Fern G. Parkhurst - Age 79

     Fern Garnett Parkhurst, the daughter of Thomas and Ella Brensel Kroger, was born on October 31, 1926 at Harlan, Iowa. At a young age, she and her family moved to Audubon, Iowa. Fern attended Audubon schools. After receiving her education she was married and moved to California where she ran a Salvation Army Store.

     In the late 1950's, Fern returned to Harlan, Iowa. In 1958, she was united in marriage to Alvin Kent Parkhurst in Omaha, Nebraska. After their marriage, they made their home in Harlan, Iowa. They enjoyed hunting and fishing together and also making crafts together. Kent would make them and Fern would paint them. Fern was employed at Walt’s Café and also Montgomery Ward, but mostly she was a homemaker who enjoyed baking, especially cookies and rolls.

     Fern enjoyed reading, shopping on the Home Shopping Network, listening to country western music, making homemade wine, gardening and caning vegetables. She made many meals with food furnished from her garden.

     She died on Tuesday, January 31, 2006, at Myrtue Memorial Hospital in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of seventy-nine years and three months. In addition to her parents, Fern was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin, a son, Doug and her brothers and sisters: Esther Sutton, Violet Tucker, Lillian Roberts, Kenneth Kroger, Harold Kroger, Louis Kroger, and James Kroger.

     Survivors include her children: Charlie Parkhurst of Harlan, Iowa; Gary Parkhurst of Omaha, Nebraska; Don Parkhurst and his wife, Robin of Storm Lake, Iowa; Marietta and her husband, Rick Gaul of Earling, Iowa; thirteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brother and sister: Darold Kroger and his wife, Betty of Utah; Beverly Obermeier of Audubon, Iowa; Marilyn and her husband, Gerald Anderson of Harlan, Iowa; Darlene and her husband, John Hansen of Audubon, Iowa; sister-in-law, Jeanette Kroger of Harlan, Iowa; other relatives and many friends.

     Funeral services were held on Friday, February 3, 2006, at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa, at 1:30 P.M. with Rev. Dave Swinton officiating. Interment was in the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa, with Craig Kroger, Lanny Petsche, Randy Kroger, Tyler Parkhurst, Terry Jacobsen, and Todd Parkhurst serving as casket bearers.

Thomas D. Partridge - Age 53

     Thomas Dan Partridge, the son of Charles and Mildred Mayes Partridge, was born on May 2, 1951, at Maryville, Missouri. He attended Maryville schools. After high school, Tom worked with his brothers at Loch Construction in Maryville, Missouri as well as for a livestock company.

     On May 13, 1972, Tom was united in marriage to Susan Renee Porter at Maryville, Missouri. After their marriage, Tom drove a dump truck and then he and Susan moved to Walnut, Iowa, where he worked for Gross Farms. Three children were born to this union, Travis, Trent and Tanner. They later moved back to Maryville and then to Nevada, Iowa, where Tom worked for Vincent Trucking. In 1976, they returned to Maryville and Tom was employed by Earl Davis driving truck until 1985 when he was a news carrier for rural St. Joe, Missouri. Due to declining health, Tom and his family returned to Walnut, Iowa in the mid 1990's.

     In Tom’s younger years, he enjoyed raising registered Treeing Walker Coon Hounds. He also enjoyed raising Siamese Cats. Tom liked to etch glass and watch the food channel. He and Susan would go to different stores to try different kinds of food that Tom would see on the food channel. They also enjoyed going to stores looking for a variety of things, including ducks which he most recently collected. Tom liked to spend time watching his boys work on their stock cars.

     Tom died on Monday, January 3, 2005, at Immanuel Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, having attained the age of fifty-three years, eight months and one day. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his brother, Jack. Survivors include his wife, Susan of Walnut, Iowa; his children, Travis Partridge and his wife, Sheila of Kimballton, Iowa; Trent Partridge and his wife, Melissa of Elk Horn, Iowa; Tanner Partridge of Walnut, Iowa; three grandchildren: Tyson, Drake, and Alisa; his brother and sisters, Buddy Partridge and his wife, Ginny, Julie Partridge and Loraine Holbrook all of Maryville, Missouri; his sister-in-law, Jo Partridge of Maryville, Missouri; other relatives and a great many friends.

     A memorial service was held on Friday, January 7, 2005 at the Pauley Jones Funeral Home - Walnut Chapel beginning at 2:00 PM n Walnut, Iowa.

     William Clarence Pattee, the son of William J. and Alma W. Rock Pattee was born on March 6, 1927 in rural Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Swede grew up on the Rock ranch southeast of Hancock, Iowa. He attended country school and then graduated from Hancock High School in 1944.

     Swede was in the Navy from 1945 to 1946. After he was discharged he worked at the Alfalfa Mill and for Avoca Implement. During those years he and his friend "Pash" rode their motorcycles and once toured the western states and through Canada. Later he was co-owner of Ford Tractor; later Stempel Implement.

     On June 21, 1950 Swede was united in marriage to Norma J. Paulsen at the Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa. In 1962 they purchased the Doll Insurance Agency which became Pattee Insurance. After thirty-two years they retired from the business then Swede worked for FS and was a hail adjuster.

     Norma and Swede then bought their RV and traveled yearly to Arizona and volunteered at the Tucson Open. He loved to fish and camp with their good friends Dave and Nancy. After his heart attack he discovered woodworking and sold his crafts at local shows and gave them as gifts. He also went a little "nutty" each fall picking out walnuts and delivering them to friends and family. He and Norma enjoyed the slots (penny) and were avid golfers. Swede shot the first hole-in-one at the Avoca Golf Course in 1975.

     He was very active in community organizations. Swede was a long standing member of the Avoca Fire Department, Avoca Fair Board, Avoca Centennial Committee, Mt. Nebo Masonic Lodge, Abu Bekr Shrine (Harlan T-Patrol), Trinity Lutheran Church and was a sixty year member of the American Legion.

     Swede died on Saturday, May 19, 2007 at Creighton Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska having attained the age of eighty years, two months and thirteen days. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Edward and Lavern.

     Survivors include his wife Norma; his daughter Diane and her husband Steve Wendt and their children Christin and Roy of Denver, Colorado; his son Kurt Pattee and his children Nathan and Emily of Hancock, Iowa; his sister Arlene Davis of Hancock, Iowa; three brothers: Wallace Pattee and his wife Shirley of Shelby, Iowa; Donald Pattee and his wife Carol of Avoca, Iowa; Lawrence Pattee and his wife Lavina of Big Lake, Minnesota; many nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and many friends.

     Memorial Services were held on Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 11:00 AM at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa with Pastor Dennis Reich as the clergy. Military Rites were held by the Fred Funston Post #227.

H. Clay Pauley - Age 81
       Harold Clay Pauley, the son of Harold C. And Lucile A. (DeOgny) Pauley was born May 9, 1925, in Milford, Nebraska. The attending physician at the time of his birth was his grandfather, Dr. Paul A. DeOgny. The first five years of his life he lived with his family in Beatrice, Nebraska. In 1930, they moved to Harlan, Iowa, and this was his home the rest of his life. He attended Harlan High School where he was selected first team all-state 1942 as a center. He graduated in 1943 and two days after his graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served during World War II.
        He was united in marriage to Margaret Louree Nelson on October 29, 1945, at Bethel Baptist Church in Harlan and shared fifty-seven years of marriage together. She preceded him in death on September 17, 2002. The first few months of marriage had been in San Diego, California, while Clay was still in the Navy. After his discharge, Margaret and Clay returned to Iowa and made their home in Harlan. One daughter, Lucinda Jo, affectionately known as “Cindy”, was born to this union.
       Clay had helped his parents in the funeral home while he was in high school and this became his vocation of choice. After a year of apprenticeship in Harlan, he attended mortuary school in Kansas City, Kansas, graduating in 1948 and returning to Harlan to work for his parents. Margaret and Clay later purchased the funeral home and continued with this endeavor until 1975. He then worked for the Shelby County Abstract Company until he was elected as Shelby County Auditor and served in that position for eight years. He then worked at Home Federal Savings and Loan until his retirement in 1990. Later he worked for Sorensen’s Heartland Computers.
       Clay was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Harlan and at one time was their financial officer. He is a member of the Iowa Funeral Directors Association and served as their president in 1958. He has been a member of Parian Lodge No. 321 AF & AM, VFW Post No. 941, and Helmer Reyelt American Legion Post No. 150 for over fifty years. Clay always loved sports and for many years he helped with football games, at track meets, and other school activities. He was honored as the last King of the Mardi Gras by St. Michael’s Parish in 1972. He had been a member of the Harlan Fire Department, serving as secretary, a member of Veterans Memorial Commission at the time of construction of the Vets Building, Myrtue Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees at the time the new doctors clinic was built, and the Shelby County Health Foundation. He has also served on the Farmers Mutual Telephone Board when they sold their Harlan lines to the Iowa State Telephone Company, the Harlan Golf and Country Club Board, Harlan Library Board, and Foundation Harlan Chamber of Commerce, and many other civic groups.
        Clay Pauley died on Wednesday, March 7, 2007, at his home in Harlan, having attained the age of eighty-one years, nine months, and twenty-six days. Preceding him in death were his wife, Margaret, and his parents.
He is survived by his daughter Cindy and her husband Rick Burchett of Harlan; his grandchildren: Sara (Tom) Wilson of Lakeville, MN, Ryan (Monica) Burchett of Lafayette, LA, and Garrett Burchett (Erin Byrne) of Dallas, TX; great-grandchildren: Zachary and Josie Wilson and Maggie Burchett; brothers: Richard (Marianne) Pauley of Lincoln, NE, Paul (Patricia) Pauley of Santa Lena, TX, and Bruce Pauley of Dallas, TX; his favorite sister Beverly Ann (Ron) Jensen of Harlan, two sisters-in-law: Edna Mae Petersen of Topeka, KS and Lois Lindbloom of Grand Forks, ND, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
         Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 10, 2007, at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa. Pastor Dave Swinton officiated the 10:00 AM service. Serving as casket bearers were Ryan Burchett, Garrett Burchett, Tom Wilson, Wade Jensen, David Pauley, Jim Petersen, Mark Hall, and Josh Hansen. Military Rites were performed by the Harlan American Legion Helmer Reyelt Post No. 150 and the Shelby County VFW Post No. 941 in the Harlan Cemetery.

Elvera M. Pauley - Age 90

     Elvera Matilda Pauley, the daughter of Frank and Catherine Michalski Gessert, Sr., was born on October 8, 1913 in Portsmouth, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Portsmouth. Vera attended Gardner Country school through the eighth grade.

     Vera was united in marriage to Fred "Fritz" Pauley on January 12, 1932 at St. Mary’s Parish in Portsmouth. They were the parents of three children: Michael, Dorothy and Delores. Vera and Fritz were lifelong farmers. After retiring from farming in the late ‘60's they moved and made their home in Portsmouth. Vera worked as a cook at St. Mary’s Catholic School in the ‘70's. Vera enjoyed quilting, crocheting and playing cards. She loved her grandchildren and took great pleasure in spending time with them. She was able to remain at her home that is located on the corner occupied by the Methodist Church during its existence in Portsmouth. She entered the Elm Crest Retirement Center on November 24, 2003. Vera was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and also a member of the quilting club in Portsmouth.

     Vera died on Tuesday, February 24, 2004, at Myrtue Memorial Hospital in Harlan, Iowa having attained the age of ninety years, four months and sixteen days.

     In addition to her parents, Vera was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, who passed away in 1981, brothers and sisters: Frank, Jr., Arnold, Margaret, Leona, Ralph, Donald, Bernadine, Virginia and Catherine. She is survived by her children: Michael Pauley and his wife, Arlene of Portsmouth, Iowa; Dorothy and her husband, James Leinen of Denison, Iowa and Delores and her husband, Tony Klein of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; twelve grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; two sisters: Regina Waltz of Canby, Minnesota and Cecelia Zimmerman of Omaha, Nebraska; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Andrew Pauley of Panama, Iowa; Ralph Pauley of Woodbine, Iowa; Jake Waltz of Canby, Minnesota; Sally Schmitz of Harlan, Iowa; Mary Ann Weis of Woodbine, Iowa; Cryilla Pauley of Earling, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

     A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, February 27, 2004, at 10:30 A.M. at St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Portsmouth, Iowa, with Rev. Robert Hoefler as the celebrant. Interment was in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Portsmouth, Iowa, with Tim Blum, Galen Pauley, Dan Leinen, Paul Klein, Dean Klein, Alfred Hughes, Todd Klein, Roger Leinen, Ralph Gessert, and Marvin Leinen serving as casket bearers.

     Robert Oliver Henry Paulsen, one of eleven children of Nels P. and Dora (Sorensen) Poulson, was born on January 10, 1911, in Jackson Township in rural Shelby County, Iowa.  He grew up on his family's farm outside of Jacksonville and attended country school at Jackson Township No. 3.  After school, Robert stayed home and helped his father on their farm.

     On August 26, 1931, Robert was united in marriage to Evelyn Pearl McIntosh in Omaha, Nebraska. To this union three children were born: Virginia, Barbara, and Thomas. After being married, Bob and Evelyn moved to a place north of Irwin and farmed there until 1940 when they moved to the farm he was born on near Jacksonville until 1976 when he retired. Part of the original home on the family farm also served as a temporary school for Jackson Township No. 3 until a separate school house could be built. Bob was one of the first flying farmers in Shelby County and at one time had a designated runway on his farm where he flew his 8E Luscombe airplane.

Delores R. Petersen - Age 66

          Delores was united in marriage to Arlo Petersen on June 14, 1959, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Irwin, Iowa.  To this union two children were born: Jeff and Debra.  After their marriage Delores drove school bus for Irwin Community School and later was employed at CDS.  She enjoyed horses, watching her grandchildren show horses, going to football and basketball games, listening to music and reading the bible.  She enjoyed getting out and visiting with her family and friends.  She loved animals and they loved her; especially her dog Tippy and all her white cats. Delores also helped her husband with the farm, she drove tractor, milked cows and threw hay bales.  A favorite memory of hers was going to trail rides and riding her horse Sparkle and bringing along the fried chicken.  Delores was a member of the Shelby County Saddle Club, St. Paul Lutheran Church, and also the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. 

          Delores died on Sunday, September 30, 2007, at the Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of sixty-six years, nine months, and twenty days.  She is preceded in death by her  parents and a brother-in-law Gary Erb.

          Survivors include her husband Arlo Petersen of Kirkman, Iowa; her children: Jeff Petersen and his wife Laurie of Manning, Iowa, and Deb and her husband Kevin Rutherford of Harlan, Iowa; four grandchildren: Kristen and Ashlen Rutherford and Jay and Nick Petersen;  two sisters:  Carole and her husband Roger Gaer of Fort Pierre, South Dakota and Myrna (Erb) and her husband Bernie Gundel of Fontanelle, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends.

          Funeral services were held on Wednesday, October 3, 2007, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan, Iowa, with Pastor Ron Rasmussen officiating the 10:30 AM service.  Honorary casket bearers were Ashlen Rutherford, Nick Petersen, Jay Petersen, John Heezen, Rhonda Erb, Larry Gaer, Dennis Maier, Bill Hupp, Ron Heckenlaible, and Kristen Rutherford.  Serving as casket bearers were Darwin Campbell, Dalton Christensen, Paul Petersen, Dave Gaer, Mike Gaer, Brian Erb, Kevin Erb, and Monte Hansen.  Interment was held at the Jacksonville Cemetery in Jacksonville, Iowa.

George F. Petersen - Age 68

     George F. Petersen, son of Everett and Linda (Hartwig) Petersen, was born on February 4, 1940 in Jacksonville, Iowa. He attended school in Coon Rapids, Iowa and Irwin, Iowa and graduated from high school in Harlan, Iowa with the class of 1958.

     On April 12, 1959, George was united in marriage to Karma Strandskov in Kimballton, Iowa. Three children were born to this union: Brett, Lisa, and Darrin. After their wedding, George and Karma moved to Colorado for one year where George worked as a carpenter. In 1960, the couple moved back to Harlan where George had a milk route for eight years and drove truck for Farmland for twenty-three years.

     When George wasn’t working, he enjoyed going camping and fishing. George and Karma enjoyed spending Friday nights hanging out with "the gang" having appetizers and drinks. On Saturday nights, George could be found at the race track watching the stock car races.

     After retiring, George worked part time at Harlan Auto Parts and also spent time fixing up things around the house.

     George died on Friday, March 7, 2008, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa having attained the age of sixty-eight years, one month, and three days. He is preceded in death by his parents.

     He is survived by his wife Karma of Harlan; and their children: Brett Petersen of Iowa City, Iowa; Lisa and her husband Ray Christensen of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; and Darrin Petersen and his wife Joy of Harlan; four grandchildren: Jacob and Taylor Christensen of Highlands Ranch, Colorado and Jordan and Jandy Petersen of Harlan; his sisters: Aldine and her husband Larry Lippold of Avoca, Iowa; Ardis and her husband Elliott Svendsen of Harlan; and Vicki and her husband Paul Weible of Marion, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other family members, and many friends.

     A funeral service was held on Monday, March 10, 2008, with Pastor Heather Ploen and Pastor Steven Chellew officiating the 1:00 PM service at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan, Iowa. Honorary casket bearers were Larry Reep, Marvin "Butch" Pedersen, Bert Hillers, Lanny Benoit, Larry "Gus" Gustason, Mark Petersen, Jerry Wigness, Verle Doonan, Aaron Anliker, and Clint Kienast. Serving as casket bearers were Jerry Haas, Jason Eckerman, Brian Weible, Greg Nelson, Terry Saunders, Lee Pedersen, Doug Svendsen, and Steve Svendsen. Interment was held at the Harlan Cemetery.

Glen C. Petersen - Age 71

Lloyd Rex Petersen - Age 77