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Father Paul Bianchi - Age 70
Father Paul Bianchi was born on November 28, 1936 in Omaha, Nebraska to Louis and Mary (Surber) Bianchi. He had been a member of the Benedictine Order for many years both at Conception Abbey, Conception, Missouri, and later at St. Pius X Abbey in Pevely, Missouri. He joined the Diocese of Des Moines in 1991 and served at St. Pius X in Urbandale, Iowa, St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Panama, Iowa, St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia, Iowa, St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance, Iowa, and Sts. Peter and Paul in Atlantic, Iowa.
For many years he was the assistant to the bishop of the diocese and served as vicar for priests and diocesan archivist. Father Paul’s final assignment before retirement was pastor of St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Portsmouth, Iowa.
Father Paul Bianchi died on November 26, 2007, in Las Vegas, Nevada, having attained the age of seventy years, eleven months, and twenty-nine days. He had been serving as rector of the Shrine of the Most Holy Redeemer since his retirement from priestly ministry in the Diocese of Des Moines in 2004.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Louis, and his sisters Mary Louise Lyons and Beverly Jean Hartman. He is survived by his sister Suzanne and her husband Ron Mahoney, Council Bluffs, Iowa, nieces and nephews, other family members, and many friends.
A memorial service was held at the Shrine of the Most Holy Redeemer in Las Vegas on December 4, 2007.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, December 12, 2007, at St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Portsmouth, Iowa, with Celebrant Bishop Joseph L. Charron and Concelebrants Msgr. Stephen Orr and Rev. John Dorton performing the 10:30 AM service. Inurnment was held at St. Boniface Cemetery in Westphalia, Iowa.

Alice C. Bieker - Age
87
Alice Caroline Bieker was born to
John Anton and Ruzena (Fucik) Masek of Ulysses,
Nebraska. During World War II, she worked at the
Nebraska Ordinance Plant in Mead. She married
Jerry Bieker on July 9, 1945, at St. Joseph
Catholic Church in Omaha; they made their home
in Defiance, Iowa, and operated the Defiance
Telephone Company. To this union were born eight
girls and two boys.
Alice was active in the
Altar and Rosary Society of St. Peter’s Catholic
Church in Defiance, and she was a past president
of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (Des
Moines Diocese). She also served as the leader
of the Defiance Masterettes 4-H club in the
1970s; she was active on the Defiance Centennial
Committee and served twenty years on the
Defiance Cemetery Committee; and she served as
the Shelby County delegate at the Democratic
National Convention in 1976. Alice moved to
Omaha in 1983, where she enjoyed retirement by
crocheting, quilting, and visiting the casinos.
During her life, Alice took pleasure in music
and dancing, playing cards and bingo, working
jigsaw puzzles and gardening. She loved visiting
with her children, grandchildren, and
great-grandchildren. For the past fifteen years,
she has been lovingly cared for by her daughter,
Marcy.
Alice died on Tuesday,
May 25, 2010, at Methodist Hospital in Omaha,
Nebraska, having attained the age of
eighty-seven years, eleven months, and three
days. She is preceded in death by her husband;
her parents; her brothers Martin Masek, John
Masek (Madeline) and Fred Masek (Eleanor); and
by her sister Agnes Masek.
She is survived by her
children: Norma Jean and her husband Frank Pycha
of Fountain Hills, Arizona; Geraldine "Jodie"
and her husband Ron Wingert of Earling, Iowa;
Kathleen and her husband Edmund Franklin of
Kitchener, Ontario; Marcelene "Marcy" Bieker of
Omaha, Nebraska; Mary Alice and her husband Tom
Whigham of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Jerald "Bud"
Bieker and his wife Joan of Defiance, Iowa;
Denise and her husband Alan Bresette of Mesa,
Arizona; Judith and her husband Ed Brodnicki of
Omaha, Nebraska; James Bieker and his wife Deb
of Elk Horn, Iowa; Shari and her husband Mark
Mutchler of Liberty, Missouri; thirteen
grandchildren: Nancy and her husband Cory
Isebrand of LeMars, Iowa; David Wingert and his
wife Julie of Primghar, Iowa; Mark Wilson of
Webster City, Iowa; Jennifer and her husband
David McKinnon of Waterloo, Ontario; Christopher
Robin and his wife Missy of Tallahassee,
Florida; Ross Whigham and his wife Kacie of
Keller, Texas; Sean Patrick Whigham of
Albuquerque, New Mexico; Sara and her husband
Matt English of Omaha, Nebraska; Carla Bieker of
Centennial, Colorado; Mason Beiker; Colin Bieker
both of Defiance, Iowa; Marquette Mutchler and
Jerry Mutchler both of Liberty, Missouri; five
great-grandchildren; her sisters: Mary and her
husband Ed Seidenglanz; Helen and her husband Ed
Janek; and Sally and her husband Richard Sanley;
nieces; nephews; other family members and many
friends.
A Mass of Christian
Burial was held on Friday, May 28, 2010, at St.
Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance, Iowa, with
Rev. John L. Pietramale celebrating and Rev.
Howard Fitzgerald concelebrating the 10:30 AM
service. Interment was held at Sts. Peter & Paul
Cemetery in Defiance with Matt English, Sean
Patrick Whigham, Mason Bieker, Colin Bieker,
Cory Isebrand, and David Wingert serving as
casket bearers. 
Clement A.
Bieker - Age 94
Clement August Bieker, Sr., son of
Otto and Bernadine (Munchrath) Bieker, was born
on January 23, 1916, in Earling, Iowa. Clement
had four siblings: Bernard, Jerome, Genevieve
and Leona. Earling offered fertile territory for
an inquisitive mind and Clem took full
advantage. At the age of twelve, he witnessed
the soul-stirring account of a diabolical
possession (as reported by Rev. Carl Vogl) and
at the age of sixteen had fashioned an
automobile of sorts ("from various parts picked
up around town") that transported him about the
rutty roads of the countryside.
After an exciting youth
in Earling, Clem attended St. Ambrose College’s
Seminary program in Davenport, Iowa, for two
years. Meeting Valdine Marie Pauley that summer
at the swimming hole in Defiance, Iowa, Clem
pursued a different direction in life,
graduating from Iowa State University (majored
in The Classics) and married his sweetheart,
Valdine, in 1940.
Clem and Val moved to
Minneapolis, Minnesota, where Clem spent three
and a half years in the US Navy as a Radio
Technician and began a family that would grow to
six children: Clement, Jr., Rodger, Terrance,
Rebecca, Barbara, and Joseph. Clem loved family
get-togethers, vacations, fishing, hunting and
golf. Some of the greatest experiences the
children remember with their mom and dad were
camping in national parks, fishing, trail
blazing and building campfires. Clem built two
new homes and totally renovated four others as
the family moved about the Midwest eleven times
in fifty years. He could fix anything and always
took the time to explain how things worked or to
pursue an impassioned epistemological
discussion.
Clem traveled quite a
bit for work and always with the family in tow.
After being discharged from the military, Clem
worked for the A&P, then FDA in the Food
Division, and eventually retired in 1978 as
District Manager for Credit for Sears Roebuck
Co. (a 30 year career). After retiring from
Sears Roebuck, Clem and Val finally settled in
Edina, Minnesota, where they enjoyed gardening,
golfing and playing bridge with friends and
family. Clem stayed there until Valdine passed
away in 1995, after fifty-five years of
marriage. Clem and his family were then blessed
when he met Hazel Lewis, a dear friend, until
her passing in the summer of 2008. While in
Edina, Clem was a member of Our Lady of Grace
Catholic Church.
In 2004, Clem moved to
assisted living in Ft. Myers and then to Estero,
Florida, where his care was managed by his son,
Clem Jr., and his daughter-in-law Sandy. After a
long struggle with Alzheimer’s, Clem passed away
late in the evening on February 4, 2010, at the
Life Care Center in Estero, Florida, having
attained the age of ninety-four years and twelve
days. He is preceded in death by his parents;
his wife, Valdine; and his brothers Bernard and
Jerome.
He is survived by his
children: Clement Jr. (Sandy Backdahl) of Bonita
Springs, Florida; Rodger of Clearwater,
Minnesota; Terrance (Jeanne-Marie Varga) of
Orchid Island, Florida; Rebecca (Richard) Seeger
of New Bern, North Carolina; Barbara (John)
Wehling of Woodbury, Minnesota; and Joseph
(Rosemary Girard) of Boulder, Colorado; eleven
grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; his
sisters Genevieve Spanton of Minneapolis,
Minnesota, and Leona Leighton of Waconia,
Minnesota; nieces; nephews; other family members
and many friends.
Clem was always very
kind, loving and gentle and upon his passing
will be dearly missed.
A Mass of Christian
Burial was held on Saturday, April 24, 2010, at
St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance, Iowa,
with Rev. Howard Fitzgerald celebrating the
11:00 AM service. Inurnment was held at Sts.
Peter & Paul Cemetery in Defiance, Iowa.
Memorials
preferred to Hope Hospice of Estero, FL or
St.
Peter's Catholic Church in Defiance.

Bruce Bierbaum - Age 57
Bruce Yale Bierbaum, son of Harlan
and Marye (Mundorf) Bierbaum, was born on January 2, 1954 in
Houston, Texas. He lived in Texas with his sister, Linda,
and his parents until the age of four. The family then
relocated to Marne, Iowa to be closer to Marye’s parents.
Bruce attended Marne Elementary School until sixth grade, at
which time the school closed. Bruce finished the remainder
of his schooling in Atlantic, Iowa.
After high school, Bruce enlisted into the Army
National Guard and was sent to Fort Dix, New Jersey for
basic training. He stayed with the guard for six years while
training at a number of different bases around the country.
After his honorable discharge in 1979, he returned to
Atlantic and began working at Payless Cashway Lumber Store.
This is where he met his bride Donna McCurdy and the couple
was married on January 4, 1980. One daughter, Marye was born
to this union. The family moved to Walnut in 1981 and have
remained there ever since.
Bruce was employed at Mahle Engine Components Inc. from
1992 until 2009 and he met many good friends and companions
there. He was then hired at Kum and Go in Walnut, a job he
loved both because of the employees and the customers.
In his free time, Bruce had many hobbies. He learned
woodworking from his father at a young age and carried the
love of working with his hands throughout his life. He
enjoyed all sports when he was younger and really enjoyed
slow pitch softball as he grew older. He also had a love of
playing cards, especially Texas Hold ‘em poker.
Bruce died on March 31, 2011 at the Nebraska Medical
Center in Omaha, Nebraska having attained the age of
fifty-seven years, two months, and twenty-nine days. He was
preceded in death by his parents; one nephew, Adam McCurdy;
and one great-nephew, Christopher Skow.
He is survived by his wife of thirty-one years, Donna
Bierbaum and their daughter Marye Bierbaum, both of Walnut,
Iowa; sister Linda Hepler of Avoca, Iowa; nephew Steven Skow
of Marne, Iowa and his children Amanda Skow of Walnut and
Logan Skow of Marne; niece Amy Boken of Walnut and Brian
Boken of Lewis and their children Dylan Boken of Lewis and
Kylie Boken of Walnut; other relatives and many friends.
Bruce will be remembered in the lessons he passed on
and the care and protection he gave to those he loved. We
love you and miss you very much.
Pastor David Krueger officiated the 10:00 AM funeral
service at the First Presbyterian Church in Walnut, Iowa on
Wednesday, April 6, 2011. Military Rites were conducted by
the Walnut American Legion Post Number 422 at the Griswold
Cemetery in Griswold, Iowa. Steven Skow, Trevor Montgomery,
Marvin Mundt, Dave Bierbaum, Mark McCurdy, Joel McCurdy,
Logan Skow and Dylan Boken served as casket bearers.

Earl "Bud" Bintz - Age 88
Earl Walter Bintz,
the son of Walter P and Emily Kraack Bintz, was
born on January 16, 1920 on the family farm near
Minden, Iowa where he spent all his life except
for the three years, three months while he was
serving in World War II. Bud went to country
school and then graduated from Minden High
School in 1936. In 1942 Bud enlisted in the
United States Army and spent two years in the
Aleutian Islands during that Campaign. He
returned the to the states in 1944 and was
discharged out of Jacksonville, Florida on
November 5, 1945.
Bud was united in marriage to Phyllis Larimore
on July 19, 1942 at the Hanscom Park Methodist
Church in Omaha, Nebraska. To this union three
children were born: Gale, Becky and Mary. Bud
was very happy with his Minden and Neola friends
and always said : "It's a garden spot, stay
there." Bud worked on the farm and did some
carpentry work also.
Bud enjoyed playing baseball until he was 40
years old. He also enjoyed bowling, dancing,
playing cards and being among friends. He was a
great father to his children and a wonderful
grandpa to his grandchildren and great
grandchildren. Bud served as the Commander of
the Minden Legion Post #437 when they built the
new Legion Hall following the Minden tornado. He
was also a member of the VFW.
Bud died at the Woodlands Rehabilitation Center
in Council Bluffs, Iowa on Thursday, February
28, 2008 having attained the age of eighty-eight
years, one month and twelve days. He is preceded
in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife of sixty-five years,
Phyllis; a son, Gale Bintz and his wife Diana of
Council Bluffs; daughters: Becky and her husband
Wayne Jacobsen of Avoca and Mary and her husband
David Lefeber of Minden; grandchildren: Kevin
and his wife Jodi, Robb and his wife Melissa,
Jill and her husband Russ, Jani and her husband
Bob, Jennifer, Laura and Bryan; great
grandchildren: Jordan, Jessica, Kasey and Tim,
Morgan, Mattie, Colton, Kendall, Gracie, Dan,
Tiffany and her husband Rudy and Tracy; and a
great great grandson Gavin; sister, Eudine
Church of Yankton, South Dakota; sisters-in-law:
Colleen Rutenbeck of Des Moines, Iowa and Robin
and her husband Gene Thomsen of Kimballton,
Iowa; many nieces, nephews; and a host of
friends.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 1,
2008 at the Minden United Church of Christ with
Pastor Brian Wohlhuter officiating. Burial was
in the Minden Cemetery. Those serving as
Honorary Casket Bearers were Gus Hartje, Jerome
Driver, Orville Wedel, Harold Lefeber, Robert
"Buck" Mauer and Harold Bintz. Active Casket
Bearers were Robb Jacobsen, Kevin Jacobsen,
Bryan Lefeber, Terry Church, Bob Mings and Russ
Hays. Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca were in
charge of the arrangements. 
Herbert B. Bintz - Age 82
Herbert Bryce
Bintz, son of Adolph and Lydia (Eckert) Bintz, was born on
October 28, 1928 on the Bintz farm south of Minden, Iowa. He
attended country school south of the farm until the eighth
grade and graduated from Minden High School. After high
school, he began farming.
Herbert met Jervaise Grap and they were united in
marriage on November 11, 1950 in Persia, Iowa. Together the
couple made their home in rural Hancock. In the mid 1970's,
the family built a new home in five years and had it paid
for when it was finished.
Herbert was involved in both the East and West
Pottawattamie 4-H groups; he was a 4-H Leader to the Nednim
Hustlers and the Westside Feeders. He was also a 4-H sheep
superintendent at the Pottawattamie County Fair.
Herbert raised Suffolk sheep, along with cattle and
hogs. He was a dedicated farmer and continued to do so even
after his retirement.
Herbert and Jervaise moved to the Oakland Manor Nursing
Home and this is where he died on Sunday, April 10, 2011
having attained the age of eighty-two years, five months,
and thirteen days. He was preceded in death by his parents
and a brother Merlynn Bintz.
He is survived by his wife of sixty years Jervaise
Bintz of Oakland, Iowa; his sons: Eugene Bintz of Oakland,
David Bintz of Hancock, Iowa, Jeffrey Bintz and his wife
Jody of Treynor, Iowa, and John Bintz and his wife Susan of
Helena, Montana; granchild Joshua Bintz of Treynor; brother
Carroll Bintz and his wife Katheryn of Neola, Iowa;
sister-in-law Carolyn Bintz of Avoca, Iowa; nieces and
nephews; other relatives and friends.
Rev. Earlin Shanno officiated the 10:00 AM Funeral
Service at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca, Iowa on
Wednesday, April 13, 2011. Honorary casket bearers were
Harold Bintz and Harold Shriver. Interment was held in the
Minden Cemetery in Minden, Iowa with Joshua Bintz, Philip
Bintz, Dwight Bintz, Ed Kaiser, Mike Krueger, and LeRoy
Hansen serving as casket bearers. 
Alma F. Bissen
- Age 78
Alma Frances Bissen, daughter of Gilbert and
Lidwina (Eisterhold) Rau, was born on February
26, 1931, on a farm near Westphalia, Iowa. She
was baptized and confirmed at St. Boniface
Catholic Church in Westphalia and graduated from
St. Mary’s Catholic School in Portsmouth, Iowa.
On November 16, 1949, Alma was united in
marriage to Jerry Kramer at St. Mary Our Lady of
Fatima Catholic Church in Portsmouth. Six
children were born to this union of forty-two
years: Sandy, Debbie, John, Larry, Geralyn, and
Tami. After their wedding, Alma and Jerry farmed
for several years in Southwest Iowa before
moving into Harlan in 1965 where Alma worked as
a part-time custodian for Harlan Community
Schools, the United Methodist Church, and St.
Michael’s Catholic Church and Rectory. She
retired in 2000.
On February 19, 1999, Alma was united in
marriage to Paul Bissen at St. Michael’s
Catholic Church in Harlan. After their wedding,
Alma and Paul made their home in Harlan.
Alma was a member of St. Michaels’ Catholic
Church in Harlan. She enjoyed gardening,
bowling, playing cards and bingo, taking trips
to the casinos and spending time with her very
large family. She had an amazing work ethic, a
very green thumb, and an incredible ability to
make people smile and laugh in any situation.
When Alma walked into a room, it was suddenly
brighter because you knew she was going to say
something funny even if she didn’t mean to.
Alma died on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at Myrtue
Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained
the age of seventy-eight years, two months, and
seventeen days. She is preceded in death by her
parents; her first husband Jerry; her daughter
Debbie Rounds; her two brothers Mike and Leo;
her two sisters Marie "Mamie" Grote and Sr. M.
Lita Veronica Rau, OSF and John’s domestic
partner Mae Parks.
She is survived by her husband Paul Bissen of
Harlan, Iowa; her children: Sandy and her
husband Dave Hopper of Carroll, Iowa; John
Kramer of Easton, Kansas; Larry Kramer of
Harlan; Geralyn Kramer of Mason City, Iowa; Tami
and her husband Alan Meiners of Dedham, Iowa;
her stepdaughters Tracy Bissen and her friend
Eddie Walker of Bruce, Florida and Terry Thayer
and her husband Michael of Jacksonville,
Florida; thirteen grandchildren: Joey Hansen and
his wife Jenny; Michelle Hansen; Jeremy Rounds
and his wife Angie; Mark Rounds; Sarah Rounds;
Lynzie Rounds; Kyle Kramer; Grant, Will, and
Lydia Meiners; Christopher Duncan; and Taylor
and Zach Thayer; nine great-grandchildren; her
son-in-law Robert Rounds; her siblings: Dorothy
Gaul of Earling, Iowa; Leo Rau and his wife Jane
of Omaha, Nebraska; Zita Bruck of Harlan;
Jeanette and her husband Richard Mikels of
Portsmouth, Iowa; Martha Mumm of Harlan, Iowa;
Verla and her husband Charles Mumm of Earling;
Patricia and her husband Gordon Kuether of
Pierce, Nebraska; Gilbert Rau, Jr. and his wife
Mary Ann of Cheyenne, Wyoming; and Judy and her
husband Richard Jones of Omaha; Mervin and her
husband Nels Nelson of Texas; nieces; nephews;
other family members and many friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday,
May 16, 2009, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church
in Harlan, Iowa, with Rev. Bob Hoefler
celebrating the 11:00 AM service. Interment was
held at the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa,
with Don Kramer, Dennis Mumm, Mike Mumm, Gary
Kramer, Wayne Bruck, and Frank Heese serving as
casket bearers. 
Leonard
"Bud" Bissen - Age 87
Leonard "Bud" Marcus Bissen, oldest son of
Joseph John and Anna (Erlbacher) Bissen, was
born on November 9, 1922, in Buck Grove, Iowa.
He was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s
Catholic Church in Defiance, Iowa, and attended
St. Paul’s grade school and high school
graduating in 1941.
On June 27, 1945, Bud was inducted into the
United States Navy in Denison, Iowa. During
World War II, Bud served in Great Lakes,
Illinois, and in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii serving
aboard the USS Bagley. Bud was honorably
discharged on July 10, 1946, in Minneapolis,
Minnesota, having attained the rank of Seaman
Second Class.
After returning home from the service, Bud was
united in marriage to Bernice Kenkel on October
1, 1946 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in
Earling, Iowa. Their three children are: Betty,
Bill, and Barb. After their wedding, Bud and
Bernice made their home north of Earling for
five years before moving two miles north of
Defiance where Bud farmed and raised livestock.
Bud was a lifetime member of St. Peter’s
Catholic Church in Defiance and was an active
member of Knights of Columbus, Council No. 1741,
of Earling, Iowa. He was also active with the
local 4-H Club activities for many years and the
Defiance and Westphalia American Legion Post No.
707.
Bud served on the Board of Education for St.
Paul’s Catholic School and the St. Peter’s
Finance and Cemetery Committee. He enjoyed
spending time in the outdoors while farming and
gardening and also while golfing, fishing and
hunting. Bud had a great sense of humor and
should always be remembered for his commitment
to his faith, his family, his farm and his flag.
He made many Job’s Tears rosaries for his family
and friends. Bud was honored when he was able to
make the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. and
visit the World War II Monument. He was
extremely proud of his service and his
participation each year in the Memorial Day
Service.
Bud died on Tuesday, May 25, 2010, at Creighton
Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, having
attained the age of eighty-seven years, six
months, and sixteen days. He is preceded in
death by his parents and his brother Francis.
He is survived by his wife, Bernice Bissen of
Defiance, Iowa; their children: Betty and her
husband Gail Foxhoven of Earling, Iowa; Bill
Bissen of Defiance; Barb Doran of Plano, Texas;
six grandchildren: Tammy and her husband Greg
Bladt of Harlan, Iowa; John Foxhoven of Omaha,
Nebraska; Ann Foxhoven of Earling; Marcus Doran,
Rachel Doran and Alison Doran all of Plano,
Texas; four great-grandchildren: Drew, Haley,
Alex, and Aiden Bladt; his siblings: Benita
Schiltz of Earling; Marvin Bissen and his wife
Helen of Harlan; Ann Christiansen of Carroll,
Iowa; nieces, nephews, other family members and
many friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Sunday,
May 30, 2010, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in
Defiance, Iowa, with Rev. Howard Fitzgerald
celebrating and Rev. Ben Kenkel concelebrating
the 2:30 PM service. Military Rites were held at
Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Defiance by the
Defiance and Westphalia American Legion Post No.
707. Serving as casket bearers were: Dean Bissen,
Delbert Bissen, Dennis Bissen, Bob Schiltz, John
Foxhoven, and Marcus Doran.

Sylvia M.
Bissen - Age 80
Sylvia Mary Bissen was born on May
24, 1928, to George and Mary (Seimer) Arkfeld in
Panama, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at
St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Panama and
attended both elementary and high school at St.
Mary’s Catholic School. After graduation, she
attended St. Scholastica College in Atchinson,
Kansas.
She was united in
marriage to Gerald J. Bissen on February 16,
1949 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Panama.
Nine children were born to this union: Lora,
Bette, Bob, Peg, Jim, Dale, Jerry, Chris, and
Ron. She taught school for one year in Kirkman,
Iowa before staying home with her children.
Sylvia was a loving and
devoted mother and was involved in 4-H as a
leader. She was a member of the Catholic
Daughters of the Americas, Court St. Katherine,
#266 of Earling, Iowa, and was an Archdiocese
Board Member.
Her hobbies include
playing cards and bingo with her friends,
crocheting, quilting, baking, and gardening. She
enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren
at their sporting events.
Sylvia died at Jennie
Edmundson Memorial Hospital on Sunday, December
28, 2008, having attained the age of eighty
years, seven months, and four days. She was
preceded in death by her parents and her
brothers and sisters: Archbishop Leo Arkfeld,
Florence Ohlinger, Sally Kohles, Vince Arkfeld,
Clem Arkfeld, Lucille Arkfeld and Mary Arkfeld.
She is survived by her
husband of fifty-nine years, Gerald Bissen of
Earling, Iowa; her children: Lora and her
husband Tom Heit of Evansdale, Iowa, Bette and
her husband Steve Sheeran of Seattle,
Washington, Bob Bissen and his wife Mary of
Earling, Peg and her husband Mike Shappell of
Loxahatchee, Florida, Jim Bissen and his wife
Carla of Mesa, Arizona, Dale Bissen and his wife
Julie of Woodbury, Minnesota, Jerry Bissen and
his wife Lynn of Harlan, Iowa, Chris and her
husband Dave Blum of Glenwood, Iowa, and Ron
Bissen and his wife Melissa of Westminster,
Maryland; twenty-four grandchildren; four
great-grandchildren; sister Rita and her husband
John Kelly of Woodbine, Iowa; brother George
Arkfeld of Oceanside, California;
sisters-in-law: Mick Arkfeld, Carm Flickinger,
Sally Smith, and Kathleen Bissen; nieces and
nephews; other family members and many friends.
A Mass of Christian
Burial was held on Wednesday, December 31, 2008
with Rev. Tom Coenen celebrating and Rev. Vince
Ohlinger concelebrating the 10:30 AM service at
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa.
Casket bearers were Michael Bissen, Randy
Bissen, Logan Shappell, Eric Blevins, Tommy Heit,
and Robbie Bissen. Interment was held at St.
Joseph’s Cemetery in Earling, Iowa. 
Barbara Bjoin
- Age 71
Barbara Burke Bjoin,
daughter of Robert and Eleanor (Crowley) Burke,
was born on July 16, 1936 in Illinois. She grew
up in Bronxville, New York and graduated from
Wells College in Aurora, New York. Following
college graduation, Barbara went on to a career
at the Ladies Home Journal in New York City
until her marriage, when she became a full-time
housewife and mother.
On April 22, 1961, Barbara was united in
marriage to Vincent Edwin Bjoin at Bay Pine
Chapel in Bay Pines, Florida. Vincent and
Barbara were the parents of three children:
Jeffrey, Elizabeth, and Robert.
Throughout her life, she was very involved in
her community and church and enjoyed playing
bridge, shopping, traveling and time spent with
many friends and family. She was also a member
of TTT, a philanthropic women’s organization
whose mission is to send ten-year-old girls to
camp. She was a member of the Marshalltown
Hospital Auxiliary Board and St. Rita’s Catholic
Women’s Study Group.
Barbara was a longtime resident of Naperville,
Illinois and Marshalltown, Iowa before moving
closer to her family in Harlan in March 2007.
Barbara died on Monday, July 7, 2008, at Myrtue
Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained
the age of seventy-one years, eleven months and
twenty-one days. She is preceded in death by her
parents and her husband Vincent.
She is survived by her children: Jeffrey Bjoin
and his wife Mary of Burbank, California;
Elizabeth Bjoin of Niwot, Colorado; and Robert
Bjoin and his wife Lynelle of Harlan, Iowa; five
grandchildren: Tracy O’Neal of North Hollywood,
California; Jenny, Brandon, Matthew, and Nathan
Bjoin all of Harlan; brothers Michael Burke and
his wife Chantal of Chatham, Massachusetts and
Bob Burke of Sharon, Connecticut; nieces,
nephews, and many friends. Memorials can be
directed toward Elm Crest Retirement Community
in Harlan, Iowa or Chapter ET of TTT of
Marshalltown, Iowa, 50158.
Funeral Services were held on Friday, July 11,
2008 at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan,
Iowa. Rev. Lauri Boysen and Deacon Pat Davitt
officiated the 1:00 PM service. Serving as
casket bearers were Barbara’s grandchildren:
Tracy O’Neal, Jenny Bjoin, Brandon Bjoin,
Matthew Bjoin, and Nathan Bjoin. Lunch was held
at Harlan Golf & Country Club in Harlan
following the service.

Edgar "Ed" L. Black -
Age 81
Edgar "Ed" Lowell Black was born on
July 1, 1928 on a farm east of Everly, Iowa to
Charles and Lillian (Harrison) Black. He
attended Everly Schools and completed the eighth
grade.
On June 22, 1943, Ed
was united in marriage to Favette Ginger in
Rapid City, South Dakota. Eight children were
born to this union: Juanita, Pam, Favella,
Loretta, Carol, Jackie, Charles, and a stillborn
infant.
After their marriage,
Ed went to work on a dairy farm in Rapid City.
They moved to the Spencer, Iowa area in 1945
where he began farming. He also drove a truck
and worked as a mechanic for Struthers Ford
Tractor in Spencer.
In 1983, Ed and Faye
moved to a farm east of Hancock, Iowa, where Ed
continued his farming career and contracted to
haul waste from Oakland Foods until his
retirement in 2000.
In his spare time, Ed
loved to refurbish antique furniture and make
model airplanes out of aluminum soda cans. He
was active in the Walnut Antique Days where you
could always find him trying to help someone. He
also loved to play cards, tell jokes, and came
up with some amazing puzzles.
One of his wishes was
to visit the Grand Canyon, which he accomplished
before his death on Friday, May 14, 2010. He had
attained the age of eighty-one years, ten
months, and thirteen days. He was preceded in
death by his parents, his infant son, a
grandson; his brother Foster, and his sister
Wilma.
Ed is survived by his
wife of nearly sixty-seven years Faye Black of
Hancock, Iowa; his children: Juanita and her
husband Stanley Herzenach of Fort Dodge, Iowa,
Pam Alspach of Goodell, Iowa, Charles Black and
his wife Barrie of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Favella
Baxter of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Loretta
Journey of Chesapeake, Virginia, Carol and her
husband Dwayne Hemminger of Hancock, Iowa, and
Jackie Doe of Chesapeake, Virginia; twenty-six
grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren;
one great-great-grandson; his brother Duane
Black of Reno, Nevada; sister Sandra of San
Angelo, Texas; other family members and friends.
Chaplain Linda Schlafer
officiated the 1:00 PM graveside service on
Thursday, May 20, 2010 at the Oak Hill Cemetery
in Hancock, Iowa. Virgil Hildebrand was honorary
casket bearer. Serving as casket bearers were
Larry Jacobsen, Dwayne Hemminger, Richard Adams,
Danny Black, Stanley Herzenach, and Mike
Krueger. 
Harold "Blackie" Blackwell - Age 81
Harold "Blackie" Albert Blackwell, son of
Albert and Ada (Bell) Blackwell, was born on
April 25, 1927 in Union Township in Shelby
County, Iowa. He was baptized at First Methodist
Church in Harlan and graduated from Defiance
Public High School in Defiance, Iowa. On July 4,
1945, Harold enlisted in the United States Navy
at Carroll, Iowa. He was stationed in Great
Lakes, Illinois and was Honorably Discharged in
Minneapolis, Minnesota, on June 16, 1946, after
attaining the rank of Seaman First Class.
On June 24, 1950,
Harold was united in marriage to Shirley Mae
Juhl at her mother’s home in Harlan, Iowa. Four
children were born to this union: Gail, Kenneth,
Nancy, and Lea Ann. In the fall of 1960, Harold
began working at Vandenberg Motors until 1961
when he started working at a couple body shops
in Harlan and Atlantic. Harold enjoyed repairing
things and opened his own body shop in Harlan
from 1962 to 1972 when he began working at
Harding Glass of Omaha until 1981. In 1981,
Harold opened his own glass shop and continued
to work there until his retirement.
When Harold wasn’t busy
working, he enjoyed spending time with his
family. He was always fair to his family and
never showed favoritism among the kids. He also
enjoyed flying and received his pilot’s license
in 1951.
Harold died on
Thursday, March 19, 2009, at Myrtue Medical
Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age
of eighty-one years, ten months, and twenty-two
days. He is preceded in death by his parents;
his brothers Ken and Lawrence; and his sister
Gay.
He is survived by his
wife Shirley of Harlan, Iowa; their children:
Gail Blackwell of Harlan; Kenneth Blackwell and
his wife Carmen of Irwin, Iowa; Nancy and her
husband Redge Pash; and Lea Ann Blackwell all of
Harlan; six grandchildren; two step
grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; his
sisters: Peggy Tryon of Perry, Iowa; Genevieve
Roy and Carmen and her husband Mack Hubbey all
of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; other family members
and many friends.
Funeral Services were
held on Monday, March 23, 2009, at Pauley Jones
Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa. Pastor Jim
Boardman and Pastor Dave Swinton officiated the
11:00 AM service. Military Rites were held at
the Harlan Cemetery, in Harlan, Iowa, by Shelby
County VFW Post No. 941 and Harlan American
Legion Helmer Reyelt Post No. 150. Serving has
honorary casket bearers were Dan Pash, Steven
Blackwell, April Pash, Casey Fagen, Matt
Blackwell, and Colby Pash.

Shirley M. Blackwell - Age 79
Shirley Mae Blackwell was born on
September 3, 1931, to William and Flora (Dales) Juhl in
Harlan, Iowa. She was baptized at the First United Methodist
Church in Harlan. She attended country school before
graduating with the Class of 1949 from Harlan High School.
On June 24, 1950, she was united in marriage to Harold
Blackwell in Harlan. Four children were born to this union:
Gail, Kenneth, Nancy, and Lea.
In addition to raising her children and managing the
household, Shirley worked at Hy-Vee for over forty years.
Shirley died on Friday, December 31, 2010 at Myrtue
Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of
seventy-nine years, three months, and twenty-eight days. She
was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brothers
William and Ken.
She is survived by her son Kenneth Blackwell and his
wife Carmen of Irwin, Iowa; daughters: Gail Blackwell of
Harlan, Iowa, Nancy and her husband Redge Pash of Harlan,
and Lea Pash Blackwell of Harlan; seven grandchildren; four
great-grandchildren; brother Rob Juhl and his wife Betty of
Harlan; sister-in-law Betty Juhl of Colorado Springs,
Colorado; other family members and many friends.
Rev. Dr. David Swinton officiated the 10:30 AM funeral
service on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at Pauley Jones
Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were
Steven Blackwell, Casey Fagan, Matt Blackwell, April Pash,
Daniel Pash, and Colby Pash. Interment was held at the
Harlan Cemetery.

Elwin
"Bud" Bladt - 81
Elwin Wayne Bladt, the son of Daniel and Ida Holdorf Bladt, was born on October 31, 1926 in Pleasant Township, Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Bud was baptized and confirmed at the Minden Congregational Church. He attended Pleasant Township Elementary and graduated from Shelby High School with the class of 1944.
After high school Bud entered the United States Army on February 14, 1945. Bud received medals for Expert Rifle, Infantryman, Pacific Region Ribbon for good conduct and he received the rank of Sergeant. Bud was united in marriage to Betty Petersen on December 8, 1950 at the Minden Congregational Church. To this union two children were born: Wayne and Dawn. Bud was engaged in farming and raising cattle for over fifty years. As a hobby he raised quarter horses. He was very proud of his cattle and being a farmer.
Bud died at his home, where he was born and raised, on November 14, 2007 having attained the age of eighty one years and fourteen days. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife Betty of Avoca; his children: Wayne Bladt and his wife Mary Beth of Avoca and Dawn and her husband Phil Hobbs of LaVista, Nebraska; three grandchildren: Jonathan, Elaina and Anna; two step grandchildren: Abigail and Ashley; two brothers: Donald Bladt of Shelby, Iowa and Willis Bladt and his wife Norma of Avoca, Iowa; nieces, nephews other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 17, 2007 at 10:30 AM at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca, Iowa with Pastor Nancy Ross-Hullinger officiating. Burial was in the Shelby Cemetery in Shelby, Iowa with military rites conducted by Fred Funston Post #227. Serving as honorary casket bearers for the service were Harold Nihsen, Harley Nihsen, Paul Nihsen, Ronald Nihsen, Stanley Thies, Steve Bladt, Larry Bladt, Dennis Bladt and Robert Hundt. Active casket bearers were Brad Hundt, David Bladt, David Thies, David Wahling, Robert Nihsen and Daniel Bladt. 
Willis L. Bladt - 88
Willis Linn Bladt was born on February 8, 1923 to Daniel and Ida Sophie (Holdorf) Bladt in Pleasant Township in Pottawattamie County, Iowa. He attended Shelby High School and graduated with the Class of 1940.
Willis married Norma Arlene Petersen on February 5, 1947 at the Minden Congregational Church. Three children were born to this union: Sharon Kaye, Dennis Lynn and Julie Ann.
Willis was a farmer and raised livestock nearly all his life. He spent significant time raising horses, as well as showing them. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family, especially with his grandson Anthony.
Willis retired from farming in 1998 and remained at the family’s farm in Avoca.
Willis died at his home, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, June 22, 2011, having attained the age of eighty-eight years, three months and twenty-five days. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Elwin "Bud" Bladt.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Norma Bladt of Avoca, Iowa; his children: Sharon Kaye Bladt, Dennis Lynn Bladt and Julie Ann Wade and her significant other Bruce Arp all of Avoca; grandson Anthony Douglas Wade of Avoca; brother Donald Bladt of Shelby, Iowa; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.
Pastor Dennis Reich officiated the 1:00 PM funeral service at Pauley Jones Funeral Home on Monday, June 27, 2011. Honorary casket bearers were Steven Bladt, Daniel Bladt, Larry Lippold, Raleigh Woltmann, Willard Dittmer, Mark Wise, Larry Bladt, and Lance Buck. Serving as casket bearers were Roger Zacharias, Rodney Polacek, David Bladt, Wayne Bladt, David Schnepel, Dale Klindt, Paul Wise, and Thomas Jilg. Interment was held at the Shelby Cemetery in Shelby, Iowa.

Darlene Jewell Blakely - 94
Darlene Jewell Blakely was born on
November 18, 1916 in Fairview Township, Shelby County, Iowa
to Martin and Isabel (Jensen) Nielsen. She attended Center
Township country school and Harlan High School, graduating
with the Class of 1935. She furthered her education at
Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas.
On December 24, 1938, she was united in marriage to
Donald Blakely at the Methodist Church in Harlan, Iowa. The
couple had one daughter, Marcia.
Darlene taught country school, represented Field
Enterprises as a World Book salesperson, and worked as a
social worker for Baptist Memorial Home in Harlan.
She was a charter member of First Baptist Church in
Harlan and served on various church committees. She taught
Sunday School, was a member of the Farther Lights women’s
group, and helped organize the senior citizens’ group.
Darlene’s hobbies were sewing and she participated in a
women’s sewing circle. She also had a flower garden that she
loved to take care of. She was an outstanding, loving wife,
mother, and grandmother.
Darlene died on Thursday, June 2, 2011, at Myrtue
Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of
ninety-four years, six months, and fifteen days. She was
preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two brothers:
Kenneth and Leo Nielsen.
She is survived by her daughter Marcia and her husband
Lyle Walker of Harlan, Iowa, two grandchildren: Jeremy
Walker and Amy Walker both of Harlan; her sister Phyllis and
her husband Glen Yeager of Central Point, Oregon;
sisters-in-law Ruth Linton of Harlan and Mariann Nielsen of
Avoca, Iowa; other family members and many friends.
Pastor Dan Hawn officiated the 10:30 AM funeral service
on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at First Baptist Church in Harlan,
Iowa. Honorary casket bearers were Ray Chipman, Dale
Sorensen, Dr. Charles Early, Dave Outhouse, Don Christensen,
Clifford Hanson, Myron Sorensen, and Jerry Larson. Serving
as casket bearers were Dallas McDermott, Brad Sorensen,
Brandon Martin, Paul Nelson, Dan Martin, and John Gilliland.
Interment was held at Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa. 
Keith W. Blankenship - Age 84
Keith William Blankenship was born on July 31,
1927 in Panama, Nebraska, to Roy and Rachel (Bolin)
Blankenship. He was baptized at United Brother Methodist
Church in Panama.
On March 27, 1945, Keith enlisted in the United States
Navy. He completed basic training in Great Lakes, Illinois
before going to San Diego, California, and on to the Asian
Pacific. He was honorably discharged on July 8, 1946.
After his military service, he was a florist, a baker,
a cook, a farmer, and a mechanic owning a filling station
before he became a journeyman and went to work for the Omaha
Public Power District. His hard work and strong work ethic
made him a good boss and a heck of a foreman. He retired
from OPPD after forty years as an electrician. Keith was a
member of the Electricians’ Union and the Blair Eagles.
He was a great handyman, helping anyone he could and he
could do just about anything. He enjoyed fishing, Husker
football, and wood working. He was an excellent swimmer. In
fact, while in the military, he swam from his boat to
another boat to see his brother. Unfortunately, he was
considered AWOL and ended up with many days of KP duty as a
result. He was a devoted husband to Neva until her death in
1998 and tremendously loyal to his friends.
Keith died at his home on Monday, August 15, 2011,
having attained the age of eighty-four years and fifteen
days. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife
Neva, and his brothers Ed and Russell.
He is survived by his daughter Linda and her husband
Tom Duncan of LeMars, Iowa; two grandchildren; two
great-grandchildren; brother Duane Blankenship of Pender,
Nebraska; sisters Ione "Penny" Erickson of Golden, Colorado,
and Loma and her husband Bill Pilant of Bennington,
Nebraska; two step-sons Mark and Todd Anderson and their
families; friends Kathy Conety of Decatur, Nebraska, Pat
Schmidt of Harlan, Tom and Robin Powers of rural Harlan,
Mick and Angie Johnston and family of Harlan; other family
members and friends.
Pastor Darwin Moore officiated the 11:00 AM funeral
service on Friday, August 19, 2011 at Pauley Jones Funeral
Home in Harlan, Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were Mick
Johnston, Scott Gallagher, Dirk Johnston, Tom Wilbanks, Bob
Gallagher, and Tom Powers. Military Rites were conducted by
Shelby County VFW Post No. 941 and Harlan American Legion
Helmer Reyelt Post No. 150 at the Harlan Cemetery. 
Nels Block, Jr. - Age 91
Nels Carlton Block, Jr. was born on
October 7, 1919, to Nels, Sr. and Jessie (Erickson) Block
west of Corley, Iowa, in Fairview Township. He was baptized
at Bethel Baptist Church and attended country school at Polk
No. 2 and Polk No. 9. In sixth grade, Junior started at
Kirkman where he completed high school, graduating with the
Class of 1937.
After high school, Junior worked at the Skelly service
station in Kirkman from 1937 to 1941. On October 2, 1941,
Junior enlisted in the United States Army at Fort Crook,
Nebraska. He served in Central Europe where he was awarded
five Battle Stars including one while at the Battle of the
Bulge. On November 23, 1942, while still enlisted, Junior
was united in marriage to Gwendolyn Carter at First Baptist
Church in Omaha, Nebraska. Three children were born to this
union: Cheryl, Don, and Ron. After receiving his honorable
discharge On October 2, 1945, at Ft. Sheridan, Illinois,
Junior returned home where he began his long career with
Wilson Hybrids. It was here where he worked for thirty-eight
years until his retirement in 1984 as plant manager.
He was a people person with a kind heart and never knew
a stranger. He always put his family first and loved
spending time with his children, grandchildren, and
great-grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing and gardening and
was always proud of his service in the United States Army.
Junior was a member of the Harlan American Legion Helmer
Reyelt Post No. 150, Shelby County VFW Post No. 941 and the
Shelby County Historical Society.
He became a resident of Elm Crest Retirement Home in
September of 2010 and it was there that he died on Saturday,
December 4, 2010, having attained the age of ninety-one
years, one month, and seventeen days. In addition to his
parents, Junior was preceded in death by his daughter
Cheryl, and brothers: Harold, Eugene, and Russell.
He is survived by his wife Gwendolyn Block of Harlan,
Iowa; his sons Don Block and his wife Martha of Fort
Lauderdale, Florida and Ron Block and his wife Kathy of
Harlan; grandchildren: Debbie Keast, Steven Keast, Mike
Block, Teckla Coven, Amy Purcell, Alexis Block and Brandon
Block; great-grandchildren: Madison Keast, Ellen Keast,
Jackson Purcell, Cayden Coven and Kyndall Purcell;
son-in-law, Walt Keast of Oakland, Iowa; nieces and nephews;
other family members and many friends.
Pastor Dan Hawn officiated the 11:00 AM funeral service
on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at Pauley Jones Funeral Home
in Harlan, Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were Brandon
Block, Steven Keast, Alexis Block, Teckla Coven, Debbie
Keast, Amy Purcell, Mike Block, and Dan Block. Military
rites were performed by Shelby County VFW Post No. 941 and
Harlan American Legion Helmer Reyelt Post No. 150 at the
Harlan Cemetery. 
Darrell Joseph Blum - 60
Darrell Joseph Blum was born on January 29, 1951, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Zeno and Marie (Heese) Blum. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa. He attended school at St. Joseph’s Catholic School and Harlan High School where he graduated with the Class of 1969. He completed one year of college at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.
Darrell was united in marriage on December 29, 1973 to Betty Maiwald at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Panama, Iowa. Four children were born to this union: David, Douglas, Todd, and Melissa.
He was a member of the Army National Guard Company C 133rd infantry from Ida Grove, was a co-owner of the Earling Grain and Feed and farmed in the Earling area. He was a member of Farm Bureau and served as chairman of the St. Joseph School Board. He loved participating in the farm talk at the elevator, anything John Deere, and golf.
Darrell died suddenly on Friday, March 25, 2011 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his infant son Todd and his father.
He is survived by his wife Betty Blum of Earling, Iowa; his children: David Blum and his wife Angela of Ankeny, Iowa, Douglas Blum and his wife Anika also of Ankeny, and Melissa and her husband Simon McNair of Huntington Beach, California; four grandchildren: Benjamin, Sean, Nicholas, and Allison; mother Marie Blum of Earling; sister Nancy Gaul of Harlan, Iowa; brothers: Steve Blum and his wife Marcia of Omaha, Nebraska, Phil Blum and his wife Janet of Earling, Jeff Blum and his wife Judi of Ames, Iowa, and Patrick Blum of Freeport, Illinois; other family members and many friends.
Rev. Chris Fontanini celebrated the 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were Kerry Gaul, Aaron Gaul, Dan Blum, Darin Blum, Marc Blum, and Brad Blum with interment held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Earling.

Edgar
Blum - Age 97
Edgar Joseph Blum was born on
January 23, 1910, to John and
Elizabeth (Ruschenberg) Blum in
Defiance, Iowa. He was baptized
and confirmed at St. Peter’s
Catholic Church in Defiance. He
attended country schools and the
school in Defiance. He went on
to Coyne Electrical School in
Chicago and graduated in 1931.
After completing his education,
Edgar worked with George Rosman
wiring farmsteads.
Edgar was united in marriage to
Helen Doan of Dow City, Iowa, on
July 31, 1939, at St. Peter’s
Catholic Church in Defiance,
Iowa. Five children were born to
this union: Marilyn, Linda,
Kenneth, Keith, and Cynthia.
After their marriage, Edgar
farmed in the Earling area and
became a member of St. Joseph’s
Catholic Church in Earling and
remained a member there for over
sixty years. He was also a
member of the Knights of
Columbus Council 1741.
Edgar’s hobbies included
golfing, playing cards, and his
passion for steam engines and
trains. In past years, he and
Helen often entertained the
residents at Little Flower Haven
Nursing Home in Earling by
playing guitar and singing.
After Edgar retired from
farming, he drove a school bus
for nine years. The family moved
into Earling in 1965 where he
held many offices including
councilman, treasurer, and
mayor.
Edgar was admitted to Little
Flower Haven on March 15, 2000,
where he died on Wednesday,
October 31, 2007, having
attained the age of ninety-seven
years, nine months, and eight
days. In addition to his
parents, he was preceded in
death by his brothers and
sisters: Rev. Victor Blum, Rev.
Virgil Blum, Sister M. Roselle
Blum, O.S.F., Leander "Jim"
Blum, Cyril Blum, LaVern Blum,
Ermin Blum, Edwin Blum, and Mary
Ann Wilwerding.
Edgar is survived by his wife,
Helen, being married to her for
sixty-eight years, his children:
Marilyn and her husband, Jack
Munchrath of Omaha, Nebraska,
Linda Freund-Ebbinga and her
husband Bill, of Griswold, Iowa,
Kenneth Blum and his wife,
Connie of Shawnee, Kansas, Keith
Blum and his wife Tatyana, of
Shawnee, Kansas, and Dr. Cindy
Schneider of Mobile, Alabama;
twenty grandchildren; forty
great-grandchildren; his brother
Reno Blum and his wife Ethel, of
Ralston, Nebraska; his sister
Delores Kaufman of Harlan, Iowa;
one brother-in-law, Joe
Wilwerding of Omaha, Nebraska;
two sisters-in-law: Loretta Blum
of Omaha, and Joan Blum of
Placerville, California; nieces
and nephews, other family
members, and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was
held on Saturday, November 3,
2007, at St. Joseph’s Catholic
Church in Earling, Iowa. Rev.
Tom Coenen officiated the 10:30
AM service. Honorary casket
bearers were David Freund, Kyle
Munchrath, Clint Freund, Jeremy
Blum, Wesley Blum, and Tom
Freund. Serving as casket
bearers were Darby McLaren, Brad
Munchrath, Stephen Freund, Robb
Blum, Greg Munchrath, and Chris
Freund. Interment was held at
St. Joseph’s Cemetery in
Earling. 
Emil
J. Blum - Age 71
Emil Joseph John Blum
was born on March 13, 1938, and was the seventh
child born to Martin "Chris" and Eleanor
(Pauley) Blum on the family farm southwest of
Panama, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at
St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church in
Panama and graduated from St. Mary’s High School
in Panama with the class of 1955. After high
school, Emil continued his education at Loras
College in Dubuque, Iowa.
After school, Emil
enlisted in the United States Army at Fort
Leonard Wood, Missouri. After completing
furlough, Emil was transferred to Fort Knox,
Kentucky, on August 29, 1959. Emil was honorably
discharged from the United States Army Reserve
on June 14, 1961.
After returning from
the service, Emil worked on the family farm for
two years before selling the farm on December
20, 1963. In early 1964, Emil moved to Omaha,
Nebraska, where he kept a simple apartment but
often made the trip back to Panama to visit his
parents.
Years later, Emil
continued to make the trip back to Panama to
visit his brother Charley and sister Alice who
would help Emil with his personal and business
needs.
Emil was found on
Wednesday, July 22, 2009, at his apartment in
Omaha, having attained the age of seventy-one
years, four months, and nine days. He is
preceded in death by his parents; his brother
Vernon and his sisters: Virginia, Mary and
Audrey.
He is survived by his
siblings: Chris Blum, Jr. and his wife Pat of
Portsmouth, Iowa; Charles Blum of Panama, Iowa;
Sister Joyce Blum of Spencer, Iowa; Alice and
her husband Jerry Zimmerman of Minden, Iowa;
Jean and her husband Leroy Heese of Defiance,
Iowa; Judy and her husband Fred Clark of Omaha,
Nebraska; his brothers-in-law: Louis Wingert of
Panama and Dennis Smith of Plattsmouth,
Nebraska; nieces; nephews; other family members;
classmates and friends.
A Mass of Christian
Burial was held on Saturday, July 25, 2009, at
St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in
Panama, Iowa. Rev. Bob Shoemann celebrated the
10:00 AM service with Rev. John Dorton
concelebrating. Interment was held at St. Mary’s
Cemetery in Panama with Emil’s nieces and
nephews serving as casket bearers. 
Herbert Blum - Age 94
Herbert Michael Blum was born on July 3,
1916 to Peter and Hulda (Book) Blum in Westphalia, Iowa. He
was baptized and confirmed at St. Boniface Catholic Church
in Westphalia and attended country school and St. Boniface
Catholic School. He left school to work on the family farm.
On April 10, 1939, he was united in marriage to Marie
Wingert at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Panama, Iowa. Three
children were born to this union: Leslie "Les", Keith, and
Kathy.
In addition to his farming career, Herbert drove a
truck and dairy farmed near Westphalia. His hobby was
working and teaching his kids to work. He retired in
November of 1978.
Herbert and Marie spent twenty-eight winters in Arizona
where they enjoyed mountain climbing and swimming.
Herb stayed on the farm after his retirement until
moving to Elm Crest Retirement Center in October of 2006. It
was at Elm Crest that Herbert died on Sunday, January 16,
2011, having attained the age of ninety-four years, sixth
months, and thirteen days. He was preceded in death by his
parents, his wife Marie in August of 2009, sisters Antilia
Wingert, Esther Blum and Verdella Blum, and brother Albert
Blum.
Herbert is survived by his children: Les Blum and his
wife Janet of Harlan, Iowa, Keith Blum and his wife Kathy of
Waterloo, Iowa, and Kathy and her husband Tom Mayer of
Appleton, Wisconsin; six grandchildren; nine
great-grandchildren; sister Bernice Rauterkus of Clear Lake,
Wisconsin; sisters-in-law Mildred Blum of Shawano, Wisconsin
and Carmella Grap of Portsmouth, Iowa; brother-in-law Tony
Wingert and his wife Rose of Avoca, Iowa; other family
members and friends.
Rev. John Dorton celebrated the 10:30 AM Mass of
Christian Burial at St. Boniface Catholic Church on Tuesday,
January 18, 2011. Serving as casket bearers were Jeff
Steenbock, Trent Tompkins, Matt Rueckert, Todd Blum, Brad
Blum, and Jacob Blum. Interment was held at St. Boniface
Cemetery in Westphalia, Iowa. 
Irene Blum - Age 78
Irene Blum was born on July 24, 1932 to Francis
"Frank" and Cecilia (Kaufmann) Kloewer on the family farm in
Westphalia, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St.
Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia.
After her graduation from St. Boniface Catholic School
in 1950, she entered nurses training, eventually receiving
her Certified Nursing Assistant license.
On December 28, 1954, she was united in marriage to
Vernon Blum at St. Boniface. Six children were born to this
union: Debbie, Anita, Sharon, Brenda, Dennis, and Glen. She
was a farm wife whose children and siblings were very
important to her.
She was an avid cross-stitcher and made many things
over the last ten to fifteen years. She also loved quilting
and could always make things work. She enjoyed playing
bingo. She worked at Mickel’s restaurant and at the dry
cleaners in Harlan. Irene worked in home health care until
her retirement in 1998.
She became a resident of Elm Crest Retirement Home but
had been at the Dunlap Nursing and Rehab Center when she
died on Sunday, June 12, 2011, having attained the age of
seventy-eight years, ten months, and nineteen days. She was
preceded in death by her parents and a granddaughter.
Irene is survived by her children: Debbie and her
husband LeRoy Maxwell of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, Anita
and her husband Dale Michel of Woodbine, Iowa, Sharon Cherry
of Aurora, Colorado, Brenda and her husband Michael Keegan
of Littleton, Colorado, Dennis Blum and his wife Kristen of
Yokohama, Japan, and Glen Blum of Portland, Oregon; fourteen
grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brothers and
sisters: Mildred Blum of Cecil, Wisconsin, Richard Kloewer
and his wife Alice of Englewood, Colorado, Marlene Eggerling
of Berthoud, Colorado, Duane Kloewer and his wife Linda of
Birmingham, Alabama, Judith and her husband Carl Peters of
Harlan, Iowa, and Joyce Schaben of Lincoln, Nebraska; other
family members and friends.
Rev. John Frost celebrated the 11:00 AM Mass of
Christian Burial on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at St.
Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa. Serving as casket
bearers were Glen Blum, LeRoy Maxwell II, Anna Keegan,
Dennis Blum, Stephanie Rhoten, Jennifer Cherry, Ryan Michel,
and Sharon Cherry. Interment was held at the Harlan Cemetery
in Harlan, Iowa. 
Logan Henry
Blum - Age 20
Logan was born October 23rd,
1988, to Rick and Gwen (Pedersen) Blum, in
Omaha, Nebraska. He was baptized at St. Pius X
Catholic Church. His sister Hannah was born 14
months prior, and in 1994 Lucas was born and
Haley in 1996. The Blums lived at 60th
and Grant Streets, and in 1990 moved into a new
house "out west", at 144th and Giles.
Logan’s extended family for most of his
childhood included the daycare kids Gwen watched
in their home, so he learned to be a very social
person right off the bat and was always around
friends. He enjoyed any activity, and couldn’t
handle sitting quietly, ever, unless it was to
play video games. Always very impulsive, he
managed to make several trips to the ER during
his early years due to various minor incidents.
Logan received first communion and was later
confirmed at St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic
Church in Millard. He attended St. Stephen’s
elementary school, and later Russell Middle
School.
After 20 years in
Omaha, the Blums returned with their family to
live in their hometown of Walnut, Iowa in 2003,
and Logie Bear began his first year of high
school at WHS. He was an average student, but
especially enjoyed art and shop class. He began
playing organized sports in the first grade, and
continued his love of baseball, basketball, and
football throughout his life. He loved sports,
but didn’t care to watch sports - he wanted to
play. He was more content outdoors than
anything, and loved to go camping with family
and friends. He loved to fish, and amazingly was
very patient when going after that big fish. He
loved a wide range of music styles, and was
constantly singing or humming a favorite song.
On his first trip hunting pheasants, he bagged a
rooster, on his first shot.
Upon graduation from
WHS in 2007, Logan joined the Air Force and
completed basic training at Lackland AFB in San
Antonio, Texas as a proud member of Flight 525.
Unfortunately, he did not complete technical
training, and was honorably discharged in
December 2007. After returning to Walnut, he got
a job with Murphy Heavy Construction in Anita,
building bridges. He loved his work, and the
people at Murphy’s.
Logan died on January
3, 2009 in a car accident, at the tender age of
20. He was preceded in death by special friends
Jennifer, Alec, Leita, and Brenda. He is
survived by his parents and siblings, his
maternal grandparents Louis, Jr. and Rosemary (Kutnink)
Pedersen, his paternal grandmother Theresa
(Schulte) Blum, and his maternal
Great-Grandmother Edna Kutnink; aunts, uncles,
cousins, other relatives, many friends far and
wide, and Dottie, Mojo, Sebastian, and Sherbie.
Funeral services were
held on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at the Walnut
High School Gymnasium in Walnut, Iowa with
Father John Frost officiating. Those serving as
casket bearers were Dean Zornes, Chad Welter,
Brittni Johnk, Ryan Frahm, Bryan Logemann, Kevin
Osborn, Kyle King and Ryne Johnk. Burial was in
St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Walnut.

Marie A. Blum
- Age 90
Marie Ann Blum was born on August 1,
1919, to Henry and Martha (Reinig) Wingert on a
farm near Panama, Iowa. She was baptized,
received First Communion, and was confirmed at
St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in
Panama. She attended Washington Township No. 1
Country School and St. Mary’s Catholic School in
Panama.
Due to the untimely
death of her mother when Marie was ten years
old, she was unable to attend school after
finishing the eighth grade. At that time she
took over the household duties and the care of
her family, especially her father who was
suffering from cancer. This was no easy task at
that time because they had no electricity or
running water.
On April 10, 1939,
Marie was united in marriage to Herbert Blum at
St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in
Panama. Three children were born to this union:
Les, Keith, and Kathy. After their wedding,
Marie and Herb farmed near Westphalia, where
they also ran a dairy farm for many years. They
retired from farming in 1978.
Marie and Herb spent
twenty-eight winters in Arizona where they
enjoyed mountain climbing and swimming. Marie
also enjoyed reading romance novels and her
prayerbooks, gardening, embroidering, crocheting
and baking with and for her grandchildren.
Marie died on Sunday,
August 2, 2009, at Myrtue Medical Center in
Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of ninety
years and one day. She is preceded in death by
her parents; her brothers Leo and Ray and her
sister Agnes Rosman.
She is survived by her
husband Herb Blum of Harlan, Iowa; their
children: Les Blum and his wife Janet of Harlan;
Keith Blum and his wife Kathy of Waterloo, Iowa;
Kathy and her husband Tom Mayer of Appletown,
Wisconsin; six grandchildren; nine
great-grandchildren; her brother Tony Wingert
and his wife Rose of Avoca, Iowa; sisters-in-law
Carmela Grap of Portsmouth, Iowa; Antilia
Wingert of Harlan; Bernice Rauterkus of Clear
Lake, Wisconsin; and Mildred Blum of Cecil,
Wisconsin; nieces; nephews; other family members
and many friends.
A Mass of Christian
Burial was held on Wednesday, August 5, 2009, at
St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia,
Iowa. Rev. John Dorton and Rev. Bob Hoefler
concelebrated the 10:00 AM service with
interment at St. Boniface Cemetery in
Westphalia. Serving as casket bearers were: Todd
Blum, Trent Tompkins, Brad Blum, Neil Wingert,
Wayne Wingert, Rod Zarling, and Jeff Steenbock. 
Michael J. Blum - Age 81
Michael Junior Blum, son of Mike and
Gertrude (Nollen) Blum, was born on July 5, 1930 in Panama,
Iowa. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic school in Panama and
graduated with the class of 1948.
Mike Jr. served in the United States Marine Corps from
1952 until he was honorably discharged in 1954. He served in
the Korean War as a communications specialist for two years
before his return to Panama, Iowa. He married Theresa Marie
Springman on February 7, 1956 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church
in Portsmouth and eight children were born to this union:
Diane, Bob, Mike, Theresa, Tom, Julie, Rick and Dave.
Mike farmed outside of Panama with his family for
thirty-five years. Mike and Theresa moved to Harlan in 1991
and became members of St. Michael’s Catholic Church. He
worked for the Job Corp in Denison before he went on to
drive a school bus for the Harlan Community School District
for the next five years.
Mike was a long-time 4-H leader and coached many little
leagues baseball games. He was a lifelong baseball fan for
the St. Louis Cardinals. He enjoyed listening to longtime
radio broadcaster Jack Buck. His other hobbies include
playing cards and quarters with his grandchildren. He also
loved to watch his children and grandchildren play sports.
Mike died at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa on
Friday, July 8, 2011 having attained the age of eighty-one
years and three days. He was preceded in death by his
parents, sisters: Helen Sternberg, Millie Chamberlain, Sally
Finken and Bernie Leuschen, and daughter Theresa.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Theresa
Blum of Harlan, Iowa; his children: Diane and her husband
Tom Garrison of Omaha, Nebraska, Bob Blum and his wife Nancy
of Malvern, Iowa, Mike Blum and his wife Cindy of Harlan,
Tom Blum and his wife Becky of Grimes, Iowa, Julie and her
husband Larry Anderson of Red Oak, Iowa, Rick Blum and his
wife Michele of Beatrice, Nebraska, and Dave Blum and his
wife Chris of Glenwood, Iowa; twenty grandchildren; five
great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; other relatives and
many friends.
Rev. John Frost celebrated the 10:30 AM Mass of
Christian Burial on Monday, July 11, 2011, at St. Michael’s
Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa. Honorary casket bearers
were Larry Anderson, Tom Garrison, Steven Blum, Dylan
Anderson, Cooper Blum, Andrew Blum, Wyatt Blum, Ryan Blum,
and David Hendrix. Serving as casket bearers were Bob Blum,
Mike Blum, Tom Blum, Rick Blum, and Dave Blum. Military
Rites were provided by the American Legion Post No. 601 at
St. Mary’s Cemetery in Panama, Iowa. 
Vincent W. Blum - Age
86
Vincent William Blum was born on September 4,
1924 to Benedict and Anna (Schwarte) Blum in Westphalia,
Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Boniface Catholic
Church in Westphalia and attended school at St. Boniface
Catholic School.
On August 9, 1948, he was united in marriage to MaryAnn
Springman at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Portsmouth, Iowa.
Fourteen children were born to this union: Ben, Barbara,
Jerry, Mary, Joan, Jean, Roger, Delores, Lois, Sheila, Dean,
Karen, Lisa, and Angela.
They lived on the family farm southeast of Westphalia
where Vincent farmed in addition to running the farming mill
and spreading fertilizer for Schomer Brothers, driving a
school bus for Harlan Community Schools, and working as a
butcher at the lockers in Earling and Portsmouth.
He began renting out the farm in the late 1990's. After
he retired from farming in 2006, Vincent worked at Elm Crest
Retirement Community part-time. He enjoyed working in his
garden and spending time with his dog, Chicken.
Vincent died on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at Little
Flower Haven in Earling, having attained the age of
eighty-six years, five months, and six days. He was preceded
in death by his parents and his thirteen brothers and
sisters: Sr. Hermanita, Kathryn Schiltz, Frank, Herman,
Brother George, Antoinette Kenkel, Sr. Georgina, William,
Corine, Annie, Sr. Rose, Marie, and Sr. Marie Ann.
He is survived by his wife of sixty-two years Mary Ann
Springman of Earling, Iowa; his children: Ben Blum and his
wife Carol of George, Iowa, Barbara Malik of Harlan, Iowa,
Jerry Blum and his wife Nancy of Pacific Junction, Iowa,
Mary Ohlinger of Omaha, Nebraska, Joan and her husband Dave
Tweetie of Lincoln, Nebraska, Jean and her husband Norman
Smith of Dunlap, Iowa, Roger Blum and his wife Teresa of
Hastings, Iowa, Delores and her husband Tom Huey of Harlan,
Lois Reeves of Harlan, Sheila and her husband Nick May of
Westphalia, Iowa, Dean Blum of Harlan, Karen and her husband
Dan Jones of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Lisa and her husband
Rodney Bengford of Harlan, and Angela and her husband Warren
Bertsch of Papillion, Nebraska; thirty-four grandchildren;
eleven great-grandchildren; other family members and
friends.
Rev. John Frost celebrated the 10:30 AM Mass of
Christian Burial on Monday, February 14, 2011 at St.
Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia, Iowa. Serving as
casket bearers were Kalem Malik, Rodger Blum, Philip May,
Bryon Blum, Sam Huey, Matt Blum, Harold Ohlinger, Danny
Hall, and Rodney Bengford. Interment was held at St.
Boniface Cemetery in Westphalia, Iowa. 
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