ANOTHER WARNING

     Here's my second mention of a speech I have committed to give at the Boone County Historical Society, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 14. The title, "BOONE-My Kind of Town."

     I'm trying to stay healthy and I told my doctor the other day that she needed to keep me alive for a couple more weeks because of this commitment.

     I'm 88 and, since I''m way past my prime, my greatest fear is that very few people will show up on a busy October day.

     There will be some sports talk BUT that won't dominate. Hopefully, some of our stories will jar some memories of things from Boone's "past." And, I promise there will be stories of many Boone connected events, some eye openers, that most attendees will not be aware of. 

     It should be fun and I'm depending on you to "spread the word" about this event so I'll have somebody to talk to.

    

BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS

     Audrey Jane Powers Paulson, 92, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in South Dakota. Attended
Beadle State Teachers College/Dakota State University. Married James Jensen in 1953. He passed away in 1998. Married Gaylord Paulson in Boone in 2000. Belonged to ELCA Church Women United. Sang in the church choir and for 23 years, cooked for fellowship luncheons. Also cooked for Sigma Kappa sorority at ISU. Enjoyed sewing, gardening and canning fresh produce. Survivors include her husband, Gaylord, and daughters Marcia (John) Bade,  Laurie (Jerry) Wright, Annette (Jeff) Nading and Kristin (Paul) Reimann. Services in Boone.

     Ronald (Ron) Medearis, 79, Boone. Born in Lacona. Married Pat Patten in Omaha in 1970. Ron enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, golf, hunting, bowling and old Westerns. He was a 48 year member of the Boone Moose Lodge #104 and in 2008, earned the highest degree possible, the Pilgrim Degree Merit. He loved being in the Moose traveling bowling and gold leagues for years. Until an accident in 2000, Ron was an over the road semi driver. Prior to that, he had been a police officer in Los Angeles. Survivors include his wife, Pat Medearis, two daughters, Pam and Shannon, and two sisters, Lucy (Bill Frampton) Medearis and Dorothy Kirby. Services at the Boone Moose Lodge.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS

     Tracy Lee Winters, 59, Des Moines. Formerly of Boone. Born in Boone. Born with severe down syndrome and cared for by his mother, Shirley Irene Winters (deceased), and then Genesis in Boone until moving to Des Moines and becoming a resident of a home managed by Mosaic in Central Iowa. In his younger years, Tracy worked for ISU, helping with mailings and housekeeping. Later, worked for the Good Connections Redemption Center in Boone. Survivors include a brother, three sisters and a sister-in-law. A private family graveside service will be held in Boone at Linwood.

     Larry Hansen, 84, Boone/Grandview-Dayton. Born in Boone. Worked 30 years for Percival in Boone. A daughter, a niece and a nephew, Gary Germer, of Boone survive. Services pending.

AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

     Tyler Dene Schmehr Pritchard, 35, St. Cloud, MN. Survivors include his dad, Bill Pritchard, of Boxholm, his significant other and three children. A Celebration of Life will be held in Sauk Rapids, MN.

     LaVerda Mae Russell Prouty, 88, Ogden. Born in Afton, IA. Greenfield HS-55. Married Estel LeRoy Prouty in Missouri in 1956. Has lived in the Ogden area since 1964. Was a cook for the Ogden Community Schools until retiring in 1969. She enjoyed bowling, making quilts, embroidery, cooking, playing cards and attending events. Survivors include three sons, including Randy (Pam) and Marty (Linda) Prouty both of Boone. Five brothers and three sisters also survive. Services in Ogden and Beaver. 

     Stacy Miller, 49, Ogden/Stratford Care C. Born in California. Survivors include a daughter, Jayden Miller, of Ogden, a son, her mother, her father, siblings and her best friend, Rachel (Brian) Lawson of Ogden. No services planned.

     Jerry Erickson, 79, Paton. Survivors include a daughter, Rhonda (Tim) Kruse of Ogden, a son and a brother. Services in Paton.

BOONE AREA DEATHS/CONNECTION

     Richard Allen Hale, 75, Madrid. Survivors include his wife, Julianna, six adult children and a brother, Johnnie Hale. Burial at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Adel. Lunch in Grimes and a Celebration of Life is planned for 2024. 

     Rozanne R. Braynard, 71, Ogden. Services in Ogden.

     Milton E. (Milt) Aunan Sr., 94, Ankeny. Formerly of Johnston. One of the founders of Hidden Acres near Dayton and a former member of the Boone Evangelical Free Church retirement/nursing home board. Services in Des Moines and Sioux City.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

     Charles A. (Chuck) Erickson, 83, Boone. Born in Ogden. United C-HS-58. Army vet. Started farming in 1962 and continued until retirement in 2007. Married Caryl Peterson in Boone in 1964. Chuck enjoyed camping, boating, hiking, motorcycle trips, snowmobiling and watching Western movies. The couple spent 20 years wintering in Arizona. He was an active member of Farm Bureau, the Boone County Cattlemen's Association and the Boone County Extension Council. Loved being a Trustee for Rose Hill Cemetery, east of Luther. Survivors include his wife, Carol, and son, Scott (Tauja) of Boone and daughter Jolene (Mike) Butler. His sister, Sharon Pohl, brother Darwin Erickson and sister-in-law, Marilyn Erickson, all of Boone and brother-in-law, Bill Shreve, of Luther also survive. Services in Boone. Private gravesite service later.

     Tanner C. Crooks, 31, McCallsburg. Born in Louisiana. Attended BHS. Currently employed by 3M. In 2011, met Tabitha, who became the roots that kept him grounded. He loved sports and was involved in multiple fantasy sports leagues. He also engaged in bowling, golf, disc golf and enjoyed watching family members play soccer. Survivors include his wife, Tabitha, daughter Marley, son Maddox, his parents, Terry and Janice Crooks, and siblings Christy, Kelley, Casey, Tyler, Justin and Chance. Services in Ames. 

     Donald E. Lewiston, 80, Boone. Grew up in the Madrid/Runnells areas, where his father had an auto salvage business and cattle farm. He worked in iron works until retirement, because of injury, in 1996. He had also worked at Firestone for a short time. Married Shirley Boyce and they divorced. In 1979, he married Lynda Bielfelt. Don enjoyed fishing, coon, deer and mushroom hunting. His favorite TV shows were Swamp People, Naked and Afraid, Alaskan Bush People and family feud. Five adult children, Brad and Scott Lewiston, Susan (Jimmie) Scott, Kara (Bob) Lewiston and Kaylee (Troy) Bruns and mother-in-law Helen Biefelt survive. Services in Boone.

ALERT.......

     I, the Kornerman, have agreed to speak at the Boone County Historical Society building on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 1 p.m..

     The title of the speech is "BOONE-My Kind of Town."

     In no way will this be an entire sports presentation, although some sports talk will be included. 

     I'll talk Boone....through the years.......and also include several stories of Boone connections with famous people and events that many attendees are unaware of.

     I hope you'll mark Oct. 14 on your calendar and will plan to attend. There's no charge.

 

  

BOONE AREA DEATH

     Betty Lea Thomas Bell, 99, Madrid/Madrid Home. Born in Kansas. Married Harold Beverly Bell in Kansas in 1946. Survivors include a daughter, Connie Uhihammer, of Madrid, a son, a daughter in law and two Madrid grandchildren. Services in Madrid.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

     Mary Jane Stumbo Russell, 84, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-57. Grew up in West Boone. Married John W. Russell, BHS-52, in 1958. He passed away in 1997. Mary worked as a clerk at the DOT for 22 years before retirement in 1999. She loved nature,  wildlife and camping. A natural born caregiver, she was always surrounded by any who were always welcome in her home. Loved animals, took in stray cats and tamed the squirrels. Survivors include three adult children, James (Cheryl) and Randy Russell,a daughter-in-law, Rhonda Russell, and a sister, Nyla Cox. Services in Boone.

THREE NEWS ITEMS

     Well, time has passed since the last time I provided anything other then the latest central Iowa deaths in the Korner.

      Have a couple things to mention. The other day, I saw famous author, Boone's Phil Larson, BHS-61, coming up my driveway on his motorcycle. Yes, he was bringing me a signed copy of his wonderful first and new book, "A few memorable days."

      As the title indicates, the book recalls a few of his worldwide travels from 1969-2019. By the way, he has traveled more since then and, in fact, will join former resident Kriss Phillips and a third party on a trip to Albania in November. 

     The book is 212 pages, very readable and contains some interesting photos as well as his commentary on his travels.

     It is quickly becoming more and more available through the usual sources, Barnes and Noble, etc. and if you enjoy a first person account of worldwide trips, some of which become very precarious, you would find this very interesting reading.

K-----K

     The Kornerman has received an update on Pete Kostelnick's, BHS-2005, recovery from an almost fatal auto accident.

     Pete, of course, for several years, as been one of the world's most successful ultra marathon runners, including his capture of the record for a coast-to-coast jaunt from the West Coast to New York City a few years back.

     In Pete's own words, "made it to the three week mark since the crash and surgery. I saw the post surgery x-rays and can't believe all that is just hanging out in my body for the rest of my time here on earth. Its rough knowing that I have at least five weeks until I can stand or walk again. More than the healing time though, I'm anxious to see what running looks like when I am able to run again. There are so many races and "things" I still want to do. This weekend, I caught up with @runningwithcinder, text with Chuck, two of the four who joined me in 2016 across America. I'm also excited to follow @runjennyrunusa in her run across America. I'm 36 and on one hand, I've experienced and accomplished more that I would have ever dreamed of when I started. On the other hand, I've also let several years slip by, "figuring other things out." If my body lets me (big IF), the next 13 will be even better. Keeping my mind on the long term is all I can do right now."

     Editor's Note: Pete certainly earns an A+ for his determination.

K-----K 

     The latest news from the Boone County Historical Society reminds us that memberships end on December 31, 2023, and hopes are, that renewals will take place prior to that so records will stay up to date and it also makes managing the budget much easier. 

     Single membership is $25, family membership $40 and business membership $75 and donations are accepted all year long.

     Many improvements have been made and visitors are welcome to see them Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by special appointment.

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 DEATHS

     Harry Ronald (Ron) Shreve, 87, Luther. LHS-55. Took a tech course at DeVry Technical Institute in Chicago. From 1956 to 1962, he did TV repair work, farmed and was a machinist at Vigors Enterprises. Had a 30-year career as a TV engineer at WOI-TV in Ames. Army vet. Married Cheryl in 1988. An ISU fan, he enjoyed the "little things in life," such as nature, animals and especially, children. Spent lots of time in his garage, building and maintaining things like lawn mowers, cars, trucks. Was especially proud of the appearance of his property. Survivors include son Duane, daughter Diane (Don) Shearer, sister Linda (Bill) Pennington and brother, Bill Shreve. Services at the Arboretum.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS

     Toni Aldrich Sly, 77, Des Moines. Born in California. Raised in Boone. BHS-64. Was a dedicated realtor and later, as a mortgage loan officer. Was also a Mary Kay consultant. Married Larry Sly in 1981. She amassed a huge collection of treasured china, glassware, antiques, was an enthusiastic twilight golfer and an enormous purse was her signature piece. Toni enjoyed a backyard featuring a pond, flower beds and patio and she and husband Larry encouraged an open-door policy at their home. Survivors include her husband, Larry, and son, Eric. The ravages of dementia gradually broke Toni's presence but couldn't take her gentle spirit. Services in Des Moines.    

      Susan Kay Butler Slight, 81, Boone/Westhaven. Madrid HS-60. Married Lyndon Slight in Boone in 1967. Every Sunday evening was family night for the entire Slight family, eating, laughing, playing games and watching TV sporting events. For over five years, Susan has been a Westhaven resident, living right next door to her older sister, Barbara. Survivors include two son, Michael (Brenda) and John Slight and sister Barbara Butler. Private family graveside service at Fairview Cemetery in Madrid at a later date.

     Mary Jane Lancaster McCool, 78, Boone. Born in Marshalltown. MHS. Worked as a teacher's assistant in the library at United School for over 20 years. She loved Springtime when the flowers were in bloom and absolutely hated to retire. Enjoyed watching good football or basketball games. Survivors include her husband, Dennis, of Boone, two sons and a sister. Services in Boone.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

     Marynard Van Roekel, 90, Des Moines/Hampton Care Center. Air Force Vet. When discharged in 1959, he and his wife, Betty, moved to Boone so he could attend Iowa State University. He earned a degree in Operation Engineering from ISU in 1965, started traveling the state for IBM and the couple moved to West Des Moines. Three adult children, a brother and sister survive. Services in Des Moines and Pella.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

      James (Jim) Howard Safly, 84, Ames. Born in Ames. United Community HS-57. Married Joyce Elaine Bravard in Mackey in 1958. Joyce passed in 2012. Loved baseball in high school and always a farmer, helping his mom and dad on the farm north of Napier and then raising hogs, corn and beans on the 6JRanch in rural Ames. Iowa National Guard vet. Off the farm, he worked in the parts garage at the Ames Ford dealership, a short time with the DOT and then as a sheet medal engineer at the Ames Lab, ISU. He retired in 2004 and spent some winter time in Florida. Jim loved hiking the Ledges, camping and bicycling, helping at United with the athletic booster club, helping with 4-H and Boy Scouts, watching the Cyclones and pitching horseshoes. Survivors include a daughter and two sons, one brother, a sister-in-law, two brothers-in-law, including Jerry (Linda) Bravard of Boone and two sisters-in-law, including Marlys Bravard of Boone. Services at Napier.  

      Bonnie Leone Doerr Pepper, 95, Ames. Spent most recent years in Marion/Lisbon. Born in Sanborn. Her father was a pharmacist and, eventually, the family settled in Boone, BHS-46. Married Gerald Pepper, BHS-43, in 1947 in Boone. Pep passed away in 2011. A longtime resident of Ames, Bonnie was the first female real estate broker in Ames and was President of the Ames Board of Realtors. In retirement, the Pepper couple made several volunteer outreach trips to developing countries. Survivors include six of her seven children and a sister-in-law. A private family service in the near future.

BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS

      Loren George Wilhelm, 89, Boone. Born in Nebraska. At an early age, his family moved to a farm near Gilbert, then a farm near LuVerne. Vernon/Renwick HS-52. Eagle Grove J.C..Army vet. In 1958, in LuVerne, he married Betty Jorgensen. In 1959, graduated with a B.S. from ISU. He taught Junior High math in Boone until 1962 and then, for one year, studied the "new" math at Washington University/St. Louis. In 1963, he started working as an engineer for Percival Refrigeration and Manufacturing in Boone. When Percival Scientific (new name) moved to Perry, Loren continued working for them as Chief Engineer until retirement in 2003. He enjoyed woodworking and doing various projects around his home and Trinity Lutheran Church. Survivors include his wife, Betty, a son, a daughter, two brothers and four sisters. Services in Boone.  

     Barbara Brewer Lilly, 95, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in Chariton. CHS-45. ISU. Married Paul Lilly in 1947 and the couple made their home in Boone. Paul passed away in 2006 and a daughter, Marsha Jo Lilly Cory, BHS-72, passed in 2018. Barb was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, active with the Presbyterian Church, a 50 year member of the N.P. PEO, volunteered for the hospital auxiliary and for 17 years, served on the Boone County Hospital Board of Directors. Survivors include two sons, Scott, BHS-70, (Marti) and James, BHS-75 (Maria) and a son-in-law, Barry Cory, BHS-71, Private graveside service.        

     We've been informed of the recent passing of Dennis Askvig, BHS-62, in Marietta, CA. No further information was available.

     Garie O'Brien, 79, Boone.

BOONE AREA/CONNECTION DEATH

     Jerry L. Newman, 82, Madrid/Stratford CC. Born in Anthon. The family moved to a farm near Mapleton. In 1958, in Onawa, he married Mavis Murdock. For 53 years, Jerry was a mechanic and the owner of Jerry's Cars and Parts in Madrid. Survivors include his wife, Mavis, and a son, Alan (Glennda) Newman, both of Madrid and a daughter, Cindy (Wayne) Gildea of Boone. Two sisters-in-law also survive. Services in Madrid and Rodney, IA.

     Don Thornwall, 94, Madrid/Madrid Home. Born in Des Moines. Lived on a farm west of Slater. Married Joyce Pirkey in 1951. Don was a full-time farmer and John Deere employee. The couple loved to travel and loved all things Slater. Served on the library board and worked the polls. A faithful blood donor, he loved to fire up the grill. Survivors include three daughters, a sister and brother. Services in Slater.

    

BOONE CONNECTED DEATH

     Barbara Ann Kling Sutton, 68, Pella. Born in Des Moines. Ballard HS-73. Spent a lifetime as a Registered Nurse. Had attended Iowa Methodist School of Nursing also with a B.S. earned from Graceland College School of Nursing. Married Stan Sutton, BHS-70, in 1975, and the couple made their home in Boone, both working at the Boone County Hospital for decades. Barb spent 28 of her nursing years in the operating room arena, 24 of those as Director of Surgical Services. She was recognized in 2012 as one of "100 Great Nurses" by  the Iowa Nursing Association. She joined the Iowa Army National Guard in the Army Nurse Corps in 1990 and from 2005-2012 served as the IAARNG Deputy State Surgeon. Barb retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2012. Barb was actively involved in Boone's "Save Our Swimming" project and was a recipient of the State of Iowa, Iowa Community Betterment Program Governor's Leadership Award. She enjoyed cooking, crafts, refurbishing furniture and quilting. Survivors include her three children, her father, a sister, two brothers and three sisters-in-law. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Arboretum, southwest of Boone.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

     Joyce Williams Bible, 86, Ames. BHS-54. Survivors include her husband, Anthony Bible, and three adult children. Private gravesite services.  

     Shirley Vitt Dahl, 90, Boone. Born in Omaha. BHS-50. Rosary College/Chicago/1954. Worked in Cedar Rapids briefly before returning to Boone to work in an administrative position at Fareway, alongside her father, Fred Vitt. Married Robert (Bob) Dahl in Boone in 1957. A long time member of Sacred Heart Church and the Boone Lowell Club. Known as a great card player with a  sharp wit and a strong faith. Survivors include a son, three daughters and a sister-in-law. Services in Boone. 

     Marcella (Marci) Adeline Biondi Oliver, 89, Des Moines. Lived in her early years in Des Moines and Madrid. Des Moines East HS. Services in Des Moines.