Obituaries
Obituaries for Pauley Jones Funeral Home
In Memory of Our Dear Loved Ones
Nancy Christensen
Oct 9, 2025
Nancy Ann Christensen, daughter of Robert and Arlene (Campbell) Montgomery, was born November 21, 1944 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. At a young age, her family moved to Harlan where she grew up and met the love of her life, David Christensen.
On June 16, 1963, Nancy and David were married at the Methodist Church in Harlan. Together, they welcomed two daughters...
Katie Margarette Sorensen
Oct 8, 2025
Katie Margarette Sorensen was born on March 23, 1937, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to James Osborn and Frances Ranney. She grew up in Iowa and carried with her the values of hard work, faith, and family throughout her life.
Following her graduation from highschool, Katie married Eugene Sorensen, and together they raised their family with love and devotion. Katie embraced her...
Mary "Joette" Peters
Oct 5, 2025
Full Obituary Pending...
She is survived by her husband, David “Pete” Peters of Carroll, IA; children, Jill Peters of Carroll, IA; Nicole Peters of Glidden, IA; Joe (Megan) Peters of Waukee, IA; 4 grandchildren, Kailey (Tyler) Bruns, Sadie Groszkrueger, Sloane Peters, and Jett Peters; 2 great granddaughters, Aubrie and Chloe Bruns.
Paul Ernest Berkley
Sep 24, 2025
Paul Ernest Berkley was born on July 8, 1952, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Thomas and LeAnna Berkley. He grew up in Iowa and graduated from Panora-Linden High School with the Class of 1970.
Following graduation, Paul answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. From 1971 to 1977, he served as an Aviation Maintenance...
Lester Showers
Sep 23, 2025
Lester Showers, passed unexpectedly at his home in Avoca, Iowa, on September 23, 2025, at the age of 79 years, 8 months and 4 days. Born on January 19, 1946, in Avoca, Iowa to Gale and Marie Lamberty Showers, Lester was a man of many talents whose work ethic and passion for the land defined his life.
After graduating from Avoca...
Dixie Ann Thompson
Sep 22, 2025
Dixie Ann Thompson was born on February 2, 1931 to Roy and Anna Larson in Harlan, Iowa. She was baptized at the Irwin Church of Christ and graduated from Irwin High School in 1948.
Following graduation Dixie attended Barnes Beauty School for one year where she met her first husband, Phillip Gallagher. They were married in Council Bluffs, Iowa and together...
Marlus Reser
Sep 20, 2025
Marlus Diane Reser and her twin sister Marian were born on August 29, 1946 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Bob and Dorothea (Oehlertz) Paulsen. Marian only lived two days.
Growing up Marlus was active at Trinity Lutheran Church. She was a book lover and would much prefer to stay inside and read, she took piano lessons, and played basketball, and worked...
Durinda Jean Wellman
Sep 19, 2025
Durinda Wellman
Durinda Wellman was born on June 13, 1951, in Grand Island, Nebraska, to Russell Dean Lacy and Donna Unine (Ross) Lacy. She grew up surrounded by family and community and carried a warm, caring spirit throughout her life.
After graduating high school, Durinda married David Wellman, and together they built a life rooted in love and family. To this union,...
Sebastian Pontzius
Sep 16, 2025
In Loving Memory of Sebastian Pontzius
Sebastian Pontzius, just 24 years old, left this world far too soon, with so much life still ahead of him. He was a quiet soul with a thoughtful heart, finding joy in simple but meaningful things—reading books, immersing himself in computer games, and sharing everyday life with those closest to him.
Sebastian was happiest when he...
Dominque Pontzius
Sep 16, 2025
In Loving Memory of Dominique Pontzius
Dominique Pontzius was a woman of deep imagination, kindness, and quiet strength. She had a lifelong love of stories and worlds beyond our own, whether through the enchanting films of Miyazaki, the pages of a novel, or the games she delighted in—The Sims 3 and Stardew Valley among her favorites. She found magic in dragons...
Randy Piittmann
Sep 8, 2025
Randy Robert Piittmann, born on October 5, 1949, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, passed from this earthly life into the arms of our Lord on September 8, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska, having attained the age of 75 years, 11 months and 3 days.
Randy a man who embodied the true spirit of a farmer, cultivating not just the land but also a...
John W. Hess, IV
Sep 8, 2025
John W. Hess IV was born November 6, 1945, in Brigham City, Utah, son of John W. Hess III and Thelma Maxine Dunning, fifteen years into their marriage. His mother became so violently ill that she thought she had a tumor. The doctor told her she had a tumor alright–a two-legged one. They lived on a ranch in northern Utah,...
Judith Rose Peterson-Knight
Sep 7, 2025
Judith Rose Peterson was born to Henry and Clarice Peterson on March 31, 1938 in Harlan, Ia. She grew up on their farm near Harlan and attended country school in Fairview Township. She attended Harlan High School, graduating in 1956. In 1958 she married Leonard Kay and immediately after they were married they moved to Germany where Leonard served in...
Donald Merlin Maack
Sep 6, 2025
Donald Merlin Maack, son of Merlin and Ruth (Petersen) Maack, was born on November 17, 1956, in Denison, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison, where he remained a lifelong member. Donald attended Denison schools and graduated with the Class of 1975.
After high school, Donald began working for Bernard Petersen Construction, where he learned trade...
April Dawn Bruck
Sep 6, 2025
April Dawn Bruck was born on September 27, 1979, in Harlan, Iowa, to Jody Bruck and Melody A. Sabin. She grew up in Earling, Iowa, where she attended Harlan Community Schools and thrived in Special Olympics where she received many awards and medals. April was baptized at St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she began her journey of faith and community.
Throughout...
Beverly "Bev" Brown
Sep 5, 2025
Beverly Myrene “Bev” Brown, daughter of Max and Amelia (Vinke) Weinbrandt, was born November 14, 1942, at Manning, Iowa. She graduated from Manning High School. Bev married Kenneth Hollander on March 25, 1961, in Manning. They were blessed with six children: Ronda, Scott, Barry, Steven, Douglas, and Jill.
Bev worked as a nurse at Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa before...
Avis Mortensen
Aug 30, 2025
Avis Marie Mortensen was born January 2, 1930 in Des Moines, Iowa, to Burton and Lucy Kenfield Richards. She went home to her Lord and Savior on August 30, 2025. Burton was a depot agent for the Rock Island Railroad, and this job located the family in several Iowa towns including Stuart, DeSoto, Atlantic and Minden during Avis' childhood before...
Marilyn Dille
Aug 29, 2025
Marilyn is survived by her sons Clay Dille of Woodland Park, CO; Todd (Sarah) Dille Myrtle Beach, SC; Lee Dille of Harlan, IA; 11 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; siblings Earl Page of Oskaloosa, IA; and Bonne Maloney of Dodge City, KS.
No services are planned at this time. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.
Randall Larsen
Aug 25, 2025
Randall Larsen, of Walnut, passed away on Monday, August 25, 2025. No services are planned at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Survivors include his daughter Chantil Ellis of Council Bluffs, IA; son Nate (Reita) Larsen of Blair, NE; 5 grandchildren: Josie, Dex, Dane, London and Landry; siblings Darwin (Betty) Larsen of Harlan,...
Carolyn Quist
Aug 22, 2025
Full Obituary Pending....
She is survived by her son, Jamie (Renee) Quist of Omaha, NE; 3 grandchildren, John Quist of Avoca, IA, Jacob Quist of Omaha, NE, and Jayla Quist of Omaha, NE; sister-in-law, Nilfa Quist of Omaha, NE; nephew, Adam Quist of Omaha, NE; other relatives and many friends.
Nancy Christensen
Oct 9, 2025
Nancy Ann Christensen, daughter of Robert and Arlene (Campbell) Montgomery, was born November 21, 1944 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. At a young age, her family moved to Harlan where she grew up and met the love of her life, David Christensen.
On June 16, 1963, Nancy and David were married at the Methodist Church in Harlan. Together, they welcomed two daughters...
Katie Margarette Sorensen
Oct 8, 2025
Katie Margarette Sorensen was born on March 23, 1937, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to James Osborn and Frances Ranney. She grew up in Iowa and carried with her the values of hard work, faith, and family throughout her life.
Following her graduation from highschool, Katie married Eugene Sorensen, and together they raised their family with love and devotion. Katie embraced her...
Mary "Joette" Peters
Oct 5, 2025
Full Obituary Pending...
She is survived by her husband, David “Pete” Peters of Carroll, IA; children, Jill Peters of Carroll, IA; Nicole Peters of Glidden, IA; Joe (Megan) Peters of Waukee, IA; 4 grandchildren, Kailey (Tyler) Bruns, Sadie Groszkrueger, Sloane Peters, and Jett Peters; 2 great granddaughters, Aubrie and Chloe Bruns.
Paul Ernest Berkley
Sep 24, 2025
Paul Ernest Berkley was born on July 8, 1952, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Thomas and LeAnna Berkley. He grew up in Iowa and graduated from Panora-Linden High School with the Class of 1970.
Following graduation, Paul answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. From 1971 to 1977, he served as an Aviation Maintenance...
Lester Showers
Sep 23, 2025
Lester Showers, passed unexpectedly at his home in Avoca, Iowa, on September 23, 2025, at the age of 79 years, 8 months and 4 days. Born on January 19, 1946, in Avoca, Iowa to Gale and Marie Lamberty Showers, Lester was a man of many talents whose work ethic and passion for the land defined his life.
After graduating from Avoca...
Dixie Ann Thompson
Sep 22, 2025
Dixie Ann Thompson was born on February 2, 1931 to Roy and Anna Larson in Harlan, Iowa. She was baptized at the Irwin Church of Christ and graduated from Irwin High School in 1948.
Following graduation Dixie attended Barnes Beauty School for one year where she met her first husband, Phillip Gallagher. They were married in Council Bluffs, Iowa and together...
Marlus Reser
Sep 20, 2025
Marlus Diane Reser and her twin sister Marian were born on August 29, 1946 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Bob and Dorothea (Oehlertz) Paulsen. Marian only lived two days.
Growing up Marlus was active at Trinity Lutheran Church. She was a book lover and would much prefer to stay inside and read, she took piano lessons, and played basketball, and worked...
Durinda Jean Wellman
Sep 19, 2025
Durinda Wellman
Durinda Wellman was born on June 13, 1951, in Grand Island, Nebraska, to Russell Dean Lacy and Donna Unine (Ross) Lacy. She grew up surrounded by family and community and carried a warm, caring spirit throughout her life.
After graduating high school, Durinda married David Wellman, and together they built a life rooted in love and family. To this union,...
Sebastian Pontzius
Sep 16, 2025
In Loving Memory of Sebastian Pontzius
Sebastian Pontzius, just 24 years old, left this world far too soon, with so much life still ahead of him. He was a quiet soul with a thoughtful heart, finding joy in simple but meaningful things—reading books, immersing himself in computer games, and sharing everyday life with those closest to him.
Sebastian was happiest when he...
Dominque Pontzius
Sep 16, 2025
In Loving Memory of Dominique Pontzius
Dominique Pontzius was a woman of deep imagination, kindness, and quiet strength. She had a lifelong love of stories and worlds beyond our own, whether through the enchanting films of Miyazaki, the pages of a novel, or the games she delighted in—The Sims 3 and Stardew Valley among her favorites. She found magic in dragons...
Randy Piittmann
Sep 8, 2025
Randy Robert Piittmann, born on October 5, 1949, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, passed from this earthly life into the arms of our Lord on September 8, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska, having attained the age of 75 years, 11 months and 3 days.
Randy a man who embodied the true spirit of a farmer, cultivating not just the land but also a...
John W. Hess, IV
Sep 8, 2025
John W. Hess IV was born November 6, 1945, in Brigham City, Utah, son of John W. Hess III and Thelma Maxine Dunning, fifteen years into their marriage. His mother became so violently ill that she thought she had a tumor. The doctor told her she had a tumor alright–a two-legged one. They lived on a ranch in northern Utah,...
Judith Rose Peterson-Knight
Sep 7, 2025
Judith Rose Peterson was born to Henry and Clarice Peterson on March 31, 1938 in Harlan, Ia. She grew up on their farm near Harlan and attended country school in Fairview Township. She attended Harlan High School, graduating in 1956. In 1958 she married Leonard Kay and immediately after they were married they moved to Germany where Leonard served in...
Donald Merlin Maack
Sep 6, 2025
Donald Merlin Maack, son of Merlin and Ruth (Petersen) Maack, was born on November 17, 1956, in Denison, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison, where he remained a lifelong member. Donald attended Denison schools and graduated with the Class of 1975.
After high school, Donald began working for Bernard Petersen Construction, where he learned trade...
April Dawn Bruck
Sep 6, 2025
April Dawn Bruck was born on September 27, 1979, in Harlan, Iowa, to Jody Bruck and Melody A. Sabin. She grew up in Earling, Iowa, where she attended Harlan Community Schools and thrived in Special Olympics where she received many awards and medals. April was baptized at St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she began her journey of faith and community.
Throughout...
Beverly "Bev" Brown
Sep 5, 2025
Beverly Myrene “Bev” Brown, daughter of Max and Amelia (Vinke) Weinbrandt, was born November 14, 1942, at Manning, Iowa. She graduated from Manning High School. Bev married Kenneth Hollander on March 25, 1961, in Manning. They were blessed with six children: Ronda, Scott, Barry, Steven, Douglas, and Jill.
Bev worked as a nurse at Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa before...
Avis Mortensen
Aug 30, 2025
Avis Marie Mortensen was born January 2, 1930 in Des Moines, Iowa, to Burton and Lucy Kenfield Richards. She went home to her Lord and Savior on August 30, 2025. Burton was a depot agent for the Rock Island Railroad, and this job located the family in several Iowa towns including Stuart, DeSoto, Atlantic and Minden during Avis' childhood before...
Marilyn Dille
Aug 29, 2025
Marilyn is survived by her sons Clay Dille of Woodland Park, CO; Todd (Sarah) Dille Myrtle Beach, SC; Lee Dille of Harlan, IA; 11 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; siblings Earl Page of Oskaloosa, IA; and Bonne Maloney of Dodge City, KS.
No services are planned at this time. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.
Randall Larsen
Aug 25, 2025
Randall Larsen, of Walnut, passed away on Monday, August 25, 2025. No services are planned at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Survivors include his daughter Chantil Ellis of Council Bluffs, IA; son Nate (Reita) Larsen of Blair, NE; 5 grandchildren: Josie, Dex, Dane, London and Landry; siblings Darwin (Betty) Larsen of Harlan,...
Carolyn Quist
Aug 22, 2025
Full Obituary Pending....
She is survived by her son, Jamie (Renee) Quist of Omaha, NE; 3 grandchildren, John Quist of Avoca, IA, Jacob Quist of Omaha, NE, and Jayla Quist of Omaha, NE; sister-in-law, Nilfa Quist of Omaha, NE; nephew, Adam Quist of Omaha, NE; other relatives and many friends.
