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Pauley Jones

P.O. Box 70

1304 9th Street

Harlan, Iowa 51537-0070

(712) 755-3135
(800) 831-6805

Proudly Serving Southwest Iowa with locations in Harlan, Walnut and Avoca

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Pauley Jones Funeral Homes

"Avoca Chapel"

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Marie M. Ebert - Age 93
     Marie Matiel Ebert was born to Anton and Cecilia Finken on January 5, 1918 on a farm north of Earling, Iowa. She was one of several children to include, Theolette, Austin, Sylvester, Irene, Doris, Edith, Vera, Denis, and Ivo.
     She attended St. Joseph Catholic School in Earling and was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for many years. She was married to Arthur J. Ebert, also from Earling. The Ebert family resided in Earling until December of 1955 when the family relocated to Denver, Colorado. In later life, Marie resided in El Paso, Texas.
     Marie was a hard working and dedicated mother of five children: Joyce and her husband Myron Sustacek of Ghent, Minnesota, Daniel Ebert and his wife Marlene of Forest Lake, Minnesota, Judy Lama, now deceased and formerly of El Paso, Texas, Janet and her husband James Friesen of Denver, Colorado and Jayne and her husband James Keiter of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
     Marie spent her final days at the Monte Vista Home in El Paso, Texas where she was loved and cherished by all. She was the center of attention everywhere she went and she was a perfect example of humility and the finest example of motherhood. Never in the spotlight, but always in the shadows, she would never admit to pain or complain about surroundings, but always exemplified life to the fullest positive side. She was a strong person, mentally and emotionally and her active and responsive mind remained at full accord right to the very end of her life on earth. Her keen sense of humor overshadowed her late life physical challenges. She stayed active at the nursing home where she enjoyed games, bingo, and bus tours to the local attractions.
      She is survived by four children, thirteen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and one brother, Ivo Finken, who resides in Earling, Iowa with his wife Mick, and many other relatives and friends.

Rev. Chris Fontanini celebrated the 12:00 PM Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa. Tyler Gubbels provided the music. Inurnment was held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Earling.

Gus Eckermann - Age 78
     August "Gus" Joseph Eckermann was born on March 4, 1933, to August Jacob and Elizabeth (Heinzlmeir) Eckermann in Buck Grove, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance, Iowa. He attended school in Defiance at St. Paul’s Catholic School.
     After his schooling, he worked as a farm hand for his father and uncles. He joined the United States Army and served for eighteen months in Germany during the Korean War. He was married to Joyce Larson on July 20, 1953. After his discharge from service, they made their home in Nebraska where he worked as an insurance adjuster.
     Gus was united in marriage to Lois Podey on April 26, 1970 in Missouri Valley, Iowa. The couple’s combined family included their children: Debbie, Tookie, John, Jeff, Terri, Randy, Tom, and Jason.
     In December of 1975, Gus became a police officer for the City of Harlan. After four years, he became the manager of the Veteran’s Auditorium in Harlan. Gus retired on May 29, 1998 after twenty-two and a half years of working for the city.
     He enjoyed winter trips to Arizona and Florida and liked golfing, fishing, hunting, and playing cards (especially winning).
     Because of his failing health, Gus went to live with his son, Jason. It was at their residence that he died on Tuesday, August 16, 2011, having attained the age of seventy-eight years, five months, and twelve days. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lois, brother Arthur, and sister Joan Eckermann.
     Gus is survived by his children Debbie Martin of Sebastian, Florida, Tookie Smith also of Sebastian, John Rademacker of Lincoln, Nebraska, Jeff Rademacker and his wife Loretta also of Lincoln, Terri Greer of Omaha, Nebraska, Randy Rademacker and his wife Becky of Irwin, Iowa, Tom Eckermann of Omaha, and Jason Eckermann and his wife Michele of Harlan; twenty-three grandchildren; thirty-one great-grandchildren; brother Louis Eckermann and his wife Mildred of Omaha; sisters: Estelle Quinn of Defiance, Iowa, Jean and her husband Jim Skinner of Tacoma, Washington, Mary and her husband Vern Miller or Irwin, Iowa, Rosalie Wood of Madison, Wisconsin, and Linda Schnuettgen and her friend Harold Olsen of Denison, Iowa; other family members and friends.
     Rev. Don Bruck celebrated the 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, August 19, 2011 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa. Music was provided by John Rosman and Jan Rau. Serving as casket bearers were Darrin Petersen, Jason Moore, Tyler Jacobsen, Dave Monson, Andy Baldwin, and Scott Leinen. Military Rites were provided by Shelby County VFW Post No. 941 and Harlan American Legion Helmer Reyelt Post No. 150 at the Harlan Cemetery.

Melvin Eckmann - Age 88

Melvin Fred Egert Eckmann, son of George and Alma (Meier) Eckmann, was born on August 20, 1920, on the family farm west of Persia. He was baptized and Trinity Lutheran Church in Persia and attended Pleasant Ridge Country School.

After school, Melvin farmed outside of Persia and raised cattle and hogs. He retired from farming in 1985 and remained on the farm until 1987 when he moved into Persia.

When Melvin wasn’t busy working on the farm, he enjoyed fishing and spending time with his nieces and nephews.

Melvin died on Wednesday, May 15, 2009, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty-eight years, eight months, and twenty-three days. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Herbert.

He is survived by his siblings: Dorothy Eckmann of Persia, Iowa, Lavina Glotfelty of Davenport, Iowa, Earl Eckmann and his wife Marian of Persia, and Martha Eckmann of Omaha, Nebraska; nieces; nephews; other family members and friends.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, May 16, 2009, with Pastor Duane Anunson conducting the 2:00 PM service at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Persia, Iowa. Casket bearers were Mike Eckmann, Ben Higginbotham, Matt Shriver, Calvin Eckmann, Dennis Eckmann, and Larry Shriver. Interment was held at the Minden Cemetery in Minden, Iowa.

Norman Elias - Age 79

Norman Moses Elias, son of Floyd S. and Adele (Suleiman) Elias, was born on January 16, 1931, in Persia, Iowa. He was baptized at the Syrian Orthodox Church in Sioux City, Iowa. Norman graduated from Persia High School with the class of 1949, and followed his love of the mountains to the University of Wyoming to continue his education before transferring to Iowa State University. He later transferred to Morningside College in Sioux City where he was awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Livestock Marketing and Business Administration.

Right out of college, Norman was drafted into the United States Army where he was trained in finance. He stayed stateside and served at Ft. Totten in Long Island, New York. While in the service, Norman married Cleo Arbaugh on June 6, 1954. After their wedding, Norman and Cleo made their home in Flushing, New York, while Norman continued his military service.

After Norman was honorably discharged, he and Cleo drove back to Iowa to visit family and ended up making a home in Persia, Iowa. Norman worked at Wilson Packing in Omaha as a cattle buyer. In the late fifties, Norman joined the family business, Elias Super Market, in Persia, where he continued to work until his retirement in 1989.

After retirement, Norman and Cleo enjoyed traveling and visiting their children and grandchildren. Norman also enjoyed taking drives to see the farm he inherited from his grandfather, Sam John. Norman loved cars and enjoyed collecting convertibles, especially his 1954 Buick that was restored for his 25^th anniversary and is still at his home.

Norman was a member of the Persia American Legion Post No. 314 of Persia, Iowa and the Amber Masonic Lodge #569 of Quick, Iowa. He was also a lifetime member of the Persia United Methodist Church where he served in a number of roles, including lay minister.

Norman died on Wednesday, April 21, 2010, at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, having attained the age of seventy-nine years, three months, and five days. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers, Ronald and Larry.

He is survived by his wife, Cleo, of Persia, Iowa; their children: Jan and her husband John Hansen of Scottsdale, Arizona; Jill Elias of Rogers, Arkansas; Julie and her husband Ed Vidlak of Omaha, Nebraska; Sam Elias and his wife Shelley of Overland Park, Kansas; six grandchildren: Jonathan and Anna Vidlak, Grant, Chase, Breck, and Cameron Elias; his brother Sam Elias of Orange, California; other family members and many friends.

A Celebration of Life Service was held on Monday, April 26, 2010, at the Persia United Methodist Church in Persia, Iowa, with Pastor Orris Drake officiating the 10:30 AM service. Military Rites were held at Valley View Cemetery in Persia by the Persia American Legion Post No. 314. Serving as casket bearers were: Craig Elias, Bob McConnell, Mark Elias, Harry Shaw, Dan Frost, Milo Ruffcorn, and David Albers.

The family requests memorials to:

Persia United Methodist Church

American Heart Association

Zita Engel - Age 93
     Zita Engel was born on January 20, 1918 to Melchoir and Theresa (Klein) Schwery in Panama, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Panama and attended school at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Panama.
     Zita was united in marriage on January 31, 1939 to Lawrence "Larry" Engel at St. Mary Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church. Four children were born to this union: Karen, Dan, Theresa, and Allita.
     She helped her husband on their dairy farm in addition to raising the children. She possessed a strong work ethic, organizational skills with attention to detail, a wide variety of creative talents, and a willingness to help wherever the need arose be it at parish events or the wider community, including the Shelby County Extension Events.
     She was a long-time member of the Westphalia Sewing Circle, Rosary Society, and the Shelby County State Bank Commander’s Club. She served as a member of the Parish Council, a Eucharistic Minister, and a 4-H leader. Her family was a WOWT television station Farm Family of the Week over 50 years ago.
     Zita was passionate about farm life, gardening, sewing clothes for her children, quilting, needlework, and playing cards: Bridge and "500". She consistently won ribbons for her apple pies at the Shelby County Fair. She continued to live on the family farm after her husband’s death in 1975 and was able to travel world-wide with family and friends.
     She died on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at Elm Crest Retirement Home in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of ninety-three years and twenty-seven days. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, grandson Jeff, brothers: Alfred, LaVern, and Melvin, and sisters: Margaret, Viola, Magdaline, and Verena.
     Zita is survived by her children: Karen and her husband Michael Mathis of Parker, Colorado, Dan Engel and his wife Janet of Bruno, Nebraska, Sister Theresa Engel SSSF of Fort Dodge, Iowa, and Allita and her husband Craig Doster of Ankeny, Iowa; nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; sisters: Nonna Adams of Santa Cruz, California, Theresa Wellman of Neola, Iowa, Mildred Leuschen of Portsmouth, Iowa, and Cleo Nelson of Mercer Island, Washington; two sisters-in-law: Veralda Schwery of Harlan and Ella Mae Engel of Manilla, Iowa; other family members and friends.
     Rev. John Dorton celebrated the 10:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia. Concelebrating the Mass were Rev. Bob Schoemann, Rev. John Frost, and Rev. Art McCann. Serving as casket bearers were Deborah Forman, Denise Williams, Bethany Holstein, Allise Doster, John Doster, and Daniel J. Engel. Interment was held at St. Boniface Cemetery in Westphalia.

Mildred England - Age 89

Mildred Jane England, daughter of James D. And Mary (Robertson) Shaw, was born on July 12, 1917 in Warsaw, Missouri. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Harlan, Iowa, since 1989

She was introduced to Wayne Valentine England by her brother Donald in Red Oak, Iowa, then later moved to California. On June 14, 1935, Mildred was united in marriage to Wayne in Sebastapol, California. Three children were born to this union: Raymond, Joyce, and Candace.

After their marriage, Mildred and Wayne lived in California before returning to Red Oak in 1937. In 1951, they moved to Harlan where she was a homemaker. Mildred loved to garden and made the best fried chicken in Iowa. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Harlan and taught Sunday school to the church kids.

Mildred enjoyed playing the harmonica and often played for church programs. When she was not busy with church activities or in her garden, Mildred enjoyed making bread and fishing in Okoboji every year at the same location. In June 1985, Mildred and Wayne celebrated their 50^th Wedding Anniversary.

Mildred died on May 26, 2007, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty-nine years, ten months, and fourteen days. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wayne England; her son, Raymond; four brothers: Donald, Delbert, Gordon, and Albert; and one sister, Lucille.

She is survived by her two daughters: Joyce Maidment of Lebanon, Missouri; and Candace Perry of Harlan, Iowa; eleven grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; eleven great-great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other family members, and many friends.

Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, May 29, 2007, at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa. Rev. Walter Bowen officiated the 2:00 PM ceremony. Clark Ford was an honorary casket bearer. Serving as casket bearers were Dustin Buck, Johnathan Ford, Pete Weber, Jim Thielen, James Maidment, and Kevin Perry. Interment was held at the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa.

Robert Edward English - 60
     Robert "Bob" Edward English was born on April 18, 1951 to Thomas and Ruthella (Freeman) English in Washington, Iowa. He attended school in Washington and graduated with the Washington High School Class of 1969. He went on to graduate from Simpson College in 1973 with his Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education with a minor in History. He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
     Bob was united in marriage to Barbara Perry on August 4, 1973 at the First United Methodist Church in Osceola, Iowa. Two sons were born to this union: Matthew and Andrew.
     Following a brief period of employment with Elliot Flying Service in Des Moines, Iowa, Bob accepted a position as the eighth grade history and Physical Education teacher at Harlan Community Middle School. Throughout his time at Harlan Community, he touched the lives of numerous young men by being a mentor and coach for various cyclone teams including seventh and eighth grade football, seventh and eighth grade boys’ basketball, ninth grade boys’ basketball, and boys’ golf. He is well remembered by his students for inventive performances during Red Ribbon Week. He was a member of the National Education Association and the Iowa State Education Association.
     Bob has been an avid golfer since his youth in Washington, and has always found happiness on the links. He was a lover of music, books, painting, and crossword puzzles, and was an early American history buff. He loved the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Chicago Bears, and the Harlan Cyclones, and he looked forward to each season with anticipation. His most loved pastime was being with his family and friends.
     Bob died at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, on Monday, July 25, 2011, having attained the age of sixty years, three months, and seven days. He is preceded in death by his brother Douglas.
     He is survived by his wife of nearly thirty-eight years Barbara English of Harlan, Iowa; his sons Matthew English and his wife Sara of Omaha, Nebraska and Andrew English and his wife Erin of Carlisle, Iowa; parents Thomas and Ruthella English of Washington, Iowa; sister-in-law Susan English of Washington; other family members and many friends.
     Pastor Darwin Moore officiated the 10:30 AM funeral service on Friday, July 29, 2011 at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa. Honorary casket bearers were Cliff Tamm, Al Simdorn, and the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. Serving as casket bearers were Mark English, Eric Vanderberg, Brent Tucker, Joe Minick, Jim Chipman, and Jim Minick. Interment was held at the Harlan Cemetery.

Dennis "Denny" Erb - Age 60

Dennis "Denny" Lee, son of Allyn C. and Thelma E. (Wetzel) Erb, was born on August 27, 1947 in Irwin, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church in Irwin and graduated from the Irwin-Kirkman High School in 1965. He entered the United States Navy in 1965 and served during the Vietnam Conflict as an A-7 Corsair simulator instructor.

On June 13, 1970, Denny was united in marriage to Judy Werner in Carroll, Iowa. Three children were born to this union: Jason, Nathan and Jamie. After their marriage, they lived in Ames where Denny attended Iowa State University for two years. They lived in Manning before moving to a farm east of Irwin in 1972 where he raised hogs, cattle, beans and corn for over 30 years. During his farming years he was a salesman for Asgrow Seeds and for Archer Petroleum Products where he was currently the Shelby County Manager. He was a licensed real estate agent for Knueven R. E. & Insurance in Manning and for the past several years had been employed at Puck Custom Enterprises in Manning. He was a member of the IKM School Board where he was in his third term currently serving as board Vice President.

Denny was also involved with the Mid-America Council Boy Scouts of America volunteering for over twenty-five years mainly with IKM Troop 99, Ohwahnasee District and Camp Cedars. In 1994, he was named a National Scoutmaster of the year. Denny was an active member of the American Legion Post No. 22 of Manning having served as their Commander. In his younger days, he enjoyed playing softball with the Kirkman team and rugby with the Harlan team. He was an avid deer hunter and enjoyed showing his 1969 Z28 Camaro in auto shows. One of his lifelong dreams was to build his own house, which he completed in February, 2004 so he and his family could move in and enjoy.

In March 2006, Denny was diagnosed with brain cancer. He looked forward to the future and was never willing to give in, always working and spending time with his family and friends as much as he could. On April 28, Denny became a resident of Hospice House in Omaha where he passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2008 having attained the age of sixty years, eight months and eleven days.

Preceding Denny in death are his parents; son Nathan in infancy; brother Gary; sister Gloria Huff and parents-in-law Wilbur and Dorothy Werner. He is survived by his wife Judy of Irwin; children Jason (Chanie) Erb of Enid, OK; Jamie Erb of Omaha; one grandson Bodey Erb of Enid; siblings: Sharon (Richard) Monson of Harlan; Diana (Bill) Barton of Omaha; Roger (Carol) Erb of Harlan; stepmother Leona Erb of Harlan; stepsister Linda (Dennis) Wildner of Omaha; stepbrother Tom (Cheryl) Ferry of Harlan; sister-in-law Myrna (Bernie) Gundel of Fontanelle, IA; and brothers-in-law Dan Huff of Lindsay, CA and Jim Werner of Marshalltown, IA; nieces, nephews; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Services were held on Monday, May 12 at Irwin United Methodist Church in Irwin, Iowa. Rev. Keith Pals officiated the 11:00 AM service with burial at Oak Hill Cemetery in Irwin. Serving as casket bearers were: Ben Puck, Rex Gochenour, Greg Hansen, Randy Halbur, Gary Odendahl, Denny Deters, Gary Knueven, and Charles Hansen.

Johnnie J. Erlbacher- Age 84

Johnnie J. Erlbacher was born on March 16, 1922, to John and Rose (Wilwerding) Erlbacher in Earling, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling and remained a member there throughout his life. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School in Earling through the eighth grade.

After his schooling, he began farming in the Earling area. Johnnie farmed for his entire life. During his marriage, he was blessed with three sons: Dale, Glen, and Russ and a daughter, Donna Jean.

Johnnie enjoyed his family and his friends and spent time doing various activities with them. He especially enjoyed playing euchre with his family and friends. He became a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council Number 1741 in Earling, Iowa.

Johnnie moved to the Little Flower Haven Nursing Home in Earling and it was there that he died on February 8, 2007, having attained the age of eighty-four years, ten months, and twenty-three days.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rose Erlbacher, his daughter, Donna Jean Erlbacher, his brothers and sisters: Jacob Erlbacher, Elmer Erlbacher, LeVerne Erlbacher, Marie Stolz, Leonard "Wimpy" Erlbacher, and Pat Malone.

Johnnie is survived by his three sons: Dale and his wife Donna Erlbacher of Denison, Iowa, Glen and his wife Joyce Erlbacher of West Palm Beach, Florida, and Russ Erlbacher also of West Palm Beach, Florida; four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; his sisters: Irene Kenkel of Harlan, Iowa, Rita Briggs of Audubon, Iowa, and Ella Mae Darnell of Elgin, Illinois; his companion Therese Scheuring of Defiance, Iowa; nieces and nephews, other family members, and many friends.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, February 10, 2007 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa with Rev Michael Berner as the Celebrant. Serving as casket bearers were Ed Erlbacher, Cody Erlbacher, Charles Erlbacher, Tim Erlbacher, Donnie Assmann and Dean Erlbacher. Interment was held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Earling, Iowa.

George W. Ernst - Age 77

George William Ernst was born on August 10, 1929, to George and Matilda (Reis) Ernst in Bellevue, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue. George attended and graduated from St. Joseph Catholic School in 1947 where he played basketball. As a young adult, George was a proud member of the Bellevue Braves baseball team.

George was united in marriage on May 3, 1952, to Joanne Daniels in the Chapel at the Marine Corp Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. Five children were born to this union: Timothy, Georgiann, Brenda, Thomas, and Brian.

After high school, George went to work for the John Deere Tractor Works in Dubuque. George left this to work with his father in the concrete contracting business. Because of the seasonal nature of this work, George found winter-time work as a brush cutter for the local telephone company. 43-years later George retired from this same company as an Area Manager in Harlan. George often referred to this as a very long winter.

George’s career with the telephone company was interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. During his duty, George achieved the rank of Sergeant. George served the Marines as an installer repairman for the base telephone system at Camp Lejeune North Carolina. Following Honorable Discharge from the Marines, George and Joanne returned to Bellevue to begin their family life.

George continued his work with the telephone company in Bellevue until accepting a transfer to Avoca, Iowa in 1963. In 1969 George was transferred to Harlan where he worked until his retirement in January 1991. During his career with the telephone company George held the position of brush cutter, construction foreman, installation repairman, supervisor and area manager. George was very proud of his long career with the telephone company and was an inspiration to his three sons who have also pursued careers in the electrical and electronics industries.

During his life, George has been a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue, St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Avoca and St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, where he was an usher and recently sang in the Latin Mass Choir.

George’s hobbies included woodworking, leather crafting, coaching Little League baseball, and watching his children and grandchildren in their various activities. George was an active member of the American Legion. George had also been a member of the Kiwanas Club in Harlan.

George died on Sunday July 22, 2007at Myrtue Memorial Hospital having attained the age of seventy-seven years, eleven months and twelve days. He is survived by his wife of fifty-five years Joanne Ernst of Harlan, Iowa; his children: Timothy Ernst and his wife Jana of Carlisle, Iowa, Georgiann and her husband Robin Andersen of Minden, Iowa, Brenda and her husband William Arkfeld of Portsmouth, Iowa, Thomas Ernst and his wife Nancy of Lincoln, Nebraska and Brian Ernst and his wife Theresa of Papillion, Nebraska; thirteen grandchildren; his brother Eugene Ernst of Bellevue, Iowa; his sisters: Rosalyn Hill, Elizabeth and her husband Fred Stoecken, Loella Carter, and Bonnie and her husband Bob Blake all of Bellevue, Iowa, nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, July 25, 2007, with Rev. John Dorton conducting the 10:30 AM service at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa. Honorary casket bearers were Thomas D. Ernst, Haylee Ernst, and Braydon Ernst. Serving as casket bearers were Robin Andersen, Joshua Obrecht, William Arkfeld, Timothy Ernst, Brian Ernst, Jeremy Ernst, Daniel Ernst, and Thomas Ernst. Interment was held at the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan.

Eunice H. Evans - Age 87

Eunice Henrietta (Swanson) Evans was born on July 10, 1920 at Swede Home, Nebraska. She was the daughter of Otto and Lydia (Johnson) Swanson and was one of three daughters in her family. She was baptized and confirmed at the Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Swede Home.

Eunice was united in marriage to John E. Evans on June 1, 1941 in the same church in which she was baptized and confirmed. They were the parents of five sons and one daughter: John, Richard, Frank, Jerry, Nancy and Steve. They farmed until 1980. After spending forty six years together, John died on August 28, 1987.

Eunice made Shelby her home and community. She served on many committees because she loved serving and working with others. She was an active member of the Shelby Lutheran Church, serving on the Church Council and as Superintendent of Sunday School for many years. She enjoyed the Lutheran Church Ladies organization and was a charter member of the Shelby Garden Club.

Eunice was one of the first employees of Rem Leadway, a home for the mentally disabled. She enjoyed her years working with the residents and staff there, making many lifetime friends. She loved flowers, trees, mountains and streams which were reflected in her beautiful oil paintings. There was nothing she didn't try and she became very successful at mastering. Before her health failed, she loved following her children and grandchildren's activities. Eunice loved sports and watching the Olympics.

Eunice died at the Avoca Nursing and Rehab Center on Tuesday, April 29, 2008. She had attained the age of eighty-seven years, nine months and nineteen days. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John, and two sisters: Evelyn Swedenburg and LaVina Mentink.

She is survived by her children: John and Doris of Fargo, North Dakota, Richard of New Hampton, Iowa, Frank and Marilyn, Jerry and Jeanette, Nancy and her husband Ken Collins and Steve and Christi Evans, all of Shelby; fifteen grandchildren, five step grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

Eunice's family would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers over the years. It means so much to us to know that she was loved by so many. We can all take comfort in knowing she is living in a better place with God.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 10:30 AM at the Shelby Lutheran Church in Shelby, Iowa with Pastor Duane Anunson as the clergy. Serving as honorary casket bearers were Dick Evans, Del Von Eschen, Tom Evans, Tom Rau, Harold Bintz and Rocky Martin. Serving as casket bearers were Mike Evans, Chris Evans, Joey Evans, Russell Evans, Gary Collins, Jeff Evans, Andy Evans and Randy Evans. Interment was held at the Shelby Cemetery, Shelby, Iowa.

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