BOONE/AREA COMMUNITY DEATHS

       Sonya Lynn Thompson, 56, Orlando, FL. BHS-87. DMACC. Iowa State. Was very creative. Enjoyed drawing and crafts. Worked several years in property management and served on the board for the Autism Society of Iowa. She had a keen mind and lively spirit. Survivors include two sons, Christian and Connor, four siblings, Marsha and Don Thompson, Rhonda Nelson and Pam Brown, and her partner, Tom. No arrangements at this time.    

       Jo Lynn Cady Cook, 78, Dayton/Eastern Star. Born in Illinois. Cedar Rapids Washington HS-65. University of Central Missouri. Jo held various positions in the bioscience industry, including at Kemin Industries and the Fort Dodge laboratories. Since the 1980's, she served as education director at National Education Centers in Des Moines. Married Roger Cook in Florida in 1984. The couple, eventually, settled in Dayton. Jo loved collecting antiques, loved animals and crafting jewelry. In the 1990's, she and a close friend, started a small business in Dayton called Anjewels, crafting necklaces, pins and earrings. Survivors include her husband, Roger, a former longtime teacher/coach at Boone High School, a daughter, Amy Priest of Boone, a son, and step-children, Cindy, BHS-79; Craig, BHS-82; Julie, BHS-83; and Tracey, BHS-87. A COL will be held in Boone.

       Darlene Blue Bullard, 98, Boone/Westhaven. Born in Hampton. Married Douglas Ross Bullard in Hospers, IA in 1948. Earned a teaching certificate from Omaha University and taught English and business classes. Three children survive. A private family graveside service at Linwood at a later date.

THINGS OF INTEREST

     As I've mentioned before, much of the material we include in the Korner is "old hat" to local readers but, many, perhaps, even a majority, who browse the Korner are former residents and now wake up each morning quite some distance from the Central Iowa area.

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     BREAKING NEWS: For years there have been rumors of an Olive Garden restaurant, a fan favorite, coming to Ames but the talk has always been rejected as just a "bad joke." No more. They say now it will definitely be happening in the near future.

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     Remember Ankeny, that little burg just north of Des Moines? That city requested a special census recently and the results are astounding.

     Since the 2020 census, little old Ankeny has grown by a double digit percentage, 12.3%. The population is now 76,200, which edges out Iowa City as the fifth largest city in Iowa. 

     The special census request cost the city $1.4 million....HOWEVER. The city will now receive more than $1.1 million more in additional road use tax funds every year. A pretty successful result I'd say.

     P.S. As the entire Des Moines metro area continues to grow, another good example is Bondurant, which has reached a population of 9,393, a 27.5% increase since 2020.

     I, the Kornerman, remembers when Ankeny, that little bump in the road enroute to Des Moines, defeated our Toreadors in the 1948 State Boys Basketball Tournament. We had a great all-state player in Pinky Clifton but Ankeny had the THREE Fontana brothers.

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     Picked this news of former residents up off the wire.....Caryl Achenbach Poshusta, BHS-56, said she and her husband, Ron Schmickley, BHS-54, have lived in a retirement community for five years, with good health and are happy they made the move when they did. They enjoy the Northwest and Spokane. Two of her children and lots of grandchildren live close by and there are others in Colorado and the Northwest U.S..Caryl's sister, Roma Achenbach, was a classmate of mine, BHS-53.

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      The State University of Iowa has a new men's basketball coach, Ben McCollum, and there's a Boone connection.

     When McCollum played collegiate basketball from 1999-2001 at North Iowa Area Community College, he was coached by Boone resident Steve Krafcisin.

     After coaching the men's team at NIACC, Krafcisin came to DMACC, Boone Campus to coach the Bears women's team from 2005-2022. He's remained here in retirement.

     Krafcisin thinks McCollum will be successful as the Hawkeye coach. He told Mike Hlas of the Cedar Rapids Gazette that, "I think he's definitely ready for this. I think people will love him and the guys will love him. A lot of kids will want to play there." 

     Krafcisin has always been part of a head scratching trivia question. What college basketball player/s played in two Final Fours for two different teams? Two is the correct answer. Bob Bender played for Duke and Indiana in Final Four play and Krafcisin played for North Carolina and Iowa, 1979-80, in the Final Four.

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     The Kornerman received some information about a Pilot Mound Midgets Legion baseball team of years past. A photo was also included.

     The story mentions several familiar Pilot area names, Loel Johnson and Bill Caldwell, who were members of and pictured in the story on the Midgets. Both played later on some outstanding  basketball and baseball teams there through their high school days. Both are now deceased.

     A couple other players pictured were Bob Harris and Billy Parrish. Neither finished high school at Pilot. Harris, BHS-58, graduated from Boone High and Parrish moved away from the Pilot Mound community.

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       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 COMMUNITY DEATHS

     Naomi (Noni) Fern Folsom Givens, 97, Richmond, VA/Sunrise Senior Living. Born in Boone. BHS-45. Married Robert Givens Jr. and the couple made their home in Boone. She worked for Bourns until that company closed. Noni enjoyed rug hooking, quilting, needle pointing and was a wonderful cook who made great candy for the holidays. A daughter, Janelle, BHS-70, in Richmond and a sister are among the survivors. A memorial service will be held later at Linwood Cemetery.

BOONE/AREA COMMUNITY DEATHS

      Lois Ann Kennedy Guldenpfennig, 83, Ogden/Windsor Manor/Nevada. Born in Jefferson. Grand Junction HS. Earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education from State College of Iowa (UNI) in 1963. Married Donald Guldenpfennig in Grand Junction in 1962. Lois taught at Ogden and then for 25 years at Boone Sacred Heart. The couple, Lois and Donald, also owned and operated the Golden Penny Restaurant and Lounge for over four years and Don's Energy Conservation Services for many years. Active in church, she also served on the Boone Story Reading Council, the Iowa and International Reading Council and the Beginning Experience for Des Moines Diocese. Five children Steven, Mark, Susan, Jim and Marcia survive. Services in Ogden. 

     Janet Lou Maas Reutter, 87, Boone. Born in Ogden. Raised and educated in Ogden. Married Randall Reutter in Ogden in 1973. The couple lived in Pilot Mound, working side by side farming. Active in church, P.E.O. and Questers. An excellent gardener, the couple also enjoyed traveling, especially attending Neil Diamond concerts. Survivors include her husband, Randy Reutter, and two children, Julie Pounds and Brenda (Eddie) Hellyer. Services in Boxholm and Ogden.

      Robert E. Uthe, 101, Boone/Westhaven. Born in rural Boone. Jordan HS-42. Married Pauline Lawler in Ogden in 1948. The couple farmed near Ogden for 20 years and southeast of Boone until retirement. Robert was a former member of the Knights of Columbus and Boone County Farm Bureau. Pauline passed in 2019. Three sons survive, David Uthe of Boone; Richard Uthe of Ames and Bruce (Michelle) Uthe of Ogden. Two daughters, Joann Uthe of Boone and Diana (Bob) McLaren of Omaha, also survive. A sister, Mary Wirth, of Ames and a sister-in-law, Kate Uthe of Boone, are other survivors. Services in Boone and Ogden.

MADRID CHAMPIONSHIP AND MEMORIES

     No, its not football, not this time. 

     The 2024-25 Madrid High School boys basketball team is a state champion and its the first title ever for a Tiger basketball team.

    State championship competition is not completely new to MHS. Eight times, the Tiger gridders have finished one or two in the state finals. They were number one, state champions, in 1991.

     Three state tournament victories propelled the basketball five to a Class 1-A championship win over Bellevue, Marquette, 59-57, to complete a 28-0 record under Coach Brian Surratt. Going into that final contest, Marquette was top rated, while the Tigers were number two. The earlier state victories were over Boyden-Hull, 68-57 and  Fort Dodge St Edmond's, 71-58.

     This current Madrid success story ignites many memories of that community that I regularly covered as Sports Editor of the Boone News Republican in the 1950's and 60's.

     Along the way there were some tremendous coaches that became good friends, football guys John Mills and Randy Hinkel and basketball coach Keith Peterson. I loved the connection I had with so many other fine people like the Lawrence Jensen's and the late Superintendent Dr. Marion and his wife, Linda Romitti.

     I see Barry Wills, BHS-58, every so often, either at the Madrid fish fries or when his high school group gets together enroute to the Drake Relays. Barry lives in Madrid in retirement. Then too, there's Jeri McLeod,  a former Madrid High cheerleader who is a good Boone church friend. I've been blessed to have had so many great associations with the Madrid school and the community residents.

     A top individual star I had the pleasure of broadcasting and writing about was the Jensen's son, Dick Jensen, who, at 6-8, was a high school standout in basketball and cross country running, all state in each. Later, Jensen became the starting center on some outstanding Iowa Hawkeye basketball teams.

     The starting unit of Chad Calabria, John Johnson, Jensen, Fred Brown and Glen Vidnovick was coached by Ralph Miller and was unbeaten in Big 10 play,14-0, while compiling an overall record of 20-5.

     Incidentally, in 1989 at the Innisbrook Golf Resort at Palm Harbor, Florida,  as the Master of Ceremonies for the National High School Sports Hall of Fame, I had the personal pleasure of inducting Miller into that prestigious Hall.

     I'd be remiss if, in recounting many Madrid memories, I didn't mention some of the great baseball players in Madrid history.......and this goes way back to the 1940's. 

     Boone semi-pro baseball teams of that era often locked up with the Madrid team composed of outstanding players like catcher Willie Galetich, who was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals. His battery mate was a left-hander,Joe Radosovich, and there were other standouts like Londie Ceretti and Emil Bozich.

     Then too, a good friend was Madrid native Lou Galetich who, in 1953, coached a Clinton St. Mary's team to the Iowa High School Boys State championship, 61-44, over Ottumwa and that was when there were no classifications, just one state champion. His team finished the season at 25-5.

    Later, Lou came home to Madrid and served the community as Mayor for several years.

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     The Iowa High School Athletic Association has announced the District football assignments for the next two year period. I don't have any dates or locations yet but here are the teams involved in the districts involving the Boone County schools.

     In class 4-A, Boone will be playing ADM-Adel; Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson; Denison-Schleswig, Glenwood and Lewis Central of Council Bluffs.

     In class 1-A, Ogden will oppose Interstate 35-Truro; Panorama-Panora; Pleasantville; West Central-Stuart and West Marshall state Center.

     In class A, it will be Madrid opposing Brooklyn-BGM; Colfax-Mingo; Earlham; Lynnville Sully; Martinsdale St. Marys and North Mahaska-New Sharon. 

     Then, of course, other opponents will fill out the schedules with non-district games.

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     Worldwide Korner headquarters are still located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4732. Phone number is 515-432-1530. Leave a message. To email your stories/memories/comments; death notices........httsp://kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com.

    

     

     

BOONE/AREA COMMUNITY DEATHS

       Raymond E. Moorman, 89, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in Linden. BHS-54. Married Rosemary Phelan in Boone in 1959. He worked for Brown Brothers Electric until retirement in 1997. Loved to tinker with   gas engines and could get anything running. He was always there for others in any way he could help. The couple enjoyed traveling to Arizona in retirement. Rosemary died in 2020. Survivors include three daughters, Lisa (Dan) Dillavou, Jean (Mike) Dubberke and Stephanie (Jim) Pulse. Also surviving are six siblings, Ronnie, Jack and Denny Moorman, Janice Swain, Joyce Elsberry and Donna Myers. Services in Boone.    

       Lori Rueber Tingwald, 63, Boone. Born in Oelwein. Clear Lake HS-80. Married Kevin Buseman in 1983. They divorced. Lori worked for UPS in Mount Pleasant for 25 years before moving to Omaha to work for the Union Pacific as a Train Dispatcher. Health issues, eventually, forced her to take early disability retirement and she moved to Boone. Married John G. Tingwald in 2011. He passed. Survivors include a daughter, Erin Jackson, and a son, Charles Buseman. Her dad, James L. Rueber, of Boone also survives. Services pending. Burial in Oelwein/Hazleton.  

       LATE REPORT: William Dean Pike, 87, passed away in Peoria, AZ. Feb.24. Formerly of Ames. Born in Nevada. BHS-56. Army vet. Worked 22 years for Oharco. Survivors include his partner, Karen Crary, and  four adult children. Bill had many friends and relatives in the Boone area. Memorial service will be held in Sun City, AZ.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Connie Ablett Capps, 85, Ankeny/ Mill Pond Care Center, formerly of Boone. Born in Lohrville. BHS-58. Married Glen Capps, BHS-55 in Boone in 1959. Earned a master's degree from Drake. Served as a P.E. teacher and coach in North Platte, NE. for many years. While at BHS, was an All-State basketball player. She then played at Iowa Wesleyan University and was, eventually, inducted into the Iowa Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. Connie was a big ISU Cyclone fan, backing both the men's and women's basketball teams as well as the volleyball team. Two daughters, Cindy Eckhart and Linda Williams, and her brother, Keith Ablett, BHS-60, survive. Services pending.

       JoAnn Friedrichsen Santage, 74, Ames/Eastern Star. Formerly of Boone and Treynor. Woodward-Granger HS. Northwest Missouri State University. Married Larry Santage in Boone in 1970. JoAnn taught GED English and worked in the resource center at DMACC, Boone Campus. In 1996, she moved to Treynor, worked at the Metropolitan Community College in the resource center and taught English as a second language. In 2021, she moved to Ames. JoAnn loved gardening, bird watching and was part of a quilting circle in both Boone and Ames. Survivors include two daughters, Alisa and Kelly, and one sister. Services in Boone and Woodward.

GOODBYE MY 80'S, GOODBYE

     The 90th birthday celebration is over. However, there is still work to be done. Lots of well wishers to reply too which will take a little time. I won't go into much detail but kids from Las Vegas were here for almost a week so there was lots of eating out and visiting to enjoy. A first big highlight was a surprise get-together at Saint's Avenue and I mean a real surprise. All the kids were there from Vegas and North Carolina, as well as the locals from Boone and Des Moines.

      Sincere thanks to all of you who made this a very special time with cards and calls and various other forms of congratulations.

      I've decided 90 is here whether I like it or not and now I will begin a back track. Next year I'll be back to 89, then 88 the following year etc. 

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      Here's some news you out-of-towners may be unaware of.

      I know many of you have memories of the old YMCA building across the street, east, from the Boone High School complex. There were numerous activities there for a number of years and I'm sure many of you enjoyed the swimming pool or had kids that participated in the many swim activities, including competitive swim teams.

      Evan and Emilee Jorgensen acquired that property in 2023 with the idea of bringing it back to life after it had been closed for quite a period of time. 

      Then, some members of the community made a bold effort to seek a new Boone Wellness Center, which required city funding involvement, thus, a required bond vote. That vote took place and there wasn't enough community support to pursue the project.

     The Jorgensen's had stalled their idea on the old "Y" building to see if the bond issue would be approved or not. Now that the Wellness Center project has been rejected, they have moved forward, with the assistance of Boone State Bank and Trust Company, with plans to re-open the structure once its been rehabilitated.

     They've held a ground breaking and have hired an individual, Tyler Holmes, to provide expertise in recreational programming and operations. So.....its a "go" for "The Flex."

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     Meantime, the Boone City Council has reviewed and has now approved site and stormwater plans for the proposed Daisy Brand food-processing facility which will be located at the east side of Boone. 

     Daisy Brands announced plans last April to invest $626.5 million in a dairy processing facility and create 106 new jobs to begin with and anticipation of 255 jobs as product demand increases.

     Getting a project of this magnitude underway takes time but as time has passed, growth continues. Originally, 750,000 square feet for the project was anticipated but now, it appears up to 1.2 million square feet will be required.

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      Regarding my recent memory of the Iowa All Stars basketball appearance in Boone those many years ago, Mike Loehrer, BHS-63, replied, "I remember, as a 12 year old, watching one of the Harlem Globetrotter teams face off against some Iowa Hawkeye football players in the BHS gym. That was in 1958. I remember I got some autographs from Alex Karras, Cal Jones and Kenny Ploen of the Hawkeyes and that was quite a thrill for a youngster."

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     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

      Teresa "Terry" K. Dearborn, 66, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in Boone. Terry enjoyed watching cooking shows, doing crosswords and learning to crochet. She loved dogs. Three children survive, including Tanya (Bob) Matt and Rocky (Alissa) Hughes both of Boone. A Boone sister, Lisa Dearborn, and a brother, Mark Dearborn, also survive. A private service is planned.

       Doyle Kent "Stoney" Stoner, 78, Ogden/Boone area. A farm kid, he grew up in the Stratford area. SHS-64. He loved the outdoors, music, including playing guitar, horses and other farm animals and in high school, played baseball, was in the band, the school play and drove a school bus. Air Force vet. Earned an Associate's Degree in engineering from ISU. Spent his working career at Northern Natural Gas in Ogden, retiring in  2001. Doyle married Vicki (Stark) Stoner but they divorced. His daughter, Kristin, survives. A memorial will be held at the Don Williams lodge area. 

     Rita Hill, 81, Des Moines."Mama Rita" was very involved in the Campfire program and served as a volunteer at Camp Hantesa near Boone for many years.

     Lynne P. Schnoebelen, 66, Madrid. Spent his childhood on the family farm near Riverside, IA. He worked in Muscatine, Iowa City and West Branch and was an active member of the communities. After helping his mother care for his father in Eastern Iowa in most recent years, he, eventually, returned to Ames and then to Madrid. Survivors include his wife, Adriana Reyes Schnoebelen, a daughter, a son, his mother, a sister and grandchildren.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        Pauline Ebbie Bergloff Halupnick, 84, Boone. Born in Union County. BHS-58. Married Larry Halupnick in Illinois in 1968. Pauline was a TV model, dance instructor and was involved in the Special Olympics program. She worked as a secretary. Survivors include a daughter, Teresa (Bob) Boyer, grandchildren and a brother, Ted (Shirley) Bergloff, all of Boone. Graveside service at Linwood.

        Claudious Eugene "Gene" Stewart, 83, Golden Valley, MN. Formerly of Boone/Eastern Star. Born in Norwalk. Indianola HS-59. Simpson College and a Business Degree from A.I.B.. Married Charlotte McCoy in 1961. Worked in payroll, HR, and as an office manager/quality control manager for Dough Boy Feeds in Ames from 1962-79 and then for Sonoco Products until retirement in 2007. Very active as a devoted Christian and was a member of the Jaycees, Toastmasters, Kiwanis and Elks. Served on the Boone Public Library Board, the Chamber of Commerce, was a Little League coach and Mamie Doud Eisenhower House volunteer. Survivors include his daughter, a son-in-law and grandkids. Services in Boone and Ackworth. 

        Roberta E. Maynard Grabau, 82, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-62. Married LaVerne William Grabau in Boone in 1963. Was a dietary aid at the Madrid Nursing Home and then Bourns until they were closed and then as a housekeeper at Ledges Manor before opening an in-home daycare which she operated until retirement in 2001. Roberta enjoyed puzzles, cooking and family time. Three children survive, including Melissa (Paul Ray) of Boone. A sister also survives. Services in Boone.

        Lila Ann Adams, 94/ Boone/Windsor Manor, Webster City. Born near Stratford. Stanhope HS-49. Married John Thomas Adams in Stratford in 1950. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, cooking, baking pies, canning, flea markets, genealogy, taking pictures, scrapbooks and her cats. Survivors include two sons, Richard and R.C. Ron Adams and a daughter, Ronette. Services in Stratford and Ridgeport.

        Lester Kenneth Reed, 93, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in Virginia. BHS-50. Attended the Moody Bible Institute. Army vet. Married Annamae Miller in 1955. Lester worked for 40 years for the Research Tech, U.S. Department of Energy at the Boone/Ames Metallurgy Department, retiring in 1997. He was an America Legion member. Survivors include his wife, Annamae, and his sons, Dave and Greg Reed. A COL is planned for later in the spring.

       John L. Romitti, 89.  Born in Madrid. MHS-53. Army vet. Married Judith A. Novak in 1966. While attending Drake, he worked for Firestone for six years. Worked for John Deere for over 30 years and also for Cub Foods and Target until retirement at age 83. He loved sports, the Packers and St. Louis Cardinals. Three children survive. Services in Oshkosh and Hayward, WI.

A MEMORY FROM LONG AGO

     I, the Kornerman, have been gifted with 90 years of life, thus, 90 years of memories, some good, some bad, some of importance and many that have little or no significance.

     If you have no time for the latter, simply turn away and get back to something that really matters.

     You have to be pretty elderly (that's old) to fully appreciate one of my most recent memories. It goes back to the 1940's.

      Ah yes, the 40's. No television. Few opportunities to witness, in person, many games "away from home." Girls basketball was still six-on-six and the boys who played that sport were unaware of a shot clock, a three-point play, video replays or even extra tall opponents. AND, all local games were played in a very old BHS gymnasium that featured a slanted balcony up top and steel supporting poles right under the baskets at each end.

      I swear, those poles were an important part of our play......so close to the playing floor they were like a sixth man on defense and a helpful screener offensively. We actually had and used that advantage. They were part of our game plan. Just run your opponent into that pole. Seriously.

      But, back to my memory. At this time of year, toward the end of the basketball seasons, a big time promoter, a Bobby Grund, took advantage of basketball fans who were yearning "to get out of the house" for any night of excitement after a long Iowa winter. 

      Grund, a short gentleman loaded with spitfire, definitely knew how to promote, how to pry on folks desires and "make a few bucks as well."

      He formed a basketball team, the Iowa All-Stars, and the roster consisted of senior players who had just completed their season competing for various Iowa colleges. There was a player or two from Iowa and Iowa State and one from Northern Iowa and Drake and even the smaller schools like Central or Simpson provided players. Most of them had stellar careers, various team or league honors, breaking school records etc. Stats Grund could brag about as promotion "tools."

      That team would travel the state playing in several communities against local opponents.......perhaps, the school faculty, or county all-stars. The matchups weren't that important. Just the "awe" of seeing current Iowa college stars "in person" was the main draw.

      Then too, every so often, Grund would have a "special" attraction. Anybody remember Bombo  Johnson?. He was a really big guy, probably a hefty seven footer or close to it. Truthfully, Bombo wasn't really wasn't much of a basketball player but he was big and Grund promoted him as kind of a cult figure. The younger generation, especially, got "caught up" in the Bombo hype. I know, I was probably one of them.

      Remember, in those days, NIL, Name, Image and Likeness, and its endless thousands and even millions of dollars available for college athletes now were completely non-existent then. Grund provided his all-stars with a few bucks per game and they were glad to obtain even the paltry handout.

     Admission tickets were reasonably priced and gyms were usually "sold out" for these attractions, concessions were probably part of the "deal," the all star players received those few bucks each and the facility rent was cheap so guess who became the financial winner of the night....Bobby Grund ........and maybe Bombo?

     It was a fun memory....... way back when life wasn't so serious. 

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     In a recent Korner we talked about the revitalization of that Boone welcome sign near Ninth and Story. 

     Loren Frazier, BHS-48, reminded of another sign that once "spanned Fourth Street, a little bit west of the Story Street intersection." 

     Loren wrote, "I think it said "Business District" and had an arrow pointing north, directing Highway 30 travelers to downtown Boone."

    Lo and behold, Loren recalled a circa 1960 video of a trip on Highway 30 through central Iowa. Inspection of that video clearly showed the sign in question. It did say, "Business District - Boone" and had an arrow pointing north.

    Once I saw the picture, I, the Kornerman, did remember that sign. Loren is wondering if it still exists, perhaps in someone's garage or barn?

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     Andy D. Anderson, BHS-62, was in town recently for a classmate's funeral. He said four other classmates attended AND he added that 38-percent of his class has passed. It made him wonder how that compares to other classes?

     While in town, Andy dropped off at the Boone County Historical Society a 33 1/3 record of Christmas Carols by the BHS chorus directed by Sterling Mische. He concluded, "I have no idea how I ever gained possession of that record."

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     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

        Mary L. Conard, 91, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in Marathon, IA. Married Howard Franklin Conard in 1952. Earned a GED in the late 60's and worked at Bethany Manor, H and R Block and assisted her husband on their farm. Howard passed in 2018. Mary found joy in decorating cakes, crafting, crocheting and knitting. She was a familiar face at farmers markets and craft shows and was an egg delivery lady at a dollar a dozen. Survivors include two daughters, Mary E. (David) Conard-Long and Suzann M. (Tom) Blair. 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.

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.

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 Elizabeth (Kit) Chance, (Pearson-Jaekel), 69, Boone. Born in Omaha. Kit found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved to read, cook and spend time with friends. Survivors include her husband, Douglas K. Chance, BSH-75, and daughters. Services pending.

       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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.