BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

     Jean Wiley King, 98, Pleasant Hill. Born in Boone. BHS-44. Her employers through the years were Western Union, Nelson's Lumber, KWBG radio and Duncan Plumbing and Heating. Married Marvin Crouch in 1947, Roland L. Jesse in 1967 and Marshall P. King in 2004. All are deceased. Two daughters survive. Graveside service in Boone.

MILITARY MEMORIES

     Suddenly, I've reminded myself that in all the various writings I've done through the years, I've never elicited much, if any, discussion about my military experience.

     Well, I became a multi-star General, fought many battles and earned numerous citations and awards. JUST KIDDING.

     Actually, I'd say I spent two years in the U.S. Army in a somewhat "unusual" way. Lots of quirks. Enough twists and turns that I think, perhaps, veterans, especially, might find some of their own "memory makers" by reading of some of my experiences.

     My story began in June 2 of 1955 when I accepted a diploma from Boone Junior College one evening and left the following morning for a Des Moines induction site.

     That was followed by a train ride to Camp Chaffee, Fort Smith, Arkansas, where I spent eight weeks or so for basic training. In my 20th year, I don't recall  much about that time, except being on the range, waiting for the break of dawn, so we could do some firing at "Maggie's Drawers." WOW, the goodness of the Army, doing that deed when it was much cooler than a time later in the day. I also recall the very sandy nature of the soil, which our superiors were delighted to have us rolling around in or constantly facing their demands of keeping our weapons exceptionally clean. Yes, this was a period of constant harrassment.

     When that time ended and a short furlough began, I was able to "hook up" with a military aircraft for a free ride to Waterloo, the closest route to Boone I could locate......and yes, I was very anxious to get home. In fact, I hired a taxi to complete the journey. It was much quicker and no expense was to be spared.

      After my leave, a train ride to Fort Lee, Virginia followed for "advanced" training in the supply area. That occupied the next block of time. The main remembrances I have of that experience is the fact that we often had to tie outside things down due to frequent storm warnings. A "buddy" and I also managed a weekend excursion to nearby Washington D.C. to watch an NFL football game.

    Then, another long train ride as I found my more permanent military home with an assignment to Stockton, California, where I spent my final 18 months of service. As time passed, I realized I was living a "dream." Admittedly, somehow, I had secured the "luck of the draw" with this military assignment.

     The Stockton assignment was about as "low key" as any service challenge I could possibly imagine. There were as many, if not more, civilian employees as there were military people at the base which was near an inland port, and away from the main city of Stockton itself. 

     Many of the military people housed here were involved in the building of eye glasses, serving a huge portion of our military forces in outposts worldwide. It was a "big deal" and these "glass makers" made up a major portion of the base enrollment. Their importance seemed to deter any need for "normal" military procedures. Salutes, guard duty and various other standard demands were not required.

     There were no more drills, very few inspections and a very "laid back" militaristic approach. We were on a list for occasional kitchen duty. I not only fulfilled my obligation, I took advantage of that to make a little extra spending money. I often volunteered to replace someone on their weekend assignment for $20 a day.

     And about all that training in supply? About the only thing close I ever experienced was driving a truck with a week's supply of "dirty clothes" to Sacramento, McClellan Air Base, an hour north. There, I would exchange the troops clothes........one's they had sent to be cleaned up and returning the previous week's supply that had been cleaned.

     I had numerous other jobs during my time in Stockton.........headquarters secretary, mailman and Colonel's Driver. The Colonel was the top officer in the camp and my job was to keep his car clean, full of gas and always available. Many times, I would take him to a meeting and simply wait in the car (sometimes for hours) for his return trip. I felt we were close but never dreamed how close our relationship would eventually pay important personal dividends.

     Several months in, word came that this small but "dream" base was to be closed and all the soldiers, except those glass makers, would be moved elsewhere. Some were going to stateside bases and others were even assigned overseas to various locations.

     My good Colonel called me in his office and asked, "how much time do you have left?" I was nine months away from discharge. He gave me all the options available and concluded with, "do you like it here?" I jumped on that.....absolutely. He then indicated he could arrange for me to conclude my time here with one stipulation. "You would have to be a dental assistant".......serving all those "glass makers" who were NOT moving and their families.

     My final nine months, I worked with another great guy. I was a dental assistant to Captain Elzy Knowles, a Texas dentist who was a draftee. All I had to do was line up appointments for the remaining soldiers and their families and, on occasion, hand him some tools during a procedure.

     NOW IT CAN BE TOLD: A bonus was the fact that two or three times during those final nine months I made a trek back home to Boone (actually Perry) via the City of San Francisco AND the Captain, himself, always provided me "extra time home." I would apply for a leave starting on a Monday but actually leave the previous  Friday and the good Captain would "sign me out" or do whatever was necessary to give me those extra few days. Did the same thing coming home so I actually had maybe 16-17 days free but was only charged for 14.

     May 31, 1957, it all concluded

     I know......I had to be one of the luckiest guys to ever wear a military uniform. Every landing was extremely soft. But, even had my stint been much more difficult, I will always state that in that time of my life it was an extremely important step forward.

     I learned a lot about myself and much about life, itself.  Meeting and watching, close up, the actions of people of many varied personalities, home towns and cultures was unbelievably important.

    I stand proud today that I served. I would certainly recommend a similar experience for all young men. 

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.......htpps://kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com.

    

    

    

     

    

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        Kenneth Rhynard Daugherty, 96, Newton. Born in Zookspur. Madrid HS-46 where he was a three-sport athlete and a member of a pair of state championship teams. Navy vet. Was drafted by two major league baseball teams and signed with the Chicago Cubs. Played shortstop in the Cubs farm system before injury halted his baseball career. Further education at Drake and the University of Colorado. Married Marian Reynoldson in 1950 in Denver. In Iowa, Ken worked at a sale barn in Ames. Moved to Newton in 1963 and owned a gas station and also sold livestock feed. For 22 years plus, he worked at Riverview Release Center until his retirement as Security Director in 1993. He loved golf, the outdoors and music. Survivors include a daughter, Lynn, of Deep River and a sister, Leora Sowder, of Madrid. Services in Newton.    

        Cameron Kennedy, 39, Madrid. Born in Ames. Ballard HS. DMACC. An avid outdoorsman. Services in Ames and Kelley.    

        Peggy Helen Barkdoll Koppen, 76, formerly of Boone. Survivors include a son, William Koppen, of Boone. Private services were held.  

       Elizabeth Compton Starleaf, 83, Ames. Survivors include a daughter, Katrina (Michael) Anderson of Boone. Services in Ames.  

      Gary John Peters, 83, Johnston. Born in Ogden. OHS-59. Married Irie Miller in 1962 and moved to California. Gary earned a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Cal Poly University and a Master's Degree in business. The couple owned a small rolling steel door manufacturing company until their retirement in 2022 when they sold out and moved back to Iowa. Survivors include his wife, Irie,, a son, Danny, a daughter, Michelle, a sister, Mary Jo Garvey, brother-in-law Vernon Miller and sister-in-law Janet Miller. Services in Ogden.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        Larry Ford, 82, New Hope, MN. Born in Boone. BHS-59. Attended the University of Iowa and earned a BA from Bethel University. Married Nancy Parkinson, BHS-61, in 1962 and in 1968, settled in New Hope. Larry was influential as a coach for all sports. Civic minded and generous, he served the New Hope Lions for 37 years in various ways. He provided considerable influence on many athletes, family, friends and set a high bar for values and behavior. Larry provided executive and financial guidance to numerous companies and individuals. He enjoyed working with people and was fortunate to have his favorite coworker, Nancy, by his side. Survivors include Nancy and two sons. Services in Maple Grove, MN.    

        Maxine Evelyn Heldt Lingren, 93, Ogden. Born in Ogden. OHS-48. Married Dale Eldon Lingren in 1950 in Ogden. The couple farmed, raising hogs and cattle, on Maxine's childhood farm north of Ogden until moving to town in 1990. Dale passed away in 2014. Maxine worked as a telephone operator in Ogden and was a cook at Howe Elementary school in Ogden. She was active in Ladies Aide, enjoyed baking and cooking. Five children survive, Deanna (Bruce) Anderson of Boone and four others from Ogden, Darrell Lingren, Elaine (Tom) Wilson, Donna (Ted) Meeker and Alan Lingren. Services in Ogden.

       Elsie Collins, 78, Boone       

       Nadia J. Smith Goldsworth, 93, Boone. Born in Luther. LHS-49. Married Paul L. Goldsworth in Luther in 1952. The couple made their home in Boone. They owned Goldsworth Upholstery and Nadia was well known for her cooking, sewing and quilting. She was an officer in the Iowa National Guard Auxiliary, volunteered at the Boone and Scenic Valley, belonged to church fellowship and the Heritage Quilt Club. The couple enjoyed camping with their children and in retirement, traveled to 49 states and Canada in their motorhome. They lived in southern Utah for 10 years before coming back to Boone in 2002. Paul, BHS-50, passed away in 2006. Survivors include four children, Carol Mayers, BHS-72, Kathleen (Rick) Mickelson, BHS-75, Danny (Paula) Goldsworth, BHS-78, and Tim Goldsworth, BHS-74. Services in Boone.

       Lee James Kinney, 68, Minburn. Survivors include his wife, Angela, of Minburn and four children, including Megan (Theron) Schroeder of Boone. Services in Perry and Minburn.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       John George Kujac, 80, rural Madrid. Born in Des Moines. East HS. Army vet. Earned a degree in architecture from ISU and attended Drake Law School for two years. Married Miriam Siehl in Ames in 1971. The couple made their home in rural Madrid for the past 47 years. Survivors include his wife, Miriam, and a daughter, Anne (Mike) Schlieman, both of rural Madrid. Another daughter and two brothers also survive. Services in Madrid.

      Lyle G. McGlynn, 76, Boone. UnitedCHS-66. Attended Iowa Barber College. Air Force vet. Received an associates degree from DMACC. Married Coleen Jones in 1973. Lyle was passionate about his 150 year plus farm and the Cyclones. Worked for ISU for 40 years. After retirement, worked another nine years at McFarland Clinic. The couple loved to travel, including trips to Las Vegas and Branson. Survivors are three sons, including Tim and Brian McGlynn both of Boone. Four siblings also survive, two of them, Fran Frazier and Veronica Nystrom, both of Boone. Services in Boone.

     John Douglas Lindahl, 77, Brookfield, WI. Born in Boone. BHS-65. After one year at ISU, he joined the Navy. After discharge, he earned a degree from Mankato State University and also his CPA license. John worked for Arthur Anderson accounting while living in Minneapolis. Eventually, he owned his own businesses in LaCrosse, WI and different locations in Iowa. He also worked for Reinhardt foods as a Comptroller. An avid golfer, he loved to fish and bike, especially at his cabin in northern Minnesota. His wife, Marsha, preceeded him in death. Survivors include two daughters and his former wife and mother of his children, Diane Vaaler Withers of Wisconsin. A step-son and a brother, Gary Lindahl, also survive. Private burial in the Slater Cemetery.

SOMETHING "SPECIAL"

     This just has to be something "special." 

     After all, in these older years, my mind is somewhat removed from lots of important (I guess) "breaking news." Much of it just doesn't grab my attention as it may have in the past. There's so much disinformation available to assimilate and I won't or can't take my valuable time? to devote to it. 

     Yet, there it was. Something that did grab my immediate attention. Something I thought was "special" in these very uncertain times. Something that seemed simple but was very noteworthy, at least in my mind.

     The other day, Boone Park Board Commissioner Susan Thorngren issued a report on what was termed, "Dead Tree Removal Day" in Herman Park and a north portion of McHose Park.

     Alright, what's the big deal?

     The work done was great. Some 26 trees and 20 stumps, afflicted with various diseases, were removed.

     HOWEVER, what really caught my eye and impressed me the most was the fact that several portions of the community CAME TOGETHER to produce a very successful event. There were no cares about political or church affiliation, or race, or color or any other petty disturbance and the result was a very productive outcome.

     Six local tree service companies, over 30 licensed tree professionals, worked voluntarily at the task from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.. There were some 20 other volunteers who helped in various ways. Boone County RSVP, Rotary Club and PEO members helped by guarding the barricades at the bike path and entrances to the park. Twelve members of the Evangelical Free Church prepared food and water for lunch donated by Hy-Vee, two Park Board Commissioners donated extra burgers and ice cream. R and W Power provided a case of bar oil for each of the tree companies and KWBG even broadcast some of the event.

    Amidst all the nation's turmoil, that event should draw attention to all of us. Its not magic. Its the simple fact that when people come together, nationally, locally, whatever, there can be great accomplishments.

    Makes me proud that such "togetherness" can prevail in my community. I'd love to see even more of it.

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

      Judith A. (Judy) Sommers Olson, 85, Boone. Born in Nebraska. Fremont HS-57. While living in Boone, she was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and the Ladies Aid. She worked at a malt shop, nursing homes, Golden Corral and HyVee. She loved hosting, baking, cooking, puzzles, tending flowers, canning, playing cards, reading and completing sewing and embroidery projects. Was a Kansas City Chiefs fan. Survivors include five children. Service in Boone (St. Paul's).    

      Gaylord L. Swanson, 75, Ames. Born in Ames. UnitedCHS-67. DMACC/Boone Campus where he played basketball. National Guard vet. Married Mary Ann Nutt in Napier in 1969. A lifetime farmer, he worked with his neighbor Tom Ross for 14 years. Very active, serving as a 4-H leader, with the Boone County Soil Board, his Napier church board, farm bureau board and was a Colfax Township Trustee. In retirement, the couple spent time wintering in Arizona. He was proud of his farms achieving Century Farm designations in 2015 and 2017 and his fondest possession was his 2014 Mustang Convertible. Gay was a big Cyclone sports fan and enjoyed taking his family to the Iowa State Fair each year. Survivors include his wife, Mary, a son and a daughter. Services in Napier and near Luther.

     Donald Keith Roznes, 85, Slater/Madrid Home. Services in Slater and Alleman.