BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Daryl Lynn Schoenberger, 76, Ames/Madrid Home.       

       Ronald L. Lynch, 83, Natchez, MS. Formerly of  Pleasant Hill. Born in Boone. His parents were 
George M. and Pearl L. (Ford) Lynch. Saydel HS-61. Army vet. Married Patty Jo Faber in 1965.Worked for Titan Tire and retired to New Mexico in 1996. Three children and two siblings survive.        

        Dean Russell Walker, 72, Ames. Formerly of Boone. Born in Estherville. Graettinger HS-71, where he enjoyed participating in track and basketball. U.S. Army vet serving during Viet Nam. After returning from service, Dean worked at a grain elevator in Minnesota before returning to Iowa for sales work for Wonder Bread, Novelty Inc. and Commonwealth Brands. He enjoyed golfing, single action shooting, casinos, and eating and visiting with friends at the Whistle Stop Cafe in Boone. Survivors include his wife, Carol Walker, son, Robert Walker, step-children Heather (Joe) Schaffer and Heath Cline and his sister, Gloria (Rich)  Stearns. A trusted companion, Dean was known for his kindness and being a trusted companion, always playing practical jokes and bringing a smile to those around him. He was an active member of the community and a dedicated member of his church. Service in Ames, burial at Squire Boone cemetery.   

       Brian James Bushore, 58, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-86. Services pending.       

       Lester "LeRoy" Ross, 77, Boone. Passed unexpectedly. BHS-67. DMACC and earned a Business degree from Western Illinois University. Army Viet Nam vet. Later, served with the Iowa National Guard. In total, he dedicated more than thirty-three years to military service, retiring as a Master Sergeant. Active in his church, he was also a member of the Moose Lodge and VFW, serving in many leadership roles. LeRoy volunteered to sit with shut-ins and hospice patients and devoted many hours supporting Honor Flights for veterans. A sports lover, he umpired countless Little League baseball and softball games. Above all, LeRoy will be remembered for his steady kindness, his humility, and his unwavering devotion to his faith, he country and family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the generations he inspired. Survivors include three sons, Joseph, BHS-98, (Amy Joslin) Ross; Dustin, BHS-2003, (Erica) Ross and Nathan, BHS-2008, (Rachel) Ross, six grandchildren and special friend, Jane Brunette. Services in Boone.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        Harold Dean Blaskey, 86, Boone. Born in Ogden. BHS-58. Married Sharon Loehr in 1961. Iowa National Guard vet. Delivered the Boone News Republican as a young man. Worked for Dean Snyder Construction, Quinn Foundry for 16 years and the city of Boone for 26 years. Harold enjoyed bowling, fishing, doing puzzles, playing bingo and card games. He also enjoyed operating his small lawn-mowing business, 23 residential properties and two radio tower properties. Survivors include his wife, Sharon, four children, Pamela, BHS-81; Deborah, BHS-85; Curtis, BHS-89; and Nicole, BHS-98; and a sister, Claudia. Five grandchildren also survive including Cole Houseman of Madrid. Services in Boone. 

        Jesse Austen Gaskill, 36, Ames. Born in Boone. BHS-2007. Earned an Associates in Arts degree from Des Moines Area Community College. Married Kylee Gildersleeve in Ames in 2020. Jesse was willing to try anything new, whether it was creating new recipes, trying eccentric food challenges or traveling anywhere with his family, looking for Bigfoot in Washington to watching the Cyclones play football in Ireland. He loved Iowa State, tailgating and meeting new people. Fishing, golfing, coffee, craft beers, board games and video games were also favored. He had a hunger for knowledge. Survivors include his wife, Kylee, his father, Gary Gaskill, of Boone, step-mother Teresa Gaskill, of Boone, his step-father, Bob Weldon, two brothers, Chris (Sam) and Ben Weldon of Boone and two sisters, Shayna Weldon and Delaney (Jakob) Crook of Boone. Services in Boone.

        Francis Daryl "Fred" Griffin, 95, Carroll. Born in Paton. Paton HS-49. U.S. Air Force vet, 1950-71. Returning to civilian life, he was employed in Boone as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for 17 years, retiring in 1992. Married Deloris Shorey in Jefferson in 1958. The couple enjoyed fishing, music, visiting friends in several states and walking through the woods hunting for berries. Deloris passed in 2006. One sister survives. Service in Jefferson pending. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Reverend Ronald W. Nelson, 78, Ames. Born in Oregon. Raised in Minnesota, graduated high school in 1968. Earned a B.A. from the University of Minnesota, Morris, MN in 1970. Earned his Master of Divinity from Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque. Married Christine in Fort Madison in 1974. Was ordained  as a Lutheran pastor in 1980. Served numerous congregations, mainly in Iowa. A gifted communicator and writer, he authored numerous articles, stories, poems and The Lutheran Message. Contiunued serving, even in retirement. He enjoyed fishing, drawing, writing, painting, music and technology as an active member of the ham radio community. Survivors include his wife, Christine, four children and a sister. Services in Boone and Shenandoah.       

       Lloyd E. Settle, 94, Boone/Westhaven. Born in Boone. BHS-49. Music was his passion. In high school, he played the trombone and excelled as first chair in the orchestra, advancing to state competition all four years. University of Illinois grad in 1953. Army vet, where he performed with a Division Band and other musical groups. Coming home to Iowa, he was a band director at Adel, and both Meredith and Hoover schools in Des Moines. He married Terry Settle in 1965. In 1982, the couple moved to Boone while Lloyd continued his career as music director at Hoover High School until retirement in 1994. During retirement, the couple enjoyed attending musical performances and sporting events in Ogden as real Bulldog fans. His wife, Terry, is a survivor. The couple had no children but considered all students "their" children. Services in Boone.

        William E. "Billy" Eatock, Jr., 63, Boone. BHS-81. Married Deb Rutledge in 1987. Golf was his passion. At age 12, he rode his bike to the Boone Golf and Country Club looking for a job but was told to return when he was 14. He did, and started a long career there as a permanent part of the greens keeping crew. Eventually, he became assistant greenskeeper and finally, golf course superintendent. His crew earned "Best nine hole course" in the state and in 1993, he was awarded Golf Club Superintendent of the Year. He closed out his work career as a salesman for LaCrosse Seed. Bill was his dad's helper in the repairing of cars or houses and learned to hunt and fish with his dad. The Eatock couple were staunch advocates for their kids, friends and grandkids and unselfishly cared for his folks, Bill and Millie, in their last years. Survivors include his wife, Deb, three children, Josh, Tyler and Abby, a brother and two sisters. Services in Boone. 

        Kathern Kay Sears Harrngton, 74, Ogden. Born in Des Moines. Married David Lee Harrington in 1968 in Des Moines. Kathy loved knitting, reading and creating art, especially with watercolors and graphite. Her husband preceded her in death. Survivors include a son, Kane Harrington, and two sisters, Myrtle Miller and Shirley (Bob) Ingersoll. Service in Madrid, burial in Boone.

        Jo Ann Nelson Wilkinson, 92, Nevada/Eastern Star. Services in Nevada. 

LIFE DOES GO ON

       A brief mention in a recent Korner of the late John Hansen and his dedication to our Boone park system brought quick responses from John's daughters.

       Georgia Hansen Paul read the blog and mention from Colorado Springs and wrote, "he was a champion of the parks and giving every citizen in Boone the ability to have athletic opportunities at no cost. He was also very committed to recognizing the history of why all the buildings, parks etc. were named and continued to honor the legacy of those citizens."

        Sandy Buss of Boone added her thanks. "He was a humble man and would probably want no sign at all. He just felt he was doing his part. He loved Boone, especially the parks, and was a member of the Park Board for a time. When my kids were young and there was no pond maintained anymore, dad would take his snowblower over to the golf course, hole number nine, and blow it off so our kids could skate if it was frozen enough. Thank you for all you do to keep Booneites connected with what's going on."

        The Kornerman's mention of John was in regards to a sign honoring him at the entrance of the current skating pond and it has been there for some time. To begin with, its rather small and hangs from a nearby tree. I'm glad he's being acknowledged but do wish it was more proportionate to his many contributions to that particular area and the parks in general. 

        While I'm at it.......for some time I've had similar feelings about the Boone airports tribute to Galen Wiley. Google says, "Galen Wiley Field, Boone's airfield, is named in honor of native son Galen Wiley, who piloted 36 missions behind enemy lines during WWII with the 305th Bomb Group, 8th Army Air Force. Approximately, 50 aircraft are based at this field."

         In all honesty, I'm not a bit familiar with how he is honored other than the name mention. Of course I'm a bit biased.....the former longtime Boone City Clerk, who passed several years ago.......was a family member. He, of course, served our airport in many ways for a number of years.

K-----K

        In the last blog, I relayed a story from Verne Schmickley, BHS-64, about being caught in one of those historic Iowa winter snow storms. It occurred in the late 60's.

        In reply, John Kueck, BHS-61, talks about a similar experience in the early 60's. John wrote, "a few of us from Boone commuted to Iowa State in those days and one day as I left for Boone, just east of Ames, I found that the highway had been closed. Fortunately, John Doran, BHS-61, had rented a house to live in Ames and I stayed there overnight. It was a poorly insulated house and the room temperature was in the mid-50's. It was tough sleeping on the couch with a single blanket. A few other commuters had left for Boone earlier and got stranded part way home. Doug Gustafson, BHS-61, stayed in a farmer's house with about 50 others. He said he barely made it to the house due to the snow, wind and cold. He was also disgusted by others who stayed in the home and displayed rude treatment for the home's family, who had fifty unexpected guests and were doing the best they could to accomodate them."

       John added, "regarding your mention of ice skating, that was my passion from age eight until cruising became a fascination."

K-----K 

       Boone folks are aware by now but for the benefit of those who are spread all around the U.S.A. and depend on the Korner for recent local happenings, the Boone County Hospital recently announced important changes to its Home Care Services and the F. William Beckwith Adult Day Services.

       A news release notes that, "after ongoing and careful evaluation of our operations, BCH has made the difficult decision to close our Home Health and Adult Day Center services due to persistently low patient volumes," says Mikaela Kienitz, BCH CEO. "Home Health is currently serving 42 clients, versus a census of 84 just five years ago, and the average daily census of the Adult Day Center is less than three." Both programs will close on June 20, 2026. It was also noted that the Meals on Wheels program will not be affected.

       Income, lack of income or lack of participation is always a factor, of course, of such decisions and that seems to be the main, if not only, reason for these changes.

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.coml 

       

        

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        Harold Blaskey, 85, Boone. BHS-58. Services in Boone.     

        Kathryn Jean Cook Tweed, 77, Lakewood, CO. Born in Boone. BSH-67. Frequently on the honor roll, played the organ at church, participated in speech, choir, pep club and was prom queen. Boone Junior College. Married Dan Tweed in Boone in 1968. The couple lived in Ames, Maryland and finally, in Colorado. After separating, Jean and the children remained in Colorado where she was a secretary and accountant. She retired from Jeffco Public Schools. She was preceded in death, among others, by her ex-husband, Dan Two sons, Sean and Aaron, survive as do seven siblings, John, Jim, Jo and Jeff Cook, Judy Lamb, Janet Hartje and Julie Spiess. A memorial service will be held in Iowa in the spring of summer.

        Mary Lou Harrison, 92, Ames. During her teaching career, spent some time in Stratford. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Rick Lee Sherrard, 54, Boone. Born in Des Moines. BHS-90. Navy vet. Worked a variety of jobs, including at Iowa State and for TriLite Windows. His father, Robert Sherrard, and brother, Jerry, Sherrard survive. Burial in Boone.       

       Dr. John F. "Jack" Murphy, 88, Boone/Westhaven. Born in Illinois. Terril IA HS-58. Married Judith Cook. A University of Iowa grad, he was part of a rotating internship at Broadlawns until military service as a flight surgeon during the Viet Nam war. After service, he returned to Iowa to practice family medicine and work as an anesthetist for 40 years at the Boone County Hospital. Retired in 2010. As a member of the hospital staff, he served as chief of staff four times. A past president of the Chamber of Commerce and Boone Lions Club, he also was a City Parks Commissioner. An avid reader, he enjoyed tennis, skiing, golf and swimming. Jack also became known as Boone's Johnny Appleseed, leading a corps of volunteers that planted over 9,000 trees in public places. Survivors include his wife, Judy, and three sons, Michael, BHS-78 (Shelly); Thomas, BHS-82 (Laurel) and John, BHS-87, (Carla). A private family graveside service will be held later.

       Larry Paul Anderson, 85, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in Newton. Grew up in Boone, BHS-58. After work at a clothing store and bank, Larry worked for Quinn Foundry until retirement in 1989. He married Gloria Cramb, 1965-79. That couple was blessed with three children who survive, Melissa, Matthew and Meredith. Daughter Amy is deceased. Larry married Colleen Williams in 1980. Larry dedicated his life to public service at church, for the Red Cross and the Boone Elks Lodge No. 2884. He enlisted in the Iowa National Guard in 1963 and retired as a Staff Sergeant in 1990. Governor Robert Ray awarded him with a special honor for his dedicated assistance to Laotian and Vietnamese families settling in Iowa after the Vietnam War. Survivors include his wife, Colleen, and two stepchildren, Holly, BHS-89, (Todd) Christensen and Hans, BHS-92, (Amy) Pollard. Four siblings, William, Robert and Dennis Anderson and Patty Scholten, also survive. Services in Boone. 

       Jarrod Pringle, 57, Webster City/Stanhope. Born in Webster City. Worked in masonry. Best known for being an avid fisherman in Boone, Hamilton and Webster Counties. 

        

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       John E. Nalean, 74, Espanola, NM. Grew up on family farm south of Beaver. OHS-69. An excellent athlete and class salutatorian. Attended the University of Iowa. Army vet. Returned home to farm southwest of Ogden. Later, worked several years in sales jobs. Settled in New Mexico in 2016. Survivors include a daughter, a son, two brothers, Loren (Lisa) Nalean of Boone, and Steve (Marti) Nalean of Ogden, and  sister, Susan Nalean, of Boone. Burial in Ogden at a later date.

       Travis Lee Hughes, 54, Lamoni. Survivors include a sister, Heidi (Rusty) Hicks, of Boone. A COL will be held later.