Services for Inez Lorraine Stevens were held March 1 at Clover Hall of the Greene County Fairgrounds. Hastings Funeral Home in Jefferson was in charge of these arrangements.

Inez Lorraine Stevens, daughter of Forrest Burl Hardin and Marie Leila Kuster Hardin, was born May 17, 1933, in Guthrie Center, and died Feb. 24 at her home in Dana.

Inez attended school in Guthrie Center and graduated in 1951. She met the love of her life, Walter Franklin Stevens, and they were united in marriage on Oct. 8, 1952.

The couple had 11 children: Robert, Pam, Winnie, Evelyn, Jackie, June, Mary, Walt “Butch,” Forrest, Russ and Chris. 

Inez and Walter lived in Tulare, Calif., where they worked on dairy farms. They later lived in Perry, Boone, then to Grand Junction. Inez worked as a RTW for 15 years and then she worked at Eastern Star for 20 years.

She enjoyed camping, reading books and visiting with her family and friends.

Inez was preceded in death by her parents; husband Walter (2011); infant son Robert Stevens; daughter Pam Stevens in an accident; grandson Jack Loder Stevens; four sisters: Betty Lawrence, June DeWitt, Ardith Holmes and Frances Bearnsley; father-in-law Ora Stevens; mother-in-law Blanche Pride Stevens; sons-in-law Dan McGuire and Daryl Glenn Luther; and brother-in-law Everett Stevens. 

Inez is survived by her children: Winnie Caltrider and husband Bill, of Adair; Evelyn Cunningham and husband Jerry, of Boone; Jackie Madesen and friend Rod Bergman, of Mountain View, Ark.; June McGuire, of Grand Junction; Mary Adams and husband Gary, of Humboldt; Walt “Butch” Stevens and wife Cindy, of Perry; Forrest “Fuzz” Stevens and wife Natalie, of Boone; Russ Stevens and wife Melissa, of Ogden; and Chris Stevens and friend Samantha McFarland, of Lanyon; 32 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister Susan Bates, of Panora; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Memorials may be sent to Hastings Funeral Home, 1417 2nd St., P.O. Box 204, Perry, IA 50220.

Jone Gloria Jensen (nee Anderson), born March 24, 1934, in St. Cloud, Minn., died Jan. 26 in Surprise, Ariz., due to coronavirus.

A talented, curious and determined woman, Jone was educated at Jefferson High School, class of 1952, and at Drake University in Des Moines. She then earned her RN degree with a specialty in anesthesiology at the Methodist-Kahler School of Nursing in Rochester, Minn.

Jone’s career as a nurse anesthetist culminated in a specialty she loved: caring for pediatric patients requiring round-the-clock nursing in their homes. For Jone, this was a favorite assignment that capped her decades of nursing.

It was in the course of her work as a nurse that Jone met her husband, Carl Jensen, of Albert Lea, Minn., while he was a patient in the hospital where Jone worked. They married in Jefferson.

Over the coming decades, Jone and Carl would move to Greeley, Colo., southern California and Stoughton, Wis., before settling in the Phoenix area.

Jone and Carl shared a determination to preserve their respective Swedish and Danish cultures. Scandinavian foods, clothes and art filled their home. The couple traveled widely, most frequently to Scandinavia.

Jone and Carl were devoted members of the Lutheran church. Jone’s favorite hobbies included horseback riding, gardening and raising dalmatians.

Jone is survived by her brother, R. H. “Swede” Anderson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Carl, and her parents, Margaret and Harold Anderson.

Jone will be buried alongside Carl in Albert Lea.

Services for Neil Duane Wright, 69, of Panora, were held on Feb. 25 at the Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson, with words of comfort by Father Chris Hartshorn of Sacred Heart Church in West Des Moines and speaker John Rutledge.

Music included “Michael Row the Boat Ashore,” “Good, Good Father” and “Hallelujah” (Josh Monthei, guitarist). 

Casket bearers were Scott Cooper, Travis Lowe, Chris Kehoe, Dave Taylor, Todd Lawton and Jason Alsted.

Interment was in the Jefferson Cemetery.

The family will be choosing a memorial in honor of Neil.  Memorials may be given to the family or left at the funeral home.

Neil passed away Feb. 20 after a year-long battle with lung cancer.

Neil was born April 2, 1951, to Donald and Juanita (Kennett) Wright in Jefferson. After graduating from Jefferson Community High School in 1969, he attended Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge. In 1970, Neil was married to Susan DeWitt and had daughter Nichole.

Throughout his life, Neil had many business ventures, including working for Morton Buildings and most recently owner of The Trash Man in Webster City.

Neil was a passionate businessman, and loved being involved in the community. He served on the Lake Panorama Association and Panora State Bank boards. He was a member of the Jefferson Elks. Neil was an avid golfer and was a longtime member of the Jefferson Community and Lake Panorama National golf courses.

Neil married Jolene (Golden) Wright in Hawaii on Dec. 1, 2001, and lived at the lake for over 20 years. Neil and Jolene enjoyed playing cards, traveling, boating and, of course, golf, golf, golf. They also enjoyed spending time with their seven grandchildren. Neil will be remembered through many stories told on the golf course and around the card table.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Juanita, and his grandson, Kenneth Declan Cunningham.

He is survived by his wife, Jolene; his daughter, Nichole Campbell, of Cumming; his stepchildren Joell and Buddy Herrick, of Waukee, Danny and Gina Cunningham, of Perry; grandchildren Grant, Gaven and Gage Campbell, Sydney and Halle Herrick, Skylar and Eliza Cunningham.

Wilma Sue Burt, 85, died early on Feb. 23 at Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson after a heart attack. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested for Windsor Heights Lutheran Church, of Des Moines, or the Jefferson Public Library.

Sue was born May 6, 1935, in Chattanooga, Tenn., and moved to the Des Moines area as a small child. Her parents, John and Edwina Olsen, operated a paint and wallpaper store in the Valley Junction district of West Des Moines. Later she welcomed a sister, Karen.

A 1953 graduate of Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Sue began working in the offices of local businesses and soon met Carl W. Burt, of Fort Dodge. After a rapid courtship, they married in 1954 and eventually had three daughters: Tammie, Carla and Chris. Carl died in 1996.

Sue’s longtime career was as a secretary in the Des Moines Public Schools, concluding at McCombs Middle School.  She was a lifetime member of Windsor Heights Lutheran Church in the western Des Moines suburb, but for 30 years was also a founding member of Christ Lutheran Church in southern Des Moines, and, in late years, a friend of another Christ Lutheran Church, this one in Jefferson.

She was a loyal member of P.E.O. Chapter GY, a steady reader, an enthusiastic camper with her family in Iowa’s state parks, later a bicyclist, and a dedicated baseball fan who in the 1990s and early ’00s attended games in all the Major League Baseball stadiums. For several summers, she also had season tickets for Iowa Cubs games in Des Moines. She preferred keeping her own scorecard, and did not appreciate extra-inning games.

Survivors include her daughters Tammie (John) Amsbaugh, of Des Moines, Carla (Chuck) Offenburger, of rural Cooper, and Christine (Tony) Woods, of Des Moines; her grandchildren Carrie (Scott) Shippy, John (Jenny) Amsbaugh, Janae Jaynes (Chris) Learned, Andrew (Maria) Offenburger, Perri (Jarell) Wheaton, and Harrison Woods; and great-grandchildren Tyler Shippy, Myla Shippy, Connor Jaynes, Lindsay Offenburger, Casey Offenburger, Audrey Offenburger, Arianna Morrow, Jaida Wheaton, Cody Amsbaugh, Brady Amsbaugh; a sister, Karen (Dave) Wiles; a niece, Steffanie (Chris) Wiles-Jeffrey; other distant relatives, and many friends.

A memorial service was held Feb. 27 at the Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, with words of comfort by the Rev. Chris Olkiewicz of Windsor Heights Lutheran Church.

Music included “Rock of Ages,” “This Is My Father’s World” and “Beautiful Savior” (Emily Chafa, soloist; Rick Morain, accompanist).

Interment was at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 7601 Fleur Drive, Des Moines.

Dick Finch was born in Boone to Meyrl and Ilene (Sayre) Finch on May 16, 1936.  He was followed by his brother, Wesley.

Dick was a graduate of the Scranton Consolidated School in 1954. On April 6, 1956, Dick was united in marriage to Delores Darlene Esdohr at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson. They had two sons, David and Dale.

Dick was born into an automobile dealer family and was active in all aspects of the business. It started when Dick’s father, Meyrl, purchased the Chevrolet Dealership in Scranton in 1939. In 1952, a new Chevrolet dealership was built south of Scranton on the Lincoln Highway. In 1958, Dick, Meyrl and Wesley then purchased the Chevrolet–Oldsmobile automobile dealership in Jefferson. The Cadillac franchise was added in 1970, which was the year that Dick and his wife, Delores, purchased the automobile dealership from Meyrl and Wesley. Dick and Delores built a new facility in 1971 on Highway 30, north of Jefferson. In 1985, they added the Buick and Pontiac franchises to their lineup, which made them a full-line GM dealership.

In 1995, Dick and Delores retired from the automobile business and sold out to their son, Dale, and his wife, Jane. 

Automobiles were a big part of Dick’s family, with uncles having dealerships in Traer and Guadeloupe, Calif., and with another uncle working for GM in the service side of the business.

Dick retained his farming operation, which he loved. Dick and Delores retired in 1995 to Gold Canyon, Ariz., with a summer home in Jefferson.

Dick was active in Iowa Automobile Dealers Association, National Automobile Dealers Association, a lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson and a charter member in the Jefferson Elks Lodge for 57 years.

Dick loved fishing and had a home on Lake Panorama for 17 years. He did a lot of fishing in Alaska, Mexico, Minnesota and Canada. He loved traveling and took many trips, including Hawaii, Rio de Janeiro, Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean. He and Delores had gone on six cruises. He also enjoyed wood carving, making many pieces for his family.

Dick died Feb. 22 at his home in Arizona at the age of 84.

He was preceded in death by his father, Meyrl Finch; mother Ilene Finch; brother Wesley Finch; and son David Finch.  

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Delores; son Dale (Jane) Finch, of Jefferson; granddaughters  Emily Finch and Jennifer Carlson; grandson Dustin Finch; and three-great-grandsons.

Memorials are suggested to the Greene County Animal Shelter or the Jefferson Elks Lodge.  

To send online condolences, go to Dick’s web page at sliningerschroeder.com.

A private family memorial service will take place at a later date in Iowa.

Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Joanne Legore, the daughter of Lloyd and Yvonne (Briner) Toliver, was born Aug. 1, 1932, in Greene County and passed from this life on Feb. 27 at her rural farm home near Churdan surrounded by her family.

She lived a full life to the age of 88 years, six months and 21 days.

Joanne attended school in Churdan and graduated from Churdan High School in 1950. She then attended Cedar Falls Teacher’s College, received her teaching certificate and taught elementary grades and substituted in several area schools. 

On June 14, 1953, Joanne Toliver was united in marriage to Darrell Legore at the First Baptist Church in Churdan. Three daughters were born to this union.

After their marriage, they lived in Churdan and, in the fall of 1954, they moved to a farm east of Churdan and started farming and raising their daughters. When Darrell’s parents moved into Churdan in 1960, Darrell and Joanne moved to his parents’ farm, where they have since made their home.

Both Joanne and Darrell were very active members of the First Baptist Church of Churdan. Joanne served on various church boards, taught Sunday school and led youth groups. 

She loved to read and served on the Churdan Library board for more than 40 years. She enjoyed working in the yard and Darrell’s garden, but was possibly best known for her quilting.

Joanne was also an avid fan of all sports, particularly basketball. She attended countless games watching her daughters, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and others play. She loved to travel, especially with her family, and had visited all 50 states as well as making several international trips. 

Joanne is survived by her three loving daughters: Renaye Lindgren, of Churdan; Rochelle (Dr. Thomas Fagg) Guess, of Jefferson; and Angela (David) Fatka, of Paton; six grandchildren: Amanda (Lindgren) Helms, Nathan Guess, Tricia (Lindgren) Loeffler, Dr. Cara (Guess) Sawyer, Lucas Fatka, Callie (Fatka) Ayers; seven step-grandchildren: Marissa (Sergio) Romero, Alyssa (Mak) Zachajasz, John Fagg, Stephen Fagg, Thomas Fagg, Blake Fagg and Blaine Fagg; 15 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Jeanne Wiederin and Janice (Charles) Paup, both of Churdan; sisters-in-law Donna Hyland, of Utah; Teena Toliver, of Churdan; and Lois Curtis, of Jefferson; exchange student Jon (Janny) Kravetz and their children (Jacob, Rebecca, Hannah), of Boston; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved.

Those who preceded her in death were her parents; husband Darrell in July of 2018; brother Ron Toliver; son-in-law Brent Lindgren; and brothers-in-law Marty Wiederin, Charles Curtis and Phillip Hyland.

A celebration of Joanne’s life was held March 6 at the First Baptist Church in Churdan with Pastor David Arulnathan officiating.

Musical selections “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” and “Mansion Over the Hilltop” were sung by the congregation and accompanied by organist Matt Schutt.

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

Serving as casket bearers were Nathan Guess, Lucas Fatka, James Helms, Jamie Loeffler, Todd Sawyer and Jon Ayers. 

Assisting the family was the Brown Funeral Home of Jefferson.

Longtime Jefferson resident Donald Cole Goodrich died on March 2 at the Greene County Medical Center. He was 92.

A memorial service will be held on May 7 at the Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jefferson Public Library, a place that Don loved and used throughout his life.

Don was born in Jefferson on Nov. 10, 1928, the youngest of three sons of Orin and Mary Goodrich.

His father owned the Square Deal Grocery on the north side of the Courthouse Square. During World War II, Don was his father’s delivery boy, driving orders to local households even though he wasn’t old enough to have a driver’s license. Permission to help out his dad had been given by Jefferson’s legendary police chief, Mick Parr.

In 1946, Don graduated from Jefferson High School, where he was a member of the football team and made many lifelong friends.

After high school,  Don joined his father in the grocery business. In 1950, Don and Betty Williams, a 1947 JHS graduate, were married at the Jefferson Methodist Church, where they became longtime active members.

Don and Betty were the parents of five children: three daughters and two sons.

In 1959, the Goodriches bought a grocery in Harlan. Don and his family returned to Jefferson in 1966 and he later became a painting contractor, painting “half the houses and businesses in Jefferson, inside and out,” said an old friend.

An energetic man, Don loved to swim laps at Jefferson’s municipal pool. His father, as mayor of Jefferson, oversaw the construction by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) of the pool in 1937, and, once again, Chief Mick Parr overlooked unlicensed activity —  after-hours dips on hot summer nights, when Don was a young man. 

Don was a committed — and swift — walker at the Greene County Community Center, doing laps on the track until shortly before his death. He never shied from making long road trips, and drove to visit his daughters and their families in Colorado well into his 80s.

Don Goodrich was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Ellis and Orin Jr., known as “Goodie.” Both were decorated members of air crews in World War II; Ellis as a navigator, and Goodie as a pilot, and were greatly admired by their youngest brother.

Don’s wife, Betty, died in 2014. They were a devoted couple, married for 64 years, who loved to travel and made many trips to overseas destinations, including the British Isles, Mexico and Tahiti. They also traveled extensively in the USA.

Survivors include his children: Rod Goodrich and his wife, Cathy, of Jefferson; Mary Jo Cole, of Aurora, Colo.; Beth Ann Goodrich, of Nashville, Tenn.; Sarah Bradley and her husband, Michael, of Aurora; and Bruce Goodrich, of Houston; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Jeffrey Thomas Johnston, son of Jerald “Tuffy” Johnston  and Ethel (Scherbring) Johnston, was born Oct. 13, 1950, in Carroll. He graduated from Glidden-Ralston High School. 

In May 1970, Jeff entered the United States Army and served his country during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1972. 

Jeff had an enthusiasm and passion for cars, sports and horses. He was a drywall installer and lived in Des Moines before moving to Jefferson.  He died of cancer on March 2 at Kavanagh Hospice House in Des Moines at the age of 70.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Sandra; an infant son, Jess; a brother, Joe; an infant sister, Julie; and a brother-in-law, Bill Kurth.

Survivors include his wife, Lori Ferguson, of Jefferson; son Jeff (Tera) Johnston; grandchildren: Trysten, Rylie, Tobin, Rhoen; son Justin (Charlie) Johnston; grandson: Zachary; son James (Tarah) Johnston; grandson Carter; four sisters: Judy Kurth, Jane (Ron) Burdine, Janice Neal, Annie Johnston; and one brother, John (Chris) Johnston; one sister-in-law, Ruth Johnston; stepchildren and their families: Chad (Traci) Ferguson, Brad (Stephany) Ferguson, Alan Ferguson, Tessa (Matt) Weir; other relatives and many friends. 

A military honor service for the family is set for 11 a.m. March 15 at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. Following that service, everyone is welcome to a luncheon at the Veterans Reception Center in Van Meter. 

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

Garry Lowen Gerloff lost his hard-fought battle with his many strokes on the afternoon of March 7.

Garry was born the second son of George and Leta (Beenken) Gerloff on 24 December 1947, and graduated from Clarksville High School in 1967. Garry worked for some time during and after high school for the Fred Rosenwinkle family on their farm north of Clarksville.

Garry then spent six-plus years in the United States Army serving two full tours of duty in Vietnam, which he was very proud of.

After leaving the United States Army, Garry got a Class A driver’s license and after a year or so of long haul he started driving for The Farmers Cooperative in Farnhamville, and drove for them for many years. Garry was very proud of the fact that farmers called for him to be the one to come to their farm and no other. As part of this job, Garry also had a HazMat endorsement as part of his Class A license and drove many tractor-trailer loads of anhydrous around the state of Iowa.

Garry leaves his wife, Jeanette, and his brother, Gerald (wife Kum Ok), and several nephews and nieces to mourn his passing.

Garry’s final resting place will be at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel.

The Iowa Cremation, Waukee, is performing the cremation.

Donna M. Wedemeyer, 87, of Marshalltown, formerly of Jefferson, passed away on March 9 at Southridge Specialty Care. 

Graveside services for Donna took place on March 12 at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery of rural Adair.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for later designation. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Donna and her family.

For additional questions or condolences, please visit mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Born Donna Marie McBroom on April 15, 1933, in Newton, she was the youngest daughter of Lyle and Irene McBroom. After graduating from Kellogg High School in 1951, she went on to obtain her degree as a registered nurse at the Iowa Methodist School of Nursing.

Donna began working as a head nurse at the Iowa State Training School for Boys in Eldora. It was here that she met the love of her life, a watchmaker named Glenard Wedemeyer. They always joked that she purposely broke her watch and that he purposely didn’t fix it right the first time.

They were married on Dec. 7, 1958, at the Methodist Church in Kellogg.

Throughout their marriage, they resided in Eldora, Adair and finally Jefferson, where they would call home the remainder of their marriage. Donna retired from the Greene County Medical Center in 1995. She had a strong faith and was a member and former elder at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson.

In her free time, she enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and word jumbles, taking long walks and playing cards with her friends. 

Left to cherish her memory are her two sons: Michael Wedemeyer, of Marshalltown, and Mark (Emily) Wedemeyer, of Des Moines; three grandchildren: Kelsey Albanese, of Des Moines, Brian Wedemeyer, of Antigo, Wis., and Cassidy Wedemeyer, of Marshalltown; great-granddaughter Madison Wedemeyer; two sisters: Patricia Jeffreys, of Waterloo, and Maxine (Floyd) Purvis, of Grinnell; sister-in-law Betty Krough, of Adel; and many nieces and nephews.

Donna is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 46 years, Glenard; her parents and siblings: Norine, Jean, Lucille, Carol, Wayne, and Artie Mae in infancy.

Waunita Dillivan was born Sept. 12, 1930, at Jefferson, the daughter of Lloyd and Reaka (Heuton) Dillivan.

Waunita grew up in the Jefferson, Scranton and Grand Junction areas. She attended school in Grand Junction and began exchanging letters with a pen pal, a young girl in California, beginning in the eighth grade. Waunita graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1947, and the pen pal experience continued on for 70 more years.

Waunita was united in marriage to Lowell Collogan on Jan. 23, 1949. They became the parents of four children.  

Waunita and Lowell farmed all of their married lives. Waunita helped with harvest activities, fence building, dealing with livestock and other outdoor farm work. She was a substitute rural mail carrier for the United States Postal Service and she was employed many winters doing farm taxes. 

Through the United Methodist Church, Waunita and Lowell participated in many mission trips, including impoverished areas of Louisiana, Illinois and the island of Antigua. They were devout members of the First United Methodist Church in Grand Junction. Waunita served on many church committees. She donated years of service to 4-H, and to the Greene County Medical Center, also serving as auxiliary president.

Waunita Collogan died March 8 at the Greene County Medical Center. She was 90 years of age.

A funeral service was held March 11 at the United Methodist Church in Grand Junction, with words of comfort by Pastor Steve Ransom.

Casket bearers were her grandchildren.

Interment was in the Junction Twp. Cemetery.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, who died in 1997; brothers Larry Dillivan, Wendell Dillivan and Maurice Dillivan; a sister, Marcella Smith; an infant sister, Velma; and a son-in-law, Dennis Peterson.

Waunita is survived by her children:  Deborah Peterson, of Eldridge; Thomas (Maggie) Collogan, of Eldridge; Timothy (Margaret McCoy) Collogan, of Grand Junction; and Doresa Collogan, of Holstein; five grandchildren: Nicholas, Dawn, Danelle, Deanne and Devin; eight great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Marilyn Dillivan, of Des Moines; nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends. 

Memorials in honor of Waunita are suggested to the Grand Junction Methodist Church.

Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home assisted the family.

Edwin C. Perkins Sr., 90, of St. Joseph, Mo., formerly of Kansas City, passed away March 21 with his wife and family by his side.  

He was born March 30, 1930, in Jefferson to Elver and Anna (Lynch) Perkins in a farmhouse.

Edwin attended county schools until eighth grade, then graduated from Jefferson High School in May 1948. He attended every class reunion.

He joined the U.S. Navy in May 1948, and was honorably discharged in June 1952. Edwin worked as a solar A/C mechanic in Des Moines, then later moved to Kansas City in 1953. He worked at General Motors from 1953-55 as an inspector of F-84 flight jets. Edwin later worked at Trans World Airlines from April 1955, until retiring in April 1986.

He was a member of St. Therese Catholic Church in Parkville, Mo., TWA Seniors and the American Legion.

His proudest moments were marrying his wife of 66 years, Virginia Irene DeFreece, raising two daughters and three sons, and being around his five grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Dean Perkins; and sister Bethel Bouchard.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Virginia Perkins; children Peggy Burns (David), Ted Perkins (Marissa), Eddy Perkins, Andy Perkins (Cheyenne), Stacey Perkins; grandchildren T.J and Tiffany Perkins, Taylor and Tanner Burns, Jessica Perkins; siblings Carroll Perkins (Karen), Darlene Rankel, Jerry Perkins (Carol Ann); numerous nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. March 26 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Private interment  will be in Terrace Park Cemetery, Kansas City.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online guestbook and obituary at meierhoffer.com.

Derek Wade Rossow was born on Oct. 30, 1978, in Jefferson to Mark and Mary Rossow. His mother often referred to him as a “little tornado,” as he was a very active child.

At age 6, he started his participation on swim team. Baseball was another sport he loved, and he was also active in basketball and football.

He attended Kirkwood Community College in Iowa City and Arapahoe Community College in Denver as well. There he was trained in phlebotomy.

He worked as a phlebotomist at hospitals in Denver and Pueblo, Colo., Kansas City, Mo., and at BioLife Plasma Center in Ames and Ankeny.

He was a member of Ankeny First United Methodist Church and was active in their programs, The Road and Alpha. Derek followed all Hawkeye sports and had recently become a fishing enthusiast.

He loved the role of uncle to his nephew, Dane. The two of them enjoyed sandy beaches, lakes, swimming pools, playground parks and water fights.

Derek passed away from a cardiac event at home on March 20.

He was preceded in death by his father, Mark Rossow.

Survivors include his mother, Mary Leichsenring (Dale), of Ankeny; brother Aaron Rossow, of Kansas City; former sister-in-law Chrissy Rossow and nephew Dane Rossow, both of Kansas City; aunt, uncles and cousins.

A private family graveside service will be held on March 27 at Ferguson Cemetery in Lake View. Memorials are suggested to the Ankeny First United Methodist Church.

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

Funeral services for Gail Ann Blum were held March 23 at Central Christian Church in Jefferson, with the Rev. Jay Alexander providing words of comfort.

Casket bearers were Anthony Peterson, Tim Gettler, Brandon Schirmbeck, James Allbee, Dave Schrunk and Benny Ayala.

Gary Hall played music. Recorded music selected was “My Dad” by Paul Petersen, “My Girl” by the Temptations, “Who I Was Born to Be” by Susan Boyle, “From This Moment” by Shania Twain, and “I’ve Had the Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes.

Following the service was a luncheon provided by the Central Christian Church Ladies. Interment will take place in the Scranton Cemetery.

Hastings Funeral Home in Jefferson was in charge of these arrangements.

Gail Ann Blum, daughter of Gail Ambrose and Mildred Churchill Ambrose, was born July 9, 1950, in Jefferson and died March 17 at Mercy One Medical Center in Des Moines. 

Gail grew up in Scranton and graduated from Scranton High School in 1968. After graduation, she got a job as a RTW at Woodward State Hospital. 

On Oct. 25, 1969, Gail married the love of her life, Dennis Frederick Blum, at the Scranton Church of Christ. The couple was blessed with a daughter, Amy. They lived in Grand Junction for about 13 years before moving to Jefferson. 

Gail enjoyed sewing, crafts, camping and doing yard work. She loved her family, but most of all being a grandmother to Eli, who she loved with all her heart. Gail was a member of Central Christian Church in Jefferson. She worked as a RTW for 37 years before retiring in 2005, and then worked at Kum & Go for five years. 

Gail is preceded in death by her parents, Gail and Mildred Ambrose; grandson Gerald F. Anderson; three brothers: Jim, Rick and Mark Ambrose; niece Rachel Gross; sister-in-law Cindy Schirmbeck; brother-in-law Nicholas Schirmbeck; and numerous aunts and uncles.

Gail is survived by her husband, Dennis Blum, of Jefferson; daughter Amy Blum, of Jefferson; grandson Eli Anderson; stepsisters Becky Bailey, of Pleasant Hill, and Diane Guile (Jake), of Des Moines; stepbrother Dennis Starrett, of Des Moines; sisters-in-law Kathy Ambrose, of Des Moines, Mary Ambrose, of Churdan, and Pamela Hamilton, of Jefferson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Memorials may be sent to Hastings Funeral Home, P.O. Box 204, Perry, IA 50220.

Nathan Richard Faris, 25, of Hubbard, formerly of Iowa Falls, peacefully passed away March 24 at his home in Hubbard, surrounded by loved ones, due to complications from a traumatic brain injury at age 12.

Nathan was under the care of Mary Greeley Hospice. A Mass of Christian burial was held March 27 at St. Mark Catholic Church in Iowa Falls. Visitation was March 26 at Linn’s Funeral Home, Iowa Falls.

Memorials may be directed to: Jon and Becky Faris memorial, Linn’s Funeral Home, 1521 Washington Ave., Iowa Falls, IA 50126.

Nathan Richard Faris was born June 5, 1995, to Jonathan Lee and Becky Ann (Heater) Faris at Mercy Hospital Des Moines. Nathan attended Iowa Falls Schools until his brain injury. He completed grades 7-12 homeschooling with his mother, and graduating in 2014.

Prior to his brain injury, Nathan loved hanging out with his family and friends. He attended Boy Scouts and Sunday school. He enjoyed walking, biking, swimming, fishing, video games and collecting cards. 

He played T-ball and youth football. Nathan was an avid ISU football fan. He loved pig chores. Nathan’s favorite memory was when he was 4 years old, he went to help his dad load hogs. While Dad was away from the site office, Nathan got ahold of several bottles of various colors of Sprayola and enjoyed “painting” the walls. Nathan received the honored nickname of “Picasso.”

He was proud of their miles walks, with a goal post-brain injury up to five blocks using a walker. He loved feeding and watching the birds, deer, geese and the occasional wild turkey. He loved camping, sweets, movies, Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokemon, music, arts and crafts, and talking about his time in heaven. 

On Friday, Sept. 14, 2007, he suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a car. After his brain injury, he spent an extensive amount of time at Blank Children’s Hospital, On With Life Rehabilitation, Gillette Children’s Hospital and various outpatient therapy departments.

Nathan remained at home with his parents. He continued to work with his parents and continued to work hard on his recovery.

Nathan was survived by his parents, Jon and Becky Faris, of Hubbard; special uncle Richie Heater, of Hubbard; grandparents Gary and Joyce Faris, Peg Gannon, Tom and Melinda Heater, Tony and Tina Kafer; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his infant brother, Avery; great-grandparents; special aunt and uncle Margie and Tom Leonard.

Cecelia Alice Meyer, 90, of Iowa City, passed away Jan. 19 at Briarwood Health Care Center after contracting COVID-19 just a few days before her death.

Honoring her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. Services will be held at a later date, with burial in Churdan at the Highland Twp. Cemetery.

Service details will be announced when they have been decided. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to a nonprofit organization. 

Cecelia was born on Aug. 5, 1930, in Carroll to Leo and Alice (Walker) Reagan. She grew up in Churdan, where she graduated high school before attending Mt. Mercy College and the University of Iowa. While studying at the University of Iowa, she met the love of her life, Charles Henry Meyer. 

On Sept. 2, 1949, Cecilia married Charles Meyer in Iowa City, where they would eventually raise their four children: Mark, Kent, Julie and Jeffrey. The couple enjoyed 21 memorable years together before he sadly passed away in 1970.  

Cecelia worked as an administrative assistant for the University of Iowa Oakdale Campus, working primarily in the Weeg Computer Center, where she later retired in 1992. She formed many lifelong friendships throughout her 24-year career at the University of Iowa. She moved to North Liberty in 1987, where she lived up until she moved to Briarwood Health Center in 2018. 

She was a past member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and was an active member of the Christian Women’s Club. She enjoyed gardening and traveling.

The only thing Cecelia loved more than being a mother was becoming a grandma and great-grandma. Family meant everything to her, and time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her so much joy. 

Cecelia is survived by her children: Mark Meyer (Marge Wright), of Iowa City; Kent Meyer (Wanetta Newberry-Meyer), of Loveland, Colo.; Julie Hartman, of Glorieta, N.M.; and Jeffrey (Anita) Meyer, of Grandview, Mo.; seven grandchildren: Jennifer (Andrew) Wagner, of Lisbon; Dena (John) Drach, of Denver; Hanna Meyer, of Chicago; Leslie Meyer (Joao Rodriguez), of Portugal; Naomi (Joe) Bristow, of Corvallis, Ore.; Justin Hartman, of Corvallis; and Kevin Arjoon, of Grandview, Mo.; four great-grandchildren: Bailey and Keegan Wagner, and Soren and Miles Drach; her sister, Regina Netherton, of Pagosa Springs, Colo.; and many extended family members. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Charles; brother James Reagan; and two granddaughters, Rose Meyer and Ava Hartman. 

Online condolences may be sent to the family at lensingfuneral.com, where you may share a memory of Cecelia.

Gerald Patrick O’Mara passed away on March 23 at the age of 83.

Pat was born in Dubuque to Walter and Clara O’Mara on April 3, 1937. He was the youngest of seven children and a graduate of Loras Academy.

He was an active athlete. In his younger years, he enjoyed ski jumping, football, karate, and was a Golden Gloves boxer. His lifelong passion was golf, and for many years he was a fixture at Lakeside Golf Club in Jefferson.

Pat is survived by his wife, Kay; his daughter, Kathy Soria; his three sons Kevin; Michael (Anna), of Providence, R.I.; and Ryan, of Des Moines; his two grandsons, Miles and Wesley, of Des Moines; two sisters, Marion O’Mara, of Taluca Lake, Calif., and Charlotte DeLay, of Charlotte, N.C.; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Pat’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, by going to stjude.org/donatetoday, or by calling 800-822-6344.

John (Sandy) Sanford Odell Jr., 73, was born Sept. 30, 1947, in Torrance, Calif., to John and Dorothy Odell. John passed away peacefully at Veterans’ Hospital in Des Moines on March 28 with his wife by his side.

John served in the United States Army from 1967-68. He worked as a manager of internal maintenance in Las Vegas casinos for many years. John and Linda moved to Jefferson in 2014.

He enjoyed snow skiing with his brother and enjoyed traveling, going on cruises and reading books. He loved playing jokes on his grandkids.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy Odell.

John is survived by his wife, Linda, of 22 years; brother Barry (Donna) Odell; sister Darrylin (Brooks) Hafen; son Shawn Odell; daughter Julianne Odell-Hoo; stepson Ryan (Jenny) Fisher; grandchildren: Jordan, Kaleb, Tarynn, Lexy, Kallie; nephews: Collin and Brant Hafen. 

A private family graveside service will be held on April 10 at the Highland Twp. Cemetery, Churdan.

Services are by the Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home of Jefferson.

Albert William “Bill” Burger, a loving husband to his high school sweetheart, a father of three and a grandfather of two, passed away at the age of 80 on April 1.

Bill was born Sept. 19, 1940, in Ida Grove to the late Albert and Ruby Burger. 

Bill attended Jefferson High School in Jefferson, where he met the love of his life, Sheri. He then continued his education at the University of Iowa (Go Hawkeyes!) where he studied and worked at the Center for Disabilities and Development as an orderly. After working in taxidermy, Bill found his career as a maxillofacial prosthetist.

He worked for the University of Iowa Hospital and then the Wilmington, Delaware, Veterans’ Hospital after his family moved to Delaware. Bill also taught facial prosthetics at Temple University and Columbia University.

He was a member of Optimist International and was a former scoutmaster. He was internationally known for his work casting hands of famous persons which remains on display at Baylor University today.

Bill had a heart for animals his whole life — creating an oasis for neighborhood critters from his boyhood to his retirement. He loved to bird-watch in his own backyard, go fishing and hunting, and build squirrel feeders.

Bill could often be seen singing to John Denver songs, fixing up cars (the Opel GTs and Datsun 240Z), or rooting on the University of Iowa Hawkeyes with his wife and family.

Bill is survived by his wife, Sherritt (“Sheri”); children Bradford William (wife, Carla) Burger; Sheli (husband, George) Baker; Greg (wife, Maureen) Burger; granddaughters Natalie Burrow and Lindsey (husband, Nick) Babb.  

He was preceded in death by his siblings Kay Marten, Julie Riley and Jon Burger.

Private family services will be held.

In memory of Bill’s love for animals, contributions may be made to the Hamilton County Humane Society in Bill’s name.  Please visit flannerbuchanan.com to sign the online guest register.

Visitation services for Larry Dean Anderson were held Feb. 26, with a luncheon followed by funeral services at the Greene County Fairgrounds Clover Hall in Jefferson. Pastor Charlene Wolfe of the Hope United Methodist Parrish provided words of comfort.

Honorary casket bearers were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Casket bearers were Collin McDowell, Conner McDowell, Bobby McDowell, Joseph Anderson, Cheyanne Anderson, Chiara Anderson and Ashley Humphrey.

Interment took place in Franklin Twp. Cemetery, Cooper. Hastings Funeral Home in Jefferson was in charge of these arrangements.

Larry Dean Anderson, son of Oren Henry Anderson and Darlene Kathleen Thornburgh Anderson, was born Sept. 17, 1942, at the Jefferson hospital and died Feb. 21 at the Greene County Medical Center.

Larry went to Franklin Consolidated School until the last two years, when he went to Jefferson High School and graduated in 1961. He joined the Army National Guard in Jefferson from 1964 until 1970. 

Larry lived his life in Jefferson and farmed in Franklin Twp., where he raised hogs and sheep. He enjoyed playing games and was even in a card club. Larry liked to go hunting, play softball and baseball, play football and volleyball.

What Larry loved most in life was his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his family.

He was a member of the Cooper Methodist Church and Farm Bureau. Larry was a straight shooter who always made you smile.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oren and Darlene Anderson.

Larry will be missed dearly by his wife and partner of 59 years, Wanda (Golden) Anderson; four sons: Jerry McDowell (Kathy Davidson), of Jefferson; Bob McDowell (Jeannie), of Des Moines; Bill McDowell (Dannelle), of Jefferson; and Craig Anderson, of Jefferson; grandchildren: Bobby McDowell Jr., of Ankeny; Sandy Harlow, of Newton; Ryan McDowell (Jessica), of Council Bluffs; Collin McDowell, of Nevada; Conner McDowell, of Carroll; Cheyanne Anderson, of Jefferson; Joseph Anderson, of Ames; Chiara Anderson, of Jefferson; Ashley Humphrey (Andrew), of Carroll; James Silbaugh, of Oklahoma; and ReAnna Silbaugh, of Oklahoma; great-grandchildren: Mason Rockwell, Harper Humphrey, Hunter Humphrey, Jaxson Harlow, Aubrey McDowell and Bennett McDowell; and sister Betty Lindgren (Dick), of Grimes.

Memorials may be sent to Hastings Funeral Home, 1417 2nd St., P.O. Box 204, Perry, IA 50220.