BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Loryl Jean Leigh Cole, 92, Boone/Westhaven. Born in Havelock. HHS-48. Married Gerald Lee Cole in Havelock in 1954. Earned a degree from UNI. Taught 25 years in Mason City. A member of the Boone Women's Club and Eastern Star, she volunteered at the Boone and Scenic Valley. Among the survivors are two daughters, including Jeri (John) Nerem of Boone. Several Boone grandchildren also survive, including Nathan (Meredith) Nerem and Neil (Lisa) Nerem. Services are pending.   

     Lauren J. Taylor, 73, Clear Lake/Garner Care Center. Born in Boone. BHS-69. Married Georgia Hubby, BHS-72, and they divorced. Was a railroad worker for railroads in Iowa and Wisconsin before retirement. Married Karry Goggins in 2007. Lauren had a great love for music, especially blues and zydeco. Survivors include his wife, Karry, a sister, Lee Ann Taylor, BHS-68, a brother, Fritz Taylor, BHS-72, and adult children. Jessica Taylor Erwin (James), BHS-94, and Craig (Anna) Taylor, BHS-96, from his marriage to Georgia who passed away in 2021. A COL will be held at a later time. (THX) to Mark Campbell.

     Arnold William Ahrens, 99, Boone. Proud U.S. Army vet. Born in Boone County. Finished eighth grade and learned carpentry skills from his grandfather. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943. Was wounded in battle in Germany. He was discharged from service and returned to Boone in 1946. Worked at Quinn's for a time before joining his best friend Ray Ahrens and Ray's brother, Ed, in the carpentry, construction, roofing and painting business. Arnie married Elaine Smith in 1947. After their divorce, he married Darlene Hanson in 1967. Due to his service work, Arnie earned three battle campaign stars and in 2019, a Bronze Star. He was also proud to receive the Ogden Quilt of Honor. Until his recent hospitalization he lived at home alone, basically caring for himself. Survivors include his step-daughter, Chery (Doug) Miller, of Tennessee, goddaughter Lyn Frazier, neighbor and close friend Sharil Morain and Sharil's mother, Delores Miller, and his cats, Fluffy and Captain, all of Boone. A COL will be held in Boone.

     Kenny Stoneburner, 74, Boone. Born in Boone. He enjoyed camping, fishing, watching wildlife, cruising around, classic cars and attending car shows. Survivors include his four children, Jeremy Huston of Boone, Danielle (Terence) Myers and Marie (Jonathan) Williams of Ogden and Nikki (John) Rose of Grand Junction. A brother, Verl Stoneburner, of Boone and a sister, Kathy Carlson of Atkins also survive. COL in Boone. 

     Varlen Carlson, 92, Stanhope. Born in rural Stratford. Stanhope HS-50. Farmed near Stanhope. Survivors include his wife, Fern, and four children, including Matt (Carol) Carlson of Stratford.