BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATH

       Paul "Lindy" Lindahl, 82, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in Boone. BHS-62. DMACC. Married Mary Wolfgram in Ames in 1977. He was a machinist for John Deere until retirement in 1996. While at Deere, he was active in UAW Local 450 in various positions. He also owned Lindy's Guns, where he made friends with every law enforcement officer and gun enthusiast in town. That business was sold in 2022. Paul participated in Za-Ga-Shriners, Mount Olive Lodge 79 and enjoyed cars, building engines, flipping cars of all types, just driving around and watching races at the Boone Speedway. He loved his '57 Chevy Corvette. Close to his mom, he would call her every night and enjoy a special supper with her each Wednesday. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Mary, of Boone and a daughter, Heather Cross. Several Boone in-laws, including, Louis and Kathy Wolfgram, Teresa Wilcox and Maynard Melchert. also survive. Services in Boone.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        Tragic news from Missouri. A former Boone resident, Vicki Harper, of Rockwell City, was the victim of a vehicle crash on a Missouri highway. Two other women were also killed. Vicki Harper's husband, Steve Harper, another former Boone resident, was seriously injured. Another passenger in the Harper vehicle, Marcine Usher, 67, of Harlan was killed as was the driver of the other involved car, Marries Garrett, 59, of Carthage, Texas.  It was reported that the Garrett driven vehicle crossed the center line and struck the car driven by Steve Harper head on. Both vehicles caught fire from the impact.    

        Alexander "Alex" James Buckles, 39, Boone. Death due to complications of cerebral palsy. Born in Boone. Attended BHS. He loved the outdoors and music. Survivors include his parents, Denny and Gina Buckles, his maternal grandmother, Jean Blanshan, his aunt and uncle, Paula and Bruce Conlin, his cousin, Sean Conlin and his wife, Lyndsey, all of Boone. A sister also survives. A private graveside service and burial in Boone. 

       Jenny Cheville Bassett, 89, Ames/Napier. Ames HS-54. Worked at Mutual Benefit in Ames and then the Seed Lab in Napier before retirement. After marriage to Fritz Bassett, the couple settled on a farm and Jenny managed the business. She loved gardening, canning, crocheting and fishing trips. Jenny was practical in nature, had a strong work ethic, provided great generosity and had a salty sense of humor. Survivors include her husband, Fritz Bassett, a sister, Kathy Ashburn, sons Bill (Roxanne) and Vick (Ann) and a daughter Connie (Lance) Benton. Services in Boone and burial near Luther.

       Greg "Sach" Stevens, 68, Born and raised in Ogden. Grew up on a family farm. Married Bonnie in 1980. Greg was a lifelong musician who found joy in playing guitar and singing with local bands. Survivors include his wife, Bonnie, his children, Corey, Jess and Jake. Greg, who battled a series of medical issues will be remembered for his passion for music, his humor, determination, and his unwavering devotion to his family. A COL will be held at a later date.

        

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Jo Ann Bullard Durlam, 89, Ames. Born in Ogden. Lived in Beaver until 1950, then moved to a farm near Cooper. HS at Franklin Consolidated in Cooper. Jo was active in sports and music, a talented pianist. Received a teaching certificate from Morningside. Married Mike Durlam Jr. in 1956 and moved to Grand Junction, then Jefferson. The family moved to Ames in 1964 so Mike could expand Durlam and Durlam Clothing. Jo worked in the store, served the community in many ways and following retirement, she was her church's Business Manager for 12 years, retiring again in 2015. An avid reader, excellent cook and baker, she enjoyed staying active. Jo was a devoted fan of the Cyclone teams and Reiman Gardens. Two daughters and a brother survive. Services in Ames.    

       Jenny Bassett, 89, Boone. Services in Boone.       

       Paula Holmgren Silvey, 76, Lenexa, Kansas. The family lived in Boone in Paula's early years. Her parents were Paul and Edna Holmgren. A family move to Des Moines took place in 1959 and Paula attended Grandview College and Drake University. Several other moves were made before settling in Lenexa. Survivors include a son, daughter and brother. Services in Lenexa.

        Bonnie Mae Dirksen Troe, 90, Vinton. Six children survive, including David (Terri) Troe of Boone. Services in Vinton.

        Marjorie Ann Daft, 94, Cedar Rapids. Survivors include a grandson, Jacob Studt of Boone. Services in Cedar Rapids. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Joyce Moorman Elsberry, 89, Boone. Born in Ralston, IA. BHS-55. Married Raymond Elsberry in Nashua in 1958. She worked at Bourns for 20 years and retired from Besser Quinn in Boone. Joyce was a member of the Tall Corn Antique Car Club and Klassy Kruiser Car Club. She enjoyed cruising with friends on weekend trips to states around Iowa. Survivors include her five children, Mike Elsberry of Ogden and Karla (Mark) Ashby of Boone. Also, Cindy (Dwight) Powers, Lori (Tom) Lyon and Tammi Guldenpfennig (Hal Fallert). Sibling survivors are Ron (Donna) Moorman, Jack (Betty) Moorman, Janice (Ed) Swain, Donna Myers and Dennis Moorman. A private graveside service will be held.

      Connie Lou Thom Pesta, 89, Long Prairie, MN. Born in Boone in 1936. Her parents were Martin and Honey Thom. Services in Long Prairie.

      Nancy Marie Stockman Edwards, 86, Clarksville, Tennessee. Born in Boone in 1940. Her parents were Rutherford W. Stockman and Helen Adams Stockman Swanson. 

      Patricia Lea "Tricia" Hoffman, 72, Elm Creek, Nebraska. Born in Boone in 1953. 

      Marvin L.Schieltz, 85, Dubuque. Three children survive, including Randal (Emily) Schieltz of Boone. Services in Dubuque. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED EATHS

        Richard Wayne Silver, 81, Tampa, FL. Born in Kansas. BHS-63, where he excelled in diving. Married Barbara Jipp in 1965 in Boone. Army vet. After service, Richard completed college and worked as an engineer. He enjoyed rehabbing sailboats and sailing around Tampa Bay. His goal was to live on a sailboat and see the world from the ocean. He worked on fixing boats and building the cabintry. Wife Barbara died in 2019. Survivors include a son, a daughter and siblings, Carla (BHS-79) (Jeff) Toms, Ron (BHS-64) (Mindy) Silver and Roger (BHS-86) (Michelle (Shelly) Currier (BHS-88) Silver. Richard's parents, both deceased, were Don and Vivian Silver. Services in Boone.        

        Carol Sue Bentley, 68, passed in Ames due to pancreatic cancer. Born in Ames. Grew up on a dairy farm south of Ames. United Community HS-76, and was active in sports, band, chorus.....virtually, every offering. Earned a B.A. degree from Central College in Pella in 1980. Had also graduated from the Florida School of Massage in 1979 and massage therapy became her life's calling, practicing for over 30 years in five states. Carol loved the outdoors, was very artistic, an excellent cook, loved animals and music. A free spirit, Carol, in the 90's, was very involved in the mountain biking scene, especially in Utah. Her ex-husband, Bob Owen, preceded her in death. Five siblings survive, Dennis and Scott Bentley, Becky Christiansen, Jane Weaver and Mary Wills. A COL will be held in Ames.   

       Diane Lee Ryan Mitchels, 62, Ogden. Passed due to surgery complications. Born in Boone County. Diane loved motorcycle rides, camping, baking and sitting around a campfire. She was in charge of starting the fire and had her own fire poker. Both as an employee and manager, Diane spent 20 years at Boone and Ogden Casey's. She had worked earlier at the Woodward State Hospital and Hilltop Greenhouse. Survivors include her husband, Bill Mitchels, and her mother, Marilyn Ryan, both of Ogden, four sons, Justin, Nick, Max, and Adam Watts, and a sister, Tammy Watts, all of Boone. Services in Boone.

WE'RE PROUD OF DMACC AND BEARS SOFTBALL

       No denial here.......I'm very biased and proud of it. 

       After high school graduation in 1953.....and even before, I turned my attention to furthering my education. After all, it was, more or less, expected. I'm sure there were others like me.......who had no clue, at that time, what they wanted to do with the lifetime of years lurking ahead.

        I guess you could say, "Boone Junior College" saved me. The flags all pointed in that direction. I could stay in the community I loved and even my long time "home base" if I desired. Plus, credits gained  at a cheaper rate......would be transferable to any future education destination.

        In addition, I had already started employment at KWBG and was able to continue work hours that fit perfectly with my college class schedule. Not to be forgotten, with the realization I was never going to  be a big time college athlete, I could still enjoy another two years of basketball.....kind of a meltdown of my previously active sports participation career.

        Well, to make a long story much shorter, those early years in adult growth couldn't have been more suitable for me.

        Its taken some time and words but finally, I'm ready to get to the "meat" of  this Korner edition.

        Our Boone Campus Des Moines Area Community College softball ladies have done it again. Coach Bob Ligouri's team will begin play in the NJCAA Division II Softball World Series clear out in Spartanburg, South Carolina, a week from today, Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

        The Bears success has been so consistent through recent years, we, fans, have probably, unfairly, expected such prominence. In his nine years at DMACC, Coach Ligouri has posted a 434-97 record with nine top ten national ratings, eight World Series appearances, with four of those teams finishing in the Final Four.

        To earn a berth in the 2026 World Series, the Bears, first, captured a 5-2 win over Iowa Central on their home grounds to secure a Regional championship. Then, they traveled clear out to Glendive, Montana and posted 8-0 and 9-0 victories over Dawson Community College of Glendive for another championship........this one to earn their World Series position.

         The current roster has a 54-10 record overall and finished 32-4 in conference action. They have earned a nine seed in the World Series and its been determined that their first round opponent in Spartanburg will be a familiar foe, Pima Community College of Tucson, Arizona, who boasts a 47-8 record and is seeded eighth.

         Those two locked up in the World Series consolation bracket last year and Pima posted a 9-1 win. This year's first round game will be played at 10 a.m. Iowa time on the 20th. 

         As you perhaps have discovered from my previous writings  regarding BJC/DMACC, the lack of coverage of its daily existence bothers this grad. It seems this college community lies "within a larger community" and is somewhat unnoticed as a result. It shouldn't be that way, especially in view of the fact its one of Boone's number one assets.

         Believe me, I know......about the general lack of media coverage provided these days and I also understand not every ounce of blame can be placed on that. Its a new world and I have no magic answer. HOWEVER, I can, at least in a brief moment, occasionally, like now, shout to the roof tops about how proud I am of my old school and any of its accomplishments. 

          CONGRATULATIONS AND GO BEARS. 

K-----K

          While I'm at it.....a mention of the wonderful facilities available for Boone Campus students.

           Among others, did you realize that the DMACC "Den" is one of just three regulation size college basketball courts under one roof in Iowa?

           So what? It means that there is enough room available that winter practices are easily available for separate activities all at the same time in the same place.

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

       Phyliss J. Knopf Linn, 90, Boone/Westhaven. Born in Algona. Confirmed at Trinity Lutheran, Dayton. Burnside HS-52. Iowa State Teachers College (now UNI). Married Gerald Earl Linn in 1954 in Dayton. After work as a telephone operator and a move to Boone, Phyliss worked at the Episcopal Center and Eastern Star. She enjoyed reading and gardening, a fan of the Hawkeyes and Cubs, she and Gus enjoyed playing 500 with neighbors and friends. Bingo at Westhaven was also a favorite. Four children survive, including Susanne (Jim) Dawkins and Kristi (Daryl) Angaran both of Boone. A brother and four sisters also survive. A COL will take place with graveside services in Boone.     

       Maria Kaip Watke, 61, Ogden. Born and grew up in Minnesota. Died of brain cancer. Was a homemaker and also worked at Cheesecake Factory and Kwik Star. Her husband, Terry, and son, Nick, preceded her in death. Survivors include her mother Sonni Kaip, a sister and three brothers. Maria lived in Ute, Storm Lake and then Ogden. A COL will be held in Ogden.

       Charlotte Lorraine Grimes Meiners, 82, Ames. Survivors include a grandson, Sean (Vanessa) Van Cannon of Boone.