BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

     Doris I. Buechler Finck, 94, Marion. Formerly of West Des Moines. Born in Boone. Jordan HS-46. Boone Junior College, Simpson and a B.S. teaching degree from Drake. Taught at numerous schools in Iowa and Minnesota and then spent 38 years teaching in Waukee. Belonged to West Des Moines Women's Club, PEO-MA, book clubs and New Beginnings Circle. She enjoyed traveling and watching baseball (especially the Chicago Cubs) and basketball. Her husband, Kenneth, and brothers, Marvin and Eugene Buechler, preceded her in death. Survivors include a son and son-in-law. Services in West Des Moines.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

     Viola Mary (Vi) Rardin Lycke, 99, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in Dallas County. BHS-42. Married Leonard Earl Lycke in Nevada in 1940. Was a sales associate for Graham's, Ross' and Beno's from 1954-86, The couple owned the Yellow Cab Company, where she worked until retirement in 1998. Was a member of the American Business Women's Association for 19 years and bowled for over 50 years. Leonard died in 2002. Survivors include her daughter, Shirley (Ted)  Bergloff, of Boone and a sister-in-law, Barb Rardin, of Boone. No services at present. Burial at a later date.

BOONE AREA CONNECTED DEATH

     Timothy Doran, 74, Winterset. Born in Jefferson. Grew up in Beaver. OHS. B.S. degree from Iowa State University. Married Susan Linster in Estherville in 1971. Was a self-employed farmer in Mount Ayr before going to work as a Soil Conservation Officer, working in Greenfield and Osceola. Was involved with the Madison County Conservation Board and a member of the Winterset Jaycees. Loved antiques, was a fisherman and grew two gardens every year to "spread the bounty." Survivors include his wife, Susan, two daughters and three siblings. Services in Winterset.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

     Dorothy Ann Limbrey Halling, 94, Belmond. Formerly of Boone. Born and educated in Kansas. Married Richard Halling in Mississippi in 1952 when he was serving in the Air Force. When Richard was discharged, the couple moved to Boone to farm. Dorothy worked at Bourns in Ames, J.C. Peterson Clothing and Boyd's Dairy in Boone. Survivors include a son and two daughters. Services in Boone.

BOONE CONNECTED/AREA DEATHS

     Larry Arnold Stowe, 79, Boone. Born in Colorado. The family movcd to Huxley in 1951 before settling in Cambridge. Married Sharon Smuck in Story City in 1964. In his younger years, Larry was a butcher, working at lockers at various Iowa sites.Larry retired from Martin Marietta-Ferguson Quarry after 26 years as plant operator. After Sharon passed, he moved to Ogden and began working for the Rail Crew Express until 2022. Larry enjoyed antique John Deere tractors and old cars and was a member of the Mid Iowa Power Association. He also liked fishing, traveling, scrapping iron and butchering for friends and family. Survivors include three adult children including Natalie (Curt) Erickson of Boone and two siblings.

     Darrell Don Kruse, 85, Henderson, North Carolina. Grew up in Boone. BHS-56. Military vet. Married Marcia Amschler in Henderson in 1984. Grinnell College graduate with additional study at Drake and the State University of Iowa. Worked his lifetime for General Electric in different capacities. Retired after completing his last assignment in Henderson. Worked in Henderson County Hunger Coalition, was active in Democratic politics and co-founded and co-owned Law Data, a company specializing in providing legal data and advice to family practice attorneys nationwide. The couple also co-founded Kruse Kollectibiles to market antiques and collectibles and Darrell was also active in real estate. Survivors include his wife, Marcia, a brother, Nyle Kruse, and a sister-in-law. Services in Henderson in March.

     Donald Dean (Chris or Danger) Christensen, 91, Covington, WA. Born in Kimballton. Air Force vet. Married Lou in 1952. After his discharge in 1953, the couple and new son moved to the family farm in Ogden. Don took a job with Hoffman LaRoche in 1957 and became plant manager in 1965. He retired in 1994 and the family moved to Sun City West, AZ and then to the Seattle area. Survivors include his wife, Lou, and three adult children. Services were held in Renton, WA.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

     Nancy Kay Starner Carney, 85, Fort Collins, CO. Born in Boone. BHS-55. Married Bert Carney in 1957. Survivors include her husband, Bert, six adult children and a brother, Al. Services in Fort Collins.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

     Curtis Norbert Huseman, 55, Boone. Born in Alta. Galva-Holstein HS-86. Married Julie Jensen in Ruthven in 1997. Worked for a model airplane company until 1991. Attended powerline school in Sheldon and has worked as a power lineman since, spending the last 15 years with Alliant Energy. Loved coaching Little League, golfing and watching the Dallas Cowboys and Hawkeye teams. He loved playing card games and looked forward to monthly card club. A very giving and loving person dedicated to his family and serving as a father figure to his niece and nephew. Survivors include his wife, Julie, of Boone, a son and a daughter. Also surviving are Boone residents, nephews Jed Hammen and Dale Carter, niece Amanda Van Fossen and great niece Morgan Van Fossen. Services in Boone.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

      James Michael (Jim) Feeney, 64, Iowa Falls. Born in Carroll. BSH/BHS-78. Married Julie Ann Abbott in Boone in 1981. A 40-year employee of Alliant Energy. An excellent cook and avid sports fan, he enjoyed golfing and ISU football games. Involved in the Knights of Columbus. Survivors include his wife, Julie, of Iowa Falls, two sons and five siblings, including several Boone residents. Services in Iowa Falls.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

     Barbara L. Sands, 82, Boone.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS

     Chad Michael Hudson, 49, Boone. Born in Boone. Married Stefanie Springis in Boone in 1997. Chad loved following his children's activities, enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting and playing golf. Survivors include his wife, Stefanie, of Boone, five children, a sister, brother, mother-in-law and two sisters-in-law. Services in Boone. 

     Floyd Cecil Michel, 82, Boone. United Community school. Married Karen in 1961. Worked at Vogler-Nieman Chevrolet, for McVicker Painting and owned his own business, Boone Auto Reconditioning shop. He and his friend, Butch Boersma, owned Boone County Drywall and then worked for Central Iowa Construction Services and Heideman Drywall. The first of his brothers to drywall, Floyd soon recruited his three brothers and brother-in-law in the drywall trade. Floyd loved cars and racing. He became the first flagman at the Boone Speedway. He also flagged at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds and the Crawford County Speedway. The couple also loved antiquing and fishing trips to Canada. Survivors include his son, Jeff Michel, daughter, Mishelle Franklin, brother, Steve Michel, sisters, Charlene Braland and Judy Frist, and sister-in-law, Marianne Michel, all of Boone and sister-in-law, Deb Michel,  of Ogden. Services will be held in the spring.

     

    

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

     Patricia Ann (Pat) Day Markey, 88, Cedar Falls. Born in Marshalltown. BHS-52. Married Douglas Eugene Markey in 1952. He passed away in 2011. Pat enjoyed playing bridge and volunteering at church and at her children's schools. She was an outstanding cook. Survivors include four adult children and four sisters, including Rosalie Bach and Anita Sheehan both of Boone. Service in Cedar Falls. Burial at a later date in Boone.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

     Phyliss Palmer, 90, Jefferson. Survivors include a grandson, Alex (Nicole) Palmer, of Boone.

     Milo Ray Howland, Madrid. He spent 22 years on a farm in Casey before moving to Madrid in 2001, where he volunteered on the Labor Day Committee for many years. He enjoyed camping, fishing, deer hunting, crafting, traveling and computer games. Survivors include his wife, Mary Jo Howland, his children and siblings.

BOONE CONNECTED/AREA DEATH

     Michael Roy Jennings, 58, Knoxville. Survivors include a son, Calvin (Kailyn Williams) Jennings of Boone. Services in Nevada.

     Charles Claude Blanchard Jr., 93, West Des Moines. Born in Madrid. Private graveside services.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

      Richard (Dick) McKay, 75, Boone. Born in South Dakota. Canistoga HS-65. Earned an Associate's Degree in accounting from Nettleton Commercial College. Married Sherry L. Jerman in South Dakota in 1966. Viet Nam Army vet. After service discharge, the couple moved to Boone. Dick began work with the Chicago Northwestern in 1969. He worked 39 years as a Budget Officer, Conductor and Engineer. Retired in 2008. Loved coffee with co-workers and friends, followed DMACC sporting events and enjoyed an annual hunting trip to South Dakota. Survivors include his wife, Sherry, a son, daughter and sister. Services in Boone.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

    Ruth Elaine Lorrie Anderson Nootz Mourlam, 66, Eagle Grove. Born in Nebraska. Fremont, NE HS-74. Married Michael Nootz in Missouri in 1974. The couple resided in Fremont, then moved to Boone. They divorced. Lorrie worked as the office manager for the YMCA and a loan secretary for Boone Bank and Trust. In 1998, she married Kevin Mourlam in Woolstock. Prior to retirement, she worked for the Woolstock Mutual Telephone Company. She enjoyed cooking, baking and decorating her house. She and Kevin enjoyed listening and dancing to music. Survivors include a son and daughter, two step-sons and a sister. Foster Funeral of Webster City is in charge of the services.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

     George Frederick Wahl, 89, Urbandale. Born in Boone. BHS-51. Married Darla Grace Miller, BHS-51, in 1958 in Boone. Earned the opportunity to sing in the All State Chorus while in high school. ISU for two years, two years in military service and finished his mechanical engineering degree at ISU in two more years.The couple moved to Urbandale in 1960. George designed riding lawn mowers for AMF in Des Moines and NOMA in Tennessee. Active church members, the couple loved to travel, covering all 50 states and Canada. George enjoyed bowling, woodworking, mushroom hunting and remodeling projects. Two daughters survive. Services in Johnston and burial in Grimes.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

     Beverly Jean Baird Crouthamel Hagaman, 94, Stratford/Eastern Star. Born in Boone. BHS-47. Minneapolis Northwest College, 1947, where she studied medical sciences. Bev's family owned McCaskey's restaurant in Boone and Bev worked there in her younger years. Married Kenneth Lee Crouthamel in 1948. They owned Crouthamel Furniture and Appliance store in West Boone through the 50's and 60's. Bev then worked at the Boone County Hospital as a lab technician through the 60's and 70's. Ken passed away in 1988. Married George Hagaman in 1990 in Boone. The couple enjoyed traveling and spent winters in Arizona.They were involved in Stanhope's Watermelon Days, the Lions Club and volunteered at the Boone and Scenic Valley. Bev enjoyed gardening, sewing, upholstery work and collecting dolls. Survivors include sons Dan (Jackie), Curt (Angie) and Scott (Marsha). Curt and Scott are Boone residents. A surviving daughter-in-law, Helen Crouthamel, also lives in Boone. No services at this time.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

     Sharon Nadine Aspengren Thompson, 88, rural Boone County. BHS-53. Married Richard (Dick) Lee Thompson in 1953. Was a homemaker, gardener and farmer's wife. The couple were co-founders of P.F.I., Practical Farmers of Iowa. Survivors include three sons, Roger, Ryan and Rex, and a daughter, Renae. Private graveside services at Linwood at a later time.

FROM SMALL TOWN IOWA TO BIG TIME EXPOSURE

     We're right in the middle of the basketball season. Both Iowa State and the State University of Iowa women's teams are highly-ranked nationally while Drake and the University of Northern Iowa also boast very competitive teams. So let's talk about women's basketball in Iowa. There's really some fascinating history here, some, perhaps, long forgotten and......for the younger folks......not even realized.

     While watching the current Hawkeye team play, Molly Davis sees action off the bench for the Hawks and I couldn't help but think of another Molly, Molly (Machine Gun) Bolin, a player who set the state on fire several years ago. And, there were others as well.......Denise Long, Lynne Lorenzen. Anybody remember them? I guess you could say they were forerunners of today's stars like Caitlin Clark at Iowa and Ashley Jones at ISU.

     Let's barely touch the astounding basketball careers of this triumvirate group, one by one. 

     Denise Long Rife became the most widely known girls basketball player in history. Coming out of Whitten, Union-Whitten HS, the 5-11 Long, in closing her high school career, scored 79 points in a consolation game loss to Woodbine in 1969 Iowa state tournament play. That concluded her prep career with a state record 1,986 points for the season and a remarkable 6,250 for her career, nearly 1,450 points more than any player had recorded previously.

    Yes, hard to believe, but Denise became the first woman ever drafted by a National Basketball Association (NBA) team. San Francisco Warriors owner Franklin Mieuli picked her in the 13th round of the 1969 NBA draft. However, NBA commissioner Walter Kennedy would have none of it. He vetoed that pick because, at that time, the league did not draft players straight out of high school, nor did they draft any women.

     Long then did play for a women's team, in the Warriors Girls Basketball League that the Warriors sponsored for one season. As an aside, Long was selected in that NBA draft BEFORE USC men's star, Mack Calvin, who went in the 14th round to the Los Angeles Lakers. He shunned the NBA and went to the American Basketball Association, instead, where he became a five-time all-star.

     Despite her height, Denise was at her best shooting from the deep perimeter (before the 3-pointer became part of the game). In the six-on-six game of that day, she repeatedly scored over 100 points in a single game. Her highly publicized career drew attention from Sports Illustrated, which described her as "all swiftness and grace." The Johnny Carson TV show and the Wall Street Journal publication all took notice. She was offered college scholarships but this was before Title IX and those didn't appeal to her.

     After basketball, Denise did earn degrees in physical education, Bible theology and became a Drake pharmacist graduate until retirement. 

    Monna Lea Van Benthuysen, who became known as "Machine Gun" Molly Bolin, was raised in Moravia. The nickname was tabbed due to her rapid fire shot making ability. At 5-9, she was a high school star from 1978-80.

    As a junior, she averaged 50 points per game and boosted that to 54.8 her senior season while setting the school's single game record for most points by one player, 83. At season's end, at age 17, she was selected to participate in tryouts for the 1976 Summer Olympic' women's team and was voted an All-American.

    In 1975, Bolin began attending Grand View University and found that an adjustment to the five-player style of play was much different than her six-on-six high school format. She sat out one year for marriage and had a child. She returned to the court in 1978, set university scoring records, averaging 24.6 points per game and earned a degree in telecommunications.

   Molly entered professional play, becoming the first player to sign to the newly-formed Women's Professional Basketball League, when she signed a one year contract with the Iowa Cornets for $6,000. The newly formed league realized her scoring ability but also took advantage of her blondish good looks and she appeared in several photo shoots, features in Sports Illustrated and Sports World and commercials with Larry Bird and other NBA stars. She was affectionately dubbed, "the Blonde Bombshell" in an effort to spur more notice for the new league.

    Bolin averaged 16.7 points per game and the Cornets advanced to the league championship game. During the 1979-80 season, she set 12 WBL records, including most points scored in a single game, 55, and the highest single season scoring average, 32.8. She was also named co-MVP of the league along with Ann Meyers of UCLA who became a participant on U.S. teams that played in the Pam Am games and the Olympic games.

   The WBL had financial problems, faced long road trips and low pay so Bolin joined the Ladies Professional Basketball Association, a southwestern based league. However, that league disbanded and, as a free agent, she signed with the San Francisco Pioneers. She finished the 1980-81 season second in the league in scoring, 26.8, and and competed in her third all-star game.

  Her final season was 1984 when she played with the Columbus Minks of the short-lived Women's American Basketball Association. 

  On February 16, 1987, Ventura's Lynne Lorenzen became the state and national career scoring leader in girls basketball, breaking the record held by Denise Long. Lorenzen scored 54 points in an 87-51 sectional tournament victory over Meservey-Thornton to run her career total to 6,266. Long's previous record was 6,250. That game had been moved from its original site to the larger gym at Mason City because of the huge  fan and media interest, even nationally, in pursuit of this national record.

   A month later, Lynne capped her career by scoring 59 points to lead Ventura to the six-player state championship with a 90-69 victory over Southeast Polk. That lifted her career total to 6,736 points, a record that remains unbroken. In that game, she made 28 of 32 shots and added the assist on 14 of her teams other 15 field goals. Ventura finished with a perfect 31-0 record.

   In 1987, Lorenzen, who had scored 100 points in a game in 1986, was named to seven national All-America teams and was named Miss Iowa Basketball.

   At Iowa State University, Lynne played under scholarship from 1987-91, toured then Czechoslovakia as part of the Big Eight select team and led the Cyclones in scoring her senior season. Married, her family lives near Coos Bay, Ore.

   A big part of the story of Lorenzen, as well as Long and Bolin, was the tremendous national exposure their feats resulted in. In Lynn's case, Ventura gymnasium became a standing-room only event, occupied by numerous national television crews. The sidelines full of television cameras and crews became standard fare and there were autograph seekers in abundance.

   And to just think, these three Iowa women's basketball icons came from what many consider the "best of Iowa"......our small communities,  Whitten, population 100, Moravia 642 and Ventura 701.

   Their stories remain amazing thanks to the three players who authored them and to the fans who still remember them these many years later.

   P.S. In case you wondered, the final Iowa six-on-six girls basketball championship game closed the 1984-85 season. After that, for a period of time, measures were taken to ease the schools from six-on-six to the five player game. All schools in Iowa were required to play the five player version only after conclusion of the 1993-94 season.

 K-----K

     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 5 15-432-1530. Leave a message. To email your stories/memories/comments/death notices.....

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BOONE AREA DEATH

     Marvin Gene Crabtree, 85, Perry, formerly of Redfield/Luther. Born in Woodward. Attended school in Luther. Married Judith Loreen Riley at Madrid in 1986. He worked as a union carpenter in Des Moines and farmed near Redfield. He enjoyed hunting, 4-wheeling and the outdoors. Survivors include his wife, Judy, three adult children, four adult stepchildren and two sisters. Celebration of Life later. Burial in Fairview Cemetery at Madrid.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS

     James (Jim) Smith, 88, Des Moines/Johnston. Born in Council Bluffs. BHS-52. U.S. Coast Guard vet.  Married Norma Swain in Fort Dodge in 1956. Worked 25 years at the Des Moines Register in the circulation department. He concluded his career as an investment counselor.Active member of New Hope UMC, Masonic Lodge and the Optimist Club. Survivors include three adult children. Services in Des Moines.

     Ruth Ann Weltha, 87, Webster City. Formerly of Randall. A survivor is a daughter, Deb (Dan) Buechler, of Boone. Services in Story City.

     Pamela Plath, 66, Ames. A survivor is a sister, Paula (Doug) Plath-Tenhaeff of Madrid. Graveside service in Ames.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

     Mary M. Uthe Smith, 103, Boone/Westhaven. Born near Gilbert. Story City HS-36. One year at St. Theresa's College for Women in Minnesota and then she started teaching in rural schools in Hamilton and Boone Counties. Married Albert W. Smith in rural Ames in 1944. The family lived on a farm in Boone County. An avid reader, she was very interested in family ancestry, enjoyed sewing, crossword puzzles and other word games. A 75-year member of Sacred Heart Church and its Altar Society. The couple retired to Boone in 1983 and she entered Westhaven three months after her 100th birthday in 2019. Three adult daughters survive, including Donna (Tom) Johnson of Boone. Services in Boone.

     Gladys D. Robertson Walters, 84, Ogden. Formerly of Boone. Born in Belmond. Belmond HS. Married Marvin James Walters in Boone in 1955. A member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary, she enjoyed camping, riding cycles with her husband, cross stitching, ceramics and collecting clowns. Also loved playing poker and baking. Worked at Archway and then at ISU as a custodian. Marvin passed in 1991 and Gladys retired. Survivors include sons James and Jerry (Eva) Walters of Boone and daughter Judy Keel of Ogden. Services in Boone.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

     Kyle Woollet, 36, Ames. Born in California. Earned a degree from Brooks Institute of Photography. Was a teacher in Korea and moved to Iowa in 2013. He earned a nursing degree from DMACC and worked as a float nurse at McFarland Clinic until his cancer diagnosis. He enjoyed camping, mission trips to Mexico, helping build homes, was a musician, painter and started a frisbee team in Ames. Survivors include his two daughters, their mother, his parents and  two siblings. Celebration of Life, February 4, at the Central Iowa Expo, Boone.  

     Ronnie Dean Swigert, 71, West Des Moines. Born in Sheldon. The family moved to Boone and then to Perry. Perry HS-70. Survivors include an aunt, JoAnn Grimm of Boone.   

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

     William Erwin (Bill) Johnson, 93, Des Moines. Formerly of Boone. Born in Des Moines. Spent his early life in Norwalk and Des Moines. Earned a music Master's Degree from Drake and taught piano to many children and adults. Worked at DMACC. Married and raised his family in Boone and Des Moines with his former wife, Beverly Johnson (now deceased). Two adult children, a sister and a longtime life companion, Diane Messersmith, survive. No services will be held.

BOONE AREA DEATH

   William (Billy) Burt, 68, Ogden. Born in Boone. OHS-73. Married Denise Renae Anderson in Ogden in 1980. Billy was a mechanic and later, a heavy equipment operator for Boone County Secondary Roads. He also farmed in Boone County, retiring in 2020. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming and listening to rock and roll, especially the "Doors." Survivors include his wife, Denise, of Ogden, a son, Eric Burt (fiance', January Searcy) of Boone, a daughter, Angie Burt, of Ames, a brother, Ric (Jackie) Burt of Stratford and a sister. Services pending.

   Patricia Jean Larrew Mallas, 93, Boone. Born in Waterloo. BHS-47. Boone JC. University of Northern Iowa. Married Jay L. Mallas in Boone in 1948. Was a telephone operator for Illinois Bell Telephone in 1969 and transferred to Ames in 1970. She also assisted her husband in building homes in Boone. In the early 1980's, the couple incorporated Unicorn Agri Services, owning a detasseling business for over 19 years. In 1986, she retired from Northwestern Bell. Pat was a color guard for the Scotties, an active supporter of veterans and the American Legion Auxiliary. She loved working Bingo, was a student pilot and an avid traveler. When Jay passed, she became an active member of the Willows, a support group for Boone widows. She is survived by two daughters, including Launie Jean (Doug) Sorem of Boone, two sons and a daughter-in-law. Services in Boone.

   Linda Katherine Fessler Robinson, 75, Boone. Born in Missouri. Salisbury, MO St. Joseph's HS. Northeast Missouri State University. Worked at the university for a short time. Married Harry Robinson in 1967. They lived in Ottumwa where Linda worked as a legal secretary and them spent three years in Humeston. In 1970, the couple moved to Boone and Linda began a 35 year career at Boone County Hospital. She enjoyed gardening, playing cards and taking trips to Twin Lakes. She was an excellent baker. Survivors include her husband, Harry, two daughters, including Kalen Robinson of Boone and two brothers. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date.

BOONE CONNECTED/AREA DEATHS

     Carolyn Herman Spillers, 86. Grew up in Boone. BHS-55. University of Iowa graduate. Flight attendant for TWA in the 60's. Then, practiced in the field of nursing, home healthcare and providing medical support to substance abuse patients. Lived on both coasts before returning to Iowa where she held her longest tenured position at Beloit Lutheran Social Services in Ames. Came out of semi-retirement to become the house mother for Alpha Delta Pi sorority at ISU. Retired at age 75 but then became traveling the country in her RV. Two adult children survive. Expect services later this year.

     Jeff Eugene Thompson, 62, Boone. Born in Boone. Educated in Wright County. Iowa National Guardsman. Was a truck driver and pipefitter before his current employment as a Railcrew Express driver. Survivors include two daughters, a brother and five sisters. Services at a later time.

     Larry Michael Fales, 79, Osceola. Born in Iowa City. His mother, Bonnie, and her second husband, Dick Hodges, raised Larry in the Madrid area. Larry married Connie Kinney but the couple, later, separated. A talented mechanic, he wintered in Florida each year. Seven adult children and a brother survive. No services at this time.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

     Brent Anson Spencer, 48, Boone. Born in Des Moines. Waukee HS. Married Faith Drury in 1997. The couple later separated. In 2002, Brent met Shay Conyers, they married and the couple began a blended family. Brent was a handy man, a carpenter, electrician and mechanic. Survivors include his mom and dad, Cheryl and Ron Rathbun of Woodward, his wife, Shay, of Boone, three children of Des Moines, one from Ames and daughter Samantha Pritchard of Boone. Five siblings also survive. Services pending.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

     Nyla Genevieve Wisecup, 95, Wesley Acres. Raised on a Boone County farm in Harrison Township. Attended country school and St. Paul Lutheran Church. Stanhope HS-45. For 22 years, she lived with many families, Murken's, Anderson's, Sturtz, working as a nanny and helping run the household. She lost her vision to a genetic disease and in 1964 moved to Des Moines to live in and attend the Iowa Commission for the Blind. There, she learned independent cane travel, braille, home economics and living with blindness. She loved attending the Iowa and National Federation of the Blind National Conventions. In 1995, she moved to Stonecrest Apartments and in 2022 to Wesley Acres. She was an inspiration to the blind, taking pride in dressing well each day, cheering on Iowa State and Drake basketball teams, decorating at Christmas time and serving homemade cookies and candies to her family and friends. Survivors include a sister and several nieces and nephews. Services in Boone.

BOONE CONNECTED/AREA DEATHS

     Donald E. Launderville, 71, Boone. Born in Carroll. The family lived in Cooper, Beaver and Ogden. OHS-71. Earned an LPN from DMACC. Worked for several nursing facilities in Florida. Don enjoyed dogs, show horses, genealogy and was a square dance caller. Two sisters survive including Linda Conklin of Ogden. Two brothers also survive, Mark Launderville of Ogden and Richard Launderville of Ames. Services in Ogden.

     Harrison (Squeak) Strable, 71, Ogden. Born in Minnesota. Des Moines public schools, Hoover and East. Married Loni Myrell in 1988. The couple resided in several Central Iowa communities. Harrison was a train conductor for over 42 years. Was a railroad union member, enjoyed building things, NASCAR, reading, landscaping and caring for his yard. His wife, Loni Strable, of Ogden survives. There also are two daughters, including Robin (Wade) Good of Ogden and three sons who survive. Services in Boone.

     Ronald Lester Stoll, 78, Boone/Westhaven. Attended St. Paul Lutheran School. Story City HS-62. Boone Junior College-64. Graduated from Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, CA in 1987 as a Professional Photographer. Six year Iowa Army National Guard vet. Farmed for many years in Harrison Township, Boone County, loved dogs, especially German Shepherds. An avid collector of Hallmark Christmas ornaments and dishes. Survivors include special friends, John and Mary Lynn Cain and Joshua Cain. Services in Boone.

BOONE/OGDEN CONNECTED DEATH

     Timothy (Tim) H. Shadle, 72, Sauk Rapids, MN. Born in Ogden. Married Kathryn Jones in 1972 at Swede Valley Church in Ogden.  Worked for 40 years as a Computer Operator for ISU. He retired in 2007. Moved to St. Cloud in 2019. Tim enjoyed fishing, wood working, yard work and was a Master Gardener. His wife passed in 2005. Survivors include a daughter, a sister, Cynthia (William) Staebler, of Ogden and a brother, Joseph Shadle, of Boone. Services at a later date.

BOONE AREA DEATH

     Clifford Davis Jr., 57, Stratford. Born in Pennsylvania. Grew up in Gary, Indiana. Horace Mann HS. Moved to Ames in 1988. He enjoyed cooking, playing cards, watching movies, and listening to old school R&B. Worked as a chef and enjoyed cooking in his leisure time. Survivors include his loving partner and best friend, Shellie Anderson, of Stratford. His parents and three brothers also survive.

BOONE CONNECTED/AREA DEATHS

     Carleen Denise Sharp Gunion, 62, Boone. Born in Kansas City. Married Doug Gunion in 1985. Worked at the Woodward Resource Center for 30 years. The couple were members of the Mopar Car Club and traveled the midwest attending car shows with the numerous Mopars. Carleen was an avid scrapbooker, loved attending the Iowa State Fair, going to concerts and she was a professional traveler. Survivors include her husband, Doug, adult children Scott and Melissa Gunion and Josh Schneulle all of Boone, her mother, Sharon, Debbie (Tom) Ray and Mike (Deb) Sharp both of Boone. Services in Boone.

     Dale Laverne Mount, 87, Boone. Grand Junction HS. Attended telegraphy school in Minneapolis. Worked for the railroad in Marshalltown. Then, took a job with the railroad employees credit union and consolidated 13 credit unions in Cedar Rapids. The family moved to Ames where Dale managed United Methodist Ministers Credit Union for over 30 years, retiring in 2000. He was on the Board of Directors of several Iowa credit unions during his 30 years and during that time, many Iowa Credit unions consolidated their share draft and credit card processing into one organization called the Members Group, which he helped organize. Dale loved trains and was a board member and president of the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad as well as helping in various other ways. Upon retirement, he took a job responsible for transporting railroad crews to and from their trains. A member of several railroad historical societies, he organized Ames area railroad fans for once a month meetings. He completed 34 RAGBRAI's. He and wife Linda traveled extensively overseas. Survivors include his wife, Linda, two sons and a step-daughter. Services in Ames and Grand Junction.

     Kristine Sue Jones Geneser, 70, Madrid. Born in Ames. Grew up on farms in Maxwell, Farrar, Colo and the Ames area. United Community HS-70. Married Bill Geneser in 1975 and they made their home in Granger until moving to Madrid in 1979. She managed BJ's Lounge in Madrid for over 20 years and the VFW for two years. She served as co-President of the Madrid Booster Club in the early 90's. She loved fishing, watching NASCAR, gardening, cooking, canning, bowling, softball and big family vacations in Minnesota. Survivors include her husband, Bill, son James Geneser of Madrid and a sister. Services in Madrid and burial near Granger.

BOONE CONNECTED, AREA DEATHS

     Betty M. Snider Strait, 84, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in Madrid. Married John Strait in 1975. The couple lived on an acreage south of Perry where they raised small animals and had a large vegetable garden. Betty was a State of Iowa employee for 27 years before retiring in 2000. Survivors are three adult children, including Debbie (Lowell) Hurley of Boone and Roger (Kris) Peterson of Madrid. A sister, Connie LaValley, of Madrid also survives. Private services.

     William (Bill) Joseph Long, 61, rural Woodward. He grew up in Madrid. Married Robin Malone in 1981. They divorced. In 1998, he married Melinda Stielow (Leefleur). Bill worked at the Woodward State Hospital throughout his life. However, he did take a year off to build a dream home along the Des Moines River near Woodward. He was a Bill of all trades and enjoyed various hobbies including hunting, fishing, boating, mushroom hunting and a nice ride on his Harley. Survivors include his wife, Melinda, four adult children, three brothers, including Larry (Sharon) Long of Madrid and three sisters, including Donna Walker of Boone. Services in Madrid.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

     Carla Rae Dixson, 75. Born in Ames. BHS-65. Served in the Women's Army Corps from 1965-75, including time in Viet Nam and Germany. After discharge, worked at the Centers for Animal Health as a Safety Specialist. She retired in 2011. Survivors include a brother and three sisters. Graveside military services Friday, Jan. 6, at 1 p.m. at Boone Memorial Garden. 

     Steven Dale Kelley, 69, Boone. Born in Wisconsin. Stratford HS-71. Then attended Iowa Central Community College. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, walking his dogs and hiking. He also enjoyed writing, painting, flint-knapping and cooking. Survivors include his wife, Diana, three adult children and a sister. Services in Boone and Dayton.

A DAY LATE AND A DOLLAR SHORT

     In athletics or any other phases of life, things are much different today, than say they were in the 50's/60's.

     Today, opportunities are much more available for financial success or even widespread name recognition. In the 50's/60's, the world seemed much smaller, much more "contained" to larger, more populated areas and with that, came more chances for obtaining the biggest bucks in those areas and, perhaps, only those areas.

     So, what are you getting at Mo? Well, a bit of today and a bit of yesterday.

     Today, I'm thinking of Cooper DeJean, the University of Iowa football defensive back/safety. He's a 19-year old, 6-1, sophomore, who played high school football on a state championship team at OABCIG....the IG is Ida Grove. At quarterback for his high school team, he passed for 3,447 yards and rushed for 1,235 yards. In basketball, he scored 1,832 points in his career and, as a senior, he had the fastest 100 meter time in the state track meet. 

     Despite all these high school accolades, he had very limited collegiate offers. He could vie for quarterback at South Dakota State or for a defensive position at the State University of Iowa. He chose SUI and defense.

    It was a wise choice for this athlete from a very small community. He's made a big impact, the latest, was the MVP award at the recent Music City Bowl when Iowa defeated Kentucky.  DeJean appears to be on a path to even bigger athletic opportunities and with that, better financial success.

    Regarding yesterday, I'm thinking of similar, young athletic success, also from a smaller community, but with far fewer opportunities for a bigger and better future.

    If you were a central Iowan, specifically a Boone Countian, in those early mentioned years, you had heard about the late Loel Johnson of Pilot Mound. Unfortunately, most of Iowa was unaware of this rugged kid who played the game of basketball with great skills, comparable to the more well known Iowa prep cage stars of that era. Despite his location, enough word got out that he did earn second team all-state recognition.

   The Kornerman received an email from Loel's son, Steve, the other day and I was overwhelmed by the memories he provided. He wrote, "I was going through some newspaper articles my Grandma Johnson had put together of dad's games, both basketball and baseball. One of Pilot's big win's dad's senior year was over Stanhope. It says in the article that you did the broadcast of the game for KWBG. I'm just thankful that my grandma put together this scrapbook of dad's games. I know you would, occasionally, write something about dad in the Boone newspaper and his cousin, Janis Anderson, would send me a copy. As a kid, I always enjoyed dad telling me and my brother about his games at Pilot."

    Actually, Loel wasn't the only good athlete produced in this small community. Steve wrote, "dad's first cousin, Bill Caldwell, was a great athlete and his son, Rick, was a multiple state championship wrestling coach at Waverly-Shell Rock. Dad's first cousin, Bill Ingalls, was an all-state football player in 1942 and bypassed a University of Iowa scholarship offer to enter military service. Bill was the second person in the family that was all-state in basketball. His aunt, Maurine Poulson Stark, was a first team selection from Stratford. Then there was Darrell Zunkel who became one of the state's best fast pitch softball pitchers......a Hall of Famer."

    The Kornerman remembers Bill Caldwell as a good fast pitch softball player as well. He was a member of the Boone Merchants team that won the state championship in 1958. Unfortunately, Bill died at age 37 and a teammate, Gary Grove, passed at 19. Steve wrote, "on the flip side, Dr. Don Crouch lives in Storm Lake and is in excellent health and younger brother, Deck, still has that service station in Pilot."

    Time passes and things change. Unfortunately, Pilot Mound's Loel Johnson, who earned well deserved, tremendous recognition locally, performed in a time when much broader opportunities were not as available. 

    Unlike Cooper DeJean,  I guess you could say Loel Johnson was a day late and a dollar short of what "could have been."

K-----K

    Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. Leave a message. To email your stories/memories/comments/death notices.....

kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.

   

   

    

   

    

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

     Daniel Lee McDevitt, 74, Perry/Aspire. Formerly of Nevada and Boone. Born in Perry. BHS-66. Earned a Physical Education degree from ISU. Iowa National Guard vet. Worked at UBC Lumber in Boone, now Builder's By Choice, as a residential construction designer and in construction sales. He retired in 2016. Dan enjoyed photography, playing sports, golf, bowling and baseball. Survivors include a son, two siblings, nieces and nephews, including Kristy and Brian McDevitt of Boone. Services in Perry.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS

     Louann Wood Whitcher, 92, Boone. Born in Perry. Perry HS. Married Benjamin David Whitcher in 1949. Benjamin passed away in 2005. Louann  was a receptionist at the Boone County Hospital until retirement. She enjoyed puzzles, quilting, making cookies and was devoted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Survivors include adult children, Mark Whitcher and Nancy Roney, both of Boone and a niece, Kelly Krause. Services in Boone with burial in Woodward. 

     Kathy Hodges Brown Jackson, 84, Rippey/Perry Aspire. Formerly of Boone. Born in Boone. Attended Ogden schools. Married Delbert Brown and they divorced. Married Merle Jackson. She enjoyed listening to country music, playing bingo and finding deals at yard sales and thrift stores. Loved attending carnivals and fairs. In Boone, she walked every street in town. Was a member of Rippey United Methodist Church. A daughter, Rhonda, and brothers and sisters, Dale, Jim, Linda, Laura and Pat, survive. Services in Boone with burial in Pleasant Hill cemetery.

     Lawrence (Larry) Joseph Peter, 80, Boone. Born in Danbury. Danbury HS-60. Grew up on a farm. Iowa Air National Guard Viet Nam vet. Married Marlys (Oakie) Rosann Oakland in Sioux City in 1967. Earned a degree in biology from Morningside College and began a teaching career at United Community in 1970. In 1997, he joined the faculty at Futures Alternative High School in Boone. Retired from teaching in 2004 after 34 years. He had taught biology and physics and coached several sports. Larry created an outdoor classroom at United that was the first of its kind in Iowa. He was honored as the Iowa Environmental Teacher of the Year in 1997 and earned the Governor's Volunteer award for his cooperative work with the DNR on the Kestrel nest box trail. For 36 years, he worked at the Evangelical Free Church Home as a CNA. A dedicated church member, he served as a Eucharistic Minister and sang in the choir at Sacred Heart for 36 years. Survivors include his wife, Marlys, and a son, Marc Peter, both of Boone. A daughter also survives. Services in Boone.