DEATH, LOVE AND MEMORIES

        I'm so sorry to report this but Jo and I have lost another close friend.

        For years, we have received and depended on some news from our friends, good and bad, back and forth, news that was shared as good friends normally do.

        Fact is, however, I guess  old age has simply caught up.

        A simple service is planned with further details to come a bit later. 

        Yup, we're finally making the move and yielding to better, more modern technology. Our land line telephone is being laid to rest.

         As simple as some pleasures are, they can still be difficult to remove and will, eventually, be missed. Perhaps the best thing our land line offered was the notification on the television screen the name of a party seeking our attention. If  it was something, obviously, not of our interest, we either quickly went back to our doze or tried to maneuver ourselves to that phones location, wherever it happened to be.

         Anyway, there are a few family members or friends that are still accustomed to that number so the notification of a necessary change will have to occur. 

         Soon, 1-515-432-1530 will be reaching its demise. So, on your calendar etc., replace that with Mo's cell phone number 1-515-230-0267 or Jo's 1-515-783-3985. Especially effected will be Korner viewers. Since the Korner's existence, we've always encouraged any feedback using that 1530 number. Now, our cell numbers will prevail, like it or not. Its progress......I guess. And, as always, our email address can be used for contact. Its listed at the end of each edition.

K-----K

       I love absentee voting.

       As Jo and I have aged, we have become more reliant on that type of participation. WHY NOT?

       I imagine just "getting out" is a solid reason to continue voting at a designated center on the exact day of the election, where you may see some folks you haven't seen for quite some time. HOWEVER, you can never depend on Iowa's weather, which could be bad or worse, or the length of large crowds waiting to vote that exact day. Regardless of the weather, with absentee ballots filled, all we need is a way to re-connect with the courthouse, before the deadline date, via some type of mailing device at our pleasure.

       And we've found that absentee voting is so simple. There are designated dates involved in the various elections but initially, well in advance, we indicate to the courthouse that we want to vote absentee. They quickly respond with the ballots whenever they are available and then, we fill them out to our desire and return them to the courthouse. 

       That's it.......DONE.

       While all those television advertisements continue, we can ignore them as much as possible and await election day and the final results.

       Yes, as pointed out......there could be a chance of late breaking news that might have effected our final vote but chances of that are probably pretty thin.

       So, the Kelley's have already voted and now, we do await the final results.

K-----K

       The Kornerman hadn't heard from an old friend and classmate, Richard Longworth, in some time but the recent Korner mention of the great Johnny Bright, yanked Dick's chain a bit and he had some great remembrances of Bright.

      Richard recalled, "Bright once played in Boone....softball, not football. The state championship was decided at the diamond in McHose Park and Bright was the star pitcher for one of the teams involved. I covered those games for the News Republican and was even appointed official scorer. Where Bright was concerned, it was an easy job---K's all the way. He was unhittable, a truly superior athlete. As I recall it, his team won the tournament."

      The Kornerman adds, "what memories of those great fast pitch softball state tournaments held right here in Boone on our McHose Park diamond. Huge crowds and great competition which could lead to a great story by itself."

K-----K

       Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 1-515-230-0267. Leave a message. To email your stories/memories/comments/death notices......https:/kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com 

        

       

 

 

 

          

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Norma Jean Fast, 83, Marshalltown. Formerly of Boone. Born in Des Moines. Her parents were Carl and Emma Fast. Gilbert HS-61. Worked in Chicago at Alden's department store for many years and then was at CDS Global in Boone until retirement. Known as "sis," she was an avid reader and known for her kindness to everyone. She loved the Chicago Bears, crossword puzzles and traveling. Two sisters, Carol (Leon) Lamer and Elizabeth (Rick) Browning, survive. A private family graveside service at Gilbert Cemetery.       

       Terry Crouch, 69, Lakefield, MN. Born in Boone. His parents were Bill and Doris Crouch. Grand Community HS. He started working in his dad's convenience store/gas station, along with his uncle Deck. After working briefly for Sandler Built Homes in Boone, he attended Lincoln Technical Institute of West Des Moines, learning about automotive and mechanical technology, then, Ellsworth Community College. He returned to Boxholm, working with his dad and then became a fuel manager at a truck stop in Des Moines. Terry, eventually, returned to Boxholm to take over the family business. Rosenbloom of Spirit Lake became his next employer, where he became a vital part of its maintenance program. A special part of Terry's life was the Shayla Bee Foundation, a mission centered on bringing hope, support and meaningful experiences to children and families facing childhood cancer and other serious illnesses.After marriage to Randine, Terry became the father of a daughter, Melissa, and a son Garrett. They, along with a brother, Robin, various in-laws and uncles survive. Services in Lakefield, Pilot Mound and Boxholm.

       Mary Ellen Miller Karas, 93, Chattanooga, TN. Born in Ogden. Her parents were Edgar and Rosamond Miller. OHS-51. Raised on a farm south of town. Had a career in banking. Married Richard C. Karas in 1964. The couple moved to Tennessee in 1983. She loved cats, music and caring for her yard. Survivors include a sister, Norma Jean Anderson, and sisters-in-law, Joyce and Peggy Miller. Services are pending.

A BIT OF THIS AND THAT

       The recent story on Pervical's drew a couple responses. 

        Martha Hilsabeck, BHS-62, remembered when her husband, Virgil, worked at Percival's. The couple married in 1963. Martha reported, "Virgil brought home $63.02 each week from his work there. We could spend $10.00 for a week's worth of groceries and still have money to pay rent, utilities etc. Those were the good old days. Thanks for keeping us in touch with those days."

         Mike Loehrer, BHS-64, wrote, "Percival's was the first real job I had, so I distinctly recall many events at the plant in '63 and '64. I started at $1.67 an hour and a short time later, jumped up to $1.76 and this was the same wage the guys who were supporting families received. To this day, I can name quite a number of fellow workers there and how they impacted my "growing up" period of life."

K-----K

        The latest minutes of meetings of the Boone County Historical Center board mentioned the landscaping that was continuing on the south side of the building as well as work on the front door, roof and various concrete updates. Racing in Boone County will be an exhibit feature in August/September of 2027. Work on that exhibit will begin in January.

         My-oh-my.....its hard to believe that the BCHC will soon have a 60th anniversary. There will be a special celebration on November 8, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m., with a program at 2:30 p.m. Also on your calendar add January 23, 2027, that will be the annual meeting day. 

K-----K

         Most of you are way too young to remember Johnny Bright.

         These old eyes of mine have seen and followed many great Iowa athletes but I've always said that Johnny Bright was one of, if not THE, best football player ever in Iowa, although he was not a Hawkeye State native. He came here from Indiana.

          He starred as a back for the Drake Bulldogs from 1949-51 and I see that finally, a statue of Bright has been added to the Drake campus near the football stadium to go along with the naming of the Drake Stadium in his honor. He received that honor several years ago.

          Bright actually lettered in three sports at Drake, football, track and basketball. 

          On the football field, he led the entire nation in total offense his sophomore and junior seasons and was recognized as a leading Heisman Trophy winner candidate in his senior year, again leading the nation in total offense.

          However, in a game against Oklahoma State, a tackle by the name of Wilbanks Smith became known nationwide. 

          In the first seven minutes of the game, Smith had purposely knocked Bright unconscious. Believe it or not, in those days, the Des Moines Register had an airplane that followed Iowa teams to certain games to speed up their coverage via pictures taken "from the air"  that accompanied game stories quickly back to Des Moines.

          In this particular case, clear pictures taken of Bright being targeted, actually breaking Brights jaw, became a world wide incident. The pictures of the flagrant actions earned a Pulitzer Prize for the Register and the actions by Smith  ended Johnny's college career.

          It was an amazing story and anyone interested in more details can find them on wikipedia.

          P.S. Bright was a first round pick in the NFL draft, but, instead, he chose to join the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League where he spent 12 years earning all kinds of honors, while breaking numerous football game and season records. 

K-----K

         Iowa's Caitlyn Clark is, of course, one of a kind nationally renowned basketball star but there have been many other ladies who call Iowa "home" and have made their own mark playing basketball.

         Not as well known, of course, but outstanding as well is another WNBA player from Iowa who continues to have an excellent career......and is, perhaps, too often overlooked.

         We're talking about Kiah Stokes, who was born in Cedar Rapids, attended Linn-Mar Marion High School and is currently a starting member of the Golden State Valkyries, a team still involved in the current playoff finals.She's already been a member of three WNBA championship teams, 2022, 2023 and 2025, with the Las Vegas Aces.

         Kiah stands 6-3 and is the daughter of a former University of Iowa star, Greg Stokes. Kiah had a successful career collegiately as a member of the successful University of Connecticut teams which reached NCAA Final Fours all four of her years there.

K-----K

         The Kornerman likes this.......Growing older is mandatory but growing up is optional. We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give.

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

       Rhonda Lynne Kerr Bagley, 73, Cambridge. Survivors include a niece, Teresa (Ron) Baker, of Boone. Services in Ames and Cambridge. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Joyce Marie Solomon, 96, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Born in West Milton, PA. Had lived in the Ann Arbor area for over 60 years. Survivors include a son, Daniel Solomon, of Ames, a former Boone resident and long time pastor of the Augustana Lutheran Church in Boone. 

       Michaela "Kayla" Annette Calllahan Rose, 50, Omaha. Born in Nebraska. BHS-94, after moving to Boone at age 10 when her mom, Norma, married Bob Paris. Had started fifth grade at Bryant Elementary. She enjoyed playing in the band from fifth grade to graduation and even played in the Municipal Band as a senior and a year later. She was happy to say she played in the first Municipal Band Festival. After several early jobs, she found farming with Junior John, ran the combine, did some trucking and learned lots of lessons about farming and life. Became a couple with Tyler in 2003 and started traveling to Phish shows. In 2004, the couple moved to Colorado so she could attend massage therapy school. Moved back home in 2007. She admitted she was obsessed with her kids. In 2020, she realized she had an alcohol problem and stopped drinking. Joined Trinity and started taking her faith more seriously. Survivors include her husband, Tyler, two children, Aidan and Liam, a brother, Patrick, her mother-in-law Lynne Jordan, best friend Amanda Runyan and her family and the Tom Rose family. Services in Boone.

       Deborah Faye Majors Lebo, 74, Boone. Born in Decorah. Grew up in Boone. Her parents, now deceased, were Erma and Harold Majors. BHS-70. Married Dale Lebo in 1970. Deborah built a long and dedicated career as a lab technician with the National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Services, now known as the USDA Research Lab in Ames. She retired in 2011 after over 35 years of service. Deborah was an active church member, singing, playing the bells and volunteering. She bowled, was a camper and loved boating, fishing, riding motorcycles, cooking and coaching softball. In 2022, her husband, Dale, suffered a brain injury due to a motor vehicle accident and Deb and family cared for him until his death in 2023. Survivors include a daughter, Toni Lebo (Michael) Tullis, twin sister, Donna Majors (Joel) Jones, and a brother, Ted Handlon. There will be a joint memorial tribute for Deborah and Dale in Boone.

A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE TOREADORS

       Late Tuesday, October 13, Boone High School claimed a state championship in class 1-A girls tennis competition in Cedar Rapids.

       Cedar Rapids Xavier had earlier claimed state championships in both singles and doubles play and, as a result, would be favored for the team crown.

       The two teams came into the match rated as the top two teams in the 1-A state rankings BUT it was Xavier that received the top billing.

       However, it was the Toreadors that prevailed with a 5-2 decision, the first Boone team title since 2008.

       Earlier, the Boone squad had defeated, Fairfield, 5-0, and Pella, 5-2, to advance to the final round.

       In singles play, Boone's Maiya Phanchantraurai, a freshman, lost in the title match to a four time state champion. Gabriella Fleming of Xavier, 6-4, 6-4.

       In doubles, Boone's Kaylee Kuehl and Livi Schneider captured fifth place. 

       CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR STATE CHAMPS, coached by Shawn Latimer and coach Jeb Hammen. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Karl "Doc" Grabau, 80, Boone. Born in Boone. His parents, now deceased, were Otto "Ott" and Adeline "Addie" (Borg) Grabau. South Hamilton HS-64. Doc had a long military career. Served in the Iowa National Guard from 1965-68, the U.S. Army from 1968-70 and finished as a guardsman from 1971-91. He married Sheryl Elvert but they divorced and he married Kathy (Craven) Losh in Boone in 1991. Kathy passed away in 2019. Doc was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 817 of Boone and a member of the Ames American Legion. Survivors include two sons, Matthew (Shellie) Grabau and Brandon Grabau and a step-son, Joe (Lori) Losh. Also surviving are a brother, Forrest (Stump) Grabau, and a sister, Paula "Pink" (Jim) Pudil. Services in Boone.

       Mary Elizabeth Dahmus Martens, 82 Ames. She is survived by her husband, Rev. Matthew Martens, who has served the Augustana Lutheran Church in Boone in various ways in his retirement. Two sons and four siblings also survive. Services in Ames. 

      Roger Lee Buechler, 83, Scottsdale, AZ. Born in Boone. His parents were Kenneth and Lyla (LeMaster) Buechler. UnitedCHS-60. Attended Sioux Falls College and lived in Sioux Falls. Worked as an office manager for Golden Rule construction. Moving to Arizona, he worked as an office manager for Grammar Construction. In retirement, he enjoyed driving transportation busses and was highly skilled as a car repair man. He was an avid NASCAR fan but his greatest joy was farming and building the Buechler and sons farming legacy. He was well known for his charm, sense of humor, generosity, and welcoming smile. Survivors include two daughters, Rachelle (Rick) Muir and Roxanne (Darin) Harr, a brother, Robert (Sheila) Buechler, a sister, Jean LeMaster, and an aunt, Lois (LeMaster) Nutt. Graveside service in Ames.