Phyllis Ann Smith Durlam, 89, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend passed from this life on December 15, 2016.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 23 at First United Methodist Church in Jefferson with Rev. Julie Poulsen officiating. Honorary bearers will be her grandchildren: Zack Durlam, Tate Durlam, Matt Gerken, Melissa Janssen, Emily Helming, Mandy Stoner, Grace Even, Sara Harmsen, Jessica Woodley, Alex Durlam and Nicole Sage. Music will be by Zack and Eryn Durlam. Interment will be at a future date at Jefferson Cemetery, Jefferson.

Phyllis was born in Jefferson, Iowa on December 5, 1927 to her loving parents, Frank and Rhea Smith. She had one brother, Jack. When Phyllis was very young her father was killed in an auto accident. Her mother carried on and gave Phyl and Jack a wonderful childhood. Phyllis attended school in Jefferson where she graduated in 1945. She then attended the University of Iowa for one year, where she became a lifelong fan of Hawkeye sports.

Phyl met Wendell Durlam at the local swimming pool where he was a lifeguard and soon they became sweethearts. She was still in school when he was called away to serve in the army during WWII.  She faithfully wrote to him twice a week for over three years while he was overseas. When Wendell returned from the war in December of 1945, the two were engaged and then married on June 30, 1946. After moving to Ames for a year while Wendell attended Iowa State University, they returned to Jefferson to build their full and happy life together. Their love and devotion for each other has provided a beautiful example for their family.

Phyllis and Wendell were blessed with four children: Chris, Nancy, Jeff and Brian. Later they multiplied their blessings with 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Phyllis had a wonderful talent for making each of her many family members feel treasured.

Phyllis was a very social and active person. She loved entertaining her family and her many friends. She could visit with anyone and make instant friendships. She had an incredible memory of birthdays. Accompanied by Wendell on his harmonica, Phyllis would call and sing to each of her family members and many friends on their special days. Phyl was known for her kindness and her beauty and style. She even carried her lipstick in her sack lunch when she walked from Scranton to Jefferson with her young granddaughters. She enjoyed creating hundreds of handmade gifts for her family, including many baby blankets and sweaters and over 50 beautiful, knitted Christmas stockings!

She also liked music, dancing, biking, fishing, golfing, shopping, mushroom hunting, playing bridge with friends, cribbage games with her family and attending countless activities of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Phyllis and Wendell loved to spend a month near the ocean in California in the winter. She had a deep love for her family and was so proud of each of them. She just loved displaying photos of her great-grandchildren on a purse she carried (or sometimes made Wendell carry for her).

Those left to remember her love and devotion include Wendell, her husband for over 70 years; sons, Chris (Janet) and Jeff (Sue) all of Jefferson; Brian (Jodi) of Cambridge, Iowa; and daughter, Nancy (John) of Jefferson. Also surviving Phyllis are her grandchildren: Grace Even (Andrew), Zack Durlam (Eryn), Matthew Gerken and his fiancé Laura, Tate Durlam (Chas), Melissa Janssen (Matt), Emily Helming (Ryan), Mandy Stoner (Tanner), Sara Harmsen (Daniel), Jessica Woodley (Dan), Alex Durlam (Nikki) and Nicole Sage (Jon). Survivors also include her great-grandchildren: Jeremiah Even; Noah and Micah Durlam; Jill, Addy and Kylie Janssen; Ava, Trevin and Harper Helming; Tegan, Mallie and Tage Stoner; Isaac, Simeon and Chloe Harmsen; Jonas, Matt and Sam Woodley; Hayden Durlam; and Brinn, Claire and Nora Sage. Sisters-in-law: Lois Veach, Trudy Goettsch and Mary Lynch and brother-in-law, Mike Durlam (Jo) also survive Phyllis as well as her nieces, nephews and many friends.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Rhea Smith; her brother, Jack Smith; her great-granddaughter, Joanna Grace Woodley; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; aunts, uncles and cousins. All were very dear to her.    

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

A celebration of life service was held for Harley James Moore Wednesday, December 14, 2016 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hastings Funeral Home in Perry. Pastor Paul Hartog of the Maranatha Baptist Church in Grimes, Iowa provided words of comfort. A time of lunch and fellowship followed at the American Legion Hall in Perry. Interment will take place at a later date in the Rippey Cemetery.

Harley James Moore, son of Anthony Allen Moore “Tony” and Amber Marie Linn Moore, was born October 20, 2012 in Jefferson, Iowa and passed away on December 8, 2016 in a tragic house fire in Perry, Iowa at the age of 4 years, 1 month and 18 days old. Harley loved books, especially “The Little Blue Truck” series. He liked to read back to others and was looking forward to starting school. Harley enjoyed playing with his trucks and jumping on the trampoline. He also loved when his mommy would sing “Chic A Chic A Boom Boom” to him!

Harley was preceded in death by his grandma, Bonnie Linn, Aunt Marge and Uncle Jim Benshoof.

Harley will always be in the hearts of his parents, Tony and Amber Moore and brothers, Zane Linn and Aedan Moore all of Perry; grandparents: Denise Moore (Tim Lee) of Paton, Charles “Andy” Kaufman of Perry, Mike Linn (Lee) of Boone and Pam Linn of Rockwell City; great-grandparents, Gus and Phyllis Linn of Boone; great-grandma, Linda Hankinson of Perry; great-great-grandma, Lorene Moore of Linden; aunts and uncles: David and Kelli Linn of Perry, Gabriel and Heather Bishop of Wappello, Jeff and Kylie Moore of Ballston Lake, N.Y. and Matt and Robert Anderson both of Rockwell City; special cousin, Dan Benshoof of Perry; many other cousins; and several great-aunts and great-uncles.

Memorials in Harley’s name may be sent to Hastings Funeral Home in Perry.

Thomas James “Tom” Tucker, son of Ronald James Tucker and Lillian Tucker Herridge, was born November 27, 1960 in Jefferson, Iowa and died December 15, 2016 in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 56. Tom was raised in Jefferson and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1980. After high school he started his family. He was blessed with five children: Amanda, Brandon, Natasha, Anthony and Nicole. Tom was a good skater and could even dance on his roller skates. He had many talents including wood working, mechanics, painter, carpentry and many more.

Tom was preceded in death by his grandparents and father, Ron Tucker. Tom is survived by his mother, Lillian Herridge of Jefferson; children: Amanda Tucker of Lamoni, Iowa, Brandon Tucker of Aurora, Colo., Natasha Tucker of Ft. Lupton, Colo., Anthony Tucker of Rock Island, Ill. and Nicole Tucker of Bayard; sister, Linda Tucker Karber of Jefferson; brother, Sean Herridge (fiancé Janine Anderson) of Ft. Dodge, Iowa; half-brothers, Ron Tucker (Angie) of Freemont, Iowa and Larry Tucker of Austin, Texas; step-brother, Gordie Herridge (Janet) of Jefferson; step-sisters, Mary Herridge Johnston of Curtis, Neb., Vicky Herridge of Jefferson and Dee Ann Herridge Estrada of San Antonio, Texas; step brother-in-law, Larry Rutherford of Pomeroy, Ill. and step sister, Sandy Tucker Stanbrough of Oskaloosa.

A celebration of life will be held after 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 5, 2017 with family present from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hastings Funeral Home in Jefferson.

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

Herbert Klang, 93, of Jefferson and formerly of Proctor, Minn. passed away Thursday, December 22, 2016 at his home in Jefferson.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 29 at the Forbes United Methodist Church in Proctor, Minn. with Rev. Karen Ashton officiating. Organist for the service will be Connie Stanley. Casket bearers will be Warren Nelson, Jeff Klang, Jeff Dahlquist, Larry Klang, David Dahlquist, Cheryl Harjes and Gene Dahlquist. Honorary casket bearers will be Luke and Aaron Skalla.  Burial will be in the Oneota Cemetery in Duluth with military honors by the Proctor American Legion. Visitation was held Tuesday at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Scranton, additional visitation will be held at the Forbes United Methodist Church in Proctor for one hour prior to the funeral service on Thursday.

Born May 11, 1923 in Braham, Minn., he was the son of Carl and Hilda (Dahlberg) Klang. He grew up in Holmecroft, Minn. until his family moved to the Proctor area where he graduated from high school 1941. Herbert enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942 and served four years during WWII in Australia. He was married to Alice Hokanson on March 8, 1947. The couple made their home in Proctor, Minn. where Herbert worked for Duluth Mesabi and Iron Range Rail Road as an engineer.  

He was an active member of Forbes United Methodist Church in Proctor where he served on several boards and attended Bible study regularly. He was a member of the Proctor American Legion, the Euclid Masonic Lodge where he was a recipient of the Hiren Award, Trinity Eastern Star Chapter #242 of which he has served as Worthy Patron and the Proctor Moose Lodge. Herbert enjoyed fishing, playing cribbage, camping, going for coffee and spending time with his family and many good friends.
Herbert is survived by his daughter, Kay Skalla of Jefferson; two grandchildren, Luke Skalla (Bridgette) of Scranton and Aaron Skalla of Jefferson; two great-granddaughters, Madelynn and Kashlyn; a great-grandson, Callen; a brother, Ernie Klang (Delores) of Hermantown, Minn.; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Dahlquist (Eugene) of Brighton, Colo.; a brother-in-law, Cliff Dahl of Duluth, Minn. and several nieces and nephews.

Her was preceded in death by his parents; five sisters: Helen Mansmith, Martha Dahl, Marion Montgomery, Florence Jannetta and Violet Stafford; three brothers: Lawrence, Earl and Ted Klang; a son in infancy and his wife, Alice, on December 1, 2014.

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

Vernon Bancroft, 70, of Paton, Iowa passed away on December 22, 2016 in Paton.

A service of remembrance was held Wednesday, December 28 at Salem United Methodist Church in Paton with words of comfort provided by Rev. David Arulnathan and Glenn Rohden. Honorary bearers were Jim Fields, Don Fields, Wayne Ubben, Daryl Ewing, Ron Steinkamp, the employees of Gowrie Livestock Auction and all 4-H Horse Youth he has worked with. Casket bearers were Jim Fevold, Wade Elgin, Dave Seil, Rick Ubben, Jerald Deal, Doug Brown, Neil Anderson and Jeff Gilley. Interment was at Dawson Township Cemetery in Paton with military rites by Iowa Army Honor Guard, V.F.W. Post 9599 and Floyd Brown American Legion Post #11. Derek Seil played “Taps.”

Vernon was born September 6, 1946 to Clifford and Evelyn Bancroft in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He attended Paton Consolidated Schools thru 10th grade and graduated from East Greene High School in 1964. As a kid, he was active in 4-H and FFA and also helped bale hay and shell corn. He attended Universal Trade School in Omaha, Neb. Vernon is an Army Vietnam War Veteran. After the War, he came home and started farming/ranching in Paton. On July 18, 1969, Vernon married Corinne Mullins.

He was a leader of the Greene County 4-H Horse Project for over 40 years. Vernon was also on the Iowa 4-H Equine Advisory Committee for 20 years. He was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame in 2010. For 40 plus years Vernon was a board member of the Greene County Lamb Producers, worked at the Gowrie Livestock Sale Barn, sheared sheep and shoed horses. He also served on the Board of the Iowa Associated Saddle Club. Vernon and his family have a long-time association with Deal’s Orchard starting with part-time work in his youth to most recently driving his team of Percheron horses giving rides each year at the annual fall festival. Vernon was a lifetime member of the VFW 9599 of Jefferson, Vietnam Veterans of America, American Quarter Horse Association and Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America.

Surviving Vernon is his wife, Corinne Bancroft of Paton; sister, Luella Miller of Boone; mother-in-law, Eva Mullins of Jefferson; niece, Lori (Dirk) Westrum of Stratford, Iowa; nephew, Jim (Jennifer) Miller of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; great nieces and nephew: Kelsey and Quinten Westrum, Taylor and Sydney Miller; children by choice: Deb (Bob) Elgin of Indianola; Jamie (Matt Brink) Welch of Omaha and Barry (Brenda) Anderson of Paton; Sugar, the housecat, who is missing his Dad; friend, Lynette Welch of Omaha; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law, Lewis Mullins and brother-in-law, Robert Miller.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Greene Co. 4-H Foundation, Salem United Methodist Church in Paton or at the discretion of the family.

Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home.

Roger Raymond Fisher, 84, passed away December 25, 2016 at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines.

He was born in Grand Junction, Iowa on January 13, 1932 to Carl Raymond (CR) and Eunice (Rinker) Fisher. Roger grew up in Grand Junction, where he and his brother, Tom helped their Dad on the family farm. For a penny a cow the boys carried milk in milk cans to school for the daily lunch program. Roger was an athlete but often had to leave practice early to help on the farm. That didn’t stop him from being very active in his church, 4H, chorus, band, and anything else that needed a member. He always said in a small town you had to do everything even if you weren’t very good.

Roger was later united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Kathy Ferguson, to which three children were born. In 1955 Roger was honorably discharged from the army. He had served during the Korean War. From there he went back to farming until he was graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in agriculture. He quickly put that to work when he moved to Des Moines and became Director of the Iowa Development Commission working on such projects as the Iowa/Irish program. After a few years he moved on and with three partners formed Summit Commodity Brokerage Firm where he worked until nearly age 80.

Roger was an Elder in his church, participated in Varity Club of Iowa, was a Sigma Nu, a life member of the ISU Alumni Association, a model for a local agency, an avid sponsor of Heifer International and a 32nd Degree Mason and Shriner. He was an accomplished cook, an avid reader, played tennis and golf, loved to hike and walk, and traveled the world with his wife, Sharon visiting every biome they could in order to enhance her biology teaching. He maintained his interest in farming but by far his greatest love was fishing. His grandson, Joe always had to remind him to “throw the big ones back” because Roger didn’t want to clean the little ones.

He is survived by his wife and life partner of 37 years, Sharon and by four children: David (Tanya) Fisher of Osceola, Iowa, Lori (Rob) Turner and Jon Fisher of Bellingham, Wash. and Dawn (Michael) Kraljic of Olathe, Kan. Roger was blessed with eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren; his brother, Tom (Marcia) Fisher; his many nephews and niece; cousins and lots of friends.

In death Roger joined his mother and father to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

Anyone who knew Roger couldn’t help but like him. He was kind and funny with a strong sense of ethics and compassion, truly a man who loved people. Rather than sadness at his death he wanted to have his friends and family join together in a celebration of his life. This will be planned for the spring of 2017 and more information will follow later. Memorial contributions in Roger’s name may be given to Iowa Public Television or the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. The family would like to thank the health care staff (north 3rd floor) of Iowa Methodist Hospital. Words cannot express our appreciation for their kind and loving care.

Iles Funeral Home.

Elizabeth “Betty” DeWitt, 91, died December 28, 2016 at Panora Specialty Care in Panora, Iowa.

A service of remembrance was held Friday, December 30 at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson with Rev. Julie Poulsen of First United Methodist Church, Jefferson officiating.
Recorded music “On Eagle’s Wings” and “How Great Thou Art” was played. Casket bearers were Marshall Charlesworth, Eric Campbell, Grant Campbell, Gaven Campbell, Gage Campbell and Travis Lowe. Interment was in Jefferson Cemetery, Jefferson.

Elizabeth “Betty” Fagen DeWitt was born September 15, 1925 in Detroit, Michigan to Rolland Cady and Dorothy Flohrer Cady. She grew up in Arizona and later moved to Scranton, Iowa and graduated from Scranton High School in 1944. On May 8, 1945, Betty was united in marriage to Richard “Dick” DeWitt. They were the parents of three children: Stephen, Susan and Jack. They made their home in Jefferson, Iowa. Betty worked for the Jefferson Schools in the lunch room for almost 30 years before retiring.

Betty enjoyed spending time with family, gardening, arts and crafts and women’s fashion. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson and was active with Jefferson P.A.W.S.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Richard “Dick” DeWitt in 2010. She is survived by her children: Stephen (Joanie) DeWitt of Marion, Iowa and Susan DeWitt (Craig Cuddy) and Jack (Jo) DeWitt all of Jefferson; six grandchildren; eight grandchildren; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, www.sliningerschroeder.com.

Dean Warren, son of Wilbur and Elsie (Calder) Clipperton was born April 6, 1923 in Bristol Township, Shelby County, Iowa. He attended Churdan High School. After his schooling, he helped his dad on the family farm. Dean was drafted into the United States Army in 1943. He was honorably discharged in 1945 and returned home. Dean was united in marriage with Diane Imler on April 4, 1943 in Junction City, Kan. From this union nine children were born: Karen, Gary, Larry, Elaine, Jerrie, Patricia, Debbie, Randy and Cindy.

Dean owned and operated his own construction company for many years. He never really retired. Dean was a member of the Bayard American Legion, Lion’s Club, Fire Department and Saddle Club. He enjoyed gardening and dancing, especially at the Fireman’s Ball. In his younger years, he enjoyed being around his horses. Dean was a loving husband, father and grandpa and he had a special attachment with his dog, Snowflake.

Three years ago, Dean’s health began to decline; he became a resident at Perry Lutheran Home in 2013. He passed away there on Saturday, December 31, 2016 at the age of 93 years, 8 months and 27 days.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Wilbur and Elsie; daughter, Jerrie Fitzsimon; great granddaughters, Brianna Esslinger and Shannon Riddle; grandson, Cameron Millard; six siblings; sons-in-law, Don Esslinger and Dick Anderson.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Diane Clipperton of Bayard; children: Karen Esslinger and Gary Clipperton both of Bayard, Larry (Dathel) Clipperton of Paul Valley, Okla., Elaine Anderson and Patricia Clipperton, Debbie (Ron) Gustoff and Randy (Sandy) Clipperton all of Bayard and Cindy (Randy) Monthei of Jefferson; 17 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

A funeral service was held Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at Church of Christ in Bayard with Reverend Robert Rogers officiating. Casket bearers were Jeff Anderson, Dennie Esslinger, Doug Esslinger, Matt Fitzsimon, Daniel Clipperton and Brad Anderson. Interment was at Union Township Cemetery in Coon Rapids with Military Honors by American Legion Post 44 and American Legion Post 357.

Lunch and fellowship followed at the church after the committal service.

Ohde Funeral Home, Bayard, Iowa.

Funeral Services for George Eugene McAllister were held Friday, December 30, 2016 at Hastings Funeral Home in Perry. Visitation was Thursday, Dec. 29 with family present from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Charles Compton of the Perry Bible Church in Perry, Iowa provided words of comfort. Honorary bearers were: Ron Mulder, Richard Sieck, Tony Kinney, Steve Ewing, Brad Booth, Shawn Jones and Brandon Carpenter. Recorded music selected was “Humble & Kind,” “Good People” and “Amazing Grace.” Following the service was a time of refreshments and fellowship in the Hastings Funeral Home Lounge.

George Eugene McAllister, son of Irvin Eugene McAllister Sr. and Norma Jean Seghi McAllister was born June 16, 1965 in Perry and died December 23, 2016 at Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson at the age of 51. George was raised in Woodward, Granger, Madrid and Perry and graduated from Perry High School in 1983. George was a talented and creative man.  He had enjoyed playing softball and was a good bowler.  George was chosen to appear on “Let’s Go Bowling,” a popular television show, and won a trophy.

George and Gina Short became parents of a daughter Chelsey. Later his marriage to Tina McLaughlin was blessed with a son Joseph. On February 14, 2000 he was united in marriage with Debbie Mae Hoffman Tasler in Jefferson. George became step father to Amy Tasler, Debbie’s daughter. They lived in Perry until April of that year when they moved to an acreage south of Grand Junction.  

In addition to their jobs, they bred and raised Siberian Huskie dogs. George had a great love of cooking, at which he excelled. Over the years he had cooked at the Hindquarter in Perry and at a large truck stop near Atlantic. Nothing pleased him more than preparing a great meal for family and friends. George had worked for Tysons in Perry and was a resident treatment worker at the Woodward Resource Center for over twelve years. He enjoyed his union memberships at AFSME Local 2990 and the union at Tysons. George was an enthusiastic collector and his favorites were his elephants.  

A few years ago, George and Debbie purchased the historic Watts’ family property in Grand Junction. They put their hearts and souls into that restoration. Along with the home came a very special and very old pool table which they purchased. George restored the table to mint condition and enjoyed playing pool on it. George was known to be a jokester. He loved the outdoors and could master any sport or table game. Playing cribbage and darts were a big favorite. A favorite past time he enjoyed spending time with his nephew Shawn Jones for many games of foosball.

George was preceeded in death by his parents; his brother, Gene; brother-in-law, Don Jones and numerous aunts and uncles. George is survived by his wife, Debbie; son, Joe McAllister of  Oak Harbor, Wash.; daughters, Chelsey Telleen and Amy Tasler both of Perry; step-mother, Pam McAllister of Perry; sisters: Mary (Bob) Laborde of Perry, Sherry Jones of Rippey, Terry (Wade) Schulte of Perry and Sami (Jason) Keuck of Ankeny; brother, Richard (Michelle) McAllister of Jamaica; brothers-in-law, Richard Sieck and Lyle Dean Hoffman both of Grand Junction; sisters-in-law, Ruth Ann Cosner of Grand Junction and Jeanette (Jerry) Hornsby of Perry; Aunt Patricia (Carroll) Brown of Colfax; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Hastings Funeral Home, Perry.

Bonita “Bonnie” Jean Burkhardt, 73, of Jefferson, Iowa died Tuesday December 27, 2016.

A memorial service by P.B.O. Does#196 was held Thursday, December 29 at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson. A celebration of life was held Friday, December 30 at United Methodist Church, Bagley with Pastor Gary Goodwin of The Sanctuary, Jefferson officiating. The recorded music played was processional, “Don’t Blink,” “When I Get Where I’m Going,” “You’ll Be There,” “Holes In The Floor of Heaven” and recessional, “Here For A Good Time.” Honorary bearers were Tyler Ireland, Nate Ireland, Taylor Burkhardt, Hailey Burkhardt, Rachel Winkelman, Hannah Karber, Bryce Burkhardt and Roger Herridge. A time of lunch and fellowship immediately followed the service. Interment will take place at a later date at Greenbrier Cemetery, Greene County, Iowa.

Bonnie was born March 10, 1943 in Knoxville, Iowa to Gene and Irene (Meadors) Burns. She lived in many locations throughout her childhood as her father worked for the railroad until settling in Bagley, Iowa. Bonnie graduated from Bagley High School in 1961. She was married to her high school sweetheart Chuck Burkhardt on July 2, 1961 in Bagley. To this union four children were born: Karon, Randy, Dan and Rich.

Bonnie had many hobbies throughout her lifetime including birds, ceramics, gardening, painting, puzzles and gaming. One of her favorite hobbies was quilting, she designed and created them for each of her grandkids. Her grandkids and great-grandkids were her pride and joy. Bonnie loved the races and scored many of them in Alta, Boone, Jefferson and Audubon. Her highlight was scoring in Daytona Beach. Bonnie and Chuck went to Florida for many years in the winter and enjoyed their time in Daytona and the Keys. They spent many summer trips with family in the Black Hills.

Survivors include her husband, Chuck of Jefferson; children: Randy (Julie) Burkhardt of Bagley and Dan (Robbie) Burkhardt and Rich Burkhardt all of Jefferson; brothers, Tim (Janelle) Burns of Fort Worth, Texas and Tom Burns of Sgt. Bluff, Iowa; sisters: Barbara Edwards of Council Bluffs, Kathy (Ralph) Batton of Kimberling City, Mo., Chris (Cameron) Sutherland of Yale and Kim (Jeff) Bauer of Bagley; seven grandkids: Tyler (Diana) Ireland, Nate (Ashley) Ireland, Taylor (Sarah) Burkhardt, Hailey Burkhardt, Rachel (Noah) Winkelman, Hannah (Seth) Karber and Bryce Burkhardt; seven great-grandkids: Dyllon, Kennedy, Nixon and Ember Ireland; Zoey, Ezra and Rowan Winkelman.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her daughter, Karon; her sister, Hallie Burns; nephew, Derek Burkhardt; parents, Irene Jackson and Gene Burns; stepfather, William Jackson; and her husband’s parents, Kenneth and Ruth Burkhardt.

Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson.

Sheryl K. McDonald, the daughter of Estel and Mildred (Lupardus) Lewis, was born December 19, 1940 in Guthrie Center, Iowa and departed this life December 27, 2016 at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. She lived her life to the age of 76 years and 8 days.

A celebration of Sheryl’s life was held Saturday, December 31, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson with Rev. Gordon Moen officiating. Burial was made in the Union Cemetery in Guthrie Center. Musical selections played at the service were “In the Garden,” “Amazing Grace” and “Precious Lord Take My Hand.” Serving as casket bearers were Terry Miller, Gary Danielson, Ron Carper, Les Fister, Duane Miller and Eldon Cunningham. Honorary casket bearers were special friends, Pat Miller and Shirley Danielson as well as all members of the Jefferson DOES Drove No. 196 and members of the Jefferson Elks Lodge No. 2306. A memorial service conducted by the Jefferson DOES Drove No. 196 was held Friday, December 30, 2016 at the Brown Funeral Home in Jefferson.

Sheryl was raised in Guthrie Center and graduated from the Guthrie Center High School. While in high school she enjoyed playing basketball. On May 4, 1959, Sheryl Lewis was married to Richard Beane. Three children were born to this union: Doug, Sue and Dave. They raised their family in Guthrie Center and in November of 1973, the family moved to Jefferson where Richard and Sheryl operated the Sears Catalog Store. Richard died in 1984 and Sheryl operated the store for two more years and then sold it.

On September 20, 1986, Sheryl was married to Gary McDonald and they made their home in Jefferson. Sheryl received her insurance license and sold insurance for Farm Bureau for several years. Sheryl and Dennis Goshon then started Advantage Insurance in Jefferson which they operated until 2010 when they sold the business and Sheryl retired in order to travel with her husband. They made trips to Germany and Australia. Gary died in 2011 and Sheryl continued to travel taking a cruise to Hawaii and later to Alaska as well as visiting friends and family throughout the country. In July of 2015, Sheryl wanted something to do so she applied for a job at the new Wild Rose Resort in Jefferson. She worked three days a week in the casino as a machine attendant and loved meeting and visiting with the players.   

Sheryl was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson and served as a church Deacon. She was also a member of the Jefferson Benevolent and Patriotic Order of DOES Drove No. 196 where she served as an appointed or elected officer for many years including serving as Drove President in 1991. She became a Grand Lodge Member in 1992 and received several

Grand Lodge appointments in subsequent years. She was currently serving as Drove President’s Color Bearer. Sheryl also served on the Greene County Election Board for several years working at election polls.

Sheryl is survived by her children: Doug Beane (JoAnn) of Parker, Colo., Sue Gonser of Jefferson and Dave (Jo) of Audubon; step-children: Matt McDonald of Scranton, Kristin Venteicher (Gene) of Alexandria, Va. and David McDonald (Kim) of Ankeny; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Larry Lewis (Barb) of Spirit Lake. She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands and three sisters.

Brown Funeral Home, Jefferson.

Harold Dean Elliott, son of Floyd F. Elliott and Flora E. Buswell Elliott, was born July 19, 1927, in Jefferson, Iowa and died January 5, 2017 at Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson at the age of 89 years, 5 months, and 16 days. Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at Hastings Funeral Home in Jefferson. Mr. Bruce R. Webster of the Jefferson, Church of Christ provided words of comfort. Music was “The Old Rugged Cross” by Chandra Clark and “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban. Burial will be in the Jefferson Cemetery later this year.

Harold grew up with his nine brothers and sisters and lived his entire life in Jefferson. He worked for the Thermogray Company for several years until it closed. Harold made many friends during the years he worked as a bartender for several establishments in Jefferson. His love and dedication to the Iowa Hawkeyes led to his nickname, “Hawkeye.”  Harold held a membership in the I Club for numerous years and enjoyed his season football tickets. He also was a big fan of the Cleveland Indians. His family remembers him with his transistor radio up to his ear, listening to a game while watching another game on his television set. Harold would seem oblivious to those around him during those times!  Hawkeye could be seen walking to destinations as he chose not to drive. He had a 50 year friendship with Irene Mohr. They enjoyed fishing and going to the Casino in Tama by bus. Hawkeye liked to garden and produced wonderful vegetables which family and friends also enjoyed.  Harold was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Marguerite Cavallier and her husband Robert; brothers: Robert Elliott, John Elliott and his wife Nedra, Donald Elliott, Eugene Elliott, Eldon “Jerry” Elliott and his wife Shirley; brother-in-law, Darrel Cory; sister-in-law, Margaret Elliott; and special friend, Irene Mohr.

Harold will be lovingly remembered by his brother, Richard Elliott of Boerne, Texas; sisters, Rita Clark and her husband Melvin of Des Moines and Betty Cory of Boone; numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives; Irene’s family and many friends.  

Memorials may be sent Hastings Funeral Home, 403 N. Elm, Box 253, Jefferson, Iowa 50129, www.hastings.com.

Donald Dean Culbertson was born September 24, 1944 in Albert Lea, Minnesota to Donald Herbert & Bernice Inez (Culp) Culbertson while his father was serving overseas during World War II. Don grew up in Wells, Minnesota and graduated from Minnesota Lake High School in 1962. Don has two sisters, Sandra (Dave) Paal of Wells, Minn. and Susan (Den) Krause of New Richland, Minn. On August 7, 1965, Don married his childhood sweetheart, LaVonne Krosch.

During the Vietnam War, he spent eight years in the Air Force teaching electronics at the Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois and at the Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana. Don received his bachelor’s degree from Mankato State. In 1975, they moved to Churdan, Iowa where he taught for the next 30 years. He enjoyed learning new ways to teach industrial arts and computer technologies. Don didn’t only teach academically, but he taught by example how to be a respected and responsible citizen.

Don and LaVonne had two sons, Dondi (Donald Dean II) and Mike (Michael Marshall). Dondi and Katie (Katherine Lynn) live in Wildwood, Ill. with their two daughters, Heidi Katherine and Heather Joy. Mike and Chris (Christine Glynn) live in Monroe, Wash. with their two daughters, Micaela Christine and Jennifer Glynn.

Don loved hunting and fishing. They converted a school bus into a camper which was used on many family trips as well as hunting and fishing excursions. Don was very knowledgeable in many areas, making him a very tough opponent in Trivia Pursuit. He may have called himself “a jack-of-all-trades but a master of none” but to many, he was known as the local expert who was always willing to lend a hand. If he didn’t know how to do something, he would quickly study a manual and the job was done.

Don loved to listen to his family sing and play hymns. They loved their devotional time each day. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” III John 1:4.

Don entered into eternity on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at 3:15 a.m. in Des Moines, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jason and his sister, Sarah.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, teacher and friend.

Funeral services were held Saturday, January 7, 2017 at The Dwelling Place in Jefferson, Iowa with Pastor Rod Block officiating. “Because He Lives” and “The Love of God” were sung by Bill Benson, accompanied by Molly Benson on the piano. Pallbearers were Donald (Dondi) Culbertson, Michael (Mike) Culbertson, Dennis (Den) Krause I, David (Dave) Paal II, Dennis (Den) Krause II and Bradley (Brad) Miller. Burial was in the Highland Cemetery in Churdan, Iowa. A luncheon at The Dwelling Place following the graveside services.

Assisting the family was Brown Funeral Homes.

Rosie Hunter, 91, daughter of John and Maria (Hansen) Carstens, was born June 9, 1925 in Glidden, Iowa. She passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at the Guthrie County Hospital in Guthrie Center, Iowa.

On December 21, 1951, she married Fred Rex Hunter in Coon Rapids, Iowa. They made their home on a farm near Ralston for several years. In December of 1958, they moved to Bagley and purchased the Vaux Grocery Store and renamed it Hunter’s Grocery & Meats. They operated the store for 31 years. Fred passed away in 1993. Rosie moved to Jefferson, Iowa in 2001. Since May of 2013, she has lived at the Lakeside Village in Panora, Iowa.

Rosie was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She loved spending time with her family. She also enjoyed playing bridge, her flower garden and cooking for her family. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Perry, Iowa.

She is survived by her children: Marilyn (Bryon) Thiesse of Crystal Lake, Ill., Susan (Ken) Bose of Perry, Debra (Doug) Hemphill of Panora, Jack (Jo Ellen) Hunter of Yale and Pamela (John) Whelan of Minneapolis, Minn.; grandchildren: Geoffrey (Laura) Thiesse, Jacqueline (Eman) Namati, Stephanie (Robert Greedy) Hammond, Megan (Shadam) Smith, Derek Hemphill, Allison (Scott) Stanley, Andrea Hemphill and Chase Hunter; great-grandchildren: Lucas and Ryan Thiesse; Laila and Elliot Namati; Karis, Ashlyn and Stella Hammond; Austyn Smith; Alyssa and Blake Stanley; sister, Lois Montesano of North Ft. Myers, Fla.; and sister-in-law, Faye Carstens of Bayard. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

Rosie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Fred; four sisters: Anna Bielenberg, Margaret Lucht, Louise Lucht and Dorothy Deeth; five brothers: Johnny, David, Herman, Ernie and Don Carstens.

Funeral services were held Monday, January 9, 2017 at St. Thomas Lutheran Church, Panora. Burial will be in the Dodge Township Cemetery, rural Bagley.

Twigg Funeral Home, Panora.

Ron Stewart, 59, of Rippey passed away Friday, January 13, 2017 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Funeral services were held Thursday, January 19 at 10:00 a.m. at the Carris Family Funeral Home in Perry. Visitation was on Wednesday, January 18 from 2 to 7 p.m. with family present from 4 to 7 p.m. with a Vigil service held at 6:30 p.m. at the Carris Family Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Rippey Cemetery at Rippey, Iowa. Memorials will be given to family and may be left at the Carris Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent at www.carrisfuneralhome.com.

Ronald “Ron” David Stewart was born December 22, 1957 in Greenfield, Iowa. He was adopted into the family of Dale Francis and Doris Mae (McComb) Stewart. He attended East Greene High School where he participated in baseball and basketball. Ron was united in marriage to Joelee Ann Martin at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on November 28, 1981. His entire life was spent in the Rippey area, where he farmed.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching NASCAR and playing fast and slow pitch softball. Ron loved spending time with his family and in recent years Ron has enjoyed traveling, especially “cousin’s” trips.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dale Stewart; brother, James Stewart; grandparents, Andy and Mae McComb and Clarence and Lagora Stewart; nephew, Joshua Norris; father in law, John Koob; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is survived by his wife, Joelee Stewart of Rippey; son, Andy (Erin) Stewart of Rippey; daughter, Angela (Jason) Bru of Bouton; grandchildren, Aubree Stewart and Archer Bru; mother, Doris Stewart of Boone; sister, Janet (Dan) Norris of Stanhope; mother-in-law, Lee Martin-Koob of Perry; brothers-in-law, Dave (Lisa) Martin of Idaho City, Idaho and John (Georgia) Martin of Boise, Idaho; niece, Jessaca Martin-Smith; nephews: Jeremy Norris, David Martin Jr., Tyler Martin and Jim Meyer; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Carris Family Funeral Home, Perry.

Gloria Jones, 86, of Ogden, Iowa, passed away Saturday, November 19, 2016 at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. A celebration of life service was held November 23, 2016 at Community United Methodist Church in Ogden with Rev. Gary Hoyt officiating. Casket bearers were Blane Sward, Chris Jones, Scott Church, Preston Church, Carter Church, Ryne Doughty and Jason Lass. Dennis Morgan was the organist. Interment was in Glenwood Cemetery in Ogden.

Gloria Jean Rinehart was born September 24, 1930, the daughter of Loel & Vera (Mondt) Rinehart in Pilot Mound, Iowa. On June 4, 1950 Gloria was united in marriage to Carroll Jones at the Methodist Church in Pilot Mound. The couple lived and farmed NW of Ogden until 1963 when they moved to Ogden where they continued farming and raising livestock.

Gloria was a member of the Community United Methodist Church, active in the church circle and United Methodist Women. She loved attending her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s activities for 30 years.

Survivors include her children: Kent Jones, Jana Rector and Jodi (Al) Sward all of Ogden; five grandchildren: Gina (Scott) Church, Blane Sward, Chris (Lanna) Jones, Jessi (Jason) Lass and Jordi (Ryne) Doughty. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carroll; three grandchildren: Shelly Sward, Cory Jones and E.A. Rector; and one sister, Dawn Mills.

Nina Louise (Farmer) Mount, 99, of Grand Junction and Rippey, Iowa went to be with the Lord on Tuesday evening, January 3, 2017 at the Greene County Medical Center.

A service of remembrance was held Thursday, January 12 at United Methodist Church in Rippey with Rev. Paul Burrow officiating. The music selected was “Amazing Grace” and “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” with Marilynn Hoskinson as the soloist. Honorary bearers were granddaughters: Sheri Scott, Carrie Barrick, Deb Beeler, Lyndsay Marron and Kaytlyn Mount. Casket bearers were grandsons: Don Rees, Bob Rees, Chuck Rees, Andy Johnson, Scott Mount, Stephen Mount, Justin Mount and Jarrod Mount. Interment was at Junction Township Cemetery in Grand Junction, Iowa.

Nina was born on March 29, 1917 to Greg and Verda (Summers) Farmer in Sac City, Iowa. She attended a one-room school in Ulmer, Iowa for the first eight years of her education. The family then moved to Grand Junction where she graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1935. On December 14, 1935, she married Warren Scott Mount of Grand Junction in Des Moines, Iowa. To this union, four children were born. Warren passed away just shy of their 80th wedding anniversary.

Nina was a dedicated farmer’s wife and was a member of various organizations including the Rebekah Lodge, the K.Y.N.B. Club and a 50-year member of the Order of Eastern Star. As an active member of the Rippey United Methodist Church, she was involved in Ladies Circle and the Tuesday morning quilting group.

Nina enjoyed cooking and spent many hours baking for the daily coffee breaks around her kitchen table. She also enjoyed tending to her many plants and flowers, some of which are still prospering in the caring hands of her family. Hobbies that kept her busy were reading, feeding and watching the birds. She also enjoyed quilting and knitting which included her handcrafted afghans and Christmas stockings. All of these have found a loving home with several family members.

Nina was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sisters: Reba Farmer and Mildred Nelson; one brother, Floyd Farmer; son-in-law, Don (Zeke) Rees; and two great grandsons, Lawson and William Rees.

She is survived by two daughters, Margaret Rees of Ozark, Mo. and Darlene (Larry) Johnson of Story City, Iowa; two sons, David (Diane) Mount of Bend, Ore. and Paul (Carol) Mount of Bloomington, Minn.; brother, Clyde Farmer of Fort Dodge; two sisters-in-law, Ina Farmer of Aurora, Colo. and Genevieve Farmer of Panora; two brothers-in-law, Dwight Mount of Grand Junction and Dale Mount of Boone; 13 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 23 great-great grandchildren; and countless other friends and relatives.

Nina was a devoted daughter, wife, sister, mom, grandma, great grandma and great-great grandma who loved her entire family deeply. Nina was loyal, and had a kind and gentle heart. She will be remembered by all who have come to know her throughout her life.

Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Dorothy Adamson, 96, of Jefferson, formerly of Grand Junction, died Thursday, January 5, 2017.

Funeral services were held Friday, January 13 at Church of Christ in Jefferson with Minister Bruce Webster officiating. Casket bearers were Kreg Hoskinson, Kary Hoskinson, Bruce Wessling, Jon Brelsford, Joey Brelsford and Mac Adamson. The music was “Just a Closer Walk With Thee,” “Never Grow Old” and “Paradise Valley” by Bret Schilling, Jill Lamoureux and Mark Wright. Interment was at Jefferson Cemetery in Jefferson, Iowa.

Dorothy Lavonne Murphy Adamson was born June 9, 1920 in Bayard, Iowa, the daughter of Otto and Elsie Murphy. She attended Bayard school and graduated in 1938. She met Pat Adamson at a café where she was a waitress and they were united in marriage on July 2, 1939.

The couple farmed in Bayard, Jefferson and Grand Junction. They continued farming until Pat retired in 1977, at which time they moved to their new home in Grand Junction. In 2001, Dorothy and Pat moved to a condo in Jefferson. After Pat’s death in 2008, Dorothy moved to Ever Greene Ridge where she made valuable friendships and continued to enjoy life.

Dorothy was a busy homemaker. She raised and dressed chickens, sold eggs and made every outfit for her three daughters. Dorothy enjoyed her friendships at YW Hybrids, sorting corn for several years. She also cooked for the Grand Junction Lions Club and made up to 18 pies a day for the Farmers Market in Jefferson. She won numerous pie awards and was known as the local pie lady and made delicious cinnamon rolls.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband; grandson, Kriss Hoskinson; a brother, Donald and a sister, Bonnie.

Survivors include her five children: Janet Kennedy (Richard), Judy Wessling (Roger) and Jill Brelsford (Craig) all of Grand Junction; Jim Adamson (Janet) of Panora; and Jay Adamson (Cindy) of Jefferson. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren, and other relatives and many friends.

Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Susan Fay McGinn passed away peacefully at her on home January 9, 2017. She came into this world on November 18, 1934, in Roswell, New Mexico; the third child and second daughter of Louis Elwyn Fay II and Mildred Foster Fay. The family eventually moved to Jefferson, Iowa, where Sue grew up.

Sue attended Jefferson High School where she played on the intramural basketball team and in the drum ensemble. She went on to attend the University of Iowa, where she earned her degree in education. One significant highlight of her college days was playing percussion in the marching band at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

Sue moved out West after graduation, taking a teaching position at an elementary school in Garden Grove, California. It was here that she met and married James Arthur McGinn, a Marine Corps Officer, and fighter pilot stationed at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro. Sue’s first son, Patrick Michael, was born here in 1962.

She followed Jim over the next 20 years as his military career moved the family from one duty station to the next. Kelly Ann (Key) was born in 1963 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Daughters, Mary Alice (Vickers) and Margaret “Peggy” Sue (Abbott) were born in 1966 and 1967 respectively at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. As the family continued moving every three years or so, Sue was the glue that kept the family organized and together, shepherding her four kids through school, sports, extracurricular activities and life in general.

Sue and Jim separated in 1982 after he completed his tour of duty at the Naval Academy and they eventually divorced. Sue remained in the Annapolis area and made this town her new home as she continued raising her three daughters, working in real estate law, tutoring and substitute teaching, sponsoring numerous midshipmen and volunteering in the local community. She was a skilled seamstress, played a mean game of bridge, loved to attend Annapolis Symphony Orchestra concerts and rarely missed an Iowa Hawkeyes football game.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her older brother, Louis Elwyn Fay III; her older sister, Jane Ecklund and her former husband. She is survived by her younger sister, Dee Rife; her four children; her grandchildren: Stewart Welter and Carson Key, Charles James (CJ) Vickers, Callie Jane Vickers, Carl Jacob Vickers, Cooper John Vickers and Leo Vickers, Shelby Abbott and Lauren Abbott; and her great-grandson, Jaxson Welter.