Wednesday, March 12, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Mary L. Conard, 91, Boone/Eastern Star. Services in Mackey and Ridgeport.

      Harrie Ray Buswell, 6, Owensboro, KY. Born in Carroll. Churdan HS-57. Air Force vet. Earned Bachelor's and Masters degrees from ISU and a PhD from the University of Georgia. Was a teacher, with service at ISU, Georgia Tech and Berea College. From the mid-70's to early 80's, he and his wife, Katy, owned and operated an appliance, electrical retail and service business in Ogden and Grand Junction. Survivors include his wife, Katy, and three daughters, including Laurie (Kris) Cook of Boone. A sister also survives.

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Donald Buckley Dodd, Sr., 93, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-51. Army vet. Married Karen Finley, BHS-55, in Nashua in 1954. Earned an Associate's Degree from Boone Junior College. Was a U.S. Postal employee, worked as a draftsman part-time and served 37 years in the Iowa Army National Guard, ending as a Recruiter and Staff Sergeant. Don was a singer and enjoyed Big Band music. He was also a voracious reader and loved roller skating, bowling, pool, poker and golf. He maintained a large garden of vegetables and berries and the couple spent 18 years as snowbirds in Texas. Survivors include his wife, Karen, his children, Pam, Deb, Laura, Donna, Don Jr., Bill, Heidi and Bob. Pam is an Ogden resident while Deb and Laura reside in Boone. A brother, Ken Dodd, of Boone also survives. A private family service is pending.

     Richard Charles Francis, 88, Boone. Born in Minnesota. Married Connie James in Waterloo in 1959. Richard was an outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and riding motorcycles. Survivors include his wife, Connie, a daughter, Lori, and a son, Todd. Services in Boone.

Monday, March 10, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Doris A. Berglund, 94, Boone/Courtyard Terrace. Born in Boxholm. Boxholm HS-48. Married Edward Berglund in Boxholm in 1949. An ISU graduate in 1969. She taught at Lincoln Elementary in Boone until retirement. Doris was an avid fan of ISU sports and was also involved in bridge clubs, quilting and needlework and traveling. She and Ed especially enjoyed visiting their daughter, Kathleen, in Sweden. Four children survive, including Mary Howe of Boone. Services in Boone and Boxholm.

       Kathryn (Kit) Chance, 69, Boone. 

       Cynthia Ann Shadle Staebler, 86, Ogden/Madrid Home. OHS-57. Married William (Bill) Staebler in Ogden in 1957. Worked as a bookkeeper at Medical Associates Pharmacy in Boone for over 30 years. A frequent community volunteer, she loved to decorate their home and St. John's Church for the catholic holidays. Was also a member of Questers and enjoyed travels she and Bill made, especially to Portugal. Survivors include her husband, Bill, of Ogden and her brother, Joe Shadle, of Boone. Services in Ogden.

       Susan Maureen Pendegraft, 71, Des Moines. Survivors include a sister, Diana (Tim) Shehan, of Boone. Services in Perry.  

       Melanie Ann Lee, 73, Ames. Survivors include a brother, Christopher Cottrill, of Boone. A family picnic will be held.

Saturday, March 8, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Janet Elizabeth Thomas Tait, 88, Boone/Westhaven. Born in Hollywood, CA. Minneapolis S.W. HS-54. Grinnell College-58. Taught briefly in Cedar Rapids. Married James Tait in Minneapolis in 1958. The couple lived in Minnesota until moving to Boone in 1973. Janet worked at ISU in the Biology Program for 25 years until retirement. Very active, she was the secretary for the Boone Habitat for Humanity for 24 years, secretary for the board of the Boone County Historical Society for 10 years and for a short time, was president of the History Center Board until 2019. She was also an active member of the 
Episcopal Church where she served as organist for nearly 10 years. Janet loved to read and sew, work puzzles and watch Hallmark movies. Husband Jim died in 1991.Survivors include her daughter, Kathie (Kevin) Cottrell of Boone and son, Scotty (Pam) Tait of Dayton. Services in Boone.

        Judy Elizabeth Sorenson, 76, Dayton. Four children survive, including daughter Jill (Dan) Smith of Boone. Services in Dayton and Pomeroy.

        Lynne P. Schnoebelin, 66, Madrid. Formerly of Riverside, IA. A COL will be held in Riverside.

Thursday, March 6, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Roger D. Leininger, 84, Ames. Born in Story City. Gilbert HS-58 after early years at United elementary. Married Patricia Forsythe in Cherokee in 1962. They've been living his lifetime on the family farm near Ames. The couple farmed and raised livestock until the early 1980's. Roger then went to work at the ISU AG450 farm for 30 years. In retirement, he worked for Design Homes and the AG450 farm. He enjoyed woodworking and the couple always enjoyed their trip each year to Okoboji. Survivors include his wife, Patricia, of Ames, three children and a brother. Roger was a member of the Iowa Army National Guard in Boone for six years. Services in Boone and Ames and burial at Saint Peter and Paul's Catholic Cemetery.

      Doris Harris Winebrenner, 80, Des Moines. School in Beaver and Ogden. Married Clifford Winebrenner in 1967. Worked as a telephone operator in Illinois, loved being a mom, cooking and crochet. Survivors include a son, David, and daughter, Denise, and brothers Don and Dennis Harris. A COL will be held in Ogden with burial in Van Meter.

      Brian Edward Tolle, 68, Ogden. Born in Harlan. Irwin Kirkman HS-74. Married Theresa Kauffman in 1976 but the couple divorced. Married Linda Kay Reighard at the Iowa Arboretum in 1999. Brian was an over the road truck driver. However, declining health forced him into working for Kuehl Brothers in Woodward until retirement. He loved his family, dogs and his faith and he could keep you up to date on the latest news topics and tech gadgets. Survivors include his wife, Linda, of Ogden, three children and a sister. Services in Jefferson.

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        Brian Lynn Kraft, 53, Boone. Formerly of Renwick/Humboldt. Born in Clarion. Humboldt HS-89. Iowa Central CC with a degree in Food Marketing. Married Stacy Heim in Humboldt in 1993. The couple moved to Boone in 1995 where he was employed by HyVee. He then earned a degree in Business Administration from Simpson in 2004 and worked in the insurance industry. Brian sang karaoke, loved sharing conversations with an occasional golf outing or round of disc golf. He was  told 12 years ago that he only had months to live but.....Survivors include his wife, Stacy, his children, Adam, Alyssa and Aidan, his parents, siblings and in-laws. Services in Boone.

       Janelle Lynn McNace Vickers, 65, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-77. Married Jeffrey Vickers in Boone in 1977. Worked in food service, as a District Supervisor for McDonald's and, currently, as Office Manager for Burger King. She loved sports, especially the Chicago Bears and Cubs. Also enjoyed reading. Survivors include her children, Jeff and Mindy Vickers, both of Boone Her husband, Jeffrey, is deceased. A private service will be held later. 

      Joyce Ann Cook, 85, Formerly of Boone. Passed away in Nebraska. Born in Leon, IA. North Harrison HS, Eagleville, MO. 1957. Northwest Missouri State, Northeast Missouri State. Married in 1960 and moved to Boone in 1962. Was a homemaker and worked for Boone County Tax Service before becoming an RN graduate from DMACC in 1978. Worked for 25 years at the Boone County Hospital before retirement. Joyce loved to spend times of great adventure with her 11 grandchildren and had a passion for sewing, gardening, home decorating and RAGBRAI. Survivors include four children, Cindy, BHS-79; Craig, BHS-82; Julie, BHS-83 and Tracey, BHS-87. A sister also survives. Services in Boone and Blythedale, MO.

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Karen Lee Abbott Ely, 80, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-62. Married Loren Ely, BHS-57, in 1962. She enjoyed decorating for the holidays, card club, walking groups, coffee groups, scrapbooking and playing Bingo. Survivors include two daughters, Debi Ely, BHS-81, Pestotnik and Lori Ely, BHS-83,Walters as well as a brother, Ed Abbott, BHS-54. Services in Boone.

       Ed McBirnie (Coach), 78, Stratford. Born in Boone. Iowa GED. Married Julie Christensen in Boone in 1964. Graduated from truck driver training school and was a meat cutter at the time of retirement. Ed served as the Boone and ISU boxing coach and also led the Knockouts, a girls slow pitch softball team. He enjoyed the races at Boone Speedway and the Marshalltown Fairgrounds where his son, Joe, and grandson Jake frequently raced. Survivors include his ex-spouse and best friend, Julie McBirnie, of Boone, six children, including Danelle and Joe of Boone and Eddie and Tim of Stratford. A sister and his brother, Bill McBirnie, of Boone also survive. Services in Boone.

     Jo Lynn Cook, 78, Boone/Eastern Star. A COL is planned in Boone.

Monday, March 3, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

     Fred T. Doxsee Jr., 69, Boone. Born in Moline, IL. BHS-74. Fred served as a manager for Florsheim Shoes in various states for many years. He was a self-taught musician who loved playing the guitar and fiddle. Playing in local bands, he also had an extensive knowledge of music and musicians from the 1960's to the present. He was also a movie buff and historian and had a great sense of humor, despite his chronic struggles. Survivors include a son, brother and sister, Ogden resident Cheryl (Luis) Sanchez.  

     Kathy A. Roberts Ahrens, 69, Ogden/Eastern Star Memory. Born in Boone. Grand Community HS-73. An avid sports fan, she loved the Hawkeyes, Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Royals. She was the secretary of the Boone County United States Bowling Congress. Kathy served as a custodian for the Ogden School District and was also a gifted electrician and Do It Yourselfer, remodeling her home and her father's house. Travel trips and 4-H memories were also important. Survivors include a son and a Boone resident brother, John Roberts. Services in Ogden.

     James Edward (Sarge) Cornelius Sr., 72, Perry. Survivors include his wife and four children, including John Cornelius of Madrid. Services in Perry.

Sunday, March 2, 2025

SOME RECENT CORRESPONDENCE

        Haven't heard from Ann Onymous for some time but here's the response received regarding our recent  mention of the new Arch project. "the original sign was to entice train passengers into visiting downtown  Boone. As train travel to Boone came to an end, Old Highway 30, at least, directed traffic through West, Central and East Boone for a time. Near the downtown but not quite. Then along comes New Highway 30. The Boone By-Pass. The lights of Old Highway 30 and downtown Boone, one by one, slowly went out. Only locals seemed to know to take the Story Street detour. Boone will need even better signs with the new roundabouts and confusing lane/access changes. The new plan further isolates Boone from Highway 30 travelers that do not know the city we love is just a few blocks down Story Street."

     Another correspondent wrote, "after turning 65 and losing some family and friends that are my age, I started following the wisdom of George Burns. I get up every morning and read the obituary column. If my name is not there, I eat breakfast. I normally follow Boone happenings thru the KWBG site. I recently discovered the Korner and it continually answers that age old question, "I wonder what happened to....""

     Realizing I, the Kornerman, was about to break a big barrier, a couple long time friends contacted me this week with, "how you doin,' O.K." Mike Loehrer, BHS-65, lounging in Florida, remembered the 90 but couldn't recall the 18th. Even my 30-year boss, Bernie Saggau, who is 96, wondered if I would survive long enough to enjoy this milestone birthday.

     As I said earlier, "I don't know how to feel about it. I've never experienced it before." 

K-----K

     SOME OTHER ITEMS....

     1- Dad's Belgian waffles will be available at the Iowa Arboretum, this coming Saturday, March 8, from 9 a.m. on at $10.

     2- This is "down the line" but Lester Ross, BHS-67, wanted us to mention that in August, 2025, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, the Wall That Heals national tour, will visit 31 communities across the country this year, including a stop in Nevada Iowa, August 7-10. This traveling exhibit honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in the Vietnam War and it bears the names of 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.

     3-  Kriss Philips was a Boone resident and Dean of the Boone Campus, DMACC for many years and has a collection of Pufferbilly badges. He sent them to me and soon, at his request, I will pass them on to the Boone County Historical Society. Kriss now lives in Rio Rico, AZ.

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......https://kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.

Friday, February 28, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Ronald James Cohrs, 56, Ogden. Born in Des Moines. HS-1985. Loved working outdoors and had a passion for driving semis. He ran a lawn care and tree service for a time. He enjoyed setting up his collection of vintage Tonka Trucks in his front yard. Three children survive. Service at a later date.  

       Linda Ann Larson Herrick, 80, Boone/Westhaven. Born in Boone. BHS-62. Married Earl Herrick in 1965 in Boone. Earned a secretarial degree from DMACC. Worked at the DOT for over 25 years in the Department of Project Planning. Survivors include two daughters, Wendy Herrick, BHS-87, and Amy Peterson, BHS-90, and a son, Mike Herrick, BHS-91, Wendy and Mike are Boone residents.  A stepdaughter, Tammy Herrick, also survives. Services in Boone.     

     Karen Lee Abbott Ely, 80, Boone. BHS-62. Married Loren Ely.

Thursday, February 27, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Kelli LeAnn Springer Gregory, 45, Logansport. Born in Boone. BHS-98. Married Donald Gregory in Boone in 2023. Was an electrician for Moeller Electric, worked at Lowe's and Pat Clemons and then was a small equipment mechanic at ISU. Kelli loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, fishing, kayaking, trail riding, woodworking, working on cars and her motorcycle and dancing. Annual trips to the Iowa State Fair, the Old Thresher's reunion and the Amana Colonies were scheduled. Survivors include her husband, Don Gregory, her parents, Leonard and Marsha Springer, stepchildren Bradley (Cassandra Jones) Gregory and Blake (Alexis) Gregory and a sister, Traci (Andy). Services in Boone.   

      Joseph Morton Head, 31, Grimes. Survivors include his mother, Jody Head, of Stratford.

     James (Jim) Michael McDevitt, 78, Perry. Born in Perry. BHS-64. Northwest Missouri State. Navy vet. Returned to Perry in 1970. Began his lifelong career with Iowa Electric Light and Power (Now Alliant Energy), working alongside his dad, Francis Eugene "Shanty," at Perry's Steam Plant. Married Marilin Kay Wilke, BHS-72, of Boone in 1976. In 1981, the McDevitt family transferred with Jim's company to Cedar Rapids as Jim began working at Alliant's Prairie Creek Power Station. Jim loved sports, playing slow pitch softball and coaching his kids in baseball and softball. He loved traveling, especially to sports stadiums, the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Rams and ISU Cyclones. Survivors include his wife, Marilin, a son, a daughter and sister, Diane Knight, BHS-70. Two brothers, Dan McDevitt, BHS-66, and Keith McDevitt preceded Jim in death. Services in Perry.

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Dale Robert Eschliman, 96, Burlington/Klein Center, W.Burlington. Born in Nebraska. Clarks HS. University of Nebraska, Lincoln Campus. Married Doris May Wray in Kansas in 1947. Married Patricia Mumme in West Burlington in 2017. Was Assistant City Engineer in Sioux City. In 1964, founded Eschliman Engineering. Was a longtime City Engineer and Land Surveyor in Boone. Served his church in several capacities, was a Cub Scout leader, Kiwanis Club and American Society of Civil Engineers member and a mentor for the Society of Land Surveyors of Iowa. Dale also served at local and state levels for the Sons of the American Revolution. Survivors include his wife, Patricia, his son, Kirk, BHS-68, (Leah) and grandchildren. Services in Boone. 

      Roger D. Moravetz, 81, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in Ogden. OHS. Army vet. Was a meat cutter for Fareway for 8.5 years, then served the Chicago Northwestern and Union Pacific railroads for 42 years before retirement in 2010. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, drag races and Chiefs football. Belonged to the American Legion, VFW, Moose Lodge and Elks. Survivors include a son, Rory, nieces and nephews and a special friend, Cindy Watson. Services in Boone and Ogden.

     Phyliss Schultz, 86, Boone. Born in Indiana. Washington, IN HS. Manhatten College in Kansas. Married Robert Schultz in Indianapolis in 1958. Robert was a pastor so the couple moved to various Iowa communities about every two years. Phyliss earned an LPN from Northeast Community College in Calmar and worked for 30 years at the Boone County Hospital. She enjoyed crocheting, cross stitch and church ladies groups. Seven adult children survive, including Cheryl Ann Williams, Dean Schultz and Kay (William) Hammer all of Boone. Services in Boone.

Saturday, February 22, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

         Joyce Cook, 85, Boone.     

        Donald E. Reutter, 63, Boone.       

       Alvin "Al" Moffet, 89, Boone/Westhaven. Born in Ottumwa. OHS-54. Oklahoma State University. Married Elizabeth Baxter, 1956-69. Married Kathleen Ann McClain in Boone in 1972. Al worked for 15 years at Mid-States Steel and then as a custodian at ISU until retirement. He enjoyed collecting coins and records. Survivors include his wife, Kathleen, two daughters, Sally A. (Charlie Haberer) Moffet and Jacquelin Rose (Robert) Meuiner, and one son, Randy W. Moffett. Two sisters, Barbara North and Eva Ruther, also survive.   

        Betty Lou Vance Richey, 91, Stratford. Born in Boone. Weighed 3 pounds, 2 ounces at birth. Stratford HS-52. Married Lyle Richey in Lehigh in 1952. Betty loved hosting dinners, bible studies and playing monopoly, aggravation and dominos. Bluegrass music was a special passion and the couple loved going to Branson and the Clay County Fair. After living on a farm, the couple moved to Stratford and Lyle started Richey Motors. In 2017, they moved to the Athens Woods Estates apartments. Lyle died in 2019. Three children survive. A COL will be held in rural Dayton with burial in Stratford.

       Marilyn J. Moger Casotti, 90, Shenandoah passed away February 18, 2025. Born in Omaha. Early years in Clarinda, North Carolina and Colorado. Sterling, CO. HS-53. When the family came to Boone, Marilyn worked at Boone State Bank. She married Tyrus Raymond Casotti in Boone in 1959. The couple were active members of church, involved in the Tall Corn Antique Auto Club and Marilyn was well known for her baking. She also worked at the Russell Sandy Insurance Agency and Quam Insurance and Real Estate. She enjoyed sewing, reading, playing cards and was a league bowler. Survivors include a daughter, Lori Casotti (Ron) Knight, BHS-80, of Shenandoah and a son, David Paul (Carol) Casotti, BHS-82, of Boone. Area survivors also include grandsons, Anthony Casotti of Boone, Tyler Casotti and Dominic Casotti both of Ames. Sister-in-law Shirley Casotti also survives. Services in Shenandoah, Trinity Lutheran in Boone with burial at Mineral Ridge Cemetery in Ridgeport.

Thursday, February 20, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Nyla Rose Stumbo Cox, 89, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in Boone. BHS-54. Married Charles Edward Cox. Worked at Bourns and retired from Twilight Windows. She was a regular attendee of the Iowa State Fair and enjoyed all types of car races, nationally and locally. She even raced at the Boone Speedway. Nyla enjoyed knitting and crocheting and was known for her large garden, Sunday meals and Christmas Candy. A son, Kim (Diane) Cox, survives. Graveside service later. 

      Barbara Ann Choate Stanley, 88, Ogden/Westhaven. Born in Eldora. Eldora HS-55. Iowa School of Beauty in Des Moines. Married Joseph Stanley. The couple traveled the country in their Greyhound, "The Bus," between Ogden and San Jacinto, CA. They enjoyed square dancing and Barb loved playing cards, casinos, swimming, bingo and several trips to Disneyland. Five children survive. Services in Ogden and Eldora.    

      Allen Drake, 88, Patterson, IA. Four adult children survive, including a daughter, Deborah Mehmen, of Boone. Services in Winterset and Patterson.

     Susan Lynn Skei, 80, Slater. Three daughters survive, including Tasha (Owen) Laster of Boone. A grandchild, Austin Brincks, of Boone also survives. A COL will be held later.

     Carl A. Pelzer, 83, Ames. A longtime English teacher, football and track coach in Ames, his services will be in Ames with burial at St. Peter and Paul's cemetery. The family asks that memorials be given to the Boone Humane Society.

ANYBODY REMEMBER THAT OLD ARCH?

     Right or wrong, I have this feeling that there's no reason to spend time "reporting" on routine items that those residing in the Boone area are already well aware of. However, once in awhile, something comes up that may just conjure up some memories or discussion that would be of interest to the vast majority of our audience, now residing away from here. Such is the case today.

     Many times I have seen a picture of a huge steel arch that spanned the Ninth and Story Street area. Built in 1915, it was a "Welcome to Boone" sign stating, "Try Boone, You'll Stay" and it did, stay, for a number of years.

     During World War II there was a national effort to gather metal for the making of warships, planes, tanks and other vehicles. The Boone Community donated that arch for its contribution to that request.

     Now, these many years later, there's a pretty serious plan in place to restore that arch. A group of individuals are on record as wanting to participate in a plan to raise the project's estimated $135,000 to $145,000 total cost.

     This week, the Boone City Council received a detailed briefing on the plan and were impressed. They approved funding a $30,000 grant to help defray the cost of the project.

     The council members were assured that the arch's materials would be purchased from Boone companies and its assembly would be performed by local professionals.

     One thing that has not been determined is the site for the arch. It sounds like the Eighth and Story location is favored. However, alternate sites considered are that original Ninth and Story location or, perhaps, Sixth and Story. 

     Retired Boone businessman George Eckstein, BHS-58, served as spokesperson for the inquiring group and answered the council's questions about the project. Readers may note that George was also one of the "originals" who promoted that "crazy idea" that, eventually, became the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad.

     It was also noted that Eckstein had a role in advocating for the city's hotel-motel tax and fund years ago and that's where the $30,000 the council is contributing will come from. Even with that minus, that fund will still have a reserve of at least $130,000 this fiscal year.

K-----K

     I, the Kornerman, hadn't really thought much about it until a couple days ago when I noted it was the 18th day of the month. In the next 18th, March, this old head will join the selective 90 year old club. 

    Do I laugh or cry? I don't know. Its an experience I've never had before.

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......https://kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com.

     

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Bethel Inga Nelson Carlson, 67, Boone. Born in Minnesota. Burnside/Central Webster HS-76. Participated in sports and had a lifetime love of music. Attended Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota. Married Ron Carlson in 1978 in Ogden. Bethel worked within the food service industry throughout her career including time at the Boone Dutch Oven Bakery and as kitchen manager for the Douglas House in Boone. Despite prolonged health issues, she kept her strong faith. Survivors include her husband, Ron, two sons and four siblings. Services at Countryside Bible Chapel.

      Emma Juergensen, 91, Boone. Longtime Churdan resident. Survivors include two daughters, Deb (Rich) Bennett and Dean Dilka. A daughter-in-law and sister also survive. Services in Farnhamville and Churdan.

Monday, February 17, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Robert (Bobby) Milton Lager, 75, Logan, IA/Eastern Star. Born in Boone. Missouri Valley HS-68. He married Alinda Denece Angstrom in 1980. Robert worked for the Chicago and Northwestern and Union Pacific as a dispatcher. His hobbies were anything railroad related. He volunteered for the Boone and Scenic Valley and helped educate children as part of Operation Lifesaver for the railroads. Bobby loved camping, fishing, watching westerns, reading newspapers and train magazines, going to concerts, weekends in Okoboji, finding new restaurants and crisscrossing the U.S. throughout retirement. Nine siblings survive. Services later.  

      Edward "Ed" Stevens, 77, Boone. Born in Stratford. SHS-67. Ed farmed in the Stratford area until 1984 before beginning 23 years at the DOT in Ames. He married Janie Peterson in Dayton in 1979. The couple made their home near Stratford until 1989 when they moved to a farm near Boone. Ed loved attending antique tractor shows, flea markets, threshing bee's, dabbling in woodwork and making road trips to enjoy the landscape. Survivors include his wife, Janie, and two sons, Kenneth (Kelsey) and Daniel (Michelle) all of Boone. A sister, Sally (Dan Hodgson) Johnson of Boone also survives. A COL will take place at a later date.   

     Lynn Hurley, 70, Boone. A COL will be held Saturday at the Iowa Arboretum, 1-3 p.m.. 

     Ronald Crow, 91, Mountain View, AK. His family lived in Boone while he was attending ISU. A daughter, Cynthia Ann, was born in Boone. A COL will be held in Coralville.

Saturday, February 15, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

     Pamela Kay Wenger, 79,  Stockton, CA. Formerly of the Ogden area. Born in Manning. Beaver school and then OHS-63. Additional education at DMACC in Boone and Delta College in Stockton. Married Eldo Eugene Wenger in Ogden in 1963. The couple lived in Beaver until moving to Stockton in 1988. Worked for Nelson and Johnson Law Firm in Ogden, Wenger Truck Lines and Transfer Inc. in Beaver and in Stockton prior to retirement in 2014. Continued working as business manager for Amway. Survivors include her husband, Eldo, two sons, her father, a sister and a brother. Services in Beaver and Ogden.

     Gregory Scott Miller, 75, Perry. Three children survive Also surviving is a grandchild, Frances Miller, of Madrid. No services are planned.   

     Harriett Isabelle Weeg, 97, Boone/Eastern Star. Services in Boone and Iowa City.

     Donald Palmer, 93, Jefferson. Survivors include two sons and a grandson, Alex (Nicole) Palmer, of Boone. A COL will be held later in Jefferson.

     Donald Ellwanger, 60, Story City. Born in Jefferson. Earned a GED from Fort Dodge HS. His work and hobbies included auto restoration and carpentry. Survivors include a sister and step mother. Also surviving are nieces and nephews from the Ellsworth, Mason City and Boone areas and cousins in Stuart and Ogden.

Friday, February 14, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

     Dennis Patrick Steele, 68, Madrid. Services in Granger.

     Richard Judson Sr., 89, Ames. A pastor, survivors include his daughter, Barbara (Norman) Miller of Boone. Services in Ames and Gilbert.

     Albert Marion Sandstrom, 89, Dallas Center. Very active in Camp Mitigwa ORF's of the Mid-Iowa Council, Boys Scout of America. Helped supply funds and skills to make ongoing repairs at the camp. The family requests memorials to the ORF fund, Mid-Iowa Council, BSA, 6123 Scout Trail, Des Moines, IA. 50321. Services in Dallas Center.

Thursday, February 13, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Thanks to Loren Frazier, BHS-58, for these updates.....

     Recent deaths include.....

     Gerry Raettig Shadle, 83, Florida. BHS-59. Survivors include a son and a daughter. Their address is 869 Valley Circle Drive, Saline, MI 48176.

     William "Bill" Dix, 86, Oakland, NE. Missouri Valley HS. Bill came to Boone in the early 60's and worked for a time at the Safeway Grocery. He married Karen Toot, BHS-58, but they divorced. Services in Oakland.

      An earlier death.....

      Jacqueline Miller, BHS-59, passed away in September, 2024, due to multiple myeloma. Family members address is.......Shannon and Shell Mullens, 2040 Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405l.

 K-----K

      Worldwide Korner headquarters are located in Boone Iowa, 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. Leave a message. Email your stories/memories/comments/death notices..........https:/kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com.

 

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Roger Brookins, Alabama. Formerly of Boone. Survivors include a daughter Brenda (Alvin) Bass, BHS-76, of Boone and a son, Otis Brookins, BHS-80, of Bagley. Services in Boone.  

     Sandra Lou Scofield Myers, 79, Boone. Born in Boone. Ogallala, NE HS-63. Moved back to Boone and married Dallas Buck Jr.. They divorced. Sandy earned a degree in Sociology from ISU. Married Loren Myers in 1996. She loved sports, playing or cheering. The Chicago Cubs and collecting teddy bears were favorites. Survivors include her husband, Loren, of Boone, three sons, including Kelly (Kim) Buck and Dallas (Mindy) Buck both of Boone and three step-children, including Chris (Pam) Myers of Boone. A brother also survives. Services in Boone.

     Rick A. Reinertson, 74, Huxley. Born in Ames. Ballard HS-68. Worked at ISU. Racing was his passion and he was a regular spectator at the Boone Speedway. One son survives. Services in Huxley.

Saturday, February 8, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Larry Dean Reeves, 75, Madrid. Born in Des Moines. Maxwell HS-68. Earned a degree as a diesel mechanic from DMACC. Married Mary Ellen Edwards in 1970. Worked 46 years for Cummins Central Power until retirement in 2018. Church board member in Elkhart and loved simple picnics or traveling. Survivors include his wife, Mary Ellen Reeves, three children and four siblings. Services in Elkhart. 

      Charles Dana "Chuck" Deppe, 82, Ames/Eastern Star.    

      Nathan Swigert, 17, Ogden. Born in Boone. OHS-2025. Nathan enjoyed helping his father on the farm, bike riding, video games, playing cards, basketball and golf. Survivors include his father, Troy Swigert, of Ogden, his mother, Amy Swigert, of Ames, brother Jackson Swigert of Ogden, his grandparents, George and Marg Swigert, of Ogden as well as uncles, aunts and cousins. Services in Ogden.    

       Lorrie Jean Bullard Lee, 83, Boone/Westhaven. Formerly of Merced, CA. Chowchilla HS-61. Married Jim Lee in 1969. For many years, she worked as an Underwriting Analyst for Farmers Insurance in Merced. The couple also raised Purebred Shorthorn beef cattle. Lorrie was very involved in 4-H and both the California and American Shorthorn Associations. She enjoyed riding horses and reading. Lorrie moved to Boone in 2019 to be closer to her daughter, Jamie (Lee) Williams. An COL will be held later.      

       Randal Norman Williams, 73, Boone. Born in Ames. Married Dixie Reeves in 1974. Randal loved music. He had his own band for many years. The Country Moonlighters, later known as the Dixie Rebel Express, played for weddings and other events. Due to health issues, he had to give up his love of singing and guitar playing. He drove cab for RailCrew Xpress. Survivors include his wife, Dixie, a daughter, Nova (Ron), four brothers and two sisters. Services in Boone. 
     

        Raymond "Ray" Smalley, 68, rural Cambridge. Died in Phoenix while on vacation. Born in Ames. BHS-74. Retired first from Allied Constuction. After retirement, worked for West Farm Ag of Boone before his second retirement in 2024. A farmer at heart, he always found time to help with farm work. An EMT with Cambridge and Kelley Volunteer Fire Departments, he loved riding motorcycles on numerous trips. He also enjoyed snowmobiling and waterskiing. Ray was a member of Carpenter's Local Union 106, Boone Moose Lodge #104, the Moose Riders and the Rubber Knife Gang MC. Survivors include his sister, Candie McAlpine, and various other relatives. A COL will be held in Boone.

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Michael Lee Deaton Jr., 74, Kelley. Born in Ames. AHS-68. Army vet. Married Peggy Sue Mayfield in Ames in 1972. She preceded Michael in death. He is survived by two adult children including a son, Michael (Amy) Deaton Jr. of Boone. Four siblings also survive. A COL will be held later. 

       Michael Jay "Mike" Paul, 56, Boone. Born in Tennessee. Grew up in Missouri. A master craftsman, Mike had a rare gift for transforming imagination into reality. He began his career in the wood products industry by working at his families sawmill and lumber drying business. In 1988, he started Swan Creek as a furniture manufacturer but transitioned to crafting custom kitchens and baths not long after. Mike relocated the cabinet company to Boone in the early 90's., where it has continued to operate. He loved the outdoors. Survivors include his parents, his partner, Pamela Walker, his five children and three siblings. Services at the Arboretum.

      Kristine (Tina) Belluci Fisher, 77, Boone. Born in Minnesota. BHS-65. Worked at her parents business, Belluci Pizza. Attended Drake University where she earned a Masters Degree in English. Married Dalton Fisher at Drake in 1986. He passed in 2018. Tina worked at the Boone News Republican for several years and then at Dalton's car dealership. She loved time at the family cabin in Minnesota, loved all animals and was a strong supporter of the Boone Humane Society. Three step-children survive. Services later.

      Mary Lou Coady Spenla, 90, Woodward. Born in Melrose. Married Larry Spenla in Melrose in 1956. A member of the St. Malachy's Catholic Church in Madrid and enjoyed quilting, sewing, golfing and playing cribbage. Survivors include her husband, Larry, four children, including Kathi (Randy) Craven of Boone. Services in Madrid.

Sunday, February 2, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Donald Hugh Marmet, 97, Altoona/Altoona Nursing Center. Born in Alleman. Navy vet. Graveside service will be held at the Pilot Mound cemetery.      

      Jerry Dean Magnuson, 70, Ames. Born in Boone. BHS-72. Married Janine Clausen. Retired after 42 years of service as a lineman with the Electrical Department for the city of Ames. A lifelong lover of racing, he enjoyed attending the Daytona 500 and getting involved with racing sponsors. He took pride in his limousine and engraving businesses. Jerry loved helping on the family farm, especially during harvest when he would man a John Deere tractor. He also loved animals, fishing, hunting, riding his Harley's, grilling and driving his Camaro. A Cyclone fan, he was also involved in golf, pool and bowling. Survivors include his two daughters, Jenna and Jerra. A COL will be held in Ames.

       Margaret Irene (Marg) Musser Hilsabeck, 77, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-65. Married Thomas Hilsabeck in Boone in  1967. Worked at Bournes and then as a home daycare provider. She loved attending her grandchildren's sporting or school events. Also enjoyed watching birds, using her I-Pad and watching Elvis or Hallmark movies. She is survived by three sons, including Michael (Heidi) and Daniel of Boone, a daughter, Amber (Matt) Van Pelt of Boone, and several grandchildren, many from the Boone, Frazier and Ogden areas. Services are pending. 

      Jeffery Wayne Hendershott, 66, San Diego. Ogden HS-77, where he was involved in sports and student council. Navy vet. Preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette. He enjoyed fishing and sports, especially the San Diego Chargers and Ohio State. Survivors include a son, two stepchildren, a sister, Julie (Bob) Chopard of Boone and a brother. A COL will be held in San Diego.

Friday, January 31, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Alan Wesley Roeder, 84. Clemson, SC. Born in Boone. BHS-58. Earned a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from ISU and worked for Proctor and Gamble for three years. Married Linda Erickson in 1963. Al graduated with a Juris Doctor of Law degree from the University of Kansas in 1969. In 1976, he married Jill Oehlsen. As an attorney, Al had a practice in Walker, MN. for many years prior to moving south. Survivors include his wife, Jill, a resident of a memory care unit, a son, two daughters and a brother Steve, BHS-64. Services in Seneca, SC. 

       Mike L. Brown, 69, Madrid. Formerly of Burwell, NE. Born in Des Moines. North Polk HS. Attended Grace College of the Bible in Omaha. Married Carolyn Louise Young in Nebraska in 1978. He was actively involved in the Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) for 35 years. He was a past State Director of CEF in Nebraska. When semi-retired, he worked at the Burwell Community Memorial Health Center, driving a van and helping with activities. Carolyn died in 2019 and in the fall of 2023, Mike moved to Madrid to be closer to family. He enjoyed gardening and grilling. Three daughters survive, including Lydia (Jesse) Roll of Boone and Rachel Brown of Madrid. Services in Boone and Burwell.   

      Madonna Jean Hasstedt Woodley, 88, Jefferson. Ogden HS-55. Earned a degree from UNI, then taught at Jefferson, East Greene and Grand Junction schools. Married Gary Woodley and after raising children, resumed her education with a B.S. in Education in 1970. Taught school for 13 1/2 years and worked at the Woodward Resource Center for 13 years. After retirement, was a substitute teacher for five years. Madonna spent her lifetime advocating for persons with special needs as a local and state board member, volunteer and hospice care giver. She enjoyed teaching Sunday school, camping, gardening, sewing, crafts and traveling. A son, Gregory (Shelly) Woodley, and grandchildren survive. Services in Jefferson and Grand Junction.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Glenda Rae Peters Tullis, 77, McAllen, TX. Born in LeMars. Lawton HS. Married Tom Tullis in 1970. The couple lived in Sioux City until moving to Boone in 1985. Her life was defined by love, connection and dedication to others. She developed bonds with people from all aspects of life from school days, through church, bowling and Texas activities. For over 15 years, the couple loved their second home in Mission, TX for six months of each year. Glenda was a woman of deep faith, very dedicated to her church. Survivors include her husband, Tom, four adult children, Kelly, Troy, Michelle and Jennifer, a sister and brother. A COL will take place later this spring in Boone.  

      Barbara Lee Keith Washburn, 74, Council Bluffs. Born in Ottumwa. Barbara grew up in Boone. Her father, Leonard Keith, owned Leonard's Barber Shop, prior to it becoming Arlo's Barber Shop, located under Holly's/Modern Dress. Survivors include her husband, Harold Washburn, a son, a daughter and a sister. Services in Council Bluffs. 

      Diana Clara Christensen Glidden, 84, Ames. Born in Goodell. Ventura HS. Married Robert Glidden in 1961. They divorced. Graduated as a cosmetologist and after retiring, managed Van Hemert's Dutch Oven Bakery in Ames for over 25 years. Well known for her creative cakes. She met Bud Whillock in 2008 and the couple traveled extensively. Also enjoyed fishing and gardening. Survivors include her daughter, Terri (Denny) Van Hemert of Ogden, her partner, Bud Whillock, a son and grandchildren, including granddaughter Courtney (Travis) Van Lengen of Boone. Private graveside in Garner Iowa.

Friday, January 24, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Elizabeth "Elly" Jane Hall, 44, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-1998 where she was a member of the Dolphin's swim team. Was a data entry typist at CDS Global, a bookkeeper at Casey's home office in Ankeny and a cashier at the Boone Short Stop. Elly's legacy through her large and open heart was filled with love for kids, dogs, family and friends she made everywhere she went. She had a vibrant personality, loved music, animals, camping, swimming and fishing. Elly lost her partner, Todd Baumgardner in 2016. Survivors include her children, Marlee Hall of Ames, Aiden Hall and Jude Baumgardner, of Boone as well as  parents, Robert and Patricia Hall, sisters Courtney (Mike) Gibbs and Aubry Hall all of Boone. A COL is pending.    

     James Edward Swanson, 98, Monument, CO. Born in Illinois. Family lived in various locations in many states including Iowa, in Harcourt, Whitten, Rowley and Lanyon. Lanyon HS-44. Navy vet. Married Roberta Luetta Bloomquist in 1950 in Boxholm where Roberta served as church organist at the Boxholm Swedish Methodist church. The couple taught school in Alden, Gladbrook and Grand Junction before settling in Iowa City. Jim taught a variety of courses, including Business Ed and Drivers Ed. He enjoyed working on family genealogy, coin and stamp collecting, gardening, traveling and volunteering. Jim was a Free Mason and the couple enjoyed attending concert and theatre performances. In 2018, the couple moved to Monument to be near their daughter, Roberta Ann. Jim's wife passed in 2021. His daughter, who was born in Grand Junction, survives.

       David Eugene Anderson, 86, Boone. Born in Webster City. Webster City HS. Married Shirley Hill in Nashua in 1957. The couple started their life together in Duncombe before farming and then moving to Boone. In addition to farming, Dave worked in construction in Ogden and Boone. Served on 4H board and loved fishing, traveling and camping. Dave embodied the best of qualities and shared his faith generously. Survivors include his wife, Shirley, a son, Charles, and a brother, Steve, as well as other relatives. Services in Boone.

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Kathy Jean Stinman Koch Kaup, 69, Story City. Born in Nebraska. Maywood HS-73. Married Roger Koch in Nebraska in 1975. Married Gary Kaup in Nebraska in 1982. In November of 2019, Kathy moved to Boone to be closer to her son, Adam. She enjoyed the natural beauty of the area. Also loved music. Survivors include a son, Adam (Lori) Kaup of Boone, a daughter and a brother. No visitation or service.    

       John Adam Burt, 41, Pilot Mound. Born in Ames. Ogden HS-2002. John was a truck driver. He drove and dispatched for his father for many years and then owned and operated his own trucking service, Burt Ag.Inc, for over eight years. He was then employed as a heavy equipment truck driver for Miller Industries and was presently driving for Pickett Salvage. He also had a large hay and snow removal business. John loved deer hunting, antler hunting, cattle and his two dogs. He had a strong work ethic and was known for being a Snapchat comedian. Survivors include his father, John V. Burt of Pilot Mound, his mother, three sisters, his grandmother, Dorothy Henrichs of West Des Moines, formerly of the Boxholm area, and a paternal aunt, Elaine Marsh of Boone as well as many other relatives and friends. Services in Boxholm. 

       Parker L. Stoneburner, 25, Boone. Born in Boone. Survivors include his parents, Cleo and Michaelle Stoneburner and step-parents, Jayme Kay and Bryant Kirton, as well as seven siblings and various other area relatives. A COL will be held later. 

      Rev. James William Dubert, 70, Ames. Among the survivors is a brother, David (Lynne) Dubert of Ogden. Service in Ames, burial in Otter Creek, IA.

     Eileen Marie Rosetta Anderson, 88, West Des Moines. Born in Madrid. Services in West Des Moines, Ankeny and Granger.

Monday, January 20, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Ginette Faye Majors Abrahamson, 73, Westminister, CO. BHS-70. Survivors include a daughter, Tara, and numerous Boone/Boxholm area relatives. Her husband, Dave Abrahamson,  passed away in 2024. Services pending.   

      Karen Ann Judge Anderson, 86, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in Ames. Grew up near Napier and attended United Community HS where she starred as a member of the 1955 U.C. State basketball tournament team. Earned a degree at Mercy School of Nursing. Worked at a doctor's office in Ames, worked in Colorado and as a nurse in a San Diego Naval Hospital. Married Jerry Anderson in 1968. The couple lived in Los Angeles but then Jerry's naval career took them to Maryland, Virginia, Rhode Island, the Philippines, Virginia and California, a second time, and finally to Boone for the past 35 years. Karen was a devoted mother, volunteer, church worker and book reader who loved following women's basketball. Survivors include her husband, Jerry, and five adult children, including Judy (Brent) Nelson of Boone. A sister also survives. Services in Boone and Adel.  

      Larry Bergloff, 86, Kansas City. BHS-56. 

     Charles Nelton, 83, Ames. He and his wife, Doris, over a 20-year period, owned seven Kentucky Fried Chicken stores in Central Iowa, including a store in Boone. Doris was the CFO and Charles ran the kitchen. Charles brother and his wife shared in this adventure. Doris has passed but survivors include two sons. Services in Huxley and Ames.

Thursday, January 16, 2025

REACTION TO BHS MUSIC HISTORY

     Wouldn't you know? Limited reaction from the recent post, "40 Years of BHS Music." Just a pair of respondents and both are real "old timers," dating back to the 1950's. And yes, I fully understand that even the final years of the post, the late '80's, were nearly 40 years ago. So, I was happy to hear anything from anybody after this passage of time.

     In his comment, Vern Modeland, BHS-50, was brief but thankful for the memories. Then there was my classmate and fellow journalist, Richard Longworth, BHS-53, who, as usual, had some very astute observations about those times.

     Here are some excerpts of Dick's recollections:

      "You're right about Ellsworth Baldwin being "our" band director, and mention should be made of his predecessor, John Greene, very tall (about 6'6") and very popular. Like Baldwin and others, he was part of a generation of music teachers who instilled a knowledge and life-long love of music. I played trombone and remain grateful to this day what they taught us."

       "Konrad Scholl holds a special place in this pantheon. He had a sort of genius for taking raw, small town Iowa kids and turning them into one of the best school orchestras in the country. We did, indeed, travel to two national music educators' conferences, in Fort Wayne and Milwaukee., where we played movements from major symphonies by Franck and Dvorak, reading from the standard scores, not the simplified versions that most high school orchestras used."

       "Konrad, as you say, was a charactor. That baton you talked about got around. Konrad also used it as an instrument of discipline, and would throw it at the trombones or other brass players if we got to chatting when he was concentrating on his first love, the string section. My mother, a pianist, actually used to accompany him in local recitals."

      Some of these band and orchestra members ended up going pro. Most of us didn't become professional musicians but we became professional listeners, able to understand how an orchestra works, how it collaborates to become more than the sum of its parts. I think you can't appreciate how a sports team works unless you've played on one. Ditto with music. So many schools have dropped their music programs that its nice to remember a time when they were a key part of the curriculum. Thanks for giving these teachers the salute they deserve."

K-----K 

      It was nice to hear from Jon Wilson, BHS-62, regarding a Boone reference he noted in a recent Iowa State Alumni Association update.

      The Kornerman has bragged many times about the fact that in the early 1940's, the football quarterbacks from two major Iowa Universities were BOTH captains of their team. Tom Smith at Iowa State and Mike Enich at the University of Iowa guided the Cyclone and Hawkeye teams that fall.

       That is probably a "once in a lifetime" story and Boone was involved. We don't know of another instance in the state of Iowa's college football history that the football captains of two major state university squads came from the same community.

      The alumni story was about Thomas Smith, ISU grad, '1968 and '1972. His uncle, Thomas Smith, the quarterback, was Iowa State's Athlete of the Year for the 1940-41 school year and for years, in the Texas home of the younger Tom Smith there was a trunk containing a large wool cardinal blanket with gold etching containing the year 1941, his uncle's fraternity, Kappa Sigma, and his uncle's name, signifying that he was the captain of the 1940 Cyclone football team.

     Young Mr. Smith commented, "when ISU President Wendy Wintersteen came to visit us, I took the blanket out of the trunk and we had a picture taken. That image opened the door to a reexamination of my uncle's life."

     Quarterback Smith was the son of Alice Hartman and Art Smith Sr. who was associated with the old Kemble-Smith floral company in Boone. Alice was the daughter of Perry W. Hartman, a blacksmith, and Almira Vernon.

     At Boone High School, Tom Smith and Mike Enich were backfield members of the 1937 Toreador football team, Smith at quarterback and Enich at fullback. Strangely, both ended their college careers as captains of their team and as linemen, rather than backfield members.

     Tom Smith was killed during World War II as a result of the crash of a "blimp" at Santa Catalina Island.

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........https://kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com.


BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Verle Gene Haglund, 84, Perry. Born in Ogden. School in Audubon, Winterset and Rippey. Iowa Army National Guard vet, 1963-69. Managed Garrett Motors Body Shop but then served the Perry Police Department for 23 years. Also started Haglund's Towing service. Retired from towing in 2001 but found other jobs to work. Was involved in many professional organizations and volunteered with the Masonic Lodge and American Legion. Survived by his wife, Maureen, and three adult children. Services in Perry.         

      Ronald "Butch" Lester, 81, Ogden. Born in Ogden. Lived in Ogden until he was 17, when the family moved to Maryland. Elliott CityHS. U.S. Navy vet. Married Sheryle Stevens in Nebraska in 1968. The couple lived in Rippey and Boone before establishing a home in Ogden. Butch was a Fareway truck driver for over 34 years, prior to retirement in 2017. The couple loved traveling and Butch was a member of American Legion Post #0055 of Ogden. Two daughters survive. Services pending.

Sunday, January 12, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Jerry Ray Mackie, 86, Boone. Born in Laurens. LHS-57. Attended Dunwoody College of Technology. Married Leritta Larson in Denison in 1962. The couple moved to Deloit, IA in 1974 and to Boone in 1976. During his work years, Jerry served at Iowa Beef Packing in Denison, the Denison Newspaper, was Boone's Agency Manager for the Register and Tribune, put up grain bins for Dakin Ag and was  an animal caretaker for the ISU Vet Clinic. He retired at age 60. Jerry was active, particularly in music activities at his church, enjoyed gardening, yardwork and coaching Little League. As a singer, he performed with the Ames Barbershop Chorus, the Ametones and Barbershop Quartets, including Practicing Musicians, Country Rogues and the four Singing Guys. Survivors include his wife, Leritta, daughter Alison (Jay) Larson, and son Brian (Tonya) Mackie all of Boone. A second daughter, two sisters and a brother also survive. Services in Boone.    

       Sue Helderman Bishop, 82, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in Indiana. Grew up in Minnesota. She enjoyed making crafts and baking. Four children survive including Herbie Bishop of Boone. No services.  

       Mildred (Millie) Everson Henriksen, 94, Ogden/Westhaven. Born in Nebraska. Lincoln/Northeast HS-47. Married Raymond Henriksen in Nebraska in 1948. She worked at the Elgin Watch Factory and after being a mother of five, she did painting and staining in the Ogden area. A real music lover and participant, she enjoyed golfing, gardening, bowling, square dancing, attending family sports and music events and traveling. Survivors include four sons and her daughter, Sally (Chuck) Good of Ogden. Services in Ogden.  

       Maria Larson, 59, Boone      

       JoAnn M. Sawyer Leachman, 92, West Des Moines.  Private gathering at a later date.

       LATE REPORT: Karen Sue Wisecup, 74, Ames passed away November 23, 2024. Born in Ames. Married George Raymond White in 1990. When that union split, Karen moved to Boone and worked at L and M Gas and Grocery. She married Gary Clark Wisecup in 1999. Gary passed away in 2019. Karen loved classic Westerns and found joy in simple pleasures. She loved dogs. Services were held in Ames in late December.   

      

FORTY YEARS OF BHS MUSIC MEMORIES

     I, the Kornerman, in a recent visit to my very favorite local bakery, was approached by a group wondering who the Toreador band director was following the Gordon McLean era.

     Instinctively, I mentioned Ellsworth Baldwin. However, that was years before McLean. In fact, he was the band director during MY high school days. So, other than that, I had no clue.

     However, that exchange was just what was needed by an 89-year old with nothing better to do than wait for Spring to arrive in Iowa.

     So, I've put in the time, done the research and can now report on who led the Boone High band program during the 40-year period I was most familiar with. AND, as long as I'm investing, why not take a backward look also at BHS orchestra and vocal music instructors during that same period of time?

     HERE WE GO......BHS BAND DIRECTORS, 1950-1988.

     Yes, it was Ellsworth Baldwin from 1950-53. Raymond Bartholomew then took the reins from 1954-57. McLean was in charge from 1958-64 and in answer to the question asked, Don Jackson was the director from 1965-69. Dave Darnell served from 1970-77 before moving on to Mason City.

     There's a bit of a question in the 77-78 period. A Keith Thomas is mentioned as well as Richard Humeston. I recall Mr Humeston came to BHS from United Community and, actually, spent many years in the band program, primarily serving younger participants. Then too, there were others who devoted time to the music programs. Marilyn Goeldner and Jo Howell come to mind.

     Dave Richardson took the program in 1980 and continued through '88 which concluded my survey. Dave, of course, continued past 1988 for several more years.

     The definite personal memory I have of the band during the years occurred, of course, in 1963, when the proud Toreadors were invited to participate in the annual Rose Bowl parade and did so after raising enough community money to make that long journey.

     BHS ORCHESTRA DIRECTORS, 1950-1988

     Stability reined in this program. There were only three directors in that period of time. Konrad Scholl began his long run in 1950 and 1973 was his final year. James Strang took over from 1974-80. Two directors were listed for 1981, a Miss Mathews and a Miss Betten. Dave Swenson directed the program from 1982-88 and beyond. 

     Personally, I have a memory or two of the BHS orchestra. I can't be more specific but I remember when the very respected Mr. Scholl took the orchestra on at least two out-of-state trips to perform at the invitation of some national music organizations. I recall that one of the trips was to Fort Wayne, Indiana for a band directors or etc. convention.

    Then, I also have a memory of an embarrassing Scholl incident. Konrad Scholl, to this young student, was a towering figure, very straight forward and proud. But, I do remember some type of a gathering in the auditorium when Konrad took the podium. When he started his big "sweeping" motion to start the performance, somehow, he lost his grip on the baton and it went sailing across the crowd. Needless to say, he was very flummoxed by the situation which drew various unwanted reactions from those in attendance.

     BHS VOCAL MUSIC INSTRUCTORS, 1950-1988

     LouCelle Nelson was my vocal music instructor (yes, I was a member of the choir), 1950-52. A Mr. Hess took over in 1953-54 and then it was Sterlng Mische from 1955-60. James Scammon followed from 1961-64, Oswald Bertanoli in 1965-66, Robert Davis 1967-68, Joyce Carman 1969-71, Mahlon Smith from 1972-74 and then came a long run by Steve Carstenson from 1975 until he moved to Ankeny after 1986. At the end of the 80's, Pam Grundstad took charge.

     There you have some memory makers from your school days during the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's.

     I would be remiss if I didn't mention the work of my good friend, Jerry Manriquez, BHS-57, who, through his many years of tireless research work, made possible many of these memories of school and community events. In case you're interested and are unaware. Although he has ceased his operation, much of his material is still available.......simply type in "Jerry Manriquez" and Manriquez World will appear. Tab that and you'll find enough Boone material he has accumulated to pass time on cold winter nights.

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.......https://kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com.

     

    

    

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

     Jack Taylor, 57, Red Wing, MN. Born in Illinois. OgdenHS-85. Attended Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny. Marine Corps vet. Married Shelly Bauer in Des Moines in 2000. Jack was a truck driver, working for Kane Transport and Wayne Transport. Most recently, he worked for Hiawathaland Transit in Red Wing as a city bus driver. He was an Associate Pastor at a Des Moines church and also pastored at a church in Chippewa, Falls, Wisconsin. Survivors include his wife, Shelly, five children and four siblings, including Jill (Mike) Ahrens and Jason (Amanda) Taylor both of Ogden. A COL will be held in Ogden.

Saturday, January 11, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        Marlowe Alvin (AL) Starner, 84, Lakewood, CO. Raised in West Boone. BHS-58. Army vet. After discharge from service, he moved back to Boone temporarily. Moved to Minneapolis and in 1962, married Janet Normandin. Al joined a National Guard unit, attended Officer Training School and Army fixed wing flight school. Moving to St. Paul, MN, he was employed by the BMC Corporation as a marketing manager and continued that work with several large companies in Lakewood, CO. In 1990, the couple moved to Penrose, CO, farmed their land and Al enjoyed hiking, hunting, rock-hounding and published a novel and many magazine articles about Africa. Janet passed in 2020. Survivors include two daughters.   

       Richard (Dick) Cabot Long, 84, West Dundee, Ill. Born in Atlantic. BHS-58. BA in Education from the University of Northern Iowa and an MA in Business Administration from Northern Illinois. Army vet. Married Kathryn Johnson. Richard lived in Adel, Jefferson, Newton, Boone and Cedar Falls before moving to Elgin, IL in 1966. Began his career in education teaching junior high at Tefft and later at Larkin High School. Became a business administrator for the Elgin School District U-46 until his retirement in 2001. He enjoyed traveling, walking the golf course and having breakfast with the guys. Survivors include his wife, Kathryn, two daughters, a brother and two sisters, including Barbara Shedd of Boone. A COL will be held in Elgin. 

      Roy James Coffman, 94, Boone. Born in Perry. BHS-49. Married Marilyn Rose Hasstedt in 1950 in Ogden. The couple lived in Boone. Roy worked a lifetime as a salesman for several different food brokerages prior to starting a food brokerage business with a partner. Roy was also known for his work with the Boone parks department, particularly at the ice skating pond during wintertime. His dad was the Park Custodian for many years. Survivors include two sons, including Curt Coffman of Boone. Services in Boone and Ogden.

      Victor (Vic) Allan Johnson, 92, San Diego. Born in Logan. Logan HS-50. Married Barbara Jean Abbott of Ames in 1953. A 1955 ISU grad, he was also commissioned as an Army Artillery Officer. Barbara passed away in 2002 and in 2005, Vic married Elaine Bentley Finestead of Ogden. The two couples enjoyed numerous trips stateside as well as many adventures overseas. Vic was known as a devoted family man, proud veteran and he had a great love for baseball, golf and as a storyteller. Survivors include five adult children and four step-children. Services in Boone and Ames.

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Robert (Bob) Ahrens, 82, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-60. Worked at Grabau Construction, Condon's Service Station and Bud's Dairy Farm in Boone and later, owned and operated Ahrens Service Station in Ogden until retirement. Married Patricia (Pat) Koenig in 1964 and they made their home in Boone but, eventually, divorced. Bob volunteered for Boone County Civil Defense for many years, was an avid outdoorsman, loved riding his motorcycle and dirt track racing. Survivors include his three children, Lou Ann and Deborah Ahrens of Ames and Mike (Jill) Ahrens of Ogden. A sister, Joyce Myers, of Boone also survives. COL in Ogden.   

     Craig Douglas McDowell, 64, Des Moines. Born in Des Moines. Was employed by EFCO in Des Moines as a shipping clerk for 29 years. He enjoyed model railroading, cruising, watching Western movies and the Kansas City Chiefs. Survivors include a brother, David (Christine) McDowell, of Ogden and a nephew, Garrett (Katie Peterson) McDowell, of Boone. A niece and three aunts also survive. Services in Ogden and Rippey.

     John Irving Riker, 74, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-69. John worked for Hallet Construction and the Union Pacific for a time before retiring from Fareway after 30 years, mainly, driving a truck. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. He was a friend of  Bill W. for 42 years. Survivors include a daughter, Melia Desher, of Boone , a son, John Ethan Riker, and a brother, Stephen Riker, of Boone. Services in Boone.

     Jack Taylor, 57, Red Wing, Minnesota.

     Judith Ann Ellsbury, 80, Perry. Born in Des Moines. DMTechHS-62. Resided in Des Moines until 1966, lived in Boone briefly and settled in Perry in 1967. Services in Des Moines.

Monday, January 6, 2025

SOME NEWS AND MEMORIES

      Here is some information that, at least, those living away from Boone, might find newsworthy. Locally, there have already been lots of whispers but no official announcements that I, the Kornerman, am aware of.

      Dennis and Terri Van Hemert, after many years of service to the community, have sold their Dutch Oven Bakery and quietly retired.

      We're told that the new owners intend to proceed with very few changes, if any.

      The Kornerman got to thinking about the various bakeries I can recall during my almost 80 years of Boone residency........Dutch Oven, Olsen's, Barstad's, Bricky Johnstones, across from the city hall, and Saba's bakery, across the tracks, on the north side of town.

       Speaking of the north side, another recent retirement of note is the departure of John Greiner who has owned and operated the Whistle Stop restaurant, northeast corner of 11th and Story streets for uno years.. He was honored with a retirement open house just a day or two ago.

       Again, any other pertaining news to these developments is very limited.

K-----K

     While we're in a memory mode, I must report that I had an epiphany that resulted in a torrent of laughter in the middle of a recent night. 

      For some odd reason, out of the blue, I got to thinking about the good times by good friend and classmate, Gary Grosnickle, and I had, frequently going to the Bide-A-Wee tavern to shoot pool while we were supposedly being educated at Boone Junior College. Yes, we did attend class (most of the time) but in our off-hours, we managed to spend time "behind the eight ball" at Hugh Courter's place. His son, Lloyd, was also a classmate and good buddy.

     We enjoyed playing the game but the environment had as much to do with our interest as anything. Kind of reminds me of the popular TV show "Friends." The same characters, Morg and "Parrot" and the guy with the baseball cap and bib overalls, who they said, "owned half of Boone County farmland," were always there, adding to the festive atmosphere.

     I couldn't help but chuckle, in the middle of the night, as I relived those "fun" moments.

     Boone Junior College began having classes in 1928 and I still have, thank you Miss Slosson,  not only my diploma but happened to keep the 27th school bulletin, 1953-54. 

     There were two year offerings in liberal arts, pre-commerce, dentistry, engineering, law, medics, nursing and teaching.

     Some of the instructors were college Dean Dale Peer, Dean Emeritus J.R. Thorngren, nurse Carolyn Carlson, and instructors Harold Cunningham, William Hartley, John Fitzgerald, James Hess, C.J. Martindale, John Shadle, Marguerite Skilling, John Smoot, Howard Stutzman and librarian Jack Tillson.

     Scanning the student roster, there were 13 sophomores and 27 freshmen and do I need to say, most all were Boone natives, with a few from the close surrounding area.

     Also offered was Adult Evening Classes and that drew 79 students. Again, primarily, very local residents.

     There were pictures of the BJC quartet and the Bears basketball team. Grosnickle and I played basketball for the Bears but we won't delve deeply into that. Again, it was mostly area guys and we weren't too good.

     Through the years I've seen many rosters of Boone Junior College students and have always been amazed at the number of those who have not only led successful lives and careers, but the many who have gone "way beyond" and made quite an impressive name for themselves nationally in business, sports, politics and other facets of life.

     Boone Junior College was a great community asset in its time and now, of course, Des Moines Area Community College, Boone Campus, has added to that mantle of greatness.

K-----K

     Worldwide Korner headquarters  are still 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.......https://kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com.

     

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

     
      Charles "Chuck" Earl Lee, 75, Boone. Born in Cedar Falls. CFHS-67. Married Patricia Anne Bingaman in 1968. Started work at Iowa State for three years before becoming a programmer at Sundstrand (Danfoss) in Ames. After early retirement from Sundstrand, he worked for the State of Iowa in the Department of Personnel. Preceding another retirement was a 20 year career at the DOT in Ames. The couple lived in Nevada for a time, following children's sports and coaching youth bowling at Sports Bowl. They moved to Boone in 1990 and Chuck helped out at Imperial Lanes with the youth bowling program. His hobbies included bowling, fishing, golfing and camping. Survivors include his wife, Patricia, a son, a daughter, and three brothers. Services in Boone.

      Michael Oberender, 65, Huxley. Was born in Des Moines but, at the time, the family lived in Madrid. Later they lived in Ankeny and on a farm near Sheldahl. After marriage, he and his wife, Connie Ann Purcell, moved to Huxley. A COL is planned at a later date.

     Michael Terance Nepereny, 84, Stratford. Born in Fort Dodge. Webster City HS-58. Iowa Central and ISU. Married Linda Bell in Stratford in 1960. Mike served as Mayor of Stratford, 2001-2017. Boy Scout leader and 4H volunteer and a lifelong learner who studied everything from gardening to geology to Fjord horses, beekeeping, rock collecting and beyond. He worked for Maudlin Construction for over 20 years before joining Chuck Becker for C and M Sand and Gravel in 1983. Was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star and a devoted church goer. Survivors include his wife, Linda, his children Melinda and Patrick and a brother. Services in Stratford.

Friday, January 3, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        Dennis Michael Fisher, 79, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in Des Moines. DMTech-64. Worked at Quinn Manufacturing until retirement. Married Mary Kay Rusnak in 1966. She passed away in 2022. He enjoyed reading, playing dice, darts and cards and watching old westerns. He coached baseball and softball and worked as a D.J.. Three adult children, Davis Fisher, Kristi Henigan and Boone resident Cindy DeVoogd survive. Two brothers also survive. Services in Boone.   

         Eugene Leroy Lass, 94, Greenwood Village, CO. Lived near Ogden most of his life. Army vet. Married Phyliss Lois Harmon. Active in Zion Lutheran church. The couple moved to Colorado in 2016 to be closer to their daughter. His favorite pastime was walking and visiting along the way. His three adult children, Mark and Duane Lass and his daughter, Sherri Claycomb, survive. Three brothers also survive. Memorial services will be held in the spring in Ogden. 

        Robert (Bob) Gene Ausborn, 85, Ames. Survivors include his daughter, Melanie (Billy) Olesen of Ogden. Services in Ogden.     

       Donald J. Tucker, 88, Denver. Born in Minnesota. Detroit Lakes HS-55. North Dakota State University, Pharmacy degree in 1959. Was an outstanding athlete in high school and college. Married Donna Lia in 1957. The family lived in Billings, MT, Veblen, S.D. and eventually, in Boone, where he owned Medical Associates Pharmacy. In Boone, Don served on the Park Board, School Board, Country Club Board and was an active member of the Elks, Shriners, Lions Club and Masons. He was a passionate golfer and he and Donna loved dancing. The couple left Boone for Denver to be closer to adult children and grandchildren. They enjoyed winters in Sun City, Arizona and summers at their cabin in Northern Minnesota. Survivors include his wife, Donna, and their four children, Greg, BHS-77, Jeff, BHS-79, Kevin, BHS-80, and Lisa, BHS-85. No formal services. A COL will be held in Minnesota next summer.

     Victor A. Johnson, 92, Ames.