| MUSCATINE COUNTY IOWA | |
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Ray Hawk
Fifth and LinnRoy sold pianos and was very efficient playing them. He married a DeMean and they had one daughter Ruby. He was an avid fisherman and spent a lot of time fishing with Johnny DeMean and George Worrall.
According to Francis “Perky” Carlisle Ruby gave him Scarlet fever.
Hubert Sr. and Florence L. Gauger Hepker
Picture:
Hubert and Florence Hepker on their 40th Anniversary in 1967
Hubert and his sons in 1962 Left to right Dennis, Dwaine, Melvin, Hubert Jr. and Hubert Sr.Hubert was born December 15, 1908 the son of Thomas Leslie and Weisse Trimble Hepker in Toddville, Iowa. Florence was born March 28, 1909 the daughter of George and Minnie Short Gauger in Oklahoma. They farmed south of Atalissa on the Shetler farm. Hubert went to school at Toddville and at Cedarville graduating eighth grade. Florence was schooled in Illinois and graduated eighth grade. They lived in Atalissa for sixty years. There are five children Marietta Smith of rural West Liberty, Hubert Jr. of rural Letts, Iowa, Dwain L. of rural Atalissa, Melvin L. of rural Atalissa and Dennis K. of Atalissa. There are eleven grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and six great great-grandchildren. Hubert and Florence belonged to the Cedar Valley Methodist Church and were active in many of the activities in the community. Hubert was a farmer and Weisse was a mother and housewife.
Joe Hiatt
Picture: Joe Hiatt’s family back row left to right Lawrence Hiatt, Henry Hiatt, Joe Hiatt and a Lundy. Middle row Hazel Hiatt Dickey, front row Leland and Chester Dickey.
Joe had a harness shop in Atalissa and was quite well liked in town. He was born in Ohio and married Lucy Worrel there. They had two children Henry and Lucinda. He and his family moved to a farm near Atalissa, where Herbert Johnson now lives.
Joe’s son, Henry married Lizzie Gladfelter and they had a daughter Hazel and a son Harold. His daughter, Lucinda married a Lundy. Lizzie died when Hazel was thirteen so she took on the responsibility of caring for her Grandfather and brothers. She managed with a lot of help from a neighbor Mrs. Charles Croxen whom Hazel called “Aunt Annie”. Later they moved to town and lived in the house where Abe Sterner lived. Henry died June 26, 1926.
Hazel married Claude Dickey in 1911. Their children were Lester, Clifford, Chester, Marie and Leland. Chester married Norma Satterthwaite and that is how the Dickey family became seven generations of Hiatts in Atalissa.
Norma Dickey furnished this bit of history and we are very thankful.
Guy and Harriet Arnold Hildebrand
1881 130th StreetGuy and Harriet lived on the farm now occupied by the Steven Shetler family and built by G. A. Arnold. He and Harriet were married in 1911 or 1912 and worked the land until . . .
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. . . around 1938.
They had seven children Edgar (deceased), Dorothy Phelps of West Liberty, Janet Smith (deceased), Russell (deceased), Leota Nortman of West Liberty, Margaret Kerr (deceased), Wilson (Deceased), and Lester of Kansas City.
Picture: Guy and Harriett Hildebrand in front of the house south of Atalissa. Ralph, Dad H., Mom H, and Guy
Harold and Florence Jensen Hinkhouse
Picture:
Harold and Florence Hinkhouse on their 40th anniversary in 1970
Harold and Florence Hinkhouse with children back row left to right Juanita, H. Eugene and Guy. Front row Florence and HaroldHarold was born August 21, 1904 the son of Frank and Amelia Schroeder Hinkhouse in Moscow, Iowa. He went to school in Wilton graduating in 1923. He was a farmer, taught School, drove a Milk truck and worked on the Railroad. Harold was a Mason and served on the School Board. He enjoyed collecting coins and spending time at the cabin area known as “Hinkeyville”.
He married Florence Jensen March 8, 1930 in Aledo, Illinois. Florence was born September 30, 1909 the daughter of Martin and Kate Christensen Jensen in Wilton. She went to school in Wilton and Atalissa graduating in 1926. She was a housewife and was employed at Louis Rich in West Liberty, taught School and worked at the Telephone office in Muscatine. Florence enjoyed sewing and gardening.
There were three children H. Eugene of Muscatine, Juanita Abbott of Carpinteria California and Guy (deceased), twelve grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren. They were members of the Zion Lutheran. Harold and Florence are both deceased.
Julius Hohnke
Julius lived at 119 First Street. Julius was a janitor at the school for many years. This information was from Jessie Stewart and Francis Carlisle.
William “Bill” Hohnke
Bill was part owner of the grocery store and also ran the post office for many years. He married Agnes Lowenberg. She was a great musician and singer. When the post office changed Bill had to either stay in the store business or sell out and move the post office to a new location. Postmasters’ weren’t allowed to have another business. He chose to move the post office and sell out his share of the grocery store. He remained Postmaster for many years.
Picture: Agnes Hohnke in 1921
Tony and Teressa Staley Hunter
Picture: Tony and Teressa Hunter wedding picture taken March 30, 1920.
Tony was born July 20, 1900 the son of Curtis and Mary Hunter in Atalissa. Teressa was born in November of 1900. Tony graduated from Atalissa High School. Tony and Teressa were married March . . .
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. . . 30, 1920 and had two children Wesley and Eugene who died at age 4 years. They belonged to the Christian Church in Muscatine, Iowa. Tony was a painter and a security guard in Muscatine.
Glen and Helga Nissen Jensen
Glenn and Helga were married January 1, 1934 in West Branch, Iowa. There are two children Larry of Reynolds, Illinois and Gloria Dickey of Atalissa. They lived in Atalissa prior to moving to Muscatine.
Picture: Glen and Helga Jensen on their 50th anniversary January 1984
Martin and Catherine Jensen
Martin and Catherine lived on the farm where Hilbert Jensen now lives. They are Florence Hinkhouse and Hilbert Jensen’s parents.
Picture:
Martin and Catherine Jensen with daughter Florence Hinkhouse and grandchildren Douglas and Kay Hinkhouse.
The Martin Jensen family back row left to right Harold Hinkhouse, Florence Hinkhouse, Martin Jensen, Catherine Jensen, Hilbert Jensen, Edna Roberts and Alvin Roberts. Front row left to right Guy Hinkhouse, Gene Hinkhouse, Juanita Hinkhouse and Arlene Roberts.Derwood and Arlene Roberts Keith
719 E. Third Street, West Liberty, IowaPicture: Arlene Roberts Keith in 1997
Arlene was born in 1931 north of Moscow on the Cove Road. Her parents are Alvin and Edna Jensen Roberts. She attended school in Atalissa and graduated in 1948. Arlene married Derwood Keith in 1955 at the Methodist church in Wilton. She taught Sunday school at the Christian church and after High school she played on an Independent Basketball team from 1950-1951. The Lumberyard and the Elevator were the sponsors for the team.
She taught school at Penn Avenue 1950-1951, and taught school elsewhere until 1980. Derwood also taught school. They had a gift shop for fifteen years. Arlene collects antiques, likes crafts and reading.
George and Bertha King
Picture: George and Bertha King
Bertha and George were Aunt and Nephew. At one time they lived on the hill, the Francis Carlisle home now, later on they lived in the one hundred block of fourth Street.
Bertha was born July 28, 1901 and died February 22, 1982. Bertha was active in the Lutheran Church, and the Community Club. She once remarked she didn’t believe there was one young lady in town she had not given a shower for of one kind or another.
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Picture: George King in 1955
George was born September 30, 1918 and died February 11, 1985. He served in the Army in Africa, Sicily and Italy. He worked for Waldo Elder at the Lumberyard, drove truck for Tom Stewart and Lawrence McKillip and was a laborer.
Bob and Ike Kelly
They lived where Madsens live now.
Picture:
Bob and Ike Kelly in 1955
Bob and Ike Kelly’s children Lynn, Janice, Patricia, Kristin and Butch order unknownElmer and Louise Ridenour Kline
Picture: Elmer and Louise Kline in 1996
Elmer was born July 5, 1908 the son of Albert and Etta Phelps Kline south of Tipton, Iowa. He went to school in Downey, Iowa and West Liberty. He farmed and was a Butter-maker from 1929 to 1939. Elmer has since retired, and enjoys visiting friends at the coffee shop.
He married Louise Ridenour in 1933 in Illinois. Louise was born November 6, 1910 the daughter of Fred and Zella Walker Ridenour. She was born at 666 330th Street West Liberty, and went to school at Hortupee Country School and West Liberty. She is a Teacher (now retired) and enjoys reading, going to her many clubs, the Hortupee Club, Floriculture Social club, Fortnightly Literary Club and Bridge Club.
They belong to the United Methodist Church. There is one son Harold of Atalissa, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. They have been members of the Eastern Star and Masonic Lodge for more than fifty years. They spent eight years on the Oxley farm two miles west of Atalissa and have been in the area most of their lives.
Louise remembers supplying sixty dozen eggs a week to the Yeager Grocery Store.
Joseph and Clella Fiederlein Kline
Joseph “Bert” and Clella lived about three miles south of Atalissa. They went to school in Atalissa.
Joseph and Clella were married in February of 1915 by the Rev. C. A. Marshall in the Presbyterian Church. They were members of the Eastern Star and Masonic Temple.
There was one child Marjorie Roth. Joseph . . .
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. . . and Clella farmed until retiring. They built a brick home in West Liberty, Iowa.
Picture: Joseph and Clella Kline
Raymond Lewis
1338 Iron City AvenuePicture: Raymond and Marjorie Lewis on their 60th wedding anniversary in 1984
Raymond Llewellen was born February 1, 1904 the son of Harvey and Ada Parry Lewis in rural Atalissa. He attended Goshen # 3 and Browns Business College. Raymond was a life long resident of Atalissa and was a self-employed farmer.
Marjorie was born January 27, 1902 the daughter of William and May Shetler Williams in rural Wilton, Iowa. Marjorie attended school in rural Wilton and graduated from Wilton High School. She then attended State Teachers College in Muscatine. Marjorie was a housewife and former teacher. They belonged to the Cedar Valley United Methodist Church. Raymond was Church Board Chairman and Marjorie was a member of the UMW and a Sunday Schoolteacher.
They had three children Catherine Hladky of Indianola, Iowa, George Lewis of Atalissa, and Mary Ness of Iowa City, Iowa. There are 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Jacob and Miranda S. Long
Jake and his family lived on Lundy Street where Evelyn Taylor now lives. The photo we have is of their golden anniversary. Jake was born 1837 and died in 1926 and is buried in the Overman Cemetery.
Miranda was born 1836 and died in 1920. The date of their marriage was unknown.
Picture: Jake Long’s golden anniversary taken where Evelyn Taylor lives on Lundy Street.
Frankie E. and Myrtle “Monty” Collison Lovell
Picture: Frankie and Myrtle “Monte” Collison Lowell and children
Myrtle is the daughter of Harry and Mary Collison and was raised Atalissa. She quit school in her senior year to marry Frankie Lovell in 1943. When Myrtle was a freshman, and Geneva Foster and Marilyn Wolf formed the first Cheerleading Squad in Atalissa. Frankie and Myrtle had five children Joanne, David, Frankie D., Jayne and . . .
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. . . Julyne. Frankie died in 1995 and Myrtle now lives with her daughter Joanne in Rochester, Iowa.
Jim and Marie Lowenberg
Jim ran the Elevator several years, was a Postal worker, and worked for Bill Hohnke. Jim married Marie and had two daughters Agnes, who married Bill Hohnke and Mar who married a man from Des Moines, Iowa. Jim passed away May 4, 1965 and Marie passed away in 1953 and they are both buried in the Overman Cemetery.
Floyd M and Bernice Maplethorpe
Floyd and Bernice lived on 5th Street. She taught piano to many people here in the 1940’s.
Picture: : Bernice Maplethorpe
Elvin “Mutt” Markham
Elvin was a businessman in Atalissa for many years. He ran Markham’s Garage located on Highway 6, eastside of Main Street. In the late 1920’s or early 1930’s fire destroyed the building so he moved to the other side of Main Street. It was known as “The Midway Garage”. Mutt sold Allis Chalmers farm equipment and Chevrolets. Mutt performed general repair on all makes of autos, trucks and tractors.
Picture: Elvin “Mutt” Markham
He was well known and served as Mayor for many years. Everyone called Mutt not knowing his real name was Elvin.
Almost all those who recalled the garage would remember his German Shepherd, Boomer, who ate pennies and dimes. It was said that one gentleman used to follow the dog around gathering up the change.
Ben and Vennie Marticke
Ben and Vennie lived on the southside of Highway Six where highway and Oak Street meet. He was the first trucker in Atalissa that Francis Carlisle recalled. Ben’s business was located on First and Oak Street to the west. They were members of the Christian church.
Anna McDonald
Anna lived at 314 Lundy. She was a Seventh Day Adventist and Perky remembers how she used to give him books to read about the church. One he never forgot was entitled “What Will Heaven Be Like.”
Marilyn V. McKillip and William
Picture: Marilyn McKillip
Marilyn was born in Stockton, Iowa the daughter of Loraine and Emma Voss. She attended school in Durant, Iowa and graduated in 1952. She lived in Atalissa forty years. Marilyn is a member of the United Methodist Church and is a Dietary Cook. She enjoys cooking and bowling.
She and Bill were married February 5, 1955 and have four children Debra Kay Simpson, Craig Allan, Scott Lee and Joel Ray. There are eight grandchildren, five step-grandchildren and one grandson deceased. Marilyn now resides in West Liberty.
William was born October 11, 1934 the son of William and Treva McKillip in Moscow, Iowa. He was a farmer till leaving Atalissa. He now . . .
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. . . runs a Liquor Store in Missouri. He enjoys Horseback riding and has trail rides annually.
Picture:
Debbie McKillip Simpson
Scott McKillip
Craig McKillip
Joe McKillipWilliam F. and Treva McKillip
Picture: Treva and William McKillip on their 40th wedding anniversary in May of 1968
Treva was born April 23, 1910 at Moscow, Iowa. She was schooled in Moscow and graduated from Wilton High School in 1928. She started dating William F. “Bill” McKillip while she was in seventh grade. They were married May 29, 1928 at her parent’s home. She stated she graduated on a Thursday and married Bill on the following Friday. William was born November 9, 1902 south of Moscow and died in 1970. He attended Oakhill School south of Moscow. Bill and Treva ran the grocery store in Atalissa in 1948, about a year. Bill was on the school board for nine years, until the early 1950’s. They had two sons William and Hal. Hal died December 6, 1996. There are seven grandchildren and fourteen great –grandchildren.
Treva now resides at 1002 N. Miller Street in West Liberty. Bill and Treva lived in the home place at 1904 Atalissa Road from 1943 to 1952. They moved to the house on Penn Avenue and Highway six where they lived from 1952 to 1972. Treva listed her occupation as homemaker and Bill’s as farmer but she was probably as involved with the farming as Bill was.
She is a member of the Easter Star and Bill was a member of the Masons Kaaba Shrine.
Picture:
Treva and William’s home from 1943 to 1952
Treva and William’s home from 1952 to 1971
McKillip family picture taken in 1968 back row left to right Deb, Bill Jr., Marilyn, Bill Sr., Treva, Hal, Shirley and Chris. Front row left to right Scott, Craig, Gary and Sharon.Pg. 119
Audrey Phillips White McMichael
Audrey is the daughter of Carl and Elsie Gatzke Phillips. She married Wayne White in January of 1942. They lived on the farm two and a half miles from Atalissa, where Todd Dickey now lives. They had five children Terry, Barbara Rock, Delores, Richard and Carolyn.
Wayne was hit by a beer truck on October 3, 1950 and was killed. He was hit at the Cedar County-Muscatine County line, just three-fourths mile from his home.
In 1953 Audrey married Vernon McMichael. For two years they lived in Springdale, Iowa and then moved back to the White farm. Audrey and Vernon had three children James, Kevin and Ronda.
They now live in Florida.
Verl H. and Neta Shaw Miller
Picture: Verl and Neta Miller on their 50th anniversary June 26, 1969.
Verl and Neta lived on Verl’s Fathers homestead about two miles east of Atalissa. Connie Smith lives there now. Verl and Neta were married June 26, 1919. They farmed the homestead from 1920 to 1962 when they retired. They moved to 227 Depot Street after leaving the farm. Verl was born in 1889 and passed away in 1971. Neta was born September 2, 1897 and died in 1985 the daughter of Robert and Callie B. Shaughnessy Thomas, in Louisa County, Iowa. She graduated from Muscatine High School in 1916. She taught in Muscatine County schools. Neta was a fifty-year member of the Eastern Star and attended the Zion Lutheran Church in Atalissa. There were four children Verl J., Vern D., Richard C., and Shirley Leming, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Neta was famous for her quilting, crewel stitching and wool rug braiding. She would make them and give to family and friends. The West Liberty Enterprise ran an article on July 8, 1982 about her wonderful quilts. It told how growing up in an Irish family she never learned the fine art of quilting. After her marriage her Mother in Law gave her lessons.
Hilbert and Ina Jensen recalled an evening when they went to visit with Verl and Neta. Verl was still out doing chores so while waiting Hib and Ina told Neta about the trip to California they were planning. Hib and Ina asked her if they would like to go along. When Verl came into the house Neta looked at him and said “Verl we’re going to California!” Hib said “and so we did and while we were there we visited their son Verl J.” Neta’s favorite poem was Life is like a patchwork quilt by Elizabeth Ryan DeCoursey.
Verl and Neta are buried in the Overman Cemetery.
Picture: Neta Miller and her centennial quilt taken in 1982.
Clyde “Short” and Myrtle Montgomery
Picture: Clyde and Myrtle Montgomery taken around 1980.
Short and Myrtle lived in the upstairs of the building at 215 Cherry Street, now Kandys Bar . . .
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. . . and Grill. Later they lived on First Street east of Bob Ervin’s home. Short was a mechanic for many years. He worked for the Chambliss Auto and Implement of Atalissa.
Clemmie Morrison
Clemmie lived on a farm east of town. It is the Hadley farm today. One year he decided corn prices weren’t good enough to pick the corn for market so he “hogged down” his cornfield with 800 head of hogs. It was quite a sight to see. The farm consisted of seventy acres. Clemmie had a trucking business all Perky could remember was seeing C. C. Morrison on the side of the truck.
George and Gladys Schafnit Morrison
100 Block of Fourth StreetPicture: George and Gladys on their 50th anniversary in 1958
George was born February 22, 1904 and died March 8, 1992. He was a carpenter for George Sterner, Post Office sub for Hohnke, and was Janitor for the school from 1940 to 1957. He was well known for his whittling, he learned the art from his father. He would whittle toys and give them to the kids at school.
George married Gladys Schafnit in 1928 in Wilton. They had six children Richard, Doris, Shirley, Janice, Marilyn and George. They were members of the Presbyterian Church, and belonged to the Community Club and the Get Together Club.
Gladys was born May 15, 1908 the daughter of Fred and Verena Crees Schafnit. She died February 18, 1996.
There is a newspaper article about George and his whittling. He started whittling back in 1917, when in the seventh grade. His first project was a knife and he kept it always.
Robert and Ruby Morrison
Picture:
Robert and Ruby Morrison
Robert and Ruby Morrison’s wedding picture in 1920.
Robert and Ruby’s farm house.Jacob and Anna Balmos bought the farm, which is located in the northwest corner of Penn Avenue and 187th. When they moved to the farm there were three daughters Myrtle, Hattie and Ruby. Twin boys were born in 1905 Wilbur and Willard.
In 1929 Robert and Ruby Balmos Morrison moved there. They had Dorothy, Bruce and Cecil, a boy they raised. They were married in 1920.
Ruby lived on the farm seventy-eight years. After Robert died in 1983. Ruby in September 1995 the farm was deeded to their daughter. Robert and Ruby purchased the one hundred-sixty acre farm for $16,500 in 1929.
It has been known as the “Morrison Farm” for over sixty-eight years.
Mearl and Lois Nebergall
326 Cherry StreetMearl was born South of Tipton, Iowa on November 27, 1907 to Roy and Phoebe Ford Nebergall. Lois was born May 24, 1912 to Herman and Ida Pruess Rehbehn. Karl was born South of Bethal School and Lois was born at Pee Dee 5 miles North of Atalissa. Mearl attended . . .
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. . . School at South Bethel School and Lois went to Pee Dee-Cree-Springdale. Her teacher was Mildred King, the Substitute, was Bertha king. She graduated in 1931 from Springdale. They were married on August 24, 1933 at her parents home. Mearl and Lois belonged to the Zion Lutheran Church in Atalissa. They lived on the farm 2 miles North of Atalissa for 44 years and then lived on Cherry St. Mearl and Lois shared the farm chores. They had 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. The children are Hilbert, Karl and Ileen Hanson. They were members of the Saddle Club in West Liberty and showed Appaloosa, Quarter Horses, and raised Mini-Mules for a 4-hitch pony wagon to take to parades around the area. Mearl passed away in June of 1984 and Lois passed away in 1999.
Picture:
Mearl and Lois Nebergall on their 45th wedding anniversary 1979
Lois Nebergall at 326 Cherry StreetFrank and Ida Oepping’s Children
Throughout their lives each of the 5 boys lived in the Atalissa area.
Otto married Marion Dickey in 1907, served in World War One and died shortly after returning home on November 1, 1918.
Frank married Zolla Wright on May 19, 1909. Zolla was the daughter of Charles and Lucy Wright and she was born September 19, 1887. They lived at 140 Railroad St., where Skeeter Phillips lived. They were members of the Christian Church in Atalissa. Zolla was a member of the Atalissa Chapter #426, Order of the Eastern Star. Frank delivered Mail in the Atalissa area for 45 years, retiring in 1955. Zolla passed away in 1948 and Frank on January 7, 1959 in Dunnedin, Florida. They are both buried at the Overman Cemetery.
George and Gladys Handorf Oepping were married in 1922. They lived part of their married lives in the Atalissa area but had moved to Muscatine at the time of his death in 1969.
Bert and Mary Hunter Oepping were married on October 14, 1919 and lived part of their married lives in the Atalissa area but had moved to Columbus Junction at the time of his death in 1973.
Verne and N. Emily Scott Oepping
Verne was the youngest son of Henry and Ida’s 5 sons. He attended school in Atalissa and worked in a grocery store and post office before and after school. During high school even though he was a good student and a good football player, he felt he was needed at home on the family farm more so he quit school. He took a full time job collecting produce, where he drove a white horse and a mule hitched to a Spring-wagon. He went through the country collecting produce. Several years later he met the new schoolteacher in Atalissa and a year and a half later they married. They moved in with Henry and assumed responsibility for milking 20 head of cows and raising over 500 chickens. In 1935 they purchased a farm in Indian Village Township near Toledo, Iowa. Verne passed away in 1966.
This information is from Mary Beth Bonnichsen-Carey, the Great-granddaughter of Henry and Ida Marticke Oepping. We would like to thank her very much for this valuable information. It has helped us very much.
Raymond O. and Judith L. Filter Oepping
111 S. Booth Street, Anamosa, IowaRaymond was born on July 21, 1928, in Atalissa, the son of Ray Edward and Dorothea Fountain Oepping. Judith was born on September 5, 1938 in Anamosa the daughter of William and Adelyn Filter. He graduated from . . .
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. . . the Atalissa School in 1945 and she graduated from the Anamosa School in 1956. They were married in 1969 and had 5 children, Susan Waltz of Bothell, Washington, Jeffrey Oepping of Lake Elsinore, California, Lisanne Garvin of Lake Elsinore, California, Ronald Oepping of Lexington, Kentucky and Jonathan Oepping of Wilmore, Kentucky.
They are members of the Methodist Church and he enjoys sports and she enjoys crafts and decorating. Raymond is a retired Human Resources Manager and Judith owns her own business. Raymond was in the U.S. Army from 1951-53. He lived in Atalissa from 1928-1950, and was born in the upstairs apt over Kandys Bar and grill, then lived in the middle of the block east of Mini-Mart and then in the house where Brian VanDusens family now live. He played Baseball and Basketball for the School teams.
Picture: Ray Oepping
Walter and Anna Demean Osborn
219 Depot Street (1961 – 1985)Picture: Walter and Anna Osborn
Walter and Anna DeMean Osborn were married on February 26, 1914 and farmed around the Atalissa area for 61 years before retiring and moving into Atalissa. They had farmed in Cedar County and had also a farm west of Atalissa called the Turkey Farm and then North of Atalissa where they stayed until retiring.
Anna was born on April 11, 1895 and passed away on March 19, 1985. Walter passed away on October 18, 1964 but we haven’t a date of his birth. Anna was a member of the Royal Neighbors and active in the Atalissa Senior Citizens group. She loved to play cards and play the piano. They had 7 children Wilma Fick, Dorothy Voss, Minnie Gritton, Gladys Ehlert, Loretta Whitmer, Evelyn Evans and Henry Osborn Jr.
Picture:
Family of Anna and Walter standing, Minnie, Dorothy, Wilma, Gladys, Evelyn, front Loretta and Henry.
Their home 219 Depot in 1974
A five-generation picture of sitting Anna and Loren Gritton holding Steve, standing Norman and Minnie Gritton.Pg. 123
Wilfred “Shorty”Oostemdorp
Wilfred was born in 1890 and died in 1971. Wilfred lived in Atalissa ten years from 1961-1971.
Picture: A picture of Bert Baker, Annie Osborn and Wilford Oostendorp
Jack and Orpha Ohl
Picture:
Jack Ohl
Orpha OhlJack and Orpha lived on an acre plot at the west edge of Atalissa. For 42 years they lived in Davenport, Iowa where he managed body repair shops. In 1972 they moved to Atalissa where he had beehives and always had a wonderful big garden. He always grew his tomatoes from seeds.
Fred and Theresa Gatzke Passmore
Farm R R 1 on Penn Avenue
Farm where Ronald Trout now lives.Picture:
Fred and Theresa Passmore on the 50th anniversary in 1973
Fred and Theresa’s house located on Penn AvenueFred was born in 1897, and died February 18, 1983, the son of John and Miss Chastine Passmore. Thereasa was born on May 3, 1900, and died October 31, 1990, the daughter of August and Emma Werth Gatzke. Fred went to the Independence School and took courses at the Muscatine Community College. Theresa went to School in Atalissa. They were both life long residents of Atalissa. Fred was a farmer and Theresa was a housewife. She loved gardening and sewing. Theresa was the organist at the Zion Lutheran Church. She was a great cook and her Dutch Apple Pie was enjoyed by anyone lucky enough to get a taste. Fred played for area Barn Dances, sang and was involved in skits. They were always involved in the community wherever there was a need.
They had 3 children Marie Kline, Donald F. and Dwight R.
Chester “Chet” and Lois Hepker Passmore
606 N. Clark St., West Liberty, IowaPicture:
Chet and Lois Passmore in 40th anniversary in 1967.
Chet and Lois’s house 160th StreetPg. 124
Chester and Lois lived on a farm South of Atalissa for 39 years. They had 2 children, Donna Fae Sterner and Leighton Passmore. They were married on January 12, 1927 at the Methodist Church Parsonage in Davenport. When the couple retired they moved to West Liberty. There are 7 granddaughters and 1 grandson.
Picture: Lois Hepker Passmore 1996
John and Ann Peeters
110 W. Fourth StreetPicture:
Anne Peeters
Anne’s house at 110 W. Fourth StreetJohn and Ann moved to Atalissa on January 10, 1972. John had a Welding shop on Highway 6 and ran the Midway Inn Tavern. Ann worked at Montgomery Wards and Hill Dry Goods. Before moving to Atalissa they lived on a farm near Rochester, Iowa.
Ann was born 86 years ago to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Nemluvil. She attended school in Bettendorf, Iowa, completing the 8th grade. John and Ann were married in 1930 in Illinois. There are 3 children, Jack, of Wilton, Ronald of LeClair, Iowa, and Barbara Ann of California. There are 9 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren. Ann always liked traveling with Dorothy Garvin. She was a member in the St. Mary’s Church. John died several years ago and Ann passed way in September 1999 at her home.
Jay Penny
114 Third StreetJay worked for Arch James as a farm hand and for Charlie Toyne. He had one son Merlyn.
Ralph and Pauline Pelzer
Picture: Ralph and Pauline Pelzer and family back row left to right Richard, Paul, Raymond, Eleanor and Loretta, front row left to right Ralph, Don, Mary, Hubert and Pauline.
Ralph was born February 9, 1995 and died March 28, 1974. He married Pauline on September 5, 1917.
Pauline was born November 16, 1897 and died December 28, 1980.
There were 8 children Eleanor (February 18, 1921), Raymond (October 1, 1923), Paul (December 31, 1925), Richard (March 23, 1928), Loretta (July 23, 1930), Mary Catherine (May 13, 1933), Don (March 13, 1935) and Hubert (November 3, 1937).
Glen and Laura Weikert Phelps
Glen and Laura lived on Penn Avenue near . . .
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. . . the old Tice Bridge.
They were married February 28, 1928 at the First Baptist Church in Muscatine. There were seven children Mrs. Grace Stucker, Mrs. Ruth Timmsen, Stanley, Mrs. Anne Howe, Wesley, Mrs. Lila Debourcy and June. A daughter Mary Virginia died. In 1978 there were 17 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
This information was taken from a newspaper article on their 50th wedding anniversary in 1978.
Picture: Glen and Laura Phelps taken in 1965
Carl and Elsie Gatzke Phillips
When they were first married they lived at 326 Cherry Street. Later they moved to a farm on 102nd Street. Carl and Elsie had five children Audry, Ruth, Dalton, Donna and Delbert.
Picture: Carl and Elsie Phillips
Dalton “Johnny” and Jean Ann Lindle Phillips
Johnny was born February 27, 1924 the son of Carl and Elsie Phillips at home. Jean Anne was born July 19, 1927 the daughter of Earl and Gladys Lindle. Johnny went to school in Atalissa and graduated in 1941, Jean Anne attended Cedarville and West Liberty graduating in 1944. She then went to Cornell College in Mt. Vernon graduating in 1947. She was an Elementary Teacher in Muscatine, Iowa. They were married in 1947 at the Methodist Church in West Liberty, Iowa. They have 3 children Douglas, Mitchel and Cindy. Johnny enjoyed traveling and camping. Jean enjoys reading.
John was in the Marine Corp from 1943-1946. He was wounded in Okinawaw and spent a year in the hospital. Johnny recalled how he lost 32 cents when the Bank closed and was very concerned, as that was his life Savings. He was a lifelong resident of the area except for military years. Johnny received the Purple Heart medal for wounds received in action against the enemy at Okinawa. He and Jean Ann were members of the Zion Lutheran Church in Atalissa. Johnny worked for Alcoa in the Quad Cities and then farmed in the Atalissa, West Liberty area for over forty years. He served on the Atalissa School Board and was Secretary for a time, was a 4-H leader for many years and was a director for 24 years to the White Pidgeon Insurance Association in West Liberty. Mr. Phillips received a life membership certificate from the American Angus Association as he had a very special interest in raising Angus cattle.
Johnny was member of the Masonic Lodge and had held most of the offices including Worshipful master, was a member of the Order of Eastern Star where he had been Past Worthy Patron. He was also a fifty-year member of the Mansell Phillips American Legion Post No. 509 in West Liberty. Johnny passed away on August 16, 1999 and will be greatly missed. He was a great help to us in the writing of this book and we want all to know how much the Atalissa Betterment Committee will miss his help.
Picture: Dalton and Jean Anne Phillips wedding picture in 1947
Pg. 126
Picture:
Dalton and Jean Anne Phillips in 1997
Family taken July 5, 1996 left to right Dalton, Douglas, Jean Anne, Mitchel and CindyDelbert E. Phillips
Picture: Delbert Phillips taken in 1997
Lived 1 mile N and _ mile E of Atalissa, now resides in Cass Lake, Minnesota.
Delbert was born April 29, 1930 the son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl M. Phillips. He attended Atalissa Public School and graduated in 1947. He was in the U.S. Army Signal Corps From 1952 – 1954. Delbert is a member of the Lutheran Church and likes gardening and fishing. He worked for Stanley Consultants in Reprographics.
Harlan S. “Skeeter” and June Sisk Phillips
140 Railroad St. Built by Vern Oepping around 100 years old.Harlan was born February 8, 1915 the son of Samuel and Mayme Phillips in Muscatine, Iowa. He is one of 15 children. June was born June 13, 1922 the daughter of Clifford and Ellen Sisk in St Joseph, Michigan. June died in November of 1995 after an extended illness.
Skeeter attended Lincoln where he finished 3rd grade. He was a Painter, Construction Worker and a Bar Owner. Harlan and June were married October 6, 1936, he was 21 and June was 14 years old. They had 3 children Delores “Dee Dee”, Scherry and David. There are 10 grandchildren and 23 Great Grandchildren. They were members of the Zion Lutheran Church. Skeeter was an avid fisherman and over the years had taken many of the boys in town on fishing trips. Skeeter passed away in May 1999 and will be missed. He was always in a good mood and could tell great stories. Atalissa lost a wonderful citizen when we lost him.
Picture:
Family picture of Harlan and June Phillips sitting, Sherry, Dave and Deloris.
Harlan “Skeeter” Phillips in front of his house in 1997