| MUSCATINE COUNTY IOWA | |
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Larry and Patty Buck Armey
1615 155th StreetPicture: Larry and Patty Armey
Larry was born July 13, 1937 the son of Glen and Mary Guteschlag Armey in Cando, North Dakota. Larry attended school in North Dakota. Larry was in the Navy from 1954-1961 and was stationed in Korea and Japan.
Larry married Patty Buck in Rock Island, Illinois in 1964. Patty was born January 21, 1941 in Muscatine and is the daughter of John and Madeline Nagele Buck. She went to school in Muscatine, Iowa. They have lived in the area for 19 years and have been property owners for 35 years. They are members of the Christian Church in Atalissa. They enjoy helping with the Atalissa Day Parade and helping the Christian Church with projects.
Larry is a Corrections Officer for Muscatine County, Patty drives the West Liberty School Bus, helps at the Turkey Ranch and works at the Muscatine County Fair Grounds. Larry likes to hunt and fish and Patty likes spending time with the grandchildren and going to yard sales. They have seven children and fourteen grandchildren.
Larry was Constable of Goshen Township for two years, and Marshall of Atalissa. In 1972 he was run over, in the line of duty, on Highway 6 at the overpass west of town. He and Short Montgomery were trying to get a hog off the highway at the time of the accident. He was off work for six weeks, it took a long time to recover. He said that if it hadn’t been for the good citizens of Atalissa his family would have had a very poor Christmas that year.
Picture: Larry and Patty with a grandchild in their home.
Robert and Carissa Marlof Armey
115 HighwayPicture: Robert and Carrisa Armey and daughter Taylor
Rob was born November 12, 1974 the son of Larry and Patty Armey. Rob attended school at West Liberty, Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies, graduating in 1993. His occupation is student and construction worker.
He married Carissa Marolf in 1997. Carissa was born April 10, 1975 the daughter of Dennis and Sue Marolf. She attended school in West…
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… Liberty, Iowa and at Kirkwood College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa where she received her AA in Human Services graduating in 1993. She is an Ad Executive at the Muskie Trading Post in Muscatine, Iowa. Rob’s hobbies include woodworking and remodeling while Carissa enjoys interior decorating. They have lived in the area their whole lives. There is one daughter Taylor Mckay.
They are now living on Atalissa road and are building a new home.
Robert and Kim Axsom
111 Lundy StreetPicture: Robert and Kim Axsom’s home
Robert was born August 24, 1972 the son of Robert and Sue Axsom and Wilma (Bunny) and Stu Willits. He graduated from West Liberty High School in 1991. He married Kim Drayfahl on May 18, 1996. Kim was born April 28, 1975 the daughter of Wesley and Linda Drayfahl. Kim also graduated from West Liberty High School in 1993. Kim is a Cosmetologist and Robert is a parts manager. They have been in Atalissa for over twenty years. They enjoy fishing, snow skiing, golfing and Kim likes horseback riding.
Mike and Becky Baines
Railroad StreetPicture: Mike and Becky Baines’s home
Mike was born June 12, 1977 the son of Kim Baines Hesseltine and Ted Hesseltine in Iowa City. Becky was born October 19, 1977 the daughter of Marvin and Rita Sonntag in Exira, Iowa. Mike went to Iowa City High School graduating in 1966 and Becky went to Exira High School graduating in 1996 and is attending the University of Iowa. They were married October 9, 1999 in Des Moines, Iowa. Mike works for Muller Plumbing and Heating in Iowa City and Becky works for Mid-Eastern Council for Chemical Abuse in Iowa City. Mike’s hobbies are watching and participating in sports and Becky enjoys hunting, crafts and sports.
Picture: Mike and Becky Baines
Joan Baker
Picture: Joan Baker’s home
Joan has lived in Atalissa for several years. Her husband Don passed away a few years ago.
Tom Barnard
The Masonic Lodge BuildingPicture: Tom Barnard
Tom moved into the Masonic building several years ago. He is a quiet man and there isn’t much known about him.
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Rich and Linda Beaver
1044 Atalissa RoadPicture: Rich and Linda Beaver
Rich and Linda’s house was built in 1890. They have been married four years and have been in the area for six years. Rich is the son of Lawrence “Buck” Beaver. He graduated from West Liberty High School in 1964 and served in the United States Army. He is a truck driver and is employed at Crop Mate in Atalissa.
Linda is the daughter of Roland and Lois Seering. She graduated from West Liberty High School in 1972. Linda was employed at Louis Rich and the Henry Turkey Service for many years and is currently working for West Liberty Foods. They have eight children Brenda, Nikki, J. R., Joy, Brian, Melissa, Judy and Scott.
They both enjoy horseback riding and they hold an annual Trail Ride each Labor Day weekend. The first one was in 1997.
Mark and Cynthia Becker
115 Lundy StreetPicture: Mark and Cindy Becker’s home
Mark was born September 14, 1969 the son of Loyd and Judy Becker in Iowa City, Iowa. Mark went to school in Wilton, Iowa and graduated in 1988, then St. Ambrose University graduating in 1992. Mark is the manager of the National Tire and Battery Store.
He married Cynthia Axsom in 1993 at the Wilton Methodist Church in Wilton, Iowa. Cynthia is the daughter of Robert Axsom and Wilma “Bunny” Willits. She graduated from West Liberty high School in 1990 then from the University of Northern Iowa in 1995. Cindy is a homemaker. They have two children Brett and KyLeigh. They both enjoy ice hockey and have been in this area for over 25 years.
Dennis Beinke
219 Depot StreetPicture: Dennis Beinke and children Shelby and Kyle
Dennis was born March 29, 1958 the son of Richard and Betty Kay Arnold Beinke. He attended Atalissa Elementary School up to the fourth grade after which he attended the West Liberty Schools. He has been in the Atalissa area all his life and in his present home for the past 14 years. He is a painter at the Hon Systems Plant in Muscatine, Iowa. His two children are Kyle and Shelby.
John and Eliza Cook built Dennis’ house in 1859. It was later owned by William and Mary Lundy, 1883, Emerson Lamb, 1889 and Walter and Anna DeMean Osborn in 1961 to around 1984. When Dennis’ parents bought the house from the Osborn family, they decided to remodel. During the remodeling they found a very old voting register book hidden in the walls. They also found a trap door in the floor that had leather straps for hinges. This house was also a dress shop and millinery shop during the early years of Atalissa.
Richard John and Betty Kay Beinke
223 Depot StreetRichard John was born October 3, 1933 the son of Henry and Fannie Mohr Beinke in rural Wilton, Iowa.
He was schooled for seven and a half years in the Moscow, Iowa School system and four…
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… years at Wilton High School and graduated in 1952. Richard spent four years in the Air Force (1952-1956) and was a volunteer fireman from mid 1959 to the Mid 1960’s. He served as Mayor of Atalissa during the early 1960’s and was a councilman. During his service on the City Council he assisted with the water and sewer installation in the City of Atalissa. Richard is a retired supervisor from BT Prime Mover, Muscatine, Iowa. His hobbies include camping and woodworking.
Richard married Betty Kay Arnold at the Grace United Church, Wilton, Iowa on July 7, 1957. Betty was born July 26, 1938 the daughter of Stewart and Ruby Erickson Arnold at the Hershey Hospital in Muscatine, Iowa. Betty Kay started kindergarten in Atalissa and finished the year at the Penn Avenue School. She started first grade at White Pigeon, rural Wilton, and moved back to Penn Avenue where she finished eighth grade. She then attended Atalissa High School and graduated in 1956. Betty is a homemaker who also enjoys camping, reading and making crafts. Richard and Betty have two children and two grandchildren. Their children are Dennis Duane Beinke, born March 29, 1958 and Denise Shimon born November 30, 1960. Denise is married to Rick Shimon and live in Iowa City, Iowa. Their grandchildren are Kyle Richard born November 7, 1986 and Shelby Lynn born November 23, 1990.
Betty and Richard built their home at 223 Depot Street and moved into it in May 1961.
Picture: Richard and Betty Beinke
Stacy Bierman
326 Cherry StreetPicture: Stacy Bierman
Stacy was born August 8, 1971 in Muscatine, Iowa to Robert and Carolyn Bierman. She went to school in Wilton graduating in 1990. Stacy is a Health Information Technologist. She belongs to Spangler Chapel.
Bob and Connie Black
119 Depot StreetPicture: Rob and Connie Black and family
Rob Black was born January 28, 1953 the son of Robert and Erma Black. He attended West Liberty High School and graduated in 1971. He has lived in Atalissa for 18 years and is employed as a welder at the Prime Mover Company in Muscatine, Iowa. He married Connie Simon. Connie was born July 5, 1955 the daughter of Adam and Doris Simon. Connie attended West Liberty High School graduating in 1973. She is the City Clerk for Atalissa and also works for the City of West Liberty. They are members of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Liberty, Iowa. Rob and Connie have four children Miranda Jo, Abram John, Maggie Sue and Samantha Jo.
Ronald and Donna Blick
111 Cherry Street
House built by Bill BrotchieRon was born March 14, 1942 the son of Owen and Jenny Blick in Washington, Iowa. He attended school in Atalissa and West Liberty,…
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…Iowa, He lived at 219 Fourth Street while growing up. Ron worked for Louis Rich in West Liberty, Iowa from 1977-1996. He is now employed with the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. Ron has been very active in the Atalissa Volunteer Fire Department. His hobbies include fishing and camping.
Ron married Donna Eves on September 30, 1967 at the Tipton Methodist Church. At that time they lived in a trailer behind his folk’s house. They moved back to Atalissa in 1978 and lived at 127 Fourth Street.
Donna was born April 23, 1947 and is the daughter of Eugene and Clara Eves. Donna graduated from the Tipton Community School system in 1965. She is the manager of the Corner Tap in Atalissa. Donna’s hobbies include creating crafts and camping.
Donna and Ron have three children Joe, Kori and April and one granddaughter Ashley.
Picture: Ron and Donna Blick
Joseph and Kandice Blick
218 Railroad StreetPicture: Joseph and Kandice Blick with Samantha
Joseph and Kandices’ house is 22 years old and it was a Body Shop at one time. Ray Coleman converted it into a home for his son and family. It is a Morton Building.
Joe was born August 17, 1968 the son of Ronald and Donna Blick. He has served the Atalissa community as a City Council member. Atalissa Volunteer Firefighter and as an EMT on the First Responders. He graduated from West Liberty High School and is employed at Wendling Quarry in Moscow, Iowa.
He married Kandice Cross. Kandice is the daughter of Loretta and Bob Kokonen and Harold and Dorothy Cross. She attended West Liberty High School and Muscatine Community College. They have one daughter Ashley.
Kandice and Joe enjoy hockey and boating and are members of the First United Church.
Kori Blick
326 East Fifth StreetPicture: Kory and April Blick
Kori is the son of Ronald and Donna Blick and was born on June 11, 1970. Kori attended school in the West Liberty School system and graduated in 1990. He works at Oral-B in Iowa City and is a volunteer fireman. Kori has lived in Atalissa since he was nine years old.
April Blick
326 West Fifth StreetApril is the daughter of Ronald and Donna Blick and was born on April 20, 1976. April attended the West Liberty School system and graduated in 1995. She has lived in Atalissa all but three years of her life. April is a Child Care Provider at the Kids Depot in Iowa City. She has been helpful with the Atalissa Day Celebration and is always available when needed. April helps with the Easter Egg hunt the Atalissa Betterment Committee puts on each year.
Bernice and Delos Brown Jr.
227 Depot StreetWoneta Bernice Whitlock Brown was born in Henry County, around Mt. Union, Iowa, on October 21, 1919 the daughter of Jesse and Elsie…
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…Houser Brenneman. Bernice graduated eighth grade from Nichols School, Nichols, Iowa at the age of thirteen. She married Clifford G. Whitlock July 2, 1938. Clifford was born October 7, 1915 at Riverside, Iowa and died April 7, 1989. He was the son of Clarence John and Sarah Jane Green Whitlock.
Bernice and Clifford moved to 227 Depot Street May 10, 1986 from Springdale, Iowa. She remembers the day they moved to the house because it flooded in town that day.
They had three children Donna Lee Myers married to Richard Myers, Dennis Eugene and Monte Duane married to Norma Jean.
Bernice married Delos Brown Jr. March 15, 1996. Delos was the son of Delos A. and Louise M. Behrns Brown. He graduated from Davenport Schools, Davenport, Iowa in 1932. He had five children Sandy Keeney of Bluegrass, Iowa, Wendy Geiger of Texas, Penny Ralfs of Bluegrass, Iowa, Delos Brown III (Bud) of Stockton, Iowa and Jeffrey Brown of Georgia.
Delos enjoyed collecting Model T Ford Trucks, Tools and woodworking. Bernice enjoys gardening, writing and painting. She wrote the Atalissa News article for the West Liberty Index during the years 1990-1993. She is a member of the Nichols Christian Church Nichols, Iowa and has been a member since 1959.
Delos died January 1, 1999 at the University Hospitals in Iowa City, Iowa and was laid to rest at the National Cemetery, Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, Illinois. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army during World War II.
Picture: Delos and Bernice Brown
Tom and Cindy Brown
318 First StreetPicture: Tom and Cindy Brown and family
Tom as born March 6, 1959 the son of Archie and Burna Brown in Moline, Illinois. He graduated from L&M High School in 1977. He is a carpenter. Tom married Cindy Lou Messner on May 14, 1983.
Cindy was born July 26, 1963 and is the daughter of Bill Messner and Shirley Messner-Taylor. She graduated from West Liberty High School in 1981. She and Tom have four children Jessica Sue, Shawn Danielle, Zachary Thomas and Kimberlee Kaye. They are members of the Jehovah Witnesses. Cindy works for the Muscatine Journal. They moved to Atalissa in October 1994.
Marion and Ethel Burnett
1137 Atalissa RoadPicture: Marion and Ethel Burnett
Marion was the son of John and Nellie Burnett and lived on Atalissa Road from 1954-1982.
Steve and Edie Burnett
1137 Atalissa RoadSteve Burnett was born May 15, 1948 the son of Marion and Ethel Burnett in Iowa City, Iowa. He attended school in Atalissa and West Liberty, Iowa. He graduated from West Liberty High School in 1966. Steve served in the United States Army from 1968-1970. Along with being a farmer, he is a member of the Lions Club,…
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… Masonic Lodge and is a 4-H Leader. Steve married Edie Beatty May 31, 1968 at the Spangler Chapel, Muscatine, Iowa.
Edie was born October 4, 1948 the daughter of Carl and Lucille Beatty. She attended school in Conesville, Iowa and graduated from Wilton High School in 1966. Edie helps Steve with the farming, sharing the chores and farm life. They have three children Joe of West Liberty, Mark of Iowa City and Brad who is a student at the University of Iowa.
John Weiss built the home in 1935.
Picture:
Steve and Edie Burnett and family
Steve and Edie’s homeFrancis and Dorothy Carlisle
1163 Atalissa RoadFrancis was born January 21, 1912 the son of Alexander and Ruth Carlisle. He graduated from Atalissa High School in 1930. Francis has served the community of Atalissa as a fire fighter and a Trustee of the Presbyterian Church. He was active in many of the church activities. He worked on Road Construction and as a farmer. Francis “Perky” married Dorothy Chapman September 30, 1933 in Kewanee, Illinois. Dorothy was born September 4, 1915 the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George F. Chapman. She graduated from Atalissa High School in 1933.
Dorothy and Perky have been in the Atalissa area most of their lives. They live in the old “Lundy home” which was built between 1860 and 1861 by William Lundy. It was one of the first houses constructed in Atalissa. It has a lookout tower on the roof and walnut paneling in all of the down stairs rooms except one. It is said that the lookout tower was designed to remind Capt. Lundy of his ship. Later, according to a town legend, it was used when the house was a stop for the Underground Railroad for slaves.
The house was constructed of large blocks of stone taken from the Quarry in the Atalissa area. It is still in good repair and for the last fifty years has been owned by the Carlisle’s. It used to have a big bay window to the north but it was taken out sometime before Perky and Dorothy bought the house. They modernized the house by installing electricity and a bathroom. It has eight rooms and three in the basement. During the six years, it took, to complete the house the Lundy family lived in the basement rooms. The closets are unusual as they are built to go back under the eaves, some of which connect and go into the attic.
The following are some of the memories Perky recalled when being interviewed for the book. His first remark was “Well, you know, this is my town, and you have to be a good liar to be able to tell a good story.”
As a child in 1915 his family lived on the north side of the 300 block of Fifth Street. The property sat on a large spring that supplied water to many of the homes. He remembers his mother raising celery in the basement all winter because of the natural spring.
His father owned one of the first cars in Atalissa, a 1908 Buick. Dorothy recalled the first new Ford, purchased by her father, it cost him eight hundred dollars.
One day the three McKillip boys and the three Carlisle boys had gotten into an apple fight. Perky threw a green apple and hit Mrs. McKillip in the backside. Perkys’ mother got there about that time with a bucket of water. He didn’t know why she was carrying water as they had a pump at their house. Soon Mr. Morris McKillip showed…
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…up and Mrs. McKillip told him to “Slap the little bastard.” Perkys’ mother marched over and threw the water over Mr. McKillips’ head and of course, the three Carlisle boys scattered.
He also remembered that Atalissa had a gas station until 1918. Bill Hohnke had a grocery store on the northwest corner of Depot and Cherry St. (where the Corner Tap is now). Mr. Hohnke put a hand pump in along the edge of the street on the Cherry St. side. He thinks the tanks are probably still there.
Perky remembers when Bill McKillip Sr. used to run the town’s grocery store. McKillip would give the kids a new comic book each time they returned the cover from the last one. Another story he related was about eight, ten year old boys from the fifth grade who were sliding under the bridge on the ice. The bridge was on Fifth and Cherry Street. One day Peggy Sterner wanted to play in order to get rid of her the boys threatened to take her pants down. George Fry was visiting his daughter Mary Hartman who lived at 423 Cherry Street. George came out yelling and screaming and threatened to send them all to reform school. The teachers at school got wind of the incident and the boys had to prove they hadn’t touched her to keep from going to reform school.
When Perky was young the kids would put a corncob in the superintendent P. D. Fillmore exhaust pipe so the car would quit running. Then when his car got stuck the boys would offer to help push to get it started but they would pull instead of push and after a while he’d call the garage to be pulled out. Perky confessed that once he tied a dog to the front of the schoolhouse. His brother Tom got blamed and got a beating, but in the end he got even by giving P. D. Fillmore, the superintendent, a black eye. Perky was also very familiar with the story of the carriage on the schoolhouse roof but wouldn’t give any names.
Dorothy and Francis celebrated 50 years of marriage on September 30, 1983 with a pork barbecue and a dance at the Atalissa Volunteer Fire Station. The Country Playboys furnished the music for the dance.
They are the parents of two children Jerry (deceased) and Linda Grunder of Davenport, Iowa. There are seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Perky took Cindy Schmidt, Charlotte Hill, Janet Welsch and Kathy Hundoble on a tour of Atalissa and according to him there have been 43 houses and mobile homes constructed and brought into Atalissa since 1940. Perky remembered that Hugh Beggs was a strong man. Bill Hohnke sold salt in 400 pound barrels and Hugh needed one. Bill asked him if he needed help carrying it and he said no and he did carry it home by himself, a block and a half.
Picture: Francis and Dorothy Carlisle
Wilma Hargrave Carlisle
311 West Fifth StreetPicture: Tom and Wilma Carlisle in 1978
Wilma was born May 16, 1916 the daughter of Don and Jessie Hargrave at a farm south of Atalissa and has lived here all her life. She attended school in Atalissa and graduated in 1934. Wilma is a member of the First United Church in West Liberty. Her community services include the Community Club, Royal Neighbors, Eastern Star and the Atalissa Parade Committee. She was a postal clerk for seventeen years and also a housewife. She enjoys crocheting.
Wilma married Tom Carlisle June 9, 1938 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.
Tom was born October 7, 1913 the son of Alexandra and Ruth Carlisle. He attended school…
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…in Atalissa and graduated in 1931. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and was on the town council. Tom was manager of the Hammer Mill, owner-operator of the Minneapolis Moline Dealership in Atalissa, and was Postmaster from 1961-1978. He enjoyed collecting coins, stamps and pens. Tom passed away in 1997 after an extended illness.
Wilma and Tom had three children Carol Irwin of Atalissa, Richard of Michigan and Ruth Rohner of West Liberty. There are ten grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
The house was once the Seventh Day Adventist Church and they purchased it from Mrs. Vauble.
Picture: Wilma Carlisle
Mike and Mary Sue Cline
1199 Atalissa RoadPicture: Mike and Mary Sue Cline’s home
Mike was born December 31, 1956 the son of William and Kay Cline in Iowa City, Iowa. He attended West Liberty High School where he graduated in 1975. He is owner-service manager at H. D. Cline Company in West Liberty. Mike enjoys racing, sports and waterfowl hunting.
Mike Married Mary Sue Simon in 1980 in Nichols, Iowa.
Mary Sue was born October 13, 1950 the daughter of Adam and Doris Simon in Iowa City, Iowa. She attended West Liberty High School and graduated in 1968. She is a Registered Nurse Administrator for Hawkeye Health Services. Mary Sue enjoys racing and watching sports.
They have four children Ericka Sue Maurer Hoover of Green, Iowa, Simon Charles Maurer of Wilton, Jacob Michael and Jessica Doris both at home. There are three grandchildren. Mike and Mary Sue are members of the Nichols Christian Church.
Ray and Gert Coleman
222 Railroad StreetPicture: Gert and Ray Coleman
Ray was born in Louisa County, Iowa and Gert was born in Burlington, Iowa. They were married in 1961 in Wapello, Iowa. Both have lived in Atalissa for 29 years. Ray served in the United States Army from 1961-1963. He is a machinist and Gert is employed at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. They have a son Ray Jr. and his wife Ellen, two grandsons Mike and Kyle, daughter Diana and a granddaughter Nicole.
Clarence and Frances Daufeldt
1970 160th StreetClarence “Buzz” was born March 18, 1920 the son of Charles and Alvena Freeze Daufeldt, in Cedar County, Iowa. He attended Oakhill School through eighth grade. Buzz is a farmer and enjoys woodworking as his hobby and is active in the 4-H Community Club.
He married Frances Jewett on Wednesday June 30, 1943 at St. Mathias Church in Muscatine, Iowa.
Frances was born January 7, 1920 the daughter…
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…of Elmer and Marie Limacher Jewett. She attended the Kalorama School. Frances is a housewife and enjoys making crafts as her hobby.
Buzz and Frances have six children Gary of West Liberty, Donnie of West Liberty, Gloria Dlouhy of Bettendorf, Iowa, James of Greensboro, North Carolina, Marlin of Atalissa and Cindy Massey of Muscatine. There are nineteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
They have lived in the Atalissa area for over seventy years. Buzz recalls Bill Honhke would get a train boxcar load of flour in forty-nine pound bags each fall. Everyone in town would buy it up for their winter supply. Frances said she was a housewife but knowing what farming is all about she should also say she is a partner in the farm chores as well.
Picture:
Clarence and Frances Daufeldt
Clarence and Frances with children. Back row Donald, Gary, Marlin and Jim. Front row Gloria, Clarence, Frances and Cindy.Mary DeVore and Cecil “Granny” Atkins
223 Fifth StreetPicture: Don and Mary Devore and family taken in 1987
Goodale Construction built the house and it’s around ten years old.
Mary was born in 1928 the daughter of Cecil and Clifford Atkins at 1423 Park Avenue, Muscatine, Iowa. She attended School in Muscatine completing the eighth grade.
Mary married Don DeVore in 1945. Don was born in 1924 the son of Dewey and Beryl DeVore on Penn Avenue. He attended Penn Avenue School and Atalissa High School graduating in 1943.
Don and Mary have five children Linda McMichael, Doris McMichael, Carolyn “George” Pace, Tim DeVore all of Atalissa, and Bryan of Wilton, Iowa. There are eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Don passed away in 1989. Mary is now sharing her home with her mother.
Cecil “Granny” Atkins
Cecil was born the oldest of fifteen children, to Samuel and Mamie Oeter. At the time of her birth she weighed one and a half pounds and was kept in a cigar box. Her mother set it in a bread pan on the oven door to keep her warm. Her parents lived on the end of East Seventh Street at the time of her birth. They used men’s handkerchief for diapers and she was three before she was able to walk. She attended the same school her mother did and graduated eighth grade from Lincoln School in Muscatine in 1923. She was married to Clifford Atkins in Muscatine for 21 years. Cecil enjoys crafts as her hobby. She has seven children Ruby Cecil, Mary Emma, Clifford Grant, Charles Raymond, Elmer Gene, Jerry Eli and Karen Fay. There are fifteen grandchildren, twenty-three great grandchildren and four great great-grandchildren.
Cecil’s grandmother Savilla Philips came from out East in a covered wagon. Her father was of Indian and Irish decent.
Tim and Chris DeVore
320 Linn StreetTimothy was born November 1, 1969 the son of Donald and Mary DeVore. Tim went to…
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…school in Wilton graduating in 1988. He is a Laborer at Wilton Precision Steel and is on the Atalissa Volunteer Fire Department. Tim has lived in Atalissa 29 years. Christa was born January 26, 1971 the daughter of Dru Neubauer and David Rohde and has lived in Atalissa for eleven years. Chris went to school in Muscatine graduating in 1989. They were married September 9, 1989 and have two children Danielle and Erin. Christa is a member of the Fireman’s Ladies Auxiliary and is employed as a laborer at HWH Corp. in Moscow, Iowa.
Picture: Timothy and Christa DeVore and family
Tim and Darcie Dewar
114 Fourth StreetPicture: Tim and Darcie Dewar and daughter
Tim was born the son of Bob and Carol Dewar February 19, 1968 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa. He attended school in West Liberty and graduated in 1986 and has lived in Atalissa all his life. Tim is a Paint Supervisor at Wiedermann Industries in Muscatine. He enjoys Haley Davidson motorcycles, fishing and music.
Darcie was born December 16, 1970 the daughter of Rich and Sue Moore at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. She attended school at Olin Consolidated and graduated in 1989. Darcie has been in the area six years, and is employed as an Interview and Assessment person for Hon Industries in Muscatine. She enjoys sewing and gardening.
They have been married five years and have two children Ashley and Kami.
Angie Dickey
319 West Fourth StreetPicture: Angie Dickey
Angie was born March 5, 1963 the daughter of Don and Gloria Dickey in Muscatine, Iowa. She attended West Liberty schools and graduated in 1981 and has lived in the area 26 years. She is a City Council member; a Fire Board member and is employed as a secretary. Angie is a member of the First Christian Church in Muscatine. Her hobbies are cross-stitch and gardening. The 5 year old house was built by Brian Campbell and Todd Dickey.
Don L. and Gloria A. Jensen Dickey
1272 Penn AvenueGloria grew up in this house, her parents moved there in 1936 or 1937.
Don was born August 4, 1939 the son of Chester and Norma Dickey. He went to school at Oak Hill and Atalissa High School graduating in 1957. Don is a retired truck driver, an Auctioneer and Chief Grounds-man for the West Liberty Fairgrounds.
He married Gloria Jensen in 1958 at the Christian Church in Atalissa. They have three children Christine Trout, Angela Dickey and Todd all of Atalissa. There are three grandchildren.
Gloria Jensen was born July 16, 1940 the daughter of Glen and Helga Jensen. Gloria attended school at Penn Avenue School, until sixth grade. Penn Avenue closed at that time so she went to seventh in Atalissa and graduated from West Liberty High School in 1958. She is a homemaker and works at Micro in Wilton, is also in Insurance and Real Estate. Gloria likes to sew…
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…and Don loves to Auctioneer at functions around the Community. They have lived in Atalissa their whole lives except for eight years in Muscatine.
Picture: Don and Gloria Dickey
Norma and Chester Dickey
2181 Atalissa RoadPicture: Chester and Norma Dickey taken on their wedding day in 1963
Chester “Mike” Dickey was born October 7, 1915 the son of Clyde and Hazel Dickey. He was born three miles north of Atalissa. He attended school in Atalissa and was a resident of the area until his death.
Norma was born October 20, 1919 the daughter of Fred and Marvel Satterthwaite in Bloomington Township. She went to school at Fairview II, in Muscatine and graduated from Muscatine High School in 1936.
Chester and Norma were married at Spangler Chapel in Muscatine in 1938. They were farmers and the house they lived in was over two hundred years old. The house Norma is in now was built by Beach Lumber twenty-six years ago and is right beside the old one. When Norma got married she paid $7.00 for her dress and got upset because her veil cost $7.50. There are five children Donald of Atalissa, Joe of Florida, Judy Ziegenhorn of Muscatine, Sue Rock of Atalissa and Paul of Wilton. She has thirteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Norma is active in the Farm Bureau, Get Together Club and Community Club. Her hobbies include dancing, Euchre, bingo and going out to eat. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Norma has been in the area since 1944.
Picture:
Chester and Norma and family. Back row left to right Judy, Don, Joe and Susan. Front row left to right Paul, Chester and Norma.
Norma DickeyTodd and Kimberly Dickey
2337 Atalissa RoadTodd was born January 28, 1966 the son of Don and Gloria Dickey at Muscatine General Hospital in Muscatine, Iowa. He attended West Liberty School graduating in 1984. Todd is in the Construction business and enjoys being a Cattle farmer as his hobby. He is a life long resident of the area.
Kimberly was born September 27, 1971 the daughter of Don and Ruth Grimm at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. She attended school in Iowa City and graduated from West High School in 1990. She is an Archaeologist and enjoys gardening and farming.
They were married in 1996 in the Sierra Areba Wilderness in Gabe, Arizona. They have…
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...one son Jacob. Kim has been in the Atalissa area for four and a half years.
Picture:
Todd and Kimberly Dickey
Todd and Kimberly’s homeGlen and Viola Buckman Dotson
2116 Ivory AvenueGlen “Putsy” was born July 17, 1921 the son of Shirrell and Ethel Dotson between Rochester and Tipton, Iowa.
He went to school at Iowa No. 5, possibly Dickerson, Cedar Hill and graduated from Springdale High School in 1939. He was in the Air Force from 1942 to 1946 and was stationed in eighteen different places States side as a Mechanic earning the rank of Sergeant. Glen was a farmer, Truck driver for Grunder and a Bulldozer operator for Crees. He enjoyed entering in parades.
Glen married Viola Buckman January 8, 1945 at the Iowa City Methodist Church Parsonage. Viola was born June 24, 1920 the daughter of Charles and Erma Buckman. She went to school in Conesville, Iowa graduating in 1939. Viola is a homemaker, worked at Coffeetown eight years and in West Liberty at Louis Rich for nine years. She enjoys bus tours. She belongs to the Methodist Church in Rochester. There are three children Katha Jo Carter of Fayville, Arkansas, Shari Ellis of Iowa City and Debra Jane DeVore of Atalissa, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Glen died in 1998.
Picture:
Glen and Viola Dotson
Glen and Viola and family. Back row Viola, Glen and Debra, sitting is Katha and ShariRobert and Jean Ervin
127 First StreetThe deed started in 1859 with Lundy. They purchased it in 1948.
Bob was born in 1925 the son of Carl and Verona Ervin in Downey, Iowa. He attended school in Atalissa and graduated in 1944. Bob retired from Wendling Quarries after being there forty-three years. Bob is a member of the City Council. He is always available whenever he is needed to help with whatever needs to be done in the community. The Atalissa Betterment Committee really appreciates all of the help he has given us with our projects.
Jean was born August 30, 1929 the daughter of Raymond and Mable Burke in Muscatine, Iowa.
Jean went to school in Muscatine, Iowa.
They were married in 1948 in Iowa City, Iowa and have four children Kenny of West Liberty, Vickey Lowell of North Liberty, Debbie Chamberlin of Muscatine and Tammy Jo (who died in 1962). There are six grandchildren.
Bob and Jean both enjoy camping, wood- …
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…working, gardening and flowers.
Picture:
Robert and Jean Ervin
Bob and Jean and family. Back row Bob and Kenny. Front row Vicky, Jean and DebbieChuck and Evelyn Osborn Evans
2069 Highway SixThe house was built in 1973 by Grunders.
Chuck was born in 1925 in Newton, Iowa and was adopted by Ed Oepping. He went to school at Oak Hill and was in the Navy from 1943-1944. Chuck was a farmer, salesman, electrician and manager for Kent Feed in West Liberty and Atalissa. He passed away in 1980.
Evelyn was born in 1930 the daughter of Walter and Annie Osborn, she was born in the DeMean house. She is a lifelong resident of the area. Evelyn attended Union Valley School on Indiana Avenue and graduated from West Liberty High School.
Chuck and Evelyn were married in 1950 at the Christian Church in Atalissa. They have two children David of Bennett, Iowa and Susan of Texas. There are two grandchildren. Evelyn has remained in the house Chuck built for her and she enjoys camping and embroidery. They were both in the Masonic organization, the Eastern Star, the American Legion and the Community Club.
Picture:
Chuck and Evelyn Evans on their wedding day taken in 1950
Chuck and Evelyn with children Sue and DavidClifford W. and Lucille Spilger Freyermuth
1876 140th StreetClifford was born September 21, 1913 at home in Atalissa the son of Phillip and Alma Freyermuth. He went to school in Rural Muscatine and graduated from Muscatine High School in 1932. He was a farmer and was also on the Goshen valley No. 5 School board, a member of the Muscatine Golf Course, the Community Club and a 4-H Leader for forty years. Clifford and his father was superintendents of the Sheep at the Muscatine County Fair for thirty years and on the Church board. He lived in the area his whole life and died in 1907 in the house where he had been born.
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Clifford married Lucille Spilger September 18, 1940 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Atalissa. Lucille is the daughter of Phillip and Anna Spilger and was born April 8, 1916. She was born in the home that Leland Spilger now lives. She went to the Cedarville No. 5 School and Atalissa graduating in 1933. She was a housewife. There were two children Kenneth of Atalissa and Marilyn K. Shaw of West Liberty, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Cliff enjoyed carpenter work and 4-H. Lucille enjoys reading and gardening. She is a member of the Zion Lutheran Church.
Picture:
Lucille Freyermuth
Clifford Freyermuth with brothers Dale and Lauren and sister Marian JaynesHerbert and Betty Gatzke
111 East Third StreetThe house was built in 1848. William Lundy owned it until 1855 when he sold it to John B. Cook, in December 1859 Thomas and Heloise Durant, 1860 to Charles and Margaret Durant, February 1872 to Rosina Lehman (who died March 3, 1882) Frank and Belle Tanner who quit claimed it in to Louisa Lehman, in 1886 Elizabeth Harper, 1887 Harriet A. Riddle, 1910 Mary Lundy sold it to the world, 1940 Wilton Saving Bank, 1940 to Frank and Jessie Stewart, 1948 to Hilbert and Mary Stucker, 1951 to Mary Stucker, in 1952 to Harvey and Norma Staley and in July of 1955 Herb and Betty bought it.
Herb was born April 30, 1919 the son of Fred and Margaret Jensen Gatzke. He attended school in Atalissa and graduated in 1937. Herb was in the Navy and received many medals for acts of heroism. He ran the Feed Mill and drove the feed trucks for grinding. Herb was also a fine carpenter, enjoyed hunting and fishing and was on the Volunteer Fire Department.
Herb married Betty DeVore February 5, 1946 in the Lutheran Parsonage in Iowa City, Iowa. They have three sons Ronald and Donald both of Atalissa and Richard of Muscatine. Both Herb and Betty are lifelong residents of Atalissa. Herb passed away November 4, 1988 and is still missed by those who knew him. He was a member of the Lutheran Church.
Betty was born May 22, 1924 the daughter of Harry “Peck” and Hazel DeVore. She attended school at Champion Hill graduating from eighth grade. Until she was 16, Betty lived on the family farm. After moving to town the family lived in the upper story of the Royal Neighbor Hall. She was a waitress and worked at Louis Rich in West Liberty from 1969-1982. Her hobby is gardening and is known to buy a lottery ticket once in a while.
Picture:
Richard Gatzke, Betty’s son
Betty Gatzke in her homeHer son Richard lived with her until 1968 when both had some…
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… health problems. He was born October 24, 1957. He went to school in West Liberty finishing tenth grade. He worked as a day laborer for farmers.
Don and Maryann Becker Gatzke
Railroad StreetPicture:
Betty in front of her home
Don and Maryann GatzkeIn 1847 William Lundy built the house. It was sold in 1855 to John B. and Eliza Cook, 1860 to Charles and Margaret Durant, 1878 Elizabeth Jones, 1881 to T. C. and Ester Jane Berry, 1887 Ben and Florence Overman purchased it for $1050.00, with seven percent to go to Elizabeth Jones, in 1889 Elizabeth Jones filed a suit againgst Florence Overman's Estate and was settled in 1894 and it went back to Wlizabeth Jones. Cornwell Kline owned it from 1898 until her death in 1921, the deed was signed in 1922. The history of the property goes on until Maryann and Don in 1984.
Don has lived in Atalissa all his life and is employed at Hon Industries in Muscatine, he worked at Woods in Rochester before that. Don loves to hunt and fish and staying at his cabin with Maryann and Katy May, his golden retriever. He was born in 1958 the son of Herb and Betty Gatzke.
Maryann was born in 1976 the daughter of Arly and Nellie Becker in Muscatine. She worked at Louis Rich until 1999. Now she enjoys cross-stitch and gardening. They have been married sixteen years.
There are two children Nicky and Thomas Welsch and three grandchildren.
Ron and Donna Gatzke
127 Depot StreetThe house was once a hotel and was converted into a home in 1949.
Ron was born May 20, 1951 the son of Herb and Betty Gatzke. He went to school in West Liberty and graduated in 1969. Ron has been at Louis Rich, now called West Liberty Foods, for many years and is now the Head Cook there. His hobbies are gardening and reading. His flower garden is one of the prettiest in town. He really has a green thumb.
He married Donna Hillman December 21, 1974. They lived in West Liberty until 1975. They have been in Atalissa first living on Lynn and then at their present home. Donna was born July 4, 1955 the daughter of John and Virginia Hillman. She went to school in Wilton graduating in 1974. There are three children David Michael, Pamela Sue and Kevin Lee. She likes to crochet and read and boss the gardener. When asked what her occupation was she remarked “mother, wife and jack of all trades”. They are expecting their first grandchild this year.
Picture: Ron and Donna Gatzke
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Richard and Donna Garvin
227 Third StreetPicture: Richard and Donna Garvin
The house is 28 years old and Ed and Dick Ewolt Schmidt built it.
Dick was born in 1934 the son of Ed and Dorothy Garvin in Muscatine. He attended school in Atalissa and graduated in 1952. Dick was in the Army from 1955-1956 and is a lifelong resident of the area. He worked at the General Store, where the Corner Tap is now, from 1957-1963, Muscatine Factories and at United Technology of Iowa City. He was a Volunteer Fireman from 1958-1959.
He married Donna Kelly on April 9, 1955 in Iowa City. Donna was born in 1935 the daughter of Francis and Agnes Kelly in Iowa City. Donna died February 2, 1999 from complications during heart surgery. Dick and Donna went to the Presbyterian Church. Their hobbies were fishing and spending time camping at their cabin on the Cedar River.
Donna had worked at the store along with her husband and after they sold it to Frank and Norma Yeager she continued working until 1973.
The have three children Rick in Iowa City and Lisa of North Liberty and Danny of Atalissa. There is one grandson Ryan.
Picture: Richard and Donna and family
Edward and Dorothy Garvin
219 Third StreetPicture: Dorothy and Ed Garvin
Dorothy lives in a mobile home that sets on land that was Smith’s cow pasture and then Wilbur Goodale’s garden.
Ed was born in 1908 (died in 1971) on the Cedar River bottoms the son of John and Lillie Sutton Garvin. He went to school in Atalissa until eleventh grade. Ed was a farmer. He married Dorothy Oostendorp June 21, 1931 in Galena, Illinois. They were on the farm from 1931-1955 when they moved to town. Dorothy was born in 1914 the daughter of Wilford and Mae Oostendorp in Rural West Liberty. She went to school in Wilton her last two years graduating in 1931. Dorothy worked at Owens Brush in Iowa City for seventeen years. There are four children Lorraine in Ohio, Richard in Atalissa, Gene in Muscatine and Bonnie in Nebraska, fifteen grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and one great great-grandchild.
Dorothy went to the Presbyterian Church, until it closed, and now worships at the Lutheran Church. She enjoys traveling and helping with the Christmas Party at the Schoolhouse each year.
Picture: Dorothy Garvin
In May of 1990 Dorothy was recognized by the Iowa City Veterans…
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…Administration Medical Center for the many hours she had given to the center over the years. In nine years Dorothy had given over 3,000 hours to the center.
William A. and Tammy Smith Goodale
111 First StreetPicture: William and Tami Goodale and family
William “Bill” was born in 1957 the son of Wilbur “Bill” and Bonnie Goodale in Iowa City. He attended school in West Liberty and graduated from there but attended fourth grade in Atalissa. Bill works at the Iowa City Post Office and was on the Atalissa Fire Department for a while.
He married Tammy Simon. Tammy was born in 1958 the daughter of Joseph and Mary Simon in Iowa City. She attended school in West Liberty and went to fourth grade in Atalissa. She works at the West Liberty Post Office and teaches Religious Education at St. Joseph’s Church in West Liberty. The family attended St. Joseph’s Church.
They have six children William I. “Willy”, Matthew A., Benjamin L., Angela S., Lisa M., and Daniel A.
Ernest and Francis Goodale
426 Cherry StreetPicture: Francis Goodale
Ernest was born April 16, 1906 the son of Amy and Ira Goodale. He died in 1984. He went to school at the Cedar County country school. Ernest worked for the J. I. Case Co. He married Francis Shetler in 1933 in the St. Bethel Parsonage. Francis was born four miles east of Atalissa on July 10, 1917, the daughter of Roy and Nellie Shetler. She attended school in Tipton. Along with being a housewife she worked at Louis Rich for thirteen years. She is a member of the Lutheran Church and belonged to the Town and Country Club and the Ladies Church Group. She likes to read.
Picture: Ernest Goodale
They have six children Lois Keith of West Liberty, Wilbur “Bill” (deceased), Mary Samuelson of Tipton, Carol Watson of Keithsburg, Illinois, Gary of Independence, Missouri, and Pat Roche of Atalissa. There are twenty-one grandchildren and thirty great great-grandchildren.
Robert and Virginia Guthrie
215 Fourth StreetThe house was built around 1868. Its’ previous owners were Darrell and Georgia Crieger, Raymond and Jennie Elshoff, and Richard and Donna Garvin.
Robert was born October 23, 1938 the son of Leland F. and Mary G. Guthrie in Ottumwa, Iowa. He was in the Marine Corp for twenty …
Picture: Robert and Virginia Guthrie and son Robert
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… years, and is a Repairman now and likes to fish. Albert married Virginia Palmer forty years ago. She was born May 28, 1942 the daughter of Wilma Palmer in Iowa City. There are five children Robert, Floyd, Donna, Thorndyke, Patricia and Melissa. There are twelve grandchildren. They have lived in the Atalissa for twenty-three years moving here from Tipton, Iowa.
Robert Jr. lives with his parents and is a Volunteer Fireman and an EMT.