BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Doris Jean Hinds Nelton, 77, Ames. In a 20-year period, Doris, her husband, Charles, his brother and wife, owned and operated seven Kentucky Fried Chicken stores in Central Iowa, including a Boone KFC.    

      Mildred Johannes, 96, Burial in Rose Hill, Luther.    

      Keith D. Thacker, 74, Ogden. Born in Boone.  OHS-68. As a young man, he worked on farms, was a movie theatre projector operator and gas station attendant. Navy vet. Married Linda Shaeffer in Boone in 1970. Keith owned and operated Keith's Used Autos and Parts and a salvage yard in Boone until his retirement. He enjoyed racing cars, playing poker, collecting antiques, watching the Cubs, hunting, fishing and riding his motorcycle. Survivors include his wife, Linda, two sons, Scott and C.W., and two brothers, Kurt (Sandy) Thacker and Kris (Barb) Henning. Services in Boone.

     Bonnie Joan Crouch Tolsdorf, 84, Ogden. Born in Arion, IA. Grand Junction HS-57. Married Roger Tolsdorf in Grand Junction in 1958. The couple lived in Beaver and Scranton before settling in Ogden in 1963 to farm. They also owned and operated the Ogden Maid Rite for 20 years and for over 30 years, Bonnie worked as an office administrator for the Ogden Telephone Company. Earlier, she had operated an in school preschool. Active in church, she was a member of Eastern Star, enjoyed camping, working in the garden and flower garden and wintering in Texas. Survivors include a son, David (Pamela)  Tolsdorf and a daughter, Michele Tolsdorf, both of Ogden. Services in Ogden.

     Pauline Lucille Lass Balmer, 89, Ames. Born in Ogden. OHS-52. She worked at the ISU Registrar's office and graduated from Iowa Beauty School in 1954. She married Dale Balmer in Ogden in 1954. She was a homemaker, babysitter, sold Avon and operated the Silhouette Shoppe out of her home before retirement in 1997. She was a knitter and avid writer. Survivors include her husband, Dale, sons Rick and Ron, and three siblings. Services in Ames.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Charles Raymond Brown, 72, Rural Ottumwa. Survivors include his wife, Kimberly, and four daughters, including Kirsten (Scott) Radke of Boone. Services in Fremont.   

      Hannelore (Lori) Bugger, 85, Boone. Born in Germany. Married Percy "Pete" Bugger in 1962 and they were together for 46 years until Pete's passing in 2007. A military family, the Bugger's resided on numerous Air Force bases before settling in Boone in 1985. Lori was a devoted homemaker who enjoyed gardening, fishing and spending time outside. Five children, Gary, Patricia, Brigitte, Jennifer and Timothy, survive. There will be no services.    

      Carol Kleckner, 65, Boone. Osage HS-77. Enjoyed cooking and baking and was a big fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Iowa Hawkeyes. Boone survivor is a son Cody (Jeri) Kleckner. A daughter and three siblings also survive. A COL is planned for this summer.    

      Clyde L. Chelsvig, 93, Boone/Westhaven. Born in Kelley. Married Margene Erickson in Kelley in 1954. Worked at the Atomic Energy Commission in Ames but then earned a teaching degree from the University of Northern Iowa. Taught in Springville and Boone schools until his retirement. He enjoyed woodworking and working in the yard. Survivors include a son, John, BHS-79, (Cathy) and two daughters, Mary Beth (Brent) Peterson, BHS-77, and Sue Ellen Chelsvig, BHS-85. Services in Boone and Kelley.

     Richard "Rick" A. Gifford, 66, Pilot Mound. Formerly of Boone. BHS-76. Married Carla Knight in 1977. Rick enjoyed fishing, gambling, four-wheeler riding, racing, cooking and baking. He worked at the Woodward State Hospital, Boone Landfill, laid carpet with his best friend, Terry Garvey, and retired after 18 years as a custodian at ISU. Survivors include his wife, Carla, of Pilot Mound, two sons, Wayne (Samantha) and Jerry (Jess) Gifford both of Boone. A sister, Dixie Casady, and brother-in-law, Jeff (Jamie) Knight, both of Boone and a brother also survive. Celebration of Life at a later date.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

     Lee Donald (Squeak) Lingren, 94, Boone. Born near Boxholm. Ogden High School-1948. Worked for Massey Ferguson as a welder before 35 years as a Fareway truck driver. Was a city councilman, an officer in the Moose Lodge and a Little League coach for  24 years. He loved the Cubs and Cyclones. With his late wife, Danis, loved ushering and helping with the Thanksgiving dinner at church. They also loved casinos, spending winters in Arizona and Florida before settling in Port Arkansas, Tx. for 15 years. Three daughters, all of Boone, survive, Kim (Mike) Lonergan, Shawna (Dave) Frohling and Stacie (Brian) Bennett. Other survivors include a sister and brothers, LaVerne (Joan) of Ogden and Larry (Wanda) of Boone. Services in Boone.   

     Betty Jean Grundon, 98, Grand Junction. Survivors include two sons and two brothers Kenneth (Bonnie) Dodd, BHS-52, and Donald (Karen) Dodd, BHS-50, of Boone. Services in Grand Junction.

     Ronda R. Bornholt Patterson, 83, Stratford. Born in Boone. Married Burton Patterson in 1960 at the South Marion United Methodist Church. She was a true farmer's wife, driving tractors, baling hay, a good cook and tended to large vegetable and flower gardens. Worked at the Stratford Co-op and ISU. Loved the Cyclones and Cubs and Elvis. Active in the church, Stratford Food Pantry, Swedish Museum, Swedish Club and Athens Woods Senior Living Board. Survivors include a son Nolan (Julie) Patterson of Stratford, two daughters, Natalie and Mia, and a sister Georgene Hanson. Services in Stratford.

     Sharon Adams Timm-Hoffman, 83, Ankeny. Born near Madrid. Spent a career in education and coaching. Survivors include her daughter, Tracy (Tony) Arbogast. Services in West Des Moines.

     Pearl J. Simpkins, 93, Madrid/Madrid Home. Married George Simpkins in Mason City in 1948. The couple moved to Madrid in 2012. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, puzzles, crafts and bingo. Three daughters survive. Cremation. Burial in Mason City.

LIFE with AND DEATH from ALZHEIMER'S

     To anyone who has ever followed my career, on the radio, in the newspaper, on TV or in this blog, there should be no doubt that my greatest joy, always, has been providing news of the great accomplishments of Boone area or former Boone area citizens from all walks of life. 

     In this edition, with pride and great admiration, I tell you, some of the vital work of Boone native Kathy Ferry Good, BHS- 64, the result of her husband's battle with Alzheimer's disease.

     Kathy has written a book, just recently published. Titled, "My World Wore a Bow Tie," it tells of her husband, Dave Good's, battle with Alzheimer's that eventually took his life, May 17, 2015.

     Dave was a lawyer, extremely energetic and athletic. In high school, he swam competitively and set records. As an adult, he was a bicyclist who ran marathons, kayaked and was a canoeist. He skied downhill, cross country and water. He roller-bladed and ice-skated, played tennis and taught himself to juggle and run at the same time. By no means, prudish behavior.

     So, what a resulting shock. A life changing diagnosis in 2003 of Visual Variant Alzheimer's and much un-anticipated confusion. "We felt like we were lost in the wilderness, feeling alone and overwhelmed. Figuring out what to do, what actions to take, beginning with simply, who to tell, what to say, when and how to say it," Kathy explained.

     After 11 years of increasing and methodical caregiving, it was in 2015 that it became painfully obvious that Dave was not doing well. He wasn't eating well,  kept his eyes closed and was much less responsive, even when Kathy was close by. 

     Kathy's book is a big one, 8 1/2 by 11 and 146 pages.......and not an overnight read BUT so thorough and interesting that its very hard to "put down." But let's have Kathy, herself, provide the introduction. "its part memoir about the life of Dave Good, my deceased husband, before and after he was diagnosed with the Visual Variant of Alzheimer's in 2003 when he was 56 years old; about my life before and after I became Dave's caregiver; and how his diagnosis led to the development of the Family Caregivers of Mercy in 2015 and more recently, the Chris and Suzy DeWolf Family Innovation Center for Aging and Dementia opened in June, 2023, in Cedar Rapids."

    There's a very appropriate quote attributed to a 20th Century Scottish Minister William Barkley in the Foreward of the book. He said, "Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing but to turn it into glory."

     Kathy Good, with the assistance of many others, has done just that, "turned a hard thing into glory" via the Family Caregivers of Mercy and the DeWolf Family Innovation Center of which she is SENIOR DIRECTOR OF BOTH. She commented, "both of these Centers have been a way to process my grief, as well as seeing the good to come out of the not so good of Dave's dementia. My days are full and filled with purpose and meaning."

    A longtime Cedar Rapids resident, Kathy Ferry Good graduated from Boone High School in 1964, from Boone Junior College and earned both B.S. and Master's Degrees from the State University of Iowa. She's been honored with receipt of  Women of Influence and Women of Achievement awards. AND, she still claims Boone, Iowa as her real home town and devotes substantial space in her book to various interesting memories of her early life in Boone. My first connection with Kathy occurred when she became a Cub reporter for the Boone News Republican during her high school days.

    EDITOR'S NOTE: Kathy, we are so proud of your many achievements and the tremendous work you are doing in remembrance of Dave and others afflicted by this terrible disease.  For the benefit of those remembering Kathy and wishing to re-connect or offer congratulations on her new book, her home address is 2102 Linmar Drive N.E., Cedar Rapids 52402, and for the Family Caregivers Center, she can be reached by phone 319-550-2664 or by email kegood@mercycare.org. and that's where information on the availability of the book can be obtained.

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.....http://kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com.

    

    

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Michael J. "Mick" Jacobson, 71, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-71. Married Susan Gus in 1988. Lifelong Yankee fan, he enjoyed coaching and umpiring Little League games and playing slow pitch softball. He also enjoyed drives by the river looking for wildlife. Survivors include his wife, a son, Riley (Michele), a daughter, Heidi (Aaron) Acela, sisters Denise Morth, Donna Doran and Susie DePont and a brother, Tim Jacobson. Services in Boone.

      Thomas A. Doran, 72, Luther. Earned a degree in Diesel Equipment Mechanics in 1989. He enjoyed family potlucks after church, old westerns and antique cars and tractors. Remembered for his laugh and onery nature. A real life John Wayne. A hero, teacher, protector and hard worker. Survivors include his children, his mother and siblings. A COL will be held later.

     Norman "Tom"Willard, 76, Ames. Moved to Ames in 2004 due to Tom's career in the printing field. He retired from BASF in 2011. A COL will be held at the Central Iowa Expo.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Ted H. "Teddy" Craven Jr., 80, Apache Junction, AZ. Formerly of Boone. Also lived in Des Moines and Norwalk before his residence in Arizona. He worked all over Iowa as an independent truck driver, hauling for his father and other companies. After a move to Arizona in 1995, he hauled rock for the many roads being built. He retired at 79 years of age. Survivors include three daughters and two sons. He also helped  raise four stepchildren. There will be a COL in Arizona and then another in St. Mary's, IA. Burial in Des Moines.   

       Donald S. Myers, 72, Pilot Mound. Born in Boone. BHS-70. In high school, participated in football, basketball and baseball. Viet Nam vet. Served in the U.S. Army from 1970-72. Married Pamela Grimm in Boone in 1975. They divorced after 40 years of marriage. Started work for the Chicago Northwestern in 1975 and retired from the Union Pacific in 2012. He loved his yearly trip to Vegas, was a Chicago Bears fan and enjoyed deer and mushroom hunting. A brother survives. Also surviving is a nephew, William Curtis Myers of Boone. Services in Boone.

       Karol DeMoss Johnson, 84, Boone. Born in Storm Lake. Fonda HS. Morningside College. Married Douglas Johnson at Fonda in 1960. After her early years as a homemaker, she worked various administrative assistant roles in Iowa, Texas and Colorado. She enjoyed reading, a good glass of wine and spending time with family. Survivors include four sons, including Kirk (Holly) Johnson of Boone. A brother also survives. No services.

     Judy Faye Stiles, 79, Madrid. Two sons survive. No services planned.

     Helen Zollars, 93, Jefferson. Burial in Lawn Cemetery, Boxholm.

BRAKKING NEWS

     Open your calendars........the dates for the upcoming Pufferbilly celebration have been announced along with some other pertinent information.

     Pufferbilly 2024 will be celebrated September 20-22. Can you believe this will be the 48th edition?

     Topping the celebration entertainment will be the Pork Tornadoes, recently featured in the famous Rolling Stone magazine.

     AND.....the 2024 Pufferbilly parade Grand Marshall will be George Eckstein. That could not be a more fitting selection. George was, of course, one of the initial group of citizens who were the driving force behind the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad, who's great history helped propel the Pufferbilly celebration.

     George has also contributed to the community in many other ways, especially notable are  many hours of work with the Boone County Historical Society and the Mamie Eisenhower birthplace.

     Jo and I were honored a few years back when we were asked to be the Grand Marshall. However, we, honestly, have never done much for Pufferbilly Days, except watch the parade and eat a brat. So we declined the invitation. We felt that there surely would be someone, among the long-time volunteers, who have worked tirelessly on the event and deserved that honor more than we did. Someone like George Eckstein. A good choice.

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.....http://kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

     Eldred James Bechard, 96, Boone. Survivors include his wife, Tita, of Boone, a son, two daughters, including Sally Bechard of Boone and a sister, Ima Lee Erickson, of Boone. Two area grandchildren also survive, Betsy Keebler and Cory Elsberry, both of Ogden. Services in Grand Junction.

REMARKS ON MUSTAPHA COLUMN

     The recent Korner column about the "Greatness of Jack Mustapha Jr." has produced many comments, particularly from fellow baseball players of that era, mid-60's.

     Pat Ahlstrom, BHS-64, wrote, "musty definitely had the ability to pitch in the major leagues......would have loved to have seen that."

     Dick Musser, BHS-64, said, "besides his pitching, I was always amazed at how he could get hits going to left field, even when we played for that."

     John Hinz, BHS-64, wrote, "in my three years of Little League and three more years of Babe Ruth baseball, I remember Jack's speed like it was yesterday. Six years yielded only two singles by me, hit by pitches three times and the rest were all strikeouts. His fast ball caused great pain as did Mike Loehrer's. You never forget those pitches."

     John Hendricks, BHS-64, said, "Jack was truly gifted. The times I was his catcher, from Little League through Babe Ruth and high school ball he was a "oner." I always wore a big sponge in my mitt to protect my palm from his fast ball. The back injury was cruel fate since there was little doubt he was headed for the big time."

     Regarding the story about pole vaulter Clyde Hovick, Mark Campbell, BHS-67, recalled, "walking through the gym, I'd see Clyde walking on his hands.....back and forth. When track season began and he began pole vaulting it had become clear why he did that. I remember I was the P.A. announcer that day and sat beside Athletic Director Howard Stutzman and we watched him clear the bar. It was so exciting. Thanks for prompting the memory."

K-----K

     Back to recalling one of the remembrances I had of my long media career as related in my October, 90-minute talk, "BOONE-My Kind of Town," that I gave at the Boone County Historical Society.

     I humbly say that I think I gave one of the most "warmly received" commencement talks EVER at the Boone Campus, Des Moines Area Community College.

     My boss, Bernie Saggau, was one of the most outstanding motivational/inspirational speakers in the entire country and gave hundreds, if not thousands, of commencement speeches from border to border. In his career, he probably spoke at every single high school in Iowa.

     One morning at work at the Iowa High School Athletic Association, Bernie came into my office and it was plain to see and hear that he was struggling with some kind of illness. He indicated to me that he was scheduled to give a speech that day but didn't think he could do it......and I would have to replace him.

     I said, "when?" and he replied, "this morning......10 a.m.......at Boone Campus. Its the DMACC commencement ceremony."

     I, of course, was stunned....that and now.......but he tried to reassure me that it would be O.K.......I had done some high school commencements.....and could surely come up with some material to adequately replace him.

    I reported for the 10 a.m. assignment, gave the commencement speech and was absolutely amazed at the response. The graduates seemed especially pleased and happy and excited and even the parents and others in the audience were equally as joyful.......lots of hugging and general happiness.

   Someone had timed the speech......about seven minutes.......all those graduates and parents were ecstatic......and as I was gloating about my great success.......I, suddenly realized,.the graduates weren't overwhelmed with what I had to say........they simply wanted to get that diploma and quickly "get out of Dodge" and their new life.

 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....htt://kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com.

    

   

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

         Gary Lee Thompson, 80, Kelley. Born in Boone. Married Barbara in 1968. He owned and operated G.L. Thompson Sodding from 1995-2010 and also worked at Clyde Black and Son for many years. Vietnam vet. He loved bird watching and being outside, especially mowing his lawn. Survivors include three children, four sisters and a brother. 

         Donald J. Howard, 75, Boone. Died after a five-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Marshalltown. Green Mountain HS-66. Marshalltown Community College and a B.S. from Mankato State in 1970. Started his teaching and coaching career in Boone. Taught algebra, geometry and computer literacy. Coached girls track for 36 years and girls basketball for 26 years as an assistant. He also coached boys track, basketball and football, officiated basketball and volleyball and kept score for volleyball, basketball and football. An annual Boone track meet was renamed the Don Howard Invitational in 2023.  He was active in the Boone Educators Association, president three times and worked on contract negotiations for 15 years. Retired in 2006 but continued coaching track and field until 2023. He served Boone youth for 53 years. Was on the Board of Directors of the Boone County Fair, steering committee of Pufferbilly Days and the board of the Boone County Community Credit Union. A well known traveler, runner and RAGBRAI participant. A sister survives. Services in Boone.

         Paul (Shorty) Peterson, 97, Boone/Westhaven. Formerly of the Boxholm area. Born in Boxholm. BHS-45. Army veteran. Married Doris LaVonne Ewing in Dayton in 1949. The couple farmed south of Boxholm for over 55 years before moving to Boxholm in 2004. Served on the Board of Directors and was past president of Westside Apartments and past president of Boxholm Development. Legion member, involved in Boone County ASCS and Farmers COOP. Volunteered at the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad as a tour guide, announcer for Thomas the Train and as Santa on the Santa Express. He moved to Westhaven in 2017. Survivors include his children, Janice and Tim. Services in Ogden and Boxholm.

         Linda Cox Grasso Jones, 74, Madrid Homes. Formerly of Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-68. Married Gary Grasso. They divorced. Married Gene (Dick) Jones in 1971. Dick passed away in 1978. Linda worked at Look Magazine in Des Moines for a short time before spending 20 years working at Bournes. She enjoyed camping and fishing. Three sisters survive, including Beverly (Jeff) Huston of Boone. A stepson and three sisters-in-law, Nyla Cox and Ida Cox of Boone and Linda Ann Cox of Ogden also survive. Services in Boone.

        Ilene Cooklin, 92, Jefferson. Survivors include three children and two brothers, including her brother, Glen Dillavou, of Boone.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Rick J. Isolini, 67, Madrid. Born in Boone. MHS. A graduate of William Penn University. He taught and coached at Mormon Trail, Schuyler Co. Missouri and Madrid. Taught P.E. and Driver's Ed while also coaching softball and football. He was a member of the state football championship Madrid team of 1991. While teaching, Rick also owned Nonni's Restaurant in Madrid. He ended his work career, prior to retirement, at Woodward Resource Center. He loved watching TV at Dalton's Lounge, making his famous Italian sausage, following Notre Dame and ISU athletics and spending time with his sister, Lori's, family. Survivors include his sister, Lori (Mark) Reddish, and a brother. Services in Madrid.    

      Gary "Pete" Jensen, 83, Boxholm since 1976. Born in DeLoit, IA. Knierim/Barnum schools-59. Worked at New Idea Machining, Bush Hog and Electrolux. He enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening and was an avid bird watcher. Survivors include four daughters, including Trisha (Marie) Mendez of Boone and Charlene Schiller of Boxholm. No services.     

      Gladys Cacek, 100, Boone/Eastern Star. Formerly of Sutherland. She and her late husband, Vernon Cacek, moved to the Eastern Star Home in 2013. Services in Boone and Sutherland.  

      Margaret "Jean" Kleinendorst Weuve, 81, Colo. Born in Newton. NHS-61. A.I.B. graduate. Married Hank Weuve in Des Moines in 1963. Was administrative secretary at the USDA office in Ames. Survivors include her husband, a daughter, a son, a sister and a brother, Warren Kleinendorst, of Boone. Services in State Center.