BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        Ron Bass, 79, Boone. Born in Fort Dodge. Dayton HS-64. Army vet. Married Alice Eckley, BHS-66, in Boone in 1967. The couple lived in Dayton, then Boone and since 1998, in Jordon. Ron enjoyed NASCAR, especially Dale Earnhardt Sr., fishing, classic cars and Chevy trucks. Well respected, he loved to share his knowledge with anyone. He could fix anything and make anything out of nothing. Survivors include his wife, Alice, a daughter, Sarah, and siblings, Ilene Buttz, Viola Winters, Allen (Nancy) Bass, Alvin (Brenda) Bass and Janet Bass. Visitation in Boone.     

        Rex Arnes Christensen, 84, Ogden. Born in Ogden. OHS-59. Took engineering at ISU. Joined the family farm. Ten year National Guard vet. Married Janice Peterson. Worked in farm/livestock operations but also had a love for building and creating. He made an untralight plane, created artistry via welding and loved working on his Alfa Romero. Loved to ski, fish and travel. Married Donna in 2007. There was traveling and reading during there retirement years, spending winters in Mesa, AZ. Survivors include his wife, Donna, sons Craig and Cory, brother Roger and step-children. Celebration of Life in Ogden.      

         Lucinda Jane "Cindy" Iles Anderson, 73.  Born in Boone. Married David Anderson in Stratford in 1974. She worked for Sundstrand and Danfoss for 38 years. Survivors include her husband, two children and her sister. No services scheduled.

        Donald Vernon Reckler, 88, Ames/Eastern Star. A memorial will be planned for springtime. 

        Iola May Hicks Bainter, 75, Perry. There are three sibling survivors, including Shirley Anderson of Boone. Services in Perry 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Stephan Dean Nims, 70, Urbandale. Married Christine Kzurich in Madrid in 1981. She and a daughter survive. Services in Urbandale.

       Donnie Lee Sonksen, 82, Stratford/Southwest Wellness Webster City. Services in Stratford. Memorials to the Boone Veterans building to be constructed.

       HERE ARE A COUPLE OCTOBER DEATHS  I MISSED.

       Thomas C. Schall, 76, Saluarita, AZ. Passed away October 20. Born in Boone. Grew up on the family farm near Ogden. OHS-67. Boone Junior College. Air Force vet. Farmed and worked for Rolfes in Boone and Northern Natural Gas in Ogden before moving to Colorado. Worked  there as a taxi driver, in construction, as a chimney sweep and as a horse drawn sleigh driver at a ski resort. Tom joined the Twenty Mile Coal company and moved to Green Valley, AZ. to work in the copper mines. After 21 years, he retired but worked security for several years. He loved fishing and hunting and was an avid horseman. Very adventuresome, he had a great sense of humor and he loved nature. A son and two daughters survive, as do a brother, Dan (Shelly) Schall of Ogden, a sister and step-children. Services were held in Arizona with burial in Ogden.

       Deborah "Deb" Christine Thomas, 75, Albia, passed away October 23. Deb and her husband, Bill, lived in Madrid for several years in the 70's and 80's before returning to Albia in 2010. She worked for the Madrid school district as a teacher's aide and in food service until her retirement in 2010. Her husband and two children survive. Services were held in Albia. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        Kent L. Jones, 73, Ogden. Born in Boone. OHS-70. Iowa National Guard vet. Worked 40 years for Northern Natural Gas and Youngren Excavating. Kent loved working around the farm, especially with the cattle. He helped his dad, and then son Chris, with everything involved in farming and livestock. For 10 years, he worked with Harold and Randy Eich auctioneering. Kent looked forward to sales at the Perry Sale Barn, loved a big garden and did a lot of canning. In Ogden football, Kent held a passing yardage record for 54 years and was delighted when his grandson, CeJay, broke that record. Kent loved the Hawkeyes and Steelers but the Bulldogs, they were number one. Survivors include his daughter, Gina (Scott) Church, son, Chris (Lanna) Jones, and two sisters, including Jodi (Alan) Sward all of Ogden. Services in Ogden.

        Jerolyn Kay Sundgren Webb, 83, Norwalk. Raised in Boone. At age 14, met Ted C. Webb and they married four years later. Ted passed in 2024. The couple were travelers, visiting 71 countries together. At 18, Jerolyn began a career in insurance. For Blue Cross/Blue Shield, she worked her way up to Executive Vice President of Administration at Broker's Clearing House insurance until retirement. She had a deep appreciation for nature and its beauty and instilled in her children the importance of finding joy in the simple things. Survivors include four children, a sister, Zoe Anne, BHS-71, Dixson, and a brother, Charlie, BHS-69, Dixson. An COL will be held in Norwalk. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Janette Ruth Foster Westberg, 94, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in Boone.  Attended Lutheran school and Iowa Teacher's College (UNI). Married Dean Westberg in Webster City in 1950. Three daughters survive, Cathy (Robert) Hague; Mary (Ritch) Conrad and Jerry (Larry) Foley. Dean (BHS-47) passed away in 2020. A graveside will be held in Boone for both Janette and Dean.  

       Kerry Allen Randolph, 44, Boone. Born in Boone. Grew up in Ogden. OHS-2000. DMACC, Boone Campus. An over-the-road truck driver, he spent many years with different Carriers. At home, he liked to tinker and repair things. He updated his garage and experimented with growing vegetables in his basement.  Kerry also developed a system to put on fireworks displays. Kerry and his longtime companion, Jamie Dawkins, enjoyed time camping, which usually included NaNa Diane as well as their two children. Survivors include his father, Ron (Vicky) Randolph and brother, Keith Randolph of Ogden. Boone survivors are his mother, Diane Drennen, and daughters, Kolleen and Mia Randolph. Services in Ogden.

       Richard "Dick" Bengtson, 94, Grimes. Born in Dayton. Grew up in rural Boxholm. Dick earned a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture Education and his teaching certificate from Iowa State College (ISU). Air Force vet. In 1956, he married Bonnie Jean Edwards. During over 20 years of military service Dick progressed to the rank of Major and was a flight navigator and maintenance officer during the Viet Nam war. Dick retired from service in 1972 and in 1974, the family settled on a farm near Randall. After that retirement, Dick and Bonnie lived in Story City, Ames, Waukee and Grimes. Bonnie died in 2022. Survivors include his children, David, Michael and Jim Bengtson, as well as Lori Timmons, Lisa Humke and Linda Clauson. Services in Ogden and Boxholm.  

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Judith Kay (Judy) Johnson, 72, Boone/Hearthstone Memory. Services in Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-71. Judy was a renowned trap shooter, winner of numerous state and even Midland championships. She won 15 patches shooting 25-50 birds in a row. She married John Scott Cherveny in 1971 and he passed away in 1974. In 1976, she married Jerry Dean Johnson and he passed away in 2011. Judy worked at the Cattlemen's Association in Ames, Crop Production Services  in Boone, along with her husband Jerry at J and J Concrete in Boone and then worked at Iowa State until retirement in 2014. She was an Iowa Hawkeye season ticket holder in both basketball and football. Two daughters, Ginger (Bill Riehl) Wiebers of Boone and Jo (Chris) Capps of Ogden plus a step-daughter, Nona (Terry) Schwand, survive. She was preceded in death by her brother, Allen Walker, and most recently, her sister, Mary Jane Walters. A Memorial Visitation will be held in Boone. 

       Richard (Dick) Bengtson, 94, Grimes. Services in Ogden and Boxholm.      

       John Fitzsimmons, 66, Boone. Born in California. He participated in Civil Reenactments with the Army of the Southwest as their "Battle Artist." Was a member of the Lincoln Highway Association and a true hotrodder at heart. A vagabond road artist, Johnny had many journeys along this country, detailing its characters and sights in his artwork and crafting stories for any who might listen. Survivors include his wife, Linnea, his children, Amber and Sean (Taylor) Fitzsimmons, and his sisters, Sandi and Patti. An COL will be held later. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        Betty May Peter Paulson, 95, Story City. Born in rural Boone County. BHS-48. Baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church in rural Boone and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Boone. Married Duane Paulson in 1949 at Trinity. The couple moved to rural Story City where Duane farmed for 10 years. They then moved to Des Moines for Duane to attend AIB. In 1959, they moved to Ames and then to Roland in 1960. From Roland they moved to a rural area before settling in Story City in 2000. Betty enjoyed quilting, was a good cook and seamstress. She loved working outside in her garden and canning green beans and sweet corn. Three sons and her brother, Wilmer (Gladys) Peter of Story City, survive. Services in Roland.

        Marjorie L.Tilley Fitzgerald Dixon, 93, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-50. Married Leo Fitzgerald in 1952. As a couple, they worked in the first-ever Casey's General Store in Boone for 10 years. They then owned and operated L and M Gas and Grocery in Boone for 28 years. Leo passed in 1986. In 1993, Marjorie married Clarence Dixon. They enjoyed many bus trips. Clarence passed in 2015. Marjorie enjoyed watching the Hallmark channel and spending time with her family members. Four of her five children, who all spent time working at Casey's and L and M, survive. They are Cheryl Ahrens, Denise Fitzgerald, Mike (Tami) Fitzgerald and Diane (Joe) Davis. Services in Boone.

       Florence Loraine Lee, 92, Perry. Survivors include a son, Kenny (Lori) Anderson of Luther. Private burial in Perry. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

 

       Delmer Creighton Husmann, 89, Boone/Westhaven. Minburn HS-53. Married Margie Smiley-Hodgson of Boone in 1960. Delmer retired from Bridgestone/Firestone in 1985 but then worked for the city of Boone as a library custodian and for Boone County Transportation as a HIRTA bus driver. Delmer was often seen tending to his lawn, gardening, watching people go by and chatting with neighbors and friends. He enjoyed jigsaw puzzles. His greatest joy was sharing his faith as a Jehovah's Witness with others. Survivors include Margie's two children, Georgette Hodgson-Overton of Boone and James Hodgson (Kathryn) of Saipan.     

        Patricia Rinehart Sternquist, 88, Boone/Mason City IOOF Home since July. Born in Boone. BHS-55. DMACC Nursing Program. Married Leonard Sternquist in Boone in 1956. Worked as a nurse's aide. Then, as a stay-at-home mom. Returned to nursing and worked as a school nurse and with students with disabilities. An active church member, she was involved in PTA and was a Camp Fire Girls troop leader for many years. Patricia and her late husband, Leonard, fell in love with ballroom dancing while taking lessons with their daughter, Susan, and her soon-to-be husband, Scott,  before their wedding in 1981. They went on to teach, compete and enjoy the international style of Ballroom Dancing for many years. Survivors include her daughters, Susan (Scott) Moorman, and Laura Sternquist, sisters Joleen, Joanne and Jackie and brothers, Bob and Marty. Patricia lived with happiness, kindness and grace. An amazing cook and baker, she was also known for her crafts and the fun old-fashioned games she always had ready for her grandchildren. A COL at a later date. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Dennis Ray McCool, 83, Boone. Born in Marshalltown. BHS. Married Mary Jane McCool in 1963. He worked for the U.S. Navy for over 28 years combined civil service and active duty on nuclear submarines. He ended his career as a Chief test nuclear engineer at Mare Island Naval Station in California. He was proud to be a member of the armed forces and always had a U.S. flag flying in front of his house. Dennis always supported his family and enjoyed being in his basement doing different woodworking projects with his brother and best friend, Gary McCool. He had a passion for the outdoors and loved fishing. Favorite times were car rides in the park, deer watching and band concerts. He was a great father to his sons, Michael and Christopher, who are survivors. 

       Susan Kay "Suz" Welch, 85, Johnston/Boone. Born in Van Meter. Played basketball, was a cheerleader and Valedictorian at Earlham HS. Was heavily involved in Camp Fire and spent many memorable summers at Camp Hantesa. Began her lifelong dedication to camps as a Hantesa Apprentice and joined the summer staff in 1959. Iowa State Teachers grad (UNI) earning a B.A. in Physical Education. Taught at Clinton HS before joining the Camp Fire Staff in 1965. In 1972, Suz joined Camp Hantesa as Director and in 1982, she started serving as Executive Director of the camp. She was an Adjunct Professor at UNI from 1982-85. It was her innovative spirit that led to the expansion of Camp Hantesa programs and facilities, including a new swimming pool. Suz served on local and national boards of the American Camp Association (ACA) and lended her expertise to programs and camps across the country. Her spouse, Carolyn Hudgens, preceded her in death. Survivors include a brother, nephews, step-children and step-grandchildren. Memorial service will be held at Camp Hantesa.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        Sherryl Ann Ellingson Dighton, 84, Boone. Born in Hampton. Grew up on family farm. Popejoy HS. Earned a degree in Education from the State College of Iowa (UNI). Married Lyndon Dighton in Popejoy while in college in 1963. The couple moved to Hawarden to begin teaching careers. Moved to Boone in 1968. After being a stay-at-home mother to three children, Sherryl returned to teaching. She taught fourth grade for 24 years. Her family was everything. Very active in church, she also served on Little League and Boone Booster Club boards. She enjoyed coffee groups and playing bridge. Survivors include her daughter, Sally (Ian) Overland and sons, Dan (Sally) and Jeff (Ammie) Dighton all of Boone. Services in Boone.  

        Patricia Lynette Sternquist, 88, Boone/Mason City IOOF Home. A COL later.     

        Ruth Ann Johnston Anderson, 78, Dayton/Grandview Health Center. Born in Jefferson. Confirmed at Trinity Lutheran in Boxholm. Grand Community HS. Married Marvin Dean Anderson in Boxholm in 1965. The couple lived in Blairsburg prior to moving to Harcourt in 1968. She was a homemaker, farm wife and later, the Librarian at Dayton Library. Ruth enjoyed bowling, artec painting, fishing and was a very active church member. Survivors include her husband, Marvin, two children, including Mark Anderson of Boxholm and a sister. A COL in Dayton and burial in Jewell.

       Joyce LaVonne Frohwein Haws, 78, Ogden/Ankeny. Born in Eldora. Lived in Roland, Reinbeck, Colo and Washington before settling in Ogden where the couple lived on an acreage outside of town. Later, the couple moved to Ankeny. She had a way of making things happen. Remembered for her warmth, generosity and entrepreneurial spirit. Survivors include her husband, Mike, two sons and two daughters. Service in Ankeny, burial in Runnells. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

          Rodney Scott Ferguson, 67, Great Lakes Area. Passed away Oct. 13, 2025. Rod grew up in Boone. BHS-76. Drove truck for Fareway, owned a bar, was a logging foreman in Texas, a realtor, car salesman and antique dealer. He loved dining in restaurants in the Okoboji area. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. Survivors include his former wife, Sandy Ferguson, and his son, Chane, by marraige. COL was held in Arnold's Park.     

           Rosalie Marie Baldus Kelso, 79, Ames. Born in Boone. Daughter of Irene and Victor Baldus. Ames HS-64. Attended ISU briefly before moving to Lancaster, CA. Returned to Ames and married David Kelso in 1971. Was an insurance clerk at the ISU Student Health Center until retirement. She loved spending summers at a lakeside refuge in Waterville, MN. and summers in Apache Junction, AZ. Rosalie enjoyed bingo, flea markets, fishing, playing solitaire and reading. She was active in the Ames High Alumni Association and the American Business Women's Association. Three daughters and two sisters, including Mary Ann Baldus of Ames, survive. A COL will be held in Ames. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Wendi Lea Culbertson Tolan, 53, Ogden. Born in Perry. Panorama HS-91. Spencer School of Business. Married Shawn Tolan. They divorced. Wendi worked for Grand Junction as the City Clerk. She was a professional wrestling fan, loved her two dogs, working jigsaw puzzles and reading. Survivors include her children, Austin (Taylor) Tolan; Tyler Tolan (Addison Adcock)  and Katie Lea Tolan. Three sisters also survive. Services in Ogden.  

      Joyce Elaine Kitchen Bimbi, 83, Madrid/Eastern Star. Born in Ames. Lived in Madrid for over 60 years. Eastern Star resident since 2023. Preceded in death by her husband, Leo Bimbi, her parents, Mabel and Loyall Kitchen, and a granddaughter, Melissa Neely.  Survivors include three children, three grandchildren, including  Sarah (Chris) Turbes of Pilot Mound and Justin Neely of Boone, great grandchildren, Madison and Olivia Neely of Boone, and a sister, Jean (Steve) Duffy of Boone. No services are planned. 

       Diane Marie Wiggins, 82, Ames. Children surviving are Matt Wiggins of Boone and Janine (Daryl) Tellinghuisen of Ames. COL in Boone.