BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Travis Lee Hughes, 54, Lamoni. Born in Leon. Survivors include a sister, Heidi (Rusty) Hicks, of Boone. A COL will be held later.        

        Richard Lincoln Handy, 96, Ames/Green Hills. Services in Ogden.     

        Larry Ross "Butch" Boersma, 85, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in Boone. BHS-58. Married Kathleen Deal in 1962. Butch was a drywaller, owning and running his own business. He retired from that work in Ames. In 1994, the couple moved to Fraser after purchasing the Damn Site restaurant. For over 20  years, they were snowbirds in Texas. When returning in the Spring, Butch enjoyed mowing at the Don Williams Golf Course until final retirement in 2020. He loved hunting and fishing, mushroom hunting, golfing, swimming, woodworking and bowling, especially going to state tournaments. He was a 60-year member of the Moose Lodge #104 in Boone and was involved in every aspect of it. Survivors are is wife, Kathy, and daughters, Kelle Cook and Chris Duncan. A COL will be held at the Moose Lodge.   

        Kelly Lee Zimmerman Moore, 64, Ogden, Cancer victim. Born in Lake City. Married Larry Moore. She dedicated her life to healthcare, with over 35 years as a nurse and six years as Director of Nursing at Kennybrook Village in Grimes. Kelly loved making jewelry, music and playing the guitar. Survivors include her husband, Larry, three children, including Erin Finley of Boone, and three siblings. A COL is planned for the spring.

         Susan Marie Judge Lawler, 92, Ogden/Westhaven. Born in Boone. Boone Sacred Heart-1951. Married Charles "Chick" Lawler in Boone in 1952. The couple lived and farmed south of Ogden for many years. They moved into Ogden in 1998 and Chick passed away in 2010. Susie dedicated her life to her faith and family. Survivors include a son, Steve, and three daughters, Laurie, Amy and Jenni. Services in Ogden. 

BUSY, BUSY

      The fact that RAGBRAI, in Boone, in July of 2026, will be a prominent part of the 53rd annual event is great news for the community. However, since that's been a "heavy" part of the most recent Iowa news cycle , we'll give you viewers a brief respite by making that item the last part of this Korner. P.S. Even then, however, we may find a few interesting tidbits that have been overlooked.

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       Here's something I found interesting and it probably hasn't secured the attention it should have.

       In mid-January, Elite Power Tumbling and Trampoline hosted an AAU meet at Boone High School that played host to eight Iowa clubs and one from Kansas. During the day, 185 athletes competed in 625 events. Boone's Elite team had 44 athletes involved and they dominated the meet with 39 first place finishes and 28 seconds. In addition, that team won a team high nine high point awards.

        Elite will be hosting the 2026 USTA State Meet in April. That will bring 24 Iowa teams, over 650 athletes and 2000 events for the two-day event here. 

        Sounds like a busy year ahead with this event, the return of the Farm Progress show in August, RAGBRAI and the Super National races, Pufferbilly and all the other usual attractions that lie ahead.

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         Ice skating is back in Boone and just the mention, should bring back lots of memories for youngsters of every era.  

         This oldtimer, although never participating, remembers the popularity of this event all the way back to pre-television days as a winter time pleasure.

         The John Hansen Memorial Skating Rink and Shelter held a grand opening earlier this month with the help of the Iowa Wild, the Des Moines based professional ice hockey team which is an affiliate of the National Hockey League Minnesota Wild.

          This is the third year of a program which makes rinks available for Iowa communities. The Wild have been committed to growing hockey in the state and Boone is the 13th community to receive this assistance. 

          On a more personal note......John Hansen was a friend and I'm biased BUT the guy did so much during his time here for our park system and, in particular, the skating pond. There's a very small sign hanging on a tree at the entrance to the ice skating area as a tribute to John. That's nice, but to me, its never been enough?

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          Verne Schmickley, BHS-64, recalls some memories of a past Iowa winter.

         He wrote, "in the late 60's, I was carpooling back from ISU to Boone and, at that time, U.S. 30 was still two-lane only. Ahead of us, due to whiteout conditions, someone ahead slowed down and the road drifted shut. Many cars, as well as ours, were stuck for the night. Behind us was a Greyhound bus that had enough diesel to keep it running and heated all night. I spent the night on a luggage rack."

          Yes, there have been Iowa winters like that but its ironic that Verne ended up in North Carolina, which he probably thought was "safe." However, this winter, even those areas down south are experiencing REAL winter weather.

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          Back to some news and notes about RAGBRAI. 

          This year's route is the shortest of the event's history, 391.4 miles in length. It begins in Onawa July 18 and ends in Dubuque on July 25 and there's 16,027 feet of climb involved. Sixty percent of the riders come from other states and 20 foreign countries.

           Historically speaking, Boone was an overnight stop in 1975, 1988, 1998 and 2011 while there were pass-throughs in 1973, 1976, 2008 and 2018. Here's the difference and the financial implications to the communities. The pass-through riders may just grab a drink or sandwich and get back on their way. The overnight stop will mean the riders will spend much more time here and, thus, spend more money locally.

           P.S. The Boone County Fair will end less than 48 hours before the swarm of RAGBRAI riders reach Boone.

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          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. 

           

     

           

           

          

         

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Donald Sondall, 84, Boone. Born in Story City. Roland HS-59, where he excelled in baseball and basketball. Army Reserve veteran. Married Judy Paris in Roland in 1970. Don worked at Fareway, Casey's and ISU. He always enjoyed using his Lawn Boy to mow for his neighbors. He was a coin and baseball card collector at one time, loved spending time with his dogs, watching birds, gardening, working puzzles and scratch tickets and listening to Elvis. Don was also a sports fan and drank strawberry Kool Aid by the gallon, always adding extra sugar. Survivors include his son, Michael (Natasha) Sondall of Boone, a daughter, Deb Saeveit, his brother, Steve, and two Boone sisters-in-law, Linda Patterson and Donna Paris. Services pending.

       Rickey Howard Sr., 64, Ames. COL in Madrid       

       David L. "Dave" Ross, 82, Washington, IA. Victim of a two-year illness. Born in Mason City. BHS-62. Married Cathy Bell, BHS-64, in Boone in 1964. A resident of Washington since 1981. Prior to that, the family lived in Boone, Manchester and Fort Dodge. Dave was the manager of the Washington Fareway from 1981 until retirement in 2006. He was a Fareway Board of Directors member from 1995-2000. Following retirement, he worked at Ace-N'More from 2008 to 2025. Dave loved riding his John Deere mower and visiting with friends and neighbors. Survivors include his wife, Cathy, two sons, David (Rebecca) Ross and Thomas Ross, and sisters, Marilyn Dee, BHS-55, of Stratford, Carol (Jerry) Zanker and Judy (Daryl) Zanker. Service in Washington and burial at a later date in Boone's Linwood Park.   

       Delores Elaine "Dee Dee" or "Dee"  Couchman Sprecher, 74, Boone. Born in Centerville. Wayne Community HS in Corydon-69. Was active in sports and school activities. Married Gary Sprecher in Ames in 1979. Was a forklift driver for 3M until time off to raise her three children. Volunteered at United Community and then returned to secretarial work for Community Family Resources in Ames, the Richmond Center, until retirement in 2020. A woman of faith and service, she was a devoted church and American Legion member. A wonderful singer, music was important to her. She also loved the Chicago Cubs and Caitlin Clark. Survivors include her husband, Gary, sons Joshua and Adam Sprecher, and daughter Sara (Shawn) Everson. Services at St. Paul's.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        Phyllis Lorraine Fleming Fields, 90, Boone. Formerly of Story City. After the death of her mother, she was adopted by Iver and Alice Stevens. In 1955, she married Harvey Fields. He passed in 2019. The couple moved frequently, making their home in several different states. Still, Iowa was always home at heart, Boone was the last place they lived together and Iowa is where Phylliss spent her final years. She loved crocheting, playing the keyboard and reading. She was also an avid sports fan. Four daughters survive. A graveside service will be held in the Story City area.
      

BULLETIN.....BOONE WILL BE THE HOST FOR THE THIRD DAY OF 2026 RAGBRAI   

        Mark Eugene Coy, 57, Ames. A cancer victim. Born in Boone. His parents were Ron and Linda Coy. Mark loved simple pleasures, Okoboji, camping and being outdoors, music, and the ocean, lakes, sunsets and sunrises. Survivors include a brother, Troy Coy, a  daughter, Cheyenne Wheeler, his former wife, Brenda Ordones, an aunt and uncle.

        Cecelia Astrid Horner, 88, Ames. Was an English/Speech instructor for DMACC at the Boone and Ames campuses. A COL will be held later.       

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Carol Faith Fisher Swift, 85, Buford, GA. Born in Boone. Moved to Georgia in 1975. Worked for Primerica Financial Services before becoming President of Georgia Right to Life. An active church member, she is survived by two daughters. Services in Dracula, GA.       

        David Romitti, 59, Oshkosh, WI. Madrid HS-84, where he participated in all sports. He briefly attended DMACC in Ankeny and spent much of his working life in retail. He also devoted himself to caring for his father, who passed last March. David enjoyed NASCAR, the Packers, the Cyclones, Cincinnati Reds and the San Jose Sharks. He loved music, movies and was known for his quick wit, sharp humor and the ability to provoke laughter. Survivors include two siblings, Teresa (William) Van Aacken and Jarrod Romitti. Services in Oshkosh.

        Mary Jo Reetz, 66, Ogden. A COL in Ogden. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

         Daniel Allen Kim Hudson, 40, Boone. No services.         

         Randy Dean Johnson, 71, Boone. Born in Creston. Attended school in the Waterloo Area. Married Bronda Hensen in 1970 and the couple settled in Boone. Randy drove for Great Plains Gas, UBC and Wilson Transfer. Later in life, he found joy in serving as a foster grandparent for the Boone schools. Randy loved music, westerns, camping, fishing, family barbeques and traveling with his wife. Survivors include sons Travis (Katie) Johnson and Chad (Amanda) Johnson, a brother Richard "Buck" (Ronda) Johnson and sisters Linda Ray, Brenda (Bill) Davisson and Cindy (Herb) Bishop. Services in Boone.       

         Keith Bloomquist, 79, Marshalltown. BHS-64.

         Mary Margaret Neikirk, 79, Santa Fe, NM. BHS-64. COL in Santa Fe.

         Michael Guy Haws, 79, Ankeny. Born in McCallsburg. Grew up in Colo. Married Joyce. The couple lived in Roland, Reinbeck, Colo, Washington and then Ogden, where they lived on an acreage outside of town. Eventually, a move was made to Ankeny. Mike will be remembered for his wisdom, humor, generosity and entrepreneurial spirit. He did everything with a purpose, putting others first and always willing to listen and mentor others. Survivors include two sons and two daughters. Services in Ankeny and Runnells. 

          Merlin Calmer Sr., 87, Boone. Twenty year Army vet and Purple Heart Medal honoree. Married Linda Thacker in Omaha in 2013. He enjoyed riding his Harley, camping, traveling and following NASCAR. Survivors include his wife, Linda, of Boone and several Boone children/step-children, Kevin (Jayne) Calmer, Merlin "Tad" Calmer Jr., Kimberly (Kelly) Buck, Sheila (Mike Sotter) Thompson, Jeff and Dean Hill. Two other step-children also survive. A COL will be held later.

          David Allen Sahr, 88, Eastern Star. Born in North Dakota. Two sons, Eric and Rock, survive. No services planned. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

         Mary Margaret Neikirk, 79. BHS-64. COL planned for Santa Fe, NM.

         Keith Bloomquist, 79, Marshalltown. BHS-64.      

         Pamela Sue (Pam) Ober Heun, 69, Columbia, MO. Born in Boone. Attended school in Stratford. Married Dennis Eugene Heun in 1974. Earned a nursing degree from Iowa Central Community College in 1981. Her career led her to Columbia in 1981. Until retirement, worked with the neo-natal intensive care unit at the University of Missouri Hospital. Pam loved animals, gardening, crafting, cooking and singing. The Heun couple had two sons. Survivors include Pam's husband, Dennis, and a son, Kevin Heun. Services in Dayton.

        Don Wyman Hart, 88, Boone. Born in Illinois. Waverly HS. Illinois College in Jacksonville, IL. Married Joyce Madden in Boone in 1963. Don joined the Boone Police Department, worked up the ranks and became Police Chief. After 30 years of police work, he moved to real estate sales. Don was a real community asset. A Rotary Club member, he and Joyce were active in the Chamber of Commerce and the Community Betterment Foundation, he worked on the Woodward Academy Board and was a Boone City Council member. Survivors include a son, Mark (Greta)  Hart, a daughter, Angela (Dave) Kolker, grandchildren and brothers and sisters-in-law. Services in Boone.

        Connie Johnston, 79, Jefferson. Survivors included a brother-in-law, Larry (Mary) Johnston of Boone. 

SOME OF THIS, SOME OF THAT

       My recent Korner "shout out" to music lovers brought a limited reply.

       But old friend Vern Modeland, BHS-50, stepped forward with his favorite lyrics to his "all time favorite song." 

        "Sunshine on my shoulders make me happy, sunshine in my eyes can make me cry, sunshine on the water looks so lovely, sunshine almost always make me high..."

        Vern, who is still recuperating from a fractured femur, added, "if you were a general aviation flyer as much as I was for a lot of years, you'd understand. By the way, I met and thanked the author of that song. His dad and I worked for Learjet in Kansas once upon a time."

         Then, there were roundabout replies from BHS-62 classmates Andy Anderson and Fred Groat. Fred lives in Chicago and Andy, who claims he reads the Korner first thing every morning, made sure that Fred had noticed the story. 

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         Congratulations to Reagan Korpi, a 22-year old from Ogden, who spent a night in the cold Iowa winter at the Boone Dairy Queen store, to win a year's worth of free blizzards...the ice cream treat.

         The Boone Dairy Queen has been closed for some time for remodeling but had a grand opening January 13. They made an offer that drew some attention from several area residents who, if they were first 50 customers, received special bargains.

         Reagan, a real DQ fan, and her husband Josiah, brought their camping gear to the site and waited near the door for 12 hours for the reopening and the opportunity for a free small blizzard per week for a year.

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         The Kornerman can't help but connect the Dairy Queen story with the news of the unfortunate passing of Judy Appenzeller LaMotte, victim of a severe stroke.

         I recall Judy as one of MANY former outstanding Boyd's Dairy employees back in those "good old days."

         Some others, of course, are gone but let's see......there was Dick Farley, LaVerne Anderson, bossman Jim and the Boyd girls, Tolley and Linda, Ann McDermott, Margaret? .....oh, I've got to stop here....the list is too long and memory of all the names too short.

         All I know is I was a mighty good Boyds customer for a long time, pretty close to daily I'd say, and, surprisingly, those chocolate marshmallow shakes never really did deposit expected extra pounds on my teenage body. The comraderie and extra special treat was always looked forward too.

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        One of the "boys" of that special 1960's era of Boone High Toreador baseball sent me a reminder of the 1967 State Championship game, won by BHS over Mason City Newman, 4-3, in 10 innings.

        That team finished at 28-1, Dick Sapp was the winning pitcher in the title game and Hal (Topper) Lyness hit a two-run homer in the top of the ninth inning to give the Toreador team the victorious lead.

         Joe Fontanini and Sapp were the main pitchers on that team with Tom Peterson and Kelly McMullan adding some innings too.

         Some great memories from the past......Boyd's and Toreador baseball. 

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          A special thanks and mention.

          Several times recently, I've received information, from Korner readers, about the deaths of former area residents. Most of the victims have been from out of state sites......AND there's a good possibility, that information would never be made available locally if it weren't for the Korner and that help that we have received from regular viewers. So, thank you to those Korner correspondents who have  provided  us and Korner viewers with such information.

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         Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. Leave a nessage, To email your stories/memories/comments/death notices......https://kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Donald Wyman Hart, 88, Boone. One time Boone Police Chief.

      Connie Johnston, 79, Jefferson. Survivors include a brother-in-law, Larry (Mary) Johnston of Boone. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Donald Wyman Hart, 88, Boone. One time Boone Police Chief.     

      Judy Appenzeller LaMotte, 82, Webster Groves, MO. Passed away January 10, after suffering a severe stroke. Born in Des Moines. Grew up in Boone. BHS-61. Iowa State 1965 graduate in horticulture. Worked at an Arboretum at Harvard University as a Research Assistant. Completed work for a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting and drawing at Boston University in 1972. Married Clifford LaMotte in Ames in 1974 and worked in the Botany Department at ISU as a botanical illustrator and finally, she earned a Master of Arts degree from ISU in 1985. Judy had many interests. She was a pianist of a high school dance band and illustrated several children's books. She and Cliff moved to the St. Louis area  in 1996. She tutored English to a Vietnamese woman who became a close friend and the couple volunteered for seven years at Animal House, a cat shelter. Survivors include her husband, Cliff LaMotte of St. Louis, two step-children and her brother, Bob (Carolyn) Appenzeller of Boone.   

       Barbara Jean Bennett Musser, 91, St. Louis MO. Born in Boone. Passed of lung cancer. BHS-52. She married John Musser, BHS-52. John passed in 2011. Barb enjoyed outdoor activities such as golf and tennis and playing bridge and mahjong with her many friends. When she came to The Oaks at Bethesda in 2012, she organized a concert at the Oaks gazebo. A music trio performed Broadway show tunes and the event was very well received. She and her neighbors also established a happy hour monthly and she looked forward to bringing those people together. Two sons survive. 

       Mary Jo Reetz, 66, Ogden      

       Jean Highbarger Klute, 83, Mishawaka, IN. Former longtime Ames resident. Preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Klute, who passed January 4, 2024. Dennis was born in Boone. BHS-50. Dennis and Jean were married in 1978. St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Ames is handling arrangements for Jean Klute. 

       Victor Moss, 81, Ames/Eastern Star Home. No services. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Roy Lee Smith, 82, Boone/Azria Health/Missouri Valley. Born in Kansas. Protection, Ks.HS. Army vet. Was a meat cutter in Garden City, KS. Married Margaret McDonald in Garden City in 1970 and the couple moved to Holcomb, KS where he owned and operated a Mobile station for three years. A move was then made to Deerfield, KS to farm. In 1993, the couple moved to Manford, OK where, for 10 years,  Roy owned "Smitty's Getaway." After retirement, Roy started a mobile food and handyman service in Neodesha, Ks. In 2016, the couple moved to Boone. Margaret passed away in 2017. Roy was an avid fisherman, loved horses and rodeos, his garden and his dogs. Survivors include a son, sister, brother and three daughters, including Shari (Marty) Koehn of Boone. Burial in Boone.

     Lucinda "Cindy" Jane Iles Anderson, 73. Grew up in Stratford. SHS-70. Married David Anderson in Roland in 1974. Worked at Bourns and then Sundstrand and Danfoss. Retired in 2014 after 38 years. She loved decorating for the holidays, working her large flower beds and watching and feeding the birds, especially the humming birds. Cindy also enjoyed making counted cross-stitch samplers and counted cross-stitch Christmas cards for family members. Survivors include her husband, David, a daughter, Shelley Anderson of Stratford, a son and a sister. A COL will be planned for a later date.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Duane Wilcox, 92, Boone. Born in Spencer. He grew up in Boone and was an original member of the West Boone gang. Married Barbara Jean Anderson in Boone in 1954. Barbara died in 2018. As a truck driver, his handle was Daffy Duck or DoubleD. He drove for many companies, his final one was Archway. Duane was a 33-year retiree. The couple served as campground hosts at the Pine Lake and Don Williams campgrounds in retirement. A dog lover, he enjoyed visiting casinos and buying scratch tickets. Duane was a member of the Eagles Lodge. Four children survive, Don, BHS-73, (Betty) and Dennis, BHS-76, Wilcox, Doreen, BHS-78, Sawyer and Debra, 81, (Kurtis) Kruse. Services in Boone.

       Linda Lee Avey, 77, Born in Osceola./Adel Acres. Enjoyed gardening and was an avid reader. Survivors include a daughter, Cinde (Mark) Ihle of Boone and a son, Robert P. Services at Union Cemetery in Clarke County.

        Mary Jo Achey, 88, Marion/Eastern Star. Services in Nevada.      

       William Dale (Bill) Cleaveland, 67, Mesa, AZ. Born in Boone. He had struggled with dementia for several years. BHS-76. Iowa State honors graduate in Mechanical Engineering. Became a Registered Professional Engineer. Helped build nuclear power plants in several states. Eventually, he graduated fifth in his law class, magna cum laude, from the College of Law at Arizona State University. He clerked for two years on the Arizona Court of Appeals, enjoyed the challenge of Commercial Litigation and finally, turned to Construction Engineering. Bill enjoyed building and flying radio-controlled model airplanes, training service dogs and planting roses and vegetables. Survivors include his wife, two children and seven brothers and sisters. A COL will be held later.

       
        Duane Allen "Dewey" Walton, 74, Napier. Born in Algona. United Community HS. Earned a degree in Auto Parts and Sales from DMACC. Worked at Blacks Seed Farm and Ford Motor before starting work at Iowa State as a building maintenance engineer. Duane loved working on cars and building houses and he also loved all animals. He married Donna Marie Leibold in 1972 and they divorced. In 1982, he married Marlene Adele Fandel in the Napier Community Church. Survivors include his wife, Marlene, four children, Jennifer, Joseph, Amanda and Andrew, and his brothers Dennis (Vivian) and Devon (Debra) Walton. Services at the Napier church, January 10th.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

 

        Robert Joseph Hawk, 90. Born in South Dakota. BHS-53. Passed away at the Willows in Marshalltown. Iowa National Guard vet. Attended Iowa State University for a time. Married Karen Joan Hovland in 1960. Married Rosella Mae Palmateer in 1974 in Boone. Bob retired from Hach Company in Ames but worked most of his career at Rolfes in Boone. He loved traveling on his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle and was a big Hawkeye football fan. Bob and Rosella loved camping out and searching for collectibles. Bob is survived by three children, Robert, Janelle and Brian Hawk, and five step-children, Richard and Roger Sebring, Roberta Overton, Rosalie Petty and Rodney Springer. Services in Boone.         

         Diana Marie Kafer Lawson, 80, Boone. Born in Jefferson. JHS-63. Married Ron Lawson in 1963. The couple moved to Boone, where they started their 30 year business, Lawson Communications. In retirement, they enjoyed following the activities of their children and grandchildren and could often be seen at the Dutch Oven Bakery. Diana had a passion for gardening and traveling. She served her church in many ways and was a proud member of Beta Sigma Phi. Survivors include her two daughters, Lynn (Tim) Johnson and Sue (Mark) Lawson as well as grandchildren and several siblings. Services in Boone.   

         Ramona K. Bricker Lind, 92, Pocahontas/Gowrie/Lake City Accura. Born in Boone. Pilot Mound HS-51. Was active in basketball, music and drama. Married Don "the Milk Man" Lind in Pilot Mound in 1951. Don had delivered milk to Ramona's high school every day. The couple settled down and made their home in Dayton. Ramona was a homemaker and Don worked at Lind's Dairy. The couple enjoyed music and camping. After Don's passing, Ramona moved to Pocahontas. She spent her last couple years at Accura Health Care in Lake City. Three children survive. Ramona was preceded in death by area residents Wilbur and Gladys Bricker, husband, Don, and siblings Duane Bricker, Glenda Paris and Carol Moeller. Services in Pocahontas and Gowrie.

MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC

       The subject today is music. Who cares? So what?

       The truth is I, the Kornerman, care and I'm still able to keyboard manage some trembling fingers well enough to display my feelings about the things I care about, via this Korner thing, and that includes music.

       Then too,  I've always felt like I wanted to take a "step beyond" and make an attempt at writing songs or even a book. Unfortunately, at my age, the book idea seems unlikely. I guess, starting in about 1962, anything I would contain in a book has already been in print for.......what? over 60 years.

       Scratching out some words for a song seems more likely. 

       Actually, for eight years in the 1980's, when I was the Master of Ceremonies for the induction of some of our countries greatest athletes into the National High School Sports Hall of Fame, I concluded each banquet with a poem which featured that year's meeting theme. It became a pretty popular part of the conclusion of the week long event.

       Poem? Song lyrics?........seem pretty compatible. Something to think about.

       Just for comparison's sake, I've gone to the Billboard Hot 100 hits of the day to checkout some lyrics of these top current songs. Actually, it was a bad time for such a search unless Christmas music was the target. Holiday music was all over the charts.

       Anyway, country star Morgan Wallen has a song, "I'm the Problem." listed and it starts, "You say I'll never change, A-just a go round town with some gasoline, Just tryin' to burn a flame. Gonna burn the whole place down and how do you explain, ever fallin' in love with a guy like me in the first place? Then turn around, say that I'm the worst thing. I guess I'm the problem."

       Another current hit is a song called, "Folded." It's so silly of me to act like I don't need you bad. When all I can think about is us, since I seen you last. I know I didn't have to walk away. All I had to do was ask for space. I'm telling you, "be on your way" when I told you to fall back. So can you come pick up your clothes? I have them folded." ??

        In contrast, I will now recite a couple of song lyrics that have been favorites of mine.....words great and a wonderful presentation by the late Eydie Gorme. The song is "what did I have that I don't have now?" Here goes.... "What did I have that I don't have? What did he like that I lost track of? What did I do that I don't do the way I did before?  What isn't there, that once was there?  What have I got a great big lack of? Something in me, then he could see, then beckons to him no more. I'm just a victim of time. Obsolete in my prime, out of date and outclassed by my past. What did he love that there's none of? When did I lose the sweet warm knack of? Wouldn't I be the late, great me if I knew how? Oh what did I have that I don't have now.?"

        Then, remember the Fifth Dimension and "One Less Bell?" "One less bell to answer. One less egg to fry. One less man to pick up after. I should be happy but all I do is cry. Oh, I should be happy, oh, why did he go? I only know that since he left, my life's so empty. Though I try to forget it just can't be done. Each time the doorbell rings, I still run. I don't know how in the world to stop thinking of him 'cause I still love him so. I end each day the way I start out, cryin' my heart out." 

         Those are examples of "painting a picture".....musically speaking.....and many artists have performed the mentioned songs but I personally enjoy Eydie's rendition of "What did I Have" from the musical, "On A Clear Day" and Marilyn McCoo's rendition of "One Less Bell" with the Fifth Dimension. 

         Matching the lyrics with Gorme and McCoo interprative versions is worth a listen if you are a music fan and enjoy the picture being painted. 

         PART TWO: I'm going to provide a snippet......who cares? So what?........of small portions of poems I authored and presented at the conclusion of National Federation meetings. 

         In 1989, at Saddlebrook Resort in Florida, the conference theme was, "Speak out for Sportsmanship" and I remarked, "Speak out for sportsmanship. But we gotta do more. Evil knows no rest and our kids are his corps. Poor sportsmanship and drugs are everywhere. We can't get away. News reports and even ads fill our air every single day. It's a battle for bodies and we could easily lose. If we don't show better choices than poor sportsmanship, drugs and booze. Have you really thought about the potential impact of this group? We're touching over eight million kids. But....there's a 12 million troop. So, you see, we've got to speak out for sportsmanship and we've gotta do even more. Evil knows no rest and our kids are his core."

         In 1990, in Minneapolis, the theme was,"Setting a course for the 90's." "Johnny's been abused. Sally's dad left in May. Jody's family is into drugs. Charlie's mom said, "Go Away". To Johnny and Jody and Charlie and Sal, you're not Liz or Chuck or Al (conference participants) No, your name is "help" and yours is "hope." and they need us all badly to care and to help cope. Wouldn't it be great to have an easy task to just schedule and rule and guide like days past. Throw out the ball and watch them run. Our job was so simple, teach values, provide some fun. Its a more serious world we live in today. We're facing situations that are more than just play.

         Those are just portions of the poems offered but I need to quit this somewhere.

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.......to https://kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com. 

          

 

 

        

         

 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

           Barbara Jean Bennett Musser, 91. BHS-52. Her husband, John Musser, BHS-52, passed away in 2011.     

           David Grant Baker, 70. Grew up on a farm near Gilbert. Air Force/Air National Guard vet. DMACC and then earned a Master's degree from ISU in Agricultural Engineering. Started working at ISU. Married Betty Kuhne in 1993. Worked as a Agricultural Engineer at Michigan State University before returning to work at ISU. He enjoyed tinkering with machines, listening to classic rock and country music and hunting. Survivors include his wife, Betty, two daughters from a first marriage, two step-children and a brother. Services in Boone.

           Donald Ivan Craun, 89, Boone. Born in Randalia. Married Joyce Martin in Omaha in 1958. Don worked for Boone Freight Lines until retirement. A member of the American Legion, VFW and Moose Lodge. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and cookouts. Enjoyed country and bluegrass music and dancing with his wife. Survivors include six children, four of Boone, Brinda Van Cannon, Mike, BHS-10, (Jackie) Craun, Eva (Jerry) Walters, and Carol Ann (David) Musser. Daughter Karen Grove of Boxholm  and son, Jeff (Shannon Taylor) of Ames also survives as do sisters, Barb, BHS-59, Cory; Sandra, BHS-63, (Robert) Burdick and Shirley Dillon and a brother, Alvin Craun. A COL will be held later.       

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        Joyce Marie Miller Kirk, 83, Ames. Born in Boone. BHS-60. Married Larry Gene Kirk in Webster City in 1958. Larry passed away in May of 2025. The Kirk family moved from Boone to Ames in 1988. Joyce was a buyer for Sauer Danfoss for several years and retired as purchasing manager for Eagle Iron Works in 2004. She devoted much of her spare time to her daughters as a Camp Fire leader, PTA President and sewed many dance and Halloween costumes for them. Joyce and Larry spent several winters in southern Texas. She was a member of the Boone Red Hat Society. the local P.E.O. chapter and belonged to a dominoes group. She was also a big supporter of the ISU sports teams. Survivors include her daughters, Shelly Stotts, BHS-80, of Boone and Kim Blonigen, BHS-84, of Wichita. Services in Ames and burial in Boone.

       William Walter Martin, Williamsburg, NM. Perry HS-74. A COL will be held at Spring Lake with burial in the family plot at Bluff Creek near Boone.