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Janet Kay Higgins Murphy
A Celebration of Life service for Janet Kay Murphy (Higgins), wife of Lawrence J. Murphy and daughter of Kenneth and Audrea Higgins, formerly of Villisca, is scheduled for 16 March, at 2:00 p.m. at the Villisca United Methodist Church. Janet passed away on December 2, 2010, in Tucson Arizona.
Howard B. Peterson
Howard B. Peterson, the son of Edwin C. and Julia A. (Wigg) Peterson was born September 22, 1920 west of Morton Mills in Washington Township of Montgomery County, Iowa. He passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Society, Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 90 years, 5 months and 7 days.
Howard was six months old when his family moved to a farm west of Strand. For over 84 years, Howard lived on and famed the family farm, until 2004 when he became a resident of Good Samaritan Society in Red Oak. Howard was baptized at the Strand Lutheran Church and attended Hobson Country School. He became a member of the Sciola Church where he was one of the pianists, and later a member of the Morton Mills Church. Howard touched many lives for over 50 years as a Sunday school teacher. He held a special place in his heart for dogs, especially his dog Molly. Howard loved his nieces and nephews and was always willing to help them.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters: Inez Peterson, Erma Sanders and May Doll; nephews: Orin Doll, Lee Doll, Paul Eugene Doll, Galen Doll and Patrick O'Keefe; and niece: Darlene Sanders O'Keffe.
Howard is survived by nieces: Mary Baker of Stanton, IA; Ellen Havens of Villisca, IA; Joyce Cherry of Missouri Valley, IA; Eula Hiatt and Carol Graham both of Council Bluffs, IA; great-nieces & nephews; great-great-nieces & nephews; along with other relatives and friends.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at Morton Mills Church; Burial at the Strand Cemetery , Adams County, IA; Rev. Fred Bryson, Officiating
A memorial is being established in Howard's name.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.sldfuneralhome.com. Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Donna Weston
Funeral services for Donna G. Weston, 78, of Grant, Iowa were held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 6th at the Grant United Methodist Church with interment in the Grant Cemetery . Memorials may be made in Donna's name.
Donna Glee Weston was born on January 29, 1933, the daughter of Charles Robert Hensel and Dorothy Mae Starlin Hensel. She was born at home in the rural Grant area. She attended the Science Vale Country School and finished 8th grade at Grant. She completed her high school education in Villisca graduating in the class of 1950. She was united in marriage to Teddy J. Weston on September 9, 1951. Six children were born to this union: Robert Dean, Roxanna Rae, Rebecca June, Teresa Lynn, George Rodney and Cynthia May. They lived near Grant all their married life.
Donna enjoyed being a housewife and mother for her family. While her children were growing up she upholstered furniture, sewed for Bordeaux in Clarinda, and worked at Delong’s Sportswear, retiring at 65.
After retirement, she worked with the Grant Community Preservationist Group to restore the Masonic Lodge. She served as their president for several years.
She enjoyed working in her yard with her flowers and bird watching. She was hooked on quilting after she made her first quilt for a fund raiser. She and Teddy attended the Country Music Jams where she would sing and he would play the guitar.
Donna is survived by her husband of 59 years Teddy Weston of Grant; her children: Robert (Georgia) Weston of Edgewood, New Mexico; Roxanna (Gail) Peterson of Creston; Rebecca (David) Westover of Grant; Teresa Knudson of Omaha, Nebraska; George (Laura) Weston of Elliott; and Cynthia (Wallace) Harvey of Topeka, Kansas; grandchildren: Robert Weston, Wennifer Duskus, Juliette Weston, Jeremie Peterson, Jodie Heinemann, Jesse Westover, Jude Westover, Callie Westover, Nathan Knudson, Colby Weston, Jebediah Weston, Madeleine Weston, Gwendolyn Weston, Jennifer Eblen, Tiffany Murchison, and Jessica Cooper; 25 great grandchildren; brother Robert (Doris Jean) Hensel of Atlantic; sister Jacky (Bob) Samuelson of Clarinda; sister-in-law Peggy Weston of Grant; and brother-in-law Lawrence Foote of Red Oak and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Mona Delfs.
Wolfe Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Rita J. Kasha
Funeral services Rita J. Kasha were held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 14, 2011 at Wolfe Funeral Home in Villisca with interment at Arlington Cemetery.
Rita Joan Kasha, 57, passed away Thursday, February 10, 2011. She was born in Corning, Iowa on April 25, 1953 the daughter of Keith M. Gourley and Clara L. Hefflefinger Gourley. She graduated from Villisca Community High School in 1972 and attended Iowa Western Community College earning both an Associate of Arts degree and a secretarial degree.
Rita was united in marriage to Henry E. Kasha on November 20, 1976 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Villisca, Iowa. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Ted and Phillip. Rita worked as a secretary and bookkeeper for Kasha’s Garage and for the farming operation. She was active in her community serving for several years as coordinator for Villisca Soccer, as manager of the Villisca swimming pool and as a long-time member of the Villisca Theater Board.
She is survived by her husband Henry Kasha; children: Ted Kasha of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Phillip Kasha and wife Brittney of Villisca; grandson Jacob Kasha of Villisca; mother Clara Gourley of Villisca; brothers: Wendell Gourley and wife Jeannine of Stanton and Ray Gourley of Omaha, Nebraska; sister Kathy Meier and husband Larry of Niobrara, Nebraska; uncle Roland Gourley of Corning; mother-in-law Patricia Kasha of Villisca; brothers-in-law James Kasha of Villisca and Patrick Kasha of Portland, Oregon; and sister-in-law Frieda Leasia of Portland, Oregon.
She is preceded in death by her grandparents Robert and Theola Gourley and Lester and Mildred Hefflefinger, her father Keith Gourley, and her father-in-law Vlatimer Kasha.
Marvin Eugene Focht
Marvin Eugene Focht, the son of Fred and Belva Irene (Gourley) Focht was born August 12, 1931 in northeast Montgomery County, Iowa. He passed away on February 1, 2011 at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 79 years, 5 days and 20 days, after a 24 month courageous and hard fought battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Marvin grew up in northeast Montgomery County graduating from Villisca High School in l948. Marvin entered active duty in the U. S. Army on January 24, l952 during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany during his active enlistment. After leaving active duty, he joined the Army Reserves and served in Stanton, Creston, Council Bluffs, Omaha, Sioux City and Des Moines. In 1967, he was recognized by the Des Moines Register for Outstanding Achievement as the U. S. Army Reservist of the Year for the State of Iowa. Marvin was qualified in Infantry, Quarter Master, Inspector General and Finance, and retired after 33 years with the rank of Colonel.
Upon leaving active duty on December 31, 1953, Marvin started his farming career near Wallin, Iowa. Marvin was united in marriage to Barbara Linn on November 24, 1957 in Red Oak. In the late 70's and early 80's their sons, Mark and Rod joined the family farming operation. With their help, they built a long lasting family farming operation that now includes some of Marvin's grandsons. Marvin was very actively involved in this operation until 2011 and being a good farmer was one of his greatest passions in life. Marvin loved watching his children and grandchildren in all of their sporting events. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and also enjoyed hunting and his dogs.
While involved in the farming operation, Marvin also took a very active role in local, county and regional boards and organizations. Some of the boards that he served on included the Tabor Lutheran Church, Stanton School Board, the Stanton COOP, 33 years on Southwest Iowa REC, East Central Iowa CIPCO, Iowa Area Development and 17 years on the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital board. In many instances, Marvin took a leadership role on these boards and often served as chairman of these organizations.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, sister LaVonne, and daughter-in-law LaDonna Focht.
Marvin is survived by his wife of 53 years Barbara of Villisca, IA; sons: Jeff (wife Nora) of Omaha, NE; Mark (special friend Michelle) of Villisca, IA; Rod of Stanton, IA; and daughter Sue Reynolds (husband Dennis) of Griswold, IA; sister Janice Lewis (husband Dwight) of Villisca, IA; grandchildren: Andrew Focht (wife Karla), Aaron Focht (special friend Rachelle), Ryan Focht (special friend Jennifer), Amanda, Grant, Greg and Ally Focht and Dakota Reynolds; step-grandchildren: Bryan Leary (wife Andrea), Amanda and Drew; great-grandchild Lilly Focht; step-great-grandchildren: Riley, Karlee and Aubree Leary; nieces and nephews, many friends and his special dog, Charlee.
May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn.
Funeral Service will be held Friday, February 4, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. at Mamrelund Lutheran Church, Stanton, Iowa. Rev. Dr. Eric Kutzli and Rev. Gordon Scott, Officiating
Private Family Burial will take place at 4:00 p.m. at the Mortons Mill Cemetery
with Military Rites by the American Legion Ernie Johnson Post #406 of Stanton.
Visitation with the family will be held Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Mamrelund Lutheran Church in Stanton.
Memorials can be directed to the Tabor Lutheran Church, Montgomery County Memorial Hospital Foundation, or Fire & Rescue in Stanton, Villisca or Grant.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.sldfuneralhome.com
Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements, Red Oak, Iowa
Janet Kay Higgins Murphy
Janet Kay Murphy (Higgins) entered in to eternal rest at the Kindred Hospital in Tucson Arizona on Dec 2, 2010 succumbing to complications from pneumonia and COPD. Janet, wife of Lawrence J. Murphy and daughter of Kenneth and Audrea Higgins, all of Sierra Vista, Arizona was born on 16 September 1943 at Clarinda Iowa.
Janet grew up in Villisca Iowa attending elementary, junior high and high school there until her marriage to Larry on 2 Oct 1959 in Oakland California. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2009. Janet played basketball, twirled baton in the High School marching band and worked at the D&J Drive Inn in Villisca while she was a teenager. Upon their return to Villisca, she completed her GED degree and over the years raised three children, all of which survive her. They are Patrick Murphy of Colorado Springs, Co; Kelly Murphy of Sierra Vista, AZ and Darin Murphy of Des Moines, Ia.
Janet was a devoted Mother, wife and loving and thoughtful grandmother. She made every house they lived in into a loving and heartwarming home. She always enjoyed the company of others and was a great conversationalist. Janet and Larry lived in Villisca, Omaha, Corning, Greenfield, Guthrie Center, and Des Moines Iowa and for the past 10 years Sierra Vista. At each and every location Janet built relationships and lasting friendships. She was an accomplished piano player and for many years in Des Moines taught piano to students. While living in Des Moines she received her real estate license and enjoyed listing and selling homes for people in the Des Moines area while employed by Iowa Realty.
Janet loved music, especially Elvis Presley, her hot tub, playing golf and bowling. She was an avid and fervent supporter of the Iowa Hawkeye's, never wavering from her loyalty. Her most recent and heartfelt endeavor was crocheting baby clothing for Stitches FromThe Heart, a program for premature babies born in hospitals and based in California.
In addition to those mentioned above, Jan as she liked to be called, is survived by her two brothers, David (Jeanette) of Sierra Vista and Michael (Louann) of Caballo,NM, 8 grandchildren, 6 great grand children and three nephews.
Memorial services are to be scheduled for next spring in Iowa. No local services will be conducted. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Jan's name to the American Lung Association or the state affiliate. Condolences sent to the Jan Murphy Family, 3833 Loma Ventosa, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635.
Marlin D. Gunderman
Marlin Dale Gunderman passed away on September 16, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Marlin was born October 12, 1920 in Villisca, Iowa. On December 24, 1943 in San Diego, California, he married Wanda Madalene Benford who preceded him in death on September 28, 1992. To this union were born three daughters: Deanne K. Peer, Indianapolis, Indiana; Christine D. Gunderman, Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and Deborah L. Gunderman, Albuquerque, New Mexico. His two grandchildren are Lisa R. Gunderman, Québec City, Canada and Kenny E. Gunderman, Maplewood,
Minnesota. His four great-grandchildren are Félix J. Huppé and Nicolas O. Huppé, Québec City, Canada; and Delilah R. Gunderman and Penelope J. Gunderman, Maplewood,
Minnesota. His nieces are Carol Ann Roth Dumpert, Johnson Lake, Nebraska and Judith Straw, Hampton, New Hampshire.
He attended the University of Iowa after graduating from Villisca High School. He left college the last semester of his senior year and joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation to serve his country during World War II. While serving in San Diego, California he met and married Wanda. She also worked for the FBI. They were subsequently assigned to Washington D.C. and Massachusetts. After the war he continued to work for the FBI in Chicago and New York City until 1947 when he moved his family back to Villisca and bought the Gunderman Insurance Agency and Real Estate from his parents, Lorenz and Ethel Gunderman.
He became a member of the Villisca Presbyterian Church as a young boy. When he returned to Villisca, the Gunderman family became active in all phases of the church. He enjoyed serving as a Deacon, an Elder, and taught the High School Sunday School class for years. Often he served as Lay Minister not only for the Presbyterian Church but also for several area churches. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, served on the Villisca Light Plant board, the Villisca Building and Loan Association, the Nodaway Valley Packing Company, was president of the Mutual Insurance Agents of Iowa (Professional Insurance Agents of Iowa), and was Justice of the Peace for many years. He loved Villisca and was devoted to contributing to its mid-western values. Marlin attained a lifelong goal by graduating from the University of Iowa in December 1978.
In 1987 Marlin and Wanda moved to Sun City West, Arizona where he was active in his homeowners association and enjoyed oil painting and dancing. He met Marjorie Basset, Sun City West, Arizona in 1993. She was his dear friend and companion for 17 years. In November 2008 he moved to Indianapolis to live with his daughter, Dee Peer.
Marlin was a friend to many people and treasured these friendships. He had a deep reverence for his Lord and a profound respect for life. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. Memorials may be made to Villisca Presbyterian Church, 109 South 3rd Avenue, Villisca, IA 50864.
Joel Embree Taylor
Joel was born in Fairfield, Iowa to Geneva and Harry Taylor and grew up in the small town of Villisca, Iowa with his sister Jean and his mother. He attended grade school and high school in Villisca, and after graduating worked part time for the State Highway Commission as a surveyor while attending Clarinda Community College. Joel maintained the friendships formed in his childhood for the rest of his life. Always athletic, Joel received a football/basketball scholarship to Iowa State, but lost it due to a back injury and was forced to drop out of school and work full time for the State Highway Commission.
His life changed dramatically when he was drafted by the United States Army to serve during the Korean War. He became a sergeant in the Army Corps of Engineers, where he served as a surveyor in Korea from 1950 - 1952. After his service, he and Bob Chapel, his army buddy and friend for life, come to Bob's home in California and attended Compton Community College. The GI Bill enabled Joel to graduate from California Sate University Fresno in 1955 with a degree in Criminology. Most important, Fresno is where Joel met his future wife, Dana Wilson, who attended school there a well. They were married in 1955.
Joel and Dana moved to Walnut Creek, California later that Fall, so Joel could begin his career with State Farm Insurance. His first daughter, Susanne was born in 1959, and the small family moved shortly thereafter to Anaheim, California as Joel was promoted further into the company. His second daughter, Stephanie was born in 1961, and with her birth, the family was complete. The friends Joel and Dana made early in their marriage, both in Walnut Creed and Anaheim, remain friends for life.
Joel continued to flourish at State Farm and the family moved from California to Bloomington, Illinois and several years later, moved back again to Anaheim. After State Farm opened a regional office in Westlake Village, California, Joel moved his family to Thousand Oaks where he and Dana lived for the next 27 years. During his tenure with State Farm, Joel was appointed to serve on the California Fair Plan for several years, and led the organization as its chairman from 1981 - 1982. Joel retired from State Farm after 36 years where he gained the respect of his employees and co-workers as a hard working, loyal and intelligent member of the State Farm family. The relationships Joel developed during his long career remain lifetime friends.
In 1996, several years after retirement, Joel and Dana made the decision to move to Fresno, California to be near their daughters, sons-in-laws and grandchildren. It is cosmic coincidence that Joel and Dana ended up in the town in which they met almost 60 years ago. During the relatively short time that Joel loved in Fresno, he became involved with the Sirs Organization, Branch 179, where he made many new golf buddies. He and Dana also became members of Saint James Anglican Cathedral, where; as is his nature, Joel developed more valued relationships. The greatest beneficiaries though, of the move to Fresno, have been Joel and Dana's grandchildren, Max, Mel, Leah and Alex. All four have been so lucky to have had such a close relationship to both Grandma and Grandpa. Their lives are forever richer and continue to be influenced by the love of their grandparents.
Joel had many health scares over the years and he somehow soldiered through them all. But after declining health during the last 6 months, on August 12, 2011, Joel died peacefully, at home, with Dana by his side.
Beverly A. Goodemote
Beverly Ann Goodemote, the daughter of Elmer and Beulah (Collier) Brammer was born August 6, 1936 in Malvern, Iowa. She passed away Friday, September 9, 2011 at her home, in rural Stanton, Iowa with her family by her side at the age of 75 years, 1 month and 3 days.
Beverly attended school in Carson, Iowa and graduated from Carson High School in l954. She entered the United States Air Force and was stationed at Geiger Air Force Base, Washington. Beverly met fellow airman and future husband, Gary R. Goodmote at Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois while both were in parachute rigger school. On December 22, 1955, Beverly and Gary were united in marriage in Carson, Iowa. Beverly continued her career with the Air Force, being honorably discharged in 1956. They lived in the Maryland/Washington D.C. area until 1971, when they decided to move their family to Stanton, Iowa. Beverly was a homemaker, but at different times of her life worked for Earl May Seed & Nursery in Shenandoah, D & L and Uniroyal in Red Oak. In her later years, Beverly returned to school and became an L.P.N. She enjoyed music, as she loved to sing and dance. Beverly also loved to fish, teaching her children and grandchildren the art of fishing. She was an avid reader, and loved to play a good game of Scrabble with the family, a creative way of helping grandchildren reinforce spelling skills. Beverly collected Pepsi items and was an active member of the Worth While Club in Stanton.
Beverly was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Sherie Wistrom; brothers: Stanley Brammer and Elmer Brammer; and sisters: Marcia J. Brammer, Leona Shrake and Shirley Durham.
Beverly is survived by her husband, Gary R. Goodemote of rural Stanton, IA; four children: Tammy Goodemote and partner Julie Wood of Red Oak, IA; Calvin Goodemote and wife LeeAnn of Thayer, IA; Rodney Goodemote and wife Tricia of Niceville, FL; and Laura Shafer and husband Brian of Stanton, IA; 10 grandchildren: Christopher Wistrom and wife Elana, Jonathan Wistrom and wife Rachel, Skyler Wistrom, Daniel Goodemote and wife Chris, Jessica LaMasters and husband Curtis, Brandon Goodemote, Bethany Goodemote, Isaac Goodemote, Ryan Hummel and fiancée Aprill Lout, and Megan Shafer; 3 great-grandchildren: Gregory, Alexis and Kacy; 5 sisters: Betty Neighbors of LaGrande, OR; Charlotte McClain and husband Howard of Council Bluffs, IA; Bonnie Christensen and partner Victor Breakfield of Carson, IA; Sandra Viner and husband Gordon of Omaha, NE; and Cheryl Helle of Des Moines, IA; many nieces, nephews, along with other relatives and friends.
Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 10:30 a.m.at the Evangelical Covenant Church, Stanton, IA; Burial in Mamre Cemetery; Rev. Dr. Eric Kutzli, Officiating
Memorials to Red Oak Public Library. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.sldfuneralhome.com Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Henry Ankeny
Graveside services for Henry Ankeny, age 83, of Clarinda, Iowa, who entered into peace Sunday, November 20, 2011 at Goldenrod Manor, Clarinda, Iowa, were held 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at the Clarinda Cemetery
with Reverend Andrew Rubenking officiating. Visitation with the family was be held Wednesday, November 23, 1-2 p.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa. Burial was in the Clarinda Cemetery , Clarinda, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the First Christian Church, Clarinda, Iowa or to the Goldenrod Manor .Care Center. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on our website at, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.
Henry Leo Ankeny passed away quietly Sunday night at Goldenrod Manor Care Center in Clarinda, Iowa. He was born August 20, 1928 in Hawleyville, Iowa to Edward Milton Ankeny and Esther Hallene Vance Ankeny. He grew up in Hawleyville and then the Villisca area having graduated from Villisca High School in 1946. He married Betty Jean Malvern Ankeny in Clarinda on December 17, 1947. They lived in Creston and Atlantic, Iowa and later moved to Colorado where Henry pursued his interest in radio and served as chief engineer for several radio stations. He had his own radio shows and did some d'jaying. He was a quiet man but was able to be his funny self hidden behind the microphone.
Henry and family moved back to Clarinda in 1959. He worked as police dispatcher and volunteer fireman and later started working for Lisle Corporation. He retired from Lisle's in 1988. He and Betty then did some traveling and spent a lot of time visiting their children and grandchildren. They became involved with the Nodaway Valley Historical Museum and devoted much time volunteering with the museum. He especially like the one-room school house as it reminded him of the school he had attended in Hawleyville. He often told the story of riding his horse three miles to catch the school bus. Henry was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church of Clarinda.
Henry was devoted to Betty and helped her endure the difficulties of living with Multiple Sclerosis. He mourned her loss up to the day he died. He was an honest man and instilled in his children this sense of honesty as a foundation for their lives.
Henry was preceded in death by his father and mother; his sister, Rose Wellendorf and her husband Herb of Ida Grove, Iowa; his granddaughter, Molly Christine McAlpin and the love of his live, Betty.
Henry is survived by two children, Steve (Patricia Ann) Ankeny of New Castle, Indiana and Nancy (Keith) Beattie of Clarinda. Steve has five children, Steven David Ankeny, Susan Marie (Gabriel) Smith, Philip Andrew Ankeny, Angela Michelle Ankeny and Monica (Michael) Dowd. Nancy has two children, Cory (Marla) McAlpin and Molly McAlpin (deceased). Great grandchildren are Anna Grace and Naomi Rose Smith, Allie and Nicole Scott, Connor Dowd, Bryson McAlpin, Wyatt and Rylie McAlpin. Henry is also survived by sister-in-law, Helen Cherry of Perris, California; nieces; nephews; cousins and many friends.
The family would like to thank everyone who supported them during their loss. May God bless each with the abundance of love they have felt in these hours.
