BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS

     Gary Elliott, 78, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-63. Married Karen Nicolle in 1965. National Guard vet. Worked for Fareway for 49 years, in stores and the warehouse. He loved watching song birds in his yard and attending races to watch his grandson race at the Boone Speedway. Survivors include his wife, Karen, a son, two daughters, a sister and sister-in-law. Services in Boone. 

     Jeannette O'Rourke, 87, Boone. Born in Ionia,IA. St. Boniface HS-53. Married Harold O'Rourke in Ionia in 1956. Was a CNA at St. Joseph's Hospital in her early years and then at Farmland in Carroll until retirement in 2001. Enjoyed cooking, caring for her flowers, playing cards and attending family gatherings. Survivors include five adult children, including Theresa O'Rourke of Boone. Services in Boone.

     Steven Lee Bever, 63, Des Moines. Survivors include a brother, Jim (Kathy) Bever, of Boone. Services in Perry.

MORE FAMILIAR NAMES

     The list of names of former Boyd's Dairy employees never seems to end and Jim Seitz, BHS-73, is one of the latest contributors. He worked there in the early 70's.

     Jim wrote, "I got hired about the time of the retirement of Judy Peterson Collison. Steve Eckart and Rich Schueller were the "old guys" there at the time. Dale Points worked with Andy bottling the milk. Pearl Hamman, Denny's mom, worked in Ames and I worked with Gary Long, Gordon Hansen and Karen Russell. Nancy Taylor also worked at Boyd's for a short time before moving on to Eckstein's. Most of my time was spent working at the main southside location but I covered the West Boone store occasionally and that's where I got to serve Ev Hickman. I also helped our truck driver, Charlie Rentschler, with deliveries to Ames and Perry and to this day, I give credit to Charlie for teaching me how to use mirrors when backing the truck up at the northside store. Dick Farley made the famous ice cream there. It was all you could eat and ninety cents an hour to start, before moving to $1.10 per hour after a brief break-in period. Ice cream was selling for a nickel a dip and those wonderful thick malts were 40 cents. I didn't realize I was walking in the footsteps of Verne Schmickley at Boyd's. We moved to Southeast Linn in 1958 and I remember Verne being this nice guy who lived up  the alley on Prairie. We'll be coming back to Boone in late July for my BHS 50th class reunion. Keep up the good work Mo and continue to sing the praises for our very special community."

K-----K

     A few more names have trickled in. John Hinz worked at Boyd's, 1960-62, Orville Bice was mentioned and also Kevin Quarnstrom.

K-----K

     A reminder that the Boone Municipal Band will be starting a new season of concerts tommorrow (Wed,5/31) at the Herman Park Pavilion at 7 p.m.. 

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

     Richard Charles (Dick) Hare,83, Atkins, IA. Born in Cedar Falls. BSH-58. Navy vet. Married Judy Overbeck. They divorced. Married Ruth Johnson Leberman in 1981 in Lake Mills, IA. Worked in the banking industry. Received certification from the Colorado School of Banking. Served banks in Iowa and Minnesota and, eventually, as President and CEO at Atkins Savings Bank and Trust. Very active in the community, in church, raising funds for a new city hall and library, in Atkins Watermelon Days and the Iowa Bankers Association. Loved boating and fishing in Canada. Survivors include his wife, Ruth, a son, a daughter, a brother and two sisters. Services in Vinton, Iowa.

BOONE CONNECTED AREA DEATH

     Rosalie Noelle Fahrmann, infant, born in January with multiple ailments. Survivors include her parents, Ben and Sarah Fahrmann of Madrid, maternal and paternal grandparents, aunts and an uncle. Graveside services near Madrid. 

     John David Lott, 68, Ames. Albia HS. ISU. Married Janet Dowell in 1974. Worked with architectural/engineering firms in Des Moines, Ames and Boone. Survivors include his wife, Janet. Services in Ames.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

      Elsie Deloris Rogers Backous, 87, Boone. Born in Boone. Married Robert L. Backous in 1954 and the couple made their home on West Mamie Eisenhower for many years. She worked as a CNA at the Eastern Star Home, Boone County Hospital and later worked at Casey's in West Boone. Loved going to Vegas, camping, fishing, bingo and garage sales. After Bob died in 2017, she moved into the Avon Apartments. Survivors include two sons, Robert Jr. (Jeannie) and Harold (Lori) Backous both of Boone and three daughters including Janie (Bill) Davidson and Sharon (Rick) Braland of Ogden. Services in Boone.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS

     Rodney W. Campbell, 58, Boone. Born in Perry. BHS-83. Attended trade school for auto body repair. In Boone, teamed with his dad, at Boone Body Service. Married Lisa Staloch. He enjoyed playing golf and fishing. Survivors include his dad, Keith Campbell, three adult children, a sister and brother.Services in Boone.

     Bradley James Harris, 61, Boone. Born in Boone. OHS-81. Earned a barber's license in Texas and followed up with work in Missouri and Northern Iowa before joining his dad, Dick, in Boone, becoming a third generation barber. When Dick retired, Brad bought the shop. He then took early retirement in 2018. Brad loved building a collection of Barber/Barber Shop memorabilia with his dad. He loved cats and dogs and his purple Dodge Challenger Hellcat. He is survived by a sister. Services in Boone.

VERY WELL DESERVED

     GREAT NEWS: Jan Murken Love, BHS-64, emailed to inform me that her brother, Mel Murken, BHS-59, will have an Ankeny High School baseball field named after him....."Mel Murken Field."

     I've lost track, I don't even know, for sure, how many high schools there are in Ankeny these days but when Mel coached baseball at Ankeny High School some time back, in the 80's and 90's, that was it.......it was just AHS.

     It seems the current coach was reviewing previous seasons and was convinced it was Mel who made that program so strong for such a long period of time. He guided the Hawks for 32 years, his teams earned 620 victories, won the first ever AHS state championship in 1992 and he is an Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame member.

     Mel played baseball for the Toreadors and for Drake University. In those early days, he was involved in the Boone Babe Ruth program and, in fact, he joined me as co-manager of that great 1962 Boone Babe Ruth team that became one of the eight best  Ruth teams in the WORLD, winning state and regional championships and competing in the National Babe Ruth World Series in New Jersey.

    Hearing the news, I immediately contacted Mel and he indicated that he hasn't really heard much yet about this honor. "I  think maybe its going to take place June 7," he told me. He promised he would keep me informed.

   Mel lives in Rippey and baseball has been and always will be a big part of his life. In recent years, he has led a small group of volunteers in revitalizing the Rippey Ball Park which features lots of summer games......many of them high school contests.

K-----K

   BACK TO FORMER BOYDS EMPLOYEES

   Former List....as of last week.

   Jim Boyd, Leona Boyd, Gene Boyd, Linda Boyd, Tolley Boyd, Ruth Johnston, Alan Bice, Sheila Anondson, Lila Swain, LaVerne Anderson, Judy Appenzeller, Ann McDermott, Jim Farley, Tom Matt, Loren Frazier, Margaret Frazier, Ron Schmickley, Dennis Schmickley, Verne Schmickley, Bonnie Pestotnik, Caryl Achenbach, Laurel Rans, Jo Ellen Sparks and Ruth Ann Ripley. 

   New Additions

   Mark Campbell added, "Denny Halpin and Bill Wiebe, both BHS-66, and himself, BHS-67. He wrote, "In the two months I worked there, I gained 15 pounds. Jim told me I could have all the ice cream I wanted but no nuts or bananas. He said, "In two days, you'll be sick of it (ice cream)." "He was wrong and my mother made me quit," Mark concluded.

  Then too, good friend Ann Anonymous mailed in three more names.....Mary Lou Nelson, Irene Nelson and Joyce Nelson.

  Finally, Linda Boyd Bravard herself, BHS-61, dug deep and tried to come up with other former employees she could think of .

  The first employee, Mary Jane Taylor Downey Echternach and Mike Scheuermann, Joyce Alsin, Dave Elsner, Donovan Olson, Dr. John Cook, Mike Rardin, Bud Druger, Dorothy Halling, Chester Booth's mother, Jody Cotton, Doris Simmons, Dick Anderson, Pearl McCambridge, Craig Angstrom, Paula Olson, Penny Elsner Davis, Scott Johnson, Becky Johnson, Jennifer Finestead, Kathy Nutt and Bessie???

   That brings us up to date.......any more? Don't those names bring back memories....even beyond their work at Boyds.

K-----K 

   Some closing notes: (1) Ron Hopkins, BSH-59, wrote, "just returned from a very pleasant 5000 mile road trip, including a nice visit with sister, Linda Nutt, in Boone. Tried to catch you at McDonald's but learned you were in  the hospital. Sorry I missed you but glad to know you're doing well. Good to be back in Boone briefly, after a pandemic induced hiatus, though I recognize less with each visit." (2) John Kueck, BHS-61, wrote, "years ago, when I was in Dallas and staying at the Fairmont Hotel, I entered the elevator,and three gentlemen were standing there talking.....Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player......I was speechless." (3) Classmate Margaret (Peg) Oxenford Kooser wrote, "Nelson Lumber Yard is the reason our family moved to Boone. My sister married Isabell Nelson's brother, Allen Dunlap. My dad came to work for Nelson's as a carpenter in about 1940. Kae and my nephews were cousins. When in high school, I took a bookkeeping job for school credit at Nelson's. Our families were close until I graduated but then, unable to find work, we moved away."

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

     Joanne Flanagan, 77, Boone.

BOONE AREA CONNECTED DEATH

     Dr. Charles Donald Fredericks, 96, Bonita Springs, FL. Born in Ogden. Good athlete at OHS. In 2015, he started the Dr. Charles D. Fredericks scholarship, which has helped 17 students attend college and is a gift that will continue for years to come. Air Force vet. University of Minnesota and University of Iowa where he earned degrees of Doctor of Dental Surgery and a Masters of Orthodontics in 1954. Practiced orthodontics for almost 40 years in Des Moines, Osceola and Ankeny from 1955-92. Retired and moved to Bonita Springs in 1992. Adult children survive. Services in Bonita Springs.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS

     Michael V. Kerus, 80, Boone. Born in Mason City. Garner HS. ISU. Married Susan Parks in Boone in 1966. Air Force Vet. Was an international salesman with Wilson Foods but ultimately retired from Quinn Machine and Foundry in Boone. Enjoyed time and fishing at his Minnesota cabin. Survivors include his wife, Susie, and two daughters. Services in Boone.

     Ruth Elaine Jones Shafer, 90, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-50. Married Marvin James Shafer in Boone in 1953. A Beta Sigma Phi sorority sister, she worked for Bell Telephone, Hattie's Egg Farm, Fab N Trim sewing store, the Sheriff's office, License Department, Boone County Abstract and for 20 years, was a part-time Eastern Star Home receptionist. She volunteered at the Boone County Hospital and retired at 75. A Sunday School teacher, music was important. She and Marvin square danced and enjoyed other dancing. She liked reading and traveling and spending winters in California. Ruth organized class reunions and arranged to have a scholarship given each year from her class. Fond of knitting and crocheting, she also took pleasure in scrapbooking, cooking, genealogy and collecting dolls and bears. Survivors include her adult children Craig (Amy) and Rodney Shafer and Jennifer Stowell of Boone and Laurie (Doug) Doran of Beaver.

BITS AND PIECES

     In the midst of recovery from recent foot surgery, I, the Kornerman, will devote this edition to picking up and passing on bits and pieces of info that have accumulated during my absence.

     But first, a bit of editorializing. In this little corner of Iowa, we are so blessed to have our Boone County Hospital and the wonderful people that maintain it for us.

     I experienced over a week there and not all of it was pleasant........I.knew it wouldn't be and there were times when yes, you wonder "why me?" But, I quickly discovered that family and friends weren't the only ones who shared and cared about this conundrum being faced.

     There were dozens of contacts with people from all types of assignments from cleaning the floor to administering the modern drugs of the day......from fixing and serving the food of the day to teaching the body the best ways forward for improving daily health. The teamwork displayed by staff was amazing and solutions always available for reasonable requests.

     As I reviewed my experience, I noted.......oftentimes, groups that large are subject to at least one "bad apple." I never experienced that feeling. Those who had a hand in my treatment, all of them, no matter the assignment, were courteous, caring and helpful and I thank them all, individually and as a group.

K-----K

     There's something special about the announced start of the Boone Municipal Band season. That word seems to "shout out".....forget that nasty winter, Spring is officially here.

     Yes, the new season begins at 7:30 p.m., May 31, at the Herman Park Pavilion.

     Concerts continue each Wednesday in the month of June, which will include a special kids' concert on June 21 and the ever popular Big Band jam on the 28th.

     The annual July 4th patriotic concert will precede that evening's city fireworks display and on July 8, eight Iowa bands will be showcased during the annual Iowa Municipal Band Festival.

     The last concert of the season occurs on July 12.

K-----K

     You may recall that a couple Korner friends had suggested we attempt a list of former Boyd's Dairy employees. We've had some response and have added more via personnel memory but here goes with what has been accumulated to this point........Jim Boyd, Leona Boyd, Gene Boyd, Linda Boyd, Tolley Boyd, Ruth Johnson, Alan Bice, Sheila Anondson, Lila Swain, Laverne Anderson, Judy Appenzeller, Ann McDermott, Jim Farley, Tom Matt, Loren Frazier, Margaret Frazier, Ron Schmickley, Dennis Schmickley, Verne Schmickley, Bonnie Pestotnik, Caryl Achenbach, Laurel Rans, Jo Ellen Sparks and Ruth Ann Ripley.

     Feel free to add on if you wish.

     Verne Schmickley explained that he and his brothers clerked at all the locations, including some in Ames. Dennis worked in the back room at the south side store, assisting in milk production, and Verne assisted Dick Farley with ice cream freezing. Dennis and Verne also drove trucks, picking up milk from local dairy farmers.

K-----K

     Al Dannatt, BHS-66, caught the "list" fever and wondered if anyone could beat his part-time employment record which included stops at Lawsons, Fareway, Stanley Transfer, Cardinal Cleaners, Mondt Townhouse, West Boone Fuel, Boone County Hospital, Kruck Plumbing, Fareway Warehouse, Boone Stockyards, Rolfes, Archway, Fort Dodge Des Moines and Southern, Chicago Northwestern and the Boone Drive In. 

     Unlike some of today's citizenry, we weren't afraid to do some work in our youthful days.

K-----K

     They're keeping it alive. The 122nd annual Iowa by the Sea Picnic will be held at the Port of Los Angeles, July 22, 2023. For further information........Lee Phillip Meister, 310-984-9927.......info@iowabytheseapicnic.com.

K-----K

     A couple of Boys of Summer, Bruce Thome and our own Mel Murken, BHS-59, are back in business. They've got Walt Anderson Field in Rippey in great shape and a schedule well underway for another season of great baseball at a unique small town ballpark.

     Lots of area high school's are set for action there as well as some collegiate and semi-pro contests.

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 AREA DEATH

     Betty J. Buchmiller, 88, Ogden/Westhaven.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

     Linda Ann Walters Hodges, 78, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-63. Earned a degree from DMACC. Married Vincent James Hodges in Arizona in 1976. Linda worked at Hach Chemical and CDS prior to retirement. Volunteered at church and at the Boone County Hospital and participated in the Ladies Auxiliary. Devoted her life to her family and their activities. Survivors include her husband, Jim, four adult children and her step-children. Services in Boone.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

     Donald C. Crispin, 63, rural Madrid. Born in Ames. United CHS-77. Worked for Coop in Napier and Luther before farming with his dad. Married Naylene Kyle in Ames in 1983. Was an avid Texas Hold'em player and also enjoyed fishing, golfing, riding motorcycles and watching sports, especially basketball. Survivors include a son, daughter and sister. Services later, including a private gravesite at Rose Hill cemetery.

     Joyce Olson McVicker, 90, Lisbon. Formerly of Boone. Born in Hamilton County. Stanhope HS and ISU. Married William "Bill" K. McVicker in 1951. Worked many years as a Medical Records Librarian. She loved camping with Bill in their RV and later, their park model home. Enjoyed music, golf, hiking, dancing, reading and bird watching. In retirement, Bill and Joyce had returned to Boone after many years away. After Bill's passing, she moved on. Survivors include two sons and a daughter. Services in Hiawatha and Midway IA.

     Robert Eugene Sullivan, 92, Des Moines. Born in Boone. Des Moines Tech-50, Grandview-73 and Drake-81. Guard vet. Worked for Northwestern Bell/U.S.West. Daughters and sisters survive. Services in Des Moines.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Darrell Kersey, 89, Ogden. Born in Greene County. Grand Junction HS-51. Participated in music, FFA and Drama. Army vet.  Married JoAnn Shorey in Jefferson in 1963. The couple farmed south of Ogden. Darrell enjoyed camping, boating, snowmobiling, motorcycles, tractor pulls and anything related to IH Trackors. Survivors include his wife, JoAnn, a son, two daughters and a brother. Services in Ogden.

     Karen Todd Smith, 82, Boone/Westhaven. Survivors include four daughters. A graveside service later.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

     Phyliss Margaret Schmitz Sayre, 102, Boone/Westhaven since 2019. Born in Halbur. St. Anthony's/Carroll Kuemper HS-38. Briar Cliff College. Became an RN, Registered Nurse, via St. Anthony Regional Hospital in Carroll. Army vet. Married James Raymond Sayre, a former POW, Prisoner of War. The couple had 13 children while living in Washington, California, Texas and New Mexico. Settled permanently on an acreage east of Boone where they lived for 50 years. Survivors include six sons and seven daughters. Services in Boone.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

     Betty J. Recher Carper, 96, West Des Moines/Edgewater. Born in Maryland. Married Robert G. Carper. Served as a legal secretary for 37 years, most of that when the family lived in Boone. Five adult children survive. Services in Van Meter.

     Dr. Jonathan James Hruska, 76, Clive. Formerly of Storm Lake. Survivors include his wife, Lynn, a son, two daughters and a sister, Molly Ketchum, of Boone.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

     Gary Lee Drabek, 83, Ames/Nevada. Survivors include his wife, Kay, and three daughters, including Lori (Kelly) Bruce of Boone. Services in Nevada and Colo.

MORE "CATCH UP"

     I, the Kornerman,  indicated earlier how surprised I was when a doctor's appointment very quickly turned into surgery and a hospital stay.

     More surprised than I, however, may have been that Drake Relays group of followers who I had met with just the day before my hospital admission.

     Each year, BHS 59ers, Steve Shaler and Tim Croxen plus Barry Wills, BHS-58, meet a few days prior to the relays, which they have been faithfully attending each year since their high school days. 

     We met at McDonald's and were joined this year by a special newcomer, Dr. Alan (Buddy) Munson, BHS-59. Needless to say, the two hours of talk included the Relays, families and, of course, memories of those days of long ago. Buddy, the Toreador quarterback, even brought up an infamous, lost fumble he made at an opponent's one yard line. Not a happy memory.

     The group has settled into the same favorable seats for many years at the Relays. Their seats even have a well received "back rest" right behind and they continue to enjoy watching those special national and even world track and field performances that often occur.

     I particularly enjoyed one, non-relay item provided by Tim Croxen. He was still a bit jet-lagged after just returning from a trip to Paris.

     Tim relayed how he and his wife were sitting at a Paris outdoor cafe one day and it was obvious he was being surveyed by an older French lady who noticed that Tim was wearing some type of I-Hawk apparel.

     As the Croxen's departed. They walked by the curious lady who stuck out a hand with just two English words........"Caitlin Clark." Amazing.

K-----K

     BOYDS

     Linda Boyd Bravard, BHS-61, was pleased with the mention of and response too the recent historical material we have posted on the famous Boyd's Dairy.

     Loren Frazier, BHS-58, wrote, "I need to add my name to the list of former Boyd's employees. My time there was split between the south side store and the West Boone store. I  also filled in at the North Side store on occasion. Boyd's was a great place to work and not just for the young people. My mother, Margaret Frazier, also worked there after the death of my father. The Boyd brothers and their employees were great people to work for and with. Boyds was a tremendous asset to Boone." 

     Yes, one of Boyd's greatest contributions to the community, during their many years of existence, was their employment of hundreds of Boone residents young and old. Its been suggested we try to revive some memories by starting a list of former employees we can remember.

    Here's a starter list......Jim, Gene, Linda and Tolley Boyd, Margaret and Loren Frazier, Ruth Johnson, Alan Bice, Sheila Anonson, Lila Swain, Laverne Anderson, Judy Appenzeller, Ann McDermott, Ruth Ann Ripley, Tom Matt, Dick Farley. Who else???

    Loren said, "when you're done with that, start a list of former Fareway "young people" who worked under manager Floyd Adams and learned some great work ethics."

   The Kornerman says, "oh yes, for many, it was a long, all day Saturday for something like five bucks......right?" I agree, though, that there were many great life lessons learned during those few hours, some that could never be taught properly in a school classroom.

 K-----K

   Classmate Richard Longworth, BHS-53, regarding my Korner description of my recent experience, "at our age, we don't ail so much as we disintegrate, losing troublesome but dispensable bits and pieces. You're right, the important thing is to spot those bits and pieces before they blow up into big trouble."

K-----K

   Good guy Vern Modeland, BHS-50, is still promoting the great education we hometown Booneites have received here. He wrote, "your recent mention of the Arnold Palmer connection took me back to the many so-called celebrities or famous people I've had an opportunity to visit with over my career as a photo-journalist/writer. Upshot of it all is that I wouldn't trade places with any of them. Growing up and getting a foundation education in Boone in the 40's and 50's; was worth more than any of that. I feel sorry for any who didn't get to experience those times in Boone." 

   To that, the Kornerman says, without hesitation and great intent, AMEN.

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 DEATHS

     Billie Joe Ott, 87, Cherryvale, KS. Born and grew up in Cherryvale. CHS-54. Played athletics and the trombone in high school. Coffeyville Community College grad. Was a Captain on the Coffeyville team in 1956 that won the national junior college football championship. Bill earned a BS in Physical Education and took a first job as part of the management team at the Keokuk YMCA. Married Linda Murphy in 1958. The couple moved on to Mason City where Bill was part of the management team at the YMCA there. His next job was as the Executive Director of the Boone YMCA. He was heavily involved in building a new building with a large pool in 1983. Bill and Linda, eventually, left Boone and returned to Cherryvale where Bill became Vice President of a company that raised millions of dollars for several medical and private institutions. He loved golf and wintertime in South Padre Island. Survivors include his wife, Linda, son Bob, BHS-83, and daughters Teresa Lynn (Terry) Ott, BHS-77, and Teena Jo, BHS-81, (John) Dannels. A brother also survives.Services were held in Cherryvale.

     Doris Mary Hoyer Hambleton, 88, Dayton. DHS-52. Earned an Associates Degree from Iowa Central College and served as an RN at the Boone County Hospital for 15 years. Services in Dayton.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

     LeRoy Sigmund, 103, Boone/Westhaven. A resident there since 2002. Born in Luther. LHS. Married Margaret Younkin in Montrose in 1946. After she passed, he married Joan Buechler in Boone in 2005. Army vet. Was instrumental in the formation of Hidden Acres Christian Center. Served on the Westhaven board and enjoyed woodworking and gardening. Survivors include his wife, Joan, four step-daughters, a sister and two sisters-in-law. Services in Boone.

LATEST BOONE AREA DEATHS/CONNECTIONS

     Marion Louise Alber Kester, 78, Marion. Born in Boone. BHS-62. Boone Junior College. After moving to Marion, she became an Administrative Assistant to the Linn County Public Health Department. She worked there 30 plus years. Married Bob Ulrich in 2002. Loved cats and dogs, was a league bowler, avid reader, loved TV cooking shows, the Hawkeyes and following the play of her favorite pro golfers. Two daughters are among the survivors. Services in Marion.

     Sharon Lynn Flora Barger, 80, Ogden. Born and grew up in Ames. AHS-61. Married Alan Barger in Ogden in 1985 and the couple made their home in Ogden. She worked at Bourns, Ogden Manor, E-Free Home and for the Ogden community schools. Was a member of the Ogden Business Women and Leopard Club. She enjoyed crafts, the outdoors and good gospel music. Survivors include her husband, Alan Barger, a son, two daughters and a sister. Services in Ogden.

     John Wayne Kennedy, 86, Ames. Formerly of Kelley. Survivors include four adult children, including Mike Kennedy of Boone. Services in Ames.

     Sandra Jean Moore, 79, Perry. Survivors include several siblings, including Pat Stowell of Boone. 

     John Parsonage, 63, Ames/Boone Eastern Star.

   

BE PROGRESSIVE, DO NOT "WAIT"

     I had no clue. I thought it was a rather routine doctor's appointment, although it was with a foot specialist.

     Yes, it was obvious that my right foot was a bit reddish and, somewhat, swollen but "when you get older, you don't expect body parts to look like they did those many years before and besides.......I wasn't really hurting at all."

     I had a normal six-month meeting with my prime doctor just a couple weeks ahead. I'll wait and have her "check this out."

     But, when my wife noticed an ugly callous on the bottom of my foot, she insisted on the earlier appointment with the foot specialist.

     The foot doctor's office is within the Boone County Hospital's complex and I was surprised when, after a very short look at my foot, he said I needed to "stay over." You mean I need to go to the hospital? The reply was, "you're already here, so we'll send you right upstairs."

     Almost immediately (it seemed) I was a surgical patient. After all the various test procedures, the surgeon apologized but said it would be necessary to "take" my little toe and some surrounding bone and tissue but he wanted to "make sure" the cure for the infection would be well underway once surgery was completed.

     So, in on a Friday and home ten days later. The surgeon is "ecstatic" about how well everything has gone and, outside of the usual inconveniences, I've been pleased also and I've still never really had much pain.

     BUT NOW COMES "THE REST OF THE STORY." 

     A big lesson has been learned......even at an advanced age. So, let me "school" you a little on what I've learned.

     If you have any kind of  "thing" anywhere on your body that looks unusual and/or seems to "hang on," don't delay. You never know what the consequence of ignoring such a sign may be. 

     I know my story could have been much different if more passive time had been allowed. Perhaps I could have lost a foot or, at least, a larger part of my foot.

     P.S. I''m NOT diabetic.

     ONE LAST NOTE: A bigger than big Thank You to the many who expressed concern when the Korner disappeared for several days without any explanation and those locally who did find out about my disappearance and made contact via cards, emails etc. etc. Much appreciated.

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.

    

    

CATCHING UP ON ALL AREA OBITUARIES

      Robert Kenton Reutter, 84, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in rural Boxholm. After a fire destroyed their farm home, the family moved to Pilot Mound. PMHS. Married Joan Curry. Worked as a bridge builder in Iowa. His dream job began with Quad States Construction, building grain elevators throughout the Midwest. Bob was a mushroom hunter and traveler. Survivors include a son, a daughter, a brother and two sisters. Services in Boone.

     William (Willie) Mondt, 88, California. BHS-53. Had been in hospice. Survivors include his wife, Barbara (Rogers) Mondt. Early information is limited.

     Peter James Bilden, 77, Boone. Born in North Dakota. Northwood HS. Earned a Pharmacy degree from North Dakota State University in 1969. Worked with Osco Drug in the Chicago area before establishing Sav-Mor Drug in Boone and Grinnell Pharmacy. At the time of his death, he also owned Parkview Pharmacy in Nevada. He cared for his patients for 49 years. He was an avid golfer. Survivors include his wife, Mary, a son, a daughter and three sisters. Services will be held in the summer.

     June Marie Benson Burge, 87, Boone. Born in Des Moines. East HS. Married Dale Burge in 1953 in Des Moines and moved to Boone. The couple lived in Seattle and Las Vegas later but returned to Boone in 1974. June was a sales person for KWBG radio and the Boone News Republican and was involved in several organizations, RSVP Quilters, the Boone County Historical Society and was a co-founder of Pufferbilly Days. Artistic and creative, she loved quilting, pottery, painting and spending time outdoors. Survivors include two sons, two daughters and three siblings. Graveside service will be held in Ridgeport.

     John (Jack) Eugene Cardani, 88, Boone. Born in Centerville. CHS-53. He worked for Beatrice Foods and Meadow Gold, was a member of the Iowa National Guard and was a Supervisor at John Deere for 33 years, until retirement in 1987. In "retirement" he worked for 17 years at the Episcopal Center north of Boone. Survivors include his wife, Joan (Hale) Cardani. The couple were married in 1953. Four adult children, a son and three daughters, also survive. No memorial service.

     Pastor Donald (Don) Burket, 69, Boone. Born in Des Moines. Minburn HS-72. Earned a BA degree from Simpson College and two Master's degrees from the University of Denver, including a Masters in Divinity in 1980. Married Patricia (Trish) Ann Hartman in 1980 in Denver. For 31 years he served various United Methodist churches in Iowa. He also participated in organizations such as Kiwanis, Lions and with Trish in Red Cross Disaster Relief. Survivors include Trish, and two Boone daughters, Hope (Michael) Rand and Faith (Justin) Henson. Services were held in Boone.

     Lawrence David (Larry/Lash) Larrew, 77, Kansas City, Mo. Born in Boone. Navy vet, he married Carolyn Petrie in 1969. The couple settled in Marshalltown but were divorced. Larry had a thirty year career as a railroad mechanic. He retired in 2010. He loved to play the guitar, ISU football, fishing, pheasant hunting and Kansas City BBQ. In 1995, he met Mary Ingram and they spent 27 years together, tying the knot in 2018. Survivors include his wife, Mary, a son, a daughter and two brothers. Services were held in Boone.

     Allan (Al) J. Kraus, 76, Stratford. Born in Osage and grew up in Osage. Married Phyliss Hagedorn but they divorced twice. In 2008, he married Brenda Carlson. She died in 2015. Al worked as a heavy equipment operator, laborer and mechanic and later, operated the Sail Fish Inn in Grafton and AJ's Bar in Stratford. He enjoyed camping,dancing, playing cribbage and traveling. A survivor is a daughter, Keli (Neil Rinehart) Kraus of Stratford. Services were held in Boone. 

     Max E. Raines, 81, Slater. For 33 years, he was the Human Resources Manager and Safety and Environmental Manager at the Gates Company in Boone. Survivors include his wife, Elaine Raines, of Slater and a daughter, Holly (Jim) Christensen of Madrid. Services were held in Slater.

     Jon Samuelson, 84, Boone.

     Thelma Lykke, 104, Jefferson. A daughter, Ronda Thomas, of Ogden is a survivor. 

     Ann Henry Coe, 95, West Des Moines. Lived in several Iowa communities including Boone.

K-----K

     

    

ATTENTION........SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

     The Kornerman has been home from a 10 day hospital stay.....about 10 minutes now. 

      I'm debreefing so not prepared to do much until reorganizing, which will take some times.......over 700 emails to check out.

     However, I did want you to know things are going very well and before long, I'll be "caught up" and providing our usual offerings.

     Sometime soon I'll go into great detail regarding my visit to our wonderful hospital and why I went there very unexpectedly.

     Keep watching. I'll soon be back.

     Mo K. (The Kornerman)