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.

Lyle D. Fiscus - Age 56

     Lyle Dean Fiscus was born on April 17, 1953, in Harlan, Iowa, to Melvin and Katheryn (Olson) Fiscus. He was baptized at the First United Methodist Church in Harlan. He graduated from the Irwin Schools and continued his education at Morningside College in Sioux City before transferring to the University of Iowa.

     In 1974, Lyle was married to Diane Parr and had two children: Gabe and Jody.

     He was united in marriage to Brenda Andersen on March 20, 1982, at the First United Methodist Church in Harlan. Two daughters were born to this union: Sara and Amy.

     Lyle worked in the construction industry for Delta Asphalt before he began farming. He and his brother Dale ran the Beer Barn in Kirkman for a few years. He joined the Research Department at Wilson Seeds before going into business with Jerry Strissel at IndeSearch. Most recently, he had been working at Remington Hybrid Seed Company in Harlan.

     Lyle’s passions in life were his family, farming, faith, and sports. For several years, he has been an active participant of the Last Supper reinactment during the Lenten season. Lyle always had a special spot in his playful heart for his three granddaughters: Jordyn, Jadyn, and Indy Belle.

     Lyle died suddenly on Wednesday, August 12, 2009, having attained the age of fifty-six years, three months, and twenty-six days. He was preceded in death by his father and his brother Roger.

     Lyle is survived by his wife of twenty-seven years, Brenda Fiscus, of Harlan, Iowa; his children: Gabe Fiscus and his wife Megan of Perry, Iowa, Jody and her husband Darren Johnson of Clarion, Iowa, Sara Fiscus of Omaha, Nebraska, and Amy Fiscus of Las Vegas, Nevada; three granddaughters: Jordyn, Jadyn, and Indy Belle; his mother Katheryn Fiscus of Harlan, brothers and sisters: Wade Fiscus and his wife Darlene of Longmont, Colorado, Janet and her husband Denny Fry of Warroad, Minnesota, Melva Fiscus of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Dale Fiscus and his wife Cynthia of LaPorte, Colorado; nieces and nephews, other family members, and many friends.

     Pastor Dave Swinton officiated the 1:00 PM funeral service on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at the United Methodist Church in Harlan, Iowa. Honorary casket bearers were Kelly Fiscus, Tom Olson, Chad Fiscus, Tim Olson, and Joel Fiscus. Serving as casket bearers were Jerry Strissel, Tom Schmitz, Larry Knudsen, Keith Fiscus, Terry Fiscus, Randy Fiscus, Al Plumb, and Brian Kock. Interment was held at the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa.

     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.

Carol Foxhoven - Age 62

     Carol Ann Foxhoven, daughter of Henry Michael and Frances Marie (Kaufman) Foxhoven, was born on August 13, 1947, in Earling, Iowa. She grew up on the family farm near Earling. Carol was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling and graduated from St. Joseph’s Catholic High School with the class of 1965.

     Carol worked various jobs in Omaha and Norfolk, Nebraska. In 1981, Carol returned to Earling and was a care giver for her father in his later years. In December 1991, Carol moved to Harlan and this continued to be her home. While in Harlan, Carol became a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

     Carol enjoyed doing painting projects for Country Treasures in Harlan for a number of years. She was a very artistic person.

     Carol died on Friday, April 16, 2010, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, having attained the age of sixty-two years, eight months, and three days. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Richard and Celestin.

     She is survived by her siblings: Betty Ann Noonan of Columbus, Nebraska; Sr. Charlita Foxhoven, OSF of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Arlene and her husband William Rolf of Fullerton, Nebraska; Janet Fielder of Omaha, Nebraska; and Shirley and her husband Don Herbst of Earling, Iowa; her sister-in-law Sharon Foxhoven of Algona, Iowa; many nieces and nephews; other family members and many friends.

     A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, April 20, 2010, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, with Rev. Bob Hoefler celebrating the 11:00 AM service. Interment was held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Earling, with Kevin Rolf, Craig Foxhoven, Rick Herbst, Tom Fielder, Dave Noonan, and Dean Herbst serving as casket bearers.

Jane E. Foxhoven - Age 63

     Jane Emma Foxhoven, daughter of Walter George and Doris Susan (Finken) Schneider, was born on June 19, 1945, in Harlan, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia and graduated from St. Boniface High School. After high school, Jane continued her education at Barnes Beauty College where she obtained her beautician’s license.

     On September 11, 1965, Jane was united in marriage to Kenneth Foxhoven at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia. Two daughters were born to this union: Sherri and Shawn.

     Jane worked as a beautician for over forty years and was also employed at Communication Data Services in Harlan, Iowa, in the mail opening department since Dec. 14, 1998 . When Jane wasn’t working, she enjoyed spending time outside in her garden, bird watching, playing bingo, watching car races, and spending time with her family.

     Jane and Kenneth were members of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa.

     Jane died on Friday, May 8, 2009, at University Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, having attained the age of sixty-three years, ten months, and nineteen days. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Russell.

     She is survived by her husband Kenneth of Earling, Iowa; their daughters Sherri and her husband Dave Eubanks of Scottsbluff, Nebraska and Shawn Foxhoven of Greenville, South Carolina; four grandchildren: Warren, Christian, Ford, and Quentin; her siblings: Ken Schneider and his wife Kim of Portsmouth, Iowa; Jerome Schneider and his wife Connie of Westphalia, Iowa; Ric Schneider and his wife Jan of Avoca, Iowa; Allen Schneider and his wife Sue of Harlan, Iowa; Mary and her husband Gary Fitzgerald of Clare, Iowa; Denise and her husband Mark Andries of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Jean and her husband Ken Friesen of Crescent, Iowa; Sandy and her husband John Busch of Claremore, Oklahoma; Pam and her husband George Gingrich of Woodbridge, Virginia; nieces; nephews; other family members and many friends.

     A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, May 11, 2009, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa. Rev. Tom Coenen celebrated the 10:30 AM service with Rev. Wayne Gubbels and Rev. Ken Gross concelebrating. Burial was held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Earling with Warren Eubanks, Christian Eubanks, Ford Eubanks, Quentin Foxhoven Ripley, Ken Schneider, Jerome Schneider, Ric Schneider, Allen Schneider acting as honorary casket bearers. Serving as casket bearers were: Barry Schneider, Jeremy Schneider, Mike Andries, Brian Schneider, Todd Schneider, and Mike Schneider.

Harold J. Frank - Age 85

     Harold Joseph Frank, son of George and Gertrude (Brauchman) Frank, was born on March 31, 1925, in Maple River, Iowa. He was baptized at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Maple River and confirmed at Coon Rapids Annunciation in Coon Rapids, Iowa, where he attended high school until the age of eighteen when he enlisted into the United States Navy and served his country during World War II. Harold was honorably discharged on June 29, 1949, having attained the rank of Ship’s Serviceman Third. Upon his discharge, Harold returned to Coon Rapids where he worked at Garst and Thomas Seed Corn Company.

     On November 11, 1950, Harold was united in marriage to Charlotte Jean Moore at Coon Rapids Annunciation. Four children were born to this union: Linda, Larry, Teresa, and Traci. After their wedding, Harold and Charlotte made their home in Coon Rapids for a short time before moving to Perry, Iowa, where Harold worked for a foundry. In 1958, they moved to Denison, Iowa, where Harold worked at Farmland for twenty-six years, eventually becoming the night supervisor. He retired from Farmland in 1984. After his retirement, Harold worked part-time at Pizza Hut and Variety Distributors in Harlan.

     Harold loved to spend time with his family and enjoyed taking his children on vacation throughout the years including trips to the Black Hills in South Dakota and Worlds of Fun in Kansas City. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping, and in later years spent many days golfing.

     Harold was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, the Shelby County VFW Post No. 941, and the Harlan American Legion Helmer Reyelt Post No. 150.

     Harold died on Sunday, June 6, 2010, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty-five years, two months, and six days. He is preceded in death by his parents; his son-in-law, David Williams; his siblings: George Frank; Cleadith Hubbell; Marion Hilgenberg; and Arlene Lumsden.

     He is survived by his wife, Charlotte, of Harlan, Iowa; their children: Linda and her husband Eugene Wageman of Hancock, Iowa; Larry Frank of Phoenix, Arizona; Teresa Williams; Traci and her husband Michael Wilwerding all of Harlan, Iowa; nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; his siblings: Delores Duncan; Kenneth Frank; Margery Golay all of Carroll, Iowa; Rosemary and her husband Edward Weaver of Los Angeles, California; Wilson Frank and his wife Tammy of Flagstaff, Arizona; nieces; nephews; other family members and many friends.

     A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, June 9, 2010, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa, with Rev. Bob Hoefler celebrating the 11:00 AM service. Military Rites were held at the Harlan Cemetery by the Shelby County VFW Post No. 941 and the Harlan American Legion Helmer Reyelt Post No. 150. Serving as casket bearers were: Brian Wageman, Kevin Owen, Michael Wilwerding, Jr., Jared Wilwerding, Brent Williams, Jacob Wilwerding, Zack Sims, and Eric Pauley.

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.