BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Jay H. Honohan, 96, Iowa City. Born in Illinois. His parents were Harold and Evelyn Sproule Honahan. BHS-48. BJC-50. Navy Korean War vet. At ISU, earned a degree in Industrial Psychology in 1955 and from the State University of Iowa earned his Juris Doctor Degree in 1960. Married Nancy Lee Leary in Keota in 1958. Started law practice in Iowa City in 1960 with sole practice beginning in 1970. He served as a Police Judge and for City Attorney for Iowa City for several years. He was active in legal committees, his church and the Jaycees. Numerous times he was honored with prestigious awards including Boss of the Year, the Iowa Bar Association award of Merit and as a volunteer for various organizations. He was a lifelong Cub and Iowa Hawkeye fan, Survivors include three children, his sister, Kay Flockhart, (BHS-51) and niece Calista (Harrison Ford) Flockhart among many other nieces and nephews. Services in Iowa City.

ITS A MISHMASH TODAY

       I, the Kornerman, must confess, I'm not a die-hard racing fan, although I have a passing interest in the past and upcoming races and I do know some of the history, past and present, nationally and locally, of this long time sport.

       Despite this somewhat limited appeal, I do, as all Iowans should, "bust our buttons" for the great success of the NASCAR events in Newton and the annual race schedules at Knoxville and, especially, in Boone.

       A sell-out crowd watched the action at the Iowa Speedway over the weekend and both the Knoxville and Boone tracks will be attracting their usual terrific support for their upcoming events. These are events for all Iowans to be proud of and wonderful assets for our state to point to.

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       An old friend, former KWBG announcer Mark Campbell, BHS-67, has some good information to relay regarding our recent spiel about the changes underway for AM radio.

       He mentions that K-Dub has an FM translator 101.5 and "it has pretty good coverage, even to the south at night where the AM doesn't quite make it due to directional requirements." 

       Mark went on to say that, "I'm with Vern Modeland on this one. Its disappointing to hear AM stations go dark. WBT in Charlotte, N.C. just switched its new/talk format to FM. WSB in Atlanta no longer identifies its AM frequency (750). Instead it is WSB-95.5. Local small market stations are dropping like flies. KGRN Grinnell and the former KCOB-Newton are dark and the future does not bode well for other big stations. KMOX St.Louis and WCCO-Minneapolis, former powerhouses in their respective markets, are not even in the top 10. Its a sad time for us former radio folks and listeners. But one surprise. The former WOW-Omaha went dark within the past year but one enterprising buyer is putting the AM-590 back on the air with WOW call letters."

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       Always nice to hear from former residents.

       The Kornerman had a good visit with Tom Lainson, BHS-57, who is now a settled resident of Dallas after a long work career with Coldwell Banker Real Estate. Tom says his days of travel to Boone are probably "over now," as he still dreams of those Boyd's malts. Tom grew up near the number three tee at the Boone Golf and Country Club. His wife, Sandy Shadle, BHS-59, grew up at 1128 Crawford.

       Betty McElyea Vitt wrote, "I religiously read your blog after my sister, Marilyn, BHS-54, told me about it. She was an avid Kelley's Korner fan. Marilyn passed away in California in 2024." Betty also lost her husband, BHS-57 classmate, Fred Vitt, in 2010.

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       Finally, an item in the recent news caught my eye. In 1896, the first recorded speeding ticket was issued. Some poor person was cited for driving (I don't know what) eight miles per hour in a two miles per hour zone.

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        Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, 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@blog spot. com. 

        

        

        

        

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Shirley Lorraine Ross Parrish, 92, Tennesee. Born in Boone. BHS-52. Her parents (deceased) were Clayton and Edna Ross. She married into the military and lived in various states. Settled in Tennessee. A sister, Dorothy Ross Harris, BHS-50, of Boone, preceded her in death. A daughter survives. Services in Tennessee. 

       Mershell Frist Putman, 74, Des Moines. Born in Boone. Final Boone Ryan High School class 1970. Earned a stenographic diploma from AIB in Des Moines. Her parents (deceased) are Ruth and Wayne Frist. Was blessed with a "bonus dad," LeRoy McGinnis, also now deceased but an important part of her life. Married Richard Putnam of Perry in 1972. Mershell had a distinguished military career at a Air National Guard base in California before returning to Iowa for 12 years of part-time service. She lived in St. Charles while working for Principal Financial, moved to Harlan to be a full-time legal secretary and then to Carlisle to continue her military service in Des Moines. She totaled 32 years of military service, including 20 years full-time and a rank of E-8. That service took her across the world. After retirement, she worked for a law firm until May of 2025. Mershell was deeply involved in community and church endeavors and had a special gift of bringing people together. Survivors include two daughters, a brother, Mike (Judy) Frist of Boone, and a sister. Services in Des Moines and Adel. 

WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?

       Yes, I know, some of us are old and even, occasionally, cranky but that long experience can be a valuable asset.

        That's why we always enjoy hearing from 94-year old Vern Modeland, BHS-50, for his observations of the world today, yesterday and, perhaps, even tomorrow. Communication has always been one of his greatest sources of wisdom.

        That love started with famous Boone High School physics instructor H.L. Cunningham and continued with work at KWBG and a couple other area  radio stations. Eventually, he secured an almost lifetime position, both in the mechanical operation, as well as on-air duties, with the Iowa "big guy," coast-to-coast WHO, Des Moines, Radio AM/FM-TV.

        Vern is a close Korner and world "watcher" and in his latest offering, he's very concerned about something that could eventually impact all of us.

        It would be interesting to know how many radios appear in an average American home. One in the kitchen for sure, followed by the bathroom, living room, bedroom and, of course, even the garage. We're not even going to mention our vehicle options.

        There are those who already lock in faithfully to the FM mode but a vast majority still depend on AM material and if that would disappear, as Vern thinks it will, a game changer in every day living would be the result.

        In all honestly, I, the Kornerman, admit I am not savvy to this situation. I've done no research or made any effort to decipher the why's and where-fores, although I have had glimmers of some type of change in the way we listen to radio. I just know Vern is upset about all of the possibilities.

        He wrote, "I've spent the day online researching this latest broadcast radio thing. It turns out I may be one of the last to know how dead and dying it really is. I listened with sadness last night to the Tulsa clear channel radio voice advising its listeners that it was "moving" at the end of the month to 95 Mhz and there would be no more AM available. No other explanation, just, "it will be.""

        Vern concluded, "be prepared for the end of AM broadcast radio and the wonderful clear channel stations that allowed a look-in on the life and thoughts of those not adjusted to the blogs and thought control most recently encroaching on our lives."

        As we all have made our way through years of life, we've experienced many changes. Some have exploded into greatness while others have been a dud, and then there are those that, as my mother used to say, we should just give some time too, "wait and see." 

        I imagine, eventually, we'll find out.....something.......for sure.

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        Congratulations to another BHS grad who is making an impressive move.......good for him and good for Iowa State University.

        Jesse Howard, BHS-93, is joining the ISU Department of Music and Theatre as the Theatre Office Coordinator.

        An ISU news release stated, "Jessie will be a valuable asset to our department as he supports our students, faculty, and staff in creating a collaborative and welcoming environment."

        The release adds, "Jessie brings more than 25 years of experience in administration, operations, customer service, and leadership across healthcare, higher education partnerships, and technology. As Technical and Volunteer Coordinator at Mary Greeley Medical Center's hospice, and formerly, Israel Family Hospice House, he manages administrative operations, coordinates volunteers, supports special events, and collaborates across departments to provide exceptional service to patients and families."

        The Kornerman has known Jessie as an extremely dedicated longtime supporter of Boone youth baseball, primarily as a top notch umpire.....good enough to be selected to work worldwide championship baseball games in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA.

        Congratulations to another Boone resident who has earned the praise of his home community.

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        Worldwide Korner headquarters are still located at 929 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

       Larry Wayne (Como) Reutter, 89, Ogden. Born in Ogden. Raised on a family farm between Boxholm and Pilot Mound. Boxholm HS-57. Married Jacqueline Marie Craven in 1965. He was the eighth of what would become 15 children. He often talked about the school bus coming to the house and nine children either coming or going. During a junior high concert, Larry sang a solo and his friends began calling him Como, referring to a popular singer of the day, Perry Como. A big Chicago Cub fan, Como started work driving a dump truck and in construction. Returning to farming, Como and his brother Jake were partners, farming over 2300 acres until retirement in 2009. Survivors include his wife, Jacqueline, of Ogden, a son, Chad, and a daughter, Heather and siblings, including Leo Reutter of Boone and Marlene Rabern of Ogden. A COL will be held in Ogden.

       Gloria A. Elsberry Stiles, 82, Boone. Born in Boone. Her parents were A.Ben and Ruby (Williams) Elsberry. Both are deceased. Grand Community HS-62. Married Danny Stiles in Boone in 1966. Gloria worked at Bournes from 1964-83, then was a part time night shift worker at the ISU Medical Center. From 1988-98 she helped Danny at Stiles Fix It Shop while also taking care of her mother. Gloria had an addiction to anything M&M's with 3,500 pieces collected. She loved travel, cross stitch and scrapbooking. Survivors include her husband, Danny, two sons, Randy (Megan) and Brian "Boomer" Stiles all of Boone. A COP will be held. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Judy M. Walters Keel, 67, Ogden. Born in Belmond. He parents were Marvin and Gladys Walters, both deceased. Educated in Boone. Married David Keel in Ogden in 1985. David is deceased. Judy enjoyed golfing. Survivors include a son, T.J. (Amy) Keel of Ames, a grandson, Trevor Keel, of Ames and a brother, Jerry (Eva) Walters of Boone. Services in Ogden. 

       Larry (Como) Reutter, 89, Ogden/Accura Health. 

       Betty Jo (Kueck) Swanson, 93, Boone. Born in Missouri. William Chrisman HS. Married Kenneth G. Swanson in Boone in 1975. Betty Jo worked as a secretary for many companies in Missouri, California and Iowa including the Rolfes Company in Boone for 15 years and the Iowa High School Athletic Association for 10 years. She loved sports and played competitive tennis for many years. Survivors include her husband, Kenneth, and two sons, Robert, BHS-81, and Eric, BHS-82, Foster. Services in Boone.

       Melvin Craven, 82, Burlington. Born in Boone. His parents were Charles and Audrey (Bennett) Craven. Stanhope HS-62. National Guard vet, 1961-69. Married Judy Kruse in Ogden in 1964. Worked at Danfoss for 37 years. He enjoyed camping, traveling and having projects to work on. Survivors include his wife, Judy, their children, Alan and Laurie, a sister, Jan Monson, and a brother, Dennis (Bobby) Craven. Services in Burlington. 

       Ina Belle (Mo) Bertrand Lofy, 97, Boone. Born in Kansas. Married Lawrence Ray Peterson in 1946. After living on a farm near Morganville, KS, the family moved to Boone in 1962. Ray died in 1968 and in 1972, Ina Belle married Richard Lofy and a move was made to Clear Lake. An expert seamstress, she had a passion for quilting. During some time at Garner, IA, she worked at Country Threads Quilt Shop until retirement at age 85. Earlier in life, she had worked at Bourns and Hach Chemical in Ames. Ina Belle enjoyed flower gardening, crocheting, sewing and was an avid bowler. Survivors include a brother and three children, including Deborah (Alan) Arringdale of Boone. No services are planned. 

       Pauline Foshe Osentowski, Lincoln, Neb. Survivors include a brother, Ron (Nancy) Foshe of Madrid. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Roger Wyant Cook, 92, Boone/Dayton/Eastern Star. Born in Missouri. Eagleville HS-52. Earned a teaching degree from Northwest Missouri State and a Master's in education from Iowa State. He taught in Missouri and Bedford, IA, along with National Guard service. The family moved to Boone in 1962 where Roger began a 32-year career at Boone Jr/Sr HS. He taught government, was a guidance counselor, coached four different sports, was a basketball official and Goeppinger Field announcer. Roger enjoyed farming, golfing, boating, playing slow pitch and was a lifelong horse lover who trained and raced thoroughbreds at regional tracks. He also served on the Boone City Council. In 1984, Roger married Jo Corso of Davenport and the couple began a 40-year journey together until Jo's death. Roger was also preceded in death by his former wife and mother of his children, Joyce (Hutton) Cook. Survivors include his children and stepchildren, including Amy Priest of Boone.      

        Mary Margaret Parker, 83, Boone. Formerly of Granite City, IL. Survivors include a daughter, Connie (Dan Meyer) Parker of Boone. Services in Illinois. 

        Richard (Dick) Lee Carr, 94, Ames. Born in Boone. Services in Ames.

        Barbara Jean Pedersen Johnson, 71, Boone. Born in Minnesota. Her parents were Harold and Eve Pedersen. Survivors include her husband, Kevin Johnson, three children, as well as step-children and foster children and two siblings. A COL is planned.

        Elaine Sue Youngren, Ankeny, Formerly of Dayton. Was a social worker who served in various capacities at several agencies, including in Boone.