BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Larry Gene Kirk, 87, Ames. Battled Multiple Myeloma for 16 years. Born in Grand Junction. East Greene HS-57. Was a track participant. Iowa National Guard vet. Married Joyce Marie Miller in Webster City in 1958. The couple resided in Boone until a move to Ames in 1988. Larry worked for Massey Ferguson and Sauer Danfoss until retirement in 2004. The couple spent many winters in Texas. Larry enjoyed slow pitch softball and supported the Cyclone football and basketball teams. Survivors include his wife, Joyce, of Ames and two daughters, Shelly Stotts of Boone and Kim of Kansas. Services in Ames. Burial in Linwood.  

     Sharon Lynn Williams Hoenicke, 83, Bryant, IA. BHS-60. Services in Goose Lake, IA.

     Doug Macek, 66, Boone. Born in Ames. Navy/Naval Reserve vet. Married Shelley Burma in 2000 while they were both working at Gates Rubber. Doug then worked for 3M from 2010 until retirement in 2023. Doug loved hunting and fishing at his brother Steve's ranch in Texas. Hunting deer and pheasants, he even raised pheasants for a period of time. He also enjoyed golf and camping with Shelley. Survivors include his wife, Shelley, a daughter, Claudia, two step-daughters, including Tiffany Thuney of Boone and a brother. A COL will be held later. 

     Myone Karen Brown, 89, Boone/Eastern Star. Former phys/english teacher. Owned Blu Duck gift shop in Ames campustown. A son and sister survive. Services in Ames.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Carol Haberer Loren, 90, BHS-53. Carol passed away in California under the care of a son, Chris. She spent most of her adult life in the Boulder, CO area. Her husband, Tom, is deceased. Survivors include two sons, Chris and Matt. A brother, Chuck Haberer, and other relatives are also Boone area residents.     

      Dale Ray Crouse, 89, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-54. Boone Junior College. Air Force vet. Married Carol Forster in Boone in 1960. Was an Industrial Electrician for John Deere for 31 years and was affiliated with UAW. After retirement, he worked three years for Staff Management as a Safety Specialist. Then worked for Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn. Dale and Carol spent six months of the year in Arizona. They enjoyed many trips to Europe and overseas and Dale loved golfing, pinochle and watching ISU and Iowa sports. A member of the DAV, American Legion and VFW, he enjoyed participating in a Boone County Freedom Flight in 2015. Scripture study and prayer time with Carol were very important to him. He served as an Ombudsman at the Evangelical Free Church Home and the Board of Directors at Westhaven. Survivors include his wife, Carol, sister-in-law, Carol Ann Forster and nieces and nephews. Services in Boone.  

      Margaret Ann Sturtz Culver, 88, Carrollton, TX. Grew up on a farm outside of Boone. Jordan HS. Married Wayne Culver in 1952. While Wayne was in service, the couple lived in Colorado and California before settling in Florida. After service, the family returned to Boone and then Des Moines. Margaret worked at Sears and sold Avon. She also served as secretary for both the Des Moines YMCA camp and the YMCA Boys Bellringers and Chorus. She served as secretary for the Iowa Soybean Association and worked with Mary Riche at Riche Associates and Palmer Communications. Margaret concluded her career in Des Moines as Office Manager at Faegre and Benson. She was also involved in Cub and Girl Scouts, Little League and various women's groups. In retirement, after moving to Mesa, AZ. she began creating jewelry to sell at craft shows, participated in book clubs and was a library volunteer. Survivors include her husband, Wayne, and three children.

      Christopher Frank Breon, 59, Boone. Born in Des Moines. Chris devoted his life to construction and had a great love of motorcycles, especially Harley's. He also enjoyed family events, gatherings, grillings and just spending time. Survivors include his wife, Kim, three sons, Alex, Michael and Kevin, and six siblings. He also had a bonus family of sisters and a daughter. A COL is planned for a later date.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

         Ed Cline, 73, Boone.      

         Janella Joyce Cowan Kammin, 82, Boone. Born in Ames. United Community HS-61. Married Jerry Kammin in Boone in 1962. Janella was an active farm wife. She enjoyed working in her flower garden and watching college basketball. Survivors include a son, JD (Jane) Kammin of Boone and a daughter, Jody (Troy) of Huxley. A COL will be held at the Iowa Arboretum.

         Bonna Kay Jones Church, 81, Ogden. Born in Missouri. OHS-61. Worked for Allied Insurance in Des Moines, Colorado and Kansas City. Married Garry David (Dave) Church in 1971. The couple returned to Ogden in 1975 where they owned and operated J & C Tiling Company and later, J & C Auto Parts with her father, Robert O. Jones. Later, Bonna worked for the U.S.D.A. in Ames and starting in 1993, owned and operated BK's Sports Bar and Grill in Ogden for 20 years before retirement. An avid sports fan, she supported the Ogden Bulldogs, Hawkeyes and Chiefs. Survivors include two sons, Scott (Gina) Church of Ogden and Danny Church of Boone, and a sister, Bernetta "Bea" Purk Cannon of Ogden. Services in Ogden. 

        Paula Kay VandePol Gustafson, 62. Sunrise Beach, MO. Attended elementary school in Stratford. Four siblings survive including Shirley (Chris) Bauer of Stratford. Services in Stratford.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

     Elizabeth Sayles (Bitty) Boesen, 67, Boone/Eastern Star Memory Care. Born in Colorado. Muscatine HS-76. Was a lifeguard, swimmer and track performer in high school. At the University of Northern Iowa, she was a swimmer for four years and earned major degrees in English and Physical Education. Moved to Boone in 1980 to teach English at the high school and for 30 years, Phys Ed at the Boone Elementary schools. In the mid-80s she was the head varsity swim coach at BHS and through the years, taught swim lessons, Middle School swimming and the YMCA swim teams. She married Nick Boesen in Boone in 1992. After 37-years of teaching, she retired in 2017 and then, last week, lost her eight-year battle with dementia. Survivors include her husband, Nick, sons Bryan and Ben, her parents of Muscatine, her mother-in-law, Janet Boesen, of Boone, two sisters and a brother. Services in Boone. 

     Beverley LaRae McGinnis Adreon, 80, Boxholm/Eastern Star. Born in Virginia. United Community HS-63. Earned a business degree from A.I.B. in Des Moines. Married Dennis Adreon in Boone in 1965. She worked for over 33 years at Boone Bank and Trust in Boxholm and Boone. An avid ISU fan, many family weekends were spent at Don Williams. Beverley worked elections and was a church secretary in Boxholm for several years. Survivors include a son, Travis (Carla) of Ogden, a daughter, Jill, and a brother. Services in Boone.

     Patricia A. Ellsbury, 86, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-57. Married Loren Dale Ellsbury in Boone in 1959. Was a dispatcher for the Boone Police Department for years before becoming a receptionist at CDS until retirement in 2004. A talented lady, she had two poems published by the National Poetry Association. Was also involved in oil painting, crocheting, pottery and deer hide projects. She did oil painting for sale or family and made an oil painting for her niece's wedding. Survivors include her husband, Loren, two sons, Michael and Shawn Ellsbury, a sister, Barb Holmberg, all of Boone, a brother, Ronald Mudge of Madrid and three brothers-in-law, Gary (Trudy) Ellsbury of Boone, Ronald and Arnold (Peggy) Ellsbury of Perry

COACH SMITH MADE HIS MARK

     A pair of stories from friends of Coach John Smith.

     Mike Sundall, BHS-68, wrote, "John Smith was my favorite high school and DMACC teacher and advisor. He was my mentor and kept track of me all through my college days and business career. It was always one of my favorite times when I would return to Boone to have a beer with Mr. Smith and talk about the good times. He provided me with meaningful guidance and how to set goals to have a successful business career. I truly miss Smitty." 

     Dick Musser, BHS-64, wrote a neat story about John's recruiting persistence. One of John's top career recruits was Corey Koskie who had a short but very successful Major League baseball career. He played from 1998-2004 for the Minnesota Twins, Milwaukee Brewers and Toronto Blue Jays. Plagued by and eventually, retired after some serious injuries, he had a very productive career, a batting average of .275 with 124 home runs and 506 runs-batted-in.

     A native of Montreal and member of the Canadian Hall of Fame, his favorite sports were volleyball and hockey in his younger years. Baseball time was just a "fill in."

     Koskie said that John started calling him, "every day until I finally gave in and came to Boone/DMACC." He added that he thought the calls to him were really "special," until I found out that John called "every prospect, every day.""

K-----K

    Some time back I, the Kornerman, made Korner viewers aware of a great book written by Kathy Ferry Good, BHS-64.

     Kathy, who was a BHS intern at the Boone News Republican when I was employed there those many years ago is now the Senior Director of the DeWolf Innovation Center and Family Caregivers Center in Cedar Rapids.

     Kathy informs that a crew from Iowa PBS taped an interview Christy Nebbe conducted with her on the topic of family caregiving. This will be featured on an upcoming edition of Iowa Life on PBS. In early May, the PBS crew was on hand to interview Kathy about the challenges of ageing and dementia caregiving in Iowa. And now, that show will be seen (write this on your calendar) at 6:30 p.m. on June 24, 2025 on PBS.

     We had written earlier in the Korner about a book, "My World Wore a Bow Tie" Kathy had written sharing her experiences as a caregiver for her husband, Dave, through his illness and death. 

K-----K

     Another addition to your calendar: Her daughter, Janelle Henry, informs us that her mother's memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on June 21, at Linwood Cemetery. Her mother, Naomi (Noni) Fern Folsom Givens, 97, passed away in March in Virginia.

     While we're at it.....a couple things on the horizon next week......the first Municipal Band Concert of the new season will be at McHose on Wednesday and on Thursday, May 29, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our Korner friend, Vern Modeland, BHS-50. He'll celebrate 93 years.

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.......httsp://kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com.

 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Bill Carpenter, 70, Boone. Raised on a farm north of Boone in Ridgeport. BHS-73. Obtained an AA Degree from DMACC and became a business owner of Carpenter Construction, selling and building grain bins. In 1987, he obtained a dealership with Lester Building Systems, the start of his pole building journey. A baseball fan, especially the Yankees. He also enjoyed the Packers, slow pitch softball, bowling, fishing and crusing on his pontoon boat at Don Williams. Survivors include his wife, Lori, a sister, Marsha Crouthamel, and nieces and nephews. Services in Boone.

GO DMACC BEARS

     One of the Boone Communities best kept secrets are Boone Campus, Des Moines Area Community College athletics, especially women's softball at this time of year.

     Two old buddies of the Kornerman,  Eric Ver Helst, the Bears Sports Information Director, and Ryan Wendt, the longtime KWBG Sports Director, absolutely do the best they can of providing information about DMACC softball and other Bear athletic events to Boone area residents but there never seems to be any mention of PRINTED material in our Boone News Republican? or anywhere beyond. And that's a damn shame.

     I, the Kornerman, am here to tell you, in print, what limited knowledge I can find about the National Junior College Division II Softball World Series which runs from May 20-24 in Oxford, Alabama. And in all honesty, after spending way too much time in attempting to corral some info, I'm falling way short. I couldn't even find any details in searching the Oxford, Alabama area newspapers.

     This World Series is a big, big event but doesn't seem to receive the treatment it should.

     I do know that it appears the Bears softball team is seeded fourth in the 20-team field and would play an opening second round game, Tuesday, May 20, at 11 a.m. against the winner of an earlier game?.

    I can also tell you that the Boone Campus team, coached by Bob Ligouri, has a 2025 season record of 55-5, which included a 26-2 conference mark. The Bears, of course, have been consistent national contenders in softball in recent years and, obviously, have another outstanding team.

     A roster of 34 players includes one former Toreador player, freshman Erin Ades, and the team boasts a .408 batting average with 527 runs scored and 70 (that's seventy) home runs in their 60 games.

     Thana Heller, Bailey Richards and Gary Gorman are assistant coaches and John Wilkinson is in charge of player development.

     I wish I could tell you more about this prestigious national event but numerous facts and figures were hard to find. 

     Although DMACC came along after my time, I was proud of the degree I earned from its predecessor, Boone Junior College, and I still like to claim the school as mine. The fact the college remains in Boone and is an important part of the community adds to my devotion.

K-----K

     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located a 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4792. 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

    LATE REPORT: Donald Kent Houseman, 82, at his time of death. Littlefield, AZ. Passed away July, 2021. BHS-58.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Richard (Kim) Gross, 75, Ames. In 1972-73, served as Club House Manager of the Boone Golf and Country Club.

      Mary Maurice Fosse, 79, Story City. Was an R.N. who worked at the Boone County Hospital as well as other central Iowa facilities.  

      Candice Rainelle (Candy) Breed, 72, Ozark, MO. Was a nurse. Married Roger Breed in Nebraska in 1976. In 1978, the couple moved to Madrid. In 2014, they moved to Arizona. Survivors include her husband, a daughter and a step-son. Services in Madrid.

      Connie Lee Linn, 80.

THE DEATH OF MY BOSS, BERNIE SAGGAU

     The Kornerman's 30-year boss has passed. 

     Bernie Saggau, just a few days shy of his 97th birthday, died in Sarasota, Florida, May 10, 2025. 

     The Saggau family came to Boone in the early 1960's when Bernie accepted a job offer from Executive Secretary Lyle T. Quinn to join the staff of the Iowa Boys High School Athletic Association. Initially named an Assistant to the Executive Secretary on October 14, 1963, he was promoted to Executive Secretary on September 9, 1967. Mr. Quinn had passed away on July 30 of 1967.

     When the Saggau's came to Boone, I was in the midst of a 25-year hobby of coaching Boone Little League and Babe Ruth League baseball teams. In 1962, I managed a Ruth All-Star team that won State and Regional championships and was one of just eight Ruth teams in the world to compete in the Ruth World Series in Bridgeton, New Jersey.

     In addition, Bernie's oldest son, Jeff, was a member of one of my Babe Ruth teams. Bernie also quickly became aware of the high school sports broadcasting I did on KWBG radio and the stories on high school athletic events I authored for the Boone News Republican. 

     I believe Bernie was impressed by this devotion I had for youth sports activities and the fact that I had  both radio and newspaper work backgrounds. The result was an invitation to join the IHSAA staff. On April 19, 1971, I joined the IHSAA staff as the Association "voice" and spokesperson, as well as guiding the Association's large printing operation. That relationship continued for 30 years until my retirement in 2000.

     I'll never forget, "Mo, I'd like to have you join our IHSAA staff and the starting yearly salary will be $11.000," he said. In that time period, believe me, that much money was "way out of reach" for small town radio announcers and newspaper sports editors.

     HOWEVER, the truth is that his offer was one of the few Bernie Saggau mistakes I ever witnessed. Had he said, "Mo, I'd like to have you join our IHSAA staff but I can't offer you any salary," Believe me, I would have jumped for joy and accepted anyway. I never mentioned that to him, that he had made an $11.000 mistake in hiring me and then, even paying me as well.

     Being an ultimate sports fan, plus a staunch admirer and supporter of the work of the IHSAA, plus the fact this prestigious organization was an integral part of my home town  made his offer an immediate "no brainer." That tremendous bump in pay was an unexpected bonus.

     The opportunity I had to join the IHSAA was the first of many such "gifts" that Bernie Saggau accorded me and my family. I'm sure it was his close connection with National Federation leaders that provided me with the chance, in the 1980's, to become the Master of Ceremonies for the National Sports Hall of Fame ceremonies held at various U.S. locations each July.

     It gave me an opportunity to hob-not with and induct some of the nation's greatest athletes of that 1970's/80's era into that Hall of Fame.....John Wooden, Tom Landry, Arnold Palmer, Bart Starr, Paul Hornung....and many others. Yes, I was star struck.

     I apparently did a decent job as I was invited to repeat as M.C. seven consecutive additional years.

     The last time I talked with Bernie was four or five weeks before his passing. He called me and we had a good conversation and, of course, I showered him with "thank you's" again for all the wonderful opportunities he had provided me and my family.......whether earned or not.

     He's gone now but the wonderful memories and gratitude will remain forever so, one last time,"Many thanks Boss."

K-------K

     Extra IHSAA  news of local interest: The Iowa Boys High School Athletic Association was formed December 28, 1904. A Boone native, Lyle T. Quinn, BHS-25. joined the association as Assistant Secretary February 24, 1940, and then was appointed  Manager of the Association March 11, 1941. In November of 1941, he became the permanent Executive Secretary of the IHSAA.

     Originally, the Association office and small staff were in Des Moines but it is reported that Mr. Quinn, who lived in Boone, was tired of the daily drive to Des Moines so he moved the entire office to 
Boone on January 29, 1944.

     In Boone, the Association occupied the building at the northeast corner of Eighth and Keeler streets. Currently that building houses the Doran Law Firm. In 1975, the Association build the building on South Story Street which still serves as the home base for the organization.

    The 2025 IHSAA staff is comprised of Executive Director Tom Keating, four Assistant Directors, six office and administrative staff members and three other department directors (communications, finance and office).

     The Iowa High School Association is also located in the South Story facility. It performs the same duties for Iowa High School Music students as the IHSAA provides for boys athletic participants. Thad Driskell is the Director of the Music Association.

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

     Bernie Saggau, 96, Sarasota, Fl., May 10.  Would have been 97, May 18. Born in Denison. DHS. Buena Vista. The Saggau family moved to Boone when Bernie joined the staff of the Iowa Boys High School Athletic Association in 1963. He succeeded Lyle T. Quinn as the Executive Director in 1967, serving in that position for 38 years until retirement in 2005. He married BV classmate Lois Nadine Kretzinger of Coon Rapids in 1952 and she passed in Des Moines, November 10, 2008, at age 78. In 2010, Bernie married a high school friend, Janet M. Green Wesselman, Janet passed at age 91, July 20, 2022. Bernie shaped high school athletics in Iowa and nationally, consistently promoting the values of family, faith and hard work, with a constant goal of uplifting the youth of Iowa. He dedicated countless evenings to speaking engagements, sharing his wisdom and inspiring audiences at rules meetings, commencements, sports banquets, corporate events, and church gatherings. Survivors include his daughter, Rebecca, BHS-73, son, Dr. David, BHS-77, and a sister, Norma Jean. Tragicially, son, Jeff, BHS-71, was killed in an auto mishap. He died January 31, 1976, at age 23. A COL of Bernie's life will be held June 20, 2025, in West Des Moines.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Bernie Saggau, 97. Former Boone resident. Former Executive Director of the Iowa Boys High School Athletic Association. Services planned for June in Des Moines.  

      Kern L. Marlow, 73, Ogden. OHS-69. Air Force vet. Married Kristine Stockman in 1986 and they lived in Ogden. A skilled carpenter and mechanic, Kern spent countless hours teaching his kids and grandkids how to swing a hammer, measure twice and cut once and how to get grease on your hands. Kern was a member of the American Legion Post #55 and enjoyed traveling with his family. Survivors include his wife, Kristine, two daughters, two sisters and his mother-in-law, Evelyn Stockman. Services in Ogden.

     Agnes Louise "Lou" Baier (Madison). Coralville. Survivors include her husband, Leo, three children and an adopted sister, Cathy Williams, of Boone. Services in Iowa City.

     Robert Gowing Clymer, 75, Goodyear, AZ. BHS-68. Survivors include his wife, Betty, three children, a brother, John PHD, BHS-60, and a sister, Carol Jo Meyers-Walker, BHS-63. Internment in Peru, Indiana.

    Larry Gene Miller, 85, Ogden. Born in Perry. Raised on a farm southwest of Woodward near Lake Robbins. Woodward HS-58. Married Billie J. Chapman and helped raise her two children. For 36 years, he was married to Dorothy M. Oeffner until her death in 2022. Larry enjoyed farm life and farmed with his dad and brother, Denny. His dad died early and Larry, at age 13, and Denny, at age 11, took over the farm together. Larry continued farming in Dallas and later,Warren County until 1978. He then purchased Hoffman Oil Company in Ogden and operated that until selling it to Quick Oil in the late 1990's. He enjoyed restoring classic Farmall tractors and equipment, Red Power Magazine, gardening, classic cars, pet cats and in his youth, fast cars. Two sons, two daughters and his brother survive. No services with burial at Woodward Cemetery.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Thomas Gene Taylor, 50. Born in Boone to parents Michael and Lynda Murray Taylor. No services are planned at this time.  

       John Leslie Casey, 77, Ponca City, OK. Born in Boone. BHS-66. Worked at Archway Cookies transportation department, working alongside his beloved uncles, Don and Dwain Wilcox. Marine vet. Attended Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, earning certificates in aviation technologies he had mastered in the Marines. Joined Conoco as an airborne equipment specialist. Was passionate about politics and was well known for his lively banter. Survivors include his siblings, Edward and James Casey, Joellen Wells and Christopher Capps, a niece, Aimee Hanna, a nephew, Eric Doxsee, of Boone and a step-son. Services in Oklahoma.    

       Mary Jean Campbell Carlson, 97, Ogden/Westhaven. Born in Jasper County. Laurel HS-46. Married Clarence L. Carlson in Ogden in 1951. Attended Thompson Beauty School in Des Moines while working part-time at the Younkers Tea Room. She and a beauty school friend opened a shop in Ogden and then Mary Jean opened her own shop, the Futuristic Beauty Salon, in her home. At retirement, she worked in home health aid, was a school lunch room attendant and an Ogden girls basketball chaperone. She supported her church financially and enjoyed following her grandchildren's activities. Survivors include three sons, Ron of Boone and both Bruce and Jon of Ogden, as well as a daughter, Sue, of Ogden. Services in Ogden.

     Stanley Richard Venard, 92, Waukee. Survivors include his wife, three children and several grandchildren including Nathan (Katy) Venard of Ogden.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

     Bruce Fairchild, 68, Boone. Grew up in Boone. BHS-75. Worked several years at Gates Rubber and then, as a welder at Mid-States Steel. He enjoyed the outside and muscle cars. Loved riding his Harley and working on all types of vehicles. Enjoyed playing the guitar and music in general. Survivors include his daughter, Jennifer (Brian) Glauner, his fiance' Rita Clemons, and three step-children.

     A VERY, VERY LATE REPORT: Donald Richard Sellers, 89, Tacoma, Washington, Retired Lt. Colonel of the U.S. Air Force passed away February 3, 2024. Born in Indiana, he was a classmate of the Kornerman, BHS-53. Joined the Iowa National Guard, serving four years before joining the U.S. Army for two years. Earned a degree in physics from Iowa State and after graduation, joined the U.S.Air Force as a Lieutenant. A marriage in 1966 ended in divorce 22 years later. Don served his country with a tour in Thailand during VietNam. Also during his Air Force career he supervised mission planning for Apollo missions was a Range Control officer and commanded the largest squadron in the Air Force, an aircraft maintenance division with over a thousand personnel at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas. He retired in 1983 and the family moved to Tacoma. He enjoyed music, theatre and movies, was an avid reader and author and had a second marriage, 1993-2003. His last 14 years were spent with his sweetheart in Fircrest, Washington. Three daughters survive, as do two sisters, Norma, BHS-66 and Janet, BHS-69, and three brothers, Leslie, BHS-59, Kenny, BHS-62, and Larry. Services were held in Tacoma.

     Mary Maurice James Fosse, 79, Story City. Was an RN and worked at the Boone County Hospital as well as at other central Iowa medical facilities.

     Barbara Ann Madson Soregaroli, 83. Born in Story City. Survivors include three children and four siblings, including Larry (Connie) Madson of Boone.