BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Jeff Lindgren, 65, Ogden. Grew up in Ogden. OHS-78. Active in athletics. Married Deborah Busch Highland of Ogden in 1999. Worked for Fareway for 42 years prior to retirement in 2020. Jeff enjoyed driving race cars, racing three-wheelers, riding motorcycles, playing soft pitch, following the Chiefs and Cyclones, watching NASCAR, hunting, traveling and golf. He also loved coaching his sons in various sports activities. Survivors include his wife, Deb, two stepsons, Austin Highland of Ogden and Mason (Ashley) Highland of Grinnell, his brother Jim Lindgren, stepmother, Donna Lindgren, of Boone, a half-sister and half-brother. A COL will be held in Ogden.  

       Akemi Howell, 46, Colo, formerly of Lake View. Born in Boone. BHS-96. Akemi loved riding her Harley and spending time with her dog. She was a member of District 8 A.B.A.T.E in Lake View. Survivors include her son, Kayden (fiancee Megan Meyer) Howell and two uncles, Rick (Karen) Howell of Boone and Dave Howell. A grandson and cousins also survive. Akemi was preceeded in death by her mother, Sheryl Howell and her grandparents, Dixie and Robert Howell.

        Mary Ellen Carlson, 87, Ogden. Born in Oelwein. Grew up near Maynard, Iowa. MHS-56. Married Gaile Carlson in Maynard in 1958. Earned a B.A. degree from Upper Iowa in 1962 and took additional classes at Marycrest in Davenport, Drake, Iowa State and the Heartland Area Education Agency 11. Taught in Baxter, West Union/North Fayette and Guttenberg before completing her teaching career in the Ogden schools prior to retirement in 1997. Mary Ellen loved her church, had a lifelong love of learning, enjoyed tending her flower gardens and refinishing furniture. Was active in numerous community and civic organizations, Cubs Scouts, Lincoln Highway Questers, Ogden Fun Days, the Boone County Historical Society, Battin Chapel, the Leonard Good Library and various education groups. She and her late husband hosted five foreign exchange students. Two sons, James and Michael Carlson, and daughter, Jennifer Carlson survive. Services in Ogden. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

         Harry O. "Bud" Smith, II, 80, Boone. Born in Pennsylvania. Lived in Baltimore and Illinois. Bremen HS-64. All-Conference football player in high school and at Westmar College in LeMars. He was offered a contract with a semi-pro team but declined. Married Sandie Hartman in 1969 and started coaching and teaching in Colfax. The couple settled in Boone in 1972 and Bud spent the next 34 years as a teacher-coach at BHS. Along the way, he earned a Master's Degree from Drake University. Bud painted houses with fellow teachers each summer and was very tech-savvy. He served his church, Augustana Lutheran, for 52 years. He loved to travel, grill, garden, fish and ride his Harley. More than anything, he loved his family. Survivors include his wife, Sandie, and a daughter, Shannon (Matt) Jones both of Boone and his son, Tyler (Megan) Smith of Reno, NV. Services in Boone.   

         Michael L. Miller, 73, Boone. Born in Boone. Panora-Linden HS. Worked at Oscar Mayer in Perry before returning to school. Worked at Todd's LTD in Des Moines, Roberts Dairy in Omaha and Mrs. Clark's Foods in Ankeny in Purchasing Management positions. He loved the outdoors, fishing, biking, motorcycling, golf and enjoying his '55 Corvette. Sisters and brothers survive. Services in Boone. 

GREAT BOONE BASEBALL/SOFTBALL CONTINUES

     I, the Kornerman, am always sorry  to see the Boone baseball/softball season move toward completion. However, when its been a great season, the blow is softened somewhat. 

     The Toreador boys, against a competitive schedule, finished up at 23-10 AND made their first State tourney appearance in some time. A loss to the number one rated team in the state in their class, Dubuque, Wahlert, 3-1, ended their season in first round state play. But the team, guided by Coach Charley Eastlund, provided local fans with lots of excitement all season.

      The BHS girls showed great improvement during the long season. North Polk defeated them, 10-0, in a game early in the season. Then, one game away from a state tourney berth, number one rated North Polk, 33-5, had a very stiff challenge from the Boone team, winning, 6-5, in a come from behind effort. Boone's season finished at 21-14.

     The Boone Slammers, a 14 U team, coached by Tony Eckard, Kurt Hilsabeck, Jon Strabley and Nathan Ross, became a State Tournament champion with six straight wins. Congratulations to them.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Harry O. Bud Smith, II, 79, Boone.    

      Gary Floyd Weaklend, 73, Boone. Born in Osceola. Employed by Iowa State University for 44 years. Married Vickie Quayle Weakland after meeting her via a blind date. They were married 52 years. One of Gary's passions was restoring his 1942 Dodge Power Wagon. He loved showing it at car shows and in parades. His six grandchildren brought immeasureable joy into his life. Survivors also include his wife, Vicki, three daughters including Cari, BHS-93, (Brian) Engleen of Boone. The other surviving daughters are Kelli, BHS-96, (Chris) Wood and Courtney, BHS-98, (Chris) Vessely. A brother also survives. A COL will be held in Boone.      

      Robbie Stuehmer, 86, Boone.

      Ollie Mae Bramlett Merritt, 91, Ames. Two sons survive, including David (Retta) Merritt of Boone and a brother. Services in Gilbert. 

      Diane H.L. Hoover Neal, 93, Ames. Earned a DMACC Associates Degree from Boone Campus. Services in Ames.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Jo Schechinger, 74, Ankeny. Died of endometrial cancer. Born in Carroll. Carroll Kuemper HS-69. She attended DMACC in Boone on scholarship from 1977-79 before transferring to Iowa State where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in sociology, psychology and journalism in 1981. A Master's Degree was earned in education and counseling from Pan American University in 1983. For a brief time, she lived in Los Angeles working for Goodwill Industries before returning to Iowa. In 1984, Jo started her career with the State of Iowa as a vocational rehabilitation counselor. In 1991, she suffered a serious neck injury which fractured her vertebra. She recovered, was introduced to ESL, English as a second language, and began teaching that at DMACC in Boone, Ames and Des Moines. Later, she moved to Ankeny and worked as a substitute teacher. Jo loved animals, plants, crossword puzzles and writing. Survivors include her children, Justin and Sara Weeces, and six siblings. No word on services.

       James Louis Buche, 98, Huntington Station, NY. Born on a farm home east of Madrid. Sheldahl HS-43. Army vet. Married Helen Marie Sole in Earlham. The couple lived in Des Moines where James worked as an airline mechanic and as a machinist at Globe Hoist. Also studied at Drake University. Moving to Waterloo, James took a job at John Deere, writing technical manuals.The couple was transferred to East Moline in 1974 as James was promoted to technical editor for service publications. He retired in 1984. In 2020, he moved to New York to live with his daughter Ruth Davidowitz. She and a brother are survivors. Services in East Moline and burial in the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Daniel Tungesvik, 46, Ames. Born in Boone. BHS-98, where he participated in athletics and band. Dam earned a degree in political science and history from the University of Northern Iowa. He enlisted in the Iowa National Guard while a senior in high school and was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq for a year. For his military service, Dan was awarded several decorations. After service time, Dan attended William Mitchell College of Law in Minnesota, worked in family law and served as a magistrate for Boone County. He was a Rotary member and served on the Boone Community School Board for several years. Survivors include his wife, Karen, four step-children, his sister, Jennifer, BHS-89, (David) Hamel and brother, Mike, BHS-96, (Jaclyn) Tungesvik of Boone. Dan loved live music, history and watching sports. A COL will be held in Boone. 

       James B. Short, 71, Boone. Born in South Dakota. Survivors include his daughters, Wendy (Mike)  Roeder and Amanda O'Brien, step-sons, Nick and Aaron Feigen and three brothers, Harold, William and John Short. Services in South Dakota. 

        Lori Cook, 60, Madrid. Known for her work as a cook in the Madrid community. She spent many years as a paralegal in Iowa and Florida. Lori loved painting and music, especially playing the guitar. Survivors include her son, Grant Stalker, a daughter, Carly (Paul) Hanes, and four siblings. A private service will be held. 

        Laverna Holtkamp Larson, 99, Iowa City/Ames. Born in Fort Madison and lived in St. Paul, Hampton and Williams. Grew up working on the farm near Williams. Earned Drake University Bachelors and Masters degrees. Was a teacher for 32 years and started an award-winning ECO program for junior high students, highlighted by a conservation minded week long trip to the Ledges State Park. Two daughters and two siblings survive. Services in Iowa City and Ames.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

     Alice Kirwin King Woody, 93, Eastern Star. Born in Minnesota. Grew up in Winona and Ames. Married Marshall King and the couple lived and farmed in the Boone area. They divorced and Alice married Delmar Woody. Alice and Delmar lived in Newton. Alice was a 4- H leader, active in Cowbelles and the Farm Bureau. An excellent cook, she was honored to cook a home-cooked meal for President Gerald Ford who the Kings hosted on their farm during a campaign stop. Alice drove a school bus for the Boone and Newton school districts until age 84. She enjoyed music and creating many crafts and sewing projects that were sold at the Living History Farms. Survivors include her children, Randy (Kathi) King, Nancy Thompson, Jon (Peg) King, Lori (Dennis) Schultz and Kathy King. A private service will be held.

     Sharon Jean Kendall Elsberry Engel, 87, Wasilla, Alaska. Born in Boone. BHS-56. Married Bill Kendall, BHS-52, in 1956. Bill passed away in 1983 and in 1991, she married Richard Engel. Sharon worked at the Boone County Courthouse, Iowa State University, the Ames Police Department and the Iowa Methodist Medical Center. She loved her cats, gardening and traveling. Survivors include son Steve (Alisa) Kendall, a brother, Michael (Cindy) Elsberry, and a brother-in-law, Jerry Hand. Services tentatively set for early October in Ames.

QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS

     Here, all at once, my desk has been overrun with numerous questions that viewers have posed.

      But before that.....I noticed in a recent obituary an item or two that have caused me, the Kornerman, to ask a question.

      During his career,  Dr. John Paul Kluge, 88, of Ames, an ISU grad, worked as a veterinarian for the National Disease Lab and ISU.

      From his obit, I learned that Dr. Kluge was active in the Moingona Hunt Board of Directors and served as the College of Vet Medicine Coordinator for the Iowa Games Equestrian Venue and Moingona Hunter Pace.

      In my 75 plus years in Boone, I have never heard of these Moingona references????

K-----K 

      My longtime good friend, Ann Onymous, wrote, "what was the name of that lunch counter on Ninth Street between Story and Allen streets. and the one where Dutch Oven Bakery is now located? I've taught many a burger joint and truck stop diner how to make a garbage man open-faced sandwich and since, they've added it to their menus."

 K-----K    

      Mike Loehrer, BHS-64, wrote, "I was relating a story to one of my grandchildren about how my great grandfather's greenhouse was destroyed in the tornado of May 21, 1918. I've been told he was going to have his grand opening on the 22nd. But he had no insurance and left town to move out west. I recently found some photos taken in Boone at a place called Nic-o-let Park which appears to be an amusement park with a number of rides. I've never heard of this."

K-----K      

      John Hinz, BHS-64, wrote, "Great reading about the Coney Island. When we were allowed to leave the BHS campus for lunch, a group of us went there often for lunch. I believe I'm correct that we could get 3 coneys for $1 plus extra for a drink. I think the group varied but usually included Dick Musser, Tom Inman, Mike Nyman and Jude Rolfes. It was gourmet dining compared to the BHS cafeteria. Linda and I still enjoy coneys and when we return to Iowa, George, the Chili King, is a very passable substitute."

 K-----K   

       Leon "Andy" Anderson, BHS-62, and I are back and forth with emails quite often and in answer to a question I posed, here was his reply,"Both of us, brother Laverne, BHS-54, and I, flew helicopters and Laverne flew the 119 fixed wing also, in the National Guard. I got my commercial fixed wing after the Guard. Yeah, that was me that was Captain Andy on WHO in Des Moines and then Captain Jack came on board after my third year." P.S. Who remembered that Leon was the leading hitter in the Boone Babe Ruth Baseball league one year?

K-----K    

       A long time friend and one time co-worker at KWBG, Bernie Lewiston, grew up south of Ogden and graduated from Perry High School. An ISU grad, he started work in radio at KASI in Ames and KWBG. Eventually, he went back to the farm but said he never lost the radio "bug."

       Bernie just had another birthday and since 1957, he's been a  ham radio operator. The Ogden Reporter had a nice story about that and Bernie sent me a copy of it. It was very interesting and it reminded me of many years ago when my family were neighbors with the Harold Gustafson family up near 17th and Crawford.

      The Gustafsons had two sons, Don and Dean, who I spent time with. I remember how enthralled I was watching their dad as he talked to the "world" via his ham radio outfit. In the Ogden newspaper story, they asked, "what has kept you (Bernie) interested in ham radio?" His reply, "its still a kid's fascination that I can key my transmitter and immediately get a response from a ham in Eastern Europe or someplace else in the world." 

K-----K

     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located in 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

      James Christopher, 77, Boone.    

     Terry Lee Harris, 72, Oak Park, Illinois. Grew up in Boone. BHS-71. Terry worked in the nursing profession. Survivors include his wife, Barbara Harris, and three children as well as his siblings, twin brother Larry, Mike, Patty and Tim. His parents, Merle and Litta Harris, former well known Boone residents,  are deceased. Terry spent his career working in various aspects of mental health and was an advocate for mental health. Big Cubs fan. Services in Illinois.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

     John Wayne Jones, 78, Boone. BHS-65. A victim of complications from a car accident. A proud Veteran, he knew everybody and everybody knew John, who always had a smile on his face and a Diet Pepsi in his hand. John found a great love for Alaska while working there. An ironworker, he taught his co-workers how to play poker at night after building parts for the U.S. Army during the day. His grandchildren were special and brought him much joy. Returning to Boone from Alaska, he moved in and took care of his mother, Mildred Steinick. She passed in 2022 of dementia. Survivors include his daughter, Tasha (Gabe) Lanz, a sister, Jacque (Steve) and brothers Jim (Carol) and Joe (Donna). A COL is planned for a later date.

     Herbert "Herbie" Dittmer Jr., 56, Ogden. Born in Boone. BHS-88. Attended Iowa Lake Community College and earned his Associates Degree in carpentry there. Married Lori Phipps in Boone in 1996. The couple made their home in Ogden. Herbie worked at Quinn's Foundry but then for 29 years, he worked for FMC Masonry Company. He enjoyed camping, cooking, barbequeing, the Boone Speedway and playing Santa. Survivors include his wife, Lori, of Ogden, his daughter, Hailey (Jonathan Kraus) Dittmer of Boone and seven sisters, Regina Wellendorf; Rebecca Kinning; Rhonda Guldenpfennig; Renee Scheuermann; Dr. Roxann Dittmer; Rachelle Flory and Rheann Uetz. Services in Ogden. 

     Carol Lee Pautsch, 54. Boone. Lived life on her own terms, bold, creative and full of heart. She was never one to follow rules or conform to societal norms. She loved country music, watching horror films, camping and working puzzles. Survivors include five children, her biological and adopted mothers, five sisters and two brothers.

     Janice Kay (Frohlin)  Peterson, 86, Stratford. 

A GOOD TRY.....BUT NO LUCK SO FAR

       As of this writing, 7/6/2025, it appears I've "struck out" with the Des Moines Register.........AGAIN.

       A week or so ago, there was a story in the Register about all the various swimming offers (pools etc.) available to Central Iowa area citizens. No Boone mention of our wonderful city pool.

       But even more disturbing is the fact that there has been no mention I've found  of our annual Boone Municipal Band Festival, which has thrived for the past 32 years.

       Despite my unsuccessful past history with the Register, I was riled enough that I contacted, by email, a young lady listed as a Register Trending Reporter.

       I submitted to her some history of the Boone Municipal Band, highlighting the upcoming 33rd edition of the Iowa Municipal Band Festival which will be held all day Saturday, July 12. The Register reporter did reply but with little encouragement.

       I mean, c'mon, this Festival has an impressive history. I don't know of other such Festivals in Iowa, it has certainly survived the test of time and it brings band players and fans from all over the state to provide them a great period of  music enjoyment.

      Starting at 10 a.m., the nine full bands involved perform for an hour each and two smaller groups fill in with offerings while the "change of bands" is occurring. Those breaks are also a good time for a snack from the food court.

     To further state my case for what should be a piece of very interesting and informative statewide news, I submitted the 2025 Festival schedule.

     10 a.m.  Ames Municipal Band (32nd appearance); 11 a.m. Collins Concert Band of Cedar Rapids (4th appearance); noon: Iowa Military Veterans Band (6th); 1 p.m. Glenwood Community Band (1st); 2 p.m: Zumbrota Minnesota Community Band, (4th); 3 p.m: Greater Waverly Municipal Band, (2nd): 4 p.m: New Jolly Germans Band of Des Moines, (2nd); 5 p.m: Ballard Community Band of Huxley (16th) and at 6 p.m., the Boone Municipal Band (33rd).

     Betrunken Messing of Des Moines will provide the break time music at 10:45 and 11:45 a.m. while the Boone Jazz Trio will play at 12:45; 1:45; 2:45 and 3:45 p.m..

     Normally, at this time of year, I have faithfully contacted the Register annually, with zero success, for some coverage of another historical event coming to our community.

     For the 37th consecutive year, the Boone Speedway will host the International Motor  Contest Association (IMCA) Super Nationals from Labor Day, Monday, September 1st to Saturday, September 6. National Championship Races right here in the heart of Central Iowa.

    As usual, thousands of race fans from all over our great U.S.A. and Canada will spend the entire week, or a portion thereof, right here in support of an estimated 800 or more entrants, drivers, friends and family members.

    BUT, for the first time in the past several years, the Register will not receive any advance word  from me about this terrific Iowa racing event. I have finally yielded. My previous annual attempts have always  been ignored Maybe somebody else will have better luck than me in securing ANY KIND of coverage from the Register about the Super Nationals, who always provide extensive material about the Knoxville Raceway.

    The two, the Boone Speedway and the Knoxville event, are not real competitors. Their formats and dates are different, their events are different and, mostly, their clientele are completely different BUT, these two great Iowa racing events are treated completely different by the Register and I've never understood why the Super Nationals don't deserve at least SOME coverage.

     With a week to go before the Band Festival, I still have hope the Register will, somehow, acknowledge it and if so, I would certainly thank them and apologize for my skepticism. 

    End of story. 

K-----K

     Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4792. Phone number is 515-432-1530. Leave a message. To email stories/memories/comments/death notices........httsp://kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com. 

     

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      
     Sandra (Sandy) Calvert Hansen, 79, Boone. Born in Bayard. She earned her GED in the early 80's and became a truck driver. Sandy took a break from truck driving to serve as a CNA before returning to her love for truck driving. Eventually, health issues forced her retirement. Sandy was passionate about music, the Iowa Hawkeye football team, camping, gardening, knitting and family time. She touched many with her humorous character and had an empathetic heart. Survivors include her four children and two brothers. A COL will be held at a later date. 

     Daryl L. Faust, 71, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-71. Married Joan Bass in Boone in 1973.The couple lived in Carroll until moving to Boone in 1980. Most of Daryl's working career was spent in the bowling industry. He managed Imperial Lanes for 30 years. He won many bowling honors himself and was inducted into the Boone County Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 2003. After retiring from Imperial Lanes in 2015, he worked for HyVee. Daryl was passionate about fishing, the Cubs and Hawkeyes. Survivors include his wife, Joan, two children, Mike (Alison) Faust and Megan (Matt) Rigg, a sister, Barb (Alan) Sparks and a brother Paul (Tracy) Faust. Services in Boone and Sheldahl.

     Pamela Sue Grant Sassman, 61, Boone. Born in Iowa City. The David/Joan Grant family settled in Boone in 1966. BHS-82. Pam was an excellent student and in high school, was involved in several sports as well as participating in piano and violin. At the State University of Iowa, she studied broadcast journalism. After graduation, she worked in editing for a book publisher in Chicago. Moving to Los Angeles, she worked for a television producer and as a production assistant for the Chevy Chase Show. Later, as a teacher, she served the L.A. Unified School District before moving back to Boone and earning a Master of Education degree in School Counseling from ISU. "Miss Sassman" then had a long career as a primary school counselor in the Ames School District. While in L.A., Pamela was diagnosed with the first of three types of cancer that she overcame during a 22 year period. She married Philippe Derey and then Troy Sassman, a fellow Iowan. She and Troy had two daughters and remained close friends after their marriage ended. Survivors include her father, Dr. David Grant of Ames, her two daughters, two brothers, two sisters and three step siblings. Services in Boone and Mapleton.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

     Bart Edward Kennedy, 69, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-73. Bart was a successful high school wrestler, qualifying for the State Meet three times and being a placewinner twice. He earned a wrestling scholarship to Iowa Central Community College in Eagle Grove. Bart married Janice Shupe in 1993. She passed away in 2010. Bart worked for the Polk County Engineers for 36 years before retiring in 2010. A few years later, he returned to Boone. Survivors include his brothers, Todd (Debby) Kennedy of Moingona and Jeff (Patti) Kennedy of Colorado and a sister, Jana (Scott) Jones of Collins, IA. A COL will be held at a later date.

     Carol Wilson Alleman, 88, Madrid. Born in Ames. Survivors include two sons, Brad and Paul Alleman. Services in Alleman.

     Robert (Bob) Hunter, 84, Cedar Rapids. Grew up in Boone. Boone HS-59. Married Jeri Kay Peterson. A 40-year railroad veteran with service to the Chicago Northwestern and Union Pacific before retirement in 2003. A sports fan, he was elected into the Cedar Rapids Softball Hall of Fame in 2006 and enjoyed golf, swimming and pumpkin pie. Three children, a brother, Jerry Hunter, and a sister, Joann Beavers, survive. Services in Cedar Rapids.

     Dr. John Paul Kluge, 88, Ames. ISU vet medicine faculty member and following retirement and two years of rest, he served as a part-time pathologist at the National Veterinary Services Lab in Ames. He was an active member of the Moingona Hunt Board of Directors and served as the College of Vet Medicine Coordinator for the Iowa Games Equestrian Venue and Moingona Hunter Pace. Services in Ames. 

     Thomas A. Baty Jr., 90, Ames. Was a YMCA Secretary in Des Moines as well as serving as Assistant Director of the Boone YMCA Camp. A son, a daughter and brother survive. Services in Ames. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        D. Eldenna Graham Maro Fullerton, 75, Durant, formerly of Boone. Born in Webster City in 1949. WCHS-65. Married Anthony Maro in 1968. Then, married James Fullerton. James passed away in 2017. Three children survive. Services in Fort Dodge.

        Donna Erickson, 61, Stratford. Private family service at South Marion Cemetery.

        Daniel E. Pillow, 80, and Judith K. Patrick Pillow, 80, of Madrid passed away one day apart. Daniel was born in St. Louis and Judith was born in Madrid. The couple were married in Colorado in 1963. Daniel is a Viet Nam vet. The couple have made Madrid their home the last 10 years after living in Colorado and Iowa. Two children survive, including Dave (Brenda) Pillow of Woodward. Judith is also survived by a brother. A graveside service will be held at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter.

        Jaden Kurt Smith, 17, Ames. Born in Ames. Gilbert HS-2025. Survivors include his parents, Fay and Patty Smith, and three siblings. A COL will be held at the Fareway Conference Center/Cobblestone Inn in Boone.