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. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Linda Hopkins Nutt, 83, Boone. Born in Dexter, IA. BSH-61. Earned a teaching degree at the University of Northern Iowa and taught for 35 years, primarily at the Ogden North Middle School. Linda loved science and was the person to consult concerning anything related to that topic. She enjoyed spending time with her best friend, Jane Martin, and loved golfing with the "Golfing Grannies." She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom. Survivors include two daughters, Kathy (Brian) McCarey and Boone resident, Wendy (Travis) Patterson, her brother, Ron Hopkins, and several grandchildren. Private service and COL in Boone.    

       Barbara "Barb" "Barbie" Ann Pittman, 72, Jefferson. Survivors include two daughters, Danielle Dalton of Madrid and Gloria "Jim" Conrad of Ogden. A COL will be held later.

       Barbara Jeanne Bryan Kordick, 86, Atlantic. Formerly of Corning. Married Wayne Kordick in 1961. Survivors include a daughter-in-law, Julie Kordick of Boone. Services in Corning.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        Judith Janelle Houston Knutson, 87, St. Louis. BHS-57. The family settled in Boone but it was in Dunlap Iowa that she met Bill Knutson, her future husband. The couple built their life and family in the Crawford and Monona County area of southwest Iowa. In Dunlap, the couple was active in church, Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star. In the mid 80's, they quit farming when Judy accepted a job in Omaha at the Marriott International Reservation Center. Later, she was promoted to the sales team at the Marriott Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Additional promotions were received and she eventually became the opening Director of Sales at the new Residence Inn by Universal Studios. The couple enjoyed retirement in Orlando but then health issues brought them to St. Louis and a closeness to family members. In 2003, Judy was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and she became one of the longest known survivors of that dread disease. Survivors include four children and two brothers. Services in Soldier, Iowa.     

        Norma Jean Herridge, 89, Ogden/Accura Healthcare. Born in rural Ogden. OHS-55. Was a volunteer for many years at the Ogden Manor and Ogden Rural Main Street. She loved to crochet and knit. Many of her pot holders were distributed with food pantry items through her church. She also knit scarfs for active military serving overseas. Services in Ogden. 

       Sandra Kay "Sandi" Kruse Miller, 82, Ankeny. Born in Perry. Grew up in Beaver. Ogden HS-61. Married Anthony Tony Miller in 1977. Sandi worked for Ogden Municipalities for 33 years, retiring in 2004. She loved the Hawkeyes and Cubs. Sandi gave generously, loved fiercely and left behind a family that is a testament to everything she was. Survivors include her husband, four children and her brother, Daryl Kruse of Boone. Sandi was baptized in Ogden and a service will be held in Ankeny followed by a graveside service in Ogden. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        Merle Lee Krug, 84, Marion. Born in Boone. BHS-59. Navy vet. After service, worked at Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids. Married Mary Wheat in 1967. They divorced. Merle was an avid woodcarver. He enjoyed making homemade wine and beer. A faithful church member. Survivors include a son and his sister, Doris Krug Simmons of Boone. Services in Cedar Rapids.    

        Kate Lenora Masterson Uthe, 95, Boone. Born in Kansas City. Grew up in Boone. BSH-49. Married George Otto in 1950. The couple made their home on a farm in Boone County. She loved telling old stories, eating good food and laughing together. Her faith was important and she was active in the many parishes she belonged too. In her later years, she returned to her childhood parish, Sacred Heart in Boone. She worked as a student aide at South Hamilton school, took exercise classes, was active in church and enjoyed listening to audiobooks. Kate was very ornery, honest, blunt and headstrong, always ready to have fun and enjoy the finer things of life. Survivors include her children, Steve, John and Jim Uthe, Janet Young, Mary Key Steele and Pat Butler. Services in Ames.    

       Warren Hugo Claussen, 96, Ogden/Grimes/Kennybrook Village. Born in Ogden. OHS-46. Joined his father in operating a Texaco station. Married Carol Thrailkill in 1951. Iowa Army National Guard vet from 1948 to 1969 when he retired as a Major with over 20 years of service. Earned a degree in business administration and accounting at age 45 from Drake University in 1974. Worked for an accounting firm in Des Moines for a time and then joined City State Bank in Ogden in 1978. He retired in 1992 but served on the Ogden BancShares board of directors from 1994-2008. Warren was an active church member, served on the Ogden School Board for six years and was a 22-year board member of the Ogden Telephone Company. Survivors include a daughter, Deb Kesse, three sons, Steve, Dan and Tom, and a sister, Kathryn Handy. Services in Ogden.      

       Robert Lundy, 68, Boone. Service in Texas later. 

THEN AND NOW

       So, what's on the mind of a 91-year old on a beautiful Sunday morning in my favorite city, Boone Iowa? 

        Just read that today marks the 92nd birthday for Frankie Valli, the lead singer of the Four Seasons......."Can't take my eyes off of you" fame. Great news Frankie. You're an inspiration.  Keep on "pumpin out" that great music. And, I didn't realize that long time country singer Gary Morris, 78, wrote that beautiful song, "Wind beneath my wings."

        The news is not so great concerning country star Alan Jackson, who, at only 68, is no longer hitting the road due to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which effects mobility and balance. And its his famous song, "Remember When" that fits right into the main subject of this offering.

         Remember when? Yup....I got caught tripping down memory lane last night. Couldn't hide an eruption of great hilarity which resulted in wife Jo's question...."What in the world are you laughing about?"

         Truth is...it was 8:45 p.m., a usual bedtime these days, and I was thinking of those many young years past when that was about the time we youngsters, mainly teenagers, got ready to go.......SOMEWHERE.

          I, the Kornerman, grew up around 17th and Crawford with many more friends south of me than north. So, I'd start WALKING south and seemed to meet with kids from all different directions all along the way to the downtown area.

          By the time we'd hit Eighth and Story, there might be a dozen or more in our mixed group. Obviously, none of us had access to a vehicle and we weren't looking for trouble. Just the opposite really, good conversation and, perhaps, a trip to Boyd's for a shake or a coke at the Bon Appetite.

         Weapons? You have to be kidding unless you consider closed fists as weapons. Still, it was admittedly a bit unusual for a young group to gather on a downtown street corner at that time. They may not have even been called, but it wouldn't be unusual for some cops to drop by to see if everything was O.K.. They'd seen this same scene many times before.

          Then too, this oldster has never quite grasped this newer education format......open campus, that kind of thing. At times, I see young people, backpacks and all, walking or biking toward school like at 9 a.m. or even later? And, its not unusual to see similar sights at maybe 2 or 3 p.m. heading away from school.

           I'll be honest, I can't recall whether in my day, the late 40's, early 50's, what, if any food option there, was from the school. If so, I never participated. I remember some of the students who bused in from the rural area or ever some others "brown bagging" at noontime in the bleachers above the old gym.

          All during junior and senior high, my main option was.......walking straight down Crawford Street from 17th to school at 8th......nine blocks. Had to be there at 8 a.m., left for lunch at home at noon, back to school at 1 p.m. and in the classroom until 4 p.m.......before activity involvement.

          I can't imagine the hundreds of times I made that trip. If walking is the best exercise, I must have been in the best condition of my life. Wish I could say the same today.

          Oh yes.....there's the railroad which I failed to mention. Even with the back and forth, I had thirty minutes to consume the wonderful lunch my terrific mother prepared but a possible hindrance was the good old Chicago and Northwestern. I'm sure I'm not the only person who can remember many instances when  we north siders had close calls "beating" those trains as we made our way to school.

          At my age, I confess......there are many things that my memory has lost. However, there are some that are still available and pop up now and then........and usually prompt a good laugh or two, like last night. And, that's pretty good medicine.

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......kttps:/kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com.