Taylor County, Iowa obituaries

Fearnot, Rena "Pauline" Schrodt - Funeral services for Pauline Fearnot, age 60 of Kenesaw, Nebraska, formerly of Bedford, who died Tuesday, May 6, 2008 in Hastings, Nebraska were held Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment was held in the Bedford City Cemetery.


Rena Pauline (Schrodt) Fearnot was born July 1, 1947, in Clarinda, Iowa the daughter of Lewis Charles Schrodt and Evelyn Lorraine (Harris) Schrodt. Pauline grew up in Bedford attending school. She met Dale Fearnot at a Christmas party and the couple was united in marriage on July 7, 1963 at the United Missionary Church in Bedford. Two children were born to bless their lives, Donald and Paula. The family lived in Bedford until 1966 when they moved to Colorado where they started their own roofing business. Pauline would help Dale on some of the jobs along with doing all the bookkeeping. She went to work for the Colorado State University in the Food Service Department, eventually working her way up to the level of Accounting Tech IV. She later moved into the Biochemistry Department as an Accountant. Pauline and Dale semi-retired in 1995, moving to Kenesaw, Nebraska where she worked for Terry’s Electric, finishing her working career at Phoenix Casting & Machining, where she was still employed at the time of her death.

Pauline and Dale also owned numerous homes in Bedford they rented out to the residents of the community. Maintaining the homes kept the two of them active in the Bedford Community and Pauline close to the family living here. Throughout the years, Pauline enjoyed working side-by-side with Dale in their businesses. Pauline loved being active in her kid’s lives, having served as a Den Mother in the Boy Scouts and Camp Fire Girls. She received the Bronze Big Horn Award for Boy Scouts and the Shaunaquois Award for Camp Fire Girls. Pauline possessed an ‘entrepreneurial spirit’; having a side business she called “Fancy Fabric Gifts” where she made picture frames, book covers and many other items. She and Dale tried to live each day and to make the most of each one. They lived with no regrets about things not done. They worked and lived together all of their lives. Her two biggest passions were running her cottages and being around family and friends, especially her grandkids. Over the years, Pauline attended the Missionary Church and later the Nazarene Church and was also a member of the Daughter’s of the American Revolution.

Left to cherish Pauline’s memory is her loving husband of 45 years, Dale Fearnot of Kenesaw, Nebraska; two children, Donald Fearnot of Fort. Morgan, Colorado; and Paula Pelkey of Bedford; two brothers, Lewis (Bud) Schrodt and wife Brenda of Clearmont, Missouri; and John Schrodt and wife Stephanie of Bedford; six sisters, Scharry Hipsley and husband Mike of Bedford; Phyllis Barrett of Bedford; Karen Herzberg and husband Everett of Emerson; Kay Dukes and husband Leroy of Bedford; Cindy Croson of Bedford; Janice Campbell of Bedford; three grandchildren, Whitney, Shannadon and Katelynn Fearnot; along with many, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Preceding Pauline in death were her parents and a brother Charles Edgar Schrodt.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

 

Fickess, Floyd Francis - Funeral Services for Floyd Francis Fickess, age 73 of Bedford who died Friday, February 2, 2007 in Omaha, Nebraska were held Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment was held in the Washington Cemetery in Gravity.

Floyd “Francis” Fickess was born June 3, 1933, in Creston, Iowa the son of Floyd Fickess and Daisy (Bicknell) Fickess. He grew up attending school in Gravity, graduating with the Class of 1951 from the Gravity High School. Francis was married to the love of his life, Garland Marie Prather on July 10, 1954. The High School sweethearts shared all that life had to offer them. Without a doubt, he would want you to know that this was God’s gift and the greatest joy of his life. They had two children, Curt (wife Susan) of Puyallup, Washington and Vicki of Seneca, Illinois. They also have 6 grandchildren; Lora (husband, Ben Ellingson) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jason Fields of Elmhurst, Illinois, and Andrea, Brad, Kayla, and Allyson Fickess of Puyallup, Washington. Francis answered the call to serve his country, serving in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955.

Through his love of the outdoors, Francis enjoyed activities like fishing, hunting, and many sports. Golf soon became the sport of choice. He not only enjoyed playing the sport but later started a business building golf clubs. This led to the very rewarding opportunity of donating golf equipment every year to the junior golf program at the Bedford Community School. Beyond the play of the game and the equipment business golf provided a lifetime of friendships filled with stories, laughter, and memories.

Francis’ career as postmaster provided more than a livelihood. It gave him the opportunity to build relationships and be a mentor with the young people of the community. He loved being a part of their lives and accomplishments as children, and continued as he followed their journey into adulthood.

The family would like you to remember Francis for the many ways he touched lives. From the student / athlete of Gravity High School to the husband, the father, the grandpa, the postmaster, the community volunteer, the golfer, the mentor, the story teller and most of all, of the love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Left to cherish Francis’ memory are his loving wife of 52 years, Garland Fickess of Bedford; two children, Curt and Vicki; six grandchildren; a sister Marie Hayman; his in-laws, along with many other relatives, and a lifetime of friends.

Preceding Francis in death are parents, Floyd and Daisy Fickess; a sister Darlene King; two brothers-in law Bob King and Bert Hayman.

As we share in the memories of Francis,
May God grant us strength in the mourning of his passing.

Mark 9:37 -- “Whoever welcomes one of these children
in my name welcomes me….”

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind can imagine
the preparation God has for you”
Words of Isaiah

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Flick, Frances J., 90, died October 18, 2006, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Services will be held at 10:30 o’clock a.m., Saturday, October 21, at Grace United Methodist Church in Des Moines. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. at the Church preceding the service. Interment services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock p.m., at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford, Iowa.

Frances was born the daughter of Bruce J. Flick and Alice J. (Dunning) Flick on August 17, 1916, in Marysville, Missouri, and graduated from Roosevelt High School. She received a B.S. degree in forestry from Iowa State University and a Master’s degree in library science from Syracuse University. She worked in the libraries for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and for the Animal Disease Laboratory in Ames. She retired as the reference librarian from the University of Arizona in Tucson and returned to Des Moines in 1981.
Frances loved her books, especially her book collection on the Civil War. She believed in reading non-fiction only and enjoyed attending the live New York theatre with her brother. She was politically astute and socially aware. Frances was multi-lingual. Within the last ten years, she taught herself Arabic and Bosnian. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Suzannah Circle of United Methodist Women, P.E.O. Chapter Q, American Association of University Women and Des Moines Women’s Club.
Frances is survived by her niece, Charlotte L. Clark, of Jamaica, New York, and her grandnieces, Carla M. Clark of Tucson, Arizona, and Annette H. Kimball of Long Island, New York. Frances was preceded in death by her mother and father, and her brother and sister, Robert B. Flick and Margaret D. Clark.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wesley Acres Good Samaritan Fund, Wesley Acres Council Gratuity Fund, or to the Donor’s favored charity.

 

Fraley, Adena Kay Boltinghouse - Funeral services for Adena K. Boltinghouse-Fraley, age 60, of Ohio, formerly of Lenox, who died Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at the Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Toledo, Ohio will be held Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Lenox Christian Church. Interment will be held at North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.

Adena Kay Boltinghouse-Fraley, 60, of Sylvania, OH, passed away Wednesday, January 16, 2008, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Toledo. She was born on January 29, 1947, in Creston, IA, and was the only child of Kenneth and Evelyn (Grimm) Boltinghouse. Adena attended Lenox Community Schools in Iowa, and graduated with the class of 1965. During that same year, Adena was installed as Worthy Advisor of the Order of Rainbow for Girls, where she had been a member since 1960.

Adena graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in 1969, with a Bachelors of Science, in Education. After attending the University of South Carolina and the University of Toledo, she received her Masters of Science in Education from Northwest Missouri State University, in 1973.

Adena taught first grade for the School District of St. Joseph, Missouri, three years; first grade for Spartanburg City Schools, Spartanburg, SC, one year. After moving to Ohio, Adena was an Educational Programming Consultant with Project PLAN for Sandusky County Schools, in Ohio, for one year. Adena was nominated as a Jennings Scholar in 1979 and has published for a nationally circulated publication for teachers.

Adena was selected as a Teacher of the Year for Sylvania, OH, Schools and in the same year was also nominated for the Ohio State Teacher of the Year Award as well. Adena received the Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year Award in 2005. Nominated by a former student, she appeared in the Who’s Who Among American Teachers, in 2005.

For the past 34 years, she was a second grade teacher at Stranahan Elementary, retiring in May 2007, for the Sylvania City Schools, Sylvania, OH.

On April 6, 1958, Adena gave her life to Christ and became a member of the Lenox Iowa Christian Church. She was an organist, pianist, and Sunday School teacher as well as a Vacation Bible School teacher. Church membership was placed at Boulevard Church of Christ, Sylvania, OH, November 9, 1972.

On June 19, 1971, Adena married Paul Houston Fraley at the Lenox Christian Church. After their marriage, they made their first home in Spartanburg, SC. In 1980 they made their home in Sylvania, OH. They welcomed their firstborn child, John Houston Fraley, into the world on March 19, 1980 and their second child, Elizabeth Ann Fraley, on April 24, 1983. Adena always enjoyed spending time at home with her husband and children. In 1973, Adena and Paul purchased a fourth-generation farm from her parents in Iowa. The family has enjoyed spending countless hours of quality time together in the peaceful country setting. With her son John, she attended art exhibits and local galleries where his work was on display. Adena enjoyed being able to spend time with her son and see his many artistic talents. She also spent time with her daughter Elizabeth, traveling around the U.S. to several gymnastics competitions. Adena enjoyed the time with Elizabeth and celebrating her athletic accomplishments.

Adena will be remembered as a loving mother and wife. Being an accomplished educator and community member, she touched the lives of many.

Left to cherish Adena’s memory is her husband, Paul H. Fraley; son, John H. Fraley and daughter, Elizabeth A. Fraley, all of Sylvania, OH; aunts, Arlene Grimm of Winterset, IA and Marianne Grimm of Scottsdale, AZ, along with a host of other relatives and friends. Adena was preceded in death by her parents.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Freemyer, Lilah Ellen Sickels - Funeral services for Lilah Freemyer, age 98 of Clarinda, Iowa, formerly of Bedford, Iowa who died Monday, January 14, 2008 at Westridge Care and Rehab Center, Clarinda, Iowa were held Thursday, January 17, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Bedford, Iowa. Visitation was held 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., Thursday, prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial was in the Athelstan Cemetery, Athelstan, Iowa.

Lilah Ellen (Sickels) Freemyer was born August 1, 1909 in Phillipsburg, Kansas, the daughter of Walter Sickels and Viola (Gibson) Sickels. She was the oldest of seven children. Her family moved to Parnell, Missouri area when she was twelve years of age. They later moved to Athelstan, Iowa. There she met and married Ansel J. Freemyer, January 4, 1926. Five children were born to this union; Marcelene, Alvis, Betty, Virginia and Carolyn. They moved to Minnesota where her parents lived and worked on their parent’s farm. Later, they moved back to Iowa to help on Ansel’s father’s farm.

Lilah had several jobs which included working at the school in Conway, Iowa, a hairdresser, seamstress and many homes were wall papered to perfection by her busy hands.

Lilah’s home was always warm and loving, where everyone was always welcome. Lilah was a devoted wife, daughter, mother and grandmother. Her family was a very important part of her life.

Lilah is survived by her daughter, Marcelene Goudie of Clarinda, Iowa, Betty Beemer and husband, Dean of Cody, Wyoming, Virginia Slemp and husband Loren of Union, Missouri, Carolyn Hiatt and husband Bruce of Cheyenne, Wyoming; sixteen grandchildren; twenty three great grandchildren and ten great, great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Lois Sickels of Holdrege, Nebraska.

Preceding Lilah in death were her parents, Walt and Viola Sickels; husband, Ansel J. Freemyer; son, Alvis Freemyer; son-in-law, Melvin Goudie; two grandsons, Mike Slemp and Jason Holt; two granddaughters, Connie Goudie and Shannon Freemeyer.


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


 

French, JB Funeral services for JB French, age 76 of Bedford, who died Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at Creighton Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska were held Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Visitation was Friday with a Masonic Service at 7:00 p.m. Interment with military rites accorded by the John F. Hardin American Legion Post No. 164 were held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford.

JB French was born January 19, 1933, in Taylor County, Iowa the son of Harvey French and Louise (Shaffer) French. He grew up attending rural schools, graduating from the Bedford High School with the Class of 1951. In 1953, JB was drafted into the United States Army where he faithfully served his country during the Korean Conflict. After he was honorably discharged he returned to Taylor County where he began farming. JB continued farming until his retirement in 1995. In April of 1956, he was united in marriage to Evelyn Elnora Goff. Five children were born to bless their lives, Jack, David, Debbie, Kevin and Sharyl.

After JB’s retirement from farming he went to work in Clarinda for the Crawford Auction Company. He was a member of the John F. Hardin American Legion Post No. 164 where he was currently serving as Commander. He was also a member of the Taylor Masonic Lodge No. 156 A.F. & A.M., where he was serving as the Secretary/Treasurer. JB served on the Bedford Community School Board for nine years and he was also currently serving on the Taylor County Board of Supervisors. JB’s true passions in life were farming, friends and especially his family. Although he could occasionally be found on a pond bank with a fishing pole in his hands . . . . or roasting a hot dog and drinking coffee by the campfire!

Left to cherish the memories of JB are his loving wife of 53 years, Elnora French of Bedford; his five children, Jack French and wife Rhonda; David French; Debbie (French) Slough and husband Mark; Kevin French and wife Lisa; and Sharyl (French) Reeve and husband Steve; nine grandchildren, Daniel French and wife Monique; Tammy (French) Kehrberg and husband Frank; Erica (French) Hughs and husband Shawn; Kaitlyn and Skylar French; Tyler & Korey Slough; and Maren and Maura French; four great-grandchildren, Jacob, Geri Marie, Evan and Trevor; three brothers, Ed French and wife Bethel; Roy French and wife Joyce; and Paul (Butch) French; two sisters, LaVonne Weller and husband Howard; and JoAnne Perdew and husband Bob; along with many other family members and a community of friends.

Preceding JB in death were his parents Harvey and Louise French; his in-laws Francis and Rosa Goff; a daughter-in-law, Kathy French; one granddaughter, Marilyn Meyers; a brother, Bill French; and two sisters-in-law, Fern French and Nadine French.

JB was a devoted husband, father, steward of the land and community servant.

His enthusiasm, humor and insight will be missed by everyone.

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


Fudge, Kenneth Lee "Kenny" - Kenny L. Fudge, 85, of Creston, died Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at Creston Nursing and Rehab Center in Creston. Services were held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010 at the United Methodist Church in Creston with Pastor Jim Gubser and Mary O’Riley officiating. Burial was at the Prairie Rose cemetery, south of Corning.

Kenneth Lee Fudge son of Benjamin Wilbur Fudge and Eva (Weech) Fudge was born March 4, 1924 at home in Taylor County, Iowa. He was educated in a country school in Taylor County, Iowa. On December 13, 1943 Kenny was united in marriage to Bernice Elgin (Reed) at the Harris Cariscom Park Methodist Church in Omaha, Neb. They settled in Taylor County on the home place where they farmed. During this time Kenny drove the school bus for Corning Community Schools for 10 years. In 1982 they had a farm sale and moved to a house in Creston. Kenny began to drive the school bus for Creston Community schools for 17 years. He drove to many activities and loved being around kids and enjoyed working with all the other bus drivers. He also mowed many yards and cleaned the Creston News Advertiser. Kenny and Bernice also camped at the Iowa State Fair for over 50 years in the same spot. On Sept. 1, 2001 Kenny and Bernice sold their house and moved into Regency Apartments. He has spent the last years at Creston Nursing and Rehab Center. Kenny was a member of the United Methodist Church in Creston.
Kenny is survived by two children, daughter, Mary (husband Steve) Firch of Prescott and son, Robert (wife Karen) Fudge of Apache Junction, Ariz.; six grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Bernice in 2005; sister, Wilma (husband Glen) Lock; five sisters-in-law, Ina Reed, Delphia Reed, Peggy Reed, Dorothy Eighmy and Edna Aldridge; five brothers-in-law, Newt Aldridge, Clifford Reed, Lester Reed, LeRoy Reed and Ivan Eighmy

.Online condolences can be made under the obituary category at www.powersfh.com.

Fugle, Mason Tylor Funeral services for Mason Fugle, age 27 of Overland Park, Kansas, formerly of Clarinda and Maryville, who died Thursday, May 31, 2007, in Overland Park, Kansas will be held Saturday, June 9, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Burial will be held in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Blockton.

Mason Tylor Fugle Stroburg, only son and middle child of Peggy Stroburg and Randy Fugle was born in Clarinda, Iowa on November 21st, 1979.

He lived in many places as he was growing up including Clovis, New Mexico where he started elementary school. He also lived in Lubbock, Texas and Clarinda, Iowa. He graduated from high school in Maryville, Missouri. He moved to Overland Park, Kansas a few years ago when Emily came here to live from her childhood home of California. Mason was most recently attending and working at DeVry University.

Mason met Emily Bailey through a mutual friend in September 2001. They maintained a long distance relationship until they moved to Overland Park, Kansas in January 2005. They had discussed marriage and Mason was intending to formally propose when he graduated from DeVry. They had 2 “children,” Buster and Jinx… dachshunds which Mason took great pride in training.

Mason always had a very curious mind. He was interested in the way things worked. Even at a young age he would take all kinds of things apart just to see how they worked. He didn’t seem to care whether it was broken or not… he wanted to fix it. This curiosity turned into a great passion for research and learning as he became a man. He was an excellent student making the Dean’s List every term at DeVry.

Mason enjoyed computers. Anything he could do with a computer became a hobby; research, surfing the web, emailing, building and so on. He shared a love of music with most members of his family and all of his friends. He recently became a very talented photographer. He and his sister Jessika often discussed the many new found functions of their cameras. Mason took some beautiful pictures of his of his Grandparents’ farm of which he was very proud. Mason enjoyed spending time with his niece and nephews. He and Joshua shared an obsession with video and computer games. Mason and Grandpa Eldon shared many discussions about the various things they researched. They always had to know what made things tick and enjoyed sharing that information with each other. As a small boy he developed a love for soccer which he had recently rediscovered. He had joined a soccer team with his friends from school. Mason was very close with his sisters and his Mom. He often discussed his Christian beliefs with them. He frequently asked his mom questions and engaged in many discussions as his faith grew.

Mason committed his life to Jesus shortly after high school. He and Emily attended First Family Church with his sister, Crystal. He joined Christ in heaven on May 31st, 2007 at the age of 27.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving girlfriend Emily Bailey of Irvine California: his mother Peggy Stroburg of Kansas City, Missouri; father Randy Fugle of Independence, Missouri; sisters Jessika “Jaeka” Sump of Clarinda, Iowa, (husband David); Crystal Fugle of Kansas City, Missouri; Stacy Solem of Brooklyn, Iowa, (husband Travis); niece and nephews Joshua Sickels, Adrianna Sickels and Kylor Sump of Clarinda; grandparents Eldon and Mary Stroburg of Blockton, Iowa; Thaine and Eleanor Cabbage of Clarinda, Iowa; Jack Fugle of Stewart, Iowa and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Fitzhugh, Rachel A. McCurdy - Rachel A. Fitzhugh, 83, of Waterloo, died at her home, Thursday, July 23, 2009. She was born April 23, 1926 at Conway, Iowa, the daughter of Max and Chloris (Matheny) McCurdy. Rachel married Gail E. Fitzhugh on August 6, 1947 at Bedford, Iowa. She taught country school at Bedford and also worked for United Airlines. Rachel was an administrator for fifteen years at Taylor County Home near Bedford. She and her husband, Gail, moved to Waterloo in 1965 and she became the administrator at Country View for twenty five years, retiring in 1985.
Rachel is survived by her husband, Gail, of Waterloo; two sons, Dennis (Vicky) Fitzhugh, of Clinton, TN and Roy (Valinda) Fitzhugh, of West Des Moines; seven grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren and one brother, Glen (Mary Lee) Sharp, of Bedford.
She was preceded in death by her parents, step-father, Ernest Sharp; two sisters, Mary Ann Irwin and Joyce McCurdy, and one brother, Gayland McCurdy.
Funeral services were Monday, July 27, 2009 at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home in Cedar Falls. Burial was in Conway Cemetery, Conway, Iowa on Tuesday, July 28. Memorials maybe directed to Cedar Valley Hospice. Online condolences maybe left at www.dahlFuneralHome.com.
Fine, John D. - John D. Fine, 89, Hopkins, MO, died Sunday, August 2, 2009 at Parkdale Manor in Maryville, MO.
John was born November 20, 1919 in Conway, Iowa, the son of Oliver Claude and Mary Jane (Moffitt) Fine. He married Eva M. Dukes on December 26, 1945. She preceded him in death on January 5, 2009. They were happily married for 64 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
John owned and operated the Chrysler Automotive Dealership in Bedford, Iowa.
He was a member of the Wray Memorial United Methodist Church in Hopkins, MO.
Survivors: Three sons, Ron Fine and wife, Kay, Carlisle, IA; Larry Fine and wife, Sue, Bowling Green, MO; and Steve Fine and wife, Beth, Independence, MO; eight grandchildren; nine great grandchildren.
Mr. Fine was a member of the Missouri Cremation Services.
Online guest book and obituary at www.missouricremation.com.
Fletcher, William Lee - William Lee Fletcher was born in Taylor County, Iowa near Siam on April 1, 1939, the son of Wilbur Remind and Eathel Nevela (Fleming) Fletcher. Bill grew up in the New Market, Iowa area where he attended schools. Bill passed away January 23, 2009 at the Red Oak Hospital.
After his formal schooling, he worked for the Shorty McCoy farm for several years. He was married to Linda Sparks for fourteen years. Bill drove for the Peerless Laundry route for ten years. In April of 1975, he started work at NSK, where he remained until retiring in August 2002.
He and companion Kathy Solt Racine had lived in Villisca for twenty five years. Most recently Bill had lived in Villisca, with his special friend Pat Reynolds, for the past three years. Bill liked the farm all of his life and was especially fond of horses.
Surviving are his daughter, Heather (Solt) Orr and husband Glenn of Creston; four grandchildren, Kimberly, Hallie, Jenna, and Brett; one sister, Ona Wyleen Thompson and husband Max of Mountain Home, Arkansas; and nieces and nephews; Joyce Larson and husband Lyndal of New Market, Iowa, Vickie Crosby and husband Rex of Clarinda, Iowa, Lisa Foster and husband Dusty of Shambaugh, Iowa, and Ronnie Fletcher and wife Kelly of Villisca, Iowa; several grand nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents, one brother Carl Fletcher; and one sister, Barbara Moses.
Funeral services for William Lee Fletcher were held10:00 a.m., January 28, 2009 at the Walker-Merrick Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa, with interment at the Clarinda Cemetery, Clarinda, Iowa. Visitation was held at Walker-Merrick Funeral Home Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.. The Tradition of Walker-Merrick Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa has served the family.
Fryer, Frank LeRoy - The Funeral Mass for Frank LeRoy Fryer, 86, of Villisca, Iowa, will take place at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Villisca. A luncheon at the Villisca Community Center will follow the Mass.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 25th at the Wolfe Funeral Home.
A memorial fund has been established in Frank’s name.
Frank Fryer of Villisca, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital at the age of 86.
Frank LeRoy Fryer was born in Taylor County, Iowa on March 21, 1923, the son of Roy Logan Fryer and Gertrude Tressie (Edwards) Fryer.
He graduated from the Villisca High School in the Class of 1941. On October 27, 1945, he and Anabel Casey were united in marriage at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Red Oak, Iowa. This union was blessed with four daughters – Charlotte, Linda, Sherry and Sheila.
Frank farmed southeast of Villisca for 40 years retiring in 1985. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol, Flying Farmers and the Taylor County Sheriff Posse. He was a great nature lover. His hobbies were raising registered black and tan coonhounds, hunting and fishing. He was also a licensed taxidermist for over 25 years.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law and father-in law Jim and Lula Casey; his brothers-in-law Earl Casey, Carl Casey and Joe Casey; his sister-in-law Marie Sullivan; and son-in-law Art Horton. He is survived by his wife Anabel of Villisca, his daughters: Charlotte (Terry) Gouger of Omaha, Nebraska, Linda (Dennis) Gourley of Oskaloosa, Iowa, Sherry (Denny) Wagoner of Sheridan, Wyoming, and Sheila Fryer of Scottsdale, Arizona; grandchildren Lori Vanderberg, Greg Gibson, Ray Gibson, Allison Gourley, Tyler Gourley, Montana Gourley, Jess Hoyt, Brooke Hoyt, Cally Hoyt, Casey Ferguson, and Adrian Wolfe; 12 great grandchildren; sister Florence Simms; many nieces and nephews.

Wolfe Funeral Home provided arrangements.
French, Kathryn L. Foutch - Kathryn L. French 46, Freeman, MO, died Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at Saint Luke’s Hospital, Kansas City, MO. Kathy was born July 6, 1962 in Missouri Valley, Iowa, the daughter of Jerrold W. and Mary Jane (Leonard) Foutch. She was a 1980 graduate of Woodbine Community School. Kathy graduated Summa Cum Laude from the College of Business at Iowa State University, Ames.
After graduation from college, Kathy went to work for an accounting firm in Omaha, Nebraska. It was after this time she made the decision to go to Germany and began her career with the Federal Government. It was here she met her future husband, David French. On May 4, 1992, Kathy and David were wed in the Virgin Islands. To this union two daughters were born in Heidelberg, Germany; Kaitlyn Rose and Skylar Nicole. In 1996, they moved to Harrisonville, MO and one year later to an acreage in Freeman. Upon their return to the United States, Kathy continued her 23-year government career by joining the Internal Revenue Service in recent years.
Kathy was preceded in death by one sister, Kaye Linda Foutch. She is survived by her husband, David French and two daughters, Kaitlyn R. French and Skylar N. French, of the home in Freeman, MO; step-daughter, Erica D. French, Missouri Valley, IA; her mother, Mary Jane Foutch, Woodbine, IA; her father, Jerrold Wayne Foutch, Neola, IA; three sisters, Kristine L. Gash, Missouri Valley, IA; Konnie L. Schechinger and her husband, Ronnie, Harlan, IA; and Karan L. Reidenbach and her husband, Bent, Lorton, VA; one brother Kevin L. Foutch and his wife, Andee, Denver, CO; paternal grandmother, Lois I. Foutch, Woodbine, IA; mother-in-law, Elnora French and father-in-law JB French, Bedford, IA; two brothers-in-law, Jack R. French and his wife, Rhonda, Lawton, OK; and Kevin L. French and his wife, Lisa, Des Moines, IA; two sisters-in-law, Debra J. Slough and her husband Mark, Blanchard, IA; and Sharyl Reeve and her husband, Steve, Blockton, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Freemyer, Truman Orval - Truman Orval Freemyer, son of Joshua Roland Freemyer and Zola (Campbell) Freemyer, was born on December 4, 1916, at Athelstan, Iowa. He passed away on Saturday, February 16, 2008, at the Longview Nursing Home in Missouri Valley, Iowa, at the age of 91.

His early life was spent in the Athelstan and Conway, Iowa areas. Truman received his education in the Conway School System. Following school, he worked as a general farm hand in the Conway and Bedford area. While in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camps, he helped build the Lake of Three Fires near Bedford. After World War II broke out, Truman enlisted in the U. S. Army in March of 1941. Some of the battles he fought in included the Normandy, North France, Ardennes, Rhineland, Sicilian and Belgium campaigns. His specialty was as a pump operator. He received his honorable discharge from the Army on October 18, 1945. At the time he was discharged he was a Technician Fifth Grade in the HQ Co. 22nd Armed Engineers.

On August 24, 1949, Truman was united in marriage to Alice Mae Philbrick in Maryville, Missouri. To this union three children were born, Duane Truman, Shirley Rose and Annette Renee. Following their marriage they made their home in Diagonal, Iowa. Truman continued to work as a farmhand and from 1954 to 1963 he worked in the Coin and Randolph, Iowa area. From 1963 to 1969 he was a farmhand in Shenandoah before moving to Farragut where he continued as a farmhand until 1981 when he retired from farming. Following his retirement he worked for the City of Farragut part-time. Truman enjoyed “tinkering” with machinery, loved fixing things with his pliers, putting together puzzles and playing Dominos.

Preceding Truman in death were his parents; wife, Alice Mae; two sisters, Agnes Elaine Freemyer and Louise Lela Besco; brother, Leo Bently Freemyer; and daughter-in-law, Eileen Ann Freemyer. Survivors include his three children, Duane Freemyer of Kemmerer, WY, Shirley Good and her husband Michael G. of Farragut, IA, and Annette Croll and her husband Joseph L. of Shenandoah, IA; eight grandchildren; three great grandchildren; one brother, Elmer Freemyer and his wife Kathryn of Ft. Laramie, WY; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Services were held on Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. from the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home. Words of Comfort were given by Pastor Fred Bryson. Organist was Terry Stafford. Mike Good sang "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" and "In The Garden". Valerie, Brenton, and Whitney Croll sang "These Hands". In charge of the Memory Register was Marilyn Phipps. Casket Bearers were Suzanne Nardi, David Good, Amy Freemyer, Hanna Freemyer, Molly Freemyer, Valerie Croll, Brenton Croll, and Whitney Croll. Military rites were accorded by the Shenandoah American Legion Post #88. Interment was in Farragut Cemetery. Memorials in Truman's name are being directed to the Alzheimer's Association.

Fuller, Doris Maxine Lewis of Bedford passed away on Friday, November 14, 2008, at the age of 85 years, 5 months and 15 days.

She was born on May 30, 1923, in Rapid City, South Dakota. She had lived in Bedford most of her life. She was the youngest child of Lloyd “Pappy” and Bertha “Gaga” (Johnson) Lewis. Doris had two brothers, Forrest “Frosty” and William “Bill”. She attended school in Bedford.

On June 2, 1940, at the age of 17, Doris was united in marriage to Delmar Fuller. They had two children, Cinda Kay and Berdalee.

From 1948 to 1963, Delmar and Doris owned and operated Bedford Rexall Drug. Former customers still reminisce about the drugstoreÂ’s soda fountain, ham salad (aka “Hong Kong”) sandwiches and comic books for the youngsters. Doris later worked at the Main Street Cafe. After Delmar passed away in 1980, she held jobs at the Bargain Corner, Style Shoppe and T.J. Jiggers.

Doris’ favorite pastimes were spending time at Godfather’s with her friends, watching the news channels on TV and shopping at her “mall” (Matura). She collected costume jewelry, cut glass and her ever-present hats. One of her final pleasures was learning that a Democrat had been elected as President of the United States!

The Lewis family played a prominent role in Bedford’s history. Doris great-grandfather, Levi Lewis, was the town’s second mayor from 1858-60. He had a law degree and sold properties in what would become Bedford’s “Lewis Addition”. Doris’ grandfather, Frank “F.N.” Lewis, owned several businesses and built downtown buildings. Doris’ father, Lloyd, and her uncle, Mahlone Lewis, were instrumental in getting the man-made Lake of Three Fires accomplished.

Doris is preceded in death by her parents and husband, brothers and one nephew, Bill Lewis, Jr.

She is survived by her daughters, Cinda Dukes of Anaheim, California; and Berdalee Corderman and husband R.F. of Bedford; four grandchildren, Nicki Hobbs and husband Rod of Fountain Valley, California; Tracee Sudyka and husband Craig of Shell Beach, California; Lora Brownstein and husband Richard of Woodland Hills, California; and Bill Walker and wife Grace of Garden Grove, California; three great-grandchildren, Kurt Sudyka, Haley Sudyka and Robert Walker; a sister-in-law, Esther Lewis of Lincoln, Nebraska; a niece, Patty Rivera of Illinois; along with a community of friends.

Doris passed away three days after her brother, William, and on the 18th birthday of her youngest great-grandchild, Robert.

Per Doris’ wishes, there will be no funeral.

Memorials may be sent to help a local restoration project, the Garland Hotel, P.O. Box 15, Bedford, IA 50833.