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Wayne A. Yates - Age 86

Wayne Arlo Yates, the son of Richard and Ellen Hite Yates, was born on September 13, 1921 in Red Oak, Iowa. He graduated from Harlan High School in 1941. After graduation Wayne enlisted into the United States Army on October 7, 1942 in Baltimore, Maryland. He served in the European Theater from December 16, 1943 until his return to the States in July of 1945. He was Honorably discharged from the Army in September of 1945.

Wayne was united in marriage to Phyllis Krieger on June 15, 1947 in Hiawatha, Kansas. To this union one son Steven was born. Wayne worked as a type setter at the Journal Herald in Avoca for over twenty-five years. He enjoyed gardening, dominoes; especially growing tomatoes; building bird houses; baseball, horse racing and football. Wayne moved to Elm Crest in October 2007. He enjoyed visiting with his many friends.

Wayne died on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at the Myrtue Memorial Hospital in Harlan, Iowa having attained the age of eighty-six years, seven months and three days. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife (Phyllis) Elaine and his sister Delores Andersen.

Survivors include his son Steven and his wife Korla of Avoca, Iowa; two grandchildren: Kamie and her husband Kenny of Harlan and Mike and Erin of Avoca; four great grandchildren: Martin and Jessica; Adryan and Lauren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were held on Friday, April 18, 2008 at the Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca with Pastor Jeff Erlemeier officiating. Military rites by Fred Funston Post #277 were held at Graceland Cemetery in Avoca. Those serving as casket bearers were Dan Rihner, Jeff Schoemann, David Rihner, Randy Smyser, Charlie Ronnfeldt and Wayne Martin.

Violet Yoder - Age 85

Violet Gladys Yoder was born on July 26, 1921, in Clarinda, Iowa to James and Alta Marie (Diggs) Clark. Violet attended school in Clarinda.

Violet was united in marriage to Clarence Paden in 1939 in St. Joseph Missouri. One son, Larry Paden, was born to this union. Violet devoted herself to being a wonderful mother and wife.

Violet was a supervisor at Pendelton Woolen Mills in Omaha and later became a supervisor at Campbell Soup. It was there that she met the second love of her life, William Walsh Yoder. In 1954, Violet and William were married in Omaha, Nebraska. Together they adopted a son, William Allen Yoder.

Violet worked as a waitress and went on to own her own restaurants. One was opened in Chicago, Illinois, and another in Kansas City. She retired in 1982. The roles she most enjoyed were housewife, mother, and grandmother.

She enjoyed traveling and taking her family on vacations. She also enjoyed taking the family on picnics and working in her garden. Violet was an excellent ballroom dancer and even taught dance lessons for a few years. She liked her days and spending time with friends and family.

Violet was admitted to Myrtue Medical Center on March 1, 2007 and it was there that she died on March 2, 2007, having attained the age of eighty-five years, seven months, and four days. In addition to her parents, Violet was preceded in death by both of her husbands, Clarence and William, and her sister Ruth.

She is survived by her sons Larry and his wife Karen Paden of Audubon, Iowa, and William (Bill) and his wife Rosemary Yoder of Harlan, Iowa; her grandchildren Christine Paden and her fiancé Galen Gaer both of Harlan, Eddie and his wife Marcie Paden of Syracuse, Nebraska, Anthony and Michelle Haines, William and David Yoder all of Harlan; her great-grandchildren Feran Paden, Brandi Nelsen, and Raven Gaer all of Harlan, and Hunter and Sydney Paden of Syracuse; three brothers, two sisters, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, March 10, 2007, at the Abundant Life Church in Harlan, Iowa. Pastor Jeff Erlemeier officiated the 1:30 PM service.

Donald R. Young - Age 82

Donald Ray Young was born on January 11, 1926, on a farm near Irwin, Iowa, to Raymond and Mabel (Axland) Young. He was baptized at Church of Christ in Irwin where he remained a lifelong member. He graduated with the Irwin High School Class of 1944.

Donald entered the United States Army on September 21, 1950, serving during the Korean War. After his release from active duty in 1952, he spent five years in the Ready Reserve on active status, completing his enlistment in April of 1957.

Donald and his brother Jackson farmed with their father on the family farm which was homesteaded in 1871 near Irwin. He loved animals and children and was always happy when his nieces and nephews were around. He liked sports and followed the high school teams.

Donald died on Friday, November 14, 2008, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty-two years, ten months, and three days. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, his sister Mildred, and his niece Judy Struve.

He is survived by his sisters Lela Hanson of Harlan, Iowa and Charlotte Doonan of Elk Horn, Iowa; nieces and nephews, other family members and friends.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, November 18, 2008, with Ted Sieck officiating the 1:00 PM service at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa. Casket bearers were Steven Hanson, Lanny Hanson, Craig Struve, Connie Struve, Tom Doonan, and Bruce Bruck. Military Rites were held at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Irwin, Iowa.

Earl W. Young - Age 41

Earl Wayne Young was born on July 29, 1966 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He was the son of Earl Emil and Darlene (Camenisch) Young. He graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs.

Earl died on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at the Nebraska Medical Center. He had attained the age of forty one years, eleven months and three days. He was preceded in death by his step-father, Lester Gilliland; his grandparents: Chris and Charlene Camenisch and Alfred and Wilma Young; his great grandparents: Ernest and Ruby Brennaman, Ed and Christina Young and Emil and Minnie Osbahr.

He is survived by his mother, Darlene Gilliland of Council Bluffs; his father Earl Young and his wife Donna of Council Bluffs, sisters and brothers: Sheila Christensen of Avoca, Iowa, Clifford Young and his wife Deb of Avoca, LaDonna Young of Denison, Iowa, Arnold Young of Bend, Oregon, Penny Weis and her friend Kevin Rasmussen of Brunswick, Nebraska; step-sister, Kim and her husband Brian Driver of Underwood, Iowa; step-brother Roger Coleman of Council Bluffs, Iowa; special friend, Sandi Brady of Omaha, NE; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and friends.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. at Graceland Cemetery in Avoca.

Esther "Essie" Young - Age 79
     Esther Mary Gleason was born on January 24, 1931 to Orval and Hester (Allison) Gleason in Shelby, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at the Presbyterian Church in Neola.
     Esther attended grade school in Avoca, Iowa but graduated from Neola High School. After high school, she attended beauty school and received her degree in cosmetology.
     On October 29, 1950, she was united in marriage to Lawrence "Mox" Young at the Presbyterian Church in Neola, Iowa. Five children were born to this union: Connie, Larry, Roger, Vickie, and Randy.
     Esther enjoyed hairdressing but after the birth of her children she became a devoted housewife and mother. Esther also enjoyed sewing, canning, as well as cooking and baking - her rolls and pies being especially good.
     Esther was also a wonderful gardener. She enjoyed her flowers and plants and the many cactus plants that surrounded her and her family in their home. One would rarely find her hands clean because she was always outside tending to her garden and the many plants and beautiful flowers that filled it.
     In June of 2009, Esther’s husband Mox died at their home in Hancock, and it was in their home that Esther died on Monday, November 15, 2010, having attained the age of seventy-nine years, nine months, and twenty-two days. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Emery Lee and Merrell Lane, and brother-in-law Lynn Manhart.
     She is survived by her children: Connie Saylor and her husband Tony of Hancock, Iowa, Larry Young and his wife Kathy of Hancock, Iowa, Roger Young of Minden, Iowa, Vickie Kempf and her husband Marion of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Randy Young of Council Bluffs, Iowa; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister Eva Manhart of Neola, Iowa; nieces and nephews; other family members; and friends.
     The 2:00 P.M. Funeral Service was officiated by Pastor Seth Shipman at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca, Iowa. Honorary casket bearers were Randy Young, Earl Young, Cuete Martinez, Antonio Banales, Marlin Sidebottom, and Gailen Sidebottom. Interment was held in Silver Valley Cemetery in Hancock, Iowa with Adam Young, Roger Young, Larry Young, Marion Kempf, Tony Saylor, and Clyde Summa serving as active casket bearers.

Lawrence E. "Mox" Young - Age 80

Lawrence Edward Young was born on July 31, 1928 to Alfred and Wilma (Osbahr) Young near Hancock, Iowa.

On October 29, 1950, he was united in marriage to Esther Gleason in Neola, Iowa. Five children were born to this union: Connie, Larry, Roger, Vickie, and Randy.

He farmed all of his life and worked for Jerry Mez at Avoca Implement and for the museum. Lawrence could take a piece of farm machinery and have it running again in a couple of days. He worked on antique tractors, delivered equipment, and did anything else that needed to be done.

He loved to go fishing, go to farm sales, and tinker on cars, trucks, tractors - anything that needed tinkering. He loved tractor pulls, working the ground, and made everything fun. He was a Farm Bureau Member and a member of the Iowa National Guard.

After battling cancer for a year...a battle we all thought was won, Lawrence died on Saturday, June 6, 2009, at his home having attained the age of eighty years, ten months, and six days. He was surrounded by loved ones and he left on a bolt of lightning and a clap of thunder. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Wanda, and his brother Leonard.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Esther Young of Hancock, Iowa; his children: Connie and her husband Tony Saylor of Hancock, Larry Young and his wife Kathy of Hancock, Roger Young of Minden, Iowa, Vickie and her husband Marion Kempf of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Randy Young of Hancock; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother Earl Young and his wife Donna of Council Bluffs, Iowa; sisters Judy and her husband Clyde Summa of Council Bluffs and Sharon Markee of Council Bluffs; nieces and nephews; other family members; and friends.

Pastor Seth Shipman conducted the 2:00 PM funeral service on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca, Iowa. Casket bearers were Paul Campbell, Roger Young, Marion Kempf, Adam Young, Larry Young, and Tony Saylor. Interment was held at the Silver Valley Cemetery in Hancock, Iowa.

Naomi L. Young - Age 77

Naomi Louise Young was born on July 26, 1932, to Elmer and Mary (Mann) Dudley in Creston, Iowa. Along with grade school in Pekin, Illinois, she attended Franklin School in Creston and graduated from Creston High School.

She was united in marriage to Lowell Young on May 3, 1952, in Morgan Field, Kentucky.

They became members of First Christian Church which is now the United Church of Christ.

Naomi worked for many years at the Avoca Nursing Home. She loved helping the elderly residents. She loved fishing, cooking, and canning and would grow her own fruits and vegetables to can. She also enjoyed bowling until her declining health forced her to give it up.

Naomi entered Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, on September 24, 2009, and it was there that she died on Saturday, September 26, 2009, having attained the age of seventy-seven years and two months. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Mary Dudley, and her brothers and sisters: Lorraine Emhoff, Lucille Speed, Alvin Dudley, Billy Dudley, and Edward Dudley.

She is survived by her husband of fifty-seven years, Lowell Young of Avoca, Iowa; nieces and nephews; other family members, and many friends.

The 10:30 AM funeral was conducted by Pastor Nancy Ross-Hullinger with speaker Wayne Paulsen at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca, Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were Eldon Ellerbeck, Terry Frisbie, Marvin Piittmann, Jerry Mez, John Bruck, and Denny Iwen. Interment was held at the Mt. Zion cemetery in Prescott, Iowa.

LeRoy H. Zacharias - Age 86
Who died on Saturday
December 25, 2010

Family Will Greet Friends
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Pauley Jones Funeral Home
Avoca, Iowa
Funeral Service
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
2:00 PM
Pauley Jones Funeral Home
Avoca, Iowa
Interment
Graceland Cemetery
Avoca, Iowa

LeRoy is survived by his son Roger (Beth) Zacharias of Omaha, NE; Step-daughters: Kathleen (Dorman) Otte of West Des Moines, IA and Marilyn (Lynn) Wegehaupt of Omaha, NE; two grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; sister Delores Wilding of University Place, WA; and sisters-in-law Faye Zacharias of Springfield, MO and Shirley Zacharias of Littleton, CO.

Pauley Jones Funeral Home - Avoca
is in charge of arrangements
(800) 447-2588

Bernard "Barney" P. Zimmerman - Age 96
     Bernard "Barney" Peter Zimmerman was born on July 22, 1914 to Emil and Josephine (Posch) Zimmerman in Westphalia, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia. He attended and graduated from St. Boniface Catholic School. He studied at St. Mary’s Mission House in Techny, Illinois for five years before returning home in June of 1938 to help his parents on the family farm.
     He was united in marriage to Valerie Gaul on September 2, 1947 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa. Eight children were born to this union: Maribeth, John, Rae, Rita, Paul, Thomas, Jodelle, and Philip.
     In January of 1948, they moved to a farm several miles northeast of Shelby, Iowa, where they farmed for nine years. It was in January of 1957 when they moved to the Westphalia area and continued their agricultural pursuits of raising corn, soybeans, and dairy cows until his retirement in November of 1979.
     Barney was an active member of St. Boniface Catholic Church. He sang in the Choir, was a Minister of Communion and Catechist, served on the Pro-Life Committee and spent twenty-five years as President of the Credit Union board, was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, and served as the Judicial Nominating Commissioner for the Iowa Fourth District. He was widely known for writing a twice monthly newspaper column for the Harlan newspaper.
     In 2007, he became a resident of Little Flower Haven Nursing Home in Earling, Iowa, where he died on Thursday, February 10, 2011, having attained the age of ninety-six years, six months, and nineteen days. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Valerie, an infant son Thomas, sister Marie, brothers Jack, Fr. Al, Fr. Tony, and Roman and son-in-law Wilfred Macaulay.
     Barney is survived by his children: Maribeth Zimmerman of Westphalia, Iowa, John Zimmerman and his wife Bonnie of Westphalia, Rae Zimmerman of Westphalia, Rita Macaulay of Omaha, Nebraska, Paul Zimmerman and his wife Arlene of Westphalia, Sr. Jodelle Zimmerman, OSB of Yankton, South Dakota, and Philip Zimmerman and his wife Sharyn of Westphalia; thirteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters Betty and her husband Vern Gaul of Earling, Iowa, Ann and her husband John Gaul of Omaha, and Sr. Irene Zimmerman, SSSF of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; brother Larry Zimmerman and his wife Theresa of New Richmond, Wisconsin; other family members, and friends.
     Rev. Chris Fontanini celebrated the 1:00 PM Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia, Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were Jeffrey Zimmerman, Stephen Zimmerman, David Zimmerman, Daniel Zimmerman, Brad Zimmerman, and Dan Schumacher. Interment was held at St. Boniface Cemetery in Westphalia.

Gerald J. Zimmerman- Age 53

Gerald Joseph Zimmerman was born on December 30, 1953, in Harlan, Iowa to Roman and Patricia (Sullivan) Zimmerman. He was one of six boys born in the family. Gerald attended school in Manilla, Iowa.

Gerald left the farm in 1973 and moved to the Omaha area and started working as a cashier at a gas station in Papillion, Nebraska. Gerald bought a dump truck and was self-employed for many years. He got tired of the headaches so he went to work for Sapp Brothers driving a fuel truck.

On May 26, 1984, Gerald was united in marriage to Cindy Engquist in Papillion, Nebraska. Cindy complained of the long hours Gerald was working at Sapp Brothers so he went to work for the City of Papillion in the parks and recreation department.

With Cindy’s job transfer Gerald and Cindy moved to Aurora, Colorado in 1990, where he went to work for the City of Aurora in the water department. Later, Gerald decided to go back to driving a truck so he went to work at LaFarge, delivering concrete.

One son, Joshua Bruce, was born on December 1, 1993. Gerald devoted himself to being a wonderful father and husband. He decided to be a stay-at-home dad as Joshua was Gerald’s pride and joy. Joshua was Gerald’s best buddy and Gerald was Joshua’s best buddy.

Gerald enjoyed taking walks, hiking, and going to the mountains. He also enjoyed collecting John Deere tractors and toys. When we went on vacations and he spotted a John Deere dealership, we would have to turn around so that he could browse through the tractors and toys.

Gerald suffered a stroke on February 26, 2006. He was not able to work and was not suppose to drive but he did eventually venture out to go to the store and take Joshua to school once in a while. Even though he never fully recovered, he still enjoyed tinkering with his cars and bought old snow blowers and lawn mowers and refurbished them. We ended up with seven snow blowers and three lawnmowers in the shed. On his good days he would still take care of his neighbors with snow removal and anything else he could help them with. He would give anyone the shirt off his back. Gerald touched so many lives and will be sadly missed by his wife, son, family, friends, and neighbors.

Gerald died on Saturday, December 8, 2007, at his home having attained the age of fifty-three years, eleven months, and eight days. He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Cindy and his son, Joshua both of Aurora, Colorado; his brothers: Joe Zimmerman of Catoosa, Oklahoma; James Zimmerman of Gardner, Kansas and Elmer Zimmerman of La Canada, California; his mother-in-law Irene Engquist of Omaha, Nebraska; sisters-in-law Shelley and her husband Tom Leal of Bellevue, Nebraska; and Tammy Engquist of Omaha, Nebraska; nieces, nephews, other family members, and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, December 18, 2007, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia, Iowa. Father John Dorton officiated the 1:30 PM service with interment at St. Boniface Cemetery in Westphalia, Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were: James Bruno, Mike Zimmerman, Blake Engquist, Ray Zimmerman, Glen Zimmerman, and Corey Engquist.

Mary Jean Zimmerman - Age 80

Mary Jean Zimmerman was born to Frances Payor Andersen and Joseph Holister of Omaha, Nebraska on May 25, 1927. Several weeks after her birth, she was placed in Saint James Orphanage where she was baptized and remained until John and Theresa Schechinger of Westphalia, Iowa, adopted her on February 5, 1929. She grew to maturity on her parents’ farm, attended country school and graduated from Saint Boniface High School in 1944. After high school, she helped her parents on the farm, worked at Farner’s Department Store and at the Shelby County Treasurer’s Office.

On February 25, 1954, she was united in marriage to Lee Zimmerman at Saint Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa. Six children were born to this union. Lee and Mary Jean farmed between Harlan and Westphalia, Iowa. Besides being a wife and homemaker, she enjoyed quilting, playing cards, and visiting with her many friends. Her greatest joy was her children, grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Mary Jean was a lifelong member of Saint Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia. She was involved in the Rosary Society and active in Catholic Education.

Mary Jean passed away peacefully after a short illness on Thursday, December 13, 2007. Preceding her in death, in addition to her husband, were her parents and her brother, Francis Schechinger.

Survivors include her children Curt Zimmerman of Harlan, Julie and her husband Jeff Kious of Omaha, Nebraska, Mary Kay Zimmerman-Miller of Nunn, Colorado, Gene Zimmerman of Harlan, Jane and her husband Lee Esbeck of Elk Horn, Iowa, and Nancy and her husband Giles Seuferer of Milo, Iowa; eleven grandchildren: Jason Fandel, Deanna Fandel, Bryant Fandel, Coleman Miller, Russell Zimmerman, Heather Zimmerman, Angela Esbeck, Lucas Esbeck, Samuel Seuferer, Grace Seuferer, and William Seuferer, one great-grandson, Kale Zimmerman; nieces and nephews; other family members and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, December 15, 2007, at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia, Iowa, with Rev. John Dorton officiating the 11:00 AM mass. Honorary casket bearers were Lucas Esbeck, Coleman Miller, Samuel Seuferer, and Jason Fandel. Serving as casket bearers were Giles Seuferer, Russell Zimmerman, Bryant Fandel, Lee Esbeck, Scott Hansen, and Jeff Kious. Interment was held in the St. Boniface Cemetery in Westphalia.

Valerie Marie Zimmerman - Age 94
     Valerie Marie Zimmerman, daughter of John A. and Odelia (Schnuettgen) Gaul, was born on June 8, 1916 at Earling, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling and attended grade school and graduated from St. Joseph’s Catholic School with the class of 1934. After her graduation, Valerie helped on her parents farm as well as in several households including the rectory in Portsmouth where her uncle, Fr. N. A. Gaul, served as pastor.
     On September 2, 1947, Valerie was united in marriage to Bernard Zimmerman at St. Joseph’s Church in Earling. After their marriage, Barney and Valerie rented a farm outside of Shelby for nine years before moving to a farm northeast of Westphalia in 1957. There they farmed until 1979 when they retired into a new home in Westphalia. Both were very active in the St. Boniface Catholic Church and in the community of Westphalia for many years. Valerie was a Eucharistic Minister, taught C.C.D., was a lector, a member of the Rosary Society and the Catholic Daughter’s of the America’s Court of St. Katherine. She also served on numerous committees for the Senior Citizens Council.
     After a stroke in February of 2005, Valerie became a resident of Little Flower Haven in Earling, Iowa where she died on October 20, 2010 having attained the age of ninety-four years, four months and twelve days. Though unable to speak, she was able to communicate with her eyes and her smile which allowed her to touch the hearts of all who visited and cared for her. She was described by her care givers as one of their favorites. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her infant son, Thomas James in 1955 and her brothers, Cyril and Roman.
     Valerie is survived by her husband of sixty-three years, Barney Zimmerman of Earling, Iowa; her children: Maribeth Zimmerman of Westphalia; John Zimmerman and his wife Bonnie of Westphalia; Rae Zimmerman of Westphalia; Rita Jean Macaulay of Omaha, Nebraska; Paul Zimmerman and his wife Arlene of Westphalia; Sr. Jodelle Zimmerman, OSB of Yankton, South Dakota and Philip Zimmerman and his wife Sharyn of Westphalia; thirteen grandchildren; three great grandchildren; siblings: Marian Marshall of Omaha; Colette Butterfield of Seattle, Washington; Verner Gaul and his wife Betty of Earling; Dewie Gaul and his wife Mavis of Sioux City, Iowa; John Gaul and his wife Ann of Omaha and Angie Gaul of Earling; sisters-in-law: Angela (Mrs. Cyril) Gaul and Mildred (Mrs. Roman) Gaul both of Earling; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.
     Rev. John Dorton celebrated a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 A.M. on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia. Interment was held at St. Boniface Cemetery with Mike Gaul, Brad Zimmerman, Jim Gaul, Mark Gaul, Jay Marshall, Joe Gaul, Scott Gaul, Garry Gaul and Tom Gaul serving as honorary casket bearers and Don Gaul, Stephen Zimmerman, Gene Gaul, Jeffrey Zimmerman, Danny Zimmerman, David Zimmerman, Dan Schumacher and Randy Gaul serving as casket bearers.

Armstrong Zortman - Age 3

Hello, my name is so long. It might be easier if I use my nick name "Army" while I tell all of you my story. First, I was born May 8, 2005, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. My mom and dad are Rik and Lindsay (Lake) Zortman. I lived in South Dakota for a while before coming to Avoca, Iowa, a few months ago. My mom became a counselor at Jackson Recovery in Harlan and we found a house here in Avoca while my dad was overseas. I was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church and was ready to start school here until last November when I got sick. Cancer is Yucky. By the way, that is the theme for the tee-shirt that I helped design. It was used as a fund raiser because I have been in and out of the hospital a lot. Since I’ve had surgery and chemo treatments, my family has had to sacrifice a lot. They visited me all the time and brought my best friend, Diego, to see me as well. Go Diego Go. He is a TV character that helps us pre-schoolers develop a better relationship with animals and our planet. He even speaks to us in English and Spanish.

My life ended on April 9, 2009, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa. I was only 3 years, 11 months, and one day old. My life was short, but I received many gifts: my mom and dad who live in Avoca as well as my brothers Robert, Montgomery and Jackson (I teased Jackson a lot because I could do things like talking before he could) and my sister Isabella who live at home.

Before I got sick, I loved to run. I didn’t just sit around you know, except when I watched "Diego". Before I stop telling my story you should know I am and always will be loved by my mom and dad, my brothers and sister and my grandparents: Laurie and Robert Milburn of Medford, Oregon, Lesley and Ken Welch of Washta, Iowa, and Doc and LouAnne Zortman of Sioux City, Iowa; my great-grandparents: Gene and Charlotte Zortman of Onawa, and Nancy Unger of Sioux City, Iowa; other relatives and all my friends.

Pastor Dennis Reich conducted the 10:00 AM funeral service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa. Casket bearers were Tony Ashley, Blake Beeson, Casey Lake, and Tony Pryor. Interment was held at Graceland Cemetery in Avoca, Iowa.