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Link to Past Obituaries

Pauley Jones Funeral Homes
"Avoca Chapel" |
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Hilda M.
Fahn - Age 92
Hilda Marie Fahn, the
daughter of Joseph and Margaret Leenan Fahn, was
born on July 4, 1911, on a farm near Panama, Iowa.
She attended school at Grove Township Country School
and St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Earling, Iowa.
Hilda also attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in
Panama. After high school, she attended Franco
Beauty School in Omaha, Nebraska.
Hilda worked at Saylor Coffee Shop and at Maid-Rite
in Harlan, Iowa. She also worked at the Chuck Wagon
Restaurant in Omaha, Nebraska. In 1981, Hilda
purchased a home in the town of Panama, Iowa. In
1996, Hilda became a resident of the Dunlap Nursing
and Rehabilitation Center in Dunlap, Iowa.
She was a member of St. Mary’s Altar Society in
Panama, Iowa. Hilda died on Saturday, March 6, 2004,
at Dunlap Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in
Dunlap, Iowa, having attained the age of ninety-two
years, eight months, and two days. In addition to
her parents, Hilda was preceded in death by her
brothers and sister, Lawrence, Leo, Albert, Edmund,
Mildred, Leonard and Raymond. Survivors include her
sisters-in-law, Alice Fahn of Harlan, Iowa and Anna
Fahn Knudsen of Hood River, Oregon; many nieces and
nephews, other relatives and many friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was concelebrated on
Tuesday, March 9, 2004, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary of
the Assumption Catholic Church in Panama, Iowa, with
Msgr. Gerald Stessman as the celebrant, Rev. Michael
G. Peters concelebrating and Rev. Paul Strittmatter
as the homilist. Interment was in St. Mary’s
Cemetery in Panama, Iowa, with Bill Fahn, Charlie
Fahn, Ken Fahn, Ray Fahn, Joseph Fahn, Keith Fahn,
Duane Fahn, Gene Fahn and Randy Fahn serving as
casket bearers.
Leo Joseph "Joe" Fahn -
Age 72
Leo Joseph (Joe) Fahn was born on September 5, 1934 to Leo and Hilda (Leuschen)
Fahn in rural Harlan. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s
of the Assumption Catholic Church in Panama, Iowa. He received his education
from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Panama, graduating in 1952, and continued
on to Iowa State University for one year. He then had the opportunity to
farm and continued to do so until 2006.
On June 6, 1955, Joe married Marilyn Mickels at St. Mary’s in Panama. Two
sons were born to this union: Jay and Jamie. He was a loving husband to
Marilyn and a devoted dad to his sons. They were blessed to celebrate their
50th wedding anniversary in 2005.
Joe became a member of the Iowa Pork Producers and remained active until
2005. Locally, he served as a county and district chairman. On the state
level, he served on many committees as well as Treasurer, Vice President,
and finally as President in 1983. He enjoyed promoting Iowa pork and all the
lifelong friends he made.
He served on the Livestock and Meat Board based in Chicago from 1988 to
1995. He was a member of the Iowa Banking Board for twelve years.
He served as President of St. Mary’s Parish Council, held offices in the
Panama Community Club, was a Scout Leader, coached Little League baseball,
was a 4-H leader, and FFA Lifetime Alumni. He was named Farmer of the Year
by the Panama Community Club in 1973 and by the FFA in 1990. In 1975 he was
honored as Shelby County Pork Producer of the Year.
Forty years ago when the Catholic Church allowed lay people to be lectors,
Joe was one of the first to serve at St. Mary’s in Panama. He was an altar
server until 1991 when Joe and Marilyn moved to Harlan. They were members of
St. Michael’s Parish where Joe also served as a lector and usher.
He enjoyed family gatherings, participating in his sons’ farming operations
and in later years traveling with Marilyn during the winter. He was
especially proud of his grandchildren’s various accomplishments.
Joe died on Friday, July 27, 2007, in his sleep at Myrtue Medical Center in
Harlan, having attained the age of seventy-two years. He was preceded in
death by his parents and his brother-in-law Nick Gubbels.
Joe is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, Marilyn Fahn of Harlan,
Iowa; his sons: Jay Fahn and his wife Linda of Harlan, Iowa, and Jamie Fahn
and his wife Mary of Portsmouth, Iowa; grandchildren Megan and Ryan Fahn of
Portsmouth, Iowa, Bonnie and her husband Brian Reinig of Omaha, Nebraska,
and Amy Jo Jacobsen of Indianola, Iowa; his sisters: Marge Gubbels of
Harlan, Iowa, Donna and her husband Kenny Escher of Harlan, Iowa, Judy and
her husband Chuck Reynolds of Omaha, Nebraska, Mary Rose and her husband
Hollis Bledsoe of Avoca, Iowa; his brothers: Charlie Fahn and his wife Linda
of Canton, Georgia, and Bill Fahn and his wife Joan of Panama, Iowa; nieces,
nephews, other family members, and many friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, July 30, 2007, with celebrant
Rev. Bob Hoefler and Concelebrant Rev. Leonard Kenkel conducting the 10:30
AM service at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa. Honorary casket
bearers were Ken Mickels, Leo Kloewer, Chuck Bjustrom, Mike Telford, Rich
Dagner, Melvin Morfeld, Jim Ledgers, and Jim Meyer. Serving as casket
bearers were Ryan Fahn, Brian Reinig, Dean Gubbels, Bill Fahn, Charlie Fahn,
and Chris Rodenborn. Interment was held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Panama,
Iowa.
Barbara J. Fairchild - Age 67
Barbara JoAnn Fairchild, daughter of Dallas and
Marie Christine (Simonsen) Haskins, was born April
3, 1937, in Audubon, Iowa. She attended school in
Audubon and graduated from Audubon High School with
the class of 1955.
Barb was united in marriage to Kelly Fairchild on
September 2, 1955, in Carroll, Iowa. They were the
parents of three daughters: Kim, Kristi and Karla.
After their marriage, Barb was employed at the
Audubon County Hospital in Audubon. In 1961, the
family moved to Harlan where she was employed at
Mickel’s Restaurant, Swansons Grocery and Myrtue
Memorial Hospital. She later worked at the Harlan
Doctors Clinic as a bookkeeper. Barb enjoyed sewing
and because of this, she started her own business,
the Harlan Sewing Center in 1975. She continued
working until her retirement in 1995 due to her
heart illness.
On August 21, 1995, Barb underwent heart transplant
surgery after several months of enduring heart
failure. Barb’s gift of life came from a young
officer, Jimmy Wilson,Jr., who died in the line of
duty in Omaha, Nebraska. It was his heart that Barb
received and gave her a second chance in life. Barb
spoke often of the importance of organ donation and
how special the gift was that she received. Because
of this, her relationship with Jimmy Wilson Jr,’s
family will be cherished forever.
Barb was a positive, energetic and giving person
even when her health was poor. Every summer the
family vacationed at Table Rock Lake in Missouri
where she enjoyed being outdoors and especially
camping, boating, water skiing and tubing on the
lake right along with her children and
grandchildren.
Barb and her daughters made shopping the day after
Thanksgiving a family tradition. She also had a love
of shopping for shoes. Barb and her family are very
tight knit and she was considered the "Rock of the
Family." She also enjoyed traveling south for the
winters and to the east coast to see her family.
Barb was active in the community and helped with the
local bloodmobiles and at the polls at election
times even when her health was poor. She was a loyal
and trusted daughter, devoted wife, loving mother,
grandmother, sister and friend.
Barb died on Monday, October 18, 2004, at Bryan LGH
East in Lincoln, Nebraska, having attained the age
of sixty-seven years, six months and fifteen days.
In addition to her father, Barb was preceded in
death by her sister, Sandra Chambers.
She is survived by her mother, Marie and her
husband, Glen Thompson of Audubon, Iowa; her husband
of forty-nine years, Kelly of Harlan; her daughters:
Kim and her husband, Dick Zimmerman of Cedar Falls,
Iowa; Kristi and her husband, Paul Wegner and Karla
and her husband, Rick Kramer, all of Harlan; seven
grandchildren: Amy and her husband Clint Jensen of
Des Moines, Iowa; Kelly Zimmerman and his fiancé Amy
Peterson of Ames, Iowa; P.J. Wegner of Atlantic,
Iowa; Ryan Wegner, Andrea Rasmussen, Brittany and
McKenzie Moore all of Harlan, Iowa; her brothers and
sisters: Dallas Haskins, Jr of Hope Mills, North
Carolina; Jackie and her husband, Lynn Peterson of
Harlan, Iowa; Alan Haskins and his wife, JoAnn of
Audubon, Iowa; Mike Haskins and his wife, Nancy of
Florence, Kentucky; Sherry Payne of North Augusta,
South Carolina; besides other relatives and many
friends.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, October 21,
2004, at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa,
at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Ed Frank officiating.
Honorary casket bearers were Amy Jensen, Clint
Jensen, Ryan Wegner, Andrea Rasmussen, Kelly
Zimmerman, Amy Peterson, P.J. Wegner, Brittany
Moore, and McKenzie Moore.
Arrangements and
Services For
Shari A. Fell - Age
36
Who Died On-
Wednesday, July 12,
2006
No Visitation
Funeral Service
Wednesday, July 19,
2006
2:00 P.M.
Glenwood Resource
Center Chapel
Inurnment
Coleridge City
Cemetery
Coleridge Nebraska
Survivors include
her mother: Ronda
(David) Larimore of
Ogden, IA; Father:
Jeff (Peggy) Fell of
Walnut, IA; 3
Sisters and 2
Brothers;
Grandparents: David
(Abbie) Graham of
Walnut, IA; Tom
(Velma) Fell of
Walnut, IA
Bernice C. Feser -
Age 78

Bernice Schulte Feser was born on April 23, 1928, to William and Anna
Schulte of Earling, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s
Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa, where she also completed her education.
After completing high school, she became a nanny and took care of the
children of Dr. Stoner in Omaha, Nebraska. Later she worked at a sweet corn
factory in Harlan, Iowa.
On October 3, 1950, Bernice was united in marriage to Leo Feser at St.
Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling. For a short time they made their home
in Harlan, Iowa. Three children were born to this union: two sons, Leslie
and Dale, and one daughter, Karen. Bernice ran the household and raised the
children while Leo was out on the road trucking. When they moved to the farm
in 1963, she stayed busy helping Leo with the hogs and other activities of
farm life.
She enjoyed vacationing with her family and spent three weeks out west
touring the states. She made the best fried baked chicken anywhere. Some of
her favorite activities were playing bingo and cards with her friends and
watching the Christmas programs her grandchildren performed for her when
they were younger. In 1987, Bernice and Leo began spending their winters in
Texas, enjoying the warmer temperatures.
Bernice was diagnosed with leukemia on February 14, 2007, admitted to
Alegent Health Mercy Hospital on February 19, 2007, and it was there that
she died on Thursday, March 22, 2007, having attained the age of
seventy-eight years, ten months, and twenty-seven days.
Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Leo, her son
Leslie, her brothers Lawrence, John, Raymond, and Howard and her sisters
Frances Irwin, Ellen Stoll, and Helen Carey.
Bernice is survived by her children: Dale Feser of Defiance, Iowa, and Karen
and her husband Dennis Boger of Dallas Center, Iowa; her grandchildren: Teri
and her husband Tyler Reihmann, Daniel Boger, Holly Feser, Kelsey Feser, and
Zachary Feser; her brother and sisters: Alice Carey of Harlan, Iowa, Theresa
Blum of Walnut, Iowa, Agnes and her husband Leo Gaul of Harlan, Paul and his
wife Agnes Schulte of Carroll, Iowa, and Josephine Kwapiszeski of Harlan,
nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, March 26, 2007, with Rev. Bob
Hoefler officiating the 11:00 AM service at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in
Harlan, Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were Teri Reihmann, Daniel Boger,
Holly Feser, Kelsey Feser, Zachary Feser, Tyler Reihmann,
and Brian Stessman. Interment was held at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in
Defiance, Iowa.
Charles
M. Finken - Age 83
Charles
Michael Finken, the son of John S. And Matilda
(Heese) Finken was born on March 31, 1921, in
Earling, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St.
Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa. He
attended and graduated from St. Joseph’s Catholic
School in Earling, Iowa. After high school, he
attended Iowa State for one year before entering the
service.
On July 8, 1944, Charles was united in marriage to
Edna C. Fromm in Sacramento, California, where
Charles was stationed in the United States Army.
Edna remained in California until Charles was sent
overseas. She then returned to Shelby County to
await his return from active duty. Following
Charles’s honorable discharge in 1946, the couple
made their home in Earling, Iowa and became owner
operators of Finken Television Repair Service.
Charles was a longtime member of St. Joseph’s
Catholic Church, was an active member of the Earling
Council No. 1741 Knights of Columbus and the
American Legion Post No. 615 of Earling. They were
the parents of ten children: Steve, Alan, Rich,
Dave, Jean, John, Mark, Joan, Peter and Paul.
Charles died on Monday, October 4, 2004, at Myrtue
Memorial Hospital in Harlan, Iowa having attained
the age of eighty-three years, six months and four
days. In addition to his parents, Charles was
preceded in death by his wife, Edna, who died on
November 10, 2002, his son, John Finken, grandson,
Gregory Finken, and his sister Mariella Kramer.
He is survived by his children: Steve Finken and his
wife, Sharon of Harlan, Iowa; Alan Finken and his
wife, Donnelle of Littleton, Colorado, Rich Finken
of Earling, Iowa, Dave Finken of Papillion,
Nebraska, Jean and her husband, Alex Pruitt of
Spencer, Iowa, Mark Finken of Earling, Iowa, Joan
and her husband, Jim Henscheid of Des Moines, Iowa,
Peter Finken and his wife, Kara of Simsbury,
Connecticut and Paul Finken and his wife, Jackie of
Clarksville, Tennessee; twenty-three grandchildren,
one great grandson; his brothers, Jack Finken and
Robert and his wife Mary Helen both of Earling,
Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many
friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on
Thursday, October 7, 2004, at St. Joseph’s Catholic
Church in Earling, Iowa, at 11:00 A.M. with Rev.
Michael Berner as the celebrant. Military Rites were
conducted in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Earling, Iowa,
by the American Legion Post No. 615 of Earling,
Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were Jordan
Henscheid, Greg Pruitt, Chris Finken, John Finken,
Brian Finken and Nick Finken.
Marcella “Sally” Finken -
Age 87
Marcella "Sally" Marie Finken,
the daughter of Michael Blum Sr. and Getrude (Nollen) Blum, was born on May
2, 1919, in Panama, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s
Catholic Church in Panama, Iowa. She was a lifetime member of St. Mary of
the Assumption Catholic Church in Panama.
On April 30,1940, she was united
in marriage to Larry Finken at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Panama. Three
children were born to this union, Bonnie, Ken, and Dean.
After their marriage, Larry and
Sally farmed in the Panama, Iowa area. They retired from farming in 1980,
but continued to live on the farm and later moved into Panama.
Sally was employed at St. Mary’s
School cafeteria as well as a cook at Little Flower Haven in Earling. She
loved playing cards at any time, visiting with friends and family, and was
always on the go. For thirty-five years Sally and her husband enjoyed square
and ball room dancing all around southwest Iowa and Omaha.
Sally had died on September 2,
2006, at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, four months
after her eighty-seventh birthday. In addition to her parents, she was
preceded in death by her husband Larry Finken, her grandson Danny Wangner,
her son-in-law Bob Wangner and her sisters Helen Sternberg, Mildred
Chamberlain and Bernie Leuschen.
Sally is survived by her
children: Bonnie Wangner of Boca Raton, Florida; Ken and his wife Sue Finken
of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Dean and his wife Carol Finken of Atlantic,
Iowa; five grandchildren: Chrissy, Phil and Chad Finken, and Nick and Scott
Finken; three great grandchildren: Mariah, McCade and William; her brother
Mike, Jr. and his wife Theresa Blum of Harlan; nieces and nephews, other
relatives and many friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was
con-celebrated by Rev. Robert Hoefler and Rev. John Dorton at 10:30 A.M. on
Wednesday, September 6, 2006 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church
in Panama, Iowa. Interment was held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Panama with
Keith Finken, Bud Chamberlain, Ted Chamberlain, Bob Blum, Mike Blum and Dave
Sternberg serving as casket bearers.
Lt. Col. Paul J. Finken - Age 40
Paul John Finken,
son of Charles and Edna (Fromm) Finken, was born on July 31, 1966 in
Manning, Iowa as one of the heaviest set of twins ever born at the hospital.
He attended grade school at St. Joseph Catholic Grade school and graduated
in May, 1980. He attended high school at Harlan Community HS in Harlan, Iowa
and graduated in May, 1984. Paul then attended the Iowa State University for
one year prior to entering the United States Military Academy at West Point,
New York where he graduated in May, 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree
majoring in Engineering Management and a minor in Operations Research
(Systems Engineering). Paul also graduated from the Naval Post Graduate
School in Monteray, California in June, 2000, with a Masters of Science
degree in Operations Analysis.
Paul entered the United States
Army as a Second Lieutenant Infantry officer where he served for 17 years on
active duty until his recent death in Eastern Baghdad, Iraq. Lieutenant
Colonel Paul J. Finken, 40, of Earling, Iowa, was an infantry officer
assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 506th Infantry
Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne
Division (Air Assault). Paul arrived at Fort Campbell in June, 2003 and
immediately deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
On October 10, 1992, Paul was
united in marriage to Jackie Farrar at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in
Earling, Iowa. From this union, three children were born: Emilie, Caroline,
and Julia He was a devoted husband and loving father.
Paul’s awards and decorations
include Weapons Qualification, M9, expert; Bronze Star medal (2);
Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal (3); Army Achievement
Medal (2); Iraqi Campaign Medal; Armed Forces Service Medal; Army Superior
Unit Award; National Defense Service Medal (2); Global War on Terrorism
Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Armed Forces
Expeditionary Medal; NATO Service Medal; Overseas Service Ribbon; Army
Service Ribbon; Air Assault Badge; Combat Infantry Badge; Expert Infantry
Badge; Parachutists Badge; Pathfinder Badge; and the Ranger Tab. Paul was
awarded the Purple Heart and his second Bronze Star posthumously.
After graduation from West Point,
Paul began his Military career as a Rifle Platoon Leader in A Company, 4th
Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, "Manchu’s" at Fort Wainwright,
Alaska. He later served as the Company’s Executive Officer. In June 1992, he
moved to Headquarters and Headquarters Company as the Mortar Platoon Leader
and later served as the Assistant Battalion S-3/Operations Officer.
In September 1994, following
graduation from the Infantry Officer Advanced Course, he was assigned to
Headquarters, V Corp in Heidelberg, Germany as an Assistant G3 Operations
Officer. In February 1996, he moved to Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment in
Vilseck, Germany and served as the Battalion Supply Officer. In November of
that year, he took command of C Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd
Infantry Regiment in Vilseck, Germany. In March of 1997, he was deployed for
7 months to Bosnia as the Commander of A Company, 1st Battalion,
77th Armor Regiment, a combined Armor-Infantry Company Team and
later served in Headquarters and Headquarters Company as the Battalion Air
Operations officer. In June 2000, he was selected to serve as an Expert
Combat Operations Analyst for TRADOC Analysis Command at Fort Leavenworth,
Kansas.
Following graduation from the
Army Command and General Staff College, Paul was assigned in June, 2003 to
the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell,
Kentucky. He immediately deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom where he was
assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion,
187th Infantry Regiment, "Rakassans" as the Battalion Executive
Officer and later as the Battalions Operations Officer upon the unit’s
redeployment from Iraq.
In November 2004, Paul became the
Executive Officer of the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry
Regiment "Currahee". In August 2005, he was assigned to Headquarters, 506th
Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team as the Chief of the
Military Transition Team and once again deployed to Baghdad, Iraq to train
Iraqi Forces. He was serving in this position at the time of his death from
enemy action. Paul died on Thursday, November 2, 2006, while on a mission in
Eastern Baghdad, Iraq. In addition to his parents, Charles and Edna, Paul
was preceded in death by his beloved brother John, and nephew Gregory.
Survivors include his wife Jackie
and their three children: Emilie, Caroline, and Julia of Clarksville, TN;
his sisters and brothers: Steve (Sharon) Finken of Harlan, IA; Alan
(Donnelle) Finken of Littleton, CO; Richard Finken of Earling, IA; David
Finken of Papillion, NE; Jean (Alex) Pruitt of Spencer, IA; Mark Finken of
Carroll, IA; Joan (Jim) Henscheid of West Des Moines, IA; and Peter (Kara)
Finken of Simsbury, CT. Mother In Law Juneadair Farrar of Toluca, Il.;
Sisters-in-law Janine (Russ) Welp of Marshalltown, IA; Denise (Scott)
McGillis of Toluca, Il. many nieces and nephews and godchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial was
celebrated on Saturday, November 11, 2006, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
in Earling, Iowa, at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Michael Berner as the celebrant.
Military Rites were conducted in the Earling Cemetery in Earling, Iowa, by
the 101st Airborne Division Color Guard. Serving as part of the
Honor Guard were LTC Matt Ferguson, SSG Shannon Cole, SGT Nicholas Shaw, SPC
Paul Ogilvie, PV2 Jose Richardson, PFC Erin Dotson, SGT Eugene Deriada, SPC
Jonathan Allen, SPC Justin Major, SPC Dakarai Davis. LTC Michael Scott and
LTC Jay Knox also served as the Paul’s personal escort and assistance officer
throughout the ceremonies.
Murle "Casey" G. Fitzgerald - Age 97
Murle "Casey" Glen Fitzgerald, the son of
William and Laura (Hazard) Fitzgerald, was
born on December 9, 1908, at Persia, Iowa.
He attended country school near Persia.
After receiving his education, Casey worked
for John Bentlage on a farm. He then
traveled by train to find various places of
employment, including traveling to Canada
and Colorado.
On October 24, 1936, Casey was united in
marriage to Verda Williams at Edgewood,
Colorado. After their marriage, Casey and
Verda lived in Denver, Colorado, where they
were both employed at Montgomery Wards. In
August of 1950, the couple returned to
Persia, Iowa, where Casey was the Chief of
Police. On April 1, 1951, they purchased
Casey’s Club and they worked together until
retiring in 1973. Casey then worked
part-time for the hardware store in Persia,
fully retiring when the hardware store was
sold. Verda died on January 22, 2005.
Casey enjoyed tinkering, working in the
yard, hunting, especially pheasants, fishing
and bowling. He even had his own bowling
team in Minden, Iowa. Casey loved baseball.
He was a member of the Persia Yanks and was
inducted into the Southwest Iowa Baseball
Hall of Fame. He was an avid collector of
buckeyes and made various items with them.
He also carried them in his pocket to help
ease the pain from arthritis in his hands.
On Tuesday, April 4, 2006, Casey died at the
Avoca Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in
Avoca, Iowa, having attained the age of
ninety-seven years, three months and
twenty-six days. In addition to his parents,
and his wife, Verda, Casey was preceded in
death by his brothers and sisters: William
and Joe Fitzgerald, Opal Schleimer, and
Pearl Champlin.
He is survived by his daughter, Sharon
Engman Jensen of Salem, Missouri; three
grandchildren: Diane Brich of Rolla,
Missouri; Ron Engman of Avoca, Iowa; Rick
Engman of Fort Worth, Texas; seven
great-grandchildren; many nieces and
nephews; other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held on Thursday,
April 6, 2006, at Pauley Jones Funeral Home
in Harlan, Iowa, at 1:00 P.M. with John
Farrell officiating. Interment was in Valley
View Cemetery in Persia, Iowa, with Shea
Engman, United States Navy and Tom Nelson
serving as honorary casket bearers. Serving
as casket bearers were Scott Brich, Jason
Fitzgerald, Ron Engman, Nick Kuster, Rick
Engman, and Travis
Kuster.
Ivan G.
Fiscus - 94
Ivan Glenn Fiscus was born on November 10, 1912, to
Paaren and Anna Jane (Mitten) Fiscus in rural Shelby County, Iowa. He
attended country school near his birthplace of Redline, Iowa. After his
schooling, he began his farming career with his dad and brothers.
On October 10,
1940, he was united in marriage to Charline Ione Miller. One child was born
to this union, Keith. Ivan lived and farmed in the Shelby County area his
entire married life.
Ivan enjoyed
the simple things in life and loved to sit and visit for hours. He would
hand out ice cream bars to anyone who stopped by the farm. He was a huge
helpmate to Charline and was a wonderful husband for sixty-two years and was
such a fantastic father to his son, that he often did Keith’s worrying for
him!
In 1977, Ivan
retired from farming but kept his connection with the land and livestock by
assisting Keith with the farm. Ivan especially loved driving the tractor and
helping with the field work. Ivan was a member of the First Baptist Church
in Harlan. He continued to live on the farm until March of 2007, when he
moved to Salem Lutheran Nursing Home in Elk Horn, Iowa. It was there that he
died on Monday, October 1, 2007, having attained the age of ninety-four
years, ten months, and twenty-one days. Keith will always remember his
birthday as the day his Dad went home to be with the Lord. He was preceded
in death by his parents, his wife Charline, his grandson Ron, and his
brothers and sisters: Elvie, Elmer, Iliff, Leonard, Florence, LaVerne,
Melvin, and Melveree.
Ivan is
survived by his son Keith Fiscus and his wife Bonnie of Kirkman, Iowa; and
his brother Wayne Fiscus and his wife Violet also of Kirkman, Iowa;
sisters-in-law: Madge Fiscus and Katherine Fiscus both of Harlan; nieces and
nephews; other family members and friends.
A funeral
service was held on Friday, October 5, 2007, at First Baptist Church in
Harlan with Pastor Gundar Lamberts officiating the 10:30 AM service.
Honorary casket bearers were Lowell Howe, Gene Gaer, Loren Ostebee, Dave
Martin, Bryan Greve, Les Outhouse, and Mike Weisenborn. Serving as casket
bearers were Jim Baughman, Kelly Fiscus, Norm Mathiasen, Terry Fiscus, Lyle
Fiscus, and Randy Fiscus with interment held at the Harlan Cemetery in
Harlan, Iowa.
Leonard L. Fiscus - Age 78
Leonard L. Fiscus, the
son of Paaren and Anna Jane Mitten, was born on
March 2, 1926 on a farm near Kirkman, Iowa. Leonard
attended country school and grew to adulthood on the
family farm. Farming was a part of Leonard’s life,
an occupation he was joined in by his wife Madge
Delico Findlay, after their marriage on January 19,
1947 at the First United Methodist Church in Harlan.
Two sons were born to this union, Randy and Barry
Fiscus.
Their farming operation was typical of the family
farm in the Midwest. The usual corn, oats, hay
livestock and poultry were evident as the family
continued to grow. Farmers often develop a loyalty
to certain kinds of farm equipment. Here, Leonard
was no different. He had a passion for his
International Equipment and his 1951 Chevy pickup.
He could be seen at various parades and special
events driving the pickup. Farm life for Leonard and
Madge included the Shelby County Fair, the Shelby
County Saddle Club, and the cherry pie auctions. He
never complained when the bidding got a little high
because he wanted to support the fair. In addition
to showing quarter horses at the fair, he also
showed them at Ak Sar Ben in Omaha, Nebraska.
Farming was a way of life, not an occupation for
Leonard. He took to the task in a low key approach
where common sense and patience were his guiding
lights.
Summer vacations for the Fiscus family included
boating at Clear Lake. He was known to teach many
members of the family how to water ski. As his
grandchildren grew in their own activities, Leonard
was there to support them. Softball, volley ball and
dance recitals were on his lists of events not to
miss. He will be remembered for his gentleness,
strong lingering hugs the love of his family, and
animals, especially his cats.
As time went on, Leonard enjoyed traveling. He was
always ready to go, but he was just as anxious to
get back home to the farm and perhaps his Coca-Cola
collection.
Leonard died at the Myrtue Memorial Hospital in
Harlan, Iowa on Friday May 28, 2004 having attained
the age of 78 years, two months and 26 days.
In addition to his parents, Leonard was preceded in
death by an infant baby, his brothers and sisters:
Elvie Kolb, Elmer, Iliff, Melvin, Melveree, and
Florence White.
Survivors include his wife of fifty-seven years
Madge of Harlan, His sons Randy and his wife Shyrl
of Iowa Falls, Iowa and Barry of Atlantic, Iowa; two
granddaughters, Casey Reed, and Nikki Allen and her
husband Ryan; one great grandson Dustin Reed all of
Iowa Falls, Iowa; his sister LaVerne Nielsen of
Harlan and his brothers Ivan and Wayne and his wife
Violet Fiscus all of Kirkman, Iowa; nieces and
nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, June 1, 2004
at 10:30 AM at the Pauley Jones Funeral Home in
Harlan, Iowa with Rev. Ed Frank as the clergy.
Serving as honorary casket bearers were Lyle
Knudsen, Richard Ferry, Russell E. Petersen, Howard
Dahlof, Charlie Grabill. Serving as casket bearers
were Lyle Fiscus, Keith Fiscus, Larry W. Kolb, Ron
Mosher, Kelly Fiscus and Terry Fiscus. Interment was
held in the Harlan Cemetery, Harlan, Iowa.
Verda Fitzgerald - Age 89
Verda Lillian
Fitzgerald, the daughter of William E. and Mary
Lillian Slaven Williams, was born on August 6, 1915,
on a farm near Portsmouth, Iowa. She attended Leland
Grove Country School where the Pickard Sisters were
the teachers.
On October 24, 1936, Verda was united in marriage to
M. G. "Casey" Fitzgerald at Lakewood, Colorado.
After their marriage, Verda and Casey lived in
Denver, Colorado, where Verda was employed at
Montgomery Wards. In August of 1950, they returned
to Persia, Iowa, where Casey was Chief of Police. On
April 1, 1951, they purchased Casey’s Club and they
worked together until retiring in 1973. After
retiring, Verda and Casey remained in Persia, Iowa.
Verda liked flowers and enjoyed Sunday rides and
attending ball games.
Verda died on Saturday, January 22, 2005, at Myrtue
Memorial Hospital in Harlan, Iowa, having attained
the age of eighty-nine years, five months and
sixteen days. In addition to her parents, Verda was
preceded in death by her sisters, Delores Becker,
Ruby Williams, and Bonnie Wolverton; her brothers,
Deryl, Ray and Lloyd.
Survivors include her husband, M. G. "Casey"
Fitzgerald of Persia, Iowa; her daughter, Sharon
Engman Jensen of Salem, Missouri; three
grandchildren, Diane and her husband, Scott Brich,
Ron Engman and his wife, Susanne and Rick Engman;
seven great-grandchildren, Ryan, Katie, Rachael,
Shea, Amanda, Christy and Bradley; her sisters, Opal
Plambeck of Papillion, Nebraska; Evelyn Kuster of
Persia, Iowa; Gloria Shield of Rowley, Iowa; her
brother, Melvin Williams and his wife, Marie of
Omaha, Nebraska; many nieces and nephews; other
relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 25,
2005 at 1:30 P.M. at the Pauley Jones Funeral Home
in Harlan, Iowa with Rev. Ed Frank serving as the
clergy. Ron Engman, Travis Kuster, Corey Argbaugh,
Tom Ward, Rick Engman and Nick Kuster served as
casket bearers. Interment was held in the Valley
View Cemetery in Persia, Iowa.
Ron
Flaharty - Age 53
Ronald Eugene
Flaharty, the son of Elmer and Ginny McIntosh
Flaharty, was born on September 14, 1951 in Logan,
Iowa. He attended school at Tri-Center and graduated
with the class of 1970.
Ronald was united in marriage to MaryLu Leinen on
September 22, 1973 at St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima in
Portsmouth, Iowa. They lived in Germany for six
months while Ron was in the service and then
returned to Persia when he was discharged. While in
the service, Ron was baptized into the catholic
faith at a catholic Church in Germany. After making
their home in Persia, Ron worked as a diesel
mechanic, for Cornhusker trucking and for other area
trucking companies. He was a member and Commander of
the Persia American Legion Post No. 314 and
volunteered his time to many of the military grave
side rites for other veterans who have died.
Ron enjoyed hunting and fishing and mowing his yard.
He loved every moment that he spent with his wife,
children and grandchildren. He loved animals and
enjoyed telling a number of people about the pet
pigeon.
Ron died at Creighton Medical Center in Omaha,
Nebraska on Friday, July 29, 2005 having attained
the age of fifty three years, ten months and fifteen
days. He is preceded in death by his parents, his
sister, Nancy Jo and a brother, Donald.
Ron is survived by his wife, MaryLu; his children:
Valerie and her husband Jeremy Ewoldt, Jamie and
Shawn Flaharty and his wife, Mary, all of Persia,
Iowa; three grandchildren: Scott, Brayden, and
Ethan; brother and sisters: Audrey Sue and her
husband, Larry Siebert of Green Forrest, Arkansas;
Vickie and her husband Arlon Martens and Dan
Flaharty all of Council Bluffs, Iowa; other
relatives and many friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on
Tuesday, August 2, 2005, at St. Mary Our Lady of
Fatima Catholic Church in Portsmouth, Iowa, at 10:30
A.M. with Rev. John Dorton as the celebrant.
Military Rites were conducted in Valley View
Cemetery in Persia, Iowa, by the American Legion
Swanger Post No. 314 of Persia, Iowa. Serving as
honorary casket bearers were his son, grandsons,
brothers, brother-in-law, and nephews. Serving as
casket bearers were Seth Boos, Jerry Plambeck, Ron
Reed, Sam Plambeck, George Wear, and Bill Plambeck.
Robert "Dave" Force -
Age 61
Robert "Dave" Force was born on March 17, 1946 to Dale and Jean (Fritts) Force in Portland, Oregon. He was confirmed at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church. He attended elementary school in Portland and graduated at Rainier High School in Rainier, Oregon, with the Class of 1964. He continued his education at Lower Columbia Community College in Longview, Washington.
Dave
left college to enlist in the United States Air Force in 1965. He received
his specialty training and worked as a weather forecaster, beginning with
Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois and ending with Elmendorf Air Force Base
in Alaska. He also served in a financial capacity at the Army Chapel in Fort
Wainwright, Alaska. During the summer of 1967, Dave met LaVonne Walker on
McChord Air Force Base in Washington State. It was at the base that Dave was
united in marriage to LaVonne two years later on June 5, 1969. One son,
Steven, was born to this union. He was also stationed at Thulle Air Force
Base in Greenland for one year of duty.
Dave
spent twenty-six years in the Air Force, obtaining the rank of Senior Master
Sergeant, and receiving his honorable discharge on November 1, 1991. After
becoming a civilian, he went back to college and obtained his degree in
computerized bookkeeping at Charter College in Anchorage, Alaska. After
completing his degree, Dave worked as a full charge bookkeeper for two
construction companies until his retirement in July 2006. Between the summer
of 1997 and September of 2006, when Dave and LaVonne moved to Harlan, he was
very active at Dimond Grace Fellowship in Anchorage. He had a servant’s
heart and was an Elder, bookkeeper, teacher, and leader, touching many lives
as he lived for our Lord.
Dave and
LaVonne enjoyed spending time with family and often vacationed together with
her sisters and their husbands. Dave was very proud of the accomplishments
of his son Steven and wife Melanie. He was the best grandpa to Malcolm,
Cameron, and Isabella, playing with them and spoiling them as much as he
could.
Dave became sick in June of 2007
and was admitted to Creighton Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. It was
there that he died on August 14, 2007, having attained the age of sixty-one
years, four months, and twenty-eight days. He was preceded in death by his
parents, his brother Sumner Earlywine, and his step-mother Patience Force.
He is
survived by his wife of thirty-eight years, LaVonne of Harlan, Iowa; his son
Steven Force and wife Melanie of Ewa Beach, Hawaii; three grandchildren:
Malcolm, Cameron, and Isabella; his brothers: Don Earlywine and wife Annie
of Prineville, Oregon, Dan Force and wife Diane of Vancouver, Washington,
and Tim Force of Rainier, Oregon; nieces, nephews, other family members, and
many friends.
A
funeral service was held on Tuesday, August 21, 2007, with Rev. Chris Ball
and Rev. Gundar Lamberts officiating the 1:30 PM service at First Baptist
Church in Harlan, Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were Mike Dorland, Jeremy
Walker, David Martin, Jim Powell, Mike Brandt, and Joe Powell. Military
Rites were held by the Harlan American Legion Helmer Reyelt Post No. 150 and
Shelby County VFW Post No. 941 at the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan.
Leroy G. Frahm - Age 86
Leroy Gerald Frahm was born on a farm
northwest of Avoca, Iowa on July 8, 1918. He was the
son of Harry and Margaret Wolf Frahm and was one of
four children in the family. He attended Prairie
country school and then graduated from the Avoca
High School.
Leroy was a farmer in the
Avoca, Corley, Walnut and Elk Horn, Iowa areas until
1978 when he retired from farming and moved into
Walnut, Iowa. He lived in Walnut with his brother
Clyde and together they grew a large garden and
enjoyed growing a lot of flowers. He and Clyde did a
little canning of their garden produce. Leroy
enjoyed fishing in Minnesota and Missouri and also
playing softball with his nieces and nephews. Leroy
was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of
Avoca, Iowa.
Leroy died on Sunday,
January 30, 2005 at the Myrtue Memorial Hospital in
Harlan, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his
parents and a sister, Virginia Piittmann.
He is survived by his
brother, Clyde Frahm of Walnut, Iowa; his sister,
Leona Piittmann of Hancock, Iowa; nieces, Nancy
Kelly of Hancock, Iowa; Peggy and her husband, LeRoy
Hansen of Minden, Iowa; Becky and her husband, Paul
Jensen of Underwood, Minnesota; nephew, Randy
Piittmann and his wife, Barb of Hancock, Iowa; seven
great-nephews and one great-niece; other relatives
and many friends.
Kenneth
L. Fredrechsen - Age 85
Kenneth Lewis Fredrechsen, son of Lewis and Ella
(Feldhahn) Fredrechsen, was born on his parents’ farm in rural Walnut on
March 1, 1919. He grew up on the farm while attending country school at
Layton Township #1. He graduated from Walnut High School with the class of
1935 shortly after his 16th birthday. After high school, Kenneth
helped with the family farm and also attended Iowa State University’s
Agricultural Short Course for two winters.
In 1939, Kenneth moved
to California to work with his uncle in the shipyards. In 1941 he returned
home to Walnut. In February 1942, he entered the United States Army where he
served in Hawaii until he was accepted into the Army Air Corps. After the
number of Air Corps members was reduced, he returned to service with the
Army where he served on the European front. He fought at the Battle of the
Bulge and was part of the unit that liberated the Buchenwald Concentration
Camp in Germany. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army in
December 1945 and was awarded a Bronze Star for Bravery. Following his
service, Kenneth returned home to farm.
On February 10, 1947,
Kenneth was united in marriage to Margaret Caroline Koll in Walnut. They
were the parents of one daughter, Nancy. He and Margaret moved onto the
family farm that was recently designated an Iowa Century Farm. Kenneth was a
lifelong farmer who loved and respected the ground he farmed. He also
embraced new farming technologies. As farming changed from hand picking corn
to Global Positioning Satellite planting and computerized yield monitoring,
so did the ways in which Kenneth farmed. Most importantly though, he
instilled the beliefs of being not only a good farmer to those around him
but also the importance of being a good husband, father and grandfather.
Kenneth and Margaret took many trips throughout the world. They shared a
love for Iowa State University and county and state fairs.
Kenneth was very active
in his community. He was a member of the American Legion, the AmVets, and
the Pottawattamie County Last Man’s Club. He was a member of the Masons
where he was a Past Master of the Morro Lodge #559 of Walnut and he was
later a member of the Grove Lodge of Marne. He was a Worthy Patron of
Eastern Star. He was a member of the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine and the Nishna Valley
Shrine Club. He was also a lifetime member of the Peace United Church of
Walnut. He served many years on the board of the Peace Haven Retirement Home
in Walnut. He was a founding member of the Cass County Cattlemen’s
Association. He was also a 4-H leader, a member of the East Pottawattamie
Soil and Conservation Board, the Pottawattamie County Zoning Board and the
Atlantic Lions Club.
Kenneth died on
Saturday, December 11, 2004 at the Cass County Hospital in Atlantic having
attained the age of eighty-five years, nine months and ten days. In addition
to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Margaret on January 16,
1998.
He is survived by his
daughter, Nancy and her husband, Jim Pellett, of Atlantic; his
grandchildren: Bradley Pellett and his wife Kristy, of Atlantic; Marci and
her husband, Andrew Loder, of Bellingham, Washington; Beth and her husband,
Brian Levine, of Laurel, Maryland; and Michael Pellett and his wife, Stacey,
of Geneseo, Illinois; his great grandchildren: Connor and Caroline Pellett;
Madeline and Sebastian Kenneth Loder; and Carter Pellett; his sister, Marion
Bayle of Amarillo, Texas; nieces and nephews, other relatives and many
friends.
Paul A.
Freeman - Age 36
Who Died On Friday, June 20, 2008
Visitation
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Pauley Jones Funeral Home
Avoca, Iowa
Family Will
Greet Friends
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Prayer Service
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
7:00 PM
Funeral
Service
Wednesday, June 25, 2008 - 2:00
PM
Trinity Lutheran Church - Avoca,
Iowa
Internment
Graceland Cemetery - Avoca, Iowa
Paul is survived by his wife
Michelle Freeman of Avoca; his children Courtney
Freeman of Avoca and Baby Boy Freeman due August
12; his mother Barbara (Dallas) Popp of Avoca;
his father Nolan Freeman of Marysville, WA; his
brothers Ed Freeman of Minden, IA; Jason Engle
of Shelby, IA and his sister Amy (Wes) Parker of
Avoca
Ardelle M. Fresener - Age 80
Ardelle Mae Fresener was
born near Walnut, Iowa, on August 23, 1925. She was the daughter of Lester
and Margaret Martens Kite and was one of two daughters in the family. She
attended country school and graduated from Walnut High School with the class
of 1942.
Ardelle was united in marriage to Robert W. Fresener on December 2, 1945, in
Walnut, Iowa. She taught country school for twelve years and in the AvoHa
Community School for thirty years. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree
from Drake University in 1965. Ardelle retired from teaching in May of 1987.
Ardelle was a member of Peace United Church of Christ in Walnut, where she
taught Sunday School, a member of the Walnut American Legion Auxiliary and
enjoyed playing cards. She and Robert have been residents at Peace Haven
Retirement Home since 1993.
Ardelle died on Thursday, September 8, 2005, at Creighton Medical Center in
Omaha, Nebraska, having attained the age of eighty years and sixteen days.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Betty Ann Kite.
Ardelle is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Robert of Walnut,
Iowa; her Godchild, Stacy Ridnour-McIlnay and her husband Eric of Glenwood,
Iowa; one aunt, cousins and many friends.
Ralph M. Freund - Age 73
Ralph Matthew Freund, the son of Herman and Christine Mumm Freund
was born on August 15, 1930 on a farm near Earling, Iowa He was
baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling,
Iowa. Ralph attended country school.
After school Ralph farmed until his retirement in
1995. He continued to live on the farm until February of this year
when he became a resident of Elm Crest Assisted Living in Harlan,
Iowa. He died at Jennie Edmundson Memorial Hospital in Council
Bluffs, Iowa, on May 24, 2004, having attained the age of
seventy-three years, nine months and nine days.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and one
brother, Harold. He leaves to mourn his passing his sisters:
Rosemary and her husband, Anthony Wingert of Avoca, Iowa and Agnes
and her husband, Jacob Hastert of Harlan, Iowa, many nieces,
nephews, and many friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on
Friday, may 28, 2004 at 10:30 AM at St. Mary of the Assumption
Catholic Church in Panama, Iowa with Rev. Michael G. Peters as the
celebrant. Serving as casket bearers were Larry Wingert, Timothy
Hastert, Richard Hastert, John Wingert, William Hastert, Neil
Wingert and Robert Hastert. Interment was held in the St, Mary’s
Cemetery in Panama, Iowa.
James L. Friend - Age 52
James Leroy
Friend, the son of Max L. and F. Jeanne Luney Friend, was born on
September 4, 1951 in Harlan, Iowa. As a young child Jim enjoyed
swimming, Boy Scouts, fishing and riding his bike. A favorite summer
game of his was Kick the Can with the neighborhood kids. Jim mowed
lawns and delivered the Nonpareil Newspaper. While in high school he
was a member of the wrestling team and he worked T & I for Firestone
Tire. He graduated from Harlan Community High School in 1970.
On January 27,
1973, Jim was united in marriage to Carrie Ludwick at Country Side
Church in Omaha, Nebraska. To this union one daughter, Jennifer, was
born. They made their home in Omaha, Nebraska. On July 20, 1980 he
was united in marriage to Kimberly Anne Hoogensen. Jim loved to work
outdoors especially gardening. He liked watching basketball and
baseball. His hobbies were refinishing wood projects and coin
collecting. Jim loved horses and worked as a racehorse groom and
assistant trainer for many years.
James died on
Saturday, May 8, 2004 at Hospice House, The Josie Harper Residence
in Omaha, Nebraska, having attained the age of fifty-two years,
eight months and four days.
His father, Max
L. Friend, his maternal grandparents, J. Gordon and Gladys M. Luney
and his paternal grandmother, Frances M. Goodner preceded Jim in
death. He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer and her husband,
Robert Carleton of Trimble, Missouri; one grandson, Seth Robert
Carleton and one granddaughter, Madisen Carleton, both of Trimble,
Missouri; his mother, F. Jeanne Friend of Harlan, Iowa; a brother
Robert Friend and his wife, Gwen of Bellevue, Nebraska; three
sisters: Barbara Aitkenhead of Omaha, Nebraska; Janet and her
husband, James Swensen of Harlan, Iowa and Joanne and her husband,
Alan Kenkel of Defiance, Iowa, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Funeral
Services were held on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 at 10:00 AM at the
Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa with Rev. Ed Frank as
clergy. Serving as casket bearers were Robert M. Friend, Gaige A.
Knudson, Max A. Kenkel, Robert C. Aitkenhead, Samuel F. Kenkel and
Alan G. Kenkel. Interment was held in the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan,
Iowa.
Peter J. Fromm
- Age 80
Peter "Pete" Joseph Fromm, Jr.,
the son of Peter and Philomena (Gorsche)
Fromm, Sr., was born on February 3,
1926, in Harlan, Iowa.
He was baptized and confirmed at
St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance, Iowa. In 1935, the Fromm family
moved to Defiance, Iowa and Pete attended school and graduated from St.
Paul’s Catholic School in Defiance. After high school, he stayed on his
family’s farm to help his father until he was drafted.
On September 21, 1950, Peter was
inducted into the United States Army at Omaha, Nebraska. He served with the
Third Infantry during the Korean conflict. During his military service, Pete
was privileged to serve with the Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown
Soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. He was
present for many dignitaries including President Harry S. Truman. His duty
was one of honor and respect. He was honorably discharged on September 20,
1952, at Indiantown Cap Military Reservation.
On November 16, 1959, he was
united in marriage to Therese Kaufman at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in
Earling, Iowa. Three children were born to this union: John, Pete and Mary.
After their marriage, the couple resided just west of Defiance, Iowa, on the
farm that Peter’s parents farmed and this has been their home since that
time. Pete was a lifetime farmer and enjoyed his work.
He was a member of the American
Legion Post No. 707 of Defiance, Iowa, and was a past member of the Knights
of Columbus. Pete was a big supporter of the Defiance Town Team Baseball and
was a player as well as a coach. His life revolved around his family, his
farm , his faith and the flag. He was a loving husband, father and very
proud grandfather.
Peter died on Thursday, March 30,
2006, at his home in Defiance, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty
years, one month and twenty-seven days. In addition to his parents, Pete was
preceded in death by his brother and sisters: Leonard, Marie Beauchamp,
Margaret Lehan, and Edna Finken.
Survivors include his wife,
Therese Fromm of Defiance, Iowa; his children: John Fromm of Defiance, Iowa;
Pete Fromm and his wife, Marla of Ankeny, Iowa; Mary and her husband, John
Dentlinger of Manning, Iowa; five grandchildren: Anna, Kate, and Jacob
Dentlinger and Nathan and Tyler Fromm; his brother, Leo Fromm and his wife,
Ann of Marshalltown, Iowa; sister, Virginia Muellman of Omaha, Nebraska;
other relatives and many friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was
celebrated on Monday, April , 2006, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in
Defiance, Iowa, at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Michael Berner as the celebrant.
Military Rites were conducted in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Defiance,
Iowa, by the American Legion Post No. 707 of Defiance and Westphalia, Iowa.
Serving as casket bearers were Alan Finken, Patrick Lehan, Keith Weller,
Robert Muellman, Mark Kaufman, and Wayne Schwarte.
Therese "Trixie"
Fromm - Age 77
Therese "Trixie"
Fromm, daughter of Henry and Cecelia (Mueller)
Kaufman, was born on December 3, 1930, in
Earling, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling and
graduated from St. Joseph’s Catholic School.
On November 16, 1959, she was united in marriage
to Peter Fromm at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
in Earling. Three children were born to this
union: John, Pete, and Mary. After their
marriage, the couple resided just west of
Defiance, Iowa, on the farm that Peter’s parents
farmed. Therese worked at the Shelby County
Court House as a secretary to the Clerk of
Court, but when their children were born, she
became a stay at home mother.
After the children were older, Therese began
working at CDS in Harlan and as a caretaker for
her aunt Hilda. In 1995, she retired from CDS
but continued to care for Hilda until her death.
Therese was a loving mother and grandmother and
enjoyed cooking, gardening, canning, playing
horsetail and cribbage, and taking care of her
flowers. She was also very active in St. Peter’s
Catholic Church in Defiance.
Therese died on Wednesday, May 28, 2008, at
Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, having attained
the age of seventy-seven years, five months, and
twenty-five days. She is preceded in death by
her parents; her husband Peter; her sisters:
Mary Mundt, Helen Reinig, and Jenny Weller; and
her brothers: Joseph, Frank, Louis and Henry E.
Kaufman.
She is survived by her children: John Fromm of
Defiance, Iowa; Pete Fromm and his wife Marla of
Ankeny, Iowa; and Mary and her husband John
Dentlinger of Manning, Iowa; five grandchildren:
Anna, Kate, and Jacob Dentlinger and Nathan and
Tyler Fromm; her sister Peggy and her husband
Martin Schwarte of Harlan; her brother Mike
Kaufman and his friend Marlene of Omaha,
Nebraska; her brothers-in-law Gordon Weller of
Westside, Iowa and Leo Fromm and his wife Ann of
Marshalltown, Iowa; her sisters-in-law Vivian
Kaufman of Woodbine, Iowa and Virginia Muellman
of Omaha, Nebraska; nieces, nephews, other
family members and many friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday,
May 31, 2008 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in
Defiance, Iowa. Rev. Tom Coenen officiated the
1:00 PM service. Serving as casket bearers were:
Dave Finken, Randy Schwarte, Pete Finken, Gary
Weller, Jerry Kaufman, and Mark Kaufman.
Interment was held at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery
in Defiance, Iowa.
Howard L.
Fuller - Age 79
Howard Lester Fuller, Jr., the son of Howard and
Dorothy Newman Fuller, Sr., was born on September
19, 1927 in New York, New York. He attended school
in Pottstown, Illinois until the eighth grade. After
his schooling Howard started helping his father on
the farm. When he was seventeen, he enlisted into
the United States Navy. Howard served his country
from 1944 to 1948 with the Navy Amphibious Corps in
the South Pacific where he received numerous medals.
After his discharge from the Navy, Howard moved to
Avoca, Iowa and made his home. He was employed as a
truck driver for Melvin Trucking, Pabst Blue Ribbon
and finally with Stowe Ready Mix. He enjoyed
woodworking, making signs and building doll
furniture. He was a member of the American Legion
Post in Avoca and was very proud of his military
background. He was very meticulous with his cement
work and even helped pour sidewalks for the Avoca
playground.
Howard died on Friday, August 31, 2007 at his home
in Avoca, Iowa having attained the age of
seventy-nine years, eleven months and twelve days.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister,
Virginia Smith and four brothers: John, Russell,
Milton and Arthur and one grandchild.
Survivors include his children: Michael Fuller and
Daniel Fuller and his wife, Roberta, all of
Bloomington, Illinois and Cinthy Beach of Peoria,
Illinois; his grandchildren: Stacy Fuller of Hudson,
Illinois; David Fuller of Bloomington, Illinois;
Rayna and her husband Lester Kauffman of Wapella,
Illinois and Amanda Fuller of Bloomington, Illinois;
six great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other
relatives and many friends.
Graveside Services were held on Thursday, September
6, 2007 at 11:00 AM at the Graceland Cemetery in
Avoca, Iowa with Father John Frost as the Clergy.
Serving as honorary bearers were Barb Popp, Arlene
Roush, Carol Gubbles, Kathy Jacobsen and Shona
Bramman. Military Rites by the Fred Funston Post No.
227.
Herbert J.
Funk - Age 86
Herbert Joseph
Funk was born on March 3, 1922, to Lawrence and
Barbara (Windeshausen) Funk at Langley Field,
Virginia. A few years later, he moved with his
parents to a farm west of Panama, Iowa. He
attended country schools until he entered St.
Mary’s Catholic School in Portsmouth where he
graduated.
He was drafted into the
military in 1942 and was discharged in January
of 1946. After his discharge from the service,
he attended Iowa State University where he
received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1951.
In the summer of 1953, he took employment with
St. Benedict’s College in Atchison, Kansas, and
remained there for six years. While working at
St. Benedict’s, he went to Kansas State
University where he received a Master of Science
degree in 1957. He left St. Benedict’s in 1959
to return to Iowa State University where he
received his Doctor of Philosophy degree in
1964.
Herbert began teaching
at Creighton College and stayed for seven years
before going to Creighton University where he
taught for twenty-eight years. He returned to
St. Benedict’s in Kansas and retired in 1966. In
the fall of 1968, he returned to Creighton and
remained there until he retired again in 1990.
He became a resident of
Elm Crest Retirement Community in 1997 and moved
to Little Flower Haven in Earling, Iowa, in
October of 2002. It was there that he died on
Monday, May 12, 2008, having attained the age of
eighty-six years, two months, and nine days. He
was preceded in death by his parents, his
brothers Lawrence Funk and Harold Funk, and his
sisters, Marie Funk and Josephine Arkfeld.
Herbert is survived by
his brothers: Alfred Funk of Buffalo, New York,
Joseph Funk of Citrus Heights, California, and
Frank Funk and his wife Judy of Portsmouth,
Iowa; and his sister Cecelia Wegner of Woodbine,
Iowa; his brother-in-law George Arkfeld of
Oceanside, California; his sister-in-law Lucille
Funk of Kirkland, Washington; nieces and
nephews, other family members, and friends.
A Mass of Christian
Burial was held on Friday, May 23, 2008 with
Rev. John Dorton celebrating the 10:30 AM
service at St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima Catholic
Church in Portsmouth, Iowa. Casket bearers were
John Wegner, Wayne Zitzlsperger, Pat Hoffmann,
Bill Wegner, Kyle Funk, and Alan Miller with
Military Rites performed by Portsmouth American
Legion Post No. 547 and Shelby County VFW Post
No. 942 at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Portsmouth.
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