Andrew, Robert Clinton - Robert C. Andrew, age 73, of Mesa, Arizona formerly of Des Moines, Iowa passed away Saturday, April 24, 2010 at his residence in Mesa. Robert Clinton Andrew was born July 30, 1936 on a farm near Villisca, Iowa the son of Evan Jerry and Letha Emily Andrew. He graduated from Villisca High School in 1956 and was united in marriage to Joan Durham on September 26, 1956 in Red Oak, Iowa. To this union three children were born: Deborah, Rodney, and Doreen. Robert lived many years in Des Moines, Iowa where he worked for Bob Brown Auto Center. After retiring from the car dealership, he owned and operated Andy’s Lounge in Bondurant, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Donna Augustine on March 21, 1996 in Bondurant, Iowa. They moved to Mesa, Arizona where Bob owned and operated an appliance store retiring in 2004. Robert enjoyed NASCAR Racing, Football, Basketball, and Baseball. He was a member of the Bondurant Christian Church and in his younger years served in the Iowa Army National Guard.

Preceding him in death were his parents and daughter: Deborah Jarman. Survivors include his wife: Donna Andrew of Mesa, Arizona; children: Rodney Andrew and wife Linda of Red Oak, Iowa and Doreen Andrew of Des Moines, Iowa; the children’s mother: Joan Andrew of Des Moines, Iowa; grandson: Aaron Andrew of Newton, Iowa; brother: Willard Andrew and wife Margaret of Clarinda, Iowa; sister: Dorothy McAlpin of Kansas City, Missouri; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Graveside funeral services will be held 11 AM Friday, April 30, 2010 at the Maple Grove Cemetery at Guss, Iowa with Rev. John Clark officiating. There will be open visitation at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel in Red Oak, Iowa on Thursday afternoon. Memorials are suggested to the family.

Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel of Red Oak, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.

Brown, Lillian Louise Burkhalter - Funeral services for Lillian Brown, age 87, of Lenox, who died Thursday, May 27, 2010 at her home will be held Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Lenox. Visitation will be Tuesday at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox from 3 to 7. Interment will be held at Stringtown Cemetery. The family requests memorials be given in Lillian’s name. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries.

Lillian Louise Burkhalter Brown was born to William and Louise (Heuwinkel) Burkhalter on April 19, 1923, in Adams County, the youngest of 9 children. She attended country school and graduated from Corning High School in the class of 1940. Lillian worked at Turners in Corning while attending high school and shortly thereafter.

Lillian married Roscoe Brown on September 26, 1942 in Maryville, MO. To this union was born 5 children, Elaine, Stanley, Steven, Norvan and David.

In the early years of their marriage they lived in the Stringtown Iowa area, Glendale, Arizona, Lexington and Cozad Nebraska, Childress and Memphis, Texas due to Roscoe’s construction businesses. They moved back to the Lenox, IA area where they purchased a farm 5 miles North of Lenox in 1952 and moved onto the farm in 1954 which was her permanent residence until her death.

Lillian was an equal partner of all of Roscoe’s many businesses, including the farms, tile drainage and earth moving, manufacturing and sales. She wore many hats. She traveled with Roscoe throughout North America and the world.
She was dedicated to her faith and was a member of the Fairview Church, Mercer Center Church, Stringtown Church and finally the Methodist Church. She taught Sunday school at the Stringtown Church and was active in the Ladies Aid and the United Methodist circle. Lillian was a founding member of the Grant Center Women’s Club. She also did quilting with both the Lenox and Corning Methodist churches.

She had a lifelong love of music and just loved to whistle and sing and encouraged all of her children and grandchildren to participate in the arts. She also had a love of flowers and gardens, cooking and hand work but considered her children her greatest achievements.

Survivors include a daughter, Elaine (husband Carl) Israel of Lenox; four sons, Stanley (wife Jolene) Brown of Lenox, Steven Brown of Bedford, Norvan (wife Linda) Brown and David Brown of Lenox: eight grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren; a sister, Laverne Bovaird, sisters-in-law Lavetta Burkhalter of Creston, Wilma Boswell, Bernice Brown and Ellen Grace Brown of Lenox, with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Roscoe Brown and many members of her family.

Lillian was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and neighbor, and will be missed greatly missed by all.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Hughes, Duane William - Funeral services for Duane Hughes, age 84 of Bedford, who died Friday, April 30, 2010 at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center were held Monday, May 3, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment with military rites accorded by the John F. Hardin American Legion Post No. 164 were held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford.

Duane William Hughes, son of Fred Peter and Bertha Verna (Schroeder) Hughes, was born March 4, 1926, near Missouri Valley, Harrison county, Iowa, and passed away April 30, 2010, at the Bedford Nursing and Rehab Center, Bedford, Iowa. He attended school in Harrison county, and graduated from the 8th grade at Magnolia, Iowa.

Duane worked for area farmers until he was inducted into the Army in August 1945. He was stationed in Germany where he worked as a chauffeur for military officers. He was discharged in January 1947, and returned to farming with his brothers.

On August 19, 1947, in Sidney, Iowa, while attending the Sidney Rodeo, he and Marjorie Fay Woods were married, by a “one-eyed justice of the peace“. To this union, three children were born; Shirley, Jim, and Teresa.

Duane and Marjorie lived in and around Marne, Iowa, where Duane continued farming, then they purchased a farm and lived south of Atlantic. In March 1966, the family moved to a farm in Taylor county, Iowa, east of Gravity. Besides farming, Duane was employed by Gendler Stone, where he was a dynamite man, and he drove a gravel truck for Nodaway Contracting Co. in Maryville, Missouri. In 1973, they sold the farm and moved into Bedford. For many years, Duane and Marjorie enjoyed buying and selling antiques. This gave them the opportunity to travel to several states, including California, Texas, and New Mexico. They made numerous trips to Walnut, Iowa, and Branson, Missouri, where they had booths in antique malls. Duane refinished furniture and bought and resold many, many pumps and antique wheels.

Duane enjoyed meeting with friends for coffee at the local restaurants in Bedford, as well as lunch at the Congregate Meal Site, where he was actively involved on the board. He was a member of the United Methodist Church. His family held a special place in his heart, and he showed his love with affectionate teasing. Since May 2008, the Bedford Nursing and Rehab Center has been his home.

Left to cherish Duane’s memory are his three children; Shirley Rush and husband Harold of Randolph, Iowa; Jim Hughes and wife Betty of Gravity; and Teresa Biddenback and husband Lawrence of Bedford; sister-in-law Myrtle Hughes of Atlantic; brother-in-law Carl Woods and wife Dorothy of Council Bluffs, Iowa; five grandchildren, Curtis Rush and wife Cindy, Wiota, Iowa; Corey Rush and wife Holly and Cyle Rush and wife Rory of Omaha; Christopher Rush and wife Kylyn of Bellevue Nebraska; Lana Davis and husband Keith of Dubuque, Iowa; Chad Hughes of Carroll, Iowa; Sarah, John and Karl Biddenback of Bedford; six great-grandchildren; Shawnell Rush of Templeton, Iowa; Samantha and Cassandra Rush of Griswold, Iowa; Carli Rush of Omaha; and Jared and Chelsea Davis of Dubuque; many nieces and nephews; and numerous friends.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents; wife Marjorie in 2002; two brothers, Harry and Philip”Butch” Hughes; and two sisters, Evelyn Peterson and Elsie Caldwell.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Kernen, Frederick "Dale" - Funeral services for Dale Kernen, age 84 of Bedford, who died Tuesday, June 1, 2010 in Clarinda will be held Friday, June 4, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Bedford. Visitation will be Thursday at the Ritchie Funeral Home from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7 and a Masonic Service at 5:00 p.m. Interment will be held in the Lexington Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials can be directed to the First Baptist Church or the Gideon’s.

Frederick Dale Kernen was born April 14, 1926, on the family farm north of the Lake of Three Fires in Taylor County, Iowa, second son of Levi and Lula (Humphrey) Kernen. Dale attended rural schools, graduating Bedford High School in 1943. Dale was united in marriage to Beulah May Matheny January 5, 1947, at the Methodist parsonage in Gravity, Iowa. Dale and Beulah May lived in Sioux City, Iowa, from 1947-48 where Dale worked for Tri-State electronics. Four children were born to bless their lives: Sandi, Rick, Sonya and Randy.

In 1948 Dale built the first television in southwest Iowa. Since the nearest television station was in St. Louis, MO, he and Beulah May, daughter Sandi and friends JT and Shirley Weir traveled to St. Louis to test the television. It worked! It would be the next year before there was a television station close enough to watch from home. Although Dale did not receive a formal education beyond high school, he was self-educated in electronics. He always said that if someone was smart enough to invent something, he could surely fix it. He loved being a ham radio operator and the many friends he made across the waves.

Dale and Beulah May returned to Taylor County in 1948 and farmed for thirteen years where Dale started doing some "2-way" radio work. In 1958 Dale founded Bi-State Electronics. He and Beulah May moved to Conway in 1961 and together they ran Bi-State Electronics. Dale served as Mayor of Conway for many years where in 1971 a tornado destroyed their home. They rebuilt a home in Conway and lived there until December 1999 when they moved to Bedford. Dale and Beulah May enjoyed traveling and had wonderful stories to tell about their trip to the Holy Land, Egypt and many other destinations.

Dale was a member of the First Baptist Church for over 48 years, serving as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and mentor for many children and youth through the AWANA program, Vacation Bible School and other ministries. Beulah May was fond of saying that if the church doors were open, Dale would be there. Dale was active in Prison Fellowship for more than 17 years, a member of Gideon's for over 20 years and a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Left to cherish Dale’s memory are his four children: Sandi (Richard) Salen of Bedford; Rick (Cathy) Kernen of Auburn, WA; Sonya (Roger) Jones of Shenandoah; Randy Kernen and Sue Smith of Conway; AFS daughter, Elizabeth (Rick) Calvo-Bergman and their children, Ryan and Samantha of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; eight grandchildren: Amanda (James) Mackison and husband of Olympia, WA; Joshua (Andrea) Kernen of Portland, OR; Arin (Jesse) Baker of Bedford; Cale Jones and Rachel Jones, both of Shenandoah; Derick (Bethany) Kernen of Bedford; Devin Kernen of Bedford; Jason (Carlene) Smith of Clarinda; eight great-grandchildren: Brandon, Phoebe and Jacob Baker of Bedford; Clara, Henry and Eliza Mackison of Olympia WA; Jaiden Kernen of Bedford; Ian Smith of Clarinda. Dale passed away on June 1st at Clarinda Regional Health Center.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beulah Mae; his parents; and his brother Ray Kernen and his wife, Opal.

Dale was a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. His storytelling, love of learning, sense of humor and his deep faith will live in our hearts always

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Newkirk, Helen Ruth Damewood - Funeral services for Helen Ruth Newkirk, age 86 of Shenandoah, formerly of Bedford, who died Friday, April 23, 2010 at Woodlands Rehabilitation Center in Council Bluffs, will be held Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment will be held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford.

Helen Ruth (Damewood) Newkirk was born November 12, 1923 in Siam, Iowa the daughter of Stanley Damewood and Donna Lillian (Jobe) Damewood. She grew up in the Siam area attending school, graduating from the Bedford High School with the Class of 1941. On October 9, 1942 she was united in marriage to Roy Dwight Newkirk in Maryville, Missouri. After their marriage, Dwight left to join the United States Navy, serving in World War II. During this time Helen Ruth followed Dwight to Chicago, California and New Orleans, until he was deployed on a ship in the South Pacific. Upon his discharge in December of 1945, the couple farmed on the family farm for eleven years where they worked side-by-side. In 1958, Dwight went to work for the United States Postal Service in Council Bluffs, transferring to Shenandoah in 1966, and working there until his retirement in 1984. After his retirement, Dwight and Helen Ruth enjoyed spending several winters in Arizona. Both Dwight and Helen Ruth were baptized in the Christian Church in Shenandoah on October 25, 1969. The couple was blessed with the birth of two sons, Larry Allen and Norman Lowell, who died at infancy.

Helen Ruth was a very kind and considerate person who always made you feel welcome in her home. She was a tremendous cook and baker with her specialty being noodles and pie. She enjoyed, and was very talented at refinishing furniture. This was something she kept very busy at after Dwight’s retirement. She loved her family and truly enjoyed the time spent together. After Dwight’s death in 2006, Helen Ruth enjoyed her friends and time spent at the Shenandoah Senior Center . . . where she was known to shoot a game of pool or two. She also loved the close-knit neighborhood she had in Shenandoah.

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend are her son Larry Newkirk and wife Linda of Council Bluffs; her sister Doris Nicholson and husband Walter of Bedford; two granddaughters Jessica and Mikala; six great-grandchildren Ethan, Kassidee, Hailee, Braelynn, Madyson and Mackenzi; along with other family members and friends.

Preceding Helen Ruth in death are her parents Stanley and Donna Damewood; her loving husband Roy Dwight Newkirk in October of 2006; their infant son Norman Lowell Newkirk; a brother Eldon Dale at infancy; and a grandson Jason Newkirk

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Rogers, Sherri Lynn - Memorial graveside services for Sherri Rogers, age 55, of Bellevue, Nebraska formerly of Lenox, who died Saturday, April 24, 2010 at her home in Bellevue will be held Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the Grove Cemetery. Memorials can be given in Sherri’s name.

Sherri Lynn Rogers was born July 22, 1954 in Bisbee, Arizona the daughter of Howard Rogers and Shirley (Woosley) Rogers. Sherri grew up attending school in Lenox, graduating from the Lenox High School with the Class of 1972. She then went on to attend Iowa Western Community College to become a Dental Assistant, a position she held for several years. A change in careers took her to the United States Army Reserves for six months, serving as an active member for five and a half years. Sherri found her calling in the medical fields attending the University of Nebraska Omaha where she earned her Physician’s Assistant Degree.

Sherri had a ‘free spirit’ throughout her life. This led her to backpacking through Europe for a time. She was quiet and reserved most of the time, enjoying the company of her cats “Cutie” and “Muffy”. She was very passionate about her occupation and enjoyed the challenge of the education required to become a Physician’s Assistant. Those that knew her knew she was ‘at home in the outdoors’ and enjoyed spending time on the family farm when she could. Her family was most important to her and she looked forward to spending time with her nieces and nephews who were very special to her. Sherri also had a passion for the Nebraska Cornhuskers!

Left to cherish Sherri’s memory are her parents Howard (Short) and Shirley Rogers of Lenox, Iowa; brother Dave Rogers and wife Sue of Clovis, California; two sisters Lorri Glover of Prescott, Iowa; and Julie Russell and husband Rob of Prescott, Iowa; along with her two nephews Skip Rogers and Keaton Lundquist; and her two nieces, JaLynne Russell and Gracie Russell.

Preceding Sherri in death are her maternal grandparents, Carl and Beulah Clinton; and her paternal grandparents, Orville and Nellie Rogers.

Sherri was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt and Physician’s Assistant.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

St Aubin, Paul M. Dr - Dr. Paul M. St. Aubin died Saturday, March 13, 2010, at the Hilcrest Nursing Home in McCook, Nebraska. he was 89 years old.

He was born on June 22, 1920, in Stoney Point, Ontario, Canada the son of Dr. Joseph Hildege and Gertrude (Booth) St. Aubin. He graduated from the University of Toronto, at Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with his Doctorate. He did an internship at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts and at Oakridge, Tennessee, in cancer research. he was also affiliated with Harvard Medical College. He later studied the effects on the Japanese people as a result of the World War II atomic bombing.

He returned to the University of Nebraska at Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska and became the Dean of Radiology. Dr. St. Aubin practiced radiology in McCook, Nebraska at St. Catherine's Hospital for a time, and finished his career in Gardner, Massachusetts in June of 1985.

After retirement, Dr. St. Aubin and his friend, Emmett Rubin, purchased a farm in Bedford, Iowa. They lived there until Emmett's passing in 2001, at which time Dr. St. Aubin returned to the McCook community, where he was living at the time of his death.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Hildege and Gertrude St. Aubin; two sisters, Genevieve Mathoney and Catherine Mosher; and two brothers, Dudley and Wilfred St. Aubin.

Survivors include his brother, Gerald St. Aubin and wife Madeline of St. Lambert, Quebec; sister Lois and husband Justin Emery of Windsor, Canada; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial was held March 22, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in McCook, Nebraska.

Graveside services are scheduled for Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at the Methodist Grove Cemetery in rural Adams County, Iowa with Father Joy Thaiparambil officiating.

Stewart, Eldon Floyd - Funeral services for Eldon Stewart, age 93, of the Siam, Iowa area, who entered into peace Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at Good Samaritan Care Center, Red Oak, Iowa were held Friday, May 7, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Loren Daly officiating. Visitation with the family was Thursday, May 6, 2010, 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial was in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Guss, Iowa.

Eldon Floyd Stewart was born January 26, 1917, to Joseph Albert (Bert) and Hattie Gant Stewart in the Bebout community southeast of Siam, Iowa. He was the youngest of seven children; three of whom died in childhood.
Eldon grew up in the Siam area. He was baptized at the age of eleven and continued to serve the Lord at the Siam Church of Christ, which his grandfather, Sam Gant, helped build. Six generations have attended worship services at this church.
He graduated high school in 1934 from Hopkins, Missouri. After graduation, he began his farming career, which he continued until retirement.
On May 5, 1944, Eldon married Violet Crowell of New Market, who was teaching at the Bebout School near his family farm. They met while he attended his first year of high school in New Market. Later, they were blessed with two children, Roger and Linda.
After raising their family in the Siam area, Eldon and Violet moved to a farm southwest of Corning where he remained until an arsonist destroyed his home. In 2005, he moved to Halland Village where he maintained his residency until he entered Good Samaritan Care Facility for the last month of his life.
Eldon thoroughly enjoyed his family and friends. He was known for his love of writing and correspondence. Violet and Eldon enjoyed traveling, flowers, and the beauty of God's creation. He was known for seeing the beauty in others and enjoying even the little things in life.
Preceding him in death were his devoted wife, Violet; parents, Bert and Hattie Stewart; brothers, Samuel and LeRoy; sisters, Liefa Stewart, Anna Cooper, Almiria Renfro, and Bessie Lucas Maudlin Weddle; one granddaughter, Kimberlea Lynn Volkmar.
Eldon is survived by son, Roger and wife Susan of Stanton, IA; and daughter, Linda Volkmar of Santa Monica, CA. Roger and Susan's daughters are Shauna and husband Darin Seaman of Omaha, NE; Shalée and husband Josh Boyles of Waterloo, IA; ShaRee and husband Don Schnitker of Norwalk, IA. Linda's children are Michelle and husband Sean Sahlstrom of Minneapolis, MN; Aaron and wife Becca Volkmar of Boone, IA; Nathan Volkmar of Minneapolis, MN. Eldon also has nine great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

Eldon firmly believed the only way one could ever enter the gates of Heaven would be because of the grace he or she had been given by Jesus Christ.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.

Wurster, Wanda Woolley - Funeral services for Wanda Wurster, age 75, of Lenox, who died Saturday, May 1, 2010 at the Greater Regional Medical Center in Creston will be held Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the Area Bible Fellowship Church in Clearfield. Visitation will be Tuesday at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Interment will be held at Grove Cemetery in rural Lenox.

Wanda Wurster was born on November 23rd, 1934, to Mildred and Delbert Woolley at Garden Grove, Iowa. She was the second of four children that included Donna, Susy, and Fred. Wanda lived in Lenox and attended Lenox Community School during her Jr. High and High School years.

Wanda and Ron Wurster were married June 6th, 1954, and began their lives together farming and raising their family. Wanda enjoyed the life of a farmer’s wife, raising her daughters, growing large gardens, raising chickens, and making a home for her family. She was a devoted neighbor, visiting others and helping when needed.

A large part of Wanda’s life was not just her own family, but also her church family. She was a dedicated member of the Area Bible Fellowship Church after giving her heart to Christ. She faithfully served God and was an example to those who knew her.

The joy of Wanda’s life was her grandchildren. Her family enjoyed a close relationship and was blessed to be able to spend much time together. She went to many ball games, piano recitals, dance recitals, and track meets through the years with Ron and her daughters. She always looked forward to special times with her family, making her house a home by baking her fabulous pies, homemade fudge (which her daughters could never master), angel food cakes, and multitude of meals that were happily consumed by everyone. A good day with family was filled with food, laughter, and enjoyment of granddaughters and grandsons. At home with Ron, Wanda was an avid reader and devotedly watched her favorite Chicago Cubs win (and lose).

Preceding her in death was her mother, Mildred Woolley, her father, Delbert Woolley, her sister, Donna Paul, and an infant daughter, Amy.

Left to cherish their memories of Wanda is her husband, Ron; her daughters and son-in laws: Sheryl and Phil Preston of Lenox, Elaine and Jerry Mullock of Grant City, Lori and Jerry Williams of Lenox, and Peggy and James Hardy of Afton; her sister Susy Brokaw of South Bend, Indiana; and her brother Fred Woolley and wife Linda of LaVista, Nebraska.

She is also survived by the ones who were truly her heart’s delight, her grandchildren: Shannon Preston, Shawn Preston, Alex Mullock, Eli Mullock, Joshua Hardy, and Elizabeth Hardy.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Jobe, James Conlin - Funeral services for Jim Jobe, age 63, of New Market, Iowa, who entered into peace Thursday, May 13, 2010 at his home in New Market were held Monday, May 17, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa with Russ Clark and Rev. Dan Wiebesiek officiating. Visitation with the family was held 6-8 p.m., Sunday, May 16 at the funeral home. Burial was in the Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the New Market Fire and Rescue. Memories.

James Conlin Jobe, age 64, of New Market, Iowa entered into rest on Thursday, May 13, 2010.

James Conlin was born on September 1, 1946 in Clarinda, Iowa. Jim is the son of Cleva Whitehead Jobe and the late Floyd Jobe. He attended country school in Siam, Iowa until seventh grade and then attended New Market Junior High and High School where he graduated in 1964. Jim excelled in several sports - football, basketball, and track just to name a few. His teammates and coaches referred to him as "Lightning".

On April 4, 1965, Jim married Birdice Anderson. They were blessed with four children - Laurie, Carrie, Scott and Emily.
Jim thoroughly enjoyed attending his children's school and sporting events. He was an amazing provider teaching his children many valuable lessons.

Jim worked at the Clarinda Company for 37 years in the Photography department and then went on to work at Lisle Corporation for 7 years. Not only will he be known as a hard worker but also as quite the "jokester" among his co-workers. Many have said "He made it fun to come to work everyday!"

Jim will be known as a wonderful man with a very generous spirit. He was always there to lend a hand to anyone who needed him. He had many fond memories attending the Drake Relays with some of his closest buddies. Come rain or shine, they never missed in 42 years. Sports facts was Jim's "wheelhouse". His knowledge of times and records of athlete's from all across the state was baffling. He loved horse racing as well; which even included racing himself with his Quarter Horse Captain. One of his favorite vacations was attending the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. In general, Jim just loved to watch things RUN! Jim was also a huge Iowa Hawkeye fan; he attended many games and hosted several Bowl parties. Besides sports, Jim had other hobbies as well. He loved to tend his vegetable garden every summer and enjoyed canning anything he could get his hands on. All that hard work just to share it with friends and family.

Preceding him in death is his father, Floyd; Father and Mother-in-law, Ben and Mary Anderson; and nephew, Chad Rucker.

Those remaining to cherish Jim's memories are his wife of 45 years, Birdice Jobe; Children: Laurie (Bruce) Fountain of Gretna, Nebraska; Carrie (Gene) Geer of Treynor, Iowa; Scott (Alisha) Jobe of New Market; Emily (Geoff) Smith of Fuquay Varina, North Carolina; Grandchildren: Tayler and Trenton Geer, Nicholas and Benjamin Fountain, Grant and Presley Jobe, and Ivy Smith; Mother, Cleva Jobe; Sister, Jacky Rucker; Sister and Brother-in-law Ann and Wayne LaFontaine of Urbandale, Iowa; Brother and Sister-in-law Ed and Jan Anderson of Huntley, Illinois; Sister and Brother-in-law Margaret and Jim Johnson of Hart, Michigan; Sister and Brother-in-law Teresa and Joe Harbacheck of Boise, Idaho; Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and many dear friends.

Jim's battle with cancer epitomized the content of his character. He will be greatly missed but forever in our hearts.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.

Wilson, Velda Mae Preston - Funeral services for Velda Wilson, age 94, of Lenox, who died Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at Parkdale Manor in Maryville, Missouri will be held Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Lenox. Visitation will be one hour prior to services with the family greeting friends. Interment will be held in the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Memorials will be used for the enhancement of Wilson Lake Park.

Velda Mae (Preston) Wilson was born March 26, 1916 the daughter of W.J. Preston and Lennie (Sturm) Preston on their farm 31/2 miles north of Lenox, Iowa. She grew up in the Lenox area attending rural school and graduating from the Lenox High School with the Class of 1933. Velda was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church in Lenox.

After graduation, Velda taught in a one-room rural school in both Stringtown and Prescott, Iowa where she taught until she was united in marriage to Cecil Edward Wilson on October 15, 1940. The couple began their life together on Grandview Farm south of Lenox. To this union was born two daughters, Nancy and Janey.

Velda was an active farm wife helping Cecil with the farming operation, raising purebred Hampshire hogs. They were widely known for their annual breeding stock auction which attracted as many as 1,000 buyers from various states, as well as maintaining a herd of purebred Angus cattle. They also loved to garden and raise flowers both at their home and at Wilson Lake which they were instrumental in developing. A fond memory that Nancy and Janey share is the smell of freshly-baked pie, cookies or homemade rolls that greeted them on their return from school.

After Cecil’s death in August of 1973, Velda remained on the farm as well as commencing work first at the White Way Café in the old Lenox Hotel, at Sturm’s Dress Shop and later Karen’s Kloset. She managed the farm and actively cared for the lawn, garden and flowers she loved. Velda took great pride in raising and lowering the United States Flag at Wilson Lake every day for many years. In January of 2009, she moved to Bristol Manor in Maryville, Missouri. At Bristol Manor, she developed new friendships while enjoying the wonderful care provided by the dedicated staff.

Velda was preceded in death by her husband Cecil Wilson; brother, Clifford Preston; sister, Thelma Wenger; her parents; several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and a grandson-in-law, Larry Steen.

Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Nancy Pennington and husband Wes of Lawson, Missouri; and Jane Ferguson of Maryville, Missouri and David Hunt of Smithville, Missouri; five grandchildren, Terri Steen of Kansas City, Missouri; Mindy Sharp and husband Gary of Excelsior Springs, Missouri; Scott Ferguson of Wentzville, Missouri; Clint Ferguson of Kansas City, Missouri; and Nick Ferguson of Henderson, Nevada; six great-grandchildren, Taylor Steen, Brandon, Brooklyn and Bristol Sharp; Christian and Fletcher Ferguson; a sister, Dorothy Routh and husband Marvin; two sisters-in-law, Elsie Preston and Maurine Strange, all of Lenox, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

We will miss her caring nature and the welcoming smile she always shared with her family and friends.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Tresner, Rozann Cecilia Gessert Lauritsen - Mass of Christian Burial Services for Rozann (Lauritsen) Tresner, age 61 of Harlan, who died Monday, May 10, 2010 at the Golden Living Center in Maryville, Missouri will be held Saturday, May 22, 2010 at 10:30.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan. Visitation will be Thursday, May 13, 2010 at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford, Iowa from 3 to 7. Cremation will follow the visitation with interment of ashes to be held in the Harlan Cemetery.

Rozann Cecilia (Lauritsen) Tresner, daughter of Donald and Regina (Patten) Gessert, was born October 3, 1948, in Westphalia, Iowa.  She was baptized and confirmed at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa.  She graduated from Harlan Community High School in 1967.

On June 3, 1967, Rozann was united in marriage to Lyle Lee Lauritsen at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan.  Three children were born to this union, Andrew, Derrick, and Regina.

On July 27, 1996 Rozann was united in marriage to Leland Tresner in Harlan.

Rozann drove bus and worked for the Harlan Community School District for 18 years.  After her second marriage she moved to Peculiar, Missouri where she worked for the Harrison County School District. Later she moved to Kansas City, Missouri and became a foster parent. Rozann devoted herself to 10 different foster children throughout the following years. She loved spending time with children and started her own daycare after moving to Maryville, Missouri in 2005.

Rozann loved spending time with family and friends.  She enjoyed golfing, camping, fishing, and sitting around the campfire. She also enjoyed her grandchildren’s activities and school functions.  She looked forward to attending the state bowling tournament with her sisters every year.

Rozann found peace on Monday, May 10, 2010, having attained the age of sixty-one years and seven months. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Lyle Lauritsen, a son Derrick, her brother Ralph, and a second husband Leland Tresner.

She is survived by her son Andy Lauritsen and his wife Amber of Bedford, and her daughter Gina Giesken and her husband Mike of Ravenwood; seven grandchildren: Christian, Sydney, Cheyenne, Jadyn, Lyle, Josie and Kade; a sister-in-law, Mickie Gessert of Harlan; her siblings: Donald Gessert and his wife Susan of Elk Horn, Iowa; Darold Gessert of Harlan; JoAnn and her husband Lonnie Rose of Harlan; Wayne Gessert of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Dale Gessert and his wife Georgia of Heartland, Wisconsin; Diane and her husband Terry Derby; Kathy and her husband John Kelly; Marcia and her husband Tom Albertsen; Randall Gessert; Darwin Gessert and his wife Mary all of Harlan; Beverly Gessert of Minden, Iowa; Dean Gessert and his wife Deb and Donna Jean Gessert all of Harlan; nieces; nephews; other family members and many friends.

"We lost a beautiful lady, but our family in Heaven gained a rose."

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

McMillin, Ronald Ray - Funeral services for Ronald McMillin, age 61 of Shenandoah, formerly of Bedford, who died Monday, May 10, 2010 at Garden View Care Center in Shenandoah will be held Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 5 to 7. Interment with military rites accorded by the John F. Hardin American Legion Post No. 164 will be held in the Bedford City Cemetery.

Ronald Ray McMillin was born June 6, 1948 in Iowa City, Iowa the son of Gene and Alma (Lee) McMillin. Ronnie grew to maturity in Bedford, Iowa working at various odd jobs. He later joined the United States Army. Vietnam and Germany were two of his most memorable military experiences during his years of service. Ron loved his family and always took time to spend with his nieces and nephews at family reunions. Ron’s greatest treasure was his three children, Tammy, John and Shadom. He would have loved to have spent more time with them and his four grandchildren, had his health not hindered his mobility and speech.

2000 brought Ron to live at Taylor Ridge Estates in Lenox, Iowa where he enjoyed the staff, residents and activities there. A stroke in 2001 left Ron paralyzed on his right side and unable to talk. He relied on his niece T.J. to interpret what he wanted. As his health continued to decline he moved to the Lenox Care Center and after while he decided he wanted to move to Shenandoah to Garden View Care Center to live closer to his three sisters. Ron enjoyed the many activities and outings at Garden View Care Center. His favorites were trips to the casino and playing BINGO.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Brothers: Marvin and Norman and sisters: Joanne, Flo and Mary.

Left to cherish his memory are daughters, Tammy Borwig of Clarinda, Iowa and Shadom McMillin of Carter Lake. A Son, John McMillin of Carter Lake and 4 grandchildren, Blake and Tyler Luckado and Kevin and Jasmin Camarrena. Sisters, Helen Coleman and Bill of Gravity, Iowa, Wilma McGraw and Roy of Essex, Iowa, Linda Anderson and Tom of Essex, Iowa, Brother Paul McMillin and Jo of Council Bluffs, IA, Sister-in-laws, Anna Mae McMillin and Kathy Supinger both of Bedford, Iowa and many other relatives and friends.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Howard, Loretta Ilene Turner - Funeral services for Loretta Ilene Howard age 79, of Lenox, Iowa died May 5, 2010 at Mercy Hospital in Corning, Iowa. Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 1pm-4pm at Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox. Graveside service will be held on May 11, 2010 at 11:00am, at the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.

Loretta Howard was born July 21, 1930 in Creston, Iowa the daughter of Herschel Turner and Gladys (Draper) Turner. She grew up on a farm outside of Creston.

She married Lavaughn Howard January 1, 1948. They began their family in Lenox, Iowa with a son Tim Howard and a daughter Sheila Woosley. From 1950-1965 she was a homemaker and then began working outside the home at Sheridan Egg Plant. After she retired from there her and Lavaughn began making arts and crafts. She enjoyed going to many places to sell their arts and crafts including the Iowa State Fair. They also fixed up a building on Main St. and opened a arts and crafts store in Lenox. Loretta live in her own home until her unexpected death.

She enjoyed reading, painting crafts, playing cards, listening to music, and spending time with her family.

Left to cherish her memory is her son Tim Howard (Emlie), daughter Sheila Woosley (Merle), sisters, Luella Goodman, Nadine Beadel, Eulla Genners (Art), sister-in-laws Urania Turner, Ruby Turner, Norma Warrick, brother-in-law Mel Howard (Carol), grandchildren Tanya Howard, Deana Salisbury (Scott), Jennifer Honnold (Dan), Travis Howard, Jesse Howard, great-grandchildren Riley and Rowan Salibury and Laney Honnold, and many nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lavaughn Howard, parents Herschel and Gladys Turner, brothers Wayne and Cleve Turner, brother-in-laws Ray Goodman, Wendell Beadel, Daryl Howard and sister-in-law Florence Howard.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Lenox Ambulance. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox.

Stevens, Francis "Red" Sr - Francis Mitchell Stevens, Sr. was born March 25, 1944 in Eureka, Kansas, the son of Benjamin and Estelle (Williams) Stevens. He passed away on Monday evening, June 7, 2010 at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 66 years, 2 months and 12 days.

Francis grew up all over the country. He lived in Shenandoah for several years where he worked for the Farm Master Gate Factory and he drove a truck. He later moved to the Lenox area where he worked for Papetti’s. After he retired, he moved to the Boone area where he lived until his health began to fail. At that time he moved to Fremont, Nebraska to be close to family. Francis enjoyed leatherwork, beadwork and building model cars. The true love of his life was NASCAR racing and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his step father, Boyd Jack Spencer; and an infant sister, Marion Louise Stevens.

Survivors include his three sons, Luke Kirsch and his wife Melanie of Des Moines, Iowa, Mitchell Kirsch of Atlantic, Iowa, Benjamin Kirsch of Red Oak, Iowa; two sisters, Syvithia Spencer and her husband Dan of Fremont, Nebraska, Alberta Wedmore of Pierre, South Dakota; five grandchildren, Zackery Kirsch, Caleb Kirsch and Zane Kirsch all of Des Moines, Iowa, Jonah Kirsch and Makayla Kirsch of Red Oak, Iowa; along with many other relatives and friends.

Buried Dallas Center Cem, near New Market, Iowa. Kirsch Funeral Chapel, 405 W. Thomas Ave.
P.O. Box 277, Shenandoah, IA 51601