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Henry W. Nash - Age 88
Henry William Nash, son of Edwin M.
And Hazel Lillian (Doleschall) Nash, was born in
South Dakota on July 25, 1921. He was one of six
children in the family. Henry attended school is
Missouri Valley, Iowa, and later joined the
Civilian Conservation Corporation. He then moved
to a tenant farm near Schleswig, Iowa, and
helped his mother raise and support his brothers
and sisters.
Henry met Darlene Petersen in Dunlap, Iowa,
where they were later united in marriage on May
11, 1947. They were the parents of four
children: Henry, Jr., Linda, Gloria, and
Timothy. Henry and Darlene made their home on a
farm in the Dunlap area until 1952, when they
moved to a farm near Walnut, Iowa. They were
longtime members of the Calvary Baptist Church
in Walnut.
Darlene died in September of 1986, after 39
years of marriage to Henry. In 1987, Henry
retired from farming and moved into the town of
Walnut. He worked part-time at the Barn Mall in
Walnut across the street from his home. He then
moved to the Avoca Nursing and Rehab Center in
May of 2008 and it was here where he died on
July 28, 2009, attaining the age of eighty-eight
years and three days.
In addition to his parents, Henry is preceded in
death by his wife Darlene; his son Timothy; four
brothers: Robert, Marian, George and Chet. He is
survived by his children: Pastor Henry Nash, Jr.
and his wife Shirley of Bowen, Illinois; Linda
and her husband Gary Harris of Walnut, Iowa;
Gloria and her husband Michael Soll of Harlan,
Iowa; twelve grandchildren; twenty-three
great-grandchildren; one great-grandson; his
brother Ed Nash and his wife Garnetta of
Colorado; nieces; nephews; other family members
and many friends.
Pastor Aaron Hand officiated the 10:30 AM
funeral service on Saturday, August 1, 2009, at
Calvary Baptist Church in Walnut, Iowa. Serving
as casket bearers were Brent Soll, Benjamin
Nash, Mike Harris, David Hester, Brandon R. Soll,
and Blaine Soll. Interment was held at the
Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut.

Ryan M. Nash -
Age 38
Ryan
Mitchell Nash, the son of Gary and Linda Timberman Nash, was born on
December 22, 1968 at Cass County Hospital in Atlantic, Iowa and was
baptized at the Oakland Methodist Church. He attended school in Walnut.
While growing up, Ryan belonged to both the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts;
was a member of 4-H; played football in high school and was a member and
an officer of the Walnut FFA. After graduating with the Class of 1987,
Ryan attended Iowa Western Community College and attained his Associate
Degree in Ag Science.
Ryan, who always wanted to farm, started farming with his dad using the
equipment bought from his grandfather, along with raising hogs. Ryan was
united in marriage to Julie Baxter on July 30, 2005 at the Walnut
Presbyterian Church in Walnut, Iowa. Ryan was proud of his Classic '57
Chevy pick-up that he displayed in car shows and many parades. He was
one of the founding members of the Walnut Optimist Club where he cooked
at the car show for several years. He was also a member and officer of
the Shelby County Pork Producers and cooked at the State Fair for many
years.
In January 2006 Ryan was diagnosed with Sarcoma and continued to farm
when he was able. Ryan enjoyed snowmobiling, playing in a pool league
and hunting with his relatives and friends. He loved to fish and enjoyed
many trips to Canada. Ryan's last adventure was a ten day trip to Bahia,
Brazil where he explored a land and farming investment. It was the
highlight of his farming career.
Ryan died on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at Myrtue Memorial Hospital in
Harlan, Iowa having attained the age of thirty-eight years, four months
and twenty-three days. He is preceded in death by his maternal
grandfather, Dick Timberman and his paternal grandfather, Ross Nash.
Survivors include his wife, Julie Nash; parents, Gary and Linda Nash,
all of Walnut, Iowa; brother Kasey and his wife Carrie Nash; nephews:
Collin Thomas Nash and Cade Ryan Nash all of Ralston, Nebraska; his
grandmothers: Neuonia Timberman of Oakland, Iowa and Maxine Nash of
Walnut, Iowa; other relatives and numerous friends.
A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 1:30 PM at
the Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca, Iowa with Pastor David Krueger
as the clergy. Serving as casket bearers were Kasey Nash, Dean Nash,
Allan Sievers, Steve Skow, Devin Moeller, Gary Plagmann and Adrian
Griffith. Interment was held in the Monroe Township Cemetery, rural
Walnut, Iowa.

Carolyn J. Nelson - Age 72
Carolyn Joyce Nelson, daughter of
Christian C. F. and Ella (Zolck) Hoeppner, was
born on August 18, 1936, on a farm near Avoca,
Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at the
Congregational Church in Minden, Iowa.
She attended school in
Shelby, Iowa, graduating with the Class of 1955.
She was united in marriage to Edward C. Owen on
January 30, 1955. They resided in Harlan, Iowa,
after her husband’s graduation from the
University of Iowa. Three children were born to
this union: Steven, Scott, and Shari.
After Eddie’s death in
1972, Carolyn learned that she had a knack for
sales after being recruited to help a friend
working with the Sarah Coventry Jewelry Company.
She soon achieved the level of a Branch Manager
where she held positions in the top 10
nationally in personal sales for twelve
consecutive years, earning numerous incentive
trips. She was eventually promoted to Regional
Manager. She was also an active member in the
Lebanon Chapter No. 8, Order of Eastern Star
where she achieved the status of Worthy Matron.
She was very proud of receiving her fifty years
of service pin.
On May 18, 1974, she
was married to William "Bill" Nelson in Harlan.
She later opened a store of her own called
"Gifts by Carolyn" in Harlan. She retired due to
her disability in October 1990. She enjoyed
three more years with her husband Bill before
his death in 1993. In her retirement, she loved
working part-time as a cashier at Mickel’s
Family Restaurant. She also enjoyed playing
cards, going to movies, and giving gifts. She
particularly loved her family and spending time
with her grandchildren.
Carolyn died on
Wednesday, November 19, 2008, at the University
of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska,
having attained the age of seventy-two years,
three months, and one day. She is preceded in
death by her parents, her husbands, and her
sister Mildred Rollins.
She is survived by her
sons Steve Owen and Scott Owen and his wife
KimBerly all of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; her
daughter Shari and her husband Frank Heese of
Harlan, Iowa; her step-daughter Dena Christensen
of Omaha, Nebraska; seven grandchildren: Ryan,
Chad, Kaysha, Carly, Nolan, Alexandra, and
Madison; one step-grandson, Adam; her brother
Chris Hoeppner, Jr. and his wife Rowene of
Council Bluffs, Iowa; other family members and
many friends.
A funeral service was
held on Saturday, November 22, 2008, with Pastor
Donna Ewert leading the 2:00 PM service at the
Congregational United Church of Christ in
Harlan, Iowa. Casket bearers were Chad Owen,
David Kentsmith, Frank Heese, Lee Rollins,
Victor Rollins, and Ryan Owen with interment
held at the Harlan Cemetery. 
Elaine D. Nelson - Age 87
Elaine Delpha Nelson was born to
Edwin and Ethel (Christiansen) Larson of rural
Avoca in Shelby County, Iowa, on February 17,
1922. Elaine attended a one-room country school
through the eighth grade and graduated from
Harlan High School in 1940. After high school,
Elaine continued her education at the Teacher’s
College in Peru, Nebraska, and taught for a
period of time in a one-room country school.
On November 28, 1941,
Elaine was united in marriage to Lloyd Nelson.
They celebrated their 62nd wedding
anniversary prior to Lloyd’s death in 2003.
Three children were born to this union: Judy,
Vicky, and Galen. After their wedding, Elaine
and Lloyd made their home outside of Harlan
where they farmed until 1957.
Elaine accepted Jesus
as her Lord and Savior at a young age. She was
an active member of Bethel Baptist, Altamont
Baptist and most recently at First Baptist
Church in Harlan. She was also an active church
leader, teaching Sunday School, Bible School,
and taking leadership roles in the women’s
ministry. Elaine also was an active Elm Crest
Retirement auxiliary member and could be found
assisting with aebleskiver and soup/pie suppers,
and taking the gift cart to Elm Crest residents
with Lloyd.
She was a devoted
mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
Lloyd and Elaine farmed for many years and later
started Nelson Farm Supply in Harlan. Elaine was
a wonderful cook and baker and baked delicious
homemade pies for the Corley gas station café
and the Avoca Sale Barn Café. She also managed
the Holiday Buffet and later owned the White
Star Café in Harlan. Elaine and Lloyd enjoyed an
early retirement and wintered in Arizona, and
also enjoyed doing crafts.
Elaine died on Monday,
March 23, 2009, at Elm Crest Retirement
Community in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the
age of eighty-seven years, one month and six
days. She was preceded in death by her parents;
her husband Lloyd; her brother Kenneth Larson;
and her sister Nadine Short.
She is survived by her
children: Judy and her husband Jim Zea of Avoca,
Iowa; Vicky and her husband Dave Waclawski of
Rockwell City, Iowa; and Galen "Sam" and his
wife Linda of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa;
grandchildren: Corbin Zea, Darci Hyde, Jodi
Peterson, Tami Swank, Montgomery Schnack, Gabe
Nelson, Carly Mjelde, and Chad, Eric, Brian and
Jeff Bricker; twenty-two great-grandchildren;
nieces; nephews; other family members and many
friends.
Funeral Services were
held on Saturday, March 28, 2009, at First
Baptist Church in Harlan, Iowa. Rev. Al Hazelton
officiated the 10:00 AM service. Burial was held
at Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa, with Gene
and Darlene Arentson, Verle and Marie Arentson,
Harold and Donna Lansman, Stanley and Joan
Martens and Dale and Ruth Sorensen serving as
honorary casket bearers. Acting as casket
bearers were: Corbin Zea, Montgomery Schnack,
Gabe Nelson, Chad Bricker, Brian Bricker, Jeff
Bricker, and Eric Bricker. 
Marian C. Nelson - Age 85
Marian Carol Nelson, the daughter of
Albert and Frances (Olson) Wiuff, was born in
the parsonage of the Verdi, Minnesota Methodist
Church on December 28, 1923. She attended
elementary school in Nerstrand, Minnesota and
her family moved to rural Audubon (Fiscus), Iowa
where her father pastored at Merrill’s Grove
Baptist Church. Marian attended Audubon High
School her freshman and sophomore years. She
graduated from Harlan High school having
completed Normal Training in preparation for
teaching.
Marian was baptized by
her father while at Merrill’s Grove Baptist
Church. On February 20th, 1942,
Marian was united in marriage to Laverne Nelson
by Reverend Wiuff at Merrill’s Grove Baptist
Church of Fiscus, Iowa. Three children, Paul,
Randy, and Debbie were born to this union. They
resided on their farm west of Fiscus. As a
homemaker, Marian was devoted to her family,
grew a large vegetable garden, and canned a lot
of her produce.
Marian was active in
the Merrill’s Grove Baptist Church, involved
with choir, Ladies Aid, the Sunday School, and
VBS until she moved to Harlan where she became a
member of the First Baptist Church. There she
participated in choir, ABW, Sunday School and
provided floral arrangements to enhance the
church services.
She helped many family
and friends in home improvement projects. She
loved to paint and refinish woodwork and
furniture. Her leisure activities included
traveling to Texas for the winter, ceramic
crafts, oil painting, and a huge flower garden.
She loved to arrange her flowers and won several
Best of Show floral awards at the Shelby County
Fair.
Marian died on April 3rd,
2009, at Elm Crest Retirement Community in
Harlan where she had resided for five years. She
attained the age of eighty-five years, three
months, and six days. Preceding her in death
were her parents, her brother Palmer, sisters
Irene Norgaard, and Lois Bartelson, and
brother-in-law, Calvin Bartelson.
Marian is survived by
her children; Paul and his wife Joanne Nelson of
Irwin, Randall Nelson and his wife Joan
Watson-Nelson of Irwin, and Debbie Scott and her
husband Tom of Smyrna, Tennessee; her
grandchildren, Sherry Nelson and her husband Leo
Mayol, Michelle Fitch and her husband Robert,
Julie Nelson, Jeremy Nelson, William Nelson,
Matthew Scott, and Melissa Scott; and 2 great
grandchildren; Ryan and Tyler Fitch. Also
surviving are her brother Albert (Bud) Wiuff and
his wife Betty of Ankeny, Sister-in-law Delta
Wiuff of Harlan, brother-in-law Richard Norgaard
of Arizona, nieces, nephews, other relatives and
many friends.
Funeral Services were
held on Monday, April 6, 2009, at First Baptist
Church in Harlan, Iowa. Pastor Gundar Lamberts
officiated the 1:30 PM service. Burial was held
at the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan with Leo Mayol,
William Nelson, Jim Nelson, Jeremy Nelson,
Matthew Scott, and Robert Fitch serving as
casket bearers. 
Norman H.
Nelson - Age 86
Norman Henry Nelson was born on July
3, 1922 in rural Shelby County near Walnut,
Iowa, to Octave and Myrtle (Rold) Nelson. He
attended Walnut schools and graduated from
Walnut High School with the Class of 1940.
He farmed with his
father near Marne and Anita. In 1949, the family
moved to Cumberland where they farmed east of
Grant, Iowa. Norman raised purebred Hereford
cattle, which were his pride and joy. He farmed
and raised cattle until his health began to fail
and he moved into Peace Haven Retirement
Community in Walnut. He became a resident of
Avoca Lodge and Assisted Living in the last two
years.
Norman was a patient at
the Select Specialty Hospital in Davenport,
Iowa, for several months before returning to the
Avoca Nursing Home where he died on Wednesday,
June 17, 2009, having attained the age of
eighty-six years, eleven months, and fourteen
days. He was preceded in death by his parents
and his sister Wilma Nelson.
He is survived by his
sister Joan and her husband Everett Kuehl of
Marne, Iowa; niece Diana and her husband Dennis
Stucker of Syracuse, New York; nephews Dale
Kuehl and his wife Pam of Atlantic, Iowa, Dennis
Kuehl and his wife Suzanne of Atlantic, Dallas
Kuehl and his wife Mary Pat of Houston, Texas;
other family members and many friends.
A graveside service was
held on Saturday, June 20, 2009 with Pastor
Diana Holland officiating the 10:30 AM service
at Cuppy’s Grove Cemetery in Walnut, Iowa.

Thelma I. Nelson -
Age 88
Thelma Izora
Nelson, daughter of Hjalmer and Isabel (Nelson) Wiig, was born on March
10, 1919, south of Irwin, Iowa. She attended school in Irwin and
graduated with the Class of 1937.
After
graduation, she moved to Oxford, Pennsylvania, with her parents, two
sisters, and one brother. They lived there for eighteen months then
returned to Iowa. That winter, she helped with housework and meals for a
farm couple, Chris and Christina Nelson. Their son, Melvin Nelson, came
home one weekend for a visit, met Thelma, and they fell in love. A year
later, on December 25, 1939, Thelma and Melvin were united in marriage
at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church south of Irwin.
In the
spring, they moved to a farm six miles north of Walnut where their
children, Jerry Lee and Julie Dianne, were born. After a few years, they
moved to Irwin where Melvin was a carpenter. Later they moved to Harlan.
Thelma enjoyed her role as wife, mother, and grandmother. Melvin passed
away May 17, 1981. Thelma continued living in her home until she entered
Elm Crest Retirement Community in April of 2001 and lived there until
her death on June 19, 2007. She had attained the age of eighty-eight
years, three months, and nine days. She was preceded in death by her
husband Melvin Nelson, her parents, three infant brothers and one infant
sister.
Thelma is
survived by her son Jerry Nelson and his wife Lois of Council Bluffs,
Iowa, and her daughter Julie French of Omaha, Nebraska; nine
grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild;
her brother Hilmer Wiig and his wife Glendeen of Bancroft, Nebraska; her
sisters: Dolores Mickelson of Harlan, Iowa, and Gloria and her husband
Carroll Kallevig of Irwin, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other family members,
and friends.
A
funeral service was held on Thursday, June 21, 2007, beginning at 1:00
PM at Grace Baptist Church in Harlan. Pastor Greg White officiated the
service. Casket bearers were David Nelson, Doug Nelson, Eugene Mericle,
Chris Von Mende, Chris Scelonge, Vince Brandts and Brian Ferguson with
interment held at the Harlan Cemetery.

Henry R. Neve - Age 91
Henry
Robert Neve, the son of Henry J. and Anna C. Hinrichsen Neve, was born
in Shelby, Iowa on January 13, 1917. He attended town school in Avoca
until the seventh grade and at the age of fourteen went to work with
Fritz Oehlertz on his farm, living with him and doing day work. A short
while later he started working for George Lippold and then for
twenty-two years worked for George's brother, Dan. He also worked for
Loring Lippold for many years.
Henry never married, saying that, "I just never found a women that I
liked well enough." Through the years Henry has always like putting
together jigsaw puzzles. When Henry lived at Peace Haven, the small room
where the tea parties are held was covered with Henry's works of art.
Henry died on Thursday, March 27, 2008 at the Oakland Manor Nursing Home
in Oakland, Iowa having attained the age of ninety-one years, two months
and fourteen days. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers
and sisters: Melvin Neve, Milton Neve, Marie Headlee, Linda Renfeld,
Anna Neve, Helen Tennigkeit, Cora Purdy, Edwin Neve and Ella Osbahr.
Survivors include his brothers: Milo Neve and his wife Glenola of
Council Bluffs, Iowa and Eldene Neve of Seattle, Washington; his
sisters: Marjorie Neve and Frances and her husband Warren Brainard, all
of Coal City, Illinois; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many
friends.
Funeral Services were held on Monday, March 31, 2008 at 2:00 PM with
Pastor Dennis Reich as the clergy and Wayne Paulsen as the eulogist.
Honorary Casket bearers were Clarence Renfeld, Claude Pope, John
Schuning and Larry Lippold. Serving as casket bearers were Andy Willett,
Greg Neve, Dean Willett, Dave Pope, John Renfeld and Terry Lippold.
Interment was held at the Graceland Cemetery, Avoca, Iowa.

Evelyn Nielsen
- Age 84
Marie Evelyn Nielsen was born on September
26, 1923 on the Hansen farm near Jacksonville,
Iowa to Celius and Madie (Hansen) Larson. She
was baptized at the United Methodist Church in
Harlan, Iowa, and attended grade school at
Center #3 in Center Township and went on to
graduate from Harlan High School.
Evelyn was united in
marriage to Kenneth E. Nielsen on October 14,
1943 in Maryville, Missouri. She worked at the
ASCS office in Harlan, at the Gyst Ford
Dealership in Chicago Heights, Illinois, as a
real estate agent in Homewood, Illinois, and was
the office manager for the State Farm Ken
Nielsen Agency for thirty years. Evelyn and Ken
retired on September 30, 1986 at which time they
enjoyed traveling and spent their winters in
Green Valley, Arizona and their summers in Cook,
Minnesota.
Evelyn was a member of
the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and was a founding
member of the Red Hat Society. She taught Sunday
School, loved gardening, dancing, playing
bridge, and handiwork.
Evelyn died at her home
on Wednesday, September 17, 2008, having
attained the age of eighty-four years, eleven
months, and twenty-two days. She was preceded in
death by her parents, her husband Kenneth, and
her brother Clarence Larson.
She is survived by her
children: Lynda Kay and her husband Robert Karel
of Sumter, South Carolina, Ronald Nielsen and
his wife Chris of Emory, Texas, and Debra and
her husband John Vance of Coleman, Texas; six
grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; her
sister Darlene Rasmussen of Harlan, Iowa; nieces
and nephews, other family members, and many
friends.
A funeral service was
held on Sunday, September 21, 2008, at Pauley
Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa. Rev. David
Swinton officiated the 2:00 PM service with
burial at Jacksonville Cemetery in Jacksonville,
Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were John Vance,
Robert Karel, Tom Karel, Scott Karel, Rev. Erik
Nielsen, Andrew Nielsen, and Jennifer Vance.

Helen B. Nielsen - Age 95
Helen
Bernice Nielsen was born on March 31, 1912 to Raymond and Myrtle (Hunt)
Tryon in Defiance, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at Defiance
Christian Church and remained a member there until 1925, when she became
a member of Defiance Evangelical Church. Helen attended all twelve years
of schooling at Defiance Consolidated School. She graduated from high
school with the Class of 1930.
Later that same year, she was united in marriage to Albert Hulsebus in
Harlan, Iowa. Two sons were born to this union: James and Kenneth. After
her marriage, she owned and operated a produce station in Defiance until
1937, when she bought and operated the general store in Cooper, Iowa
where she also provided teachers with room and board. She belonged to
the Cooper Methodist Church until 1949.
She spent six years as the bookkeeper at Ellerbrock’s Dress Shop, which
was a good fit for her. Helen was very talented as a seamstress and made
a lot of her sister’s clothes. She also crocheted and knitted.
In 1958, she became employed at the Commercial Bank of Carroll as a bank
teller and joined the Carroll Methodist Church. Helen retired in 1971
after the death of her husband. When her son Kenneth died in March of
1983, she didn’t hesitate to help raise his children.
Helen was married to Alfred Nielsen on April 21, 1975, in Carroll, Iowa,
until his death twenty years later. Regardless of what life threw her
way, she kept her positive attitude and continued to work hard. She did
enjoy her hobbies when she had free time and wrote poetry, painted, and
played cards with friends. She was a great cook and shared that talent
with many family and friends. Helen never thought of herself and will be
remembered as the rock of her family and community.
Helen moved to the Clearwater, Florida, to be closer to her son, James.
It was in Madeira Beach, Florida, where she died on February 22, 2008,
having attained the age of ninety-five years, ten months, and twenty-two
days. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands Albert
Hulsebus and Alfred Nielsen, her son Kenneth, grandson Gary Hulsebus and
granddaughter Michelle Hulsebus, brothers Raymond, Clarence, and James
Tryon, and sister Nona Mae Densmore.
Helen is survived by her son James Hulsebus and his wife Nancy of
Madeira Beach, Florida, four grandchildren: Michael, Patti, Stephen, and
Thomas Hulsebus; four great-grandchildren: Gary, Christopher, and Kelli
Hulsebus and Curtis Sawyer, one great-great-grandchild, Serenity
Hulsebus; other family members, and friends.
Funeral Services were held on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at Pauley Jones
Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa. Pastor Keith Pals officiated the 10:30 AM
service with interment at Union Township Cemetery in Defiance, Iowa.
Serving as casket bearers were: Mike Hulsebus, Frank Jorgenson, Steve
Hulsebus, Jim Tryon, Dale Tryon, and Ron Tryon.

Helen D.
Nielsen - Age 86
Helen Nielsen was born on February
15, 1923 to Carl and Alma (Maasen) Nelson in
rural Avoca, Iowa. She graduated from Avoca High
School with the Class of 1940.
She was united in
marriage to Orval M. Nielsen on October 1, 1941
in Omaha, Nebraska. Three children were born to
this union: Kenneth, Larry, and Karen. Helen did
housework for others while Orval was in the
military. After his return, they continued
farming in the Avoca, Menlo, and Adair areas.
Helen also worked at the feed store they owned
and operated in Walnut, Colonial Motor Inn,
Mickel’s, Best Western motel, was a successful
Tupperware dealer for eighteen years, and
babysat for many years until moving to Harlan in
1992.
When the children were
little, they would go on trail rides and ride
their horses in parades in different
communities. Helen loved to cook and bake and
would make her special buttermilk brownies
whenever requested. She could never say no to
anyone. She also loved to sew and would make new
doll clothes or most importantly, patching
overalls. As her great-grandson Zain said,
"great-grandma can fix anything".
She was a member of
Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca for twenty-six
years, the Walnut American Legion Auxiliary, and
the Walnut Fireflies.
Helen moved to Peace
Haven Retirement Home in Walnut, Iowa in 2005
but would go to Harlan several days a week to
spend time with Karen. Her family was everything
to her and they would go on weekend get-aways
together.
Helen died on
Wednesday, May 27, 2009, having attained the age
of eighty-six years, three months, and twelve
days. She was preceded in death by her parents,
her husband Orval, son Larry,
great-granddaughter Jennifer Sandbothe, sisters
Annabelle and Evelyn; brothers Jigs, Donald, and
Clifford.
She is survived by her
son Kenny Nielsen of Walnut, Iowa, daughter
Karen Blum and her friend Gary Russell of
Harlan, Iowa; five grandchildren; eight
great-grandchildren; brother LaVerne Nelson and
his wife Judy of Boise, Idaho; nieces and
nephews; other family members and friends.
Pastor Dennis Reich
performed the 11:00 AM funeral service on
Saturday, May 30, 2009 at Trinity Lutheran
Church in Avoca, Iowa. Serving as casket bearers
were Scott Petersen, Troy Nielsen, Sherry
Sandbothe, Nicki Ranney, Jeff Nielsen, and Eric
Sandbothe. Interment was held at Graceland
Cemetery in Avoca. 
Inez I. Nielsen - Age 76
Inez Irene Nielsen was born on July 26, 1930 on the family farm
southwest of Avoca. She was the youngest of four children born to Harry
and Edith (Wasser) Pond. She attended Pleasant Township #5 country
school and graduated from Shelby High School with the class of 1948.
Following high school, Inez worked at the Avoca State Bank.
Inez was united in marriage to Vernon Nielsen on April 14, 1950 at the
Congregational Church in Avoca, Iowa. Later that same year they moved to
Riverton, Wyoming and relocated several times because of Vernon's road
construction jobs. They were the parents of two daughters: Sharon and
April. They moved back to Iowa in 1954, living in Harlan, Cherokee and
then resettling in Avoca in 1956. Inez started working at the East
Pottawattamie County Courthouse in Avoca after her daughters were of
school age. She worked in the clerk's office then at the Sheriff's
office in Avoca and the Pottawattamie County Sheriff's office in Council
Bluffs, Iowa after the Avoca courthouse closed. She retired in 1989
after twenty-five years with the Sherriff's Department.
Inez was a member of the United Church of Avoca. She enjoyed a busy life
with many activities including gathering with the family, friends and
community; sewing, crafts, gardening, camping, traveling, researching
family history and hosting family celebrations in her home.
Inez died at the Creighton Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska on
Wednesday, February 7, 2007. She had attained the age of seventy six
years, six months and twelve days. Besides her parents, Inez was
preceded in death by her daughter, Sharon, in 1985.
Inez is
survived by her husband, Vernon, of Avoca; her daughter, April Nielsen
and her husband, Tom Bauch, of Chetek, Wisconsin; two grandchildren,
Angelene and Jacob Bauch; two sisters: Eleanor Graves and Margaret
Nielsen and her husband, Eugene, all of Harlan, Iowa; one brother,
Maurice Pond of Omaha, Nebraska; many nieces and nephews, other
relatives and friends.
Funeral Services were held on Saturday, February 10, 2007 at 1:30 PM at
the United Church of Avoca with Rev. Nancy Ross-Hullinger as the clergy.
Serving as casket bearers were Jacob Bauch, Gary Nielsen, Jason Kenney,
Simon Nielsen, Curtis Nielsen and Ethan Nielsen. Interment was held in
Graceland Cemetery, Avoca, Iowa.

Pauline
Ruth Nielsen - Age 79
Pauline Ruth Nielsen, daughter of
Delbert and Iva (Flathers) Anderson, was born
September 22, 1930 in Atlantic, Iowa. Delbert
died while Pauline was very young and Iva
remarried his brother Raymond who helped raise
her children. She was one of six children and
attended school in Atlantic. After her
schooling, Pauline worked at the Coca Cola
Bottling Company in Atlantic.
Pauline was united in
marriage to Al Nielsen on January 22, 1949 at
Hiawatha, Kansas and they were the parents of
three children: Rebecca, Raymond and Roxanne.
After their marriage, Al and Pauline made their
home in Atlantic.
After the birth of
their daughter Rebecca, Al and Pauline moved to
Avoca, Iowa, where she worked at the Avoca
Nursing Home and at a preschool. She then became
a homemaker where she could concentrate her time
raising her children. They were active members
of the United Church of Avoca and she loved her
church and working at the church suppers. Her
and Al also loved bowling in leagues together
and taking care of their grandchildren. She was
also a member of the Avoca VFW Auxiliary. After
the death of her husband in 1995, Pauline
continued to make her home in Avoca.
In 2009, Pauline became
a resident of the Avoca Nursing and Rehab and
this is where she died on March 20, 2010, having
attained the age of seventy-nine years, five
months and twenty-nine days. In addition to her
husband, she was preceded in death by her
parents; two sisters: Vera Garcia and Marcella
Gochanour; her brother Dennis Anderson and her
son-in-law Darrell Barrett.
Pauline is survived by
her children: Rebecca Barrett of Shelby, Iowa;
Raymond Nielsen and his wife Pam of Avoca, Iowa
and Roxanne and her husband Wade Nelson of
Harlan, Iowa; her grandchildren: Travis Barrett
and his wife Emily of Harlan, Teresa Hancock of
Council Bluffs, Iowa, Todd Barrett of Bouton,
Iowa, Michele Freeman of Harlan, Ryan Nielsen
and his wife Beth of Avoca, Dina and her husband
Josh Abel of Neola, Iowa, Dara and her husband
Cory Bartz of Anita, Patrick Nelson of Dow City,
Iowa and Cody Nelson of Bon Aqua, Tennessee;
eleven great grandchildren; her brother and
sister: Duane Anderson and his wife Betty Jane
of Lewis, Iowa; Violet and her husband Jack
Knight of Atlantic, Iowa and her sister-in-law
Kathy Anderson Rose of Atlantic; nieces and
nephews; other relatives and many friends.
Pastor Nancy Ross-Hullinger
officiated the 1:00 PM funeral service on
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at Pauley Jones
Funeral Home in Avoca, Iowa. Honorary casket
bearers were Michele Freeman, Teresa Hancock,
Emily Barrett, Dara Bartz, Beth Nielsen, and
Dina Abel. Serving as casket bearers were Travis
Barrett, Ryan Nielsen, Josh Abel, Patrick
Nelson, Cory Bartz, Todd Barrett, and Cody
Nelson. Interment was held at Graceland
Cemetery. 
Bernard
"Bernie" Nollen - Age 71
Bernard
"Bernie" Chris Nollen, son of Chris and Cecil
(McConnell) Nollen, was born on October 18,
1936, in Harlan, Iowa. He attended elementary
school at New Park School in Harlan and attended
high school at Harlan Community High School in
Harlan. After high school, Bernie enlisted with
the United States Air Force in Omaha, Nebraska.
He was awarded the National Defense Service
Medal and the Good Conduct Medal on April 18,
1957. Bernie was honorably discharged from
Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada on
November 20, 1957. Upon returning home from
service, Bernie began working at Norman
Holcomb’s bowling alley until he was hired by
Variety Distributers in Harlan where he worked
in the warehouse receiving incoming shipments
from manufacturers.
On May 28, 1960, Bernie was united in marriage
to Darlene M. Mueller at St. Michael’s Catholic
Church in Harlan. One daughter was born to this
union: Lori. After their wedding, the couple
made their home in Harlan where Bernie continued
to work for Variety Distributers. In April 2008,
Bernie was honored with his 50-year anniversary
celebration from Variety Distributers. He was
awarded a new gold watch.
Bernie died on Monday, August 25, 2008 at Myrtue
Medical Center in Harlan, having attained the
age of seventy-one years, ten months, and seven
days. He is preceded in death by his parents and
his sisters: Beatrice Koppold and Jeanet Nollen.
He is survived by his wife Darlene of Harlan;
his daughter Lori Petersen; his granddaughter
Katie both of Westphalia, Iowa; his sister
Genevieve Brown of Altoona, Iowa; nieces,
nephews, other family members and many friends.
A funeral service was held on Thursday, August
28, 2008 at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan,
Iowa, with Rev. Bob Hoefler celebrating the
10:30 AM service. Casket bearers were Mark
Weddle, Rodger Petersen, Bob Rounds, Dave Fries,
Troy Kortegard, and Alvin Kite. Military rites
were performed by The Shelby County VFW Post No.
941 and American Legion Helmer Reyelt Post No.
150 at the Harlan Cemetery. 
Elsea E. Noon
- Age 92
Elsea
Elizabeth Noon, daughter of Christian Nels and
Anna K. (Hansen) Christiansen, was born on
January 29, 1917 in Harlan, Iowa. She was
baptized and confirmed at the First United
Methodist Church in Harlan and attended Laurel
Elementary School, Harlan Middle School, and
graduated from Harlan High School with the class
of 1936.
On February 5, 1938, Elsea was united in
marriage to Earl A. Noon in Des Moines, Iowa.
Three children were born to this union: Susan,
JoAnn, and Jon. After their wedding, Elsea and
Earl attended Monroe Methodist Chapel in rural
Walnut, Iowa, where Elsea served as communion
steward and Sunday School teacher. The couple
made their home on the family farm in Monroe
Township.
Elsea loved to play cards with the OTO club and
often played Gin rummy with Earl and pinochle
with the rest of the family. She also loved to
be in her garden tending to her flowers. Elsea
was a wonderful baker and enjoyed making
delicious apple pies and cinnamon rolls, which
she took to bazaars and shared with her
neighbors and family members. Elsea and Earl
also went dancing every Saturday night to local
halls.
Elsea was devoted to her family and lovingly
dedicated her time to help her daughter, Susan,
live a happy and productive life. She also loved
to watch her grandsons play sports and
participate in numerous school musical
performances. Elsea and Earl enjoyed taking many
fishing trips and traveling with the Commanders
Club where they made many new friends.
Elsea became a resident of Salem Lutheran Homes
in Elk Horn, Iowa, in February 2004. It was
there that she died on Sunday, July 5, 2009,
having attained the age of ninety-two years,
five months, and six days. She is preceded in
death by her parents; her husband of sixty-four
years, Earl; her daughter, Susan; her siblings:
Hans, Helena, Louis, Anna, and Margaret.
She is survived by her children: JoAnn and her
husband Paul Blair of Harlan, Iowa; Jon Noon and
his wife Cathy of Walnut, Iowa; six grandsons:
Chris Blair and his wife Rebecca; Christian
Noon; Ryan Blair; Justin Noon; Jason Noon; and
Matthew Blair; one great-granddaughter Addison
Blair; her sister Martha Sievers of St. Louis,
Missouri; her sister-in-law Irene Christensen of
Harlan; nieces; nephews; other family members
and many friends.
Funeral Services were held on Thursday, July 9,
2009, at the United Methodist Church in Harlan,
Iowa, with Pastor Dave Swinton officiating the
10:30 AM service. Interment was held at the
Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa, with
Christopher Blair, Christian Noon, Ryan Blair,
Justin Noon, Jason Noon, and Matthew Blair
serving as casket bearers. 
Mathilda
"Tillie" A. Nowatzke - Age 96
Mathilda "Tillie" Amelia Nowatzke,
daughter of Peter and Mary (Kenkel) Wingert, was
born on September 15, 1912, in Earling, Iowa.
She was baptized at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
in Earling and received her First Communion and
Confirmation at St. Mary of the Assumption
Catholic Church in Panama, Iowa. She attended
St. Mary’s High School in Panama.
On June 13, 1938,
Tillie was united in marriage to Jacob Joseph
Nowatzke at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in
Panama. Three sons were born to this union:
Robert, David, and Duane. After their wedding,
Tillie and Jake made their home on a farm
northeast of Panama before moving to the farm
they purchased in 1942 east of Panama. Tillie
helped Jake with the farm duties including
working with the chickens, geese, and ducks and
milking the cows. She also enjoyed tending to
the baby farm animals. Tillie and Jake continued
to live on the farm until September 1982 when
they retired from farming and moved into Panama.
Tillie enjoyed
quilting, crocheting, embroidering, and sewing,
working in her garden with her flowers, spending
time in the kitchen baking and cooking for her
friends and family and traveling to new places.
Tillie loved to spend time with her family,
especially her grandchildren. She was a loving
mother, grandma, and great grandma and had a
firm hand when it was needed. Tillie was the
rock of her family.
Tillie was a member of
St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in
Panama, Iowa where she participated in the
Church Sodality, Rosary Society, and the sewing
circle.
Tillie became a
resident of Rose Vita Home in Woodbine, Iowa, in
February 2004 before moving to Elm Crest
Retirement Community in June 2008. It was there
she died on Friday, July 17, 2009, having
attained the age of ninety-six years, ten
months, and two days. She is preceded in death
by her parents; her husband Jake; her great
grandchild James Lee Nowatzke; her brothers
Alfred and Joseph; and her sister Olivia.
She is survived by her
sons Robert Nowatzke and his wife Nancy of
Prairie Village, Kansas; David Nowatzke and his
significant other Kathy Barco of Kearney,
Missouri; and Duane Nowatzke and his wife Susan
of Earling, Iowa; twelve grandchildren; eight
great-grandchildren; her sisters-in-law Sr.
Amelia Nowatzke of Atchison, Kansas; Ann
Kwapiszeski and Antilia Wingert both of Harlan,
Iowa; nieces; nephews; other family members and
many friends.
A Mass of Christian
Burial was held on Monday, July 20, 2009, at St.
Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in
Panama, Iowa. Rev. Paul Strittmatter officiated
the 2:00 PM service. Interment was held at St.
Mary’s Cemetery in Panama with Craig Nowatzke
acting as honorary casket bearer and Mark
Wingert, Dennis Nowatzke, Alf Wingert, Mike
Nowatzke, Stan Fish, and Jason Nowatzke serving
as casket bearers. 
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