01/06/03 

Mollee Jo Miller, daughter of Mike and Jodi Miller of Allison, IA was still born at 10:55 p.m., 6 lb. 7 oz., 19 ½” on Thursday December 26, 2002 at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo, IA.

She is survived by her parents Mike and Jodi Miller of Allison, Grandparents Jake and Vickie Sego of Aplington, and Denny and Brenda Miller of Allison, Great Grandparents Marcia Schipper of Kesley, Verna Konig of Allison, and Marlene Miller of Allison. Her aunts and uncles Jamie Sego and Jeff Yeisley of Marion, IA, Jenny and Jeremy Alberts of Aplington, Janna Sego and Dana Cox of Waterloo, Eric and Michelle Miller of Allison, and Nick Miller and Crystol Shear of Allison, cousins Brandon, Brittney, and Caelee Yeisley, Cade Alberts, Austin, Peyton, and Trenton Miller. Mollee is preceded in death by an aunt Jamie Miller, and six great-grandparents Chuck Konig, Vera and Joe Miller, Fred Schipper, and Jack and Marge Sego.

Funeral Services were held Monday, December 30, 2002 at Bethel Reformed Church of Aplington with Pastor Scott Summers officiating. Organist was Becky Jungling. Casketbearers were Eric Miller and Nick Miller Interment was in Bethel Reformed Cemetery rural Aplington.

John Jacob Reints

01/06/03 

John Jacob Reints, age 90, of Clarksville, Iowa, was born the son of Harm and Lena Schrage Reints on September 22, 1912, near Clarksville in Butler County, Iowa. He was baptized October 27th, 1912, and confirmed April 10th, 1927, in the St. John United Church of Christ, rural Nashua, Iowa.

He attended rural school near his home. John married Hilda Schilling on January 31, 1935, in the Pleasant Valley First United Church of Christ, rural Clarksville, Iowa. He was a member of Pleasant Valley First United Church of Christ all his adult life and had served on the Church Council as Treasurer.

John and Hilda farmed, raising pigs, northeast of Clarksville for over 40 years, until the fall of 1976 when they retired and moved to their present home in Clarksville. He enjoyed farming which was his life’s work. He liked to play cards with friends and enjoyed fishing trips. Bus tours in early retirement were fun for John and Hilda. Most of all, John loved being with his family and especially the grandchildren.

John died Wednesday, December 25, 2002, at Waverly Municipal Hospital, Waverly, Iowa, of natural causes. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Sievert, Abel, Datert and Harm Reints; and one sister, Elizabeth Wedeking.

John is survived by his wife, Hilda of Clarksville; one daughter, Delores (Eugene) Wedeking, Nashua, Iowa; two sons, David (Jackie) Reints, Allison, Iowa and Duane (Linda) Reints, Clarksville, Iowa; 8 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one sister, Lena Hinders, Waverly, Iowa; one sister-in-law, Elsie Reints, Clarksville, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services were held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 28, 2002 at Pleasant Valley First United Church of Christ, rural Clarksville, Iowa with Rev. Anne Sunday officiating. Organist Roberta Nieman accompanied Congregational Hymns “The Old Rugged Cross,” “In The Garden” and “How Great Thou Art.” Casketbearers were his grandchildren, David Wedeking, Debra Jacobs, Kelly Bauman, Jodi Everts, Amy Kent, Lori Buss, Chad Reints and Tessa Mitchell. Flower Committee was Jeanette Leyen, Sandra Lebeck and Agnes Benning.

Interment was in Lynwood Cemetery, Clarksville, Iowa. Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home, Clarksville, was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Elsie E. (Reentz) Werkma

01/06/03 

Elsie E. (Reentz) Werkman, 79, of Waterloo, died Saturday, December 28, at her home of natural causes.

She was born on January 25, 1923 in Mason City, a daughter of August and Trienie (Bengen) Bohlen. She married Lyle Reents, and he died while in the service during WWII. She then married Harm Werkman on May 15, 1947 in Bristow. He preceded her in death on November 20, 1997.

Elsie is survived by one son, Richard H. Werkman of Kansas City, Missouri; two daughters: Vivian J. Noble of Plattsburg, Missouri and Sharon M. Banaszak of Cedar Rapids; three brothers: William Bohlen of Allison, Clarence Bohlen of Waterloo, and Herman Bohlen of Cedar Falls; one sister: Loretta Viet of Dumont; four grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; and three brothers, Harley Bohlen, Gordon Bohlen, and August Bohlen, Jr.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Cedar Falls. Burial was in Garden of Memories Cemetery in Waterloo. Memorials may be directed to the family. Kearns, Huisman-Schmacher Chapel in Waterloo was in charge of arrangements.

Reint Schneiderman

12/27/02 

Reint Schneiderman, 83, of Bristow, Iowa passed away December 16, 2002 at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton, Iowa. Reint was born December 13, 1919 in Ackley, Iowa to Reint and Anna (Schroeder) Schneiderman. He attended schools in Sinclair, Monroe #1 in Butler County in Parkersburg, Iowa. Reint worked as a farmer, farming north of Bristow from 1947-1984. He was affiliated with the First Reformed Church in Bristow. He enjoyed farming, fixing mechical things, welding and overhauling engines. Reint is suvived by four brothers: Tony Schneiderman of Thornton, Herman Schneiderman of Parkersburg, Bob Schneiderman of Bristow and John Schneiderman of Bristow; a sister: Alice Lupkes of Parkersburg. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Tommy, Eddie and Bill; and one sister Ann Asche. Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, December 19, 2002 at the Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home with Rev. Remigio Panlaqui officiating. Pallbearers were Jim Lupkes, Larry Asche, Arthur Lupkes, Doyle Schneiderman, Todd Schneiderman and Bradley Schneiderman. Honorary pallbearers were DuWayne Schneiderman and Mark Schneiderman. Final resting place was in the Oak Hill Cemetery rural Bristow, Iowa.

Delores Ruth DeBerg

12/27/02 

Delores Ruth DeBerg, 71, of Bristow, passed away December 17, 2002 at her home in Bristow after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born Janaury 18, 1931 in rural Butler County, Iowa to Ray & Leola (Hutchinson) Hahn. Delores graduated from Bristow High School and then attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She was married to Dawayne DeBerg on November 27, 1950 in Bristow. Delores was a school teacher, teaching in Fairview Schools, Bristow Schools and taught in Allison-Bristow Schools for 19 years before retiring. She was a member of the First Reformed Church in Bristow. Delores was actively involved in many church activities including numerous years as a Sunday school teacher. She also enjoyed teaching, baking, spending time with her family and taking daily walks with her friend Marilyn. She is survived by her husband Dawayne DeBerg of Bristow, two daughters: Pam and husband Dave Benson of Anamosa and Stacy and husband Robert Harms of Clarksville; three sons: Kevin and wife Sandy DeBerg of Reinbeck, Kent and wife Terri DeBerg of Pella and Brent and wife Brenda DeBerg of Bristow; a brother: Burdine Hahn of Hampton and two sisters: Maxine Chesnut of Clarksville and Betty Weiland of Dumont and six grandchildren. Delores is preceded in death by her parents and one brother Gary. Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, December 20, 2002 at the First Reformed Church in Bristow with Rev. Scott Summers officiating. Special music was provided by organist, Mrs. Melvin Mennen accompanying the soloist, Eldon Siemers. Pallbearers were David Benson, Steve DeBerg, Tom VanDyke, Jeff Kielman, Jerry Weiland and Jason Uhlenhopp. Final resting place was in the Oak Hill Cemetery rural Bristow, Iowa. Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

                    Posted by Gene Manning on 1/06/2003

01/13/03

Minnie Reiman, age 96, of Clarksville, Iowa, was born the daughter of Ferdinand and Hattie (Schatzberg) Bertram on March 16, 1906, in Butler County, Iowa. She attended country school through 8th grade. She married Enno Rieman February 11, 1925 in Butler County, Iowa. Minnie was a homemaker and helped run the family farm south of Clarksville, with her husband and son, for many years. She helped sew quilts for the Faith Lutheran Church Missions and averaged 70 quilts a year for several years. Minnie liked gardening, especially flowers. She also enjoyed baking, canning and very much loved spending time with her family. Minnie died on Sunday, January 5, 2003, at the farm home of natural causes. She is preceded in death by her husband, Enno Rieman; one granddaughter, Marilyn (Rieman) Milius; six brothers, John, August, Henry, Chris, Fred and Carl Bertram and several sisters in infancy. She is survived by one son, Alfred (Mildred) Rieman, Clarksville; one granddaughter, Janet (Bruce) Johnston, Waverly, Iowa; two great-granddaughters, Mindy Johnston, Waverly and Renee Milius, Council Bluffs; one grandson-in-law, Steve Milius, Denver, Iowa; and one sister, Ella Immings, Cumming, Georgia. Funeral Services were held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 8, 2003, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Shell Rock, Iowa with Pastor Steve McGinley officiating. Organist Shelley Dix accompanied congregational hymns “What A Friend We Have In Jesus,” “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art.” Casketbearers were Kenneth Hoodjer, Clarence Laube, Richard Freese, Burdean Brockway, Neal Wedeking and Kenneth Forry. Interment was in Lynwood Cemetery, Clarksville, Iowa. Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home, Clarksville, was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the family.

01/13/03

Anna Elizabeth DeBower

Anna Elizabeth (Green) DeBower, age 72, of Waverly, Iowa, and formerly of Allison, Iowa, was born the daughter of William and Mattie (Schrage) Dickman on April 10, 1930, in Waverly, Iowa. She received her education in Clarksville and graduated from the Clarksville High School. Anna Dickman was united in marriage with James R. Green on April 11, 1948, at St. John Lutheran Church in Clarksville, Iowa. They made their home for a few years in Clarksville and then moved to Allison. James died on December 17, 1957. In the summer of 1968, Anna married William DeBower at St. John Lutheran Church. Anna worked as a clerk at the State Bank of Allison and also the Post Office in Allison until her retirement in 1996. She especially enjoyed playing cards with William and their friends. In her spare time she liked to do needle point and crochet. William died in 1980. Anna is survived by one son, Bill Green of Lakeville, Minnesota; two grandsons, Daniel of Hastings, Minnesota and Michael Green of Riverview, Florida, Patricia Green of Hastings, Minnesota who was very special and loved, and her “extended family”, Rick and Marilyn Andrews, Linda Liddle, Bob and Virginia Miller, Sandy Bienemann and her friend Gary Freerks, Wayne and Betty Endleman. Anna died Thursday, December 26, 2002, at Allen Memorial Hospital, Waterloo, Iowa, from of complications of cancer. She is preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, James R. Green in 1957; and her husband William DeBower in 1980. Funeral Services were held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, December 30, 2002, at St. John Lutheran Church, Clarksville, Iowa, with Rev. Lowell Koch officiating. Organist Glenda Timmer accompanied Vocalist Randi Snyder who sang “Tell Mother I’ll Be There” and Congregational Hymns “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art.” Casketbearers were Daniel Green, Michael Green, Rick Andrews, Bob Miller, John Pleis, and Bernard Schrage. Interment was in Lynwood Cemetery, Clarksville, Iowa. Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home, Clarksville, was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the family.

01/20/03
Paul W. Cheney

Funeral services for Paul W. Cheney, 85, of 11173 Oak Avenue, Greene, will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 10, 2003, at the First Presbyterian Church in Greene with Pastor Paul Uzel officiating. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Greene. Visitation will be 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Reid’s Funeral Chapel in Greene where there will be a scripture and a time of remembrance service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday one hour before services. Paul William Cheney was born September 2, 1917, a son of Will and Grace (Watterson) Cheney, on the family farm two miles east of Greene, where he lived most of his life, and died Monday, January 6, 2003 at the Liebe Care Center in Greene. At the age of 15 months, his mother died in the flu epidemic and the doctor told his father that Paul would not live until the next morning. His life was spared and he attended Dayton No 3. county school and as a young boy helped working on the family farm. At the age of ten he was given the job of running the threshing machine called “The Red Rover Special”. During high school, Paul excelled in sports lettering in football, basketball, and baseball. He was chosen from Butler County to play American Legion Baseball, winning the state tournament and playing in the National Tourney in 1934. He graduated from the Greene High School in 1935. He attended Iowa State Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls in 1937 to be a coach, and was the only freshman that year to receive a letter in three sports. After finding out that he could make more money farming than being a coach he returned to milking cows and helping his father. He played softball for the Albrecht Hatchery Team until it broke up in 1942. On February 20, 1942, he was united in marriage to Dawn Dix at the Presbyterian Parsonage in Greene. They moved to the family farm in 1944, where they continued to reside. Paul had been a life long member of the First Presbyterian Church in Greene where he was confirmed on April 17, 1927. He served as a trustee and was ordained as an Elder in January 1961. He sang in the church choir, helped with Sunday School, and served as an usher. As an active member of the community, Paul served on the board of directors of the Coop Creamery, Coop Elevator, Round Grove Country Club, and Old Round Grove. Paul’s favorite hobbies were fishing and golfing with Dawn. For over 25 years the family spent a week each year at Leech Lake. Being with his children and grandchildren were the most important thing of all. Living family members include his loving wife Dawn of Greene and five children: Bruce Cheney and sons Matt (Erin) of San Jose and Mark of New York City; Craig (Eileen) Cheney of Greene and their family: Stephen (Kathy) Rindels and Hannah of Shell Rock; Jennifer (Daren) Huisenga of Waterloo; and Caley Cheney of Iowa City; Diane (Jerry) Eckenrod of Belle Plaine and their family: Grant (Traci) Eckenrod and daughters, Morgan, Madison, and McKenna of Williamsburg; Jason (Suzanne) Eckenrod; Jake and Lexie of Mt. Zion, Illinois; and Dana (Dave) Nichols and daughters Whitney and Morgan of Davenport; Lana (Chuck) Ringus of Clear Lake and their children: Jared of Cedar Falls and Abby of Corning, Ia.; Rachel (Doug) Watson of Rocky Mt., NC and their family: Gretchen (Mark) Mathison and sons Miller and Gray of Durham, NC; and Nathan (Amber) Watson and their son Porter of Rocky Mt., NC. Also surviving include two step sisters: Audrey Wills of Kersey, PA; Ardis Sarchett of Ames. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers Frank and Raymond Cheney.

01/20/03
Leona Ruth Van Every

Matthew Eugene Sherman

01/20/03

Matthew Eugene Sherman, age 23, of Parkersburg, Iowa, was born the son of Paul and Donna (Lumley) Sherman on November 15, 1979, at the Ellsworth Hospital in Iowa Falls, Iowa. He was a member of the Hope Reformed Church in Parkersburg, and baptized at Bethel Reformed Church, in Aplington, Iowa. He graduated from Aplington-Parkersburg High School in 1998 and then attended Hawkeye Community College. Matthew had moved to Adel, Iowa were he worked for the secondary roads department of Dallas County. He enjoyed motorcycles, hunting, fishing, camping, baseball, and golf. Most of all, Matthew loved being with his family, friends and especially spending time with his dog, Abbi. Matthew died Thursday, January 9, 2003, at his home in Adel, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Donald and Esther Lumley, and great-grandparents, John and Johanna Kruse, and Fred and Clara Sherman. Matthew is survived by his parents, Paul and Donna Sherman, of Parkersburg; his brother, Mike Sherman of Aplington, Grandparents, Melvin and Marian Sherman of Aplington and a special friend, Mandi Simkins. Funeral Services were held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 14, 2003, at Hope Reformed Church, Parkersburg, Iowa with Pastor Neal Ooms officiating. Organist Cathy Myers accompanied soloists Ted Jr. “Bud” Gerdes and Daryl Sherman. Congregational Hymn was “How Great Thou Art.” Casketbearers were Jeff Ridder, Steve Mulder, Doug Sheeley, Mike Asche, Chris Grandon, Ed Lund, Ryan Junker, and Greg Messerschmidt. Honorary Casketbearers were Mike Sherman, Loren Kruse, Melvin Brown Jr., Kate Kruse, Melvin Brown III, John Kruse, Silas Schipper and Neal Corwin. Flower Committee was Joyce Sherman, Vicki Sherman and Barb Franken. Interment was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Parkersburg, Iowa. Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home, Parkersburg, was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the family.

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Lois Lucille Smith

Lois Lucille Smith, age 66, of Clarksville, Iowa, was born the daughter of Lewis and Minnie Adelmund Hites on July 20, 1936 on her parent’s farm near Hitesville in Butler County, Iowa. She attended school in Shell Rock, then in Clarksville. She later completed a Nurse’s Aid program at NIACC in Mason City. On August 23, 1952, Lois was united in marriage with Marvin “Rocky” Smith in Allison, Iowa. The couple made their home in Clarksville where she lived since then. Lois worked as a nurse’s aid at Viola Arend’s rest home in Clarksville, at the Shell Rock Health Care Center and Community Nursing Home in Clarksville. She had taken time off from work to take care of Rev. Sollie’s wife in her home. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Clarksville where she was involved with the lady’s circle at the church. When first married, she used to bicycle and go camping. Lois enjoyed playing piano and the organ. She was a Cub Scout leader for many years. On Sunday mornings, she enjoyed listening to the Leo Greco Show. Lois liked to watch the hummingbirds, enjoyed baking and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. On Saturday, January 11, 2003, Lois died at University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City, Iowa, of pneumonia. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis Hites in September, 1962 and Minnie Hites in April, 1991, and one brother, Roger Hites, killed in VietNam, January, 1967. Lois is survived by her husband, Marvin “Rocky” Smith, Clarksville; two sons, Travis (Shirley) Smith, Clarksville; and Darwin Smith, Clarksville; four grandchildren, Rodney (Jody) Smith, Kimberly Smith, Melissa Smith, and Sarah Smith; one brother, Rick (Judy) Hites, Harrison, Arkansas; two nephews, Yancey Hites and Justice Hites and one niece, Ann Freerks. Funeral Service were held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 14, 2003, at St. John Lutheran Church, Clarksville, Iowa, with Pastor David Nelson officiating. Organist Lois Roose accompanied soloist,Glenda Timmer who sang “In The Garden.” Congregational Hymns were “How Great Thou Art” and “Just As I Am.” Casketbearers were Travis Smith, Darwin Smith, Rodney Smith, Kimberly Smith, Sarah Smith, Melissa Smith, Jody Smith and Yancey Hites. Interment was in Lynwood Cemetery, Clarksville, Iowa. Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home, Clarksville, was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Joyce P. Leerhoff

Joyce P. Leerhoff, 69, of Allison, passed away January 15, 2003, at the Waverly Municipal Hospital in Waverly. She was born December 17, 1933, in rural Butler County, Iowa, to Paul and Mary (Rodenbeck) DeBower, Jr. Joyce attended Allison Schools and was married to Vernon Leerhoff on September 12, 1954, in Allison. She was a homemaker all her married life. Joyce was a life time member of St. James Lutheran Church in Allison. She was a member of St. James Lutheran Church Bible and sewing groups, the WELCA women’s group and Triple J Club. She enjoyed spending time with her family. Joyce is survived by her Husband Vernon Leerhoff of Allison, Daughter Joan and husband Bruce Voigts of Clarion, Son Mark and wife Shelley Leerhoff of Madrid, Son David and wife Sue Leerhoff of Clarksville, Sister Lois McDowell of Allison, Sister Janice and husband Raymond Grapp of Bristow, Grandchildren Matthew and Michelle Voigts, Jason, Darcy, Anthony, Nathanael, Christy and Noah Leerhoff, Step Grand-daughters Lauren and Sara Schoning, Great Grandson Skyler Leerhoff. She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 17, 2003 at the St. James Lutheran Church in Allison with Rev. Jerry Laehn officiating. Special music was provided by organist, Vivian Green accomp-anying soloist, Dean Uhlenhopp. Pallbearers were Roger Marks, Patrick Feltus, Dale Janssen, Brent Janssen, Randy Johnson and Duane Christensen. Final resting place was in the Allison Cemetery. Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home in Allison was in charge of arrangements.

Raymond George Heckroth

01/26/03

Raymond George Heckroth, “Jr.”, age 70, of Parkersburg, Iowa, was born the son of Raymond William and MayeBelle (Baker) Heckroth on December 24, 1932, in Garrison, Iowa. He received his education from the school in Dysart, Iowa. He served in the U.S. Army from January, 1953, through December, 1954, and earned the rank of Corporal. One year of his service was spent in Germany. Raymond was united in marriage with Marian Mulder on March 8, 1953, at Marian’s parents’ home in Reinbeck, Iowa. After their marriage, the couple lived in Reinbeck where Raymond was a meat cutter at Bonackers for three years. In 1960, they moved to Parkersburg where he worked at Palmer’s Grocery Store as Meat Manager. In 1974, Ray bought the DX Service Station in Parkersburg which he owned and operated until 1978 when he went back to work at Palmer’s Grocery Store. In 1990, he worked for Ray’s Super Value in Waterloo until his retirement in 1995. Raymond was a member of Hope Reformed Church. He served as a Deacon, an usher and was active in the Silver Threads and Adult Fellowship. He was a member of Harry Peters American Legion Post #285. Raymond enjoyed fishing and woodworking in his spare time. He also liked to take trips and attend Hawkeye football games with his wife, Marian. On January 12, 2003, Raymond died at Sartori Memorial Hospital in Cedar Falls, of natural causes. He was preceded in death by his parents. Raymond is survived by his wife, Marian Heckroth of Parkersburg, Iowa; and four daughters, Elaine Crabtree and her husband, Larry of Hampton, Iowa, Barb Scheer and her husband, Jim of Northfield, Minnesota, Deb Loomis and her husband, Stan of Grundy Center, Iowa and Suean LaVelle and her husband, Bob of Grundy Center, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Melanie (Chuck) Condon, Eric Crabtree, Jeff Heckroth, Sandy Webster, Heather and Tim Loomis, Nicole Bownes, and Abigail LaVelle and two great-grandchildren, Bailey and Cassandra Condon. Funeral Services were at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, January 16, 2003, at the Hope Reformed Church in Parkersburg, Iowa. Officiating was Rev. Neal Ooms and Rev. Melvin Voss. The Organist was Cathy Myers, a solo, “How Great Thou Art” was given by Tom Teeple and the Congregational Hymns were “The Old Rugged Cross” and “Amazing Grace.” The Honorary Casketbearers were George Hansen, Delbert Kalkwarf and Melvin Karsjens. The Casketbearers were John Wrage, Don Heckroth, Bill Heckroth, Kendall Heckroth, Larry Flickinger and Brian Voss. Military Rites were given by American Legion Post #285 with Interment at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg, Iowa. Redman-Schwartz Funeral in Parkersburg was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the family.