BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Reverend Ronald W. Nelson, 78, Ames. 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. 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.

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        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."

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       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.

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       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. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

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

        Richard Lincoln Handy, 96, Ames/Green Hills. Services in Ogden.     

        Larry Ross "Butch" Boersma, 85, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in Boone. BHS-58. Married Kathleen Deal in 1962. Butch was a drywaller, owning and running his own business. He retired from that work in Ames. In 1994, the couple moved to Fraser after purchasing the Damn Site restaurant. For over 20  years, they were snowbirds in Texas. When returning in the Spring, Butch enjoyed mowing at the Don Williams Golf Course until final retirement in 2020. He loved hunting and fishing, mushroom hunting, golfing, swimming, woodworking and bowling, especially going to state tournaments. He was a 60-year member of the Moose Lodge #104 in Boone and was involved in every aspect of it. Survivors are is wife, Kathy, and daughters, Kelle Cook and Chris Duncan. A COL will be held at the Moose Lodge.   

        Kelly Lee Zimmerman Moore, 64, Ogden, Cancer victim. Born in Lake City. Married Larry Moore. She dedicated her life to healthcare, with over 35 years as a nurse and six years as Director of Nursing at Kennybrook Village in Grimes. Kelly loved making jewelry, music and playing the guitar. Survivors include her husband, Larry, three children, including Erin Finley of Boone, and three siblings. A COL is planned for the spring.

         Susan Marie Judge Lawler, 92, Ogden/Westhaven. Born in Boone. Boone Sacred Heart-1951. Married Charles "Chick" Lawler in Boone in 1952. The couple lived and farmed south of Ogden for many years. They moved into Ogden in 1998 and Chick passed away in 2010. Susie dedicated her life to her faith and family. Survivors include a son, Steve, and three daughters, Laurie, Amy and Jenni. Services in Ogden. 

BUSY, BUSY

      The fact that RAGBRAI, in Boone, in July of 2026, will be a prominent part of the 53rd annual event is great news for the community. However, since that's been a "heavy" part of the most recent Iowa news cycle , we'll give you viewers a brief respite by making that item the last part of this Korner. P.S. Even then, however, we may find a few interesting tidbits that have been overlooked.

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       Here's something I found interesting and it probably hasn't secured the attention it should have.

       In mid-January, Elite Power Tumbling and Trampoline hosted an AAU meet at Boone High School that played host to eight Iowa clubs and one from Kansas. During the day, 185 athletes competed in 625 events. Boone's Elite team had 44 athletes involved and they dominated the meet with 39 first place finishes and 28 seconds. In addition, that team won a team high nine high point awards.

        Elite will be hosting the 2026 USTA State Meet in April. That will bring 24 Iowa teams, over 650 athletes and 2000 events for the two-day event here. 

        Sounds like a busy year ahead with this event, the return of the Farm Progress show in August, RAGBRAI and the Super National races, Pufferbilly and all the other usual attractions that lie ahead.

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         Ice skating is back in Boone and just the mention, should bring back lots of memories for youngsters of every era.  

         This oldtimer, although never participating, remembers the popularity of this event all the way back to pre-television days as a winter time pleasure.

         The John Hansen Memorial Skating Rink and Shelter held a grand opening earlier this month with the help of the Iowa Wild, the Des Moines based professional ice hockey team which is an affiliate of the National Hockey League Minnesota Wild.

          This is the third year of a program which makes rinks available for Iowa communities. The Wild have been committed to growing hockey in the state and Boone is the 13th community to receive this assistance. 

          On a more personal note......John Hansen was a friend and I'm biased BUT the guy did so much during his time here for our park system and, in particular, the skating pond. There's a very small sign hanging on a tree at the entrance to the ice skating area as a tribute to John. That's nice, but to me, its never been enough?

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          Verne Schmickley, BHS-64, recalls some memories of a past Iowa winter.

         He wrote, "in the late 60's, I was carpooling back from ISU to Boone and, at that time, U.S. 30 was still two-lane only. Ahead of us, due to whiteout conditions, someone ahead slowed down and the road drifted shut. Many cars, as well as ours, were stuck for the night. Behind us was a Greyhound bus that had enough diesel to keep it running and heated all night. I spent the night on a luggage rack."

          Yes, there have been Iowa winters like that but its ironic that Verne ended up in North Carolina, which he probably thought was "safe." However, this winter, even those areas down south are experiencing REAL winter weather.

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          Back to some news and notes about RAGBRAI. 

          This year's route is the shortest of the event's history, 391.4 miles in length. It begins in Onawa July 18 and ends in Dubuque on July 25 and there's 16,027 feet of climb involved. Sixty percent of the riders come from other states and 20 foreign countries.

           Historically speaking, Boone was an overnight stop in 1975, 1988, 1998 and 2011 while there were pass-throughs in 1973, 1976, 2008 and 2018. Here's the difference and the financial implications to the communities. The pass-through riders may just grab a drink or sandwich and get back on their way. The overnight stop will mean the riders will spend much more time here and, thus, spend more money locally.

           P.S. The Boone County Fair will end less than 48 hours before the swarm of RAGBRAI riders reach Boone.

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          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.