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.

K-----K

        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.

K-----K

        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. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Daniel Everett Buss, 74, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-70. DMACC-72. Earned a B.S. in Industrial Administration from Iowa State in 1974. Married Sandra Hansen, BHS-71, in 1972. Dan began his accounting profession in 1974, working for a firm in Marshalltown. After four years, in 1978, the couple moved to Boone and Dan joined D.D. Pyle Company CPA's in Ames, where he later became a partner. He was a working CPA for 41 years. Dan was known for his great work ethic, business mind, kindness and concern for others. He enjoyed woodworking and remodeling/building three homes, pheasant hunting, skiing, fishing in Canada and golfing. He planned and managed two housing developments, was a founding member of Pheasants Forever and an active church member. Survivors include his wife, Sandra, two daughters, Julie and Suzanne, and a son, Joseph. Services in Boone.   

       VERY LATE REPORT: Ronald Lee Flockhart, 88, Morristown, TN. Ron passed away in June of 2020. Born in Boone. BHS-51. Iowa State University, 1957. Married Kay Calista Honohan Flockhart, BHS-51, in 1957. Started working for Kraft while in college and the couple lived in Illinois, Minnesota, New York and Pennsylvania. He was plant manager in Albany, MN and Norwich, NY. During his time with Kraft, he worked in three different divisions, finally retiring in 1987. He then worked for Sorrento Cheese Company in Buffalo, NY as Vice President of Quality and Environment Control. The couple retired to Morristown, TN in 1995 where they were active in church and the Morristown Theatre Guild. Survivors include his wife, Kay, of Morristown, a son, Gary, a daughter, Calista Kay Flockhart and her husband, Harrison Ford, of California, a sister-in-law, Dodie Flockfart of Stratford and brother-in-law, Jay Honohan, BHS-48. of Iowa City. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, George and Jewel Flockhart of Boone and his brother, Larry Flockhart, of Stratford. Services were held in Morristown.

       Robert Dale Pigott, 77, Summerville, SC. Memorials requested for March of Dimes, Boone, Iowa. Service in South Carolina.

       Lois A. Johnson, 86, Rockford, Ill. Among other places, Lois worked at the First Evangelical Free Church in Boone. She loved music and was a talented pianist. Lois spent her lifetime active in church ministries. Her husband, Bob, and two children survive. Services in Rockford.

       Gary Clyde Finch, 82, Des Moines. Born in Boone where he attended kindergarten at Lincoln Elementary. Moving to the Des Moines area, he attended a two-room schoolhouse, Cloverhill, for first through eighth grade, then grades nine and 10 at Norwalk before graduating from Des Moines Lincoln HS. Services in Des Moines. 

A VARIETY OF ENTRIES

       Former Toreador Pete Kostelnick, fortyish now, continues to amaze.

       The 2005 BHS graduate has a long and sterling record as a marathon-plus runner, despite the fact some serious injuries had laid him up and destroyed some opportunities during a prime time of his career.

        He just completed the "world's toughest foot race," the Badwater Ultramarathon, and he showed that he is still a fearless, tough competitor.

        The Ultramarathon is a 135 mile race in California's Death Valley, running from the lowest point in North America (Badwater Basin) to the highest point in the contiguous U.S. (Whitney Portal). Its held annually in July, known for extreme heat, over 120 degrees F, with a significant elevation gain, 14,600 feet, for a 24 hour time limit, requiring runners to have a support crew for hydration and nutrition. Its a grueling test of physical and mental endurance over a course that crosses three mountain ranges.

        This 39th annual event featured a cast of 98 competitors, including 28 women and representatives of 21 nations.

        Kostelnick has competed in this event several times and was a winner in both 2015 and 2016 with even more impressive finishes as well. He was third in 2025 and came in eighth this year. 

        And who can forget his record-setting run cross country, from the West Coast to New York City, a few years back, in 2016.

        Pete's proud parents, Charles and Clair Kostelnick, are Boone residents.

K-----K

        While we're saluting Booneites who have excelled, how about Eric Ver Helst, BHS-2000. 

        The son of Jack and Sharon Ver Helst is well known for his enthusiastic style of public address announcing for DMACC and Toreador athletic events and now this.......he's been selected to do some of that work at the famous Field of Dreams for Major League baseball activity there next spring. Congrats Eric.

K-----K

         The Kornerman has received some feedback to a couple of recent stories.

         Davi Mondt Lowman, BHS-67, sent a lengthy response to the recent, " The Story Goes On and On" article.

         Davi partially wrote, "I am going to say one thing to you regarding your thoughts/opinion regarding Caitlin Clark. Stop it. You may not realize, but you are contributing towards the misogynistic effort to place female athletes in impossible situations." She concluded with "I'd appreciate it if you'd give her the respect she deserves instead of betting on "who" will give her some undeserved technical foul." 

         The other material was about how women, including Clark, are, generally, badly mistreated by some of the public and even some members of the press. Its opinions heard around the world on a daily basis. No need to repeat them here.

          Nobody has been a bigger supporter or more respectful than I of Caitlin Clark and her achievements. Maybe Davi is correct. But my take was intended to be just a little different, humorous sidelight of a story that, seemingly, has endured every type of emotion and coverage available and then some.

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          Vern Modeland, BHS-50, noticed the death of a classmate, Donald Diehl. Vern said, "Keep that up and I'll be the only one left. Chilling thought. Hang in there, keep the web site going as long as you can now that you are the county's only news source."

 K-----K

         I referenced recently how my name Mo has been changed to Morris as I get older. John Kueck, BHS-61, can relate. He said he was at a ski club years ago and rooms has been reassigned. "They started the names to hand out the keys......Thompson, Anderson, Miller but when they came to Kueck, they simply called out  "John."

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@blog spot. 

          

          

          

          

          

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Donald Lee Diehl, 94, Coralville. Born in Boone. BHS-50 cheerleader. Coast Guard vet. State University of Iowa, where he earned an undergraduate degree before a Juris Doctor degree. He joined the Iowa State Bar in 1960 and practiced law in the Coralville/Iowa City area for 64 years, retiring in 2025. For 63 years, he was the Coralville City Attorney. Married Shirley and the couple had three children and two step-daughters. Don was a lifelong collector of classic cars, coins, firearms and antiques and the couple traveled the country. He believed in living every day to its fullest, work hard, play hard and always ready to laugh. A COL will be held.      

        Roger Wyant Cook, 92, Boone. COL in Boone. Private family service. 

        Mike Caruth, 72, Nevada. Survivors include his wife, Shari, his mother Doris of Stratford and five children including Melinda Caruth of Boone. A COL in Nevada.       

        Josephine (Jo) Anne Aulick, 90, Thorson, IL/Boone Eastern Star. Among the survivors is a daughter, Michelle (Shelly) Kreuder of Boone. Services in Illinois and Wisconsin.