Monday, June 30, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

     Jimmy E. Harris, 89, Boone. Born in Missouri. Married Rachel McCall in 1955. Rachel died in 2016. Jimmie worked at ISU as a Steamfitter and Welder. He retired in 2001. Jimmy enjoyed woodworking, horses and playing guitar. He played in a country band, the "Country Playmates." Was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose. Four children, Dick (Patty), Rick Sam, Nick (Carla) and Vickie Harris survive. Services in Boone.   

     Suzanne Kae Harvey Vick, 79, Manchester, formerly of Muscatine. Born in Boone. BHS-64. Nursing school in Marshalltown. Became an LPN and later, earned a B.S. as a registered nurse at St. Ambrose University. Married Wayne Vick in 1966. She worked at Muscatine General Hospital for many years as an Intensive Care Nurse, Charge Nurse and Quality Care Nurse. Retired in 2002. Suzanne loved roller skating, camping, spending time outdoors, sewing and creating quilts and had collections of dolls and teapots. She was a former member of the Red Hat Society. Four sons survive. Services in Manchester. 

     Marilyn Olive Ragan Hinners, 97, Boone/Eastern Star. Formerly of Humboldt. Four children survive, including Amy (James) Schlerer of Madrid. A private graveside service will be held later. 

Friday, June 27, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        Norma Jean Erickson Crosman, 94, Ogden. Born in Perry. OHS-49. Married John (Jack) D. Crosman in Ogden in 1949. Jack passed away in 2017. The couple started farming in 1952 and retired in 1993. Norma enjoyed sewing, trying new recipes, playing cards, attending family reunions, watching sports and camping. She grew many plants and flowers and the couple took many trips researching family genealogy. Survivors include four children, including Linda McCoy of Boone and Dan (Jeanine) Crosman of Ogden. Services in Ogden.    

        Carolyn Vesey Nyman, 84. BHS-59. Plan for burial in Linwood in late July.           

        Christine Lynn Hull Rasmussen, 65, Nevada. Born in Oskaloosa. BHS-77. Earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Phoenix. Married Leroy Rasmussen in 1980. Worked in Human Resources for Amcor. She loved reading, watching cooking shows and sharing her own unique take on the recipes. Survivors include her husband, Leroy, two sons and a sister, Vicky (Tim) Lonergan. No services are planned at this time.

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY

     THE GOOD....... 

          Jo and I were so excited to learn that Heidi Hicks, a Boone High School family and consumer science teacher, has received a statewide honor.

          She's our neighbor......just a couple doors down.

          Heidi has been named the 2025 Iowa ACTE Teacher of the Year.

          This award is presented annually by the Iowa Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE). It recognizes outstanding CTE  educators who demonstrate innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students, and leadership in advancing career and technical education across their communities.

           Heidi has led the BHS program since 2022 and recently was honored with the reward at the ACTE Conference. The program prepares students for careers and success in areas such as culinary arts, child development, hospitality, human services and interior design.

           Great job Heidi.

     THE BAD........ 

            Occasionally, I, the Kornerman, scan the Boone Police report and, unfortunately, I did that recently. My coverage was from May 22 to June 22. Never really intended it that way but that's a month's worth.

            There's some bad reading there but some that surprised me is worse than bad.

     THE UGLY...... 

             Here goes......

              5/27  Juvenile male of Pilot Mound, theft. Age 16. 

              5/30  Juvenile male, Boone, harassment. Age 11.

              6/1    Juvenile male, Boone, unauthorized use of a credit card. Age 16.

              6/3    Juvenile male, Ames, ??, Age 10.

              6/7    Juvenile male, Ogden, interference with official acts. Age 12.

              6/10  Juvenile male, Boone, OWI. Age 17.

              6/17  Juvenile male, Boone, arrest warrant. Age 19

             All I can think of to say or that I'm going say is......What the???

K-----K

     In the mail, Ron Hopkins, BSH-59, wrote, "just catching up on some recent Korner blogs. Amazing how often the Coney Island at 8th and Keeler is mentioned. I probably only had lunch there a half a dozen times, 60 years ago, but I can still remember the taste and the experience -WOW! I worked part time at Redeker's in its original location around the corner and down the block on Keeler and ate lunch at the Coney Island when I could. It's great that you continue the Korner. I hope to visit Boone in early September." 

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 memories, comments, death notices.......httsp://kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com. 

        

             

            

 

           

             

Thursday, June 26, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Helen Louise Borland McGehee Barnes, 97, Boone. BHS-45. Married Bob McGehee, BHS-45. He died in 1983. Married Ken Barnes, BHS-43. He died in 2020. Until her passing, Helen maintained all her wits as well as a sense of humor. She was proud of her personal accomplishments, starting with bookkeeping, then as a bank teller and working up to Vice President at the Citizens National Bank. She joined many clubs and activities, was an accomplished bowler, was a supportive wife of Bicycle Bob's RAGBRAI adventures and a member of Toastmistress, Soroptimist Bridge clubs and PEO. During their 32 years together Helen and Ken traveled all over the U.S., as well as to some foreign countries. Survivors include daughters Amy L. (Craig) Shafer and Melissa A.(Don) DeLong. There also are several bonus children and grandchildren. Services in Boone.

Monday, June 23, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Charlotte Culler Kemp, 88, Ames. Three children, including Gary (Teresa) Kemp of Boone, survive. Services in Ames.     

       Charles Eugene (Chuck) Mathews, 60, Boone. Born in Des Moines. DMTech-84. Classes at DMACC. Army National Guard vet. He loved his activities at the Boone Open Bible church, his Christian faith, baking and also intricate details and problem solving. Chuck loved assembling model kits and mastering video games. Survivors include a sister and several siblings. COL will be a private service at What Cheer, Iowa.  

        Larry Lee Swanson, 86, Ogden. Grew up in Boxholm. BHS. Married Evelyn Anderson in Pilot Mound in 1964. Iowa Air National Guard vet. Larry was assigned to the protection detail during the visit to Iowa by Russian leader Nikita Khrushchev many years ago. Larry was a General Contractor, building and remodeling many homes in the Central Iowa area. He was a singer and enjoyed performing and building sets for the Ogden Community Theatre. He loved fishing, the Chicago Cubs and having coffee with friends. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn, of Ogden, sons Tim and Terry, three brothers, including Ken (Betty Jo) Swanson of Boone and a sister. Services in Ogden.

         Timothy (Tim) Evans, 66, Des Moines. Born in Maryland. Air Force vet from 1977-83 and then acquired his pilot's license. He earned a Master's degree in Education and a PhD in Organizational Leadership from Liberty University. Was a cross country truck driver for over 30 years, then became the College Dean and President of ITT. While working for Windstar in 2015 as a tour bus driver, he met Julie McGlynn during a trip to New York. A year later, 2016, the couple were married in Des Moines. Tim was Dean of Education at Fortis Institute in Nashville and then in 2017, he became the Enrollment Counselor for Cornell University until retirement in 2024. In 2018, Tim and Julie began traveling coast to coast before finally settling at a resort in California. Survivors include his wife, Julie, of San Luis Obispo, CA, five children and Boone residents, his mother-in-law, Joanne McGlynn, and a brother-in-law, Jim McGlynn. A funeral service is pending.

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

     Autumn Jean Little, 19, Boone. BHS-2024. Autumn passed in a single vehicle rollover accident. When she was 2 years old, her mother, Marissa Hagen, had also passed away in a car mishap. Autumn was then adopted and raised by her maternal grandparents, David and Connie Little. She was a Patient Care Technician at Allen Hospital in Waterloo and planned to pursue a career in nursing. She participated in dance, cheerleading and tennis in school, loved cars, motorcycles and fashion. Survivors include her loving parents, aunts and uncles, a brother and a boyfriend, Grant Trainor, and many other relatives and friends. Services in Boone.

     Myra A. Nelson Roberts, 85. Born in Boone. BHS-58. Married William (Bill Roberts), BHS-57, in 1960 in Boone. He passed away in 2018. A stay-at-home mom, Bill's career with Fareway took the couple to Nevada, Vinton, Cresco, Emmetsburg and Washington where they stayed in retirement. Myra was an avid football and basketball fan and enjoyed playing video games on her Ipad. Survivors include two daughters. Private family services with burial alongside Bill in Linwood.

     Mary Ellen Reeves, 74, Madrid. Born in Kansas. Maxwell HS-69. Married Larry Reeves in 1970. Mary was a Licensed Broker and worked for Life Investors selling life insurance. She was a talented artist and gardener. She especially enjoyed sitting on their deck listening to the birds songs and seeing her beautiful potted flowers. Survivors include three children and one sibling. Services in Elkhart.

      Donald Gene Carlson, 90, Ankeny. Born in rural Madrid. Sheldahl HS-53. One year at ISU. Worked for the DOT and in 1954, married Carol Jean Finestead. The couple made their home in Granger while Don worked at the DOT and graduated from ISU. In the late 1940's, Don enrolled at St. Paul's Seminary in Kansas City. Eventually, Don and Carol sold the Urbandale home they had been living in. Traveling to Mesa, AZ, they bought a home at SL Resort. Don preached there and worked at the entrance gate. Due to health problems, the family moved him to Ankeny. Survivors include his wife, Carol, two sons and a daughter. A memorial service will be held in Granger.

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        David (Dave) Leo Garvey, 69, Ankeny. Formerly of Webster City and Boone. Born in Boone. Stratford HS-74. Navy vet. Dave returned to Stratford after his service time and began driving semi-trucks at the Stratford Co-Op. He also worked for various other companies as a Commercial Truck Driver. Married Rona Lincoln in Boone in 1980. They divorced in 1984. Married Cheryl Lynn Blackburn in 1988 in Nashua. He enjoyed grilling, BBQing and working in his garage. Loved taking his beloved beagle, Cooper DeVille, on rides around town. Survivors include his wife, Cheryl, five children and six siblings, Jerry, Denny, Roger, Mary and Raymond Garvey and Joan Smith. Services in Ankeny and the vet cemetery in Adel.

        Timothy (Tim) Evans, 66, Des Moines. Survivors include his wife, Julie McGlynn Evans. Additional information is pending. 

KORNER NEWS CATCHUP DAY

     I guess when I hit my 90th, I took a break, started to let things slide or, perhaps, I simply hit a "what the heck" lazy streak. Anyway, its been some time since I burdened Korner viewers with anything other than death notices.......until today.

     The result is......I have some "makeup" material to disperse......like a buffet....some good, some bad...... but things that have hit my desk and deserve responses in no particular order.

     I don't know what it is about this 90 that makes "things" so "different." Just another year they say but it seems more......something?

     Anyway, here goes with "catchup" news that I wish to deliver.

     Jeff Gard's death hit especially hard because the veteran of 32 years of elementary teaching in Boone spent that time living right next door to my parents in one of their apartments. They were his lucky landlords. Hundreds, if not thousands of Boone parents and former students are thinking of and grieving his passing and the enormous positive impact he had on their lives. An outstanding individual and educator, he leaves us with many memories that will never be outdated.

     I don't know the author of this entry but it said, "in the late 70's, I had what I was told was the handwritten "family" coney island recipe. But, like most of my hair, it has been lost in the passage of time. While other kids saved their nickels and dimes for candy, I saved mine for Coney Island Coneys." That was in response to our mention in one of the Korner's about that famous landmark restaurant in Boone, southeast corner of Eighth and Keeler, those many years ago.

     A pair of items stood out to this reader from the most recent meeting minutes of the Boone County Historical Society. (1) Elevator repair has been completed and (2) it was suggested that an event be held in Moingona when the existing depot there is demolished. Perhaps more information will be issued when plans are formalized.

     Late congrats on the success of the Boone Campus DMACC softball team which has AGAIN completed an outstanding season. After a first round win in the National tournament, the Bears were eliminated via a pair of season-ending losses. Even then, they finished with a final record of 56-7 and their appearance at the National tourney was their 11th straight. Wow!!

     Along that same line, you may remember that prior to the start of that National tourney I had moaned about how hard it seemed to get information about the big event. Many thanks to Tom Hokel, BHS-65, who used various tools at his disposal to provide more info than I could possibly use. Tom also indicated his granddaughter twins, Kate and Morgan Wood, have received division III softball scholarships and will be attending Concordia University of Chicago in August. Thanks again Tom. 

     John Kueck, BHS-61, keeps us informed about Pete Kostelnick's running adventures. Pete, BHS-2005, of course, became a real big name in the running world when he took that long journey across the entire country from West coast to the East coast and did it in national record time. Of course, he's had many other outstanding nationwide ultra-distance victories as well. 

     Pete, himself, reported, "I came into the year with high expectations, but they were lower than any other year as I tried to prove to myself that I could still tackle some tough ultra-distance events after being in a bad car accident in late 2023 that stuck me in a wheelchair for two months. I backed off to continue healing and get my strength back and I'm proud of what is now happening. I ran 11 more laps (47.8 miles vs 44.4 miles) at the Hotfoot Hamster six hour this year than I did pre-accident two years ago. And Lindsay ran a course record, while we both hit the top six hour race distance in the USA so far this year."

     Finally, a couple reminders:

     (1)  Kathy Ferry Good, BHS-64, who serves as Senior Director of the DeWolf Innovation Center and Family Caregivers Center of Mercy in Cedar Rapids, will be interviewed on the Iowa Life television show on Iowa Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) on Tuesday, June 24, at 6:30 p.m.. The program will be about the challenges of caregiving in Iowa.

     (2) On Saturday, June 21, there will be a service at Linwood Park for former Boone resident, Naomi (Noni) Fern Folsom Givens, BHS-45, at 1 p.m..

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. 

 

 

 

          

Monday, June 16, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Jeffrey R. Gard, 72, Cedar Rapids. Born in Cedar Rapids. CRJeff HS. Iowa State. Was an elementary  teacher in Boone for 34 years. A highlight of his career was managing the Outdoor Classroom at Franklin. In retirement, he volunteered at Truman Elementary in Cedar Rapids. Always a great supporter of all things Boone while here, he especially enjoyed music and sporting events and cheering for the J-Hawks, Cyclones and Toreadors. A devout Christian, he was an avid outdoorsman and master fisherman who loved passing those skills on. A sister, Polly (Robert) Whitmore of Greenville, S.C. survives, as well as their children and some cousins. Family and friends will be greeted in Cedar Rapids, Monday morning, June 23, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel Stateroom. That will be followed by a graveside service and a reception at the Cedar Memorial Family Center and Library.

     Alvin R. (Pat) Patterson, 103, Ames. Earned a college double major in Special Education and started Special Ed programs in Palo Alto County. Moved to Ames and under the Heartland Education Agency started Special Ed programs in Boone and Story counties until his retirement in 1984. A daughter survives. Private service. 

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Murvin A. (Murv) Jackson, 93, Boone. Born in Thayer. Attended schools in Ogden, Madrid and Sheldahl. SHS-51. Navy vet. Married Wanda L. Westberg of Moingona in 1954. Wanda passed away in 1991. Married Darlene (Dolly) Millward in 1992. She died in 2011. Murv worked at John Deere in Des Moines and Solar Aircraft in San Diego where he learned the skills of an industrial x-ray technician. Moving to California, in 1962, he began work with Aerojet-General X-Raying Rockets and Missiles. He retired in 1984 from Lockheed/Martin Missiles and Space Company. Returning to Boone, he bought the Hideaway Lounge, which remained in the family for over 26 years. Murv was a member of the Boone VFW and American Legion. He enjoyed showing cars and boating. He had a photographic memory and was a master mechanic. Murv and his son, Rick, went on the Boone County Freedom Flight in 2017. He is survived by Rick (Vickie) Jackson of Boone, a daughter, Jodie (Tom) Uthe, a brother, a step-son, John (Patty) Millward of Ogden and step-daughter, Kathy (Robert) VanderBroek of Boone as well as brother and sister in-laws, including Phyliss Madden of Boone. Services in Boone.       

       Deanna Mae Zunkel Leichliter, 69, Ogden. OHS-75. Married Larry Leichliter in 1987 in Ogden. Worked at Ogden Nursing Home, then at Gates Rubber Company for 31 years. That was followed by serving people as kitchen help at Seven Oaks and nine years of work at Sauer Danfoss and finally, working as a Kitchen Aide until April of 2025. She loved following the Cyclones and Hawkeyes, fishing at her sister's pond and camping. Survivors include her husband, Larry, a daughter, Lindsay (Jason) Prouty of Ogden, stepdaughter Heidi Leichliter of Boone, and the triplet sisters, Denise Van Pelt of Ogden and Debbie (Rick) Gustoff of Boone. Services in Ogden.   

        Joyce Eileen Madden Hart, 80, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in Boone. BHS-62. Trinity College in Chicago. Married Donald Hart in Boone in 1963. PTA and State PTA Board member. Her hobby was art, especially painting. The Hart couple were members of the Community Betterment of the Boone Chamber of Commerce. Survivors include her husband, Don, a son, Mark, daughter Angela (Dave) Kolker, brothers Craig (Cindy) and Russell (Kris) Madden and a sister, Valerie (Glade) Parker. Burial in Mackey.

Saturday, June 7, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        Carla Marjean Crawford Wisecup, 91, Boone. Born in Des Moines. Ogden HS. Married George Wisecup in Ogden in 1951. She worked as a secretary for the Department of Transportation for 26 years. Loved animals, dogs and stray cats, watching and feeding birds and tending to her flower gardens. Survivors include her husband, George, a daughter, Pam McIntyre, and sons George (Margie) and Jeff (Twyla) Wisecup. Services in Boone.       

        Mike J  Weigel, 54, Boone. Born in Boone. United Community HS-90. Married Teresa Sankey in 2001 in Madrid. They divorced. Mike worked at Landus in Boone for over 25 years as a semi-driver. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming, four wheeling and anything outdoors. Survivors include two sons, Nathan (Sadie)  and Trent (fiancee', Makayla Gerlach) Weigel, his parents, Paul and Marlene Weigel, a sister, Angela Weigel, and two brothers, Matt (Shanda) and Brad Weigel. A COL will be held in Slater.  

        Judith Ramona Emmons Barkema, 80, Jewell. Four children survive, including a daughter, Kay Barkema, of Madrid. Services in Jewell. 

        Pierce (Lux) Irvine Blazek, 22, Arvada, CO. Born in Des Moines. Attended Jordan Creek Elementary in West Des Moines. Ralston Valley HS in Arvada. Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR., where he earned a Presidential scholarship for his academic excellence. Pierce pursued a double major in Psychology and Art History. He was due for graduation this spring. Drawn to creativity, he expressed himself through music, acting, drawing, painting and sculpture. He was a talented and daring skier. Survivors include his parents, Steve and Jeannie Irvine Blazek, BHS-85, a brother and his grandparents, Rosie Gibbons Irvine, BHS-63, and Gary Irvine, BHS-55, of Boone. A COL will be held in West Des Moines.

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

     Howard Charles (Butch) Denning, 81, Boone. Born in Illinois. Services later.    

     Carolyn Joan Cochran Peterson, 72, Cedar Falls. Born in Des Moines. Married Tom Peterson, BHS-67, in 1979. Had a 36 year career with Universal Industries before retiring as General Manager in 2018. Carolyn had a passion for knitting and found joy with the Bethlehem Knitting Group. She cherished her time with two grandchildren. Survivors include her husband, Tom, a daughter and three brothers. Tom Peterson, 2706 Fandre Drive. Cedar Falls, IA 50813-6634 or email Tom.Peterson@uni.edu. Services in Cedar Falls.

      Ed Cline, 73, Boone. Ed worked for a utility company for over 40 years, finishing with, managing construction of wind farms. After retirement, his passion was the farm and cattle. He loved sitting with wife, Jane, on the farmhouse porch. Ed loved people. After a strong handshake and asking, "what's your name," they were friends. He never forgot a name and would address you by it. Survivors include his wife, Jane, two children and several siblings. Services in Boone.