Lester Robert Alff - 79
     Lester Robert Alff (Les) was born on September 11, 1929, on a farm south of Walnut, Iowa, to Herman and Annie Willms Alff. Lester was baptized and confirmed at the English Lutheran Church in Avoca. He attended country school in Walnut, Sioux City, and Griswold, Iowa, before starting to farm with his dad. Growing up in those days meant that, if you did farm work, you were expected to do a man’s work, and even as a boy, Les did. As he continued to grow into adulthood it became evident that he was good with the land, and his hard work and knowledge began to bring rewards. He started farming on his own with 160 acres of rented land and gradually acquired more land and equipment.

     Lester met his wife to be at a dance in Avoca. However, marriage was not to be until he felt he could support his wife and family. He proposed four years later on New Years Eve to Dorothy Osborn and they were married June 1, 1952, at the English Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa. Two children were born to this union, Marcia and Doug.

     During the years that Lester farmed, he had a natural ability with machinery and built and repaired much of the equipment he used. Farming was more than an occupation for Lester. He was one of the first in the area to grow soybeans and he also planted and raised certified oat seed.

     Lester enjoyed rebuilding Farmall tractors. He was known to be very particular, not only with his collection of restored tractors, but his every day work equipment was always kept in excellent condition. Most of his restored Farmall tractors were used on the farm and were not merely for looks.

     Lester had a very special relationship with his father-in-law. "You are more like a son to me than a son-in-law". He thought so much of his father and mother-in-law that he took them along on short trips and to Hawaii to celebrate Les and Dorothy’s 25^th wedding anniversary. He loved to watch them as they were in awe of the sights they thought they would never see. When All Star Wrestling was popular in Omaha, Lester and his father -in-law never missed a match at the Civic Auditorium. Lester was an avid stock car racing fan. He enjoyed taking his children, grandchildren, nephew and neighbor children to the car races. Lester enjoyed NASCAR racing also, and never missed a race on TV. Lester enjoyed collecting precision IH and JD tractors and equipment that along with various antique cars and pickups, he enjoyed displaying in his curio cabinet. But most of all, Lester enjoyed his granddaughters Tina and Tonya and his great grandchildren, Alexandria, Zander, Katelyn and Gavin. Also he had special memories of his great granddaughters and his nieces sitting on his lap while applying make-up and adorning him with earrings, necklaces and barrettes in his hair.

     Les and Dorothy retired from the farm near Walnut, Iowa in 2001 and built a new home in Avoca, Iowa. It was here that he died on July 3, 2009, having attained the age of seventy-nine years, nine months and twelve days.

     In addition to his parents, Lester was preceded in death by his two sisters, Eloise Alff and Arlene Nieman. He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Dorothy Alff of Avoca; his daughter Dr. Marcia Alff D.C. of Avoca and his son Douglas Alff and his wife Eileen of Walnut; two grandchildren and four great grandchildren, nieces and nephews other relatives and many friends.

     A funeral service was held on Monday, July 6, 2009 with Pastor Dennis Reich officiating the 2:00 PM service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa. Casket bearers were Curtis Osborn, Darwin Nieman, Lelyn Holtz, Mitch Osborn, Terry Nieman, and Darwin Holtz. Interment was held at Graceland Cemetery in Avoca.

Shirley L. Alvarez - Age 82

     Shirley Lavonne Alvarez, daughter of Gerhart and Grace (Gaer) Petersen, was born on July 28, 1927, in a farm house two miles west of Redline, Iowa. She was baptized at the Church of Christ in Redline, Iowa, and attended Jackson Township Country School #9.

     November 21, 1943, Shirley was united in marriage to Ray Ronfeldt. After their wedding, Shirley and Ray made their home in Irwin, Iowa. To this union five children were born: Sandra, Ron, Connie, Kimberly, and Angela. In January 1964, Ray was killed in an automobile accident. After Ray’s death, Shirley remained in Irwin for a short time.

     Shirley worked as a nurse’s aide at several area nursing homes and hospitals. She was a very giving person and always helped her elderly neighbors with anything they needed.

     On September 23, 1978, Shirley was united in marriage to Francisco Alvarez in Watson, Missouri. After their wedding, Shirley and Francisco made their home in Kirkman, Iowa. Shirley enjoyed quilting, cooking, playing guitar, and spending time with her family and friends.

     Shirley died on Sunday, June 6, 2010, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty-two years, ten months, and nine days. She is preceded in death by her parents.

     She is survived by her husband Francisco Alvarez of Kirkman, Iowa; her children: Sandra and her husband Jerry Beals of Mingo, Iowa; Ron Ronfeldt and his wife Sandra of Harlan, Iowa; Connie Ronfeldt of Sun City, Arizona; Kimberly Ronfeldt and her fiancé Rex Doty of Denison, Iowa; Angela Ronfeldt and her partner Mary Weyand of Haysville, Kansas; ten grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; her brothers Lyle Petersen and his wife Wava of Elk Horn, Iowa; and Arlo Petersen and his wife Barbara of Tama, Iowa; nieces; nephews; other family members and many friends.

     Private graveside services were held on Wednesday, June 9, 2010, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Irwin, Iowa. Kirk Petersen, minister of Community of Christ Church in Harlan, officiated the 10:00 AM service

Freda Alwill - Age 96

     Freda Margaretha Rattenborg Alwill was born on May 4, 1911, at home near Hamlin, Iowa, the daughter of Nels and Anna Catherine (Holm) Rattenborg. She was baptized and confirmed at the Hamlin Lutheran Church and was a member there until transferring to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Irwin. In April of 1922, when Freda was ten years old, the Rattenborg family moved to Standard, Alberta, Canada, where they farmed for approximately six months before returning to the home place in Hamlin.

     Freda attended school in Hamlin through the eighth grade. She worked at the Hamlin bank, the Hamlin grocery store, and drove to Long Beach, California to work for a family before her marriage on February 25, 1940 to Arlo Alwill at the Lutheran Church in Hamlin. Three children were born to this union: Orville, Nadine, and Ramona.

     After their marriage, Freda and Arlo continued to farm the 160 acre Alwill family farm east of Irwin. Freda raised and cleaned chickens and capons for many years while on the farm until retiring in 1972 and moving into Irwin. The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in February of 1990 before Arlo’s death on May 16, 1990.

     After becoming a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Irwin, Freda was an active member of the WELCA women’s organizations where she held many offices, including president and vice president. She was an active member of the Pleasant Valley Club for over thirty-five years serving as president and holding many other offices. She was also an active member of the Irwin Keenagers and the Irwin Library Club.

     For several years, Freda cooked and baked pies for an Irwin café and the Keenagers. In 1976, she and Ramona traveled to Denmark where she visited relatives and saw her parents’ birthplaces. She enjoyed many crafts, including quilting, crocheting, knitting, playing cards, entertaining, and having coffee and cookies with friends, neighbors, and family.

     Freda became a resident of the Friendship Home in Audubon, Iowa, in February of 1998, and it was there that she died on Saturday, January 19, 2008, having attained the age of ninety-six years, eight months, and fifteen days. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Arlo, her infant son Orville, her sisters: Christina, Anna, Marie, Agnes, Ella, and Emma, her brothers: Soren, Willard, Otto, and Herbert.

     She is survived by her daughters: Nadine and her husband Jack Hough of Spirit Lake, Iowa, and Ramona and her husband John Klaasmeyer of Omaha, Nebraska; two granddaughters: Lisa and her husband Mike Moret of Spencer, Iowa, and Lynette and her husband Tom Dickinson of Cedar Falls, Iowa; three great-grandsons; three step-granddaughters, eight step-great-grandchildren; and one step-great-great grandchild; her sister-in-law Sylvia Rattenborg; nieces and nephews; other family members; and many friends.

     Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, January 23, 2008, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Irwin, Iowa. Pastor Ron Rasmussen officiated the 1:30 PM service with burial at the Hamlin Cemetery in Hamlin, Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were: Carl French, Tom Dickinson, Mike Morst, Dennis Erb, Gaylin Huey, and Jim Nelson.

     Earl Francis Anastasi was born on May 12, 1922, on a farm near Westphalia, Iowa, to Carl and Clara (Schiltz) Anastasi. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia and attended school at St. Boniface Catholic School.

     On June 25, 1955, Earl was united in marriage to Lily Willemyns. Three children were born to this union: Kim, Pam, and James.

     Earl worked on the family farm until his retirement in 1983 when they moved to Harlan. He loved to travel, go dancing, golf and read. He became a pilot and attended as many flight breakfasts as he could until his new bride clipped his wings after their marriage.

     Earl was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Harlan Council No. 3900, Fourth Degree Luke E. Hart Assembly and its Chalice Club of Defiance. He was also a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

     He died on Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, having attained the age of eighty-six years and twenty-nine days. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lily, his son James, his sisters Stella Kepford and Odelia Stephany, as well as two infant sisters and two infant brothers.

     Earl is survived by his daughters Kim and her husband Jeff Stevenson of Inverness, Illinois, and Pam and her husband Tom Stessman of Harlan, Iowa; five grandchildren; his brothers LeRoy Anastasi and his wife Gladys of Harlan and Ray Anastasi and his wife Frances of Portsmouth, Iowa; one sister, Sister Margaretta Anastasi of Chicago, Illinois, nieces and nephews, other family members, and friends.

     A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, June 14, 2008, with Celebrant Rev. Bob Hoefler and Concelebrant Msgr. Gerald Stessman officiating the 10:00 AM service at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan. Casket bearers were Matthew Stessman, Sean Earl Stevenson, Ryan Stevenson, Kyle Stevenson, Adam Daeges, and Andy Sondag. Interment was held at St. Boniface Cemetery in Westphalia, Iowa.

     Harry Raun Andersen was born on April 16, 1921, to Holger and Anna (Raun) Andersen on a farm in Shelby County near Walnut, Iowa.

     After his schooling at Harlan High School, Harry followed in his father’s footsteps and farmed his entire life. He was united in marriage to Betty Madsen at Bethel Baptist Church in Harlan. Two children were born to this union: Bonnie and Craig.

     He had a complete woodworking shop in his home where he enjoyed reinventing machinery and all kinds of wood crafts. He retired from his farming career and moved to Branson, Missouri, in 1990.

     Harry was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Walnut, Iowa, before moving to Branson and becoming a member of the First Baptist Church in Branson. Harry spent the last eighteen years in Branson where he died at his home on Friday, June 6, 2008, having attained the age of eighty-seven years, one month, and twenty-one days.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Bruce Andersen, his brother Donald Andersen, and an infant sister.

     Harry is survived by his wife Betty Andersen of Branson, Missouri, his daughter Bonnie Kokes of Papillion, Nebraska, his son Craig Andersen of Branson, Missouri, nine grandchildren, one sister Ila Knudson of Avoca, Iowa, nieces and nephews, other family members, and friends.

     Memorial donations may be made to Christ Community Church, Mali Medical Missions Project, 404 South 108^th Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska 68154 in memory of Harry.

     Leota M. Andersen was born on February 7, 1917, to Verner and Tina (Tague) Harris in Harlan, Iowa. She attended school in Harlan, Polk No. 9, and graduated from Kirkman as the valedictorian of her class. During the summers of 1935 and 1936, she played on the Jacksonville girls’ softball team.

     On August 18, 1935, Leota was united in marriage to Earl Andersen of Jacksonville, Iowa, at the Methodist Parsonage in Harlan. They lived in Kimballton for a short time before moving all their things by bobsled because of all the snow to a farm near Prairie Rose State Park. It was there that their daughter Peggy was born. The family was living in Poplar, Iowa, at the time of their son Jerry’s birth where Earl was engaged in trucking. In 1942 they moved to the Andersen family farm. The couple bought the Jacksonville grocery store in 1949 and ran it for thirteen years before selling it to their nephew.

       Leota and Earl were able to travel to Spain and a side trip to Africa in 1974. The next year she began employment at Pauley Funeral Home In Harlan, and lived above the funeral home until their new house was built in 1978. She greeted everyone at the front door with her warm smile and caring words for over twenty years. It was during this time, she won a new Pontiac car from McDonald’s, which she drove around town with her personal license plate from some of her grandchildren which read "I ONE IT".

       After her mother’s death, Leota took over the role of being grandmother and great grandmother, to her nieces and nephews, and they all loved her and have many fond memories they will forever cherish. Her great-grandson Tanner had the honor of sharing the same birthdate, so they had their pictures together many time.

       She was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and was active in the women’s circle, taught Sunday school and bible school, and supported many Christian organizations including Back to the Bible and Grace University.

Leota loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. They spent most vacations fishing with family members.

       She and Earl retired and moved to the Heritage House in Atlantic, Iowa, in November of 2004. It was there that she died on Wednesday, February 14, 2007, having attained the age of ninety years, seven days. She was preceded in death by her parents, Verner Jay and Tina Harris, and two brothers, Gaylord Harris and Bill Harris.

      Leota is survived by her husband of seventy-two years, Earl Andersen of Atlantic, Iowa; her daughter Peggy and husband Rollie Hansen of Elk Horn, Iowa; her son Jerry and wife Sharol Andersen of Atlantic, Iowa, seven grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, her brother Calvin Harris of Donahue, Iowa, her sister-in-law Arlene Adams of Kirkman, Iowa, nieces, nephews, other family members, and a great number of friends.

      Funeral Services were held on Saturday, February 17, 2007, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, Iowa, with Pastor Henry Flessner officiating the 11:00 AM service. Honorary casket bearers were Keli Hansen, Hollie Mills, and Jennifer Cappel. Serving as casket bearers were Steve Hansen, Wade Mills, David Andersen, Scott Andersen, Doug Cappel, and Marc Andersen.

Robert Charles Andersen - 87

Terry Lee Andersen - Age 58

Gerald O. Anderson - Age 84