Howard Dahlof - Age 90
     Howard Dahlof, son of James and Ella (Petersen) Dahlof, was born on September 21, 1920, on the Dahlof family farm in Polk Township, Shelby County. He attended country school at Polk No. 9 and graduated from Kirkman High School in 1938 where he was senior class president. He was a lifelong member of the Redline Church of Christ.
     Howard was united in marriage to Barbara Hart on March 20, 1946 at Merrill’s Grove Baptist Church in Fiscus, Iowa. Three children were born to this union: Ila, Rosalie, and Hunter. After their wedding, the couple made their home on the Dahlof family farm in Polk Township. Howard was actively engaged in farming (corn, soybeans, oats, hogs, stock cows) and trucking. In 1958, the family purchased their own farm in Monroe Township where Howard lived until moving to Salem Lutheran Home, in January, 2010, following Barbara’s passing. Rosalie and Ila remember having milk cows and, of course, there were always horses. Howard and Barbara were active in the Shelby County Saddle Club trail riding and square dancing on horseback. He taught Ila and Rosalie to ride on Old Red, a crippled American Saddlebred mare. He became interested in quarter horses at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado when he hauled out truckloads of cattle for Shelby County producers. He’d spend his free time away from the cattle checking out the horses. He purchased his first quarter horse, Zelda Sorrel, at the National Western Stock Show sale in 1956.
     While always a farmer, Howard’s passion was horses; and he was active in different horse organizations – Southwest Iowa Quarter Horse Breeders Association, Iowa Quarter Horse Association and American Quarter Horse Association. In 1979, he formed a group of Iowa Quarter Horse breeders and began the Iowa Breeders Production Sale held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds and continued operating this sale until 1995. Howard developed many friendships through his horse business. We can’t possibly name them all without missing someone. However, one fall, Rodney and Charlene Boom invited Howard and Barbara to see the buffalo roundup at Custer State Park in South Dakota, which began the annual summer excursion to a trail ride in South Dakota. Granddaughter Heather, who spent her summers helping with horses during her high school/college years and granddaughter Ella and grandson Aaron, loved accompanying Grandma and Grandpa to South Dakota. The last few years Rodney and Charlene provided a horse for Howard to ride which made the trip easier. Aaron and his horse went along their last trip in 2005 as the main driver and helper for Grandma and Grandpa. Granddaughter Darcy also enjoyed joining in on the family rides for several years.
     In 2003, Howard was honored to be inducted into the Iowa Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame. The family knew the secret ahead of time, and several family members (Rosalie, Ella, & Aaron Carlson, Ila McLaughlin, Heather & Dave Bushner) surprised him following the award. Howard just thought he and Barbara were attending the IQHA banquet because they were given a present of the banquet tickets and motel room for a Christmas present.
     In 2007, Howard received the American Quarter Horse Association Legacy Award for 50 years of continuous breeding. During those years Howard raised from 10 – 53 foals per year. Howard established a system for gentling, halter breaking, and conditioning foals with help from family members and helpers. Howard’s horses were shown extensively at Iowa and Nebraska quarter horse shows winning many year end awards and occasionally at the National Western Stock Show where two of his stallions won Reserve Champion; a mare he raised and purchased by daughter Rosalie won both Open and Amateur Grand Champion. Other foals raised by Howard won World Championships in both halter and reining events.
     Howard was also involved and active in many local organizations: Farm Bureau, director for Shelby County Farmers Mutual Insurance Company and director for Production Credit Association. He was honored to serve as Elder of the Redline Church of Christ (his Grandfather was one of the original elders of the church); as was his father James and brother Donald.
     Howard died on Sunday, October 24, 2010 at Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn, Iowa having attained the age of ninety years, one month, and three days. In addition to his parents, Howard is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; his son, Hunter and his sister, Arlene. He is survived by his daughters: Ila and her husband Ken McLaughlin of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Rosalie and her husband James Carlson of Kirkman; four grandchildren: Heather and her husband Dave Bushner of Gainesville, Missouri, Darcy Lytle of Fountain, Colorado, Ella Carlson of Walnut, Iowa and Aaron Carlson currently serving in the US Air Force at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida; two great-grandchildren: Maverick and Savannah Bushner; other family members and many friends.
     Minister Roy North officiated the 2:00 PM Funeral Service at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan on Thursday, October 28, 2010. Interment was held in Harlan Cemetery. Honorary casket bearers were Darcy Lytle, David Bushner, Larry Price, Tim Hart, and Rick Hart. Serving as casket bearers were Ella Carlson, Teresa Scheel-Davison, Todd Dahlof, Aaron Carlson, Heather Bushner, Rodney Boom, Ivy Robinson, and Glenn Wingert.

Shirley J. Davis - Age 78
     Shirley Jeanne Davis was born on December 26, 1932 to Wilbur and Leona (York) Swaney in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at the Fifth Avenue Methodist Church in Council Bluffs. Shirley attended Council Bluffs schools and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School with the Class of 1951.
     On February 18, 1951, she was united in marriage to Rex Davis at the Fifth Avenue Methodist Church after meeting at the roller skating rink. The couple had three children: Craig, Debra, and Scott.
     Shirley worked as the admissions secretary at Iowa Western Community College for twenty-two years before retiring. She enjoyed gardening, reading, crocheting, and the occasional trip to the casino.
     She was a good cook with potato salad and gravy being her family’s favorites. She valued the time she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
     Shirley died at her home on Monday, June 20, 2011, having attained the age of seventy-eight years, five months, and twenty-five days. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Rose Mary Brandt.
     She is survived by her husband of sixty years, Rex Davis of Avoca, Iowa; children: Craig Davis and his wife Ronda of Shelby, Iowa, Debra and her husband Larry Manz of Avoca, and Scott Davis of Avoca; nine grandchildren; fifteen and a half great-grandchildren; her brother Duane Swaney of Fremont, Nebraska, other family members, and friends.
     Pastor Orris Drake officiated the 11:00 AM funeral service at United Church of Avoca in Avoca, Iowa on Wednesday, June 22, 2011. Honorary pallbearer was Bob Griffis and pallbearers were: James Davis, Wendy Jorgensen, Chad Manz, Jason Manz, Jamie Bramman, Eric Manz, Jesse Davis, Kyle Manz, and Cody Davis. Inurnment will be held at a later date.

Cliff R. DeSchamp - Age 76

     Jay William Dollen was born on November 21, 1971 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He was the son of LeRoy and Beverly (Witt) Dollen and was one of four children in the family. He attended school at Tri-Center near Neola, Iowa and graduated with the Class of 1990.

     Jay was united in marriage to Jodi Sanders on May 2, 1992 at the Minden United Church of Christ in Minden, Iowa. They were the parents of one son, Riley Jay. Jay has been employed at Griffin Pipe Company in Council Bluffs, Iowa for the past twelve years as a Lab Technician.

     Jay was a member of the Minden Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad. The proudest part of Jay's life was being a Dad. Besides his love of motorcycle riding, Jay also enjoyed crossword puzzles, cooking, growing a huge vegetable garden, spending time with family and friends and he was also a big fan of the St. Louis Cardinal baseball team.

     Jay died on Sunday, June 3, 2007 at Creighton Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska following a motorcycle accident near Minden. He had attained the age of thirty five years, six months and thirteen days.

     Jay is survived by his wife, Jodi and their son, Riley of Minden; his parents, LeRoy and Beverly Dollen of Minden; his twin brother, Jon Dollen of Scottsbluff, Nebraska; two sisters: Rochelle Parks of Neola, Iowa and Kaylee Schneckloth and her husband, Jason, of Minden; his grandmother, Estella Witt of Honey Creek, Iowa; his mother-in-law, JoLeen Sanders of Boonville, Missouri; his father-in-law, Dallas Sanders of Minden; a brother-in-law, Scott Parks of Neola; a sister-in-law, Jill Shriver and her husband, Darin, of Persia, Iowa; three nieces, two nephews, other relatives and many, many friends.

Gary Donlin - Age 70

     Gary Lyle Donlin was born on July 16, 1938 in LeMars, Iowa, the youngest of five siblings of William and Lilah (Brown) Donlin. He was baptized at the First Methodist Church in LeMars, Iowa, and at the age of six, he began his first paper route. He graduated from LeMars High School in 1956. He worked in the grocery store and local newspaper as a teenager and played basketball and football in high school. He went on to play football and obtained his BA degree from Westmar (although everyone agrees it should have been a BS degree) and worked on his Master’s degree at University of Northern Iowa.

     On August 24, 1958, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Sharon Hall, at the First Methodist Church in LeMars. Two daughters were born to this union: Tracey and Kelly. Gary taught business education for thirty-six years in Irwin, Iowa, Gresham and Shawano, Wisconsin, Lake View, Iowa, and ending his teaching career in Harlan, Iowa after twenty-seven years.

     Gary’s family was his life and he attended as many of his grandchildren’s events as possible. He enjoyed making frames for Sharon’s paintings, walking his dog, Buddy, caring for his rose garden, and was an avid reader. He loved spending time with his family and touched everyone with his smile and sense of humor.

     He was a member of the Harlan Education Association, Iowa Education Association, National Education Association, and the First United Methodist Church. He and Sharon celebrated fifty years of marriage last month with family and friends.

     Gary died at his home on Sunday, September 21, 2008, having attained the age of seventy years, two months, and five days. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jack.

     He is survived by his wife Sharon Donlin of Harlan, Iowa; his daughter Tracey and her husband John Schnell of Omaha, Nebraska, his daughter Kelly Polson of Audubon, Iowa; his grandchildren Kayla and Kyle Polson of Audubon; and his sisters Lorraine Becker of Des Moines, Iowa and Evelyn and her husband Roscoe Small of LeMars, Iowa; his brother Dale Donlin and his wife Pat of LeMars, Iowa; nieces and nephews; other family members and many friends.

     A funeral service was held on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Dave Swinton officiating at the United Methodist Church in Harlan, Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were Denny Frerichs, Lou Becker, John Schnell, Manny Cardoza, Curt Bladt, and Kent Hall with interment held at the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa.

Dr. Robert E. Donlin -  Age 89
     Robert Edward Donlin was born on November 8, 1921 to Edward and Margaret Mary (Ryan) Donlin in Omaha, Nebraska. He was baptized and confirmed at Holy Name Catholic Church in Omaha. He attended Holy Name Catholic School and graduated from Creighton Prep before going on to Creighton University and completing medical school. He did his internship with the Army Air Corps.
     He was united in marriage to Bernita Lepley on December 1, 1945, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Omaha. Nine children were born to this union: Shirin, John, Michael, Robert, Patrick, Molly, Daniel, Kellie, and Sean.
     Dr. Donlin became a family practice physician, moved to Harlan in the late 1940's and spent many years treating patients in Harlan, Iowa with Dr. Bill Markham and Dr. Duane Harris. He was active at St. Michael’s Catholic Church while living in Harlan. He became the director of Powell III Chemical Dependence Center in Des Moines, Iowa and earned the James Kelsey Award for his involvement with the chemical dependency program while at Powell III.
     He and his wife both took flying lessons at the Harlan airport and obtained their pilot’s licenses. They were members of the Airplane Owners and Pilots Association. They were also members of the Flying Physicians. He and Bernie enjoyed flying to and attending their functions. He enjoyed playing golf. He enjoyed his family and spending time with his grandchildren.
     Dr. Donlin had been living at the Parsons House in Omaha, Nebraska where he died on Tuesday, April 26, 2011, having attained the age of eighty-nine years, five months, and eighteen days. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Bernie, infant son Michael, son Dan, and grandson Ryan.
     He is survived by his children: Shirin and her husband Wayne Taylor of Blair, Nebraska, John Donlin and his wife Carol of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Mike Donlin and his wife Deby of Sugar Land, Texas, Patrick Donlin and his wife Jane of Lincoln, Nebraska, Molly and her husband Rick Snow of Omaha, Nebraska, Kellie Donlin of Omaha, and Sean Donlin and his wife Gina of Chesterfield, Missouri; twenty-one grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; other family members and friends.
     A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Rev. John Frost at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa. Interment was held at the Harlan Cemetery with Michael Snow, Troy Donlin, Jeremy Donlin, Colin Donlin, Blake Snow, Ryan Donlin, Adam Snow and Tim Donlin serving as casket bearers.

In Lieu of Flowers
The Donlin Family has requested
Memorials to:

Petersen Family Wellness Center
1213 Chatburn
Harlan, Iowa 51537

Bernita Y. Doonan - Age 88

     Bernita Yvonne Doonan was born February 26, 1920 to Lloyd and Alma (Gray) Parker in Oakland, Iowa. She attended country school near Oakland and later graduated from Elk Horn High School. She attended one year of college at Glendale Community College in California.

     Bernita was united in marriage to Dale Doonan on October 2, 1940 at the home of her parents near Elk Horn, Iowa. Two sons were born to this union: Kelly and Jay. They farmed near Elk Horn for a few years before moving to the present farm site in 1944. She was proud that she "could do all that farm homemakers needed to do in my time."

     She loved being a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She also enjoyed reading, family history, fishing, music, bird watching and sewing. She was also active on the Family Living Committee and Extension.

     Her church and church family have always been a very special part of her life. She was baptized and confirmed at the Sharon United Methodist Church. In 1934 she became a member of Monroe Chapel Methodist Church. She was a longtime church school teacher, a member and officer of United Methodist Women, church historian, pianist and United Methodist Builders member.

     She was an especially gifted writer. She kept a daily diary and in addition wrote in her journal her thoughts, favorite scripture and prayers, her beliefs, memories and commentaries. She shared her gift of writing and her wisdom in countless notes to so many.

     Bernita died November 27, 2008 while in hospice care at Salem Nursing Home in Elk Horn, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty-eight years, nine months and one day. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Dale Doonan, son Jay Doonan, sister Lorna Kinney and brother Roger Parker.

     She is survived by her son Kelly Doonan and his wife Judi of Harlan, Iowa; daughter-in-law Teresa Doonan of Harlan, her grandchildren: Greg Doonan and his wife Stephanie of Ankeny, Iowa, Stace Doonan and his wife Emily of Ankeny, Scott Doonan and his wife Renée of Eagle River, Alaska and Angie and her husband Brian Gabel of Urbandale, Iowa; her great grandchildren: Alana and Mia Doonan, Gavin Doonan, Brooke Doonan and Jaycie Gabel; her sister Phyllis and her husband George Marshall of Council Bluffs, Iowa; her brother Lloyd Wray Parker and his wife Pat of Colorado; sisters-in-law: JoAnn Parker of Elk Horn, Iowa and Loretta and her husband Arnold Petersen of Atlantic, Iowa; many other relatives and a host of friends.

     A funeral service was held on Monday, December 1, 2008 with Pastor Dave Swinton officiating the 10:30 AM service at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa. Casket bearers were Greg and Stephanie Doonan, Stace and Emily Doonan, Scott and Renee Doonan, and Angie and Brian Gabel with interment held at the Harlan Cemetery.

Charlotte J. Doonan - Age 78

     Charlotte Jean Doonan, daughter of Raymond and Mable (Axland) Young, was born on February 21, 1931, on a farm outside of Irwin, Iowa. She graduated from Irwin High School with the class of 1948.

     On December 1, 1949, Charlotte was united in marriage to Donald Dean Doonan at the Irwin Church of Christ in Irwin, Iowa. Five children were born to this union: Tom, Bob, David, Pam, and Jeanette. After their wedding, Charlotte and Donald made their home near Elk Horn, Iowa, where Donald farmed for sixteen years. After retiring from farming, Charlotte and Donald moved into Elk Horn where Charlotte worked as a cook at the Danish Inn Restaurant and then at Salem Lutheran Home. She also sold Avon for a short time.

     Charlotte was a private person but enjoyed spending time with her family, reading and watching the Chicago Cubs. She also loved cats and collected many cat figurines around her home.

     Charlotte died on Friday, March 20, 2009, at her home surrounded by her family. She attained the age of seventy-eight years and twenty-seven days. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Donald; her siblings Jackson Young, Mildred Struve and Donald Young.

     She is survived by her children: Tom Doonan and his wife Pam of Winterville, Georgia; Bob Doonan and his wife Connie of Newell, Iowa; David Doonan and his wife Amy Johnson of Burlington, Iowa; Pam Doonan of Omaha, Nebraska; and Jeanette and her husband Greg Corum of Morton, Illinois; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; her sister Lela Hanson of Harlan; nieces; nephews; other family members and many friends.

     Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa. Pastor Roger Reitz officiated the 11:00 AM service. Burial was held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Irwin, Iowa, with Pat Nepple, Jason Hoffman, Mark Logan, Delbert Shelly, Shawn Doonan, Kyle Doonan, Tanner Corum, and Ben Corum serving as casket bearers.

   On December 1, 1949, he was united in marriage to Charlotte Young at the Irwin Church of Christ in Irwin, Iowa. Five children were born to this union: Thomas, Robert, David, Pamela, and Jeanette.

     Donald farmed near Elk Horn for sixteen years. In 1965, he ended his farming career and worked at various jobs. One of the jobs he enjoyed was as a janitor at the Elk Horn schools. He was always quick to smile and chat with the children. Donald retired in 1993 and he and Charlotte remained living in the Elk Horn community.

     Donald enjoyed drawing and woodworking. He would often travel to swap meets around the region.

     Donald died on Saturday, June 9, 2007, at the Audubon County Memorial Hospital in Audubon, Iowa, having attained the age of seventy-nine years, one month, and twenty days. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Vic.

     He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Charlotte Doonan of Elk Horn, Iowa; his children: Tom Doonan and his wife Pam of Winterville, Georgia, Bob Doonan and his wife Connie of Newell, Iowa, David Doonan and Amy Johnson of Burlington, Iowa, Pam Doonan of Omaha, Nebraska, and Jeanette and her husband Greg Corum of Morton, Illinois; eight grandchildren: Stacy, Shawn, Carrie, Katie, Cyndi, Kyle, Tanner, and Ben; three great-grandchildren: Maggie, Lillie, and Robert; his brother Verle Doonan and his wife Cookie of Audubon, Iowa; his sisters-in-law: Delores Doonan of Exira, Iowa and Lela Hansen of Harlan, Iowa; brother-in-law Donald Young of Manilla, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

     A funeral service was held on Tuesday, June 12, 2007, at the Pauley Jones Funeral Home. Rev. Don Hoover officiated the 11:00 AM service. Serving as casket bearers were Jason Hoffman, Tim Fredricksen, Lyle Petersen, Shawn Doonan, Kyle Doonan, Pat Nepple, Greg Corum, and Mark Logan. Interment was held at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Irwin, Iowa.

John R. Dunlevy - Age 55

     John  Richard AScoop@ Dunlevy was born June 10, 1952 in Council Bluffs to John and Lettie Dunlevy of Avoca, Iowa.  He was a confirmed member of the St. Mary=s Catholic Church and a graduate of AvoHa Community Schools.  After completing college at  Missouri Western College in St. Joe, John taught history and coached at Arnold=s Park and Orient Macksburg.  He passed away recently at his home in Avoca.

     John loved teaching and coaching, helping kids excel whether in the classroom recreating battles with his fellow teachers or on the field in athletic competitions. As a coach, he made three trips to the state tournament -- two with softball and one with golf.  John believed in the importance of history, and he cherished his trips with Lettie to Civil War Battle sites.  A long-standing Democrat, John was involved in local politics and the presidential race.

     As a devoted Nebraska fan, John loved Big Red Football and even managed to bring his nephew Pat to the ARed Side@.  Also supporting the AHST teams, the Royals, Chiefs, and Cardinals, John was known to follow sports to the extent of having 2 TVs and a radio on to catch all the current scores.  An expert at Spades, John was highly competitive whether the arena was softball, a family game of Monopoly, or pursuing favors from his great nieces Elizabeth and Esther. John also loved to cook and garden, and he never turned down a chance to water ski anywhere, but especially at Okoboji.  However, nothing was as important as family, and John supported them in their every endeavor. 

     John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lettie Dunlevy; his sister, Lettie and brother-in-law Mike Ross; niece Katherine and nephews Mathew and Daniel Ross.  

     John is survived by his brother Tim, his sister Mary Gramkow and her husband Gail, nephews Matthew and Patrick Gramkow all of Avoca; nephew Pete Ross and his wife Sandy and his sons Mathew and Kyle of Montezuma; nieces Annie Gramkow and Molly Brandt and her husband Joel of Council Bluffs, and great nieces Elizabeth and Esther Brandt of Council Bluffs; and many friends.

     Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 1:30 P.M. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Avoca with Father John Frost as celebrant.  Burial was in Graceland Cemetery in Avoca.  Honorary casket bearers were Georgia Sievers, Randy Scott and Ken Sedlacek.  Serving as casket bearers were Eric Parks, Rex Eichelberger, Randy Platt, Paul Jensen, Ronald Gustafson, Pete Bramman and Charles Ronnfeldt.  Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca was in charge of arrangements.

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