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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

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.

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.

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.