Pf-Pl

__________
Quality Funeral & Family Care

Main Location
Pauley Jones

P.O. Box 70

1304 9th Street

Harlan, Iowa 51537-0070

(712) 755-3135
(800) 831-6805

Proudly Serving Southwest Iowa with locations in Harlan, Walnut and Avoca

Link to Past Obituaries

Pauley Jones Funeral Homes

"Avoca Chapel"

Return To Top of Page

Norman W. Piercy - Age 87

Norman Wilbur Piercy was born on July 5, 1922, to Edgar Wilbur Piercy and Catherine Wilhelmina (Homann) Piercy in Newell, Iowa. He attended school in Newell, graduating from high school in 1939. He then bought and operated a produce/hatchery business there.

It was during this time that he met and married the love of his life, Mavis Margaret Kinkade, on June 28, 1942, at the bride’s parents’ farm home in rural Newell. They enjoyed fifty-seven years together.

Unfortunately World War II had broken out as the couple courted and were married. Norman sold his business and enlisted in the United States Army, reporting to Camp Dodge in December 1942. Mavis moved to nearby Storm Lake while Norman served three years in the infantry in the Pacific theater (Australia, New Guinea, the Philippines), where he was wounded on April 12, 1945, at Balete Pass in Luzon. He carried shrapnel in his neck for the rest of his life. He received the Purple Heart and was honorably discharged on December 27, 1945. He returned home to his wife in Storm Lake where they made their home together and he began a lifetime career as a livestock buyer of sheep, hogs and cattle for Kingan’s (later Hygrade) meat packers.

Norman and Mavis welcomed two children into their lives: a son, Rex, born in 1949, and a daughter, Cheryl, born in 1951. In 1962, Norman was recruited to be a buyer for the newly forming Iowa Beef Processors in Denison, and relocated his family to Harlan, which remained the family home. In the course of his work, he drove nearly 60,000 miles a year over southwestern Iowa rural roads, visiting nearly every farm in Shelby County. He continued in this capacity until his retirement in 1985.

In retirement he worked part-time for Harlan Municipal Utilities at the water plant. But mostly he spent his years enjoying his gardening and livestock hobbies, and purchasing a small acreage on the edge of Harlan, where he kept sheep, goats, the grandchildren’s occasional horse or mule, and lots of cats, plus a small grove of fruit trees.

Norman enjoyed traveling and took his family on annual summer vacations by auto to see the great national parks of the western US and Canada. He and Mavis celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary by taking the entire family by train to Winter Park, Colorado, for a week. The couple also enjoyed many escorted bus tours to places like the Canadian Maritime Provinces, New England, New York, Washington, DC, Florida, as well as two trips to Ireland and one to Hawaii.

At home in Harlan, Norman was very active in his church and its Builders Class, serving as an usher and on several committees and boards, including a stint with Mavis as the co-chair of the church’s active Missions Committee. In his later years, he also coordinated the acolyting program. He also patiently assisted Mavis in her genealogical pursuits, driving her to many courthouses or cemeteries as she pieced together family history on both sides. In addition, the couple was active in the Shelby County Garden Club and in the county fair, both as an exhibitor, and later (with Mavis) as the superintendent of the Floral Hall. Norman was recognized for his work by the fair board. He also served on the board of the Therkildsen Community Center, was active as a volunteer at the hospital, and delivered Meals on Wheels.

After Mavis’ death in 1999, Norman remained in his Harlan home until he became a resident of Elk Horn’s Salem Lutheran Home in 2004, where he lived until his death.

Norman died on Tuesday, April 20, 2010, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty-seven years, nine months, and fifteen days. In addition to his parents, Norman was preceded in death by his wife, Mavis, and his only sibling, a brother, Loren.

He is survived by his son, Rex, and his partner Lee Johnsen of Arlington Heights, Illinois; his daughter, Cheryl, and her husband Keith Burchett of Harlan, Iowa; four grandchildren: Jason Piercy and his wife Jennifer of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Scott Burchett and his wife Kim of Harlan; Ross Burchett and his wife Lee of Harlan; and Leah (Piercy) and her husband Tim Sheldon of Dubuque, Iowa; six great-grandchildren: Bryce Sheldon, Brittany Sheldon, Makayla Burchett, Katie Burchett, Andy Burchett, and Finn Piercy; his sisters-in-law: Helen Kinkade of Albert City, Iowa, and Ruby Piercy of Storm Lake, Iowa; several nephews; other family members; and many friends.

Funeral Services were held on Monday, April 26, 2010, at the First United Methodist Church in Harlan, Iowa, with Rev. Dr. David G. Swinton officiating the 10:30 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: Jason Piercy, Timothy Sheldon, Scott Burchett, Kimberly Piercy, Norman Kinkade, and Ross Burchett.

Edward J. Pitsch - Age 83

Edward John Pitsch was born on June 6, 1924, in Portsmouth, Iowa, to John and Mary (Hein) Pitsch and grew up on the family farm east of Portsmouth. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Portsmouth and remained a long time member there. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated with the Class of 1942.

After high school, Edward worked on the family farm until he was drafted into the United States Army towards the end of World War II. He served in France as an M.P. and as a cook. He was honorably discharged from military service and returned to Portsmouth and farming with his dad. In 1960, he obtained his own ground north of Portsmouth and continued farming for himself for nearly ten years.

He became employed at Offutt Air Force Base and moved to Bellevue, Nebraska. He also spent time working at the County Home in Glenwood, Iowa before retiring back to his hometown of Portsmouth.

Edward died on Monday, January 14, 2008, having attained the age of eighty-three years, seven months, and eight days. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his sister Theresa Wilwerding of Omaha, Nebraska, his brother Raymond Pitsch of Portsmouth, Iowa, four nieces and nephews, eleven great-nieces and nephews, one great-great-niece, other family members, and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, January 18, 2008, with Rev. John Dorton officiating the 10:00 AM service. Accompanist was Denise Reinig and the St. Mary’s Choir sang. Casket bearers were Randy Rasmussen, Lloyd Pauley, David Wilwerding, Stanley Slaven, Bill Bruck, and Chuck Hayes. Military rites were held by Portsmouth American Legion Post No. 947 at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Portsmouth.

Ernest J. Plagman, Age 80

Ernest John Plagman, son of Louis Gustav and Emma Christine (Frank) Plagman, was born on April 25, 1929 in Manning, Iowa. He attended grade school and high school in Irwin, Iowa, graduating with the class of 1947. Ernest continued his education at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, for one year, following which he began farming. On May 14, 1951, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served in combat in Korea. Ernest was honorably discharged on February 13, 1953, having attained the rank of Corporal. While in the service, Ernest was awarded a Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantry Badge, and the United Nations Service Medal. Upon returning from the service, Ernest continued to farm.

On March 15, 1953, Ernest was united in marriage to Anna Belle Vaughan at the First Baptist Church in Des Moines, Iowa. Five children were born to this union: Larry William, Arleatta Faith, Francis Dean, Patrick Joseph, and Nancy Ann. After a short illness, Anna Belle died on January 23, 1972.

On June 24, 1975, Ernest was united in marriage to Marjorie Elva Wherrett Bartholomew at the Merrills Grove Baptist Church in Fiscus, Iowa, bringing into the family Marjorie’s two daughters, Nancy Jean and Penny Lynette. After their wedding, Ernest and Marjorie made their home on Ernest’s farm near Irwin, Iowa.

Ernest and Marjorie were active members of the First Baptist Church in Harlan.

Ernest died on Wednesday, September 16, 2009, at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty years, four months, and twenty-two days. He is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Anna Belle; and his infant son Francis Dean.

He is survived by his wife Marjorie of Irwin, Iowa; his children: Larry Plagman and his wife Sarah of Carson, Iowa; Arleatta and her husband Dean Bartelson of Irwin, Iowa; Patrick Plagman and his wife Robin of Gretna, Nebraska; Nancy Ann Plagman of St. Paul, Minnesota; Nancy Jean and her husband Keith Nelson of Brandon, South Dakota; and Penny Bartholomew of Omaha, Nebraska; ten grandchildren: Jill and Mike Ripke of Phoenix, Arizona; Anna Plagman of Lubbock, Texas; Todd Plagman and his wife Kara of North Liberty, Iowa; Christine and her husband Marcus Upton of Urbandale, Iowa, Matthew Bartelson of Omaha, Nebraska, Kari Bartelson of Irwin, Iowa; Allyson Plagman and Cassidy Plagman of Gretna, Nebraska; Richard Nelson of Omaha, Nebraska; Melissa Nelson of Brandon, South Dakota; and one great-grandson, Connor Upton of Urbandale; other family members and many friends.

Funeral Services were held on Monday, September 21, 2009 at First Baptist Church in Harlan, Iowa. Pastor Roger Manning and Pastor Mark Jervis officiated the 2:00 PM service with interment at Graceland Cemetery in Avoca, Iowa. Acting as honorary casket bearers were: Myron and Bonnie Sorensen, Bob and Bonnie Burton, Jim and Jane Jensen, David Outhouse, Marna Weisenborn, and Karyn Gilpatric. Serving as casket bearers were: Paul Nelson, Rowly Burton, Randy Nelson, Fred Nelson, Jim Nelson, and Tom Walker.

Wayne H. Plagman - Age 70
     Wayne Henry Plagman was born on April 18, 1941 to Henry and Margaret (Kay) Plagman. He attended country schools through the eighth grade and went on to graduate from Harlan High School with the Class of 1959.
     He worked construction building grain bins and helped his uncle Hugh Mulligan farm before joining the Army National Guard in November of 1964. He received an honorable discharge in September of 1969 but was reactivated in the Army during the Vietnam conflict and served an additional five months and seven days. Wayne worked for Farmland Foods for almost forty years before retiring in 2003. Even after his retirement, he kept busy continuing to haul in crops and doing construction work. He also worked delivering Pioneer seed for local area farmers.
     Wayne was united in marriage to Karen Cadwell on November 29, 1969 in Irwin. The couple raised two daughters: Deborah and Darlene, as well as thirteen foster children. Wayne was also a pal to Karen’s many day care kids. They spent the first years of their marriage on a farm west of Irwin before purchasing a home in Irwin. He was one of the original group of Emergency Medical Technicians and spent twenty years doing that as well as forty years as a volunteer fireman for Irwin. Wayne was a past member of the Irwin City Council and also served as mayor of Irwin during the 1970's.
     Wayne loved to go fishing and went with a group of buddies from Irwin every year to Canada until 2003. In later years, some of that same group went to South Dakota. He had a huge garden that he kept weed-free. He was an excellent gardener and shared his crops of tomatoes and sweet corn with everyone. He enjoyed woodworking and built all the cabinets in his home. He was a handyman and volunteered his time helping the elderly residents fixing things up around their homes or shoveling snow in the winter months.
     Wayne died unexpectedly on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of seventy years and five days. He was preceded in death by his parents.
     He is survived by his wife of forty-one years Karen Plagman of Irwin, Iowa; his daughters Deborah and Darlene; and sisters: Marilyn Burger of Harlan, Iowa, Frances and her husband Merle Bettcher of Harlan, and Ruth Ann Warren of Gretna, Nebraska; other family members and many friends.
     Pastor Leila Blackburn officiated the 10:30 AM funeral service on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at the United Methodist Church in Irwin, Iowa. Honorary casket bearers were Larry Kington, Donald Schaben, and the Irwin Fire and Rescue Department. Serving as casket bearers were Eugene Monson, Lyle Campbell, Al Plumb, Orrin Bruhn, Bob Burton, Rowly Burton, Lynn Gaskill, and Harold Plagman. Military Rites were held at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Irwin by Shelby County VFW Post No. 941 and Harlan American Legion Helmer Reyelt Post No. 150. A fire bell service and final call were performed by area volunteer firefighters.

Robert Plambeck - Age 54

Robert Charles "Bob" Plambeck was born on January 22, 1954, to Harry and Helen (Greiner) Plambeck at Myrtue Hospital in Harlan, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Portsmouth, Iowa.

He attended elementary school in Persia, Iowa, and Junior High School in Minden, Iowa. He graduated with the Class of 1973 from Tri-Center High School.

After graduation, he helped on the family farm and worked for Western Iowa Pork Plant in Harlan and Dubuque Packing in Denison, Iowa. He hauled grain for his brother John, Western Engineering for twelve years, maps in Omaha, Mike Huebert, and most recently G and R in Portsmouth. He enjoyed gardening and baking.

Bob died on Monday, January 28, 2008 at his home having attained the age of fifty-four years and six days. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his brothers and sisters: William Plambeck and his wife Barb of Persia, Iowa, John Plambeck and his wife Ruth of Persia, Mary and her husband John Herkenrath of Omaha, Nebraska, Janet and her husband Robert Mortensen of Oakland, Iowa, Jerry "Bobo" Plambeck and his wife Carol of Persia, Patty and her husband Robert West of Granger, Iowa, Jim "Sam" Plambeck and his wife Tracey of Persia, and Lori and her husband Dan Reinig of Mulino, Oregon; nieces and nephews, other family members, and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, February 2, 2008, with Rev. John Dorton acting as celebrant for the 10:30 AM service. Honorary casket bearers were Craig Bruck, Bob Bradley, Ed Weihs, Mike Huebert, Randy Bruck, Jim Goeser, Alan Zacharias, Don Thomas, Tom Grainer, Troy Plambeck, and Curt Schmielau with inurnment held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Portsmouth, Iowa.

Andrew L. Pokorny - Age 85

Andrew Louis Pokorny, son of Anton and Antonia (Divis) Pokorny, was born on October 28, 1922, in Waverly, Nebraska. He graduated from Blencoe High School in Blencoe, Iowa, with the class of 1941.

On May 29, 1944, Andrew was united in marriage to Mary Belle Dausel in Onawa, Iowa. Five children were born to this union: Thomas, Marie, Catherine, Philip, and Paul. Andrew farmed in Blencoe and Onawa until 1953 when he began working as a financial advisor for Investors Diversified Services, now American Express, until his retirement in 1980. After he retired, Andrew worked in sales at Sears. He also worked at the Chevrolet dealership and Rust Shoe Shop, both in Harlan, Iowa. He also drove a school bus for the Harlan Community School District until 1998.

When Andrew wasn’t busy working or spending time with his family, he enjoyed fishing; gardening; raising flowers, especially moss roses; feeding the squirrels; picking and shelling popcorn; playing cards; and polka dancing. He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, active with the Knights of Columbus Harlan Council No. 3900 and the Kiwanis club.

Andrew died on Friday, September 19, 2008, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty-five years, ten months, and twenty-two days. He is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings: Verna Fujan, Mary Stanislav, Antonia Ratkovec, George Pokorny, Anthony Pokorny, Helen Maly, James Pokorny, Blanche Pokorny, and Albert Pokorny.

He is survived by his wife Mary Belle Pokorny of Harlan; their children: Tom Pokorny of Clarendon Hills, Illinois; Marie Pokorny and her husband Bob Thompson of Greenville, North Carolina; Cathy and her husband Jim Lewis of Coralville, Iowa; Phil Pokorny and his wife Patty of Gladstone, Missouri; and Paul Pokorny of Omaha, Nebraska; nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; his brothers William Pokorny of Bryant, Iowa, and Edward Pokorny of Falls City, Nebraska; nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, September 22, 2008 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa, with Rev. Robert Hoefler celebrating the 10:00 AM service. Serving as honorary casket bearers were: Ed Pokorny, Marcellus Maly, Les Haase, Doug Nelson, Douglas Dausel, Roger Rust, Meryl Dausel, LeRoy Ratkovec, Leonard Stanislav, and Bert Hillers. Serving as casket bearers were: Carey Garron, Nathan Pokorny, Amy Pokorny-Kiley, Fernando Garron, Jordan Pokorny, Philip Kiley, Jennifer Lewis, Erin Pokorny, and Gretchen Lewis with burial at the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa.

Russell L. Pope - Age 82
     Russell Lavern Pope was born October 14, 1928 in Arnold, Nebraska to Emmett and Effie (Robison) Pope. He graduated from Arnold High School in 1946. He attended Chadron State Teachers College for 1 year then transferred to Kearney State Teachers College (KSTC, currently University of Nebraska at Kearney). At the end of his junior year he enlisted in the US Navy and was stationed at Saufley Naval Air Station at Pensacola Florida. During his 4 year enlistment at Saufley, he played baseball for the Saufley team. He choose to return home and finish his education at KSTC, turning down offers from several professional baseball teams, including the Chicago Cubs. He received his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from KSTC, then further continued his education to obtain Administrative Certification. He taught one year in Nebraska and 37 years in Iowa, the last 26 years for the Harlan Community Schools, retiring in 1993.
     Russ met Rozella Croissant at KSTC when he returned to finish his degree following his service in the Navy. They were married the following year. Two children were born to this union, Tucker and Polly. Following his retirement in 1993, Russ and Rozella enjoyed the beach and golf with new friends at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. He enjoyed his special time with his coffee buddies and golfer pals at the Harlan Golf & County Club and many other Harlan friends. Russ was also a life-long Nebraska Cornhusker fan.
     Russ died on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty-two years, two months, and twenty-nine days.
     Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Rozella; his son Tucker of Salt Lake City, Utah; his daughter Polly and her husband Steve Russell of Portland, Oregon; sister Jeanette Zimmerman of Reno, Nevada; sisters-in-law Shirley Pope and Char Pope of Riverside, California; sister-in-law Robin Thorell and husband Stuart of Waterford, Michigan and brother-in-law David Croissant of Kearney, Nebraska; 4 nephews and 2 nieces and their families, and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, John and Leroy.
     The family greeted friends at Pauley Jones Funeral Home on Monday, January 17, 2010 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A reception followed at the Harlan Golf and Country Club. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Riverside National Cemetery on March Air Force Base in Riverside, California.

Janet M. Popp - Age 68

Janet Marie Popp was born on January 21, 1941, to Carl and Helen (King) Swolley in Atlantic, Iowa. She attended the Atlantic Schools. As a teenager, Janet worked as a waitress at the Red Steakhouse and the Sportman’s in Avoca, Iowa.

On September 1, 1957, she was united in marriage to Darold Henry Popp in Atlantic, Iowa. Two children were born to this union: Donna and Michael. Janet was a stay-at-home mom and devoted her time to her children.

She enjoyed camping in Hancock with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed going to the demos and cheering on the Avoca boys, including "her boys".

Janet was admitted to the Select Specialty Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, on May 27, 2009, and it was there that she died on Sunday, June 28, 2009, having attained the age of sixty-eight years, five months, and seven days. She was preceded in death by her husband Darold, her parents, her brother Richard Swolley, sister Audrey Sellers, son-in-law Doug Parkhurst; and many aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her son Michael Popp and his wife Cheryl of Avoca, Iowa; daughter Donna Parkhurst of Atlantic, Iowa; eleven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters Barbara Kuntzweiler of DeSoto, Iowa, Virginia and her husband Melvin Petersen of Exira, Iowa; brother Carl Swolley of Texas; nieces and nephews; other family members and friends.

Pastor David Krueger officiated the 10:30 AM funeral service on Thursday, July 2, 2009 at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca, Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were Michael Flemming, Jamie Booth, Steven Carrier, Devon Shimer, Rob Shimer, Wes Wahlert, David Popp, Travis Carrier, Lonnie Wirth, and Nick Swolley. Interment was held at Graceland Cemetery in Avoca.

Return To Top of Page