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Rose E. Wear - Age 83
Rose Ellen Wear, the daughter of
John and Anna (Von Tersh)
Gayman, was born on December 21, 1923 in Neola, Iowa. Rose
was baptized, received her First Holy Communion, and was
confirmed at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Neola, Iowa.
She attended both grade school and high school at St.
Joseph’s Catholic School in Neola.
Rose was united in marriage to Francis Wear on
January 2, 1943 at St. Patrick’s Church in Neola, Iowa. They
were the parents of seven children. They farmed in the
Portsmouth, Iowa for five years, then moved to Logan, Iowa
area, where they farmed for sixteen years. Rose and Francis
then moved to a farm northwest of Hancock, Iowa and farmed
there for fourteen years before retiring in 1980 when they
moved to their home in Avoca. Rose was a member of St.
Mary’s Catholic Church in Avoca where she was a custodian of
the church from 1982-1990. Rose enjoyed gardening, bird
watching and walking.
Rose died on Saturday, March 24, 2007 at
Longview Nursing Home in Missouri Valley having attained the
age of eighty-three years, three months and three days. She
is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, an infant
daughter, Rosemary; two brothers, Leo and Alex Gayman; and
three sisters: Elizabeth Bendon, Cecilia Wear, and Agnes
Wessel.
She is survived by her children: Terry Wear of Springfield,
Virginia; Jane and her husband Allen Erlbacher of Earling,
Iowa; Marilyn and her husband Vern McDaniel of Bentonville,
Arkansas; Loretta Wear of Jonesborough, Tennessee; Sheila
Neff of Urbandale, Iowa and Maureen and her husband Daniel
Coffman of Rosemount, Minnesota; twenty-one grandchildren;
thirty-one great grandchildren; one sister, Mathilda McEvoy
of Logan, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many
friends.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on
Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 11:000 AM at St. Mary's
Catholic Church in Avoca with Father Robert Harris as the
Celebrant, Father Mike Berner as the Homilist and Father
John Frost as the Co-Celebrant. Serving as Honorary casket
bearers were Mick Denning, Allan Erlbacher, George Wear,
Charles Wear, Vern McDaniel and Edward Schafer, Sr. Serving
as casket bearers were Travis Neff, Michael Erlbacher,
Jeffrey Cocking, Mark Erlbacher, Marc Ambrose and Steve
Erlbacher. Interment was held in the Graceland Cemetery,
Avoca, Iowa.
 Donald
Eugene Weddle
- Age 73
Donald "Don" Weddle was born on June 22, 1933, to Sanford
and Margaritte (Burns) Weddle in Sioux City, Iowa. He was
baptized, confirmed, and served as an alter boy at St.
Boniface Catholic Church in Sioux City, Iowa. Don attended
St. Boniface Catholic School through the eighth grade and
continued his education at Woodrow Wilson High School in
Sioux City where he obtained his GED.
Don enlisted in the United States Army on October 11, 1951,
and served his country during the Korean War. After serving
for two years on active duty, Don then transferred to the
United States Army Reserves to complete his eight years of
service.
On April 2, 1957,
Don was united in marriage to Maryann Delaney in Sioux City.
Three children were born to this union: one son, Mark, and
two daughters, Della and Donna.
Don was employed
at the Oakland Beef plant in Oakland, Iowa, for ten years.
He started working at Variety Distributors in Harlan, Iowa,
in 1989 and was employed there until he retired in 2004.
Don passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2007, at his home
in Harlan having attained the age of seventy-three years and
eight months. He was preceded in death by his parents,
Sanford and Margaritte, his brother Russel Weddle, and his
sister Lorraine Ryder.
He is survived by
his wife of forty-nine years, Maryann Weddle of Harlan; his
son Mark Weddle of Council Bluffs, Iowa; his daughters Della
Gardner of Defiance, Iowa, and Donna Weddle of Harlan; his
brothers and sisters: Lois and her husband Hank Buletti of
Greenfield, California, Jerry Weddle of Denver, Colorado,
Lavonne Smith of California, Patricia Sherman of Stacy,
Minnesota, Kay and her husband Ron Simoni of Chippewa Falls,
Wisconsin, Jim and his wife Carol Weddle of Council Bluffs,
Iowa, and Judy Saddler of Palm Springs, California, two
grandsons: Andrew Hansen and Adam Weddle; nieces, nephews,
other family members, and friends.
A Memorial Service was held on Monday, February 26, 2007 at
the Abundant Life Church in Harlan, Iowa with Pastor Jeff
Erlemeier officiating the 11:00 AM ceremony. Serving as
casket bearers were Alvin Kite and Rodger Petersen. Military
Rites were held by Shelby County VFW Post No. 941 and the
Harlan American Legion Helmer Reyelt Post No. 150 at the
Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa.
Orville L. Wedel -
Age 93
Orville Laverne Wedel was born on
August 26, 1917 on the family farm south of
Minden, Iowa. He was one of two sons born to
Walter and Lenora (Leaders) Wedel. He attended
grade school at York Township country school and
then one year of high school at Minden. Orville
then stayed at home to help with the farming
operation.
He was united in marriage to Betty Derby on his
birthday, August 26, 1942 in Avoca, Iowa. They
lived south of Minden on the farm and were the
parents of three children: Lynn, Gayle and Gary.
Orville farmed, milked cows and raised hogs
until 1961 when they sold the farm, moved to
Minden and purchased the hardware store. Orville
and Betty operated Wedel Hardware until their
retirement in 1980. Later, he became janitor of
the Minden United Church of Christ for 17 years,
keeping everything neat and in operating
condition around the church.
Orville enjoyed working in his yard at their home and
in addition to being a member of Minden United
Church of Christ, Orville was also a member of
the Minden Community Club and was a volunteer at
Jennie Edmundson Hospital for a number of years.
Orville and Betty moved to the Avoca Nursing and Rehab
Center in November of 2009 and this is where he
died on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 having
attained the age of ninety-three years and
twenty days. He was preceded in death by his
parents and his brother, Clinton, two
sons-in-law, LeRoy Kadel and Pastor Denny
Peterson.
Orville is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty of
Avoca; his children, Lynn Peterson and her
special friend, Charlie Leaders, Gayle Wedel and
Gary Wedel and his wife, Karla, all of Minden; 5
granddaughters: Kathy and her husband Brian Fox
of Colorado Springs, CO, Suzanne and her husband
James Watson of Council Bluffs, IA, Delene Wedel
of Bourbonnais, IL, Wendy and her husband Galen
Barrett of Crescent, IA and Michelle and her
husband Steve Hurley of Council Bluffs, IA; nine
great-grandchildren; Emily and Benjamin Fox,
Alex, Gabriel and Jonathan Watson, Madison and
Landon Barrett and Evan and Isabelle Hurley,
nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of
friends.
Pastor Brian Wohlhuter officiated the 11:00 AM funeral
service on Saturday, September 18, 2010 at
United Church of Christ in Minden, Iowa.
Interment was held at Minden Cemetery in Minden.
Honorary casket bearers were Brian Fox, Charlie
Leaders, Henry Rodenburg and Larry Hornbostel.
Serving as casket bearers were James Watson,
Steve Hurley, Galen Barrett, Ken Crane, William
Derby and Paul Wedel.
Velma E.
Wegner - Age 70
Velma Elizabeth Wegner,
daughter of John P. And Josephine (Sandbothe)
Peterson, was born on April 26, 1939, in
Portsmouth, Iowa. She was baptized at St. Mary
Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Portsmouth
and confirmed at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in
Woodbine, Iowa. Velma also attended country
school outside of Portsmouth. After school,
Velma babysat for several families and worked as
a housekeeper before working at the World Radio
in Council Bluffs. While attending the St.
Mary’s Picnic in Panama, Velma met her future
husband, Roland.
On March 5, 1957, Velma
was united in marriage to Roland John Wegner at
St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in
Panama, Iowa. Seven children were born to this
union: Debra, Daniel, Robert, Paul, David,
Roger, and Linda. After their wedding, Velma and
Roland made their home on a farm outside of
Panama before moving to Harlan in 1979.
After moving into
Harlan, Velma began working at the County Care
Center in Harlan as a cook. She continued to
work there for seven years until she began
working at Wilson Seed where she stayed for five
years. After leaving Wilson Seed, Velma worked
part-time as a cook for the Harlan Community
High School and also for the Westphalia Club
House.
Velma was a member of
St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Woodbine before
moving to Harlan where she became a member of
St. Michael’s Catholic Church.
Velma enjoyed playing
bingo, dancing, and spending time in the kitchen
cooking for her family. She always had homemade
bread or doughnuts ready for her children and
grandchildren.
Throughout the years,
Velma and Roland continued the tradition of
their "Friday night date night" where they would
go out for a drink and dinner. Velma was a very
outgoing person and loved to be around people.
She continued to work with her friends everyday
until she found out she had cancer in April
2009.
Velma died on Monday,
October 12, 2009, at Myrtue Medical Center in
Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of seventy
years, five months and sixteen days. She is
preceded in death by her parents, her son Roger
and her granddaughter Kaitlyn Ann Wegner.
She is survived by her
husband Roland of Harlan; their children: Debra
and her husband Bruce Busing of Logan, Iowa;
Daniel Wegner of Harlan; Robert Wegner and his
wife Jane of Osage Beach, Missouri; Paul Wegner
and his wife Kristi of Harlan; David Wegner and
his wife Kelly of Harlan; Mrs. Roger (Kim)
Wegner (Larsen) of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Linda
and her husband Craig Adair of Logan; sixteen
grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; her
siblings: Dorothy and her husband Carl Michael
of Logan; Joseph Peterson of Walnut, Iowa; Helen
and her husband Chuck Hanson of Moorehead, Iowa;
Elaine and her husband Ron Wageman of Apple
Valley, Minnesota; Donald Peterson and his wife
Glenda of Spencer, Iowa; Alvin Peterson of
Chandler, Arizona; Darlene and her husband Jim
Havick of Shenandoah, Iowa; Kenneth Peterson of
Chandler, Arizona; Debra Jensen of Livermore,
Iowa; Terry Peterson and his wife Tommi of
Spencer, Iowa; Ronald Skalla of Chandler,
Arizona; nieces; nephews; other family members
and many friends.
A Mass of Christian
Burial was held on Wednesday, October 14, 2009,
at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan,
Iowa, with Rev. Bob Hoefler celebrating the
11:00 AM service. Interment was held at the
Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, with Nathan Adair,
Jennifer Busing Lansman, Alex Wegner, Austin
Adair, Je’Anne Wegner, Sara Busing Wagner, and
Kassie Wegner Larsen acting as honorary casket
bearers. Serving as casket bearers were: Matt
Busing, Spencer Wegner, PJ Wegner, Ryan Wegner,
Steven Wegner, Matt Wegner, Michael Busing,
Shawn Wegner, and Bobby Wegner.
Bryan M. Wehr
- Age 42
Bryan Michael Wehr, son of Larry and Karen
(Hendricks) Wehr, was born on April 18, 1966, in
Harlan, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at
St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan. Bryan
attended grade school at Laurel Elementary
School in Harlan and graduated from Harlan
Community High School with the class of 1985.
After high school, Bryan moved to
Nebraska and worked in a meat packing plant for
a couple of months before moving to Colorado to
work with an asphalt crew. In 1989, Bryan was
united in marriage to Monique Redmond. He then
moved back to the Harlan area, and began working
at Farmland in Denison for five years before
becoming employed at Jacobs Corp. in Harlan,
Iowa for seventeen years.
On February 15, 1997, Bryan was united in
marriage to Jodie Thraen in Harlan, Iowa. Bryan
and Jodie made their home in Harlan where Bryan
continued to work at Jacobs Corp. While at
Jacobs, Bryan worked on several machines and
trained many new employees. In 2007, Bryan began
working with Harlan Municipal Utilities as a
meter reader.
When Bryan wasn’t busy working, he
enjoyed working on his hobby stock race car and
racing, camping, fishing, hunting, and trapping.
Many who knew Bryan will remember his humor as
he loved to make people around him laugh.
Bryan’s first priority was his three children:
Haleigh, Taimon, and Daytona; he was very proud
of their many accomplishments.
Bryan died on Saturday, October 25,
2008 at his home having attained the age of
forty-two years, six months, and seven days. He
is preceded in death by his mother Karen; his
paternal grandparents Ambrose and Ruby Wehr; and
his maternal grandfather Ernst Hendricks.
He is survived by his wife Jodie
Wehr of Harlan; his children: Haleigh Wehr of
Bayard, Iowa; Taimon and Daytona Wehr both of
Harlan; his father Larry Wehr and his wife
Carrie of Harlan; his brothers: John Wehr and
his wife Jane of Olathe, Kansas; and Calvin Wehr
of Harlan; his maternal grandmother Luella
Hendricks of Portsmouth, Iowa; his nieces and
nephews: Jocelyn and Janelle Wehr; Chase and
Donnie Thraen; Skye and Jeremiah Davis; Cheyann
Marshall; and Charlie and Jasmine Wehr; other
family members and many friends.
A funeral service was held on
Thursday, October 30, 2008 with Rev. Bob Hoefler
officiating the 10:30 AM service at Pauley Jones
Funeral Home in Harlan. Honorary casket bearers
were Noah Schilling, Charlie Summers, Rich
Bielenberg, Mark Poole, Dave Goede, Ray
Sorensen, Bruce Porter, and John Doonan. Serving
as casket bearers were John Johnson, Paul
Wingert, Chad Peterson, Curt Mumm, Mike Coon,
and Jeff Nelson. Interment was held at the
Harlan Cemetery.
Memorials can be
directed toward the Bryan Wehr Memorial
Fund
at Midstates Bank, 812 Durant Street,
Harlan, Iowa 51537.
Gregory L. Weihs -
Age 45
Gregory "Greg" Lawrence Weihs was born
on April 11, 1965, to Lawrence and Janice
(Brown) Weihs in Harlan, Iowa. He was baptized
and confirmed at St. Mary’s Our Lady of Fatima
Catholic Church in Portsmouth, Iowa. He attended
grade school in Portsmouth and Panama before
going to Harlan Community High School. During
high school, he volunteered to build houses for
Habitat for Humanity. He graduated with the
Class of 1983.
After graduation, Greg moved to Durango, Colorado, to
join his brother Jim building homes. He returned
to Portsmouth, Iowa, and worked for Oak View
Construction and Chamberlain Brothers in Harlan,
before starting his own carpentry business,
Weihs Carpentry.
In September of 1987, Greg was united in marriage to
Regena Knauss at Trinity Lutheran Church in
Persia, Iowa. On May 16, 1994, this marriage was
blessed with the birth of one daughter, Brooke
Ashley Weihs.
When he was younger, he loved spending time with his
Grandpa Weihs working in the wood shop. He
maintained his love of hunting throughout his
life and was always willing to help anyone who
needed it.
Greg died as a result of a car accident near
Portsmouth, Iowa, on Saturday, August 21, 2010,
having attained the age of forty-five years,
four months, and ten days.
He is survived by his daughter Brooke Weihs of Harlan,
Iowa; his parents Lawrence and Janice Weihs of
Portsmouth, Iowa; his brothers: Jeff Weihs and
his wife Leesia of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Jim
Weihs of Portsmouth, Tom Weihs and his wife Mary
Jo of Council Bluffs, and Bill Weihs and his
wife Teresa of Sartell, Minnesota; other family
members and many friends.
Pastor Steven Chellew officiated the 10:30 AM funeral
service on Friday, August 27, 2010 at Immanuel
Lutheran Church in Harlan, Iowa. Serving as
casket bearers were Randy Kroger, Scott Leinen,
Tom Murtaugh, Tom Schechinger, Jeff Musich, and
Gary Nordby. Interment was held at the
Bethel-Knauss Cemetery in Logan, Iowa.
Royce L. Weirich -
Age64
Royce Lee Weirich, the son of Gerald and
Wilma Berry Weirich, was born on April
7, 1948 near Creston, Iowa, and grew up
on a farm outside of Lewis, Iowa. He
attended grade school in Lewis and
graduated from Griswold High School in
1966.
Royce was united in marriage to Colleen Hobson on
December 14, 1974. They were the parents
of five children: Stacey, Kelly, Dave,
Jill and Shona. Royce worked at the
Oakland packing house and lugged beef,
worked construction for Larry Buboltz in
Avoca and then as a superintendent for
various construction companies building
concrete grain elevators in Nebraska. He
also had his own construction business
with his father. In 1988, Royce went to
work for the Hancock Elevator and was
the grounds superintendent until his
injury in 2001.
Royce loved doing wood working in his "shop". He
enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening.
One of his favorite summer activities
was the annual fishing trip to South
Dakota with family and/or friends. He
liked to watch sports on TV, especially
the Cubs, the Iowa Hawkeye football team
and NASCAR. Royce also enjoyed
barbequing for family and friends, large
or small functions...was well known and
loved for his BBQ pork sandwiches. He
also enjoyed keeping track of his
grandchildren, teaching them whatever he
could and most importantly he loved to
tease and poke fun with them all.
Royce died on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at Bergan Mercy
Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska having
attained the age of sixty years, four
months and nineteen days. He is preceded
in death by his father.
Survivors include his wife Colleen of Hancock, his
children: Stacey Weirich, Kelly Weirich
and his wife Cindy and Dave Weirich and
his wife Patti, all of Avoca, Iowa; Jill
and her husband Jamie Kadel of Oakland,
Iowa; Shona Weirich of Hancock, Iowa;
his mother, Wilma Weirich of Oakland,
Iowa; three sisters: Carol Klaus of St.
Ann, Missouri; Barb Weirich of Oakland,
Iowa and Leah and her husband Scott
Muxfeldt of Logan, Iowa; five
grandchildren: Morgan Weirich of
Oakland, Iowa; Cray Weirich of Avoca,
Iowa; Taylor Weirich of Oakland, Iowa;
Jake Weirich of Boulder City, Nevada and
Parker Weirich of Hancock, Iowa; besides
nieces, nephews other relatives and many
friends.
Funeral Services were held on Saturday, August 30, 2008
at 11:00 AM at the Pauley Jones Funeral
Home in Avoca, Iowa with Pastor Melissa
Drake as the clergy. Serving as Honorary
bearers wee Harold Hoffman, Ron Beedle,
Dave Robinson and Jim Best. Casket
Bearers were Dale Weirich, Doug Travis,
Darren Jacobsen, Duane Weirich, Jim
Berry, Gary Beedle, Paul Travis, Evan
Jones and Gary Beedle. Interment was
held in the Oak Hill Cemetery in
Hancock, Iowa.
Cecilia M.
Weihs - Age 96
Cecilia Mary Weihs,
daughter of Charles and Barbara (Schechinger)
Wageman, was born on September 8, 1913, in
Westphalia, Iowa. She was baptized and St.
Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia and
attended St. Boniface Catholic School. After
school, Cecilia began working as a nanny for a
family in Omaha, Nebraska.
On February 24, 1936, Cecilia was united in
marriage to Clarence Joseph Weihs in Westphalia,
Iowa. Nine children were born to this union:
Ken, Barb, Richard, Don, Jerry, Mary, Terry,
Clarence, and Frank. After their wedding,
Cecilia and Clarence made their home on a farm
outside of Westphalia. They continued to live on
the farm until 1948 when they moved into
Westphalia where Clarence began his trucking
business. After Clarence died in 1964, Cecilia
continued to live in Westphalia before moving to
West Des Moines, Iowa, to live with her daughter
and her family.
Family was very important to Cecilia. They
always came first to her and she always enjoyed
spending time with her grandchildren who were
the light of her life. Cecilia also loved to
bake and made Christmas cookies every year with
her granddaughter, Angela. She also enjoyed
planting flowers in her garden.
Cecilia was a member of Catholic Daughters of
the Americas Court St. Katherine No. 266, of
Earling, Iowa.
In August 2001, Karen Acres Care Center in
Urbandale, Iowa, became Cecilia’s home. It was
there she died on Tuesday, January 5, 2010,
having attained the age of ninety-six years,
three months, and twenty-eight days. She is
preceded in death by her parents; her husband,
Clarence; her son, Richard; her grandson, Chris;
her siblings: Tony, Sr. Mary Ruth, Catherine,
Ann, Charles, Adeline, Augusta, and William.
She is survived by her children: Ken Weihs and
his wife Kay of Madison, Alabama; Barb and her
husband Jim Cheney of Omaha, Nebraska; Don Weihs
and his wife Carol of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin;
Jerry Weihs and his wife Lila of Sutton,
Massachusetts; Mary and her husband John Paulson
of West Des Moines, Iowa; Terry and her husband
Marty Shafer of Omaha, Nebraska; Clarence Weihs
and his wife Susie of Urbandale, Iowa; Frank
Weihs of Las Vegas, Nevada; seventeen
grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren;
three great-great grandchildren; her siblings:
John Wageman of Earling, Iowa; Agnes Goetzinger;
Theresa Henscheid both of Westphalia, Iowa;
Frank Wageman of Omaha, Nebraska; and Sr. Joan
Wageman of Denver, Colorado; nieces; nephews;
other family members and many friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday,
January 8, 2010, at St. Boniface Catholic Church
in Westphalia, Iowa, with Rev. Bob Hoefler
celebrating the 11:00 AM service. Interment was
held at St. Boniface Cemetery in Westphalia with
Blake Weihs, Alexander Weihs, Erik Shafer, Peter
Weihs, Angela Paulson, and Steve Cheney serving
as casket bearers
Wilma “Willie” Irene
Weis - Age 79
Wilma "Willie" Irene
Weis was born on April 13, 1931 to Harlan and
Eva (Fenner) Stuart in Altoona, Iowa. She
attended school in Bondurant and graduated from
high school with the class of 1948. She
continued her education at Iowa State Teachers
College in Cedar Falls.
In August of 1953, she was united in marriage to
Kenneth Hadley at Altoona Christian Church in
Altoona, Iowa, and they moved to Monroe. Five
children were born to this union: Randal, Rick,
Stuart, Lynette, and Gary. The family moved to
Audubon in 1954 where Willie taught kindergarten
until she had children of her own. Afterwards,
she became a substitute teacher in the Audubon
school district.
After Ken’s death in 1976 from cancer, Willie attended
the support group "Parents Without Partners"
where she met Cletus "Bud" Weis. The couple
married in July of 1980, at St. Joseph’s
Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa, and they moved
to Harlan, Iowa.
Willie loved to read, play bridge, bowling, crossword
puzzles, playing the slot machines at the
casino, and sewing. She was an active volunteer
at Myrtue Hospital’s gift shop and worked as
secretary at the First United Methodist Church
in Harlan.
She became a resident of Elm Crest Retirement Community
in July of 2010 where she died on Sunday,
September 19, 2010, having attained the age of
seventy-nine years, five months, and six days.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her
first husband Ken.
She is survived by her husband Bud Weis of Harlan,
Iowa; her children: Randy Hadley and his wife
Linette of Urbandale, IA, Rick Hadley and his
wife April of Houston, Texas, Stuart Hadley and
his wife Allison of Chandler, Arizona, Lynette
and her husband Mitch Miller of West New York,
New Jersey, Gary Hadley and his wife Angel of
Frisco, Texas; "Bud’s" children: Ken Weis and
his wife Judy of Omaha, Nebraska, Donna and her
husband Joe Adler of Omaha, Nebraska, Jan and
her husband Steve Davis of Missouri Valley,
Iowa, Terry Weis and his wife Sharon of Treynor,
Iowa, Galen Weis and his wife Lori of Omaha,
Mary and her husband Don Assmann of Panama,
Iowa, Craig Weis and his wife Michelle of
Earling, Iowa, Jerry Weis of Omaha, Tammy and
her husband John Link of Ansonia, Connecticut,
and Kristine and her husband Ted Hennings of
Council Bluffs, Iowa; forty-four grandchildren;
twenty-three great-grandchildren; her brother
Roy Stuart of Des Moines, Iowa; her sisters Ila
Mae and her husband Ron Heggen of Urbandale,
Iowa and Dorothy and her husband James Rose of
Altoona, Iowa; other family members and friends.
Rev. Dr. Dave Swinton officiated the 11:00 AM funeral
service on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at the
First United Methodist Church in Harlan, Iowa.
Serving as casket bearers were Jerry Weis, Terry
Weis, Ken Weis, Gail Weis, Craig Weis, and Joe
Adler. Interment was held at the Maple Grove
Cemetery in Audubon, Iowa.
Lana Wellman -
Age 60
Lana
Elaine Engelking - Wellman, daughter of Carl and
Betty (Walker) Engelking, was born on March 24,
1949, in Omaha, Nebraska. She graduated from
Tri-Center High School in Neola, Iowa, and
continued her education at Iowa Western
Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
On October 18, 1988, Lana was united in marriage
to Randy Wellman in South Dakota. Two daughters
were born to this union: Lisa and Kari.
Lana worked in customer service for Info USA and
US Cellular as a telemarketer. When she wasn’t
busy working, Lana enjoyed crocheting, working
on puzzles, writing poetry, and playing video
games. She also enjoyed spending time with her
daughters and grandchildren.
Lana died on Tuesday, May 19, 2009, at Creighton
University Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska,
having attained the age of sixty years, one
month, and twenty-five days. She is preceded in
death by her parents and her brother, Richard.
She is survived by her husband Randy of Persia,
Iowa; their daughters Lisa and her husband
Ronald Farr of Persia, Iowa; Kari Wellman and
her husband Craig Barrier of Neola, Iowa; five
grandchildren; her sister Lora and her husband
Gary Sparr of Council Bluffs, Iowa; other family
members and friends.
Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, May 26,
2009, at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan,
Iowa. Pastor Ray Peters of Harvest Alliance
Church in Minden, Iowa, officiated the 2:00 PM
service. Serving as honorary casket bearers
were: Lisa Farr, Jason Wellman, Scott Spar,
Craig Barrier, Kari Wellman, and Ronald Farr.
Inurnment will be held at Riverview Cemetery in
Louisville, Nebraska, at a later date.
Eugene “Gene” Wendt -
Age 81
Eugene "Gene" Albert Wendt was born on June
27, 1929, near Corley, Iowa, to Clarence
and Leta (Schuning) Wendt. He was
baptized and confirmed at the Lutheran
church. He attended the Avoca Community
School and graduated with the Class of
1947.
Gene was drafted into the United States Army on
February 15, 1951 and served his country
during the Korean War. He was honorably
discharged on February 15, 1953. He
returned home and began employment with
Iowa Power and retired in 1991 after
forty-three years with the company.
On June 22, 1957, Gene was united in marriage to
Jeannette Hilkemeier in Plainview,
Nebraska. Two children were born to this
union: Bruce and Kimberly. Bruce died in
1983 while attending graduate school at
Ft. Hayes University of the Hanta Virus.
Gene and Jeannette loved to go to both of their
children’s events at school and then to
football games at Central College. They
loved to travel and do anything with
their three grandchildren.
Gene also enjoyed bowling, working outdoors, feeding
the birds and squirrels and raising
roses. He had coffee every morning at
the Embers. He was a true A-H-S-T,
Hawkeyes, and Green Bay Packers fan,
especially loving to go to the A-H-S-T
football games.
Gene died on Tuesday, August 10, 2010, at the Avoca
Nursing and Rehab Center in Avoca,
having attained the age of eighty-one
years, one month, and fourteen days. He
was preceded in death by his parents,
his wife Jeannette, son Bruce, and
brothers and sisters: Inez, Robert,
Marjorie, and Clarence.
He is survived by his daughter Kim and her husband Mark
Gress of Avoca, Iowa; three
grandchildren: Jonathan, David, and
Brian; brothers and sisters: Willis
Wendt of Sunnyvale, California, Lois and
her husband Dennis Jacobsen of Hancock,
Iowa, Marlene Peterson of Broomfield,
Colorado, Janice and her husband Byron
Martin of Avoca, Iowa, and Beverly and
her husband Walt Knudtson of Walnut,
Iowa; other family members and friends.
Pastor Dennis Reich conducted the 1:00 PM funeral
service on August 16, 2010 at Trinity
Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa. Honorary
casket bearers were Dave Niemann, Paul
Simonsen and Burl Scott. Serving as
active casket bearers were Jonathan
Gress, David Gress, Brian Gress, Mark
Wilds, Greg Martin, Dennis Jacobsen, Jr.
and Darren Jacobsen. Interment was held
at Graceland Cemetery in Avoca, Iowa.
Jeannette
D. Wendt - Age 73
Jeannette
Darrene Wendt, daughter of William and Erna (Huth)
Hilkemeier, was born on June 16, 1936 in
Creighton, Nebraska. She was confirmed at the
Lutheran church in Foster, Nebraska and also
attended grade school in Foster. She later
graduated from Plainview High School in
Plainview, Nebraska, with the class of 1953 at
the age of sixteen. After high school, Jeannette
attended business school for two years in Omaha,
Nebraska.
Before her marriage, Jeannette was employed at
Watson Brothers Transportation Company in Omaha
as a secretary for two years. On June 22, 1957,
she was united in marriage to Eugene Wendt at
Foster, Nebraska. Two children, Kim and Bruce,
were born to this union. After the birth of her
children, Jeannette worked at her home as a
homemaker raising her children. She loved to
cook, bake, read and sew. She also loved history
and traveling.
Jeannette died on March 20, 2010, at Jennie
Edmundson Memorial Hospital in Council Bluffs,
Iowa having attained the age of seventy-three
years, nine months and four days. In addition to
her parents, she was preceded in death by her
son Bruce Wendt and her sister Beverly Flesner.
She is survived by her husband, Eugene Wendt of
Avoca, Iowa; her daughter, Kim and her husband
Mark Gress of Avoca, Iowa; her grandsons:
Jonathan, David and Brian Gress; two sisters:
Arlene Blank of Fremont, Nebraska and Shirley
and her husband Victor Zechman of Osmond,
Nebraska; her brother-in-law, Everett Flesner of
Norfolk, Nebraska; nieces and nephews; other
relatives and many friends.
Pastor Dennis Reich officiated the 1:00 PM
funeral service on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at
Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa. Serving
as casket bearers were Jonathan Gress, Bill
Zechmann, Brian Gress, Gene Blank, David Gress,
Dick Zechmann, and Steve Zechmann. Interment was
held at Graceland Cemetery in Avoca, Iowa.
Walter Wendt - 92
Walter Herman Wendt, son of
Gustave and Marie (Noller) Wendt, was born on April 12,
1915, in Avoca, Iowa and was baptized at First German
Lutheran Church in Avoca. He grew up on his parent's farm
and attended New Boston Township School near Avoca. Walter
completed his education when he joined the United States
Navy.
Walter served in the Navy for three years. After his
honorable discharge, Walter returned to the Avoca area and
worked on various farms around Avoca and Harlan including
the farm of Wendell and Virginia Lytle near Harlan. He later
moved to Omaha and began working at the Omaha Livestock for
over twenty years. While in Omaha, Walter became a member of
St. Lukes Lutheran Church.
Walter died on Thursday, July 26, 2007 at Omaha Nursing and
Rehab in Omaha, Nebraska, having attained the age of
ninety-two years three months and fourteen days. He is
preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers:
Oscar, Ernest, and Robert.
He is survived by his two sisters: Laura Shephard of
Bellevue, Nebraska, and Phyllis Staub of Fountain,
Minnesota; nieces, nephews, and friends.
Funeral Services were held on Saturday, July 28, 2007 at
Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca, Iowa. Pastor Dennis
Reich officiated the 1:30 PM service. Serving as casket
bearers were: Jack Shephard, John Shephard, Roger
Brinkerhoff, Dick Stone, and John Hoffman.
Caryl West - Age 71
Caryl West was born on June 3,
1936, one of six children born to Frank and Mabel (Berg)
Heilesen of Harlan, Iowa. She grew up on the family farm and
attended country school until the eighth grade when the
family moved into Harlan. She graduated from Harlan High
School with the Class of 1954 and was very active in the
music department. After graduation, she worked at several
businesses in Harlan, including the Harlan Chamber of
Commerce and the Shelby County Bank.
On
March 12, 1955, she was united in marriage to Gene West of
Harlan. Four children were born to this union: Jennifer,
Janice, James, and Julie. They loved to travel and visit
their children. They visited all fifty states, including a
drive from coast to coast. Before Gene’s death in 2005, she
accompanied him to many corvette restoration events,
athletic events, and participated in outdoor activities like
snow skiing, gardening, and fishing. Caryl belonged to the
Literary Club and loved to play bridge with her friends. For
her own enjoyment Caryl kept journals, wrote stories and
poems.
Caryl
was a member of the Rainbow for Girls, the Bethel Baptist
Church and the United Methodist Church, in Harlan. She was
an active member of the United Methodist Women’s Circle and
participated in many church activities. For many years,
Caryl volunteered at the Elm Crest Retirement Home serving
as president and as organizer for the soup and pie supper.
Caryl
was known for her selflessness and she lived her life caring
about other people as evidenced by her involvement with
numerous volunteer activites in the community. She will be
remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, neighbor,
and friend.
Caryl
died on Sunday, February 3, 2008, at Myrtue Medical Center
in Harlan, having attained the age of seventy-one years and
eight months. She was preceded in death by her parents, her
husband Gene, her daughter Julie, her brothers Richard and
Donald Heilesen, and her sister Bette Sorenson.
Caryl
is survived by her children: Jennifer and her husband Peter
Dyer of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, Janice and her husband
Bob Powers of Poquoson, Virginia, and James West and his
wife Deb of Omaha, Nebraska; six grandchildren: Matt, Ben,
Allison, Lauren, Jacob, and Hunter; her brother Frank
Heilesen of Santa Rosa, California; her sister Evelyn Plumb
of Leawood, Kansas; nieces and nephews; other family members
and many friends.
A
funeral service for Caryl was held on Wednesday, February 6,
2008, with Pastor Walter Bowen and Pastor Donna Ewert
officiating the 11:00 AM service. Casket bearers were Bruce
Heilesen, Rodney Nordby, Tim Jacobsen, Cy Monson, Mark
Jacobs, and John Nordby with interment at the Harlan
Cemetery.
Wilbur D. Wetzel - Age
77
Wilbur
Dean Wetzel, son of Harry and Helen (Wendt)
Wetzel, was born on September 15, 1932, in
Irwin, Iowa. He was baptized at the Irwin Church
of Christ and graduated from Irwin High School.
After school, Wilbur worked as a farmer and a
cattleman for forty-six years on the family farm
south of Irwin. He loved being outdoors and had
a great love for the land. He also enjoyed doing
yard work and wood working.
When Wilbur wasn’t busy working, he enjoyed
reading, listening to country music and Daniel
O’Donnel, an Irish recording artist. Wilbur was
also a lifetime member of the Irwin Church of
Christ where he was active in many roles
including being a Sunday School teacher for many
years.
On December 8, 1992, Wilbur was united in
marriage to Marcie Hill at the Irwin Church of
Christ. After their wedding, the couple made
their home outside of Irwin until 2004, when
they moved into Irwin. Wilbur and Marcie enjoyed
taking bus tours to several locations in the
United States. In 2009, Wilbur learned how to
surf the web and send emails on his new
computer.
Wilbur died on Sunday, April 11, 2010, at the
Manning Regional Healthcare Center in Manning,
Iowa, having attained the age of seventy-seven
years, six months, and twenty-seven days. He is
preceded in death by his parents and his sister
Helene Barratt.
He is survived by his wife Marcie Wetzel of
Irwin, Iowa; two children: Deb and her husband
Vince Jauron of Harlan, Iowa; and Jeff Hill and
his wife Cathi of West Des Moines, Iowa; two
grandchildren; his siblings: Harry Wetzel, Jr.
and his wife Donna of Irwin, Iowa; Doris and her
husband Jack Mallarnee of Phoenix, Arizona;
Norma Jean Griffin of Indianola, Iowa; Dr. Alyce
Joy and her husband Bob Haugen of Kerrville,
Texas; nieces; nephews; other family members and
many friends.
A Celebration of Life Service was held on
Tuesday, April 13, 2010, at the Irwin Church of
Christ with Ted Sieck officiating the 10:30 AM
service. Acting as honorary casket bearers were:
Glen Huey, Christopher Monson, Don Ferry, Cyrus
Monson, John L. Steenhusen, Julie Monson,
Courtney Monson, and Dale Sorensen. Serving as
casket bearers were: Milton Barry, George
Steenhusen, Eric Monson, Keith Jensen, Roger
Ahrenholtz, Randy Birks.
 Michael
L. Whitaker - Age 70
Michael Lynn
Whitaker, the son of Van and Theresa (Pinochi) Dasher, was
born on November 10, 1941, in Richmond, California. He
graduated from Westside High School in Omaha, Nebraska.
He enlisted in the United States Navy and served during
the Vietnam War before being honorably discharged.
On December 5, 1971, he was united in marriage to Ellen
Ann Rold in Cuppy’s Grove, Iowa. They had one son,
Christopher. Mike worked at Western Engineering Company in
Harlan from 1965 to 1988. At that time, he went to work for
the Shelby County Secondary Roads Department until 2006.
Mike was a member of the Congregational United Church of
Christ in Harlan where he served as chairman of the
trustees.
On August 1, 2008, Mike was married to Mary Nieland in
Wall Lake, Iowa. He enjoyed woodworking, reading, and
traveling.
Mike died on Wednesday, November 16, 2011, having
attained the age of seventy years and six days. He was
preceded in death by his parents and his first wife Ellen.
He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.
He is survived by his wife Mary Whitaker of Carroll,
Iowa; son Chris Whitaker also of Carroll; sisters Sharon and
her husband Lester Frazier of Georgetown, Texas and Susan
and her husband Barney Smith of Yuma, Arizona; Mary’s
children: Janet Renze and her husband Kevin of
Mitchellville, Maryland, children Henry and Charlie; John
Nieland and his wife Anne of Urbandale, children Tom and
Zach; Denise Boring and her husband Chris of Urbandale; Jim
Nieland and his wife Liz of North Wilkesboro, North
Carolina, children: Ally, Tony and Andrew; other family
members and many friends.
Pastor Donna Ewert officiated the 10:30 AM funeral
service on Monday, November 21, 2011 at Pauley Jones Funeral
Home in Harlan, Iowa. Honorary casket bearers were Larry
Miller, Leo "Spike" Kloewer, Jim Noble, Larry Manz, and Buck
Pauley. Serving as casket bearers were Kevin "Hoss" Krohn,
Byron "Doc" Christensen, Dale Mueggenberg, Bert Hillers,
Mark Garrett, and Mike Kienast. Private military rites were
performed by Shelby County VFW Post No. 941 and Harlan
American Legion Helmer Reyelt Post No. 150 at the Harlan
Cemetery.
 Nicholas "Nick" White - Age 95
Nicholas Harold White, son
of John H. And Helena (Hess) White, was born
December 7, 1914 on a farm near Jacksonville, Iowa.
Nick attended school at the Jackson Township No. 9
and after testing out of the 8th grade
after their 7th grade year, he and his
twin brother James joined their father on the family
farm.
On July 3, 1942, Nick was inducted into the United
States Armed Forces at Ft. Crook, Nebraska. Nick
attained the rank of Staff Sergeant while serving as
a member of the Army’s 93rd Ordnance
Company which operated in Africa, Sicily, Italy,
Germany and France. During his tour of duty, he
received a commendation for designing a modification
to the M4 Prime Mover. While in Germany, Nick’s unit
was one of the first to liberate the prisoners at
the Dachau Concentration Camp on April 29, 1945.
Nick received his honorable discharge on October 13,
1945 at Ft. Sheridan, Illinois and returned to farm
with his brother and father in Shelby County, Iowa.
On October 9, 1946, Nick was united in marriage to Irma
Albertsen at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in
Jacksonville, Iowa in a double wedding ring ceremony
with Norma and Verner Arnvig. Two children were born
to this union, Sharon and John. After their
marriage, Nick and Irma farmed on the White family
farm until 1954 when a portion of the farm was used
to form Prairie Rose Lake. Nick and Irma then moved
to a farm west of Jacksonville and near the
Bethlehem Lutheran Church. In 1981, Nick and Irma
moved into Harlan and this is when Nick retired from
farming.
Although retired, Nick continued to help his son, John,
with the farm work for many years. In later years,
Nick maintained the grounds at the farm including
mowing, trimming and upkeep of the buildings. Nick
was very proud of his family, his farm, his flag and
his faith while being a longtime member of the
Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville. While a
member of the church, Nick was active as a Sunday
School teacher, served on the church board, and
enjoyed singing in the choir and with the men’s
quartet.
After health issues in the Spring of 2009, Nick made
his home at the Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn
until June of 2009 when he became a resident of the
Elm Crest Retirement Community in Harlan. This is
where he died on November 3, 2010 having attained
the age of ninety-five years, ten months and
twenty-seven days. In addition to his parents, Nick
was preceded in death by his twin brother James and
his sister, Evelyn Johnson.
He is survived by his wife, Irma White of Harlan, Iowa;
his daughter, Sharon and her husband John Davenport
of Victoria, Minnesota; his son John White and his
wife Lynne of Harlan; his grandchildren: Hava and
her husband Chad Dennler, Hali Johnson, Jared
Johnson, Joel White, Jaurel White, Jeffrey White and
Jacie White; his great grandchildren: Brett Gaer,
Jordan Gaul and Logan Butler; twin sisters Margaret
Christensen of Harlan and Mabel Hansen of Council
Bluffs, Iowa; nieces and nephews; other relatives
and many friends.
Funeral services were conducted at 10:30 A.M. on
Monday, November 8, 2010 by Pastors Ron Rasmussen
and Mike Ploen at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in
Jacksonville, Iowa. Military Rites were conducted by
the Shelby County VFW. Post No. 941 and the Harlan
American Legion Helmer Reyelt Post No. 150 with Doug
Nelson, Richard Klitgaard, Lyle Knudsen, Kenneth
Kenkel, Anker Rasmussen, Chuck Jacobs, Buford Wilson
and James Kemp serving as honorary casket bearers
and Joel White, Barney Ahrenholtz, Brian Grote,
Jeffrey White, Harold Pieper, Jared Johnson, Chad
Dennler and Randy Jensen serving as casket bearers.
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