Obituaries |
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com |
[BERRINGER, NELLIE AUGUSTA LARSON] Nellie Augusta Larson was born Aug 31, 1888 to Fred and Kitty Larson at Yankton, S D. She was married Dec 25, 1909, to Walter Lloyd Berringer. Their two daughters are Mrs Floyd (Leona) Johnson of New Market and Mrs. John (Winona) Curtis of Nodaway. Her two granddaughters are Mrs Elvin (Betty Lou) Clark of Guss and Mrs Lyle (Patsy Ann) Steeve of Corning. Her only grandson, Dean Curtis, died last April 25. Her brother is Rex Larson of Waynesville, Mo, and a sister, Mrs. Leon (Trixie) Guarst is of Watson, Mo. When but six years of age, she moved with her parents to the Hawleyville vicinity and spent her entire life in Page and Montgomery counties. She had been a constant sufferer since last April. She attended the Methodist church and was an ardent lover of flowers and her work out of doors. The Rev Joe Cook of Corning conducted the services, with music by Mrs Cook and Mrs Carolyn Harris. Casket bearers were Richard and Bob Marsh, Ralph Peterson, R G Muckey, Elvin Clark and Lyle Steeve.
[BRANAN, CARROLL GILBERT] Mr. Branan was born Jan. 15, 1915, the son of Gilbert and Edith Stephens Branan. He was a lifelong resident of the Taylor and Montgomery County areas and also was a veteran of World War II. He is survived by his wife Dorothy of Villisca; two sons, Larry and Gail; two daughters, Marie and Marilyn and five grandchildren and a sister, Verla Mae Sweeney of Hemet, Ca.
[BRANAN, EDITH STEPHENS] Memorial service was this Thursday at the Maple Grove Methodist Church at Guss with the Rev George White in charge, assisted by the Rev Clarence Moore. Interment was in the church cemetery. Sutphen Funeral Home at Villisca was in charge of the arrangements. She was involved in many of the community activities of the area. A life-time resident of Guss in Taylor County, she was made an honorary 4-H member several years ago, interested in her home and church. She had been news writer for the Herald Journal for more than 30 years as well as writing for the papers at Villisca and Corning. She was the former Edith Stevens [Stephens], married to Gilbert Branan on March 11, 1914. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary three years ago with over 400 persons signing the guest book. She had taught in the vicinity, including the school next to the Branan home, two miles northwest of the Maple Grove church. Three children and her husband are survivors. A daughter Verla Mae Pedigo lives at Los Angeles, two sons are Carroll at Villisca and Valjean at Omaha. A son, Wilbur, died about a year ago and a daughter, Mrs Helen Harrison, a year prior to that at Los Angeles. The couple has 13 grandchildren and three great granddaughters.
[BRANAN, GILBERT] Services for Gilbert Branan were held Tuesday, October 3, 1972 at 2 pm at the Guss Methodist Church with Sutphen Funeral Home in charge. Officiating clergyman was the Rev Edward Osburn. Pallbearers were Wilson Wilhelm, Bob Neal, Fred Miller, Bill Garey, Paul Richey and Ted McCoy. Caring for flowers were Bonnie Garey, Margeleeen Naven, Lois Mitchell and Opal Gray. Musical selections of “How Great Thou Art” and “In the Garden: were sung by Carl Brand accompanied by Donna Cribbs. Wilma Gill and Mildred Moore were at the Register book. Concluding services were in Guss Cemetery.
[BRANAN, JOHN WILBUR] Wilbur attended Taylor Co rural schools near Guss and graduated with high honors, both from rural graduation in Taylor County in the 8th grade and with his high school class in 1935 from Villisca high school. He was united in marriage with Wilma Van Ausdale, May 7th, 1939. To this union wee born three children, James Dale of Ft. Riley, Kan., Gary Gordon and Linda Joyce of Amarillo, Tex. Gary Gordon preceded his father in death in 1959. Wilbur also leaves his father and mother of Guss, brothers, Carrol of Villisca, Valjean of Omaha, and a sister, Mrs. Verle Pedigo of Los Angeles, Calif. A sister Helen Harrison passed away 11 months ago. Wilbur was employed at the Guss Store after graduation for several years, then moved to Pueblo, Colo in 1941. In 1944 he returned to Villisca. He operated a produce business for several years. Later he was employed at the Regis Hotel in Omaha. The past year, he had worked with his father. Funeral services were held at the Guss Church Monday, June 19, Rev George White officiating. Pallbearers were Wade Scholey, Bill Findley, Orville Marsh, Irvin Miller, Walter Johnson and Alvin Mitchell. Mrs. Alvin Mitchell, Mrs. Bill Garey, and Mrs Ed Naven were flower bearers. Music was by Mrs Robert Harris accompanied by Mrs Quincy Dunn in the following selections, “Beautiful Isle of Somewhere,” and “God Understands.” Mrs Jim Gill and Mrs Claude Moore were in charge of the register. Ushers were Linda and Shirley Garey and Ronda Mitchell. Concluding service and interment were at the Guss cemetery. Sutphen Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
[BRANAN, VIOLA ALMEDA WOLF] She was married to Wilbur Branan Dec. 3, 1890, moved to Montgomery Co., Ia., in 1902 and later to Taylor Co., Ia., where she lived the rest of her life, except a few months in the rest home. She is survived by the following children, Gilbert Branan, Guss, Mrs. Geo. Firkins (Gertie), Lenox, Mrs. May Stephens, Diagonal, Mrs. Ora Konecne (Grace), Brooks, Mrs. Dale Case (Hester), Lincoln, Nebr.; 21 grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren, 8 great great grandchildren. Her husband died in 1934; also two infants and Clate, 1963; Emery in 1955.
[BRANAN, WILBUR] He is survived by his wife, three sons, Gilbert Branan of Guss, Clate Branan of barnes City, Iowa, and Emery Branan of Sac City, and four daughters, Mrs. Gertie Firkins of Guss, Mrs. Grace Konecne of Corning, Mrs. May Stephens of Braddyville, and Mrs. Hester Case of Tennville. There are also twenty-one grandchildren. [BRANAN, WILBUR] Mr. Branan had been in poor health for several months, and he died at his home two miles east of Guss at 10 a. m. Thursday of last week at the age of 65. Heart trouble is given as the cause of his death. Singers at the funeral services were Mrs. Harvey Dennis and Mrs. Arthur Bell. Pallbearers were Scott Curtis, Curt McCoy, Frank Kempton, Louis Huss, Will Rock and Elza Baker. Born in Poweshiek County, Iowa, on October 5, 1869, Mr. Branan grew to manhood in that vicinity. He was united in marriage on December 3, 1889 with Miss Viola Wolfe at Deep River, Iowa, and to them nine children were born, two of whom died in infancy. In 1911 he moved to Villisca and in 1906 he moved to Taylor County. He was a farmer most of his life, with the exception of five years spent in the real estate and insurance business in Villisca. Mr. Branan is survived by his wife, three sons, Clate of Barnes City, Emery of Sac City, and Gilbert of near Guss, four daughters, Mrs. Hester Case of north of Villisca, Mrs. Gertie Firkins of near Guss, Mrs. May Stephens of Braddyville and Mrs. Grace Konecne of Corning, one brother, Jay Branan of Barnes City, three sisters, Mrs. Vesta Greene of Dell Rapids, S. Dak., and Mrs. Maude Clarke of Los Angeles.
[CASE, JENNIE BOAL BARR] On December 24, 1889, she was united in marriage to William Edward Case at the home of her parents. To this union were born five children, three sons and two daughters. They are Albert R. [aymond] of Plattsmouth, Nebr., Charles L.[ester], who passed away November 8, 1949, Ralph H. [arold] of Brighton, Colo., Mrs. Mary Dicks and Mrs. Helen Westlake, both of Corning. Mrs. Case spent all of her married life on the farm just west of Stringtown. After her husband’s death, June 28, 1926, she moved with her daughter, Helen, to Lenox, Iowa, where she remained until January 1937. Then the family moved to Corning, where she spent the remainder of her life. In her early life she became a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and in later years she attended the Federated Church of Stringtown as long as her health permitted. Mrs. Case was a kind and loving mother, a good neighbor, loved and respected by all who knew her, and if everyone had the same thoughts in their hearts that Mrs. Case had, we would not worry about Peace on Earth and Good Will Towards Men. Funeral services were held at Stringtown Community church Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock in charge of Rev. Earl Moneymaker. Rolland Buxton sang with Mrs. Eugene Paymal at the piano. Casket bearers were Robert Riley, Wesley Miller, George McGregor, Charles W. Miller, Harry Reese and Fred Olson. Interment in the Lenox cemetery.
[CASE, JENNIE BOAL BARR]
Juanita Case came Saturday from Fairfield, called home by the death of her grandmother, Mrs. Jennie Case.
[CASE, WILLIAM EDWARD] William Edward Case was born August 14th, 1867, in Grant Township, and passed from this life June 28, 1926 at his home in Mercer Township. At the time of his death he was 58 years, 5 months and 14 days old. On December 24, 1889, he was united in marriage to Jennie Boal Barr and to this union were born five children, Albert R. [aymond], of Corning; Charles L. [ester] and Ralph H. [arold], of Stringtown vicinity, Mary L. Dicks of near Corning; and Helen Mildred who lives at home. Besides his wife and children he leaves eight grandchildren, two brothers and two sisters; also many other relatives and a large group of sorrowing friends. In 1919 he united with the Stringtown church in which he has been a faithful consecrated worker. He will be greatly missed in the Sunday school where he filled the office of treasurer for many years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge. In his death the church, the fraternal orders to which he belonged and the community in which he lived as well as his immediate family, sustain a heavy loss.
[CLEMENT, CLIFTON ELLIS] Clifton Ellis Clement, son of Joseph and Louisa M. Rock Clement, was born on a farm in Taylor County, Iowa, May 31, 1888. He grew to manhood in the Guss vicinity and was engaged in farming all his life. On October 11, 1914 he was united in marriage to Myrtle May Bycroft. Clifton had many interests in life, among them, art and music. He was preceded in death by his wife, Myrtle, his father and mother and one brother, Dale. He is survived by his adopted daughter, Nina (Mrs. Max Winslow) of Seattle, Wash.; one sister, Mrs. Lena M. Emert of Sterling, Colo.; three grandchildren; one great granddaughter; seven nieces; six nephews and a host of wonderful friends in the Guss and surrounding communities. While Clifton was not an out-going man, he was sincere, humble and his code of life was the Ten Commandments. His deep devotion to his family and his many contributions of time and talent so willingly given to his church and community leaves many cherished memories.
[CLEMENT, DALE FRANCIS] He grew to manhood in the Guss vicinity and became a member of the Maple Grove Methodist Church in Guss while a teenager. On Oct 8, 1919 he was united in marriage to Fern Rogers in Clarinda, Ia. To this union were born six children, Dean Edward of Cedar Rapids, Ia, Glen Joseph, Oshkosh, Wis, Mrs. Travis (Beulah) Powell, Peoria, Ill., George Elmo, Jefferson City, Mo., Mrs. Wm (Ardyce) Kane of Council Bluffs, Ia and Carmen Dale of Villisca, Ia. Most of his life was spent in the Guss vicinity. He and his wife moved to Nodaway, Ia the spring of 1920, and lived there until the fall of 1922 when they moved back on the home place near Guss where they lived until the first of November 1925. At that time they moved to Hettinger County in North Dakota where they farmed until the fall of 1929 when they moved into the town of Mott where they lived until March 1930 when they moved back to Iowa near Guss. When his health failed him in 1964 he went to a nursing home in Clarinda. He was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew. Surviving are his wife, four sons, two daughters, two sons-in-law, four daughters-in-law, sixteen grandchildren, a sister Lena Emert of Sterling, Colo, a brother Clifton Clement of Guss and two nephews of Sterling, Colo. The services were conducted by Sutphen Funeral Home of Villisca, at the Maple Grove Methodist Church in Guss May 9, 1968 with the Rev Richard Godsey of Shambaugh Church of God in charge, assisted by the Rev George White of New Market Methodist Church. Soloist was Gerald Maxwell, pianist Mrs Richard Greenfield. Vocal selections were “Abide in Me” and God Understands.” Casket bearers were Wesley Walters, Bob Boggess, Walter Johnson, Paul Mitchell, Albert Johnson and Harold Moore. Burial was in the Brown Cemetery near Guss.
[CLEMENT, LOUISA MAYLANTHA ROCK] She came to Iowa with her parents when she was 11 years old. The family settled in the Guss community, where she lived the rest of her life with the exception of two and one-half years. She was a charter member of the Methodist church and W. S. C. S. of Guss. On Oct. 22, 1884, she was united in marriage with Joseph Clement of Guss. To this union three children were born, Clifton E. and Dale F. of Guss and Lena M. Emert of Sterling, Col. Surviving are the three children, two daughters-in-law, 10 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Funeral services were held in the Guss church with Rev. Clement Rowe officiating. Burial was in the Guss cemetery.
[CLEMENT, MYRTLE MAY BYCROFT] Funeral service will be at the Guss church Tuesday at 2 p m, and burial in the Guss cemetery. Surviving are her husband; a daughter, Mrs. Max (Nina) Winslow of Lincoln; three grandchildren, Ronnie, Dennis and Becky; a sister, Mrs. Dewey Peterson of Red Oak; a brother, Leslie Bycroft of Lenox; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. and Mrs. Clement celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in October, 1964. Mrs. Clement was a rural teacher in the Guss vicinity before her marriage, and a member of the Methodist Church at Guss. Sutphen Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.
[EVANS, ANGELETTE “LETTIE” COCHRUN]
[EVANS, ANGELETTE “LETTIE” COCHRUN] [EVANS, ANGELETTE "LETTIE" COCHRUN] [EVANS, ANGELETTE "LETTIE" COCHRUN]
[FAWCETT, FRANK]
[FAWCETT, MARY E.]
[FIRKINS, CECIL HOWARD] During World War II, Cecil served in the United States Army from March 11, 1942 to November 5,1945 (44 months). Following the war, he lived in the rural Lenox area until six years ago, he moved from the family farm to Lenox. On January 12 of this year he moved to the Lenox Care Center. Cecil was engaged in farm work and carpentry. His free time was spent enjoying nature, especially hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed playing baseball and once played for a community team. He enjoyed his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Anita and Vernita Firkins, as well as one brother-in-law, Carl Brand. Left to cherish his memory are Ethel and Clarence Findley of Antioch, Calif.; Verlene Brand of Sharpsburg, Iowa; Leda and Marvin Imel of Safford, Ariz.; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Cecil was a kind and considerate brother and uncle and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
[FIRKINS, GEORGE ANSON] On December 28, 1871, Mr. Firkins was married to Miss Mary E. [lizabeth] Taylor in Galesburg, Illinois and in February, 1878, they located south of Corning, Iowa, and later moved to their present home, where they have lived for twenty-eight years. To this union seven children were born, two sons preceding their father in death, Everett, at the age of six and John, at the age of 40, in 1913. The living children are Charley, Clifford, Geo. W., Mrs. Eva Crowell, living near home, and Mrs. Alta Heniger of Braddyville, Iowa. Besides a loving wife and children, he is survived by ten grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Emaline Murry of Oneida, Illinois, Mrs. Eliza Wilmot of Almena, Kansas; one brother, Alonzo, of Corning, and many other relatives, neighbors and friends to mourn their loss. Mr. Firkins was a member of the Masonic Lodge. A loving husband and father, a good neighbor will be missed in the death of this man who passed away after much suffering during an illness which lasted many months. Funeral services were held from the home June 23 at 2:00 p. m., conducted by Rev. Dayhoff, Methodist minister of Nodaway, and interment was made in the Guss cemetery. Those attending the funeral from a distance were Mrs. Emaline Murry and husband of Oneida, Illinois, and Mr. and Mrs. Charley Sage and daughter of Clearfield, Iowa.
[FIRKINS, MARY ELIZABETH TAYLOR] On December 28, 1871, she was united in marriage to George A. [nson] Firkins in Galesburg, Ill. and in February 1878, she and her husband came here as pioneers and settled in Iowa south of Corning. To this union seven children were born, Charley and George of near Guss, Clifford of Camas, Wash., who was unable to attend, Alta Heniger of College Springs, and Mrs. Eva Crowell of Clarinda, Iowa. Those preceding her in death were her two sons, Everett at the age of six and John at the age of 40 in 1913. Also her husband in June 1930. Besides her children she is survived by ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren, one brother, George Taylor of Milton, Iowa, one sister-in-law, Mrs. Emaline Murray of Oneida, Ill., an aunt, Mrs. Jennie Frame of Spokane, Washington, and an uncle, Charley Sage of Clearfield, Iowa; her nieces and nephews and a host of many friends. She led a sincere Christian life and accepted the faith many years ago. Throughout her life she made many friends with young and old. “Grandma Firkins,” as she was known to so many, went about spreading sunshine and good cheer and was always known for her happy disposition. Funeral services were held at the Methodist church at Guss Wednesday, August 28, 1940, at 2 p. m., conducted by Rev. Z. M. Bressler of Brooks, Iowa. Interment was in the Guss cemetery. Music was furnished by Blanche Lund and Esther Roland, accompanied by Vida Jackson. Pall bearers were Elza Baker, Scott Curtis, Elec Heatherington, Orville Steadman, Clyde Naven and Clarence Naven
[FROST, CORA GROFF] Mrs. Fred Frost, the wife of a farmer living near Guss, Monday afternoon about four o’clock died suddenly of internal hemorrhage. Mrs. Frost, formerly Miss Cora Groff, was born and reared in Nodaway Township. She leaves besides the twins, a three-year-old girl and a broken hearted husband. The Mrs. Groff who was killed in a runaway at Guss a few weeks ago was the wife of her brother. The sympathy of the entire community goes out involuntarily to the heart broken father to the motherless infants. Funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 11 o’clock and burial will be made at Guss. ---Gravity Independent.
[GRAVES, NATHANIEL]
[GRAVES, NATHANIEL
[GRAVES, NATHANIEL]
[GROFF, CATHERINE ELIZABETH “KATE” GURNEY] Mrs. Groff’s maiden name was Katherine {Catherine] Elizabeth Gurney. She was born March 24, 1852, and at the time of her demise was 61 years, 9 months and 27 days old. About 42 years ago she was married to John Groff, in Bedford, Iowa, and the couple removed to the farm near Guss, which was the family home during the remainder of their lives. To them were born nine children, Henry, Mary, Cora, Charles and Dollie are deceased. The living ones are: Joe and John Groff, also Mrs. Minnie Bycroft, of Taylor County, and Mrs. Emma Imboden, of Halkirk, Canada. The husband died about ten years ago. Mrs. Groff was a member of the M. E. church and a fine woman in every way. She has been ill for the past six months, and finally succumbed to the dread disease. Beside the children, Mrs. Groff leaves two brothers and a sister. The bereaved family and friends have the sympathy of all in the loss of this good woman.
[GROFF, CATHERINE ELIZABETH “KATE” GURNEY]
[GUSS, ALTA FAYE] She was born in Taylor County, Iowa, the daughter of Sarah Huss Guss Weller, the stepdaughter of James Norman Weller. Alta spent her early childhood in Taylor County, moving to Morgan Hill, California in the early 1920s. She leaves five nieces and nephews. [GUSS, ALTA FAYE]
[HAMPEL, GAIL LOUIS] Gail spent his youth in Guss and was a graduate of Villisca High in 1950. Knowing his draft number was going to be called, he decided to sign up in his branch of choice … the US Air Force. Serving his country from 1951 – 1954 while stationed in England as a mechanic. When he returned home he headed to California to marry the love of his life, Karen Ann Anderson. Wed on July 1 1955 they spent 60 years as man and wife. They made their home in Nodaway, building their new home on the hill in 1970. He along with father Edgar ran the Guss store and at age 15 Gail became a licensed truck driver, driving the family straight truck delivering cream, eggs and other supplies. On June 17, 1957 he and Mom took over the Nodaway Elevator. On December 2, 2015 he hauled his last load for the elevator. His goal was to make 70 years as a truck driver. He fell short by 13 months. Always the race fan he saw potential in the Adams County Speedway. Once he was the promoter things started changing at the small ½ mile dirt track. From 1983 to 2008 Gail and Karen ran the track and made it what it is today. If there was a vacation to be, it had to involve a race of some type. They made trips to Indianapolis Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Michigan International, Daytona, Poconos, and Vegas. Left to carry on the Hampel name are his children, Jeanna Kay Hampel and husband Trent Heard of Des Moines, John Gail Hampel (and special friend Jenn Schramm) of Omaha, Nebraska, and Greg Edward and wife Dori Hampel of Stanton. Grandchildren, Alex (Madi) Ogle and Amber Racine all of Ankeny. Ryan (Kara) Wernli, Tyson (girlfriend Tonya Weber) Wernli, and Kyla Wernli all of Des Moines. James and Julianna Hampel of Omaha, Nebraska and Drei Hampel of Stanton. Along with his faithful companion Rocky. There to greet Gail in his heavenly home was wife Karen, daughter Cheryl, his parents, and in-laws, Irma and Carmen Anderson. Funeral services for Gail Hampel, 83 of Nodaway were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 4 at the Villisca United Methodist Church. Burial was in the Maple Grove Cemetery at Guss. Visitation with the family present took place on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 3 from 3-5 p.m. at the Villisca Methodist Church. Memorials are suggested to the Gail Hampel Memorial Fund. The Wolfe Funeral Home of Villisca was in charge of arrangements.
[HANSON, OTTO] Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Tuesday at the Prescott United Methodist church. Rev. Donald Briley will officiate. Burial will be in the Lenox cemetery. His family will be at the Roland funeral home at Corning from 7 to 8 p. m. tonight. Mr. Hanson is survived by his widow, Elizabeth; and two daughters, Mrs. Clifford (Mary) Kiesling of Creston and Mrs. Claude (Cleo) Bissell of Red Oak.
[HESS, CHARLES F.]
[HESS, CHARLES F.]
[HILL, LEONA GERALDINE MILLER] Leona Geraldine Hill, daughter of William and Mary Miller, was born February 19 1892 at Beatrice, Nebraska. In 1893 her mother married Jacob Martin and they resided near Lexington, Missouri until moving to Iowa in 1908. She was united in marriage on September 26, 1914 to C. C. Hill and moved to Gravity, Iowa where she resided continuously until her death. To this union was born one son, Gordon. She is survived by her son, daughter-in-law, Irma and granddaughter Lori Lynn of Bedford, grandson Bob and his wife, Kay, of Boulder, Colo., sisters, Ethel Croy and Luella Dunn, and brother Bill Martin of Bedford and a brother Walter Martin of Wickenburg, Arizona. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, one sister and two brothers. Joining the Christian Church at an early age, she has been an active member for many years. A devoted wife and mother she put her family ahead of all personal desires. She loved the out-of-doors and appreciated God’s gifts of nature. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
[HOLMES, RONALD LEON, SR.] Cremation is planned with a memorial service to be held at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at the Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO 64052. Interment services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, March 29, 2015, at the Sharpsburg Presbyterian Church with inurnment following in the Bedford Cemetery in Bedford, IA. Ron was born October 14, 1946, in Maryville, MO, to Ivan and Edythe (Ledgerwood) Holmes. He worked as a machinist for National American Safety Valve until his retirement in 2013. He enjoyed Sprint car racing, working on and collecting cars. Survivors include; a son, Ronald L. Holmes, Jr. and his wife Amy of Warrensburg, MO: a daughter, Christine Jacobs of Independence, MO: a sister, Connie Combs of Independence, MO: a brother, Don Holmes and wife Judy of Lee's Summit, MO and 6 grandchildren, Brianna Hefley and husband, Jeff, Taylor Culp, Evan Holmes, Cameron Holmes, Daltin Jacobs and Hunter Jacobs.
[HUGHES, DELLA ANN WHERRY] |