Joshua Malcolm - Age 30

Helen L. Manhart - Age 86

Irma P. Martin - Age 83

Merrill D. Martin - Age 56

     During high school, Merrill worked at the Chicken Hut restaurant where he bused tables and learned to cook. On May 6, 1978, Merrill was united in marriage to Debra Rademacker at the First United Methodist Church in Harlan. They were the parents of one daughter, Teresa. Merrill entered the Iowa Police Academy and then went to work for the Harlan Police Department for eighteen years. He also worked as a carpet layer with Neil Mahlberg. In 1994 they moved to Lake Wales, Florida and managed a hotel. They then managed a motel in Vero Beach, Florida and later became co-managers of Beach Cove Properties in Sebastian, Florida for the past four years. Merrill enjoyed golfing and loved to tinker and work with his hands. His favorite holiday was Christmas and he especially enjoyed decorating for this time of year. He enjoyed cooking and was famous for his fried chicken and potatoes and gravy. He enjoyed his family and friends and the time they spent together.

     Merrill died on Thursday, July 8, 2004 in Sebastian, Florida. He had attained the age of fifty-six years, five months and eight days.

     In addition to his parents, He is preceded in death by his sister, Minnie Marco. He is survived by his wife, Debra of Sebastian, Florida; his daughter, Teresa and her husband, David Andersen of Harlan, Iowa; brothers: Marion Martin and his wife, Lotus; Marvin Martin and his wife, Ruby; Merlyn Martin and his wife, Ruby; twin brother, Melvin Martin and his wife, Katherine and his sister, Mary and her husband, Donald Andersen, all of Harlan, Iowa, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends, here and in Florida.

     Funeral Services were held on Thursday, July 15, 2004 at 10:00 AM at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Harlan, Iowa with Rev. Donna Ewert officiating. Serving as casket bearers were Dan Martin, Justin Andersen, David Martin, Justin Heidenreich, Brad McQueen, Jamie Lasher, Mark Martin and Scott Andersen. Interment was held in the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa.

Alma M. Mathiasen - Age 88

     Lillie Leona Martens Matthiessen, the daughter of Max and Anna Dreier Martens, was born on March 21, 1905 west of Portsmouth in Cass Township of Harrison County. Lillie was the second daughter in a family of five sons and three daughters, two small brothers dying in infancy. In 1910 the family moved two miles north of Persia living first in a log cabin, which is now at the Shelby County Museum. In 1915 they moved into the home they built which is now the Elven Steenbock home. Lillie was baptized May 7, 1905 and confirmed on April 11, 1920 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Persia. She attended the Lelands Grove School.
     Lillie was united in marriage on November 30, 1922 to P.W. (William) Matthiessen at the home of her parents and the couple lived near Persia. They were the parents of two children: Anna Maxine Oloff and Reverend Donald Matthiessen. In 1946 they moved to the Shelby area and in March 1952, William died. She was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Persia.
     Lillie became a resident of the Little Flower Haven Nursing Home in Earling in February 1998. She died at the nursing home in Earling on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 having attained the age of one hundred-one, and one day. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her daughter Maxine Oloff in 2002 and her brothers and sisters: Harry (1971), Walter (1968), Raymond (1973), Alice Kilgore (1952) and Verna Otto (1970).
     Lillie is survived by her son, Rev. Donald Matthiessen and his wife Rosemary of Sterling, Illinois; six grandchildren: Kathryn and her husband Wesley Ruggles of Persia, Iowa; Karen Oloff of Portsmouth, Iowa; William Oloff and his wife Yvette of Persia, Iowa; George Matthiessen of Clovis, New Mexico; Robert Matthiessen of Sterling, Illinois and Amy Morrison and her husband James of Tarzania, California; six great grandchildren: Jessica and Kolt Thomas, Joel Ruggles, Dustin Laver, Andrew Oloff and Billi Oloff all of Persia, Iowa; other relatives and many friends.
     Funeral services were held 2:30 P.M. on Monday, March 27, 2006, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Persia, Iowa, with Pastor Merlene Ostebee officiating. Burial was held in the Valley View Cemetery in Persia, Iowa with Andrew Oloff, George Matthiessen, Joel Ruggles, William Oloff, Robert Matthiessen, Wesley Ruggles, Dustin Laver and Kolt Thomas serving as casket bearers.

Davis "Dave" J. Maupin - Age 76

     Davis J. Maupin, whose lifelong passion for woodworking led him to establish and operate Harlan Builders, Inc. for over forty years, died peacefully on Saturday, January 22, 2005, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born March 14, 1928 in rural Mason City, Iowa.

     "Dave," as he was known to his friends, graduated in 1950 from Iowa State College with a BS in Industrial Arts. He taught just six weeks before he was inducted into the U.S. Army where he served in the 45^th Infantry Division from 1950-1952 as a Communications Officer in Japan and later in Korea during the Korean War.

     Upon his return from Korea, Maupin worked for Maytag Corporation in Newton, Iowa; Carrott Hardware in Rockford, Iowa; and Bloom Builders in Oskaloosa, Iowa; before co-founding Nelson-Maupin Construction in 1959, the precursor to Harlan Builders, Inc.

     Dave was a charter member of the National Frame Builders Association, Inc. (NFBA). During his six years of service on the NFBA Board of Directors, he served as secretary and president. He was an early member of the NFBA Hall of Fame. Dave received the Top Plank Award in 1981 in recognition of his years of "outstanding service" in the national frame builders industry. He also gained national recognition and was awarded "Building of the Year" in 1989 for his design and construction of an airplane hanger at the Harlan Airport in Harlan, Iowa.

     He met and married Marjorie Hackbarth of Iowa Fall, Iowa, in 1956 and raised four children. He was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend.

     Upon retirement in 1991, Dave and Marge began wintering in Mission, Texas. They enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and the world. He most enjoyed visiting historical sites be it the beaches of Normandy, France; the Coliseum in Rome, Italy; the numerous presidential libraries, or boarding the USS Nautilus - the world’s first nuclear submarine, in Mystic, Connecticut.

     Dave’s extensive cap collection was testimonial to his passion for building, traveling, flying, golfing and his enormous sense of humor. Dave enjoyed building and flying radio-controlled airplanes. During his retirement he was a frequent site at the local flying fields in both Harlan, Iowa and Mission, Texas; maneuvering his planes about the skies.

     He is survived by his loving wife Marjorie; son, Grant (Cyndi) of Waukee, Iowa; daughters: Susan Schmid (Jon) of West Des Moines, Iowa; Julie of Monroe, Iowa; and Lea Ann of Attleboro, Massachusetts; four granddaughters; brothers, Dale of Waverly, Iowa; Kenneth of New Hampton, Iowa; sister: Ada Beth Powell of League City, Texas.

     He is preceded in death by his father, Davis I. Maupin, mother, Gladys (Huffman), brother Glen, and sister Maxine (Spooner).

     A Celebration of Life was held on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 at 11:00 AM at the Congregational Christian Church in Harlan, Iowa with Donna Ewert serving as the clergy. Serving as honorary casket bearers were: Charlie Darrington, Wallace Houts, George Kintner, Forrest Johnson, Ed Roos and Bill Strahan. Serving as casket bearers were Frank Brazinski, Glen Brokaw, Don Griggs, Dean Maupin, Robert Thompson and Gene West. Interment was held in the Harlan Cemetery with the Military Grave side rites by the Shelby County VFW Post No. 941 and the American Legion Helmer Reyelt Post No. 150, all of Harlan, Iowa.

Rev. Norman McCallum - Age 93

     Rev. Norman Alfred McCallum, son of Alfred and Ivy (Melrose) McCallum, was born on January 18, 1912, at Bristol, England. He came to the United States in 1912, on the Lusitania, and lived in the Chicago suburbs of Evanston and Oak Park. On September 18, 1924, Norman went back to England with his parents and two brothers. He attended Hove College, a finishing school for boys, and worked with several law firms. He began training for the ministry in 1934 and graduated in June of 1939 from New College London University in England with a diploma in Theology. Norman was ordained on July 11, 1939 at Bookham Congregational Church.

     In 1939, Norman was united in marriage to Marjorie Hudspith. In 1946 he obtained a Bachelor of Arts. In 1951, Norman served the Dover Congregational Church in Cleveland, Ohio, for nine Sundays and decided that he wanted to return to the United States. In December of 1952, Norman, Marjorie and their five year old daughter, Brenda came to the United States on the Mauretania, where he began his first American ministry job in Tabor, Iowa. In 1955-1957, Norman took postgraduate studies at H.T.H. Seminary. In 1956, their daughter Rosiland was born. In the summer of 1958, Norman took a preaching job for three months in London, England. While there he had the privilege of visiting several European Countries including, France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. In 1954-1959, Norman obtained a Bachelor of Divinity and a Masters in Theology. Their son, Peter was born in 1960. That same year, Norman took post graduate studies at Burton College and Seminary and obtained a Doctor of Theology. He served churches in Wyoming, Illinois, Kansas, Iowa and South Dakota. In 1960 he became an United States Citizen. He continued his studies and achieved a Doctor of Divinity and Philosophy.

     On January 20, 1973, Norman was united in marriage to Mabel Thompson of Soldier, Iowa. In 1978, Norman began preaching at Gregory South Dakota where he became pastor at the United Church of Christ for almost five years. On June 3, 1995 Norman was united in marriage to Thelma Blaine in Harlan, Iowa. Norman enjoyed tennis, golf, reading, writing, cars, listening to the radio and watching t.v.

     Norman died on Monday, February 14, 2005 at the Myrtue Memorial Hospital in Harlan, having attained the age of ninety-three years, and twenty seven days. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mabel, two brothers: Douglas and Gordon, and one step great granddaughter, Jamé Sweatman.

     Survivors include his wife, Thelma of Harlan; his children: Brenda and her husband Tom Kelly of Grand Junction, Colorado, Rosalind and her husband Dennis Neeland of Great Bend, Kansas, Peter McCallum of Wichita, Kansas; four grandchildren; two great grandchildren; his step-children: Linda and her husband David Frain of Omaha, Nebraska, Violet and her husband Allan Weiss of Cross, South Carolina, Connie Henkelman of Harlan, Iowa, Jim Blaine and his wife, Marsha of Cross, South Carolina, Betty Briggs, Larry Blaine and his wife Bonnie all of Harlan, Iowa, twenty step-grandchildren; twenty-seven step great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

     Funeral Services were held on Friday, February 18, 2005 at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Harlan, Iowa, at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Donna Ewert officiating. Interment was in the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa, with Jeremy Briggs, Wesley Frain, Bob Summerfield, Larry Blaine, Michael Hancock, and Edward Blaine serving as casket bearers.

Clarence J. McDermott - Age 85

     Clarence Joseph McDermott, the son of Harry and Josephine Brindley McDermott, was born on August 7, 1918 in Monroe Township, Shelby County, Iowa. He attended grade school in Walnut and graduated from Walnut High School. Upon graduation he attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

     On August 15, 1941 Clarence was inducted into the United States Army Air Corps at Fort Crook, Nebraska. He attended basic training at Fort FE Warren in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He was assigned to six different bases across the west. On July 7, 1942 Clarence was united in marriage to Alice Juanita Jensen at Papillon, Nebraska. To this union six children were born. After their wedding, he continued to serve in the armed forces. In 1945, Clarence went overseas to Clark Field in the Phillippines. He was loaded on an L.S.T. for the invasion of Japan. While they were at sea, the atomic bomb was dropped on Japan. They unloaded at Ishema just as the Japanese white planes with green crosses landed, which signified the surrender of Japan. He continued to serve in the post war occupation force in Japan. Clarence was honorably discharged on November 18,1945, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, as a Master Sergeant with the military qualification of Carbine Marksman.

     In 1949, he returned to Shelby County as a Farm Bureau Field Man. Clarence farmed in Shelby County from 1954 to 1983, before retiring and moving to Harlan. Clarence was very active in the community. In 1992 he was honored with the Citizen of the Years Award from the Harlan Chamber of Commerce. He founded the Lincoln Leaders 4-H Club, was the president of the Harlan School Board, was a member of the Shelby County 4-H Committee, Shelby County Soil Conservation Board, State Soil Conservation Board, Shelby County Board of Supervisors, Shelby County Beef Producers, Shelby County Pork Producers, Southwest Iowa Farm Business Association Board, Golden Kiwanis, and was the president of the Shelby County Farm Bureau Board. Clarence also served on various regional and state boards for the board of supervisors. He was also a member of the American Legion and a lifetime member of the VFW, and a member of the Congregational Church of Christ in Harlan.

     Clarence died Tuesday, February 10, 2004 at Myrtue Memorial Hospital in Harlan, Iowa having attained the age of eighty-five years, six months and three days. In addition to his parents, Clarence was preceded in death by a son, Don. Survivors include his wife, Juanita of Harlan, Iowa; his children, Larry McDermott and his wife, Connie of Harlan, Iowa; David McDermott and his wife, Janet of Story City, Iowa; Dennis McDermott and his wife, Julianne of Milwaukie, Oregon; Dallas McDermott and his wife, Lois of Harlan, Iowa; Rhonda and her husband, Tim Edgecomb of Harlan, Iowa; fifteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one step great-grandson; his sister, Velma and her husband, Tom Fell of Walnut, Iowa; his brother, Robert McDermott and his wife, Shirley of Atlantic, Iowa; other relatives and a great many friends.

     Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 14, 2004, at the First Baptist Church in Harlan, Iowa, at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Donna Ewert and Rev. Gundar Lamberts officiating. Military rites were conducted in the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa, by the American Legion Helmer Reyelt Post No. 150 and the Shelby County VFW Post No. 941 with Joshua Edgecomb and Jay McDermott serving as honorary casket bearers. Serving as casket bearers were Kent McDermott, Steven McDermott, Loren McDermott, Matt McDermott, Chad McDermott and Ryan McDermott.

John D. McKean - Age 80

     John Dwight McKean was born on July 10, 1927, to William and Florence (Petersen) McKean at his grandparents farm near Portsmouth, Iowa. He lived on that farm for one year before the family moved to a farm one mile north.

     He graduated from Persia High School in 1945 and farmed until he was drafted into the United States Army in October of 1950. He completed basic training at Camp Cook, California, and was then sent to Japan for extensive occupation training. He served as a medic during the Korean War, earning several medals before his honorable discharge in 1952.

     He purchased his grandparents’ farm in 1953 and returned to farming with his father west of Portsmouth. In 1963, he met Dorothy Ratashack at the Music Box in Omaha, Nebraska, and on August 8, 1964, they were united in marriage at St. John’s Church of Christ in Council Bluffs, Iowa. One daughter, Marsha Lynn, was born to this union.

     Dwight continued to farm until his retirement in 1996 but continued to live on the farm until June of 2002 when he and Dorothy moved to Harlan. He was a hard worker and kept at a job until it was done. He made do with what he had and went out of his way to help others.

     His daughter was the apple of his eye and when his grandchildren came along, he went overboard buying toys and spoiling them. Dwight was as devoted to his family as he was to God and spent his life serving Him, even in little ways such as giving gasoline to stranded motorists on the highway. He was an honest man and never expected his kindness to be repaid. Dwight was also a member of the American Legion Post No 314 of Persia, and for over 30 years treasurer of the Persia Methodist Church.

     Dwight died on Thursday, June 19, 2008, at Creighton Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, having attained the age of eighty years, eleven months, and nine days. He was preceded in death by his parents.

     He is survived by his wife, Dorothy McKean of Harlan, Iowa; his daughter, Marsha and her husband Tim Slobodnik of Council Bluffs, Iowa; his grandchildren: Jacob and Madison Slobodnik of Council Bluffs, Iowa; his brother; Dennis McKean and his wife Donna of LaVista, Nebraska; sister-in-law, Lavina Johnston of Audubon, Iowa; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

     A funeral service was held on Monday, June 23, 2008, with Rev. Orris Drake leading the 10:00 AM service held at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa. Casket bearers were Mervin Johnston, Steven Johnston, Jaremy Johnston, David McKean, Adam Bruck, and Darren McKean. Military rites were held at the Valley View Cemetery in Persia, Iowa.

Fred J. McKee - Age 90

Lee W. McLaughlin - Age 66

     Lee William McLaughlin, son of Willard and Emma Caroline (Robinson) McLaughlin, was born on December 4, 1941 in Council Bluffs, Iowa and baptized at the Tennant Methodist Church. Lee was a member of the last class to graduate from Tennant High School in 1960.

     On August 24, 1962, Lee was united in marriage to Marie Nielsen at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Defiance, Iowa. Three children were born to this union: Scott, Mark, and Jay. After their marriage, they traveled to Waco, Texas, where Lee was to await orders from the United Air Force. Marie was enrolled at the Baylor University, while Lee was in training at James Conley Air Force Base. He then continued training in the air force in Portland, Oregon and then returned to Shelby County where he was engaged in farming with his father-in-law, Alfred Nielsen, near Defiance, Iowa. Lee did however, continue both his military and civilian education attending Radar Intercept School and Navigator School within the Iowa Air National Guard completing his undergraduate navigator training in November 1963. He served his country for six years receiving the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster and was a small arms expert marksman. During his time in the Iowa Air National Guard, Lee flew F89 Scorpion jets and was commissioned a First Lieutenant. He was also introduced to flying private airplanes. He was proud to own and fly his own twin Comanche B N9783Y. His private airplane experience included treasurer and longtime member of the Midstates International Comanche Society, whose goal was to support historical Comanche aircraft.

     Lee served for many years on the REC Board of Directors; he was active in his church, serving as a Sunday school teacher, the administrative board, and was a junior high fellowship leader. Lee’s objective in his life was to reach beyond the community, especially in regard to learning. This is evident as he continued his education at Iowa State University in Ames where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Farm Operations. His education in the agricultural field was well put to use as Lee became a successful farmer and eventually partnered with his son, Scott. He was known to say that for him work was play and play was his work.

     A special joy for Lee was his ability to relax with his family, especially his grandchildren.

     Lee died on Wednesday, January 9, 2008, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, as a result of a vehicle accident near his home, having attained the age of sixty-six years, one month, and five days. He is preceded in death by his father.

     Lee is survived by his wife Marie of Defiance, Iowa; their children: Scott and his wife Shawn of Defiance; Mark and his wife Christy of Ankeny, Iowa; and Jay of Manning, Iowa; his mother Emma Caroline of Shelby; six grandchildren; one sister Caroline and her husband Gary Schmitz of Omaha, Nebraska; nieces, nephews, other family members, and many friends.

     Funeral Services were held Saturday, January 12, 2008, at United Methodist Church in Irwin, Iowa. Pastor Keith Pals officiated the 1:30 PM service with burial at the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were Gary Hall, Lloyd Robinson, Steve Gawley, Richard Ferry, Lyle Campbell, and Eugene Monson.

Nina E. Meredith - Age 84

     Nina Esther Meredith, the daughter of Rudolph and Margretha Steffens Camenisch, was born on June 4, 1921 at Luzerne, Iowa. She was baptized at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Luzerne. Nina attended school at Luzerne. On November 23, 1940, she was united in marriage to Delnoe "Red" Meredith at Council Bluffs, Iowa. To this union, two children were born: a son, Mick and a daughter, Marilyn. After their marriage the couple resided in Shelby, Iowa. Nina was employed at the Fogarty Café for a short time, before working for Peter's Store, where she was employed for thirty years.

     Nina enjoyed her grandchildren and great-granddaughters and was a member of the Shelby United Methodist Church, was the Past President of the American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 240 of Shelby, Iowa, and a Past Noble Grand of Rebekah Lodge Post No. 140 of Shelby, Iowa.

     Nina has resided in Shelby, Iowa, most of her adult life, until recently when she became a resident of the Avoca Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Avoca, Iowa. It was there that she died having attained the age eighty-four years, six months and eleven days. In addition to her parents, Nina was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters: Arnold, Chris, Victor, and Quentin Camenisch; Florence Shriver, Ursula Krieger and Alice Koster.

     Survivors include her husband, Delnoe "Red" Meredith of Avoca, Iowa; her children: Mick Meredith and his wife, Maggie of Omaha, Nebraska; Marilyn and her husband, Frank Evans of Shelby, Iowa; three grandchildren: Andrew Evans, Allison and her husband, Richard Maassen and Joel Evans and his wife, Erin; three great-grandchildren: Allyssa Engel, Olivia Maassen and Meredith Maassen; other relatives and many friends.

     Memorial Services were held on Sunday, December 18, 2005 at 7:30 PM at the Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca, Iowa with Pastor Orris Drake as the clergy. Private graveside service was held in the Shelby Cemetery, Shelby, Iowa.

Alec G. Mertz - Age 10

     Alec George Mertz, the oldest son of Gregory and Michelle Slusser Mertz, was born on February 5, 1995, at Omaha, Nebraska. He was baptized at the First Presbyterian Church in Walnut, Iowa. Alec attended Walnut School in Walnut, Iowa.

     He loved soccer, baseball, and Nascar racing, with Jeff Gordon being his favorite race car driver. Alec loved sports including Iowa State and especially the Walnut Warriors. He received various awards, including a Second Place Tourney Award in Soccer, County Champs Baseball MVP, wrestling, and Second Place Punt, Pass and Kick in football. He also enjoyed the fishing trips to Canada with his family. Alec loved riding his bike and spending time with his little brother, Michael.

     Alec also was able to enjoy a trip to Disney World courtesy of the Make A Wish Foundation, and Give Kids The World organizations. Caringbridge was Alec’s website to keep everyone informed of his treatment. His illness was in remission, so he was able to appreciate the time there and meeting other kids as well.

     Alec died on Saturday, September 17, 2005, at his home in Walnut, Iowa, having attained the age ten years, seven months and twelve days. He is survived by his parents, Gregory and Michelle of Walnut, Iowa; his little brother, Michael of Walnut, Iowa; his grandparents: Lydia Johnson and Don Baumfalk both of Firth, Nebraska; George Mertz of Walnut, Iowa; other relatives and many friends.

Charles Alfred Miller - Age 90

    Charles Alfred Miller, son of Eli and Myra (Enous) Miller, was born and raised on a farm north of Manilla, Iowa, on March 18, 1917. He attended grade school east of Defiance at Greeley Center School and then attended high school in Manilla. After his schooling, Charles worked on several farms in the Defiance area.

    While attending church in Defiance, he met his future wife. On February 18, 1940, Charles was united in marriage to Phyllis Hulsebus on her grandparent’s farm, the same farm where they later made their home for sixty-seven years. Four boys were born to this union: Neil, Allan, Eugene, and Lyle.

     Charles enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and his best friend, his dog. Charles was fond of farming and continued working on the family farm until his retirement in 1993. After retiring, he continued to help his son Lyle farm and even helped his grandsons, the fifth generation to farm this land, with harvest this past fall at the age of eighty-nine. Charles remained on the family farm until June 2007, when he became a resident of Manilla Manor in Manilla, Iowa.

     It was there that Charles died on July 5, 2007, having attained the age of ninety years, three months, and seventeen days. He is preceded in death by his parents; his son Eugene Ray; two sisters: Stella Heflin and Alice Nielsen; and one brother, Leo Miller.

     He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, of sixty-seven years, of Manilla, Iowa; his three sons: Neil Miller and his wife Mary of Manilla, Iowa; Allan Miller and his wife Sue of Brownsville, Pennsylvania; and Lyle Miller and his wife MaroLee of Manilla, Iowa; nine grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family members, and many friends.

     Funeral services were held on Monday, July 9, 2007, with Rev. Keith Pals officiating the 2:00 PM service at the United Methodist Church in Defiance, Iowa. Honorary casket bearers were Joseph Gubbels, Jacob Gubbels, Kathryn Gubbels, Jared Schmitz, Spencer Miller, Kayla Miller, Jacob Miller, Jared Miller, Hayden Miller, Elish Miller, Madison Reagan, and Makenzie Reagan. Serving as casket bearers were Rick Miller, Brian Miller, Jodi Gubbels, Jim Miller, Jason Miller, Jacie Reagan, Michael Miller, Patrick Miller, and Kathleen Miller. Interment was at the Nishnabotna Cemetery in Manilla, Iowa.

     Ernest Walter Mohr was born on August 4, 1913, 5.5 miles southeast of Avoca, Iowa, the second son of John Henry and Laura Augusta Lydia Kallsen Mohr. He was baptized August 9, 1914, by Pastor E. O. Potratz at Big Springs, Nebraska (home of Ernest’s mother). Baptismal sponsors were (Uncle) Walter Kallsen, (Aunt) Alma Kallsen, and (Grandfather) Johann Mohr. He was confirmed March 31, 1929, at First Lutheran Church at Avoca, Iowa by Pastor E. A. Kurtz.

     On February 14, 1942, he was married to Leona Emma Krems of Big Springs, Nebraska in the Zion Lutheran Church. Witnesses were Vernon Krems (Leona’s brother) and Frances Mohr (Ernest’s sister).

     Ernest was inducted into the Army at Fort Crook, Nebraska on October 13, 1942. During World War II, he spent about two and one half years at Fort Riley, Kansas and six months at Camp Campbell, Kentucky before being sent to serve in Germany. Ernest proudly served in the U. S. Army’s 20^th Armored Division. This division helped in the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp. Ernest was honorably discharged in January, 1946.

     In 1947, their son Darrell Ernest was born. Except for time out for the war, Ernest farmed all of his life. Besides being a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle, he loved to farm. His father, John, died when he was eleven years old. Along with his mother, older brother, William Henry, younger brother, John Melvin, and younger sister, Frances Irene, they kept the farm going, which was quite a feat considering that in 1925 more people were losing farms than not.

     He share cropped from 1946 until he and Leona bought their farm in 1965 five miles northeast of Avoca. The two of them worked hard on this land. It had a huge garden, a large home, flowers, and fields as weedless as you could find.

     Ernest died on Sunday, December 11, 2005 at the Immanuel Fontenelle Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Omaha, Nebraska. He had attained the age of ninety two years, four months and seven days. Ernest was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, his two brothers, William and Melvin, and his loving wife, Leona.

     He is survived by his son Darrell and his wife, Christine, of Omaha, Nebraska, grandchildren: Darren William of Seattle, Washington, Amber Stephanie and her husband Jeremy Hall of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Laura Julianne, who is attending college in Lincoln, Nebraska; his sister, Frances Johnson of Big Springs, Nebraska, as well as many, many much loved nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

     Funeral Services were held on Thursday, December 15, 2005 at 10:30 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Duane Anunson as the clergy. Honorary Casket bearers were Orvie Fischer and Mervin Schaff. Serving as casket bearers were Jeff Mohr, Gene Mohr, Dan Zaretsky, Harley Spencer, Gary Paulsen, Neil Johnson, Gary Mohr and John Krems. Interment was held in the Graceland Cemetery in Avoca, Iowa.

Karen Monahan - Age 51

     Morris Francis Moore, better known as Freddy, was born on February 5, 1956 and passed away on July 3, 2008 at 4:10 PM at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa at the age of fifty-two years, four months, and twenty-eight days. His parents were Verce and Shirley Moore of Kenosha, Wisconsin.

     He attended school in Long Town, Missouri and worked for Blues Amusement Carnival from 1994 to 1997. From 1999 to 2004, Freddy worked at the Shelby County Speedway in Harlan, Iowa. He also had several other odd jobs during his lifetime.

     He met Tammy Hansen in February 1994. Together they had four children: Ashley, Morris Jr., Tanya, and Brian.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Thomas Lee, and step-son Jason Travis.

     He is survived by his sister Babe Sapoff of Thompson, Iowa; his fiancé Tammy and their four children: Ashley, Morris Jr., Tanya and Brian all of Harlan, Iowa, his step-daughter Miki Travis of Missouri Valley, Iowa; his in-laws Richard and EvaMae Hansen of Harlan, Iowa; brothers and sisters in-law Lisa and Tim Hansen of Harlan, Rick and Stacy Hansen of Manilla, Iowa, Tammy and Tony Hansen of Avoca, Iowa, Patrick and Nellie of Jefferson, Iowa; nieces and nephews; other family members and friends.

     A funeral service was held on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 with Elder Paul Domina presiding at the 10:30 AM service at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa. Honorary casket bearers were Rick Martin, Kyle Hansen, and Patrick Hansen. Junior casket bearers were Ashley Moore, Morris Moore, Jr., Tonya Moore, and Brian Moore. Serving as casket bearers were Dale Eilenstien, Curt Scheffler, Russell Wirth, Rick Hansen, Tim Hansen, and Tony Hansen. Interment was at the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa.