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Janice I. Taylor - Age 85
Janice Irene Taylor, daughter of Austin and Margery (Schmidt) Gress, was born on August 3,1926 in rural Hancock, Iowa. While in high school, Janice enjoyed playing basketball. She met and then began corresponding with a soldier by the name of Donald Taylor. She graduated from the Hancock High School and after graduation she moved to Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Newton, Iowa and Gary, Indiana.
Janice reconnected with her sweetheart Don Taylor and after his discharge from WWII they were united in marriage on November 20, 1945 in Hiawatha, Kansas. They were the parents of four children: Dennis, Janee, Margery and Jan. They raised their children on the Gress Family Farm in Hancock, Iowa. After twenty years of farming, Janice and Don moved to Avoca, Iowa.
Janice was a full time housewife and she loved being able to spend time with her family and friends. She enjoyed attending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s school activities.
Janice entered the Oakland Manor Nursing Home in Oakland, Iowa in January of 2009, and this is where she died on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 having attained the age of eighty-five years, four months, and ten days. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Don, her brothers: Cletis Gress and Wilbur Gress; and her sisters: Dorothy Trulson, Wilma Rader, and Leota Pash.
She is survived by her children: Dennis Taylor and his wife Diana, Janee and her husband Jim Schueman, Margery and her husband Greg Petersen all of Avoca, Iowa and Jan Taylor and her significant other Kevin Farver of Atlantic, Iowa; eleven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; sister Norma and her husband John Hester of Sheridan, Arkansas; sister-in-law Dee Gress of Hancock, Iowa; nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Rev. Dennis Reich officiated the 10:30 am funeral service at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca, Iowa. Honorary casket bearers were Gwen Crawford, Shaleen Wilson, Paige Adkins, Janeen Schueman, and Kyanna Wieslier. Interment was held at the Graceland Cemetery in Avoca with Keith Schueman, Joss Petersen, Heath Paulsen, Matt Schueman, Jeff Taylor, and Blair Paulsen serving as casket bearers.

Robert "Bob"
Theulen - Age 75
Bob Theulen was born
Stephen Joseph on November 29, 1932 in Monroe,
Nebraska according to records from Catholic
Social Services. He was placed on a train from
Columbus, Nebraska, and moved to St. James
Orphanage in Omaha at birth. In July 1933, he
was adopted by John and Dorothy Theulen and
spent his youth in Persia and Earling, Iowa.
Adoption would become a central theme in his
life.
Bob graduated from St. Joseph High School in
Earling, Iowa, in 1952 and was known as a
standout pitcher in Western Iowa baseball. On
June 1, 1957, he married Janice Herbst of
Panama. He also at marriage adopted nine
brothers and sisters: Carol, Diane, Dan, Jean,
Don, Bill, Peg, Ted, and Jim Herbst and adopted
a second set of parents: Elmber and Agnes
Herbst.
Bob and Jan lived in Omaha until 1963, when they
made their home in Panama for the remainder of
his life. To their marriage four ornery boys
were born (Robbie would have had it no other
way): Jeff, Mike, Paul, and Jack. During this
time, Bob also adopted three daughters: Julie
Lapke, Michele Engle, and Jennifer Bruck.
Finally he was blessed with six grandchildren:
Stephen, Allison, Scott, John, Amy, and Megan.
Bob was a truck driver most of his life. He
loved cars and loved to drive. He also was a
devoted NASCAR fan and loved being around family
both natural and adopted. He died at his home in
Panama, with his family, attaining the age of
seventy-five years, eight months, and fifteen
days. He was preceded in death by his parents
John and Dorothy Theulen and Elmer and Agnes
Herbst.
Bob is survived by his wife of fifty-one years,
Jan Theulen of Panama, Iowa; his sons Jeff
Theulen and his wife Julie of Council Bluffs,
Iowa, Mike Theulen and his wife Michele of
Laveen, Arizona, Paul Theulen of Panama, Iowa,
and Jack Theulen and his wife Jennifer of
Alleman, Iowa; six grandchildren: Stephen,
Alison, Scott, John, Amy, and Megan; nieces and
nephews; other family members, and many friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday,
August 16, 2008 with Rev. John Dorton
celebrating the 10:30 AM service at St. Mary’s
Catholic Church in Panama, Iowa. Urn bearer was
Paul Theulen with interment held at St. Mary’s
Cemetery in Panama.

Maxine I. Thielen
-
Age 67
Maxine Irene Thielen was born on May 20, 1939, to Bernard and Viola (Stoll)
Thielen on a farm near Kirkman, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St.
Michael’s Catholic Church where she remained a member her entire life. She
attended Harlan Community High School and graduated with the class of 1957.
Maxine was a cheerleader in high school and kept that enthusiasm and spirit
for everyone in her life.
After high school, she began employment as a secretary for R. C. Booth
Enterprises, later becoming an owner of the company. In 1981, she began
taking care of her mother who had been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Maxine was a lifelong Harlan resident but she loved to travel. She attended
several World Series and would hunt for antiques wherever she went. Maxine
was involved with Galen selling many of their antiques on ebay and also
enjoyed using her computer to keep in touch with family and friends. She was
a great golfer and enjoyed playing whenever she could.
Maxine survived a bout with cancer and encouraged all new patients to keep
fighting and to never give up. She kept this attitude until the day she
died, Sunday, April 1, 2007. She had attained the age of sixty-seven years,
ten months, and twelve days. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Maxine is survived by her husband, Galen "Red" Sorensen of Harlan, Iowa, a
relationship that continued for fifty-two years; her brothers and sisters:
Bernard Thielen and his wife Agnes of Huntington Beach, California, Ken
Thielen and his wife Pat of Greenfield, Missouri, Alice Thielen of New York,
New York, and Gary Thielen and his wife Gail of Kalama, Washington; a
sister-in-law Bev and her husband Bob Vigue of West Salem, Wisconsin; nieces
and nephews, twenty great-nieces and nephews, other family members and many
friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, April 4, 2007, with Rev.
Bob Hoefler officiating the 11:00 AM service at St. Michael’s Catholic
Church in Harlan, Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were Joe Klein, James
Macheledt, Tony Thielen, Michael Thielen, Andy Moenkedick, and Mark Thielen.
Interment was at the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa.

Edna M.
Thomsen - Age 97
Edna Maria (Holst)
Thomsen was born December 8, 1910 in Shelby
County, Iowa. She was the daughter of Henry and
Doris (Plagman) Holst and grew up on the family
farm two miles east of Shelby, Iowa. She was the
oldest of five children. Edna attended country
school until the third grade, then went to the
Shelby Public school, graduating with the Class
of 1929.
On July 7, 1938, Edna was united in marriage to
Lester Ralph Thomsen. They moved into their home
on Frost Avenue in Avoca, Iowa. Lester owned the
Thomsen Oil Company. They were the parents of
three daughters, Delores Ann, Karen Lou and
Linda Marie. After sixty three years of
marriage, Lester passed away on December 3,
2001. Edna continued to live at home for an
additional six years.
Edna was baptized and confirmed at the United
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Shelby, but after
her marriage, she transferred membership to the
Lutheran Church in Avoca. She was active in the
ladies aid and bible study group.
Outside of her family and church, Edna loved her
garden and spent many happy hours growing food
for her family and tending to her flowers. She
loved anything to do with nature. She was an
active member of the Garden Club and also PEO.
For several years she bowled on the Thomsen Oil
Company ladies team. She enjoyed the competition
and the ladies on her team. She was an avid card
player and seldom turned down a chance to play.
After Lester's retirement, they both started the
day with a game of solitaire to "see how the day
would go."
In the fall of 2007, Edna moved to the Avoca
Assisted Living Lodge. She became ill in January
of 2008 and then moved to Oakland Manor Nursing
Home and this is where she entered her eternal
rest on March 3, 2008, having attained the age
of ninety-seven years, two months and
twenty-three days. She is preceded in death by
her parents, her husband, Lester; three sisters:
Elva Jave, Gladys Kielley and Margaret Piittmann;
her brother, Edward; a son-in-law, Roger Eble
and a granddaughter, Holly Eble.
Edna is survived by her three daughters: Delores
and her husband, Clifton Woodworth of Winter
Springs, Florida, Karen Eble of Missoula,
Montana and Linda and her husband, Tom Eitmann
of Treynor, Iowa; seven grandchildren, six great
grandchildren and another one due in July, many
nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral Services were held on Friday, March 7,
2008 at 10:30 AM at the Trinity Lutheran Church
in Avoca, Iowa with Pastor Dennis Reich as the
clergy. Serving as casket bearers were Charles
Eble, Kris Eitmann, Matthew Woodworth, Kevin
Woodworth, Shannon Copps, Chad Eitmann and
Michelle Willett. Interment was held at the
Graceland Cemetery, Avoca, Iowa.

Jeannette Thomsen -
Age 90
Elsie Jeannette Thomsen, daughter of Royce and
Elsie (Fuller) Ives, was born on June 2, 1921 in Casey,
Iowa; she was the youngest of six children. She graduated
from Harlan High School in 1938 before she moved to Des
Moines, Iowa to live with her sister Bernice. While in Des
Moines, she attended Thompsen’s Beauty School and graduated
in September 1940. When Jeannette was only 19, her mother
died so she moved back to Harlan to live with her father.
Shortly after moving to Harlan, Jeannette met Raymond
Thomsen from Avoca, Iowa. On November 9, 1941, the couple
traveled to Maryville, Missouri and eloped. After their
marriage, they moved to Raymond’s family farm where they
raised their children Rae Jeanne and Terry. In 1972, they
sold the farm and bought the Gustafasen farm south of Avoca.
Jeannette joined the local Bridge club and her and Raymond
also belonged to local couples clubs.
When Raymond retired from farming, the couple bought a
condo in Arizona and for many years they would spend their
winters there. Jeannette was very involved with her
grandchildren’s lives and she thoroughly enjoyed going to
their many school activities and sporting events.
After joining Avoca Assisted Living, Jeannette
continued to read often, she kept busy playing Bingo with
the other residents and doing crossword puzzles.
Jeannette died on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at the
Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa having attained the
age of ninety years, five months, and twenty-nine days. She
was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Bernice
Hiscocks, Agnes Knudsen, Delbert Ives, Genevieve Booth and
Alice Coen.
She is survived by her daughter Rae Jeanne and her
husband Jerry Christensen of Avoca; son Terry Thomsen and
his wife Peggy of Apache Junction, Arizona; four
grandchildren: Steve Christensen, Greg Christensen and his
wife Connie, Susan and her husband Brian Wedemeyer and Holly
and her husband Robert Valdiviez; seven great-grandchildren;
other relatives and many friends.
Rev. Dennis Reich officiated the 10:30 am funeral
service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa on Monday,
December 5, 2011. Burial was held at the Graceland Cemetery
in Avoca with Steven Christensen, Brian Wedemeyer, Greg
Christensen, Paul Harder, Jeff Harder and Louis Harder
serving as casket bearers. 
Raymond N.
Thomsen - Age 90
Raymond
Neve Thomsen, the son of Hans and Mary Neve
Thomsen, was born on March 25, 1918 on a farm
near Avoca, Iowa. He graduated from Avoca High
School and then attended Van Sant School of
Business in Omaha, Nebraska.
Raymond was united in marriage to Jeanette Ives
on November 9, 1941 in Maryville, Missouri.
After their marriage they moved to his family
farm where they raised their children Rae Jeanne
and Terry and Raymond supported his family by
farming. In 1972 they sold the farm and bought
the Gustafasen farm south of Avoca. Raymond was
known for being quite the jokester. He was very
involved in his grandchildren lives, going to
their many school activities and sporting
events. He was especially proud that he was able
to visit with them at his 90th
birthday. Raymond was a very caring man and
always put his wife first by telling the kids to
"take care of mom".
Raymond died on Monday, April 21, 2008 at the
Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa having
attained the age of ninety years and twenty
seven days. He is preceded in death by his
parents.
Survivors include his wife Jeanette; his
daughter, Rae Jeanne and her husband Jerry
Christensen all of Avoca, Iowa; his son Terry
Thomsen and his wife Peggy of Apache Junction,
Arizona; four grandchildren: Steve Christensen,
Greg Christensen and his wife Connie, Susan and
her husband Brian Wedemeyer and Holly and her
husband Robert Valdiviez; seven great
grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

Ronald C. Thraen - Age 71
Ronald Carl "Ron" Thraen was born on
October 7, 1940 to Ambrose and Ariel (Densmore) Thraen in
Harlan, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Michael’s
Catholic Church in Harlan. He attended elementary school at
St. Michael’s Catholic School and graduated from Harlan High
School.
He was united in marriage on May 1, 1961 to Linda
Denney at St. Michael’s. Three children were born to this
union: Scott, Shelly, and Cindy.
Ron had a great sense of humor and was considered the
king of one-liners. He loved the comedy of Jerry Lewis,
Rodney Dangerfield, Carroll O’Connor, and Peter Sellers. He
was a big man whose generosity matched his stature. He had a
soft heart and was always there for his kids and grand kids.
He loved animals, Dale Earnhart, and was a season ticket
holder for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes. He was more than
a huge fan, he was a darn good tailgater!
Ron died on Sunday, November 27, 2011 at Myrtue Medical
Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of
seventy-one years, one month, and twenty days. He was
preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Linda Thraen
of Harlan, Iowa; son Scott Thraen and his wife Tracey of
Harlan; daughters Shelly Thraen and Cindy and her husband
Larry Miller all of Harlan; ten grandchildren: Amy, Sara,
Sean, Aaron, Jessica, Cory, Rachel, Katie, Jake, and
Cassidy; four great-grandchildren: Kayden, Madden, Emma, and
Ethan; brother Don Thraen and his wife Rosie of Harlan;
nieces and nephews; other family members and friends.
Rev. John Frost celebrated the 11:00 AM Mass of
Christian Burial on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at St.
Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa. Kate Kohorst
accompanied Mary Ann Murtaugh. Honorary casket bearers were
Charles Kline, Larry Miller, Roger Thomsen, Vance Arnold,
Tony Thraen, Andy Thraen, and Mike Mikels. Serving as casket
bearers were Sean Rooney, Aaron Rooney, Cory Miller, Jacob
Thraen, Terry Erwin, Jr., and Russell Leslie. Interment was
held at St. Boniface Cemetery in Westphalia, Iowa.

Merle Thrasher- Age 84
Merle Thrasher, Jr. was born on November 30, 1922, in Fort Madison, Iowa, to
Merle and Maud (Shawver) Thrasher. He attended school in Fort Madison and
graduated from high school with the Class of 1940. He entered the United
States military in 1943 and left for basic training to Denver, Colorado.
While on a three-day pass in Denver on May 5th 1943, he was united in
marriage to Valeria "Val" Bentler. Five children were born to this union:
Tom, Ron, Randy, Greg, and Jan.
After he was honorably discharged from the service during World War II, he
joined the Schafer pen company in Fort Madison, Iowa. The family moved
several times within the Fort Madison and Houghton, Iowa, areas.
He ventured into the feed and grain business and had also worked at the
United States post office for a while. He sold fur coats and steel grain
bins. In 1966, he sold his feed business and moved to Earling, Iowa, and
bought a Purina dealership. He retired twenty-seven years later in 1993.
Merle loved boating on the Mississippi river and fishing in Canada. He
enjoyed mushroom hunting. He went on many fishing trips to Canada with his
boys and friends over the course of 60 years. He had a great sense of humor
and loved to laugh, but was also a very respectful man. He joined the
Catholic faith as a gift to his wife for their twentieth wedding
anniversary.
Merle was admitted to the Nebraska Medical Center on May 31, 2007, and it
was there that he died on Wednesday, June 13, 2007, having attained the age
of eighty-four years, six months, and fourteen days. He was preceded in
death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Val Thrasher of Earling,
Iowa; his sons: Tom Thrasher and his wife Janet of Omaha, Nebraska, Ron
Thrasher of Omaha, Randy Thrasher of Dana Point, California, and Greg
Thrasher and his wife Nancy of Omaha; his daughter Jan and her husband Mike
Haye of Wall Lake, Iowa; ten grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; his
brother Robert Thrasher and his wife Joan of Burlington, Iowa; nieces,
nephews, other family members, and many friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, June 16, 2007, at St.
Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa. Rev. Bob Hoefler officiated the
11:00 AM service. Casket bearers were Gene Sibenaller, David Thrasher, Dan
Thrasher, Brady Haye, Kevin Thrasher, and Vince Heese. Military Rites were
held by the Earling American Legion Post No. 615 at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in
Earling.

Jean A.
(Henning) Thurston - Age 93
Jean Arvilla Henning Thurston was born on
March 14, 1914, to Fred and Jessie (Rains) Smith in Harlan, Iowa. She was
baptized at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and remained a member of that
congregation throughout her lifetime. She attended Harlan Community Schools
and graduated with the Class of 1934. After graduation she worked for her
step-father (E. Olson) at Harlan Contracting as a bookkeeper.
Jean was
united in marriage to Maurice "Bill" Henning on April 2, 1938, in Boone,
Iowa. Three daughters were born to this union: Jan, Nancy, and Alice. Jean
enjoyed many years of raising her daughters and being a housewife and
homemaker. She was always there for her children and their activities. She
also spent ten years working in the food service department at the Baptist
Memorial Home.
After
Maurice’s death in 1966, Jean kept busy with her friends and her crocheting.
She was a founder of Mickels Tuesday Coffee Club, a member of St.
Katherine’s Guild, serving as their Treasurer, and a member of the Eastern
Star.
In 1971, Jean
was married to William Thurston in Harlan. Her excellent memory made her a
Harlan Historian; she was able to tell you who lived where or who someone
had married. She loved to take car rides but never had a driver’s license
herself. Jean loved to spend time with her friends. Saturday nights would
find her watching the Lawrence Welk show. She was loved by all who knew her
and will be greatly missed.
Jean died on
Tuesday, October 2, 2007, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, having
attained the age of ninety-three years, six months, and eighteen days. In
addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband
Maurice Henning, her husband William Thurston, her sister Arlene Gould, and
her step-brother Stellan Olson and his wife Iva.
She is
survived by her daughters: Jan Mendel of Harlan, Iowa, Nancy and her husband
Howard Wilwerding of Boca Raton, Florida, and Alice and her husband John
Evans of Oakley, California; six grandchildren: Debra and her husband Donny
Lake, Jeanne Hodgden, Dan Wilwerding, Tina Mendel, Billie Jean Ring, and
Shane Mendel; ten great-grandchildren: Jessica Hodgden, Joey Hodgden, Drew
Lake, Troy Lake, Alissa Lake, Jenna Jean Lake, B. J. Pauley, Jessica Mendel,
Taylor Ring, and Connor Mendel; her cousin Tommy Rains and his wife Jo Hanna
of Des Moines, Iowa; her long-time friend Opal Peavler of Harlan; many
nieces and nephews; other family members and friends.
A
funeral service was held on Saturday, October 6, 2007, with Rev. Glenn
Ranking officiating the 11:00 AM service at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in
Harlan. Casket bearers were Dan Wilwerding, Howard Wilwerding, Joey Hodgden,
Fred Olsen, Shane Mendel, and B. J. Pauley. Interment was held at the Harlan
Cemetery

Larry
P. Torrey - Age 75
Who died on Sunday, January
8, 2012
at Risen Son Christian Village in
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Visitation
Saturday, January 14, 2012
8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Pauley Jones Funeral Home
Avoca, Iowa
Funeral Service
Saturday, January 14, 2012
10:30 AM
Pauley Jones Funeral Home
Avoca, Iowa
Interment
Graceland Cemetery
Avoca, Iowa
Larry is survived by his wife Fran Torrey of Avoca, IA;
daughters Di (John) Toupal of Braham, MN and Deb Torrey of
Omaha, NE; sons Robert Torrey of Anchorage, Alaska, David Torrey of Council Bluffs, Iowa and
Jerry (Kim) Torrey of Council Bluffs; three grandchildren;
and brother Bill (Joanne) Torrey of Marco Island, FL.
For more
information, please call
Pauley Jones Funeral Home - Avoca
(800) 447-2588 or (712) 343-2453

John N. Tremel - Age 95
John Nicholas Tremel, son of Joseph
John and Anna Marie (Kohl) Tremel, was born on
April 24, 1915, in Earling, Iowa. He was the
second of twelve children. John was baptized and
confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in
Earling and attended country school outside of
Earling and St. Joseph’s Catholic Schools.
On January 10, 1940,
John was united in marriage to Delores Jean
Stolz at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in
Earling. Four children were born to this union:
Karen, Joan, Jerry, and Allen. After their
wedding, John and Delores made their home
outside of Earling, where John farmed for many
years. In 1992, John and Delores moved into
Earling. John never really retired, he continued
to drive to the farm each day to check his
cattle and assist his grandson, Todd, with
chores around the farm. John loved working the
land and planted corn for eighty consecutive
years.
When John wasn’t busy
working, he enjoyed woodworking, raising his
cattle, traveling with Delores, going to the
casinos, and spending time with his family,
especially his grandchildren and
great-grandchildren.
After Delores died in
January 2006, John continued to live in their
home they shared until August 2008, when he
became a resident of Little Flower Haven in
Earling.
John died on Tuesday,
May 11, 2010, at Little Flower Haven in Earling,
Iowa, having attained the age of ninety-five
years and seventeen days. He is preceded in
death by his parents; his wife, Delores; and his
siblings: Edward Tremel, Leona Buckley, Alphonse
Tremel, Raymond Tremel, Joseph Tremel, and Mary
Gross.
He is survived by his
children: Karen and her husband Larry Gardner;
Joan Stiner all of Omaha, Nebraska; Jerry Tremel
and his wife Jane of Dunlap, Iowa; Allen Tremel
and his wife Carol of Harlan, Iowa; ten
grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren;
his siblings: Leonard Tremel and his wife Mary
Pat; Helen and her husband Albert Frederick all
of Earling, Iowa; Charles Tremel and his wife
Bonnie of Omaha, Nebraska; Kenneth Tremel and
his wife Elizabeth and Ralph Tremel and his wife
Elaine all of Panama, Iowa; his sister-in-law
Irene Tremel of Earling Iowa; many nieces and
nephews; other family members and many friends.
A Mass of Christian
Burial was held on Friday, May 14, 2010, at St.
Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa, with
Rev. Howard Fitzgerald celebrating the 10:30 AM
service with Rev. Mr. Marvin Klein assisting.
Interment was held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in
Earling, with Chad Tremel, Michael Olmstead,
Todd Tremel, Scott Johnson, Andrew Juranek, and
Scott Gardner serving as casket bearers.

Lois M. Troll
- Age 85
Lois
Marie Troll was born on December 4, 1923 to Roy
and Hazel (Lotz) Richardson near Auburn, Iowa.
She graduated with the Class of 1941 from
Guthrie Center High School and continued her
education at the Jennie Edmundson School of
Nursing, earning her Registered Nursing degree.
On June 27, 1946, she was united in marriage to
Alvin Troll at Lake City, Iowa. Three children
were born to this union: Eugene, Carol, and
Doris.
Lois dedicated many years of her life to her
nursing career and worked at various
institutions, but spent a good share of that
time at Myrtue Memorial Hospital and The Baptist
Home. She was very proud to be a nurse and
enjoyed her service to others. Lois was always
willing to help anyone in any way. She was a
loving mother, grandmother, and
great-grandmother and will be missed by family
and friends alike.
Lois was an active member of Peace United Church
of Christ in Walnut, Iowa, as well as a past
member of the AMVET Auxiliary and the Loyal
Neighbors Club.
After her husband’s death in October of 2001,
she moved to Peace Haven Retirement Home in
Walnut, Iowa, and it was there that she died on
Thursday, November 19, 2009, having attained the
age of eighty-five years, eleven months, and
fifteen days. She was preceded in death by her
parents, her husband, sister Leita Akers, and
brother Robert Richardson.
Lois is survived by her children: Eugene Troll
and his wife Paula of Walnut, Iowa, Carol and
her husband Don Schwarte of Atlantic, Iowa, and
Doris and her husband Lester Ballantyne of
Council Bluffs, Iowa; eight grandchildren;
thirteen great-grandchildren; other family
members and friends.
Pastor Gail Muckey conducted the 10:30 AM
funeral service on Monday, November 23, 2009 at
the Peace United Church of Christ in Walnut,
Iowa. The family held a private burial at Layton
Township Cemetery in Walnut. 
Joyce True -
Age 78
Joyce
Anne True, the daughter of Orvel and Pearl
Wilhelmina (Schuning) Krohn, was born on
November 6, 1930 in Minden, Iowa. She attended
school in Avoca and graduated with the class of
1948.
Joyce was united in marriage to Jack True on May
14, 1949 in Avoca and they were the parents of
two children: Kathy and Tom. Joyce was employed
at the Avoca Nursing Home for over thirty years.
She took great delight in being outdoors in the
summer and kept busy doing yard work. She
enjoyed being with her friends and family and
loved her grandchildren. Joyce retired in 1995
and moved to Peace Haven Retirement Home in
Walnut, Iowa and later moved to the Avoca
Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Joyce died at the Avoca Nursing and
Rehabilitation Center on Tuesday, December 16,
2008 having attained the age of seventy eight
years, one month and ten days. She is preceded
in death by her parents and her husband, Jack
who died in 1996.
Survivors include her children: Kathy Jacobsen
of Avoca, Iowa; Tom True and his wife Cheryl of
Walnut, Iowa; six grandchildren; seven great
grandchildren; one brother Donald Krohn and his
wife Rosalie of Avoca, Iowa; other relatives and
many friends.
A memorial service was held on Saturday,
December 20, 2008 at Pauley Jones Funeral Home
in Avoca with Father John Frost officiating.
Wayne Paulsen delivered the eulogy. Those
serving as honorary urn bearers were Joshua
True, Jacquelyn True, Angela Schueman, Shela
Jacobsen, Michael Jacobsen and Brian Swallow.
Inurnment was at Graceland Cemetery in Avoca.

Fern
Tucker - Age 85
Fern May Tucker, the daughter of Charles William and Vera
Viola (Comstock) Tucker was born on the family farm near Tennant, Iowa, on
March 10, 1922. She attended grade school at the Pleasant Ridge Country
School and continued her education at the Tennant Consolidated School and
graduated with the Class of 1938.
She attended
Commercial Extension Business School in Omaha, Nebraska, and began to work
at Barnhart Press in Omaha after graduating from business school. She worked
as a secretary at Barnhart Press until she retired after more than forty
years in their employment.
She was a
devoted daughter, sister, and aunt. Her nieces and nephews were her pride
and joy.
Fern died on
Wednesday, September 6, 2007, at Jennie Edmundson Memorial Hospital in
Council Bluffs, Iowa, having attained the age eighty-five years, five
months, and twenty-seven days. She was preceded in death by her parents, her
brother Kenneth Tucker, her sister-in-law Doris Tucker, and an infant
nephew, Craig Tucker.
Fern is
survived by her sisters Frances and her husband Glen Wilson of Hemet,
California and Eunice and her husband Clifford Smith of Walnut, Iowa;
sister-in-law, Jacquetta Tucker of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; her nephews: Kit
Wilson and his wife Mary of Orange, California, Tom Tucker and his wife
Diane of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mark Smith and his wife Barb of Elk Horn, Iowa,
and David Smith and his wife Diane of Cook, Nebraska; her niece Susan Tucker
of Kansas City, Missouri; other family members and friends.
A funeral
service was held on Monday, September 10, 2007, at the Pauley Jones Funeral
Home in Harlan, Iowa. Pastor Orris Drake officiated at the 2:00 PM service.
Marge Ahrenholtz was the accompanist and Barb Smith was the vocalist.
Serving as casket bearers were Tom Tucker, Bradley Tucker, Brian Tucker,
Mark Smith, Tom Gaer, and David Smith. Interment was held at the Shelby
Cemetery in Shelby, Iowa.

Jacquetta J. Tucker - Age 91
Jacquetta June Tucker was born on June 17,
1919, to John "Jack" and Geraldine (Fahs) Hockett in
Manning, Iowa. She was educated in Shelby County.
In 1939, Jacquetta attended the New York World’s Fair
with her father where she saw one of the first televisions.
She was an accomplished English style equestrian rider. In
the 1940's, she trained and rode her champion American
saddlebred horse, Suzette le Rose. For many years she was
the owner/operator of the grocery store in Tennant.
On February 10, 1964, Jacquetta married Kenneth Tucker
and became the step-mother of his two children, Susan and
Thomas. They moved to the Tucker farm located between
Tennant and Persia. She raised Columbia sheep and enjoyed
traveling with Kenneth to sheep shows around the country.
She also worked at the Corn Stalk restaurant in Shelby until
her retirement at age 87.
She enjoyed bowling, flower gardening, and bird
watching. She was an active member of the Tennant Methodist
Church. After Kenneth’s death in 2006, Jacquetta moved to
Cedar Rapids and lived with her stepson Tom and his wife
Diane. While in Cedar Rapids, she joined the Buffalo United
Methodist Church.
Jacquetta died on Saturday, March 12, 2011, at the
Northbrooke Manor Care Center in Cedar Rapids having
attained the age of ninety-one years, eight months, and
twenty-three days. She was preceded in death by her parents,
husband Kenneth, brother James Hockett in 2009, baby sister,
and sister-in-law Fern Tucker.
She is survived by her step-daughter Susan Assel of
Kansas City, Missouri; step-son Thomas Tucker and his wife
Diane of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; four grandchildren: Gabe Assel
and his wife Wendy of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, Andrea
and her husband Chris Scharnhorst of Kansas City, Missouri,
Bradley Tucker and his wife Jennifer of Cedar Rapids, Iowa,
and Brian Tucker and his wife Amanda of Nevada, Iowa; seven
great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Arletha Hockett of
Tennant, Iowa, Eunice and her husband Clifford Smith of
Walnut, Iowa, and Frances and her husband Glen Wilson of
Hemet, California; three nieces; a nephew; and many friends.
Rev. Orris Drake officiated the 10:30 AM funeral
service on Wednesday, March 16, 2011, at Pauley Jones
Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were
Bradley Tucker, Brian Tucker, Mark Smith, Jamie Hockett,
Josh Hockett, and Ron Peters. Interment was held at the Iowa
Township Cemetery near Manning, Iowa. 
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