Luella "Tootie" Wigg - Age 84

    As an adult, "Tootie" was employed at the Harlan Produce grocery store and later at Concerned, Inc. She was a longtime member and active participant of the Bethel Baptist Church in Harlan. Her biggest joy was being the mother of her daughter, Linda and grandmother to Bert David Cox and Jared Michael Cox.

    Luella loved her family and especially kids. Her favorite pastimes included Elvis, collecting elephants, jewelry, and going for rides. She was actively employed until she was over seventy-two years of age. After retirement she still continued to assist others at the Country Care Center. She made her home at the Country Care Center for over thirty-seven years before going to Texas with her daughter in the Spring of 2007.

    Luella died on Friday, June 22, 2007, at the Arbrook Plaza Nursing Home in Arlington, Texas, having attained the age of eighty-four years, eight months and thirteen days. In addition to her parents, "Tootie" was preceded in death by her brothers Barthel "Bud" Wigg and Elmer Wigg as well as her sister, Ruby Hensley. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Cox of Texas; her grandsons: Bert David Cox and Jared Michael Cox both of Missouri; her sister-in-law, Doraine Wigg of Harlan; nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

     A funeral service was held on Monday, June 25, 2007, with Pastor Walter Bowen officiating the 10:00 AM service at Bethel Baptist Church in Harlan, Iowa. Casket bearers were Ron Jensen, Whitey Petersen, David Cox, Jr., Larry Gene Frogge, Jared Cox, and Joe Mahlberg. Interment was held at Harlan Cemetery.

Herchel K. Wilber - Age 60

Virgil C. Wiley - Age 91

     Virgil Christopher Wiley, son of Fred and Clara (Lorenz) Wiley, was born on July 15, 1917 on a farm near Irwin, Iowa. He was one of eight children. Virgil was baptized at the Church of Christ in Irwin and graduated from Irwin Community High School with the class of 1936.

     After school, Virgil worked on the family farm until he joined the United States Army on November 4, 1941 at Fort Crook, Nebraska. He fought at the Battle of the Bulge where he received numerous awards including the Purple Heart Award. On October 24, 1945, Virgil was honorably discharged at Fort Sheridan, Illinois and returned back to the family farm.

     On March 31, 1946, Virgil was united in marriage to Bernadine Pedersen at the Methodist Church in Harlan, Iowa. To this union five children were born: Diana, Nancy, Gary, Deb, and Steven. The couple made their home near Irwin after their wedding. In 1978 they moved to Irwin where Virgil became a member of the United Methodist Church.

     During the school year, Virgil could be found driving the school bus for the Irwin, Kirkman School District. Virgil also was very proud of his farm and enjoyed being outside. When he wasn’t busy driving the school bus or working on the farm, Virgil could be found watching his favorite sports teams. He was also an active member of the local American Legion.

     Virgil died on Friday, September 19, 2008 at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa having attained the age of ninety-one years, two months, and four days. He is preceded in death by his parents, his son Steven, his grandson Richard, his brothers Chester and Lester and his sister Clara.

     He is survived by his wife Bernadine of Manilla, Iowa; his children: Diana Weber of Irwin, Iowa; Nancy and her husband Kenny Dersien of Ida Grove, Iowa; Gary Wiley and his wife Pam of Omaha, Nebraska; Deb and her husband Marvin Gross of Earling, Iowa; five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren; his siblings: Ray Wiley and his wife Jewell of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Russell Wiley of Oakland, California; Irma Holley of Glidden, Iowa; and Donna Freeman of St. James, Minnesota; nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends.

     A Funeral Service was held on Monday, September 22, 2008, at the United Methodist Church in Irwin, Iowa with Rev. Keith Pals officiating the 1:30 PM service. Honorary casket bearers were: Jessica Staudt, Autumn Wiley, Roger Larson, and Linsey Wiley. Serving as casket bearers were: Mike Wiley, Justin Menichecti, Jason Gross, Skyler DeWitt, Dave Pedersen, Ricky DeWitt, and Kyle Staudt. Burial was held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Irwin, Iowa.

     Maynard Frank Willett, the son of Rudolph and Mary Lippold Willett was born on June 17, 1924, in rural James Township, Iowa. Maynard attended country school near Hancock and then graduated from Hancock High School. He entered into the United States Army in 1949 and was discharged after receiving a serious eye injury. He returned home to farm with his dad.

     Maynard was united in marriage to Bonnie Russmann on June 14, 1950 at the First Lutheran Church in Avoca. They spent their married life on their farm in James Township and were in the process of moving to their home in Avoca when Maynard died. All of his nieces and nephews and their families were very special to Maynard and he enjoyed it when they all called him their favorite uncle. He also had many friends and always said he never met anyone he did not like. He took great pride in farming and enjoyed fishing any chance he could.

     Maynard died at the Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa on Thursday, December 6, 2007 having attained the age of eighty-three years, five months and nineteen days. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Daniel.

     Survivors include his wife Bonnie; his brother Rudy Willett, Jr of Milaca, Minnesota; sisters-in-law Eleanore Willett of Avoca, Iowa; Norma and her husband Duane Herrell of Orange, California; Shirley Thies of Avoca, Iowa; Carol and her husband Clayton Young of Hancock, Iowa; Marjorie Kobs of Walnut, Iowa and brothers-in-law Richard Russmann of Avoca, Iowa and Gary Russmann and his wife Jane of Avoca; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

     Funeral Services were held on Monday, December 10, 2007 at 10:30 AM at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa with Pastor Dennis Reich as the clergy. Casket bearers were Dean Willett, Stanley Thies, James Russmann, Douglas Willett, Andy Willett and Phil Hobus. Interment was held in the Graceland Cemetery, Avoca, Iowa.

Rudy "Jute" Willett, Jr. - 88
     Rudy George Willett, Jr., son of Rudolph and Mary (Lippold) Willett, was born on July 11, 1922 in Brooklyn, Iowa. Rudy, Jr. entered into the United States Army in 1942 during WWII until his honorable discharge on January 24, 1946.
     Rudy married Helen Wickstrom on March 11, 1966 in St. Cloud, Minnesota. They raised one son together, Donald Wickstrom. Rudy loved farming. When Don was young, the three of them would take trips in the straight truck to drop off cattle in Omaha, if the line of trucks was long enough, they would consider themselves lucky to get to stop and get something to eat - perhaps a good prime rib or steak.
     Rudy was a kind and generous man, and what some may call a "collector," he was a good mechanic and enjoyed taking anything he could and get it working again. He liked to shoot guns, although he was not a hunter, he enjoyed aiming at various targets. A special time for Rudy was getting together with his unit from the service, to tell stories and share memories, until about 1972.
     Helen died in 1980 after a short battle with breast cancer. Rudy married Eleanor Edison in June of 1981. Eleanor was from Milaca, Minnesota and that is where the couple made their home for a few years until Eleanor’s death in 2007. Rudy liked coming back to Avoca to help his nephew Dean with farming, especially during harvest season. He moved back to Avoca and entered the Avoca Nursing and Rehab Center in 2009. Rudy died at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa on January 6, 2011 having attained the age of eighty-eight years, five months and twenty-six days. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wives Helen and Eleanor, and his brothers Maynard and Daniel.
     He is survived by his step-son Donald Wickstrom and his wife Donna of San Diego, California; his grandchildren; sisters-in-law Bonnie Willett and Eleanor Willett, both of Avoca; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.
     Pastor Dennis Reich officiated the 10:30 AM funeral service at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca, Iowa on Monday, January 10, 2011. Military Rites were conducted by the Avoca American Legion Fred Funston Post Number 227. Dean Willett, Dave Theis, Paul Wickstrom, Stan Theis, Andrew Willett, Douglas Willett and Brent Willett served as casket bearers.

Shirley Williams - Age 58

     Richard Lee Williamson, son of John Claude and Helen (Thomsen) Williamson, was born on April 5, 1932, in Castana, Iowa. He attended Castana High School and graduated with the class of 1950.

     After graduating from high school, Richard enlisted in the United States Army where he served during the Korean War.

     On March 1, 1953, Richard was united in marriage to Faye Hansen in Turin, Iowa. Four children were born to this union: Kenneth, Janet, Dale, and Lori. After their wedding, Richard and Faye made their home in Castana, Iowa, where Richard farmed and sold seed corn for Funks Seed Corn as the District Sales Manager. In 1969, Richard and Faye moved their family to Harlan, where Richard continued to sell for Funks Seed Corn until the early 1970's when he bought the Highway Motel and Zodiac Lounge in Harlan.

     After selling the motel and lounge, Richard began driving truck for Mau Trucking in Ida Grove, Iowa, where he worked for several years until his retirement in 1998.

     On April 23, 1993, Richard was united in marriage to Verlene Parkis at the Little Brown Church in the Vale at Nashua, Iowa. Richard and Verlene made their home Fontanelle, Iowa.

     When Richard wasn’t busy working, he enjoyed square dancing, camping, and socializing. He was a people person and enjoyed being around his friends and family. Richard also enjoyed fishing and took a couple trips to Canada and Alaska.

     Richard died on Tuesday, February 9, 2010, at Salem Lutheran Nursing Home in Elk Horn, Iowa, having attained the age of seventy-seven years, ten months, and four days. He is preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter.

     He is survived by his children: Kenneth Williamson and his wife Elizabeth of Austintown, Ohio; Janet and her husband Farrell Zimmerman of Harlan, Iowa; Dale Williamson and his wife Janne and Lori and her husband John Finken all of Kansas City, Missouri; eleven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his sister Joan Nixon of Mapleton, Iowa; other family members and many friends.

     Memorial Services were held on Thursday, February 11, 2010, at Salem Lutheran Homes Chapel in Elk Horn, Iowa. Kathy Soetmelk officiated the 2:00 PM service. Private inurnment at Kennebec Cemetery in rural Castana, Iowa, will be held at a later date.

     Loretta Susanna Wilson, daughter of Jacob and Maria (Petsche) Schomer, was born on July 31, 1920, outside of Westphalia, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia, Iowa and graduated from St. Boniface Catholic School.

     On July 12, 1949, Loretta was united in marriage to Curtis "Red" Wilson. One son, Robert, was born to this union. After their wedding, the couple made their home in Omaha, Nebraska. In December 2008, Loretta became a resident of Elm Crest Retirement Community in Harlan, Iowa.

     Loretta died on Saturday, April 18, 2009, at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty-eight years, eight months, and eighteen days. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Curtis; her son, Robert; and her brothers Joseph and Ralph.

     She is survived by her three grandchildren: Kurtis Wilson, Jake Wilson, and Nicole Wilson all of Henderson, Nevada; two great-grandchildren; her sister Leona Kaufmann of Westphalia, Iowa; nieces; nephews; other family members and many friends.

     A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa, with Rev. Bob Hoefler celebrating the 11:00 AM service. Interment was held at St. Boniface Cemetery in Westphalia, Iowa, with Jake Wilson, Leonard Kaufmann, Kurt Wilson, Joe Kohorst, Leland Kaufmann, and Danny Kaufmann serving as casket bearers.

Joseph J. Wilwerding - Age 87

     Joseph John Wilwerding was born on November 12, 1920 in Earling, Iowa to John and Clara (Strauel) Wilwerding. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling and attended school at St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Earling.

     On June 12, 1944, he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Blum. Three children were born to this union: Jane, Gary, and Jody. Joseph worked as a car dealer, an auto body mechanic, and an investor.

     He could be found dancing to big band music with his wife and friends. They would travel to Texas for the winters and would often entertain family and friends while home. Joseph was a very generous and loving father and husband and always willing to help others. In addition, he was a visionary with strong leadership skills and served as mayor of Earling for twelve years. He was a great story teller and liked to joke and many heard his favorite expression "isn’t that the berries".

     Joseph died on Wednesday, July 2, 2008, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty-seven years, seven months, and twenty days. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

     He is survived by his children: Jane and her husband Phil Bird of Overland Park, Kansas, Gary Wilwerding and his wife Laurie of Omaha, Nebraska, and Jody Wilwerding and his wife Denise, also of Omaha; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his sisters Verena and her husband Kenny Coenen of Harlan, Iowa; and Alice and her husband John Stessman of Omaha; and his brothers Jerold Wilwerding of California and Ray Wilwerding and his wife Mary of Earling, Iowa; nieces and nephews, other family members, and friends.

     A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, July 5, 2008 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa. Rev. Tom Coenen officiated the 10:30 AM service with interment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Earling. Serving as casket bearers were: Pete Asta, Garret Wilwerding, Eric Fidler, Jeff Casady, Shaun Wilwerding, and Luke Wilwerding.

     Louis Carl Wingert, son of Charles and Mary (Kohles) Wingert, was born on July 23, 1922, on a farm west of Panama, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church in Panama and attended country school near his home before attending St. Mary’s Catholic School in Panama.

     On April 4, 1945, Louis enlisted in the United States Army at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. While in the Army, Louis served thirteen months at Okinawa. He was honorably discharged on December 29, 1946, at Ft. Sheridan, Illinois, having attained the rank of Corporal.

     On May 4, 1953, Louis was united in marriage to Virginia Marie Blum at St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church. Seven children were born to this union: Michael, Mary, Sandra, Charles, June, Paul, and Jolene. After their wedding, Louis and Virginia made their home west of Panama where Louis farmed for over fifty years raising crops and livestock. In June 1999, they moved to their new home in Panama. Louis’ hobbies included being an avid card player; gardening, especially his tomatoes and watermelons; and socializing with friends and family.

     Louis was a member of St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church where he served on the Parish Council. He was also a member of the Community Club and a 61 year member of the Panama American Legion Post No. 601.

     Louis died on Wednesday, February 24, 2010, at Creighton Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, having attained the age of eighty-seven years, seven months, and one day. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Virginia; his son, Charles; his siblings: Isadore Wingert and his wife Stella, Anna and her husband Bill Kenkel, Geralda and her husband Harold Klein, and Father LaVerne Wingert; his brothers-in-law Vernon and Emil Blum; and his sister-in-law Audrey Smith.

     He is survived by his children: Michael Wingert and his wife Susie of Panama, Iowa; Mary and her husband Jamie Fahn of Portsmouth, Iowa; Sandra and her husband Kirk Rose of Onawa, Iowa; June and her husband Chris McAdams of Jacksonville, Florida; Paul Wingert and his wife Kris of Panama, Iowa; Jolene and her husband Sergio Nolte of Grimes, Iowa; sixteen grandchildren: Stephanie and Tiffanie Wingert; Megan and Ryan Fahn; Mark, Derek, Jack, and Allyson Rose; Steven, Aaron, and Nathaniel McAdams; Gabrielle and Jacob Wingert; Selena, Leticia, and Skyler Nolte; his brother, Reno Wingert of Dunlap, Iowa; his brothers and sisters-in-law: Chris Blum and his wife Pat of Portsmouth, Iowa; Charles Blum of Panama, Iowa; Sr. Joyce Blum of Spencer, Iowa; Alice and her husband Jerry Zimmerman of Minden, Iowa; Jean and her husband LeRoy Heese of Defiance, Iowa; Judy and her husband Fred Clark of Omaha, Nebraska; Dennis Smith of Plattsmouth, Nebraska; nieces; nephews; other family members and many friends.

     A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, February 27, 2010, at St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church in Panama, Iowa, with Rev. John Dorton celebrating and Rev. Leonard Kenkel concelebrating the service. Military Rites were held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Panama by the Panama American Legion Post No. 601, with Megan Fahn, Stephanie Wingert, Tiffanie Wingert, Derek Rose, Jack Rose, Allyson Rose, Steven McAdams, Aaron McAdams, Nathaniel McAdams, Selena Nolte, Leticia Nolte, Skyler Nolte, Gabrielle Wingert and Jacob Wingert acting as honorary casket bearers. Serving as casket bearers were: Kirk Rose, Chris McAdams, Jamie Fahn, Paul Wingert, Michael Wingert, Sergio Nolte, Mark Rose, and Ryan Fahn.

     Beverly Joy Wirth was born on October 16, 1948, to Nels and Evelyn (Holtz) Nelsen in Council Bluffs, IA. She attended Avoca Elementary and graduated from AvoHa High School. Beverly married Lynn E. Wirth on December 14, 1968 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Avoca, IA. Three daughters and a son were born to this union: Stacy, Lonn, Carmin, and Carolyn.

     Beverly worked at the Coffee Cup Café, Lanter Courier, Omaha World Herald, and various other jobs. She enjoyed camping, fishing, reading, collector of many things, and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan with her best friend Connie Williamson who passed two and a half years ago.

     Beverly died at Mercy Hospital, Council Bluffs on March 14, 2009, having attained the age of sixty years, four months, and twenty six days. She was preceded in death by her father: Nels Nelsen, father in law and mother in law: Don and Inez Wirth; her sister Sandy Popp, and granddaughter Kirsten Wirth.

     She is survived by her husband Lynn Wirth of Avoca, IA; three daughters: Stacy and her husband Rick Hansen of Manilla, IA, Carmin and her husband Clancy Brown of Harlan, IA, and Carolyn and her husband Joe Jansen of Anderson, SC; son Lonn Wirth and his wife Sharri of Omaha, NE; fourteen grandchildren; mother Evelyn Nelsen, Avoca, IA; stepmother in law Edie Berganzel, Henderson, IA; two sisters: Karen and her husband Steve Guyer of Hancock, IA, and Cheryl and her husband Larry Billings, Hancock, IA; brother Lowell Nelsen and wife Kathy of Vancouver, WA; two brothers in law: Eldon "Butch" Popp of Walnut, IA, and Don Wirth and his wife Sandy of Kewanee, IL; sister in law Carleane and her husband Charles Husz of Carson, IA; other family members and many friends.

     Pastor Dennis Reich conducted the 11:00 AM funeral service on Tuesday, March 17, 2009, at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca, Iowa. Casket bearers were Marty Molnar, Daniel Williamson, Lance Guyer, Mike Popp, Aaron Molnar, Matt Buttry, Jim Billings, and Alan Husz with interment held at Graceland Cemetery in Avoca.

Larry W. Wright - Age 71

Mildred Wunder - Age 86

      Mildred Sorina Wunder, the daughter of Peter M. And Rosie Christensen Jensen, was born on March 10, 1921, on a farm near Avoca, Iowa. She attended country school at Valley Township No. 2 in rural Hancock and later graduated from Hancock High in 1938. After high school, Mildred attended Business School in Omaha, Nebraska. As young girls, Mildred and her sister Arline worked in Harlan for their father at the DX gas station where they were known as the "DX Girls." She also worked for the Ray Burke family where she met "grocery boy" Victor Wunder. She then started her banking career as a teller at the Harlan National Bank.

       Mildred was united in marriage to Victor Wunder on November 21, 1943, at the Lutheran Church in Harlan, Iowa. To this union three daughters were born: Judy, Vicky and Lori. In 1950, the family moved to Avoca where they became partners with Mildred's parents in the J & W Hardware Store. Mildred helped at the store until 1961 when she began working at Avoca State Bank. She worked there for twenty-two years and was Cashier when she retired in 1983.

       Mildred and Victor both enjoyed bowling for thirty years. Mildred also got to take two memorable trips to Denmark to see many of the churches, schools and homes of her father and grandfather. She was a big supporter when it came to their grandchildren and their many activities. Christmas was always a special time for the Wunder family and they have tried to instill those memories in their families over the years. Mildred had an avid love for all animals especially watching and feeding the birds and her many cats. She was a longtime member of the VFW Auxiliary and the Trinity Lutheran Church Women where she volunteered for many years.

     Mildred died on Wednesday, June 6, 2007, at their home in the Avoca Lodge Assisted Living, having attained the age of eighty-six years, two months and twenty-seven days. She is preceded in death by her parents.

      Survivors include her husband, Victor Wunder of Avoca; her daughters: Judy and her husband Mike Leed of Anita, Iowa; Vicky and her husband Charles Geers of Dyersville, Iowa and Lori and her husband Michael Sampson of Avoca, Iowa; her grandchildren: Amber and her husband Brian Kelly of Omaha, Nebraska; Christopher Geers and his wife Theresa of Peoria, Illinois; Ryan Leed and his wife Julie of Ida Grove, Iowa; Jennifer and her husband Wayne Riley of Iowa City, Iowa; Michelle and her husband Paul Freeman of Avoca, Iowa; Julie Guyer of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Kevin Wheatley and his wife Charity of Avoca, Iowa; Erica and her husband Aaron Bontrager of Iowa City, Iowa; thirteen great grandchildren and her sister Arline Gans of Irwin, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

      Funeral Services were held on Saturday, June 9, 2007 at 2:00 PM at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa with Pastor Dennis Reich as the clergy. Serving as Honorary casket Bearers were Bob and Dorothea Paulsen, Don Larimore, John and Betty Oehlertz, Marvin and Barb Piittmann, Ernie Hogeland, Jerry and Joyce Mez and the Residents and Staff of the Avoca Assisted Living. Serving as casket bearers were Ryan Leed, Kevin Wheatley, Brian Kelly, Christopher Geers, Aaron Bontrager, Wayne Riley, Paul Freeman and Marty Monson. Interment was held at the Graceland Cemetery, Avoca, Iowa.