Tuesday, July 14, 2026

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Marlys George, 95, Boone/Westhaven. Formerly of Gilmore City. Services in Boone. 

       LaVonne Lois Hartong Hagen, 96, Ogden/Eastern Star. Born in Ida Grove. Sutherland HS-48. Married Paul Otis Hagen in 1954. The family lived in Boone but then moved to Ogden in 1956. In 1958, they moved to their own farm, south of Ogden. Survivors include her son, Steven (Connie) of Ogden, a daughter, Cynthia, and her twin sister, LaDonna. Services in Ogden.

       Jared Alan Pepper, 45, Colo. Born in Boone. His parents are Gerald Pepper, deceased, and Carol Dieffenbach Steinberg. Jared worked in construction as a project manager. He was devoted to his children and always willing to lend a hand. Jared faced struggles throughout his life and wasn't perfect. However, those who truly knew him, also knew his kindness, love for his family and the goodness that existed within him. Survivors include his mother, Carol (Arthur) Steinberg, three children, Connor, Joshua and Allison, and a sister, Addie. A COL will be held in Colo. 

Monday, July 13, 2026

PROVIDING INFORMATION

        I imagine the old Kornerman is dreaming (again) but shouldn't our surrounding community be, at least, a top contender for the best or REAL vacation spot for the state of Iowa this summer.

       The parks and normal attractions......like the Scenic Valley, Mamie Eisenhower home, various golf courses etc. are a "given" but, in addition, we have half-a-dozen events to brag about and/or take part in.

       Get your pen, pencil and pad ready as we recite some things that, unfortunately, will see limited or zero acknowledgement (sad but true) from any media coverage, except from KWBG radio (thanks guys), regarding these events.

       The 34th annual Iowa Band Festival is history. It concluded Saturday.

       But, let's look ahead for advanced planning. Ready? Write these down on your calendar.

       BOONE COUNTY FAIR - July 15-19.

       RAGBRAI IN TOWN - July 21.

       FARM PROGRESS SHOW - September 1-3.

       SUPER NATIONAL RACES - September 7-12.

       PUFFERBILLY DAYS - September 18-20.

       As long as we're at it......Boone's first school day will be July 27. The first Toreador football game is at Jefferson-Scranton, August 28 and the first home game will be vs Greene County on September 4.

      Surely there is something I have failed to include and I apologize for any slights of important dates.

      Add these dates to your calendar now.......later you'll be wondering when.

K-----K

       John Kueck, BHS-61, a faithful Korner follower liked the story on Lindy's. He wrote, "to quote Wiki...Wikipedia indicates that the building was constructed in 1913-14 and "housed a plant for producing and bottling CARBONATED soft drinks, a significant industry in Boone." I remember Lindy's well and especially the orange and grape pop, my favorites. But, they were NOT carbonated. I remember this well, as when our family went on vacation, I would order orange pop, but not drink it, as it was always canbonated and I did not like it. Only Lindy's seemed to be non-carbonated."

K-----K

       A couple things at random......old age or being forgotten are probably the reasons for the changes.

       Starting in my junior high days, the 1950's, someone or some group started calling me Mo rather than Morris. That has stuck with me for seventy years until I've noticed recently..... especially places attended like doctor's office's, restaurants etc. Morris has been much more prevalent and.......

       Don't know about you but as I've grown older, my body temperature has changed. Air conditioning used to be a needed friend. Now, a coat, at least at hand, has been a necessity when being "out." I still enjoy a nice warm day outside but its different when I come into the air conditioned house. 

       Oh well!! Something else to complain about or cry about.

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. 

 

 

        

 

        

        

          

Friday, July 10, 2026

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Marleen Ann Forsman Moffitt, 90, Boone/Northridge Village, Ames. Born in Sumner. Independence HS. Teaching degree from Luther College. Taught in Minnesota and at Franklin Elementary in Boone. Married Stan Moffitt in New Hampton in 1958. Marleen's greatest joy was her family and the time spent with them at home, in Clear Lake and traveling the world. She was a member of the Boone NO chapter of P.E.O., the Salvation Army Advisory Board, Ericson Public Library Board, Youth and Shelter Services Board and taught preschool age Sunday School for many years. Survivors include her husband, Stan, BHS-52, of Ames, formerly of Boone, and Boone residents, a daughter, Mary, BHS-79, (Bruce) Anderson and a son, Chris, BHS-83, (Krista) Moffitt. A sister also survives. Services in Boone.      

        Kathryn Lynn (Kathy) Anderson Larson, 72, Norwalk. Stratford HS-71. Boone DMACC  in paralegal studies. Survivors include a daughter, Amy, a son, Brian, and a sister, Betty Swanson.  Services in Stratford.      

        Debra Sharp Ray, 68, Boone. Born in Missouri. Married Tom Ray in 2007. She was a caregiver at the Woodward Resource Center. Lived a life defined by her heart of gold, moving through the world with a gentle kindness that left everyone better than they were before. She had an unwavering faith in God and her deepest joy was her family. Survivors include her husband, Tom, her mother, Sharon Sharp, her brother, Mike, her three children, Corey, Cody and Jessica Gifford, and her best friend, Pam McLey. Service in Boone.

        Rita Ann Clemons, 59, Ames. Survivors include a sister, Alice (Glen Bobzien) Kenny, stepfather, Dale Howe, step-brother, Patton (Terri) Howe all of Boone. A COL later. 

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

A GOOD FRIEND, LOST

       Please, excuse me.

       I'm going to be fudgin' slightly today.

       As regular Korner viewers know, obituaries are an important part of our service but restrictions are required. We scan a large Central Iowa area for information and anytime we see ANY connection to Boone, Ogden and Madrid, plus any other immediate areas in our "circle" we include that.

        Today is an exception. 

        A very good friend has died. Don Allen Uker of Denison passed on Monday. He does not fit our normal obituary criteria, However, he does leave a host of statewide friends, including several from the Boone area.

         A few months past, Don hosted a get together of good friends in Denison and Jo and I attended. In addition, Boone residents, the Wulkow's, Rick and Barb, and the Anderson's, Dave and Sandy, were there. 

         Also in attendance was Father Craig Collison, BSH-70, of Carroll and many other friends of "Uke" from various areas of the state.

         You may have noted a connection there. Yes, it was the Iowa High School Athletic Association that resulted in this alliance. Specifically, the Iowa Boys State High School Basketball Tournament.

          Rick Wulkow, Dave Anderson and I, as well as Father Craig and Uker, shared many years working, on behalf of the Association, during numerous state tournaments.

          While I was assigned the task of "mike duty," honoring teams and individuals, "Uke" and Father Craig were the Public Address announcers for all the games, for thirty years or more.

          Don Uker and I have weaved a rather similar path during our lifetimes. Don was a long time radio man at KDSN in Denison, eventually becoming the station owner. "Uke" and I, at KWBG in Boone, both aired hundreds, if not thousands of high school athletic events, play-by-play or event-by-event.

           Don was born in September of 1934 and I was born in March of 1935, both 91 years of age but Don, about half a year older.....and much smarter and more wise.

           That's probably where any similarity ends. Don authored some books, including, "Don Uker's Joke Book." And yes, he was quite the banquet speaker and story teller, true or untrue and naughty or nice. 

          Older folks will remember Donna Reed, a Denison girl who starred, with Jimmy Stewart, in that long time favorite holiday movie, "It's A Wonderful World,"  as well as "From Here to Eternity" and the Donna Reed TV show. "Uke" was a prime motivator for establishment of the Donna Reed Festival, which was held annually in Denison for many years and provided the impetus for the Donna Reed Foundation for the Performing Arts which provided scholarships for potential artists.

           With Don's presence, laughter and hilarity was always expected.......but despite various problems of  age related health issues, he refused to bend until now. His numerous good friends and admirers in Iowa are left, simply with sadness but also great memories of his many years of wonderful companionship.

           Don was preceded in death by his wife, Constance, and a son, Kevin. Survivors include his partner, Phyliss Harms, two daughters and a sister. Service information is pending. 

          

          

          

           

           

          

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Steve Jay, 72, Boone. Born in Ames. His parents were Wayne and Millie (Cox) Jay. Steve and his wife, Theresa, lived in Arizona and Western Colorado, spending time camping, fishing and hiking. Steve had an adventurous heart and loved being a dad. He worked as a concrete finisher for many years and in 1993, started work with the Chicago and Northwestern and Union Pacific Railroads as a locomotive engineer until retirement. Survivors include his children,  Molly Jay of Boone and Alison Jay, his ex-wife and friend, Theresa Jay of Boone, two brothers, including David (Gloria) Jay of Boone and two sisters, including Jamie Jay Blomgren, BHS-66, of Ankeny, formerly of Boone. A private graveside service will be held.

       Karen Rhea Peterson, 88, Ogden. Born in Boone. BSH-55. Married Julene Peterson in Ogden in 1959. Karen worked for the U.S. Post Office as a rural route carrier in the Ogden area for 25 years. She enjoyed volunteering at the Scenic Valley gift shop, playing bridge, camping, going for long car rides, eating out with the girls and going to casinos. She was very support of the activities of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Julene passed in 2011. Survivors include daughters, Lori (Dennis) Good and Lisa Peterson, plus many other family members and friends. Services in Ogden.

       Robert "Bob" Allen Phillips, 88, Boone/Westhaven. Born in Des Moines. Grew up in Birmingham, IA and graduated in 1956. Joined the Navy in 1957, studying electronics. Bob married Beverly Ann Kracht in Birmingham in 1958. He was honorably discharged from service in 1964 and the family moved back to their hometown where he worked for a farmer and in an electronics factory. In 1966, the couple chose to return to military life and Bob joined the Air Force. His service then included work in Oklahoma, Thailand, California, New Hampshire, Mississippi and New Mexico. In Thailand, he flew 105 missions over North Vietnam as a radio controller. The family eventually moved to Boone so Bob could be an Air Force Recruiter in Ames. In 1979, he was honorably discharged after 20 years in the military. In Boone, the couple opened Phillips Office Supply but he concluded his work years in property maintenance for a housing development in Ames and as the Life Line program manager for the Home Care Division of the Boone County Hospital. Survivors include his wife, Beverly of Boone, a daughter, brother and two sisters. A COL will be held later.

 

Sunday, July 5, 2026

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Tommy (Tom) Maurice Kendall, 77, Boone. Passed after a long battle with cancer and its lasting effects.Born in Jefferson and grew up on a farm in that area. Earned a B.S. degree in Industrial Education from Iowa State University. Married Phyliss Magner in Mason City in 1971. Iowa National Guard vet. Tom spent his entire 45-year career working for Skarshaug Testing Laboratories in Ames where he served as Production Manager until retirement in 2014. A faithful church attendee, he taught Sunday School for many years. He enjoyed woodworking, square dancing and making home and yard improvements. Survivors include his wife, Phyliss, two sons and two brothers. Services in Boone and Sheffield.

        Dennis Lee Hughes. 77, Decatur County IA. A lifelong farmer, he dedicated his life to the land that he loved. In later years, he was a truck driver. Dennis was happiest when he was outdoors, hunting, fishing, looking for arrowheads, target shooting and taking his grandkids for a tractor ride. He loved sharing these single moments, never lingered indoors or sit still for long. Four children survive, including Heidi (Rusty) Hicks of Boone. Two sisters also survive.

       Mary Joanne Standley Roberts, 95, West Branch.  Born in Boone. BHS-49. Boone Junior College. Iowa State Teacher's College (now UNI) Active in Toreador band and drum and bugle corps. Taught kindergarten at Aplington and in 1954, married Leonard Roberts when he was on military leave. The couple taught in Cedar Rapids, Hudson, Jewell, Maquoketa as well as Lombard and Bloomington, IL. Jo had an infectious laughter and claimed she seized every chance to laugh that life presented. Leonard passed in 2017. Four children survive. Services in Kalona.

         Ronald B. Bell, 87, Clinton. Born in Boone. Army vet. After Korean War service, he started  five years of work with the railroad and married Kathleen Scanlan. In 1963, became a salesman for a Clinton firm for the next 35 years. After retirement, worked five more years for a plumbing company. Ron's wife, Kathleen, and four children survive. Services in Fulton and Clinton. 

Thursday, July 2, 2026

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        Joseph A. Shadle, 79, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in Ogden. Married Jane Williams in Zearing in 1978. She passed in 1997. The couple made their home in Boone. Joe worked for the Department of Transportation for 42 years. He was a fan of racing, NASCAR, Formula One, drag and boat. He also enjoyed attending car, gun, art and craft shows. Attending flea markets, thrift stores and garage sales, he collected a bit of everything. Joe was also a good photographer/videographer. Survivors include a daughter, Bethany (Chris Dudney) Shadle of Boone, and a son, Kyle. A COL and graveside will take place in Boone and Cambridge.    

        Rex Davis, 99, Harlan/Elm Crest Senior Living. Born in Boone. Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson HS. Marine vet. Service in Avoca.

       Arlene Jane  Chally, 86, Stratford. Born in Webster City. Her parents were Sidney L.Q. Westrum and Geraldine Edna Speck. Grew up on a farm east of Stratford. Attended Iowa State University and was an avid Cyclone fan.. Married Jerold Lee Chally, who is a big Hawkeye fan, in 1962. The couple spent their lives farming. A homemaker, Arlene also worked at ISU in the Employee Benefits Office for 15 years before retirement. She was a talented seamstress and baker with quilts and delicious apple pies being her passion. Arlene was also a talented singer and skilled pianist. Survivors include her husband, Jerold, three children, including Bill (Dawn) Chally of Sratford. A private graveside service is planned.

       Terry Roy "Chief" Fitz Randolph. Ranier, MN. Spent time living in Stratford. Services in International Falls and Guthrie Center.