Lorene A. Sieck - Age 87

     Della Lorrine Sievers was born on January 3, 1920, to John and Anna (Thomsen) Henningsen near Avoca, Iowa. She was the youngest of three children.

     She attended Avoca Public School and graduated with the Class of 1936. She started working at M. L. Ruback’s Fruit and Grocery Store right after graduation and worked there until 1942, when she was united in marriage to Clifford Sievers of Walnut on February 15, 1942. They became the parents of two daughters: Barbara and Linda.

     They farmed in the Walnut area for many years. Della worked hard raising 1,000 chickens every year, cleaning eggs to sell and butchering hens. She also helped with the daily chores, sold Avon, worked at Sears, and was a cashier at Aunt B’s restaurant in Walnut. She was a devoted wife and mother. Della and Cliff were also life-long members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca.

     In 1971, they moved to Walnut, Iowa. Cliff worked at the Department of Transportation until his retirement and Della worked at Craig’s Food Mart for twelve years. Cliff passed away in December of 1998. Della moved to Peace Haven in Walnut in 2000.

     Della died on Sunday, May 23, 2010 at the Avoca Nursing and Rehab Center in Avoca, Iowa, having attained the age of ninety years, four months, and twenty days. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Anna, her husband Clifford, brother Herbert, sister Clara, and son-in-law Dale.

     She is survived by her daughters: Barbara Lynch of Walnut, Iowa and Linda and her husband Richard Weaver of Atlantic, Iowa; five grandchildren: Brad Lynch of Platte City, Missouri, Jodi and her husband Mark Archuleta of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Sean Brix of Perry, Iowa, Shane Brix and his wife Karen of Grimes, Iowa, and Derek Brix and his wife Lisa of Ames, Iowa; Rich’s two daughters: Stephanie Millikan and Amy Glasser and families; two great-granddaughters: Carli and Sidney Archuleta of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; in-laws Thelma Henningsen of Avoca, Pete Sievers of Walnut, Joy Sievers of Walnut, and Arlene Sievers of Avoca; nieces and nephews; other family members and friends.

     Pastor Dennis Reich officiated the 2:00 PM funeral service on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa. Honorary casket bearers were Karen Brix, Jodi Archuleta, and Lisa Brix. Serving as casket bearers were Brad Lynch, Richard Weaver, Derek Brix, Sean Brix, Mark Archuleta, and Shane Brix. Interment was held at Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut, Iowa.

     Gary's love of sports did not end with high school. He loved to watch the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Kansas City Chiefs. He enjoyed watching wrestling with his mom and dad. Most of all, one of the biggest highlights of his life was to sit on the banks of Lake Rathbun, fishing and watching the eagles. Gary was a very patriotic person and loved his country.

     Gary was employed at Rem Leadway in Shelby, Iowa and later at New Focus in Centerville, Iowa. He was known as a very hard worker by not only his friends but also his family. The people that Gary worked with grew to have personal relationships with him and they kept their friendship going strong throughout his illness.

     Gary died on February 5, 2007 at the Golden Age Care Center in Centerville, Iowa, following a long courageous battle with cancer. He had attained the age of twenty seven years, eleven months and thirty days. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Dewayne and Lucy Butcher and his paternal grandparents, Ralph and Clara Sievers, by an uncle, Max Sievers, and by an aunt, Donna Jean Sievers.

     He is survived by his mother, Dorothy Sievers of Mystic, Iowa; his father, Gary Sievers, Sr., of Walnut, Iowa; his brother, Don Butcher and his wife, Angela, of Centerville. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews: Kayla and Matthew of Harlan, Iowa, Christian, Patience, Riley and Wyatt of Centerville; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and by his close friend, Brandon Aldridge of Mystic. He will be loved and missed by all for he has touched so many lives.

     Funeral Services were held on Friday, February 9, 2007 at 2:00 PM at the Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca, Iowa with Wayne Paulsen as the officiant. Serving as casket bearers were Mike Akers, Scott Henderson, Ron Ruhs, Don Butcher, Gene Butcher, Jr., Craig Frazier, Jerry Tharen and Jeremy Sievers. Interment was held in the Graceland Cemetery, Avoca, Iowa.

Kathryn L. Sievers - Age 88

     On June 27, 1948, Marilyn was united in marriage to Lee Sievers in David City, Nebraska. To this union four daughters were born: Cynthia, Carol, Janet and Nancy. After their marriage they made their home on a farm near Walnut. Marilyn was baptized and confirmed. She was a very active member of the Peace United Church of Christ in Walnut. Her love of music led her to serve as the choir director for many years.

     Marilyn was a loving wife and proud mother who worked hard as a homemaker while raising her daughters on the farm. She enjoyed needlepoint, bird watching and was the self proclaimed "Bird Lady" of Walnut. Marilyn was a member of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority and the Order of the Eastern Star.

     After the death of her husband in 1993, Marilyn remained at home in Walnut before making her home at the Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Anita, Iowa. This is where she died on Thursday, March 8, 2007, having attained the age of seventy-nine years, ten months and twenty-six days. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.

     Marilyn is survived by her daughters: Cynthia and her husband Haeven Pedersen of Des Moines, Iowa; Carol Ann and her husband Douglas Dimig of Atlantic, Iowa; Janet Lea and her husband Scott Haddock of Easton, Maryland and Nancy Lynn Sievers of Brielle, New Jersey; eight grandchildren: Tamara Pedersen, Christopher Pedersen, Julie and her husband Robby Anderson, Scott Dimig and his wife Kimberly, Amy and her husband Jeremy Lindley, Neal Dimig and his wife Nicole and Corben Haddock and Devan Haddock still living at home; 12 great grandchildren; three nieces, other loving relatives and many friends.

     Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at 1:00 PM at the Peace United Church of Christ in Walnut, Iowa with Rev. Gail Muckey as the clergy. An Order of Eastern Star service was also done by the Liberty Chapter No 230 of Marne, Iowa. Serving as Honorary casket bearers were Al Koll, Robert Dierking, Bob Allen, Bob Lafrentz and Dale Ploen. Serving as casket bearers were Doug Alff, Allan Sievers, Craig Woltmann, Max Petersen, Chuck Gross and Rex Sievers. Interment was held in the Layton Township Cemetery, Walnut, Iowa.

     Marvin Leroy Sievers, the son of Rudolph and Hulda Voss Sievers, was born on June 15, 1914 in Walnut, Iowa. He attended school in Walnut and graduated from Walnut High School. After school Marvin farmed for a few years and worked at the Avoca Alfalfa Mill.

    Phyllis Elaine Sievers was born on November 11, 1925, in rural Shelby County, Iowa. She was the daughter of Alfred and Bernice (Poulsen) Hansen. She was baptized at the English Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa. Phyllis attended country school at Layton Township and graduated from Walnut High School in 1943. After school she worked at Nick George's Red and White Store where she met Richard Sievers who was working as the bookkeeper for the Walnut Fruit and Grocery Store, where she then later worked.

     Richard Thomsen Sievers was born on July 13, 1919 in rural Walnut, Iowa. He was the son of Clarence and Amanda (Thomsen) Sievers and was the oldest of four children in the family. Richard was baptized at Peace United Church of Christ in Walnut. He attended school at Layton Township #8 and then Walnut High School, graduating in 1936. He attended the University of Iowa and received a bachelor of science in commerce degree, and was elected a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma academic fraternity. After college he came back to Walnut and worked as the bookkeeper at Bakers Walnut Fruit and Grocery store.

     On December 25, 1945, Richard was united in married to Phyllis Hansen at the English Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa, which later merged into Trinity Lutheran Church. They were the parents of two daughters: Diane and Patricia. The family lived on her parents farm west of Walnut until 1954 when they moved to a farm south of Avoca. In 1961, they moved to their home southeast of Walnut. He retired in 1994.

     Richard enjoyed photography, baking bread and building and flying remote control airplanes, genealogy and working on the computer. Phyllis died on August 16, 2007 and Richard remained in his home until December of 2007 when he moved to the Avoca Lodge Assisted Living in Avoca.

     Richard died on Monday, July 14, 2008 at the Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. He had attained the age of eighty nine years and one day. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Phyllis, his sister, Elaine "Sally" Erickson and his two brothers: Roy and Lee.

     Richard is survived by his daughters: Diane Sievers of South Deerfield, Massachusetts and Patricia Lehnhardt and her husband, James, of Galena, Illinois; a grandson, Aaron Lehnhardt and his wife, Priscilla, and their daughter, Nyaa of Mission Viejo, California; other relatives and many friends.

     The family greeted friends on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at the Pauley Jones Funeral Chapel in Walnut. Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 17, 2008 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca, with Pastor Dennis Reich officiating. Burial was at Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut. Those serving as casket bearers for the service were Jack Ploen, Aaron Lehnhardt, Rex Sievers, Allan Sievers, Jeff Bornholdt and Wayne Sievers. Pauley Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

     Vernon Rudolph Sievers, the son of Rudolph and Hulda Voss Sievers, was born on August 19, 1915 near Walnut, Iowa. He attended country school.

     Vernon was united in marriage to Irene Pedersen on March 25, 1936 and to this union one son, Richard, was born. Vernon worked and farmed in that area until becoming a carpenter in 1958. He started building homes in Atlantic, Iowa until moving to Council Bluffs, Iowa in 1960. Later he lived in Bellevue, Papillion and Omaha, Nebraska while building homes in the Bellevue and Papillion areas. After retiring in 1984, they moved to New Braunfels, Texas to be closer to their son.

     Vernon died on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at the Trisun Care Center Windcrest in San Antonio, Texas having attained the age of ninety-two years, five months and twenty-four days. He is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Orville, Arnold and Marvin and a great granddaughter, Misty.

     Survivors include his wife of almost seventy-two years, Irene; his son: Richard Sievers and his wife Shirley of New Braunfels, Texas; four grandchildren: Richard and his wife Debi of Littleton, Colorado; Scott and his wife Jennifer of Centennial, Colorado; Mark and his wife Caroline of Missouri City, Texas and Marla and her husband Dana Somoskey of San Marcos, Texas; one brother Francis Sievers and his wife Betty of Mesa, Arizona; also five great grandchildren: Jake, Brittney, Sarah, Lucas and Marshall; numerous nieces, nephews, and other members of their families.

     Visitation and funeral services were held on Saturday, February 16, 2008 at the Pauley Jones Funeral Home, Avoca Chapel, Avoca, Iowa. Mr. Wayne Paulsen was officiant for the service. Those serving as casket bearers were Jim Pedersen, Steve Pedersen, Ken Schnitker, Dennis Sievers, Steven Sievers, Robert Campbell and Larry Lapel. Burial was in Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut, Iowa.

     Samuel F. Simpson was born on the family farm near Galt, Missouri, the son of Samuel R. and Pearl (King) Simpson.  He grew up in the area and graduated from Galt High School in 1943.

     On October 21, 1943, Sam enlisted in the United States Navy.  He was on two LST boats, the Farragut and the Idaho, while in the Philippines.  He was honorably discharged on June 21, 1946.

     On October 1, 1949, he was united in marriage to Inez Wendt in Avoca, Iowa.  They lived in Northeast Iowa for twenty-two years.  Sam worked on the Rock Island Railroad as a signal maintainer until 1982.

     Sam retired while they were living in Estherville, Iowa, and in 1984, moved to Walnut, Iowa.  Shortly after that, they bought a house in Avoca where they lived until Inez's death in 1994.  In 1999, Sam moved to Oelwein to be closer to Rich and his family.  Sam enjoyed his family and devoted his time to them.

     Sam was a member of VFW Post No. 1725, American Legion Post No. 0729, NARVRE Post No. 106, and the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen.

     Sam died on Saturday, December 1, 2007, having attained the age of eighty-two years, one month, and three days.  He was preceded in death by his wife Inez, his parents, brother Doran Simpson, and sister Alice Mills.

     He is survived by his son Richard Simpson and his wife Lisa of Oelwein, Iowa; two grandchildren, his sister-in-law Mary Simpson of Salem, Oregon; and a special friend Deliva Hardman of Oelwein, Iowa.

Rondo E. Smathers - Age 87

     Rondo E. Smathers was born in the town of Walnut, Iowa on December 23, 1920. He enjoyed his life in that small rural community in the company of his brother, Dale and sister, Lois, his father and mother, Winfield and Mabel Smathers, his grandparents, the Nissens and many aunt, uncles and cousins.

     Ron was very active in the local 4-H club, where, in his own words, "I was taught to win without bragging and lose without crabbing". He later served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After receiving an Honorable discharge, he attended the University of Nebraska where he majored in business. In 1948 he began what would become an interesting 33 year career with Peter Kiewit & Sons during which time he and his young family traveled extensively. He was an active member of the Toastmasters Club and served as president of his local chapter at one time. His first job was as the field office manager for the building of the Mutual of Omaha home office, followed by the Omaha Veterans Hospital.

     After working on the New Jersey Turnpike and Newark Airport, he worked out of the New York office during the building of Thule Air Force Base in Greenland. He then became controller on the Portsmouth, Ohio project for the Atomic Energy Commission for five years and then back to the East Coast as Business Manager for the Eastern District's continuing work on the Thule base and early warning system contracts. He was office manager on the Minuteman Missile project at Minot, North Dakota in the early 1960's and then lived in San Francisco, California where he was the office manager on the trans-Bay tube project for the Bay Area Rapid Transit. Ron crossed the country again to work on the 63^rd Street Tube project beneath the East River in New York and then completed the full circle when he was transferred back to the home office in Omaha as administrative manager, overseeing such functions as office services, personnel, travel and the Plaza Building Company. He retired to Lake Tahoe, Nevada, living part of the time in Arizona and lastly, back to Minot.

     Ron died on March 1, 2008 of complications from a long journey with Alzheimer's disease while residing at Trinity Homes in Minot, North Dakota. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dale, in 1985.

     Rondo is survived by his wife, Eva, of Minot; his daughter, Sharon Smathers of Sausalito, California; his son, Randy Smathers of Argyle, Texas; two grandchildren, Scott and Sherri and two great grandchildren, Nicole and Zack; and his sister, Lois Zirk of Portland, Oregon. Funeral services were held at the graveside in Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut, Iowa on Wednesday, March 5, 2008. Pauley Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions to the Alzheimer Association will be appreciated.

Evelyn B. Smith - Age 89

     Evelyn Barbara Smith was born on July 3, 1919 to Nick and Clara (Book) Bissen in Earling, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling.

     On August 28, 1940, Evelyn was united in marriage to Ural Smith at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church by her godfather, Msgr. Peter Bissen. Seven children were born to this union: Phyllis, Marilyn, Norman, Gaylen, Roland, Randy, and Dan.

     After their marriage, they farmed west of Panama until they bought Ural’s childhood home and raised their children on that family farm. Evelyn was a busy wife and mother. She helped her husband with the farm chores and planted a large garden, canning lots of vegetables. She raised chickens and put many in the freezer for her family.

     Evelyn was an excellent seamstress and made most of the clothes for the children when they were smaller. She also loved to embroider and sewed many quilts.

     She served as President of the altar and rosary society, Treasurer of St. Mary’s Sewing Circle and of Panama’s Golden Age Club, and belonged to the Friendship Club, the ladies groups and parish groups. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, Court St. Katherine #266 of Earling, helped with CCD and was active in 4-H.

     Evelyn became a resident of Elm Crest Retirement Community in May of 2008 and it was there that she died on Monday, October 6, 2008, having attained the age of eighty-nine years, three months, and three days. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ural, her daughter Marilyn Kleffman, and her brothers and sisters: Hilda Bauman, Mary Bruck, Adella Stracke, Nick Bissen, Jr., Cyrilla Pauley, Sylvan Bissen, Joseph Bissen, Theresa Behrendt, Hulda Bissen, Adella Bissen, Irene Bissen, Leona Bissen, and Leo Bissen.

     She is survived by her daughter Phyllis and her husband Ken Monahan of Harlan, Iowa, her sons: Norman Smith and his wife Jean of Dunlap, Iowa, Gaylen Smith and his wife Zita of Portsmouth, Iowa, Roland Smith and his wife Phyllis of Portsmouth,Randy Smith and his wife Bonnie of LaVista, Nebraska, and Dan Smith and his wife Tammy of Bondurant, Iowa; twenty-seven grandchildren; thirty-four great-grandchildren; her sisters: Sister Mary Helen Bissen of Glenview, Illinois and Mildred Von Hagel of Rosenberg, Texas; her brother Walter Bissen and his wife Catherine of Earling, Iowa; other family members and many friends.

     A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, October 11, 2008 with Rev. John Dorton celebrating the 10:30 AM service. Casket bearers were Ron Kleffman, Roland Smith, Norman Smith, Dan Smith, Gaylen Smith, Randy Smith, Ken Monahan, and Phyllis Monahan. Interment was held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Panama, Iowa.

John "Jack" Smith - Age 55

     Dexter Ellen (Evans) Sorensen was born on January 5, 1923, to Thomas and Alta (Plumb) Evans in Sibley, Iowa. She was baptized in the Methodist Church and attended the Harlan Schools after moving here as a little girl. She graduated with the class of 1940 and went on to further her education at the Commercial Extension School in Omaha, Nebraska.

     On February 4, 1942, Dexter was united in marriage to Willie Sorensen in Spencer, Iowa. Two children were born to this union: Dale and Donna. She became a full-time housewife and mother to her children, enjoying their activities with them and being involved in their lives. During the 1940's, Dexter and Willie owned and operated farms in Audubon and Shelby Counties. In February of 1954, they moved into Harlan where Dexter loved spending time with her family and her friends. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed having her loved ones around her.

     Dexter died on Tuesday, July 15, 2008, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, having attained the age of eighty-five years, six months, and ten days. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Willie, her brothers: Gerald and Edward, and her sister Arlene Nelson.

     She is survived by her son Dale Sorensen and his wife Barbara of Urbandale, Iowa; her daughter Donna and her husband Barry Deuel of Harlan, Iowa; one granddaughter Amye and her husband Brian Love; three great-grandchildren: Bennett, Parker, and Ainsley Love; her sisters: Jane Clemsen of Kearney, Missouri and Grace Ann Knudsen of Harlan, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends.

     Funeral Services were held on Friday, July 18, 2008 at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa with Pastor Dave Swinton officiating the 10:00 AM service. Casket bearers were John Evans, Dale Sorensen, Jerry Barker, Jim Nelson, Stan Knudsen, and Verner Hansen. Interment was held at the Harlan Cemetery.