 |
 |
 |
 Home | About Us | Links | Contact Us | Obituaries |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
||
|
|
|
|
|
Home | About Us | Links | Contact Us | Obituaries |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Pauley Jones Funeral Homes "Avoca Chapel"
|
Carl Adam Kiesel, the son of Adam and Emma (Messerschmidt) Kiesel, was born on February 27, 1920 in Avoca, Iowa and was one of thirteen children in the family. Carl attended Shelby Consolidated School for nine years and then started working for his brother Elmer, hauling grain and livestock. Carl entered into the United States Army on March 19, 1942. After basic training he served overseas in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater. He worked as a mechanic in Africa for two and a half years and then was transferred to Italy, where he was on the front line in the infantry. He received two bronze battle stars and five overseas service bars. After receiving his honorable discharge on November 6, 1945 he returned to Shelby to again drive truck for his brother. Carl was united in marriage to Norma Jean Plautz on May 6, 1951 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca. To this union five children were born: Kerry, Brian, Karla, Rick and Gale. Carl continued to work for Elmer's trucking business until 1957, when he began working for Farm Service CO-OP, operating their gas station. In 1972, Carl began driving a school bus part-time and in 1980 he took over his son, Kerry's bus route full time. In October 1987 Carl and Jeanie became the owners of the Shelby Mini-Mart. Carl was a member of the Shelby Lutheran Church and the Shelby American Legion and was their Commander for more than ten years. He also served on the city council for eight years and was a long time member of the Shelby Volunteer Fire Department. Carl died suddenly at Myrtue Memorial Hospital in Harlan, Iowa on Wednesday, February 21, 2007 having attained the age of eighty-six years, eleven months and twenty-five days. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers and sisters: Lydia Wede; Elmer; Walter; Edwin; Ernest; Hilda; Helen Boeck; Celia Bargenquast; Elsie Messerschmidt; Clara Chipman and Clarence. Survivors include his wife Jeanie of Shelby, Iowa; his children: Kerry Kiesel and his wife Delores of Shelby, Iowa; Brian Kiesel of Omaha, Nebraska; Karla and her husband Rich Baird of Avoca, Iowa; Rick Kiesel of Shelby, Iowa and Gale Kiesel and his wife Carrie of Avoca, Iowa; 12 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; two step grandchildren and four step great grandchildren; one sister, Edna Boll of Walnut, Iowa; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, February 24, 2007 at 11:00 AM at the United Lutheran Church in Shelby, Iowa with Pastor Duane Anunson serving as the clergy. Honorary casket bearers were Ronald Kiesel, Doug Kiesel, Dr. Don Hansen, Merle Kiesel and Tim Tuel. Serving as casket bearers were Tom Jensen, Richard Baird, Jr., Schuyler Kiesel, Travis Kiesel, Chad Henry and Zach Kiesel. Interment was held in the Graceland Cemetery with Military Graveside Rites by the Shelby American Legion Post No. 240.
Bernadette Kirlin - Age 85 Bernadette Kirlin was born on March 8, 1922, on the family farm near Woodbine, Iowa, one of eight children born to William and Helen (Keane) Croghan. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church in Panama, Iowa. She attended country school, St. Mary’s Catholic School, and graduated from Modale High School in 1941. She attended one year of nurses training at Mercy School of Nursing in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Bernadette became engaged to Edmond Kirlin and they were married in 1944. Five children were born to this union: Timothy, Joseph, Frank, Kevin, and Rosemary. After the death of her husband in 1951, she farmed near Modale, Iowa, for a couple of years until she moved her family back to Panama. She worked as the school cook while her children attended school in Panama. In 1971, Bernadette married Paul Wise and moved to Avoca. Bernadette lived in Avoca until 1997. Bernadette was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court St. Katherine #266 of Earling, Iowa, and Sacred Heart Catholic parish in West Des Moines. She moved to West Des Moines in 1997 and it was there at her home that she died on Saturday, February 16, 2008, having attained the age of eighty-five years, eleven months, and eight days. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Edmond Kirlin, her second husband Paul Wise, her brothers James Croghan, Joseph Croghan, and Peter Croghan, her sisters Mary Helen Griffith and Elizabeth Kohles, and her sister-in-law Catherine Croghan. She is survived by her sons: Timothy Kirlin and his wife Sharon of Phoenix, Arizona, Joseph Kirlin of West Des Moines, Iowa, Frank Kirlin and his wife Debra Perkins of Pembroke Pines, Florida, Kevin Kirlin and his wife Elizabeth Nelson of West Des Moines, and her daughter Rosemary Kirlin also of West Des Moines; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; her brothers Jerome Croghan of Manning, Iowa, and Tom Croghan and his wife Jeanne of Omaha, Nebraska; sisters-in-law Kathleen Croghan of Falls Church, Virginia, Margaret Croghan of Manning, and Adelaide Croghan of Panama, Iowa; and brothers-in-law David Griffith of Missouri Valley, Iowa, and Jim Kohles of Harlan, Iowa; other family members and many friends. She led a life of devotion to her family, and faith in God. At the age of 29 she was left a widow with four children under the age of five and one child on the way. She raised her family alone and did not complain about life’s unfairness. She was intelligent, honest, strong, loving, kind, wise, patient, funny, and faithful. She was a great mother, a good neighbor, and a great friend. We have been blessed by her presence in our lives. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, February 23, 2008, with Rev. John Dorton acting as celebrant of the 10:30 AM service. Honorary casket bearers were William Griffith, Gregory Croghan, Peter Croghan, Eugene Croghan, Donald Croghan, Gerald Kohles, Patrick Croghan, Barbara Bruck, Alice Kramer, and Elizabeth Moore. Serving as casket bearers were Timothy Kirlin, Francis Kirlin, Richard Kirlin, Michael Kirlin, Kevin Kirlin, and Joseph Kirlin. Interment was held at St. Bridget’s Cemetery in Magnolia, Iowa.
John "Jack" Kirschbaum
- Age 88 John "Jack" Kirschbaum, son of John, Sr. and Frances (Rosman) Kirschbaum, was born on May 12, 1921, in Shelby County, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance, Iowa and attended country school in Shelby County. Jack enjoyed going to area dances and it was there that he met his future wife, Mildred. On April 6, 1942, Jack was united in marriage to Mildred M. Gau. Four children were born to this union: Peggy, Judy, Bob, and an infant daughter who died at birth. After their wedding, Jack and Mildred farmed near Defiance. They remained on the farm until 1983, when they moved to Defiance. After retiring from farming, Jack helped do the mowing and snow removal at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance. He also worked for Shelby County as the maintenance and groundskeeper at Manteno State Park. Jack enjoyed playing cards with friends, having picnics with family and friends, dancing, and listening to polka music. In 1992, Jack and Mildred celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by doing a Polka Mass at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. In 2008, Jack and Mildred were honored at the Defiance 125th Anniversary as being the oldest living married couple. They were married for sixty-seven years. Family was very important to Jack and Mildred. Their home was always considered the gathering place and Jack treasured the many meals and get-togethers he had with his family. Jack was always the head of the family and was often looked to for guidance and advice. Jack also enjoyed sports and could often be found coaching the Defiance baseball team or watching one of Bob’s games and cheering him on. He was also proud of his grandchildren and loved to watch them play sports and encourage them to always play their best. He was also a huge Cubs fan and longed for them to play in the World Series. Jack died on Monday, April 19, 2010, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Blair, Nebraska, having attained the age of eighty-eight years, eleven months, and seven days. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mildred; his infant daughter; his sisters Ione and Marjorie and his brother Charles and his wife Rose. He is survived by his children: Peggy and her husband Bob Pine of Omaha, Nebraska; their children: Mike Mulligan and his wife Cathy of Kansas City, Missouri, Christine and her husband Ray Janicek of Columbia, Missouri, and Tracy and her husband Rick Johnson of Omaha; Judy and her husband Larry Green of Blair, Nebraska; their children: Steve Green and his wife Marnie of Chandler, Arizona, Brian Green and his wife Heidi of Omaha, and Gary Green and his wife Kristy of Kansas City, Kansas; Bob Kirschbaum and his wife Sharon of Sheldon, Iowa; their children: Nicole and her husband Chris Youngers of Ashland, Oregon, Michelle of Denver, Colorado, Stephen at Minnesota State University, and Michael of Sheldon; thirteen great-grandchildren; his siblings: Leone Gilmore of Omaha, Mary Ann Schwinderman of Omaha, Robert Kirschbaum and his wife Carol of Spirit Lake, Iowa, and Donald Kirschbaum and his wife Kay of Omaha; nieces; nephews; other family members and many friends. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, April 24, 2010, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance, Iowa, with Rev. Howard Fitzgerald celebrating the 1:00 PM service. Interment was held at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Defiance with Gary Green, Michael Kirschbaum, Brian Green, Mike Mulligan, Stephen Kirschbaum, and Steven Green serving as casket bearers.
Mildred M.
Kirschbaum - Age 86 Mildred M. Kirschbaum, daughter of Chrysant and Anna (Breidenbach) Gau, was born on February 23, 1923, near Earling, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa and attended country school in Shelby County. Mildred enjoyed going to area dances and it was there that she met her future husband, Jack. On April 6, 1942, Mildred was united in marriage to John "Jack" Kirschbaum. Four children were born to this union: Peggy, Judy, Bob, and an infant daughter who died at birth. After their wedding, Mildred and Jack farmed near Defiance. They remained on the farm until 1983 when they moved into Defiance. Mildred loved playing bingo and the accordion which she played by ear. She also enjoyed doing word searches, weaving doilies, listening to and telling jokes and listening to polka music. Mildred and Jack celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1992 by doing a Polka Mass as St. Peter’s Catholic Church. In 2008, Mildred and Jack were honored at the Defiance 125th Anniversary as being the oldest living married couple. They were married for sixty-seven years. Family was very important to Mildred. After Jack’s mother died, Mildred helped raise Jack’s younger siblings. To this day, they are very grateful for her nurturing. Mildred also enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and her sisters. She could often be found watching one of Bob’s baseball games and cheering him on. In later years, Mildred and Jack could be spotted on the bleachers and many of the grandchildren’s sporting events. Mildred died on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Blair, Nebraska, having attained the age of eighty-six years, two months, and twenty-seven days. She is preceded in death by her parents; her infant daughter; and her brother, Joseph. She is survived by her husband Jack Kirschbaum of Blair, Nebraska; their children: Peggy and her husband Bob Pine of Omaha, Nebraska; their children Mike Mulligan and his wife Cathy of Kansas City, Missouri, Christine and her husband Ray Janicek of Columbia, Missouri, and Tracy and her husband Rick Johnson of Omaha; Judy and her husband Larry Green of Blair; their children Steve Green and his wife Marnie of Chandler, Arizona, Brian Green and his wife Heidi of Omaha, and Gary Green and his wife Kristy of Kansas City, Kansas; Bob Kirschbaum and his wife Sharon of Sheldon, Iowa; their children Nicole and her husband Chris Youngers of Ashland, Oregon, Michelle of Denver, Colorado, Stephen at Minnesota State University, and Michael of Sheldon; twelve great-grandchildren; her sisters Gert Janssen of Tiffin, Iowa and Veronica Pauley of Woodbine, Iowa; nieces; nephews; other family members and many friends. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, May 12, 2009, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance, Iowa. Rev. Tom Coenen celebrated the 11:00 AM service. Interment was held at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Defiance with Gary Green, Michael Kirschbaum, Brian Green, Mike Mulligan, Stephen Kirschbaum, and Steven Green serving as casket bearers.
Joseph Francis Kleffman was born on October 28, 1947 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Harold and Monica (Smith) Kleffman. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Portsmouth, Iowa. He grew up on the family farm in Portsmouth, attended St. Mary’s elementary school in Portsmouth and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Panama with the Class of 1965. Joe was an excellent student and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after completing his schooling. He served two tours of duty for his country in Vietnam. Joe was noted to be very particular when he was working as an operator on power lines. His most recent employment was with Sierra Power in Nevada, where he had been for several years. Joe died on Sunday, June 29, 2008, in Fallon, Nevada, having attained the age of sixty years, eight months, and four days. He was preceded in death by his father Harold Kleffman. He is survived by his mother Monica Kleffman of Harlan, Iowa; his brothers and sisters: John Kleffman of Harlan, Tom Kleffman and his wife Tracy of Portsmouth, Iowa, Mike Kleffman and his wife Julie of Harlan, Sarah Kleffman of Harlan, Mary Schaer of Ankeny, Iowa, Martha and her husband Albert Rios of Omaha, Nebraska, and Therese and her husband Tom Jacobs of Harlan; nieces and nephews; other family members; and many friends. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, July 5, 2008, with Rev. James Kleffman acting as celebrant of the 1:30 PM service. Casket bearers were Wayne Hoffmann, Paul Kleffman, Harry Brensel, Glen Kleffman, Brian Schaer, Leo Kleffman, Jack Smith, and Gary Wilke. Military Rites were performed by the Portsmouth Am. Legion Post. No. 547 at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Portsmouth, Iowa.
Connie Klein - Age 63 Connie Kay (Christianson) Klein was born on April 14, 1945, in Harlan, Iowa to Elliott A. And Mildred (Rold) Christianson. Connie attended Parks School and Harlan Junior and Senior High Schools and graduated in 1963. She was baptized in the first class of the First Baptist Church of Harlan at the age of thirteen and remained a lifelong member. She was an active member of the church choir and served as narrator for most church programs during her junior and senior high years. Throughout her schooling, Connie worked as a waitress at Mickels Family Restaurant in Harlan. On February 28, 1965, she married Ronald Jacobsen and they made their home in Harlan. To this union one daughter, Teri Kay, was born. On May 28, 1977, Connie was married to Donald Smith and continued to reside in Harlan. On July 26, 1986, she married Joseph Klein and they made their home in Buck Grove, Iowa. In 1965, Connie started working for Variety Distributors in Harlan. She was an office manager for eight of the thirteen years she worked there. She then helped a friend close out her mother’s clothing store. She enjoyed the retail business so much that she started Connie Kay’s Fashions in Harlan in 1982. Shortly after marrying Joe, she retired due to health problems. Connie’s hobbies and loves included: crafts, camping, gardening, decorating, baking, her family and her dogs. Connie died on Sunday, November 9, 2008, at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa, having attained the age of sixty-three years, six months, and twenty-six days. She is preceded in death by her parents Elliot and Mildred Christianson and her brothers Jack and Sam. She is survived by her daughter Teri and her husband James Buwalda of Harlan, Iowa; her sister-in-law Amy Christianson of Denison, Iowa; one niece, Jeri and her husband Gordon Hough of Denison; and two nephews: Kirby Christianson of Kansas City, Missouri and Brad Christianson of Omaha, Nebraska; other family members and many friends. A funeral service was held on Thursday, November 13, 2008 with Rev. Jerry Buwalda officiating the 10:30 AM service at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan. Casket bearers were Chad Hendricks, Dennis Brazelton, Gene Hendricks, Gordon Hough, Michael Gee, Joel Buwalda, and Jerry Rold with interment at the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa.
Cornelius Michael Klein was born to Albert and Mary (Schommer) Klein on December 9, 1921 on a farm in Westphalia, Iowa. He was their sixth child and fourth son. As a child he attended Catholic grammar school and enjoyed being the child assigned to pull the rope to ring the church bells. At the age of thirteen, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and moved to Washington State. While in Washington, he sent home money to his family back in Iowa. After a couple of years, Mike moved back to Iowa and began working for Fred and Minnie Backhaus on their farm. It was here that he met his future wife, Irene. On September 14, 1942, Mike enlisted with the United States Army Air Corps at Camp Dodge, Iowa. After serving abroad in World War II, Mike was honorably discharged in November 1945, having attained the rank of Corporal. He then followed his older brothers to Omaha, Nebraska and became an apprentice and then a Journeyman Sheet Metal mechanic. Mike, in his own provincial way, referred to himself as a "tinner." On June 22, 1946, Mike was united in marriage to Irene L. Backhaus at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Omaha. To this union, two daughters were born: Gloria and Peggy. After their wedding, Mike and Irene made their home in Omaha and retired there in 1984. In November 2003, a year after the death of his beloved wife, Irene, Mike moved to Denver, Colorado to be closer to his daughters. Mike died on Sunday, February 8, 2009, at his home having attained the age of eighty-seven years, one month, and thirty days. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Irene; his sisters Cecelia (Thielan) Zimmerman and Adeline Thielan; and his brothers Urban, Edwin and Arthur. He is survived by his daughters: Gloria and her husband Jim Jefferies and Peggy Talbot all of Denver, Colorado; two grandchildren: Dr. Kara Jefferies of Arlington, Virginia and Alex Jefferies and his wife Stacie of San Francisco, California; his brother Ralph Klein of Omaha; nieces; nephews; other family members and many friends. The family following Mike’s heartfelt request would like any donations for masses sent to Capuchin Province Mid-America Inc., PO Box 40575, Denver, Colorado 80202-0575 or Capuchin Missions of Papua New Guinea, PO Box 40575, Denver, Colorado 80204-0575 for the reprinting of Huli prayer books. This Mission is the former parish of Father Malachyis, who after serving in Papua New Guinea faithfully served in Mike’s community, Dayton Place Community until his death last year. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, February 13, 2009, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa. Rev. Bob Hoefler celebrated 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 James Talbot, Stanley Goetzinger, Dennis Klein, Alex Jefferies, Douglas Backhaus, and James Goetzinger.
Delbert A.
Klein - Age 73 Delbert "Duffy" Alvin Klein, son of Leo and Lucine (Kramer) Klein, was born on October 10, 1934, in Harlan, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa and graduated from high school in Kirkman, Iowa. On November 6, 1956, Delbert was united in marriage to Leona Kloewer at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia, Iowa. They were blessed with five children: Dale, Pam, Danny, Daryl, and Bev. Delbert worked for Farm Service Co-op in Westphalia and Harlan for forty-two years and retired in 1998. After retiring, Delbert and Leona made their home in Westphalia where they enjoyed being the local social stop. Delbert was a long-time member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Earling Council No. 1741 of Earling, Iowa, for fifty years. Delbert died on Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at Creighton Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, having attained the age of seventy-three years, five months, and eight days. He is preceded in death by his father Leo Joseph Klein. He is survived by his wife Leona of Westphalia; their children: Dale Klein and his wife Kristie of Omaha, Nebraska; Pam and her husband John Cairney of Earling, Iowa; Danny Klein and his wife Lisa of Hartford, South Dakota; Daryl Klein and his wife Julie of Omaha; and Bev Schulte of Harlan; ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; his mother Lucine Klein of Harlan; and his siblings: Margaret Mary Kock of Avoca, Iowa; Alice and her husband Leo Kloewer of Harlan; Kenneth Klein and his wife Mary of Omaha; Sylvan Klein and his wife Bonnie of Harlan; Rita and her husband Gail Hatcher of Omaha; Gary Klein and his wife Mary of Memphis, Tennessee; and Kathy Feldman of Omaha; nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, March 24, 2008, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia, Iowa. Rev. John Dorton officiated the 10:30 AM service with inurnment at St. Boniface Cemetery in Westphalia. Acting as honorary casket bearers were: Eric Schulte, John Henscheid, Corby Schulte, Rod Musich, Ed Goetzinger, and Terry Schulte. Serving as casket bearers were Justin Klein, Dillon Klein, and Alex Klein.
Phyllis I.
Klindt - Age 78 Phyllis Irene Klindt was born on December 21, 1931, to Edward and Lydia (Sander) Schroder in rural Avoca, Iowa. She attended the Avoca schools and graduated with the Class of 1949. She was united in marriage on February 4, 1950, to Max Klindt at her parent’s home in rural Avoca. Four daughters were born to this union: Virginia, Charlene, Marjorie, and Bernitta. She was right beside her husband in every aspect of the farming operation and raised their four daughters with such a loving touch. Phyllis devoted so much time to her grandchildren. She spent hours playing with them, and teaching them her art of sewing and baking. When the great-grandchildren came along, she was still down on the floor playing with them as she did with her grandchildren. Her love for her family was unconditional. Phyllis was a long-time member of the Altamont Baptist Church serving in several different offices, including Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, youth group leader, and the women’s group. She was on the auxiliary board at the Baptist Home in Harlan, which included being in charge of the annual soup supper. Phyllis spent many hours working with her hands, including quilting, crocheting, embroidering, canning and baking. Many of the crocheted name plaques found their way all over the United States. Phyllis loved the outdoors, and spent many hours in her flower beds, garden, strawberry and berry patches, and caring for the many trees and bushes she planted over the years. She loved lawn mowing so much, that even in the last year when challenged by her health she would be found out on the lawn mower. Max and Phyllis have taken several farm tours, traveled through forty-eight states and seven different countries. Phyllis died on Sunday, January 24, 2010, having attained the age of seventy-eight years, one month, and three days. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Gorden. She is survived by her husband of sixty years, Max Klindt of Avoca, Iowa; daughters: Virginia and her husband Don Bubke of Avoca, Charlene and her husband Ron Ruffcorn of Avoca, Marjorie and her husband Jim Bojanski of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Bernitta and her husband Robert Goettsch of Avoca; thirteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brothers: Lenard Schroder and his wife Annabelle of Atlantic, Iowa, Loren Schroder and his wife Elaine of Avoca, and Marvin Schroder and his wife Carole of Walnut, Iowa; sister-in-law Janiece Schroder of Oakland, Iowa; other family members and many friends. Rev. Dianna Holland officiated the 10:30 AM funeral service at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca, Iowa, on Saturday, January 30, 2010. Honorary casket bearers were Stephanie and Brian Geraghty, Kristi and Robert Regenwether, Justin and Tamara Piittmann, Angela and Jason lauritsen, Nickolas and Lisa Ruffcorn, Robert and Dorota Widick, Jennifer and Eric Beckman, Jeremiah Ruffcorn, Kelly and Fran Schant, Jeffrey Goettsch, Jennifer Goettsch, Dana Bojanski, and Dean and Jana Bubke. Interment was held at Cuppy’s Grove Cemetery in rural Harlan, Iowa.
Donald John Kloewer, son of Aloys and Eva (Peerman) Kloewer, was born on May 25, 1932, in Earling, Iowa. He was one of thirteen children. Donald was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance, Iowa, and graduated from St. Peter’s High School. On February 16, 1953, Don was drafted into the United States Army in Omaha, Nebraska. While in the army, Don was awarded the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Don was honorably discharged on December 16, 1954, having attained the rank of Sergeant. On April 11, 1955, Donald was united in marriage to Mildred "Mickey" Sonderman at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance. Three children were born to this union: Denny, Dean, and Diane. After their wedding, Don and Micky made their home in Defiance where Don worked in the plumbing and heating business. In 1955, Don started a cesspool plumbing service in Defiance. Don was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance, where he served on the Church Council. He was also very active with the town of Defiance and served on the town council for ten years, was a member of the volunteer fire department, and the Defiance and Westphalia American Legion Post No. 707 of Defiance, Iowa. Don enjoyed going fishing, watching sports, telling stories and jokes and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He had a great sense of humor and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Don died on Friday, June 5, 2009, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of seventy-seven years and eleven days. He is preceded in death by his parents; his son Dean; and his granddaughter Heather Kloewer. He is survived by his wife Mickey of Defiance, Iowa; their children Dennis (Denise) Kloewer of Irwin, Iowa and Diane (Stu) Sprick of Ft. Calhoun, Nebraska; four grandchildren: Jeromy Kloewer, Keri Ahrenholtz, Tony and Alex Sprick; five great-grandchildren: Connor and Marshall Kloewer, Dakota Cadwell, and Ryley and Ryan Ahrenholtz; his siblings: Kay (Jack) Cook of Omaha, Nebraska; Janette (Robert) Dotzler of Defiance, Iowa; Dorothy (Bill) Johnston of Omaha, Nebraska; Lorrene (Bernard) Assmann of Dunlap, Iowa; Jane (Eldon) Meyer of Lees Summit, Missouri; Joan (Jack) Strudthoff of Woodstock, Georgia; Bob (Karen) Kloewer of Defiance; Mary Ann (Clyde) Meyer of Omaha, Nebraska; Suzanne (Bert) Lehan of Marcus, Iowa; John (Annette) Kloewer and Rick (Nancy) Kloewer all of Defiance; his brother-in-law Gene Richards of Bellevue, Nebraska; nieces; nephews; other family members and many friends. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance, Iowa. The 10:30 AM mass was celebrated by Rev. Tom Coenen and concelebrated by Rev. Bob Hoefler. Acting as honorary casket bearers were Don’s grandchildren: Tony Sprick, Alex Sprick, Jeromy Kloewer, and Keri Ahrenholtz. Serving as casket bearers were: Mike Schulte, Jean Croghan, Mike Dotzler, Sara Kloewer, Dan Richards, Scott Kloewer, Pat Kloewer, Frank Powers, Ken Kloewer and Jeff Sonderman. Military Rites were held following the mass by the Defiance and Westphalia American Legion Post No. 707. Private graveside services will be held at a later date.
Luella T. Kloewer - Age 96 Luella Therese Kloewer was born on July 14, 1912, to George and Emma (Weihs) Schneider in Portsmouth, Iowa. She was baptized at St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Portsmouth and then moved to a farm near Westphalia, Iowa. She made her First Communion and confirmation at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia. She attended grade schools at St. Paul’s Catholic School in Defiance, Iowa, country schools near Westphalia and St. Boniface Catholic School in Westphalia. On February 17, 1942, Luella was united in marriage to Hubert Kloewer. Three daughters were born to this union: Janice, Vernita, and Glenda. When Hubert and Luella were first married, they lived on a farm southeast of Defiance and then purchased a 120-acre farm near Buck Grove in 1953. While living on the farm near Buck Grove, they were members of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Buck Grove. Hubert passed away on August 9, 1970 and Luella continued to live on the farm until December 16, 1970, when she purchased and moved into her home in Defiance. Luella continued to live in this home until she became a resident of Little Flower Haven in Earling, Iowa, on August 5, 1999. Hubert and Luella worked hard on their farm where she always grew a large garden and enjoyed flowers. She was a simple person. Luella enjoyed reading and in later years watching television. She enjoyed her six grandchildren: The Six D’s: Dameian, Darla, Darin, Doug, Deana, and Dana. When the Defiance community celebrated their 125th anniversary in September of 2007, Luella was honored as the "Oldest Woman". It was at Little Flower Haven that Luella died on Friday, January 16, 2009, having attained the age of ninety-six years, six months, and two days. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Hubert, her daughter Janice, son-in-law Dwayne "Dewey" Schwarte, brothers and spouses: Walter Schneider and his wife Doris, Elmer and his wife Edith, her sister Mildred Bruck and her first husband Alfred "Farmer" Bruck, Irene Leuschen; infant sister Marie Schneider; and her two brothers-in-law Clarence Kurtzhal and Elmer Nelson. Hubert’s siblings and spouses also preceded her in death: Rosalia and Al Schiltz, Veronica and Anton Rau, Anna and Anthony Klein, Otto and Clara Kloewer, Gottlieb and Eleanor Kloewer and Frank and Anna Kloewer. Those who survive to cherish Luella’s memories and celebrate her life are her daughters Vernita and her husband Joe Schwarte of Defiance, Iowa, and Glenda and her husband Lew Hall of Defiance; six grandchildren: Dameian Schwarte and his wife Stacy of Ankeny, Iowa, Darla and her husband Joe Krosko of Omaha, Nebraska, Darin Schwarte and his wife Adrienne of Maryville, Tennessee, Douglas Schwarte of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Deana and her husband Joey Slater of Carroll, Iowa, and Dana Schwarte of Early, Iowa; great-grandchildren: Blake and Addison Slater and future granddaughter Haley Kay Schwarte; her sister Alvera Kurtzhal Nelson of Coleridge, Nebraska; two brothers-in-law: Joe Leuschen and Andy Bruck, both of Earling, Iowa; other family members and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia, Iowa. Rev. Bob Hoefler officiated the 11:00 AM service. Interment was held at St. Boniface Cemetery in Westphalia with Deana Slater, Adrienne Schwarte, Blake Slater, Stacy Schwarte, Darin Schwarte, and Addison Slater serving as honorary casket bearers. Acting as casket bearers were: Joey Slater, Dameian Schwarte, Darla Krosko, Douglas Schwarte, Dana Schwarte, and Joseph Krosko.
|
|||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
| Home | About Us | Search | Contact Us | Obituaries |
 |
 |
|
Donald J.
Kloewer - Age 77
