Catherine "Sarah Thorson Little December 16, 1847– April 9, 2023

Sarah Thorson Little

was a valued volunteer in IAGenWeb having coordinated the Wright county site for nearly twenty years. She also volunteered as a county babysitter and offered her assistance to other volunteers.

Obituary

Sarah Thorson Little
DECEMBER 16, 1947 - APRIL 9, 2023

Sarah Little, of Seattle, WA, passed away on April 9, 2023, at the age of 75. She was born in Eagle Grove, Iowa to Frances Suter and Carl Thorson.

After finishing high school and a year at Grinnell College in Iowa, Sarah moved to Seattle to attend the University of Washington. It was there that she met the love of her life, Wallace "Will" Little. Sadly, just a few short years into their marriage, tragedy struck when Will died of a sudden heart attack in 1977.

Though she suddenly found herself a single mother of two small boys, Sarah didn't want her children to grow up not knowing their father or their family history. In her limited spare time, she started the hobby of genealogy. Over time, this avocation turned into a full-time job.

Never one for the limelight, she quietly used her research talents to help authors, lawyers and many others find missing family members. Just one example is when Ellen Fitzpatrick, the author of Letters to Jackie: Condolences from a Grieving Nation, reached out to Sarah for help. Ellen was struggling to find some of the people (or their living relatives) who had written letters to Jacqueline Kennedy after the death of her husband, and she couldn't publish their letters without permission. Sarah used her decades of experience and unique research skills to solve the mysteries in no time.

Sarah also inspired many budding family historians through her certificate program at the University of Washington. For more than two decades, she taught people from all walks of life how to find elusive ancestors and to view them as real humans, not just names and dates.

In the last several years, she put aside her ancestors and focused on her living family members. She lit up whenever she spent time with her grandson, Kobi, and was always happy to tell you what her boys - Thorson and Greg - were doing. She was so proud of all three.

In addition to her sons and grandson, Sarah leaves behind her sister, Mary. Sarah was preceded in death by her parents and loving husband.

A service will be held sometime this summer.

source: Evergreen Funeral Home & Cemetery, Everett, Washington.

Michael A. Peterson 1940–2022

Michael Alden Peterson

(known to some as Dino) was a respected volunteer in IAGenWeb from 2003 to 2013, coordinating Chicasaw County for a little over two years and Dickinson County for over eight years. Mike continued as a volunteer holding various postitions in the USGenWeb Project until his death. Mike will is greatly missed by all of us who worked with him.

A fellow member of the USGenWeb Project Advisory Board, MaryAlice Schwanke, sent the following on behalf of the entire Project to Mike's family.

“To the Family of Michael Alden 'Dino' Peterson,

“The loss of Mike will be felt by many of us with The USGenWeb Project. His hard work and dedication to the preservation of history and information of the people that came before us will continue to help family historians for years to come. It was a joy to work with Mike on the advisory board, you could tell he truly cared about the success of the project.

“To honor Mike, I am having trees planted in the Superior National Forest on behalf of the many Volunteers for The USGenWeb Project, and for the enjoyment of generations to come.

“View registry at https://www.arborday.org/join/tictim/registryBrowser.cfm
Name: Michael Alden 'Dino' Peterson
Search for: Recipient
Registry: Trees in Memory

“Rest in eternal peace Mike, you are sorely missed.”

Norma Jennings December 31, 1933–June 19, 2021

Norma Jennings

was the original County Coordinator of Louisa County, having served from 1997 to 2002, and again from 2010 to 2013. She was the long time County Coordinator of Washington County from 2001 to 2013 and Special Project Coorinator for Iowa in the Civil War from 2004 to 2010, in addition to other volunteer positions. Norma was a well-respected, active member of the IAGenWeb volunteer community who was known for offering assistance to others.

Obituary

Norma F. Jennings, 87, of Columbus Junction, passed away on Monday, July 19, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 23, 2021, at the Snyder and Hollenbaugh Funeral and Cremation Services of Columbus Junction. Burial will be in the Fulton Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the Louisa County Ambulance Service in memory of Norma. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.

Norma Faith Bender was born on December 31, 1933, in Coppock, Iowa, the daughter of John and Florence Mae (Snider) Bender. She was a 1951 graduate of Cotter High School. On June 16, 1951, Norma was united in marriage to Olin Mitchell Jennings in Cairo, Iowa. She worked for the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics as a secretary. Norma was a member of the the Spring Run Methodist Church, Iowa City Branch of the National League of American Penwomen, Shellbark Club, Half Hour Club, IowaGenWeb for 15 years heading the Louisa County, Henry County and Washington County affiliations and was a freelance writer, being published in several national publications.

Norma will be dearly missed by her children, Marilyn Harms (Dennis Trimble) of Iowa Falls, Betty (Delbert) Lenz of Lone Tree, Linda (Rick) Hora of West Liberty, Janice (Steve) Williams of Crawfordsville and Alan (Melinda) Jennings of Longview, Texas; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, with one on the way.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Olin; two brothers, Gerald (Judi) Bender and one in infancy and one sister Lucille (Arthur) Campbell.

source: Snyder & Hollenbough Funeral & Cremation Services, Columbus Junction, Iowa.

Gail Ann Meyer Kilgore July 30, 1942–May 22, 2021

Gail Meyer Kilgore

was an active volunteer in IAGenWeb from 2002–2010. During that time she contributed as the coordinator of several counties, serving the longest with Grundy and Pottawattamie counties. Gail was the IAGenWeb Project State Coordinator during the 2003/2004 term. She continued to serve on the board of Friends of IAGenWeb until her death.

Obituary

Gail Ann Meyer Kilgore, 78 passed away on Saturday, 22 May 2021, with family by her side. She passed in Hospice care at Penrose Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Gail resided in Florence, Colorado.

Gail Ann was born to Richard Wilhelm Meyer and Viola Ruth Groen on 30 July 1942, in Rockford, Illinois. She, with her family moved to Twin Lakes, Colorado in 1958 at the age of 16. Gail married James Emmett Irwin in 1960, divorced 1980. Gail married John Joseph Kilgore in 1981.

Gail had a passion for animals and all activities outdoors. She enjoyed camping, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, hiking and boating. One of her most extensive hobbies was conducting research into her family’s genealogy. Gail enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was known for her quick wit, her infectious smile, and her strength and perseverance.

Gail is survived by her five children: daughter, Lynne Marie (Irwin) Dahl and husband Keith Dahl of Durango, Colorado; son James Kevin Irwin and wife Vicky Irwin of Loveland, Colorado; son Michael Patrick Irwin and wife Julie Irwin of Twin Lakes, Colorado; son Richard “Rick” Andrew Irwin of Leadville, Colorado; and son William “Bill” Shawn Irwin and wife Tina Marie Irwin of Divide, Colorado.

Gail will be forever remembered by her thirteen grandchildren: Patrick “Ryan” Dahl (Megan), Brandice Dahl Nobis (Andrew), Shawn Dahl (Rose) and Katherine Dahl Harter (Nathaniel); Shane Irwin (Kasi), Monica Irwin Michaud and Emily Irwin; Jessie Palmer (Dustin); Joseph “Joey” Irwin; William Irwin (Desiree), Erica Irwin (Tailer), McKaela Irwin Candelario (Carlo) and Shaelynn Irwin.

Gail will also be lovingly remembered by her twenty great-grandchildren: Melidy Jean, Haily Mae, Korbin Ryan, Claire Evelynn, Tristan Shawn, Landon Everett, Genevieve Lynne, James Nathaniel, Emeri Rose, Jameson Lee, Dayvanee Sky, Bellamee Raine, Kylee Leann, Nicklas James, Arianna Sloan, Ayla Nicole, Kaylea Marshae, Shawn William, Levi Thomas, and Isabella Rose.

Gail is survived by her mother Viola Ruth Guyette of Woodlands, Texas, sister Marilyn Elaine Diamond, her brother Richard Wilhelm Meyer II (Michelle), and brother Gary K. Meyer (Allana). She leaves numerous nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Gail was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, John Joseph Kilgore and her father Richard Wilhelm Meyer.

Family and friends may visit on Friday, June 4th, 2021 from 1-4pm in the Lewis & Glenn Funeral Home Chapel, 203 E. Sacket Ave., Salida. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 5th, 2021 at 2pm in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Buena Vista.

Reception to follow at The American Legion Post 55 Annex. 306 E Arkansas St. Buena Vista, Colorado 81211

source: Lewis & Glenn Funeral Home and Fairview Cemetery, Salida, Colorado.

William Clement Waters October 27, 1933–April 26, 2021

William Clement Waters

was a well-respected and valued volunteer in the IAGenWeb Project for over eleven years. Bill most recently coordinated the sites for Howard and Winneshiek counties. He did a great job with his own sites, and was known for contributions to other sites as well as mentoring new volunteers.

Obituary

William (Bill) Clement Waters of Mount Clemens died peacefully on April 26, 2021 after a short illness with cancer.

Survivors include Alice, his wife of 64 years, and his children Steven Waters (Jadine Moy) of San Ramon,CA, Michael Waters of Mount Clemens, Patrick Waters of Chicago, IL, Anne Baty (Donald) of Grosse Pointe Park, Julie Waters of Lawrence, KS, and Jean Taylor (Tim) of Livonia. He is also survived by his sisters Eva Fredricks of Bradenton, FL and Joy Moore of Spokane, WA and his grandchildren William and Christian Waters, David and Elana Baty, Kevin and Shannon Taylor, and Emma Lumpe and Mia Waters. He was preceded in death by his brother John Waters.

Bill was born on October 27, 1933 in Postville, Iowa to Clement Henry and Bernice Nina Waters. After attending a one-room schoolhouse through the 8th grade, he graduated from high school in Postville, IA. His education at Iowa State University was interrupted when he was drafted into the US Army. After serving from 1953 to 1955 in the Signal Corps, he returned to Iowa, and in 1956 married Alice Helena Becker whom he met on a blind date. In 1957 he graduated from Iowa State University with bachelors degrees in both agricultural and mechanical engineering. In 1961, while juggling a job and the demands of a growing family, he earned a masters in mechanical engineering from Wayne State University.

Bill worked for 28 years at General Motors Technical Center on Transmission Development and Advanced Product Engineering and then for 10 years for Electronic Data Systems, retiring in 1994. A pioneer in the development of computer-aided design software, his early work contributed to the development of computer models used in the automotive industry to simulate the impact of design and material changes on fuel economy. Portions of his programming work were later used by others in the aerospace industry. His passion for programming continued into his retirement where he dedicated countless hours to genealogy website development.

Prior to moving from Fraser to Mount Clemens in 1972, Bill was active in St. Anthanasius Church in many capacities, including serving in leadership positions on the Parent Teacher Guild, School Board, Church Council, and Credit Union, and was active in the Christian Family Movement and Marriage Encounter. Thereafter, he was a member of the St. Louis Parish for over forty years where he volunteered in efforts to help the homeless.

Although never a swimmer himself, all of his children participated on swim teams which he supported by serving as president of the neighborhood swimming club, president of the swim team parents club, and as the starter for swim meets. While not all of his children were great swimmers, they all learned the importance of both individual effort and teamwork.

As a strong advocate and supporter of education, he served on the Citizen Advisory Committee for Fraser Public Schools, on both the St. Athanasius and Fraser Public School Boards, and as President of the Friends of Fraser Library. When extracurricular activities were eliminated after a failed millage for the Mount Clemens Public School System, he was a leader in the Save Our Schools organization that successfully raised the funding to pay for those activities. He firmly believed that a strong educational system was important for all children and the key to the health of the community. Bill was a lifelong learner and in his later years was known to read several newspapers from cover-to-cover every day along with multiple magazines to keep up to date on current events, financial matters, natural history, and scientific developments. From birth, his children knew that they would graduate from college and his belief in education was very successful, with all six children earning college degrees, including six bachelors degrees and seven graduate degrees. For many decades he and Alice enjoyed attending University of Michigan football games, a tradition that began while four of his children attended U of M.

He passed on his love of nature to his children by taking them on annual canoe and camping trips to Quetico, Isle Royale, the Canadian Rockies, Europe, Maine, and Colorado. These trips were in addition to the annual treks to the family farms in Iowa on both sides of the family which allowed him to share his experiences and memories of growing up on a dairy farm. In his retirement years, he and Alice continued to travel extensively and visited 43 countries on six continents. Several of these trips involved grandchildren, either taking them along, traveling to experience their performances or assisting in an adoption in China. He and Alice spent winters in Gulf Shores, AL for several decades.

He was the longest serving volunteer for the Great Lakes Education Program, a program that involved taking 4th graders out in a boat on Lake St. Clair to teach them about the marine environment. With help from his sister Joy, he served as webmaster for two genealogy websites on IAGen Web. They also collaborated to photograph and index grave markers, match them with obituaries and then create comprehensive genealogy databases that will be an asset for years to come for researchers seeking to learn about residents of Winneshiek and Howard Counties in Iowa.

Being a farmer never left his blood. He was an avid gardener, originally focusing on vegetables, and later on flowers, including dahlias, daffodils, cannas, orchids, and clivia. His love of nature motivated him to landscape his backyard to include a habitat for wildlife.

In the last two decades of his life, after Alice developed memory loss, he was a tireless and devoted primary caregiver. His dedication to taking care of her as her illness progressed is a lasting lesson for his grandchildren on the true meaning of marriage vows. In addition to learning to cook and take care of domestic matters, he was ceaseless in his efforts to keep Alice living in her home, including installing an elevator, adding a wheelchair accessible shower and making other modifications to keep her safe.

Bill lived a full life. His dedication to his family, support of his community, intelligence, diversity of interests, humility, and many talents are all part of his legacy. While his family and friends are grieving his death, they will cherish his memory and be forever grateful for what he did to enrich and better their lives.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Louis Parish to support their homeless assistance programs or to Michigan Sea Grant to fund education, research and outreach to conserve the Great Lakes.

Services will be held at St. Louis Parish, 24415 Crocker Blvd., Clinton Township, MI 48036 on Saturday, May 1, 2021 instate at 10:30AM with funeral mass at 11:00AM. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

source: Harold W. Vick Funeral Home, Inc., Mount Clemens, Michigan.

Loren M. Toomsen February 9, 1942–December 22, 2020

Loren M. Toomsen

was one of the founding members of The IAGenWeb Project. He recruited many of the original volunteers and was a major influencer in the struture and development of IAGenWeb. Loren established Friends of IAGenWeb which provides financial suppport to the organization. He was the past County Coordinator of Butler and Winnebago counties and also served as the Project's second State Coordinator.

Obituary

Loren M. Toomsen, 78, of Clear Lake, Iowa passed away Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills, Iowa after an aggressive battle with cancer, first diagnosed this year in late August. He was born February 9, 1942, in Hampton, Iowa to Wilbert and Reba (Johansen) Toomsen.

Loren spent much of his childhood in Dumont, Iowa before the family moved to Hampton. A graduate of Hampton High School, he graduated from Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa in 1965. He was united in marriage to Barbara “Bobbie” McCormick on March 7, 1965, and they had one son, Jon.

His career included working with his father as a representative for WonderLife, an early company developing eco-friendly conservation techniques for nourishing farmland. He also owned Toomsen Systems in Clear Lake. Loren was employed for 8 years at Lauridsen Foods in Britt, Iowa, working his way up to Supervisor. In 1985, Loren and Bobbie’s son Jon had a nearly fatal vehicle accident. Loren and Bobbie took over conservatorship for Jon when the facility he was assigned to closed in 1989. Loren dedicated a lot of time to working with and supporting the head injury group. He had booths at many fairs to demonstrate the effects of brain injury.

Loren had a passion for genealogy and shared all his hard work with family. He initiated an interface system between area newspapers and the State and National Genealogy Societies for reporting daily death notices to increase the database of the society.

Loren loved gardening and waited patiently every spring for his “fresh garden peas” to be ready, hoping it would be before his brothers or sisters got any! Loren and Bobbie traveled throughout Europe and Hawaii. He received endless awards and acknowledgements for his excellent speaking and writing abilities. He was a very active member of Toastmasters and earned the Distinguished Toastmaster award, as well as being named the District 19 Governor for Toastmasters 2007-2008. He also had a beautiful tenor voice and sang in the choir while at Waldorf College and at many, many weddings and family events.

Loren is survived by his wife of 55 years, Bobbie, and son, Jon, of Clear Lake; two sisters, Lavae Dierker of Jamestown, Ohio, and Letha (Butch) Ford of Satellite Beach, Florida; two brothers, Lee (Julie) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and TJ (Rita) Mckeown of Palm Bay, Florida; and uncle, Selmar Johansen, Roseville, California. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Ethel Guion; four sisters-in-law, Joyce (Ron) Donley, Janice Case, Mary (Robert) Pruski, and Betty McCormick; as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lynda Smith; brothers-in-law, Ron Dierker and David McCormick; nephew, Jeff Ford; father-in-law, Raymond Guion; as well as many aunts and uncles.

A Celebration of Life is planned for a later date, Covid-19 permitting. Loren had a love for life and the most positive attitude about everything. During his lifetime, Loren had a heart and kidney transplant and never took for granted the new lease on life these life-saving measures afforded him.

Bobbie and Jon request that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to: Heart Transplantation Fund, University of Minnesota Medical School, Kidney Transplant Program, University of Minnesota Medical School, or Mayo Clinic Cancer Research.

source: Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapels, Mason City, Iowa.

Jan Bony –December 11, 2020

Jan Bony

was a great asset to The IAGenWeb Project. Starting over seven years ago as the county coordinator of Webster county, she later adopted Boone and Polk counties. Each site benefited under her care. Her death is a great loss and she will be missed by her fellow volunteers.

Kermit Lee Kittleson October 5, 1945–November 3, 2020

Kermit Lee Kittleson

was a well-respected, long-time volunteer for The IAGenWeb Project. Kermit Kittleson served as the Black Hawk county coordinator, and was previously the coordinator of Mitchell, Floyd and Lyon counties as well as the State Census special project. In addition, Kermit helped The IAGenWeb Project by baby-sitting a number of counties while they were between full-time coordinators.

Obituary

Kermit Kittleson, 75, of Waterloo, Iowa, and formerly of St. Ansgar, Iowa, died November 3rd 2020 at 9:30 a.m., of natural causes.

Private funeral services will be held at the Waterloo Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 6, 2020. Bishop Scott Evans will officiate. The service will be live steamed. Public burial will be at 2:00 p.m. in the First Lutheran Cemetery, St. Ansgar, beside his parents.

Kermit Lee Kittleson was born on October 5, 1945 in Austin, Minnesota, the son of Carl B. and Lola C. (Dieterich) Kittleson. He graduated from St. Ansgar High School in 1964, and attended Mason City Junior College, Brigham Young University and later, Idaho State University. He worked for AmeriGas propane for 5 years, Unisys Corporation (Sperry Univac) for 12 years, and Bell Telephone Laboratories for 9 years. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In 1977, he married Susan Williams, at Idaho Falls, Idaho; they later divorced. To this union five chil-dren were born: Ryan L., Robert W., Scott J., Rebecca S., and Katherine L.

His Hobbies included amateur radio, photography, computers, and genealogy. He enjoyed listening to old time country music, Mozart, Scott Joplin’s ragtime music. Much of his time recently has been in-volved with posting genealogical information on county websites for the IAGenWeb and MNGenWeb projects.

He is survived by his five children Ryan Kittleson of Portland, OR, Scott of Layton, UT, Robert of Co-coa, FL, Rebecca (Kyler) Anderson of Blackfoot, ID, and Katherine (Matt) Lamoreaux of Lakeland, FL; brother, John (Carmen) of St. Ansgar; and by two sisters, Karla (Terry) Anderson of Iowa City, and Mary (Laird) Mott of Independence, MO, a sister-in-law, Karen Kittleson of St. Ansgar; and by many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and brother, Charles.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

source: Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service, Waterloo, Iowa.

Greta Faith Thompson – September 6, 2019

Greta Faith Thompson

was an IAGenWeb Project volunteer from 2003 until 2012 when failing health necessitated her retirement. Greta was a major contributor, having coordinated Bremer, Butler, Marion, and Monroe counties and the Family Group Sheet Project. She also had contributed as a Welcome Hostess and served as State Coordinator.

Obituary

Appleton - Greta Faith Thompson, nee Johnson, passed away at Brewster Village in Appleton on September 6, 2019 at the age of 77. Greta is survived by her daughter, Jennifer K. Thompson, and her grandson, Noah Thompson-Hall, both of Madison, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents Mae and Harold Johnson and her brothers Charles Johnson and Maynard Johnson.

Greta was born in Racine and lived with her family in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. Greta graduated from Vassar College and attended graduate school at the University of Chicago. After moving to Appleton, Greta worked as a substitute teacher and freelance writer. She was an avid reader and library supporter, including serving as co-president of the Friends of the Appleton Library.

Greta worked for the Outagamie Waupaca Library System in a variety of capacities from 1985 until retiring as Assistant Director in 2005. During that time she earned master's degrees in Public Administration from UW Oshkosh and Library Science from UW Milwaukee. A skilled genealogist, Greta was active with Iowa GenWeb and held several national offices with USGenWeb. Greta appreciated the dedicated care and kindness of the staff at Brewster Village. Her ashes will be scattered in the Cremations Garden at Twelve Corners Cemetery.

source: Appleton Post-Crescent, Appleton, Wisconson, September 15, 2019.

Gordon Lynn Felland April 15, 1937 – September 7, 2019

Gordon Lynn Felland

was a valued 15-year volunteer for The IAGenWeb Project, having been the coordinator of the Worth county site.

Obituary

Gordon L. Felland, age 82 of White Bear Lake, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2019. Gordon was born April 15, 1937 in Joice, Iowa to Clarence and Nina (nee Myli) Felland. He grew up on a farm in Northwood, Iowa and graduated from Lake Mills High School in 1955. He graduated from Waldorf College in 1957 and Iowa State University in 1959, and served in the National Guard. Gordon worked as a chemical engineer in 3M's aerospace division for forty years. In retirement he enjoyed golfing, biking, volunteering, genealogy, and Norwegian translation.

Preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Caroline; and a son-in-law, Matt Brier. Survived by three children, Lynda Brier, Laurie (Josh Connolly) Felland, and Brian Felland; two grandsons, Zachary and Nicholas Brier; one brother, Charles (Mavis) Felland; a nephew, Eric (Heidi) Felland, and a niece, Marna (Amos) Groe, and their families.

Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at ST. STEPHEN LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1965 East County Road E, White Bear Lake, MN. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorials preferred to St. Stephen Lutheran Church.

source: Honsa Family Funeral Home, White Bear Lake, Minnesota.

Sharon Rae Becker  1953 – January 21, 2019

Sharon Rae Becker

was a long-time volunteer for The IAGenWeb Project, having given her time coordinating and babysitting several sites. At the time of her death Sharon was the county coordinator for Cerro Gordo, Decatur and Ringgold counties.

Obituary

Sharon Rae Becker, 66, of Osceola died January 21, 2019 at Every Step Hospice in Des Moines. She had been a long-term resident of Osceola, Iowa.

A celebration of life service will be held in the spring at Young Cemetery in Grand River, Iowa.

Sharon, daughter of Grant and Norma (Foland) Becker, grew up on a farm outside of Grand River, Iowa. Sharon received her education at Grand Valley High School and Graceland College. She worked at Siemens in Osceola prior to retirement.

She was involved with the Grand Valley Community High School Alumni Association, IAGenWeb (Decatur, Cerro Gordo, and Ringgold counties), the National League of American Pen Women, and the Iowa Poetry Associaton. Sharon was the curator of the Grand Valley/Foland School Museum in Kellerton.

Sharon is survived by her mother, Norma Becker, daughter Sara Thome, grandson, Evan Thome, sister, Sheryl Harrison, brothers, Stan Becker (Sue) and Steve Becker (Pat), family friend, Emory Robertson, nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

Sharon was preceded in death by her father, Grant Becker.

source: Mount Ayr Record News, Mount Ayr, Iowa.

Bill Rathbun October 19, 1926– January 5, 2018

Bill Rathbun

was a long time volunteer in The IAGenWeb Project. He coordinated Jefferson county for almost ten years until his retirement from IAGenWeb in 2008. His contributions were very instrumental in the growth of the site.

Obituary

The Rev. Dr. William (Bill) E. Rathbun went home to be with his Lord on Friday, Jan. 5, at Jefferson County Health Center, Fairfield, IA. Bill was born to Elmer A. and Mable R. (Buchner) Rathbun on October 19, 1926 in Arkansas City, Kansas. His parents divorced when Bill was 10, and he later moved to Wichita, KS, graduating from Wichita High School North in 1944. After High School, Bill served in the US Navy as an Electronic Technician Mate (WWII).

He married Dorothy Newcomer on June 24, 1949. And they began building their family with Candi, John, and Becky. He instilled in his family, anything is possible through Christ. And, God is too big to think small. Bill graduated from Friends University, Wichita KS in 1954, and with the encouragement of his professors, immediately began ministry in that area.

In 1966, with family in-tow, he graduated from Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, KS. In later years, he went on to receive his Doctorate of Ministry Degree from McCormick Seminary of Chicago in 1982.

During his 37 years of pastoral ministry, Bill served four churches in Kansas, Missouri and Iowa, and completed his career working in an executive ministry position with the Mid-American Baptist Churches (MABC), assisting pastors with their ministry needs within Iowa & Minnesota Churches. Bill and Dorothy lived in Fairfield from 1969-79, moved to Des Moines and then returned to Fairfield in 1989, for their retirement years.

He had a special love for children attending Christian camping programs and believed camping was a unique opportunity to share God’s love and impact every child’s life, while experiencing God’s wonderful outdoors. He served on the ministry teams of Forest Lake Baptist Camp and Conference Center, south of Ottumwa, among many other leadership roles. Bill and his wife developed a short-term missionary exchange program to Japan, for young adults. He was active in the First Baptist Church, Fairfield Iowa.

Bill loved to fish, read and create rock channel-work art pieces of wildlife. He was active in bringing the Sac and Fox Lapidary Club to Fairfield and served in positions of leadership. He and Dorothy have traveled internationally and were active in genealogy research.

Bill will be remembered for his deep faith in God, love for his family and friends, quick smile and witty sense of humor, genuine warmth and nonbiased compassion for others, creative talents, savvy game playing skills, creative and artistic skills, and ability to learn and do just about anything he put his mind to. He will be greatly missed by many.

He is survived by his beloved companion and wife, Dorothy, two daughters, Candise, of Delaware, Ohio, Rebecca and her husband Steven Krause of Winnebago, Minnesota, one son, John Rathbun and his wife, Connie, of Fairfield, plus five grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and nine step-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The Celebration of Life service will be Saturday, January 20th at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 205 W. Broadway, Fairfield, with Rev. Chuck Comfort officiating, followed by a luncheon. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:45. A private family interment will be at a later Spring date at Evergreen Cemetery, Fairfield.

The family requests for memorial support be directed to Bill’s love for youth and children camping programs. Bill and Dorothy established a special tax-deductible Charitable program for youth camping support. Please make memorials payable to: Renaissance Charitable Foundation. The gifts are welcome at the Celebration of Life service, or may be sent to First Baptist Church, 205 W. Broadway, Fairfield, IA, 52556. Bill’s family will also be making special gifts to Friends University and International Ministries.

On line condolences can be made to the family at: behnerfh.com

source: The Fairfield Ledger, Fairfield, Iowa.

Susan Kay Soden October 3, 1949– December 18, 2014

Sue Soden

was an early volunteer in The IAGenWeb Project. She founded the Jasper county site, and for many years was a prolific volunteer as the Benton assistant coordinator. Sue was also a member of the first IAGenWeb Leadership Team as a Welcome Hostess. In that she capacity helped get the project established and off the ground. Sue was well-regarded by her peers.

Obituary

Susan Kay Soden, 65, of Marion, passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at her home surrounded by her loving family, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. A private family funeral service will be held in Susan’s honor. Public visitation will be held on Monday, December 22, 2014 from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Susan Kay Soden was born October 3, 1949 in Cedar Rapids the daughter of Roy and Ila (Veber) Mulbrook. She graduated from Marion High School. Susan Mulbrook was united in marriage to David L. Soden on June 7, 1969 in Coggon, Iowa. Susan was employed at Mercy Hospital as a LPN for many years. She later worked in sales for Recognition Products and retired in 1998. She was a volunteer for the US GenWeb Project. Susan will always be remembered for being a loving and wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

She is survived by her husband, David Soden of Marion; son, Jesse (Tami) Soden of Marion; 3 grandchildren, McKenzie, Maddison and Mason; 2 sisters, Gloria (Nick) Nielson and Becky Parks (Keith Kouba); 3 sister-in-laws, Nancy Soden, Susan Mast and Marilyn Mulbrook; and many nieces and nephews.

Susan was proceeded in death by her parents, a son, Dean Leroy Galvin and brother, Larry Mulbrook.

Susan's family would like to express their gratitude to all who supported her and the family during her illness, including: Unity Point Hospice; Unity Point Homecare; and our very dear extended family of friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

source: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids, Linn County, Iowa.

Roxanne L. Barth December 24, 1948– July 18, 2013

Roxanne Barth

was one of the original county coordinators in The IAGenWeb Project. She founded the Allamakee, Clayton and Delaware county sites. Many of the ambitious transcriptions that appear on the Allamakee county site today are the result of her efforts. Roxanne obtained the permission of Mrs. Dale Woodmansee to digitalize The Burial Grounds of Allamakee County, Iowa by Dale Woodmansee which she published on the Allamakee county site. Her group of volunteer transcriptionists also digitalized both of the early Allamakee county histories for the site.

Obituary

Roxanne L. Barth, 64, passed away Thursday, July 18 at the Onalaska Care Center. A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held at the Community Center in New Albin Saturday, August 3 from noon until 3 p.m., with a prayer service at 2 p.m. Rev. Donald Stein of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI will officiate. Burial will take place in the Locust Cemetery in rural Decorah.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred, and can be made to Paul Zezulka. Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse, WI is assisting the family. Online condolences may be submitted at www.schumacher-kish.com.

Roxanne was born December 24, 1948 in Decorah to Floyd and Marcella (Spores) Barth. Her formal education began in country school in Winneshiek County and, after moving to New Albin in 1959, she attended public school in New Albin and Kee High in Lansing. Roxanne married Bill Zezulka in New Albin and one child, Paul Joel, was born of this union.

After her divorce, Roxanne worked at various jobs while living and working in Wisconsin. She received an Associate Degree in Marketing from Rice Lake College. She returned to Iowa (once a Hawkeye, always a Hawkeye) and graduated from the University of Iowa in Iowa City with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in African American studies and journalism.

Roxanne worked in the marine business for 17 years as parts manager and later as magazine editor. She also pursued an advertising career in Los Angeles (attending the Academy Awards in 1990). She began graduate work at San Diego State University and continued at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she worked for American Girl Doll Company and John Deere Credit.

Roxanne was an adventurous soul who provided a "reality education" for her son. The summer Paul was 12, they took a six-week working trip down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico to Clearwater, FL. Another unique job experience was operating a funnel cake concession at summer festivals in southern Wisconsin with the help of her childhood friend, Deb Burroughs.

In 2003 she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of bone marrow cancer. After she was no longer able to work, she moved to La Crosse, WI in 2009 to be near her family.

Roxanne is survived by her son, Paul (Dena) Zezulka, her granddaughter, Erin, and her grandson, Justin, all of Onalaska, WI; one sister, Linda (Ray) Whittle of Cedar Rapids; and nine nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Galen.

source: The Standard Newspaper, Waudon, Allamakee County, Iowa.

Mike Jarvis May 14, 1953– May 27, 2013

Mike Jarvis

was the coordinator for Pottawattamie county from 2008 to 2013. He was well liked by his fellow volunteers for his stoic and friendly disposition.

Obituary

Michael Grant Jarvis age 60, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2013 in Tucson, AZ. He was born May 14, 1953 in Chihuahua, Mexico to Alma and Hannah V. Jarvis. He is survived by his wife, Pamela; daughters, Hilary (Brian) Thompson, Audrey Jarvis and Hannah (Kevin) Flannery; seven grandchildren, Allison, Kyle, Scott, Elias, Ethan, Jordan and Lincoln; brother, Loren (Trish) Jarvis and sister, Bonnie E. (Douglas) Johnson. He graduated from Eastwood High School, El Paso, TX and the University of Arizona where he later worked as an administrator for the University Science Division. He met Pamela Joy Blank at the LDS Institute. They were married in the LDS Mesa Arizona Temple on July 2, 1980 for time and all eternity. Throughout his life, Michael had a fervent desire to serve the Lord, his family and friends. He had an unwavering and powerful testimony in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He had a love for, and worked diligently in many Church callings, but particularly as a missionary for the LDS Church, where he served countless hours providing service to others. His Christ-like humility and example deeply touched and positively affected the lives of many. Despite severe physical limitations for most of his life, he exemplified the highest qualities of courage, inner joy, perseverance, patience, kindness, and a quiet determination to serve God, his family, and others. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2013 in the LDS Stake Center, 1212 Kenyon Dr., Tucson, AZ at 10:00 a.m. There will be a Viewing for family and friends starting at 9:00 a.m. Burial following the service will be at the LDS Binghampton Cemetery, 4001 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ.

source: Arizona Daily Star, Tucson, Arizona.

Peter J. Seaba October 20, 1944– September 30, 2012

Pete Seaba

was a long-time volunteer with The IAGenWeb Project. He was the first County Coordinator for Johnson County, establishing the site in early 1997 and continuing in that position until his death. Pete had a knack of getting talented volunteers involved in the site's operation, with the result that it has grown into a substantial resource.

Obituary

Peter Jay Seaba of Iowa City left us Sunday morning, September 30, 2012, following a very brief acute illness.

He was born in Sigourney, Iowa, on October 20, 1944, and raised under the loving nurture of his father, John Gus Seaba and mother, Eva Florence Michel Seaba, and many aunts and uncles. He maintained strong emotional ties with the community. He recently attended his 50th class reunion and arranged for `Elvis' to entertain his classmates.

Following graduation from Sigourney Public Schools he attended the University of Iowa and received Bachelor and Master degrees in 1967 and 1968 respectively in electrical engineering. His first electrical engineering position was with the Division of Electroencephalography at the University of Iowa. In 1968-1969 he was employed at the National Security Agency, Department of Defense, Ft. Mead, Maryland, where he developed a long standing interest in cryptology. He returned to Iowa and again was an electrical engineer for the Electroencephalography (EEG) Laboratory, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC). From 1985 to 1991 he was employed as a product manager for electroencephalographic instruments at Nicolet and Bio-logic Systems Corp. In 1991 he returned to his most rewarding work in the Division of Clinical Electrophysiology at UIHC. His position concerned the design, construction and maintenance of instruments and networks used in both research and clinical EEG and electromyography. An appreciable amount of his time was devoted to designing and teaching electronics and instrumentation courses for EEG technologists. His long standing association with EEG technologist education began in 1966 when he assisted teaching electronics and instrumentation as part of the first EEG Technologist Training Course at the University of Iowa.

In the early to mid-1980s he participated in drafting and acceptance of the International Electrotechnical Commission performance standard for electroencephalographs. The proceedings took place in Finland, Switzerland, Russia, and the U.S. Peter took great pride in this work and thrived on global travel.

Peter delivered many presentations about electrical safety, instrumentation and signal processing. He published in these areas and contributed to the instrumentation section of research publications with physician colleagues. Twice he won The Maureen Berkeley Award for the most outstanding educational article in electroneurodiagnostic technology.

He met his wife, Hazel Marine Hilton Seaba, in graduate school at Iowa. They were married in Pentwater, Michigan, in 1968. Together they enjoyed traveling, gardening and time with friends.

Peter had several consummate passions: photography, collecting and restoring early radios and genealogy. He was active in a local antique radio club and both the state and the Iowa City Genealogy Society. He developed extensive records of his family tree members, maintained many correspondences and delighted in sharing information.

Peter was known for his optimism and good humor. He was a thoughtful, loving man. His tenacity in remaining intellectually and physically active despite years of Parkinson's disease and osteoporosis was remarkable and admired by everyone.

He is survived by his wife, Hazel, his son, Louis Philip Seaba, his sister-in-law, Mary Jo Seaba, her four children: John, James (Nancy), Bruce (Lisa) Seaba and Kathryn Beck; his mother-in-law, Dorothy Hilton, and brothers and sisters-in-law: Frank (Fern) Hilton, Nancy (Steve) Mustaikis, Leonard (Annette) Hilton, Ralph (Jean) Hilton, Mark (Patrice) Hilton, Wendy (John) Tiles, Larry Hilton. Peter was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James Patrick Seaba.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am, October 13, 2012, at Lensing Funeral, 605 Kirkwood Avenue with lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Keokuk County Historical Society, PO Box 123, Sigourney, Iowa, 52591. Peter was a strong supporter of heritage preservation.

source: The Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service obituaries, Iowa City, Iowa.

Donald L. Kelly March 25, 1934–August 3, 2012

Don Kelly

Donald Leroy Kelly, 79, died suddenly on the 3rd of August 2012. He was born March 25th, 1934 in Arkansas (USA) to Oscar and Gladys (Pruitt) Kelly. At a young age he lived in the Los Angles area with family, though he called Anchorage, Alaska is hometown. Don worked as a master electrician for forty years. He was also a Captain in the 2nd Ranger Battalion, of Ft. Lewis, WA.

Don was one of the early contributors of Internet genealogy. He gave many years of dedicated service to IAGenWeb as past State Coordinator and as the County Coordinator for Des Moines County since 1998. He was the manager of the Ireland Genealogy Projects (IGP) website for the last 12 years and county coordinator for a few other USGenWeb state sites. Don was extremely proud of his Irish Roots. He liked to use the name Donal O’Collough (the Gaelic form of the anglicized "Kelly") for his online name, as a way of celebrating his heritage. Don also managed numerous Rootsweb email lists and message boards. On his lists, he came into contact with hundreds of people researching their family and was happy to help and encourage all who wrote to him.

Don leaves behind a wife, Irene, and three daughters, Tracy, Angela and Tawnya, and a grand daughter Cheyanna Alexander. He lived in Cornelius (near Forest Grove), Oregon.

memorial messages: Fuiten Rose & Hoyt Funeral Home, Forest Grove, Oregon.

sources: Facebook, Don's websites, 1940 census, IAGenWeb records

Sally A. Youngquist February 14, 1938–April 26, 2012

Sally Younquist

was a dedicated volunteer member of The IAGenWeb Project. She was the long-time County Coordinator for Lee county, only recently giving up responsibilities due to her health. In addition, over the years she contributed to project sites for Butler, Carroll, Cerro Gordo, Franklin, and Monroe counties. Sally was very much involved in the growth and development of The IAGenWeb Project.

Obituary

Sally A. Youngquist, 74, of Sumner, died Thursday, at Allen Hospital, Waterloo.

She was born February 14, 1938, in Keokuk, the daughter of Ted and Helen Kile Ginsberg. She married Wayne Youngquist on October 8, 1956, in Keokuk.

Sally owned and operated Big G Furniture Store in Keokuk.

Survivors include: her husband, Wayne of Sumner; a son, Wayde (Tracie) of Montrose; two daughters, Layna (Tom) Larson and Kim (Carl) Moore all of Sumner; 5 grandchildren, Dana Youngquist, Derek Youngquist, Nathan Moore, Kara Larson, Ashley Larson; 2 great-grandchildren, Leeanne Moore and Kaylee (Youngquist) Stark; a brother, Ron (Mary) Ginsberg of Keokuk; two sisters, Cindy (Larry) Brackelsberg and Sherry (Jim) Kay all of Keokuk.

Preceded in death by: her parents.

Services: Graveside services will take place at a later date at Scandinavian Cemetery, Montrose.

Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service on South Street is assisting the family.

Memorials: may be directed to the Raptor Resource Project in Decorah.

source: The Hagarty Waychoff Grarup Funeral Service obituaries, Waterloo, Iowa.

Harvey W. Henry September 30, 1928–March 12, 2011

Harvey Henry

was Assistant County Coordinator for Johnson County from 2002 until 2005, then became Co-County Coordinator from 2005 until 2011. He managed the design of the web site during that entire time. His contributions were great and are reflected in the many improvements he made to the Johnson county site.

Obituary

Harvey Wilbur Henry, age 82, of Iowa City, Iowa died of pancreatic cancer on March 12, 2011 at home. It was Mr. Henry's wish to be cremated.

Mr. Henry was born on September 30, 1928 on a farm near Palmyra, Warren County, Iowa, the third child of Roy Russell Henry and Ruth Gertrude Brown Henry. He attended Moore country school through grade eight in the same building where his mother and grandfather attended school. He graduated from Indianola High School in 1946. He graduated from Iowa State College receiving a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1954 and was a member of Tau Sigma Delta, Architecture Honorary Society. He worked in the Indianola office of Architect Lester C. Langdon the last half of his Senior year of high school. After graduation from Iowa State he worked in the Waterloo, Iowa office of Architects Thorson, Thorson, and Madson assisting in the design of churches, hospitals, nursing homes, and variety of other building types.

He became registered as an architect in 1958 and opened a private architectural practice in February 1960 in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He later entered into two separate architectural partnerships, one in Waterloo and the other in Iowa City, returning again to private practice in 1966. He continued this practice until 2003.

During his years of practice he designed numerous churches, schools, commercial buildings, and many housing projects in Eastern Iowa. He served as Construction Management Consultant for the 1970's restoration of Old Capitol in Iowa City. During his practice he designed many custom houses including houses for his children. He felt that the contributions of his abilities to his children and their families were his greatest accomplishments and offered him his greatest pleasure and satisfaction. Having lived on a farm as a youth, he enjoyed being out-of-doors and especially enjoyed helping with the actual construction work. He spent part of the summers of 1993 and 1994 in Germany assisting his son Martin in the construction of a house. He helped build a studio addition to his son Darrell's home in North Carolina and he helped with the construction of various projects for his daughter Marsha's home in Florida. Additions and remodeling projects for his daughter Denise's homes in Mt. Pleasant, IA and Coal Valley, IL were other satisfying projects.

He designed and owned several rental residential/commercial buildings including Liberty Square Apartments for the elderly in North Liberty, Iowa. For many years Mr. and Mrs. Henry managed these buildings taking pride in providing a pleasant place for others to live.

Mr. Henry was a 30-year member of the American Institute of Architects and a 17-year member of the Iowa City Noon Lions Club. He was a member of the Iowa City Genealogical Society. In 2000 he became Webmaster of the ICGS website. In 2002 he became editor of the ICGS Newsletter.

Mr. Henry's final legacy and in his opinion, one of the most significant, was cataloguing, digitalizing and preserving information on one of his websites, about the 13,000 gravesites in the IOOF cemetery in Indianola. Without his efforts this information may have been lost forever.

On September 4, 1949 he married Gloria Jean Davis, daughter of Charles Olin Davis and Josephine John Davis, of Indianola. To them were born two sons and two daughters. Survivors include his wife Gloria; daughter Marsha and grand children Henry and Lydia; son Martin and grand daughter Carina; grand daughter Jennifer, daughter of the late son, Darrell; and daughter Denise and her husband Ronald Morton and grand children Zackary, Drew, Caitlin, and Monica. Mr. Henry was preceded in death by his son Darrell, and his son-in-law, Tenney Deane Jr.

source: The Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service obituaries, Muscatine, Iowa.

Connie Alexander Street October 9, 1947–October 25, 2010

Connie Alexander Street

was a longtime contributor to The IAGenWeb Project, most recently coordinating the Cedar County and Louisa County sites. In the past she contributed to the Cedar, Iowa, Louisa, Poweshiek and Winneshiek county sites. Connie had a long involvment in genealogical and historical organizations, including serving as a past president of the Iowa Genealogical Society.

Obituary

WAPELLO, Iowa -- Connie Alexander Street of Wapello, Iowa, died October 25, 2010 at the University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

Memorial visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm on Saturday, October 30, 2010, at Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home, 1931 Houser Street, Muscatine, Iowa. The body has been cremated. Memorial donations may be made to Population Connection, 1400 16th Street NW, Suite 320, Washington, D.C. 20036

She was the daughter of Gene and Hazel Sheets Alexander of Keosauqua. She was a graduate of Van Buren Community High School in Keosauqua and attended Iowa Wesleyan College.

She married Douglas Dobert on May 7, 1966, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They were later divorced. On June 20, 1989, in Salem, Iowa, she married Keith Street.

She was a charter member of the Old Fort Genealogical Society in Fort Madison and the Fort Madison Friends of the Library. She had been active and held offices in a number of genealogical and historical societies in Iowa. She was a member of the Hacker's Creek Pioneer Descendants and a charter member of the Mining Your History Foundation, both in West Virginia. She was elected to six terms on the executive council of the Iowa Genealogical Society, serving as president in 1995 and 1996. She presented programs on genealogy in several states at local, state and national family history gatherings. She enjoyed creating Web pages on genealogical topics.

She is a former president of the Wapello chapter of Kiwanis International, and former member of the Columbus Junction Community Club and had served on the Muscatine-Louisa Chapter of the American Red Cross board of directors. She had also served as an officer of the board of directors of Planned Parenthood of Southeast Iowa, the Fort Madison Community Action agency and the Lee County Democratic Central Committee.

She received the Governor's Volunteer Award in 1990 and volunteer recognition from the State Historical Society of Iowa in 1990, 1992 and 1993. She also received a Commander's Award for Public Service from the Department of the Army after spending two weeks in Jutiapa, Guatemala, with Joint Task Force Timberwolf in 1995.

Mrs. Street worked most recently as a reporter for the Muscatine Journal, editor of the Wapello Republican newspapers and Manager for the Louisa County Historical Society Museum.

She was a firm believer in family planning and zero population growth.

Survivors include her children, Alan Dobert of Fort Myers, Florida, and Beth Rippenkroeger of Charles City, Iowa; four step-daughters, Alisa Brown of Muscatine, Julie Minder and husband, Rob, of Muscatine, and Sheilah Woods and husband, Jon, of Muscatine, and Laura Chaplin and husband, Mark, of Sugar Grove, Illinois; 23 grandchildren and step-grandchildren; two brothers, Leon Alexander of Midway, Georgia, and Donald Alexander of Lebanon, Missouri; and a sister, Wanda Ryner and husband, John, of Galesburg, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

source: The Wittich Riley Freers Funeral Home obituaries, Muscatine, Iowa.

Netha Marie Meyer November 24, 1920– February 13, 2009

Netha M. Meyer

was the long-time IAGenWeb Assistant County Coordinator for Iowa County. Netha has served as president and treasurer for the Iowa County Genealogy Society and has been helping people research their Iowa County ancestors for many years. Everyone who has ever contacted her received research help without a fee for her services. A 2007 publication, The History of Williamsburg, Iowa Vol. II - Genealogy, was dedicated in her honor. Netha's extensive research material, including her large obituaries collection, will be housed and cataloged at the Williamsburg Historical Commission. Notes from those who Netha has helped: memorial messages.

Obituary

Netha M. Meyer
Williamsburg, Iowa

Visitation: 2-7 p.m. February 15, 2009 at Uhlmann-Powell Funeral Home
Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m. February 16, 2009 at St. Paul Lutheran Church
Interment: February 16, 2009 at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery

Netha Marie Meyer was born on November 24, 1920, at her grandmother’s home in Honey Creek Township, Iowa County, Iowa, the daughter of Henry and Gladys (Croft) Noyes. She attended Honey Creek Township #11 school for eight years. She attended Marengo High School for two years and graduated at City High in Iowa City in 1937.

Netha was united in marriage to Harvey William Meyer on September 18, 1937, at the Lutheran parsonage in Bertha, Minnesota, by Rev. George Eschenbacher. This marriage was blessed with four children: Sandra, Monte, Virginia and Rita. They resided in Williamsburg for one year and then moved to the farm west of town where Netha lived until being hospitalized on December 21, 2008.

Netha was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Williamsburg, on February 20, 1938. She had been a member of St. Paul Lutheran Altruistic Society, Women’s Guild, and was a present member of NightLights. She served as the first woman treasurer of St. Paul Lutheran Church and was a past treasurer and corresponding secretary of the Iowa East District LWML.

Netha was a member of the Iowa County Preservation Commission, the Iowa County Sesquicentennial Committee,  the Williamsburg Sesquicentennial Committee, and had served as treasurer of the Iowa County Historical Society.

Netha became interested in genealogy research in 1985, and was a charter member of the Iowa County Genealogy Society. Through the Iowa County Genweb, she provided hundreds of people throughout the United States and other countries with genealogy research. Through this research, Netha made countless friends.

Netha had been employed at the H.F. Witte Department Store, Williamsburg Creamery, Dr. K. E. Dougherty, D.C., Ed’s Radio & TV, secretary for First Lutheran Church of Conroy, and bookkeeper for Sandersfeld Trucking.

For decades Netha bowled with her friends of Gahring Dozers. She loved to watch her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren compete in sports and participate in other school events. She loved to hear her family sing.

Netha died on Friday, February 13, 2009, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City following a lengthy illness. Netha had reached the age of 88 years, 2 months, 20 days.

Netha is survived by her children: Sandra (Ed) Ficken of Williamsburg, Monte Meyer of Dateland, Arizona, Virginia (Gary) Rickard of Troy, Ohio, and Rita (William) McDonald of rural Parnell; five grandchildren, Chris (Richard) Cloeter, Michael (Margi) Ficken, Netha (Mike) Larsen-Schrimpf,  Pat McDonald and Sam McDonald; six great-grandchildren, Netha and Rich Cloeter, Kelly, Michael and Megan Ficken, and Jordan Larsen; a brother, Dale (Shirley) Noyes of Victor; two sisters-in-law, Ilene Meyer of Deep River and Helen (Barney) Fetzer of Williamsburg; and very special friends, Karen Wichmann and Leona Wardenburg.

Netha was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Harvey, who passed away on September 18, 1969, their 32nd wedding anniversary.

The Netha Meyer Memorial Fund has been established and will be used for the preservation of Netha’s extensive genealogy collection.   Memorials made payable to this fund may be mailed to her daughter:

source: The family of Netha Meyer and Powell Funeral Home Obituaries, Williamsburg, Iowa.

Catherine "Cay" Merryman April 15, 1925– November 2, 2008

Catharine "Cay" Merryman

was one of the original county coordinators for The IAGenWeb Project. She coordinated Mills county for several years, and had also once been an assistant coordinator for Madison county. She transcribed and contributed data to many of the county projects and most of the Special Projects in IAGenWeb. She retired in 2004 because of poor health. She loved IAGenWeb and helping others do research.

Obituary

Catherine (Cay) Genson was born in Lenox, Taylor, Iowa, 15 April 1925, to John E. and Edna Brading Genson and died 2 November 2008 in New Hope, Hennepin, Minnesota. At the age of two she moved with her parents to Truro, Madison, Iowa where she lived for the next sixteen years, graduating from Truro High School in 1942. She married Jack Wayne Merryman, son of Henry S. and Phyllis Sheets Merryman on 12 June 1943 in Rockport MO.

While Jack was serving overseas in the U.S. Army in France and Germany during WW II, Cay lived in Columbia SC, San Diego CA and Bellingham WA. When Jack returned home they made their home in Oskaloosa and Fairfield IA while Jack obtained a college degree. Jack worked for the Chevrolet Division of General Motors and during the next thirty-two years they lived in Clear Lake and Ft. Dodge IA, Watertown SD, Moorhead and Minneapolis MN, Lombard IL, and Fargo ND where Jack retired in 1981. They moved to St. George UT in 1986. Cay moved back to MN early in 2008.

Cay, Jack, and Kristin were baptized as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) on October 19, 1973 and were sealed in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple on 5 November 1974. Cay actively served her church and its members as a Ward and Stake Relief Society President in Fargo, North Dakota. She served for nine years as an ordinance worker in the St George LDS Temple, for four years in the Extraction Program, with her husband as Gospel Doctrine teachers, and for thirty four years as a Visiting Teacher.

Cay had a life long love for genealogy and spent many years on the staff of various LDS Family History Centers (FHC). She served as the Director of the FHC in Fargo for seven years. For over 65 years she worked tirelessly to assist neighbors, friends and strangers with their own family histories. Cay became a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution in 2007. Her headstone will be marked with the DAR symbol.

She is survived by three children, Jan Seal Smith (James Parson) of Coon Rapids, MN, Mark Merryman (Carol deceased)of Minneapolis and Kristin (James) Carle of, Germany; six grandchildren, Jennifer Seal of Chicago, Robert (Kate) Seal of Lafayette CO, Meryl Beth (Thomas) Cooper of Yakima WA, Jamie and McKenzie Carle of Germany, Jack Merryman of Minneapolis and a brother-in-law, Bill (Helen) Lorenzen of Truro IA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, parents and an infant daughter, Susan Ann.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the LDS Family History Center, 82 N Dixie Drive, St George, UT 84770, or The LDS Humanitarian Aid Fund online at www.lds.org/ldsfoundation or LDS Philanthropies, P.O. Box 27188, Provo, UT 84602-7188.

Services will be at the Kale Funeral Home in Truro, Iowa on Tuesday, 11 November, 2008 at 10:30 am. Burial will be at 1:30 pm in the Booneville Iowa Cemetery next to her husband, Jack.

source: Provided by Cay's daughter, to be published November 7, 2008 in St. George, UT; Fargo, ND; Winterset, IA; and Minneapolis, MN.

Marilyn "Mari" Modlin December 11, 1945– September 11, 2008

Marilyn "Mari" Modlin

contributed in several volunteer positions within The IAGenWeb Project. She was a past coordinator for Delaware County, and was for six years coordinator for Hardin County. She was also past coordinator of the Iowa Civil War Project, and served for a year as an IAGenWeb Welcome Hostess.

Obituary

Marilyn J. Modlin, 62, of Eldora, died from natural causes on Thursday, September 11, 2008 at the Bright Kavanah House in Des Moines while under the care of Hospice of Central Iowa. Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm on Monday, September 15, 2008 at Creps-Abels Funeral Home in Eldora with Jeff Thayer officiating. Burial will follow in the Eldora City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 pm to 8 pm on Sunday at Creps-Abels Funeral Home.

Marilyn was born December 11, 1945 in Madison, Wisconsin, daughter of Harold and Isabel (Jones) King. She was raised in Madison and graduated from East High School in 1963, then attended Madison area Tech School for a year. On March 1, 1969 Marilyn was united in marriage to Dennis Modlin in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. While in Wisconsin she worked as a receptionist at American Family Insurance then for Dane County Social Services. She moved to Eldora on January 1, 1976 and worked as a nurses aid at the Eldora Manor and then at the Eldora Hospital in housekeeping. She was a member of the Non-Denominational Church and enjoyed knitting and computers developing web-pages, searching genealogy, and monitoring a chat-room for the blind.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Dennis; her father, Harold of Lodi, Wisconsin; son, Scott (Andrea) Modlin of West Salem, Wisconsin; daughter, Michelle Modlin of Des Moines; sisters, Ellen Olsen of Lodi, Wisconsin and Eileen (Mark) Olson of Madison, Wisconsin; and by grandchildren, Joel, Ben, Evan and Chris. She was preceded in death by her mother, Isabel and brother, Bobby.

source: Abels Funeral Homes

David Michael Edsall April 19, 1962–April 6, 2008

David Michael Edsall

was assistant coordinator of the Cherokee County IAGenWeb County Project.

Dave, with his wife Lynette, hosted a very well-received IAGenWeb Coordinator Conference at Iowa State University at Ames, Iowa in June, 2007. Dave was passionate about technology and well-respected.

Obituary

David Michael Edsall, 45, of Ames, died Sunday, April 6, at Mary Greeley Medical Center. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 10 at Stevens Memorial Chapel in Ames. He was a donor to the Iowa Lions Eye Bank. Cremation will follow the service.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, at Stevens Memorial Chapel in Ames.

David Edsall was born April 19, 1962, in Alton, Ill., to Delbert and Norma (Juergensen) Edsall. As a child, he moved with his family to College Park, Md. He graduated from Highpoint, Md. High School in 1980. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland in College Park and a master's degree in physics from Purdue University in Lafayette, Ind. He was near completion of a doctorate degree in high energy physics from Iowa State University. He was employed at ISU in information technology services.

He married Lynette Sleezer Jan. 27, 1995, in Ames.

He was a member of Sigma Xi and Phi Alpha Theta (history honor society). He loved blues music and played the harmonica. He enjoyed watching Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis movies and always could be counted on for a good joke. He followed politics closely, loved trains of all sizes and enjoyed the time he spent abroad traveling and living in Europe.

He is survived by his wife, Lynette Edsall, of Ames; his mother, Norma Arntz, of Dayton, Ohio; five sisters, Nancee, Katie, Julie, Sarah and Mary, and five brothers, Roger, Regan, Dana, John and Joe, and many nieces and nephews, all residing on the East Coast; his Sheltie dog, Cody; and many Ames friends.

He was preceded in death by his father; his stepfather, Arthur (Bud) Arntz; and his special uncle, Arthur Juergensen.

source: Ames Tribune, Ames, Story County, Iowa, April 8, 2008

Fredric 'Fritz' Dethlefsen February 9, 1934–March 18, 2006

Fred Dethlefsen

was coordinator of the Crawford County IAGenWeb County Project. Under Fred's oversight and energetic leadership the the site has grown to over 700 pages at the present time.

Fred was passionate about the integrity of the Crawford County web site and extremely proud of the volunteers that provided him with data and assistance.

Obituary

Fred Dethlefsen, coordinator of Crawford County, passed away Saturday
morning, March 18, 2006 in Chandler, Arizona. Fred suffered from muscular
dystrophy and in January contracted pneumonia. He was not able to recover
from the effects of that infection.

Fred was born and raised in Crawford County, Iowa, and attended high school
in Manning, Iowa, which is next door in Carroll County, Iowa.

Fred worked 35 years for the Caterpillar Tractor Company in Joliet,
Illinois. He also served as Fire Chief for Joliet for a period of time. He
retired to Mesa, Arizona, where he subsequently became involved with the
GenWeb organization. He was not only county coordinator for the Crawford
County, Iowa web site, but also assisted with the sites for several counties
in Nebraska.

He will be sorely missed by his many friends and colleagues in IAGenWeb.

source: Bob Kuehl, Greta Thompson & ohdefuneralhome.com

Madonna Maree Harms

was co-coordinator of the original Iowa Orphan Train Riders, IAGenWeb Special Project . She was the long-time archivist for Iowa Orphan Train Records and was known to many as the "Orphan Train Lady". Madonna organized rider reunions and volunteered hundreds of hours of help to researchers.

 

Obituary

Madonna Harms, Pocahontas, IA - 05/15/05

Pocahontas, IA - Madonna Maree Harms passed away Friday, May 13, 2005, in the Hospice Room at the Pocahontas Community Hospital, Pocahontas, Iowa. She was born October 17, 1929, in Waterloo, Iowa, the daughter of Perry J. Hoffey & Agnes L. Cosgrove. She attended school at Ottumwa Heights Academy in Ottumwa, Iowa, graduating in 1947. She went on to nurses' training at Sioux Valley Hospital, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, from 1947 to 1949.
Madonna married Howard B. Mullinix January 17, 1949, at Luverne, Minnesota, and lived in Canton, South Dakota.

She married William H. Harms November 16, 1963, at South Sioux City, Nebraska. They made their home in Sioux Falls, later moving to Lakewood, California. Madonna achieved her Master's Degree in nursing while living in California. In October of 1990, they moved to Rolfe, Iowa, and had lived there since that time.

Her hobby was genealogy, and she took great joy and pride in tracing her family tree as well as that of her husband, Bill.

Madonna was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Marilee K. Mullinix; a daughter, Gayle Mullinix; and a great-grandson, Joseph L. Collins.

Survivors include her husband, Bill; her children, Marsha and Tom Ingebretson of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, Michael Mullinix of Humboldt, Iowa, Ronald Mullinix of Sioux Falls, Robin Mullinix of Pocahontas, Iowa, and Douglas E. Harms of Sioux Falls; 16 grandchildren; and 9
great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 17th, at Powers Funeral Home, 500 Garfield St., Rolfe, IA, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Prayer service will begin at 7:00. A second service will be held at Miller Funeral Home, 507 S. Main St., Sioux Falls, at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 20th. Burial will follow at Trent Cemetery, Trent, South Dakota.

source: Sioux Falls Argus Leader