BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Larry "Rabbitt" Wilkening, 83, Boone/Westhaven. Born in Nevada. Maxwell HS-62. Rabbitt worked on a farm in his teen years and ended up in marriage with the farmer's daughter, Charlene Laughlin, in 1966 in Maxwell. U.S. Army vet. Two years of active duty and 20 years with the Iowa National Guard. Wife Char passed in 2014 and Larry found another "sweetheart" in Lynn Sinram. She passed in 2023. Larry's main job was with John Deere where he worked for 30 years. Retiring from Deere, he went to work part time for Busch Bros. and Sons Farms. Larry was a member of the Moose Lodge #104, was a 
Free Mason and Shriner and 50 year church member. He enjoyed music, playing cards, bowling and fishing. Survivors include his twin brother, Lanny, and two daughters, Julie (Scott) Wilbur, Jennifer (Brian) Thilges all of Boone and a son. Services in Boone.    

       Melvin E. Holmberg, 85, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-59. Married Carolynne 45 years ago. Retired from the DOT after 36 1/2 years of service. The couple spent 18 winters in South Texas. He was often seen walking all over town in his one-of-a-kind, colorful shirts and pants....that is until he broke a hip. After that, he sat in his garage with always something to say to those who passed by. Survivors include his wife, Carolynne, a brother, Marvin Holmberg, and his sister-in-law, Barb Holmberg.     

       Gene Lavere Olson, 85, Boone/Eastern Star. Born on a farm near Boxholm. As a kid, he worked the family farm. He injured his elbow playing Babe Ruth baseball and that forced him to throw underhand rather than overhand and the result was a long, outstanding career as one of the state's best fast pitch softball players. He was inducted into the Iowa Softball Fast Pitch Hall of Fame in 1997 after the same honor with the Des Moines Softball Hall of Fame in 1995. He pitched for teams in Boone, Ames, Des Moines and Clear Lake. Retiring from the sport at age 57, he had recorded over 700 wins as a pitcher. Gene was employed by Hoffman LaRoche for 42 years, much of that time as plant foreman. He and his wife, Linda, enjoyed camping after his retirement. He also spent time fixing and selling John Deere lawn tractors. Gene was devoted to his family and Lori, Donovan, Brent and Mark became the center of the couple's life. Wife Linda and the four kids survive along with his sister, Judy. A COL will be held Friday, Oct. 24, from 2 to 4  p.m at the Boone Senior Citizen's Center, 1112 Story Street. 

       Jonathan A. Grove, 70, Ames. Born in Jefferson. Grew up in Beaver. Ogden HS-73. Army vet. Served as a helicopter crew chief. Six years active and 19 years with the Iowa National Guard. Worked as a groundskeeper at ISU from 1995 until retirement in 2020. Married Janice Drummer in 1996 and the couple lived in Ames where they shared a love of animals and sports. Jon was an avid fan of NASCAR and the Chiefs. He also loved fishing, bowling, attending car shows and working security at Cyclone football games and at the Boone Speedway. He had a passion for classic cars and 1970's music. Survived by his wife, Janice, a twin brother, Joe, a daughter, Jana Eagan, and a sister, Kathy (Grove) Springer. Services in Ames.