to the Black Hills.

Friends may pay their respects, view the video tribute and sign the guest book from 2 to 5 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home. The family will not be present.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 23 at the Greenbrier Twp. Cemetery, with words of comfort by Pastor Seth Karber.

Honorary bearers will be Tyler Ireland, Nate Ireland, Taylor Burkhardt, Hailey Burkhardt, Rachel Winkelman, Hannah Karber, Bryce Burkhardt and Roger Herridge.

Music will be “In Color” by Jamey Johnson and “Drink a Beer” by Luke Bryan.

Following the graveside service, everyone is invited to Chuck’s house — 307 E. Central Ave., Jefferson — to share memories and to celebrate Chuck’s life. 

Survivors include his sons: Randy (Julie) Burkhardt, of Bagley; Dan (Robbie) Burkhardt, of Jefferson; and Rich Burkhardt, of Jefferson;   one brother, Jerry (Nancy) Burkhardt, of Bagley;  one sister, Kay (Bill) Eich, of Elston;  two brothers-in-law: Tim (Janelle) Burns, of Fort Worth, Texas, and Tom Burns, of Sergeant Bluff;  sisters-in-law: Barbara Edwards, of Council Bluffs; Kathy (Ralph) Batton, of Indiana; Chris (Cam) Sutherland, of Yale; and Kim (Jeff) Bauer, of Bagley.

Chuck is also proud grandfather to seven grandkids: Tyler (Diana) Ireland, Nate Ireland, Taylor (Sarah) Burkhardt, Hailey Burkhardt, Rachel (Noah) Winkelman,  Hannah (Seth) Karber and Bryce (Jenna) Burkhardt; 13 great-grandkids: Dyllon, Kennedy, Nixon, Ember and Aubry Ireland, Ella Burkhardt, Zoey, Ezra, Rowan and Adeline Winkelman, Melanie, Maisie and Micah Karber; and many nieces and nephews.

Chuck was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie; daughter Karon; parents Kenneth and Ruth Burkhardt; and nephew Derek Burkhardt.

Harriet “Joan” (Elder) Crandell, 88, of Marion, entered her heavenly home on Nov. 14 from complications of COVID-19.

In agreement with her recent wishes, cremation has taken place. At this time there will be no funeral service held. A celebration of Joan’s life will be planned for a later date. Private committal services will take place at a later date at the Junction Twp. Cemetery, Grand Junction.

Joan was born on March 21, 1932, in Garden Grove to Samuel and Hazel (Traupel) Elder. She was raised in the Garden Grove and Humeston areas. 

Joan graduated from Humeston High School in 1949, and from Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls in 1951. Joan continued her education at Drake University, where she received her degree.

Joan took her first and only job in 1951 at Grand Junction School District, later to become East Greene Community School. She taught first and second grade until retiring in 2001.

Joan met and married Ivan Gail Crandell in June of 1958, and together they shared a simple yet full life, rich in love with family and friends in Grand Junction for more than 60 years.

During this time, Joan also opened and directed Kiddie Korner Preschool. She touched many lives throughout her 43½-year teaching career, including three generations. 

Joan taught each and every school year with the philosophy: “A child is a butterfly in the wind: Some can fly higher than others, but each one flies the best that it can. Why compare one against the other? Each one is different. Each one is special. Each one is beautiful.” 

She was so proud to pass her love of teaching on to her daughter, who continues following in her footsteps, teaching first and now second grade.

Joan was truly one of a kind. She was loving, kind and respected by all. Joan was always so thoughtful, giving and gracious with her time. She was a positive influence to many and always smiling. Joan was known as the “Smiley Queen” at her Terrace Glen Village residency.

Joan was a great wife and an even more amazing mother and grandmother. She could cook and garden like no one else, even though she downplayed that skill. Joan even recently treated her friends at her residence village to some of her tasty treats. She adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchild, and cherished the time spent with them.

Joan was a leader in her community, being involved and serving on numerous boards. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Grand Junction.

Taken too soon from us, Joan will be lovingly remembered by her son, Ron (Jody) Crandell, of Paris, Ill.; daughter Lisa (Matt) Friday, of Marion; grandchildren Maria Crandell, Preston (Jenna) Crandell, Garrett Friday and Alisa Friday; and one great-grandchild, Hazel Joan Crandell.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Hazel Elder; husband Ivan Crandell; sister Marilyn Moir; and brother Russell Elder.

In lieu of flowers, memorials given in her honor will be distributed to various organizations.

The family strongly encourages friends and extended family to share a memory of Joan at murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

After Glow

I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.

I’d like to leave an after glow of smiles when life is done. 

I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,

of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.

I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun

Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.

– Helen Lowrie Marshall

Beverly Lou Swedlund was born near Toledo on Jan. 22, 1932. She was the daughter of Mildred (Potts) and Clyde R. Jay. 

Beverly lived her entire childhood in Boone, and graduated from Boone High School in 1950.

She graduated from Iowa Methodist School of Nursing in 1953 and married Robert Swedlund on Dec. 6, 1953. Beverly worked as a nurse for decades. Once a nurse, always a nurse — Beverly was a caretaker of all.

Beverly passed away at Greene County Medical Center Long Term Care on Nov. 10 at the age of 88.

A private graveside memorial service was held at South Marion Cemetery, Stratford, with words of comfort by the Rev. David Arulnathan, of Salem United Methodist Church, Paton.

Recorded music included “In the Garden” by Perry Como and “How Great Thou Art” by Pentatonix.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert, who died Nov. 28, 2010, and her parents.

Beverly is lovingly survived by her two daughters: Linda (Tracy) Bills and Shari Swedlund (Rick Whitten); her grandchildren: Robert (Nicole) Bills, Sarah (Eric) Wittrock and Michael (Heidi) Bills; bonus grandchildren: Daniel (Alicia) Garrity and Amanda Bills (Addi Meyer), and 15 great-grandchildren.

Beverly’s love for her family will always be cherished.

Memorials in Beverly’s name may be directed to Hospice of the Midwest.

Services were arranged by the Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home.

Our beloved Dolores “Dee” Richey, age 89, passed peacefully Nov. 20 at the Long-Term Care unit inside Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson due to natural causes.

Dee was born October of 1931 in Winterset, and moved to California in the ’60s with her former husband, James Richey, and their three children.

She returned by herself to Jefferson in 1992, where she took care of her mother until her passing.

Dee loved spending her days tending to the many flowering shrubs, annuals and tomato plants in her yard. She enjoyed sitting in the window keeping a lookout for the very first cardinal to visit every winter. She watched the birds as they came to feed on the many feeders hanging in her yard and the corn chair where the squirrels would perch while they ate the corn cobs she left for them.

She spent a good portion of her budget on buying bird seed, corn cobs and cat food for Buddy, Miss Kitty and the stray cats in the neighborhood that would come to visit. To say she had a love for nature and animals would be an understatement. 

On quiet nights, Dee enjoyed watching “Dancing with the Stars” and “Friday Night Lights.” In her wild moments, she enjoyed playing the slot machines, whether it be the penny slots at Prairie Meadows in Altoona or the quarter slots in Reno.

Being a lifelong Elvis Presley fanatic, one of the highlights of her life was getting to see him perform live. She even asked to have her ashes sprinkled over Graceland — but we think that would be frowned upon, so hopefully she’ll be happy with taking one last flight to sunny California where she will be surrounded by family.

Dee was the type of person that made everyone feel remembered and loved. She never forgot a birthday or holiday no matter the distance with her greeting cards wishing good health, good times and good fortune, her four-page-long letters talking about her day and the magazine subscriptions she sent out every time she thought of someone. 

Dee loved to cook, so it was no surprise that Thanksgiving would be one of her favorite holidays. She would spend all day cooking a full course Thanksgiving meal from scratch whether it be just for herself or a house full of family and friends. Her biggest worry was always if her turkey would be dry, but it was always perfect.

She didn’t quite make it to Thanksgiving this year, but with her diminishing health, it would not have been the same celebrating at the Long-Term Care facility.

The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to dear friends Alan and Barbara Krueger, of Jefferson, who treated our beloved Dee like family. Whether it be repairs on the house, rides to medical appointments or just for companionship, they were always there for her no matter what, including making sure she was comfortable and well taken care of up until the very end.

Dee is survived by her brothers: Robert E. Smith, of Yreka, Calif., and Don Mull Sr., of Des Moines;  her children: daughter Janine Sanders, of Sunnyvale, Calif., and son Robert Richey, of Santa Clara, Calif.; four grandchildren: Michelle Pellegrini, of Yerington, Nev.; Starr Herron, of San Jose, Calif.; Eric and Lisa Sanders, of Sunnyvale; four great-grandchildren: Paul and Matthew Phillips, of Yerington; Jacob and Aria Mercado, of Sunnyvale; a great-great-grandson, Maxwell Phillips, of Yerington; and several nieces and nephews.

Dee is preceded in death by her father, Clarence Smith; mother Bertha Mull; daughter Lorri Herron; sister Rose Smith; former husband James Richey; and former companion Bob Andrews.

No local services are planned, but family and friends are invited to share a memory of Dolores on the tribute wall online at the Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home: www.sliningerschroederfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Dolores-Richey/

Dennis DeWayne Smith, 74, of Fairfield, died Nov. 19 of heart failure.

Denny was born March 1, 1946, in Ralston, the son of Wayne Smith and Nadine Hale Smith.

Preceding him are his parents; infant son; and three brothers: Gary and wife Susan; Craig; and Alan.

Surviving are wife Shirley; daughters Cheri Rinner, of Woodward, and Brandi Rosas, of Madrid; five stepchildren; 21 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; sisters Janice Tasler, of Van Buren, Ark., and Janet Smith, of Jefferson.

Doris Stewart, 93, of Boone and formerly of Rippey, passed away on Nov. 29 at the Eastern Star Masonic Home in Boone. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 4 at St. Brigid Catholic Church in Grand Junction, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.

Burial will be in the Mount Calvary Cemetery, Grand Junction.

Everyone is required to wear face coverings and practice social distancing while attending visitation and services. Memorials will be given to her family and may be left at the Carris Family Funeral Home & Cremation Care.

Online condolences may be left at carrisfuneralhome.com.

Doris Mae Stewart was born on Sept. 18, 1927, in Grand Junction to Andrew Edward and Mae Jennie (Winchell) McComb. She graduated from Grand Junction High School with the class of 1945 as salutatorian.

She was united in marriage to Dale Francis Stewart at St. Brigid Catholic Church in Grand Junction on July 10, 1948. She worked at Peoples Trust & Savings Bank for 25 years, then for Dr. L.L. Long in Perry for five years and last at the Rippey Savings Bank for 15 years.

She was a member of St. Brigid Catholic Church in Grand Junction, the St. Brigid’s Ladies Circle and the Rippey Quilting Group. She enjoyed quilting, baking and spending time with her family.

In death, she rejoins her husband, Dale; parents Andrew and Mae; sons Ronald “Ron” Stewart and James Stewart; grandson Joshua D. Norris; and siblings Francis McComb, Daryl McComb, Gail McComb and Andy McComb.

Left to cherish Doris’ memory are her daughter, Janet (Dan) Norris, of Cape Coral, Fla.; daughter-in-law Joelee Stewart, of Rippey; grandchildren Jeremy Norris, of Cape Coral; Andy (Erin) Stewart, of Rippey; Angela (Jason) Bru, of Bouton; great-grandchildren Joshua M. Norris, Aubree Stewart and Archer Bru; siblings Kay McComb, Marion Hocke and Richard McComb; sister-in-law Nadine Wilson; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Junior Hanen, a longtime resident of Jefferson, died Nov. 26 at the age of 96 while living at The Views of Marion in Marion.

Junior, known to many as JF, started farming north of Jefferson in 1945. He had a dream to come home and start farming using money he had saved while serving in the Navy during World War II. He worked hard and accomplished his dream.

He was never far from farming, whether on the tractor, feeding cattle or managing multiple operations.

Junior Francis Hanen was born in Dawson on Feb. 17, 1924, to Arch and Hannah Hanen. He went to school in Cooper, where he met Eleanor Crews. They married in 1943 and raised two daughters together. They later divorced. 

In these early years, Junior farmed multiple farms, raised large herds of Black Angus cattle and enjoyed buying cattle in Montana and Wyoming for himself and area farmers. 

It wasn’t always work with no play as he took time for family road trips each summer, fishing trips in Canada, square dancing at Midwinter Club, card groups, family get-togethers, activities at the Elks Lodge and as a Shriner.

Junior and his wife, Barb, have enjoyed 37 years together farming, traveling, taking cruises and spending winters in Florida making many good friends. Junior met many of his friends while on the golf course. By March of every year, he was itching to get back to Iowa, to start the next farming season.

Family was important to Junior. He especially enjoyed the little kids.

He is survived by his wife, Barb; daughters Lana Sorenson, of Lake City; Lynne Pederson (Charlie) Nerstrand, of Minnesota; stepdaughter Jackie Heim (John), of Marion; grandchildren Kelly Bruggeman (Brett), Kasey Stern, Tedd Pederson (Molly), Jeff Heim (Erin), Jodee Reed (Blake); 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; seven siblings; son-in-law Jim Sorenson; stepdaughter Janie Davis.

Junior was a self-made man. He was smart, determined, driven, had a winning smile and made the right decisions to succeed. He leaves a lasting impression on the lives of the people he met and surrounded himself with — family, friends and neighbors.

As a husband, father, grandpa, uncle and friend, Junior was loved, and is greatly missed by those left behind who are grateful to have been a part of his life.

A celebration of life and graveside service will be held in Jefferson later in the coming year.

The Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Carl Andrew Juergensen, the son of Conrad and Emma (Wittfoth) Juergensen, was born April 27, 1935, on the family farm north of Churdan, and departed this life Nov. 25 at Regency Park Nursing & Rehab Center in Jefferson.

He lived his life to the age of 85 years, six months and 28 days.

Carl attended country school at Highland No. 1 for grades 1-7, and graduated from Churdan High School in 1953. After graduation, he farmed with his father and brother. 

On June 9, 1963, Carl was united in marriage to Betty Rynearson at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Farnhamville. Three daughters, Carol, Beth and Andrea, were born to this union.

Carl and Betty lived and farmed on the family farm, which was recognized as  a Century Farm, and Betty taught school in Churdan. 

Carl farmed his entire working life raising crops and livestock. His daughters actively helped on the farm when they were young. In early years, he did custom (corn) shelling with his father and brother. 

Carl was active in his community and church. He was a longtime member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and served as an elder and trustee. In later years, he attended church at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson. He was a member of the Churdan Lions Club, Greene County Fair board, Greene County Historical Society, Farm Bureau, Four County Antique Tractor Club and Farmer’s Lumber Coop. 

Carl enjoyed bowling, and he and Betty enjoyed traveling, wintering in Arizona and taking part in tractor rides. His wife of 39 years passed away in 2002. He remained in his home on the farm and later moved to The Gardens retirement community in Jefferson. Due to failing heath, Carl moved to Regency Park in October of 2019. 

Carl was very proud of his grandchildren and attended their activities and was a proud great-grandpa. 

Carl is survived by his three daughters: Carol (Mike) Christensen, of Jefferson; Beth Jass, of Garner; and Andrea (Lew) Nedved, of Britt; five grandchildren: Spencer (Eric) Hink, Ryanne (Adam) Connell, Courtney Jass, Kiersten Jass and Nathan Nedved; three great-grandchildren: Aurora Hink, Christian Hink and Hannah Connell; a brother, Calvin (Erma) Juergensen; three sisters-in-law:  Ilene, Jean and Pearl; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

Those who preceded him in death were his parents; wife; twin infant brothers; father- and mother-in-law, Ivan and Thelma Rynearson; son-in-law Mark Jass; and granddaughter Kaylee Jass.

Funeral services were held Dec. 1 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson with Pastor Dennis Martens officiating. Burial was made in the Highland Twp. Cemetery in Churdan.

Musical selections played at the service were “Shine Jesus Shine,” “Beautiful Savior,” “I Will Rise” and “Amazing Grace.”

A visitation was held prior to the service.

Serving as casket bearers were Cale Juergensen, Connor Juergensen, Perry Parker, Lew Nedved, Nathan Nedved and Mike Christensen.

Brown Funeral Home, Jefferson, assisted the family.

Cecil Henry Rueter, of Grand Junction, died on Nov. 26 at the Greene County Medical Center.

Cecil was born March 14, 1926, in Wabash, Neb., to Henry and Emma (Diekman) Rueter. The family moved to Grand Junction when he was 7 years old.

Cecil graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1945. After high school, he enlisted in the Army and served in Japan at the end of the Second World War. Following his service, he worked for the railroad in Chicago and eventually moved to California to sell real estate.

Cecil moved back to Grand Junction and started his farm implement business in 1951, the same year he married Dorothy Dee Doran from Beaver on Nov. 23, 1951.

He leaves behind four children: Kim (Gail) Rueter, of Grand Junction; Karen (Richard) Derrick, of Scottsdale, Ariz.; Terri (Hal) Nation, of Fort Dodge; and Todd (Constance) Rueter, of Ankeny; grandchildren: Kyle and Sean Kenan; Andrew (Savannah) and Hannah Derrick; Nicholas (Julie) Nation, Anthony (Meghan) Nation, Jacqueline (James) Watters, Alex (Alexis) Rueter and Paige (Mehdi) Benlaala; great-grandchildren: Sam, Henry, Jack and Everett Nation; William Nation; Julian Watters; Stella and Oliver Rueter; and Constance and Raphaelle Benlaala.

Cecil was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Emma; sisters and brother Gladys Blanshan, Wilma Snook, Vernon Rueter and Mildred Zenor.

Cecil was a selfless, hardworking and compassionate man. His wife was the love of his life and his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren his greatest pride.

Cecil’s love of people meant that many were touched by his warm and bright light and even the smallest interaction was likely to leave you feeling special or chuckling from his quick wit.

If one were looking for Cecil, a good place to start would be the store, in a machine, under a machine, on top of a machine or selling a machine. Other things to consider would be the ISU athletics schedule, projects on the golf course and if it were dinner time; Cecil cherished Dorothy’s cooking and company.

He had an affinity for nature and creating the golf course was a labor of love. You would rarely see him on the course unless he was working or welcoming and chatting with golfers. 

He will be dearly missed and never forgotten by anyone who loved him.

A private service was held with family. Pastor Steve Ransom of First United Methodist Church in Grand Junction officiated. The United States Army Honor Guard conducted graveside military rites at the Junction Twp. Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.

Services were by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson.

On Nov. 29, William Brian Neese, loving husband and father, passed away at age 68. 

Bill was born on Nov. 4, 1952, in Alton, Ill., to Lyndle and Emma “Lucille” (Brian) Neese. He studied at Western Illinois University and received a BA degree in business from Lipscomb University in Nashville, where he was also a member of the gymnastics team.

On Feb. 15, 1975, he married Charleen Dawn Stutzman. They raised two sons, Casey and Tyler, on the family farm in western Pennsylvania.  

Bill loved farming and started his career in agribusiness with Ralston Purina and Cargill before moving to Pennsylvania to work with family at Stutzman Farms and Stutzman Concrete in Penn Run, Pa. He later worked in transportation and logistics for West Central Cooperative, Renewable Energy Group (REG), and most recently retired from Landus Cooperative in Ames. 

He was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ and served as an elder in the Jefferson Church of Christ, and at the time of his passing was an elder in the Indiana Church of Christ in Indiana, Pa. 

Faith and family were the foundation of Bill’s life. 

He enjoyed woodworking and skiing, and was well-known for his sense of humor and homemade ice cream (not necessarily in that order). He served as a volunteer firefighter in Danvers, Ill., and also spent several seasons working as a ski instructor at Seven Oaks in Boone.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, Lyndle, and his mother, Lucille.

He is survived by his wife, Charleen, of Indiana; and his children, Casey (Layne), of Memphis, Tenn., and Tyler (Emily), of Bend, Ore.

Bill will also be fondly remembered by his six grandchildren: Ivy, Oliver, Will, Theodore, Eleanor and Caleb; and by his brother, Alan (Sandy), of Peoria, Ill.; and sister Jan (Terry), of Tulsa, Okla.; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Should friends desire, charitable contributions may be made to the Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch in memory of Bill Neese at timothyhill.org/donate.

James “Jim” Jewett, 86, of Grand Junction, passed peacefully on Nov. 30 at Regency Park of Jefferson due to lung cancer.

Jim was born on Feb. 20, 1934, at Boone County Hospital to Myron and Belva (Holz) Jewett. He grew up in Grand Junction and graduated from Grand Junction High School. He attended Iowa State University before being drafted into the Navy.

Jim met his future wife, LaVaras, when her sister, Lynnette, married Jim’s uncle, Robert Holz. Jim and LaVaras were married March 31, 1957, in Bronson when Jim was home on leave. The couple later returned to the family farm in Grand Junction where they remained and farmed until his retirement. In addition, Jim spent over 20 years selling seed corn for Garst Seed Company.

As a member of the Grand Junction Presbyterian Church, Jim served as an elder and trustee, taught Sunday school and was a member of the choir. He had a beautiful tenor voice and sang for many weddings and funerals in the community.

Jim volunteered with the Grand Junction fire department for 17 years. He organized the men to take EMT training and helped design the first rescue/ambulance unit that was used by the department.

Jim was a Boy Scout leader and enjoyed fishing, hunting pheasant and ducks, and spending time at the family cabin at Pelican Lake in Minnesota. He had a great sense of humor and will be remembered for his vast repertoire of jokes.

Services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be sent to Grand Junction Fire and Rescue.

Jim is survived by his wife, LaVaras; son Jeffrey (Barb) Jewett, of Mahomet, Ill.; daughter Jame (Jerry) Rehak, of Williston, N.D.; grandchildren: Jessica (Jordan) Reed, of Eau Claire, Wis.; Jason Jewett, of Mahomet; Justin Rehak, of Plymouth, Minn.; Kaitlyn Rehak, of Grand Forks, N.D.; and Parker Rehak, of Williston; great-grandchildren: Anessa and Emma Reed, of Eau Claire; four sisters: Janice (Purl) Partello, of Spirit Lake; Mary Beth Flook, of Ogden, Utah; Belva Ann (Don) Burig, of Tucson, Ariz.; and Trena Allen, of Phoenix; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law Frank and Ottolene Downs; sister-in-law Lynnette Holz; brothers-in-law G. Lloyd Flook and Larry Allen; and niece Roberta Bidgood.

Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson, is assisting the family.

Marilyn Elaine (Compton) Allender, 91, died Nov. 29 at Regency Park Nursing & Rehab in Jefferson.

Marilyn was the eldest born to Delmer Harvey Compton and Flora Sylvesta (Beam) Compton in Greene County on May 14, 1929.

She graduated from Bayard High School in 1947. She earned a degree in home economics from Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant in 1951. It is here that she met Wayne Eugene Allender. They were married June 21, 1951, in Scranton and settled on a farm northeast of Mount Pleasant. 

Marilyn began her teaching career this same year in New London.

They welcomed their first- born daughter, Joyce, in ’52. As they welcomed their son, Kevin, in ’54 and second daughter Julie in ’57, she chose to stay home with their three oldest children. In the spring of ’63, the family moved to Greenbrier Township, Bagley, where Marilyn and Wayne continued their farming partnership in livestock (dairy and hogs) and diversified crops.

Marilyn was a substitute teacher, helped local farmers with field work and was a news correspondent for Greenbrier Township for the Jefferson Bee and Herald. Her articles of the happenings of neighbors’ lives was her own version of present-day social media. The pictures of those events were left to the imagination of the reader, but from the mid-’60s to the early 2010s, she kept the community well-informed.  Their youngest, Kyle, was born in 1970.

Marilyn was very involved in a variety of clubs and interests over the years: Pi Beta Phi; Heritage Seekers; Iowa Quilter’s Guild; Women’s Society of the Greenbrier United Methodist Church; Iowa Farm Bureau; AFS Intercultural Program; and 4-H. 

She also had a love for travel and together, she and Wayne frequented the West and camped in the mountains of WY, MT, CO and SD. Trips to CA, PA, NY, FL, OH and WI, as well as Canada, to visit family were also popular destinations. She believed staying connected to extended family was very important to keep the stories and history alive and she was one of the best at writing letters and sending cards, rarely missing a birthday or anniversary. 

The highlight trip they enjoyed together was a belated celebration of their own 50th anniversary to Germany to visit their two AFS sons, Christian Hornhues and Alex Traenkmann, and their families for Christian’s wedding. 

One of her greatest passions in life was sewing and quilting. Her sewing machines were always set up for whatever project was on her docket for the day. From clothing for the family, pillows, and quilts of all sizes and styles, she stitched her love into each piece she created for gifts for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries or special holidays, and included her personal signature to add value.

Over the years, she taught hundreds of 4-H’ers, adults who took her many classes, her own children and grandchildren the art of sewing and quilting. She held high expectations for a quality outcome and those under her tutelage did not want to disappoint her. 

In 2008, she was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame for her lifelong membership: seven years as a member, 15 as a leader, and a judge for local achievement shows, county fairs and the Iowa State Fair for 55 years total through age 79 and beyond.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Wayne of 63 years in 2014; brother Don Compton; sister Barbara Carter; and sister-in-law Tina Compton.

She is survived by her children: Joyce Allender, of Jefferson; Kevin (Patti) Allender, of Bagley; Julie (Craig) Kadlec, of Robins; Kyle (Julie) Allender, of Jefferson; grandchildren: Conner Allender; Derek Allender, Brenna Battiato, Wayne Allender; Josef Kadlec, Ashley (Kadlec) Everts, Corey Kadlec; Matt Bednarik, Katie Bednarik, Curtis Bednarik; great-grandchildren: Sophia Allender, Zoey Everts, Jack Kadlec, Emerson Kadlec; brother-in-law Daryl Carter; many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to either daughter:                                                              Joyce Allender, 1522 330th St., Jefferson, IA 50129; or Julie Kadlec, 655 Freeseway Drive, Robins, IA 52328. 

Due to COVID-19, services will be planned at a later time.  The family was assisted by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson.

John (Johan) Jacob Helmus, of Jefferson, was born on Sept. 24, 1931, to Dirk Helmus and Jantze Bakker Helmus at Middlestum, the Netherlands. He entered his heavenly home on Dec. 6 at the age of 89.

As a child, he attended a Christian grade school. His church youth group found him actively presenting topics and taking part in skits. In his teens he was apprenticed to a clockmaker for a while and worked for several farmers. Because of lack of work in the Netherlands, the day after his 19th birthday he set sail for the United States with his mother’s parting words, “Don’t forget Jesus,” resounding in his mind.

He arrived finally in Grand Rapids, Mich., and immediately worked hard to learn the English language. When a job on the farm didn’t work out because of his allergies, he worked in a large club in Grand Rapids doing janitor work.

He loved his adopted country very much and became a naturalized citizen.

He felt God leading him to study for the ministry.

After receiving a college diploma from Northwestern Junior College, Orange City, Iowa, and an honorary diploma from NW Classical Academy, he continued his education at Hope College and Western Theological Seminary both in Holland, Mich.

On June 15, 1956, he married the love and light of his life, Elaine Hesselink. To this union were born eight children. 

With his wife, Elaine, John served churches in Canada, South Dakota, Iowa, Omaha Indian Reservation in Nebraska, and New York.

They retired to Aplington, Iowa, and later moved to Jefferson to be closer to family. John enjoyed reading about Abraham Lincoln, gardening, bird watching and bicycling.

John “never forgot Jesus” and was a faithful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. The words the master told his servant in the Bible can surely apply to John: “You have been a good and faithful servant.”

He is survived by Elaine, his wife of 64 years; and his eight children: Bryan Helmus, of Des Moines; Calvin (Jaime) Helmus, of Rock Valley; Rita (Mark) Rasmussen, of Jefferson; Laura Helmus (Larry Dowd), of Jefferson; Ivan Helmus, of Waukee; Yvonne (Tod) Uhlenhopp, of Clear Lake; Coreen (Dave) Herring, of Carlisle; and Rose (Alan) Weber, of South Sioux City, Neb.

John loved his 15 grandchildren and their spouses, and his 21 (with five more on the way) great-grandchildren brought him much joy. He is survived by one sister, Coba Boersema; one sister-in-law, Arendina Helmus, in the Netherlands; and numerous nieces and nephews in the Netherlands and Canada.

Those preceding him in death were one child, Melody Helmus; and one great-grandchild. Also preceding him in death were his parents; three brothers: Henk, Jacob and Dirk; one sister, Jellie Hoeksema; and brothers-in-law Hank Boersema and Harm Hoeksema.

Memorial services, with family members only present, were conducted on Dec. 12 by the Rev. Scott Summers at Central Christian Church, Jefferson, with burial in the Jefferson Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to your favorite charity.

Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home is assisting the family.  Online condolences may be left at sliningerschroeder.com.