BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Brenda Lee Steuerwald McMahon, 67, Boone. Born in Fort Dodge. Stratford HS-77. Married Steve McMahon in Boone in 1980. Started work at the Stratford Nursing Home but in 1979, she joined Fareway as a secretary and was, later, promoted to Assistant Buyer. She retired from Fareway in 2021 after 42 years of service there. Brenda was a loyal Hawkeye fan, a bowling team member and when the couple purchased a speed boat, she loved water activities such as skiing and fishing. With a positive attitude and kind heart, Brenda found the best in everyone. Survivors include her husband, Steve, daughters Erin (Brad) Kleinwolterink and Tory (Lane) McKay as well as sisters, Carol, Donna and Lynn. Services in Boone.

     Dietrich (Deke) Becker, 74, Moore, OK. Born in Oelwein. Former Ogden resident. Married to Dianna McCoy. He enjoyed fishing, car shows and was known for a strong work ethic and sense of humor. Deke worked as an engineer for the BAFS railroad. Survivors include his wife and three children. Services in Ogden with burial in Beaver.

     Timothy Joseph (Tim) McCoy, 75, Jefferson. Big St. Louis Cardinal fan. Attended DMACC, Boone Campus. Services in Jefferson. 

FACING THE FINAL CURTAIN

     Perhaps we knew it was coming.........but didn't know when.

     And now, it appears, the time HAS come. 

     Two longtime Boone County newspapers will apparently shut down their operations for good in very short order. In fact, the end of publication of both the Ogden Reporter and Madrid Register News will be this coming Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

      The Ogden and Madrid newspapers are not alone. Small town newspapers in 15 Iowa counties are affected. All of the affected newspapers have been guided by an Iowa based publishing company, Mid America Publishing of Hampton, which has announced its permanent closure.

      The Ogden/Madrid editor for those two publications has indicated that no one has expressed interest in buying them, thus, the difficult decision to conclude operations.

       Madrid editor Craig Schultz was quoted as saying, "there's still a chance if someone wants to come in on the 11th hour to buy the publications, it's possible. But, as it stands, this is the end." A few other newspapers are still hopeful of survival also, due to pending discussions of possible purchase.

       Many of these newspapers have been in operation for many years, some since before 1900.

       A Mid-America Regional Editor said that dwindling readership and advertising revenue have taken their toll on newspapers across the country. He said it was " a sad time for both our company and the communities we have served."

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       Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone Iowa, 50036-4892. Phone number is 515-432-1530. Leave a message. To email stories/memories/comments/death notices........https:/kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com. 

        

        

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        Pamela Sue Blaskey Farris, 63, Des Moines. Born in Boone. BHS-81. Married Thomas Farris. Pamela spent many years working in the food industry as well as other jobs. She was known for a strong work ethic, determination and with a caring heart and gentle spirit. Survivors include her husband, Thomas Farris, a son, Jason Blaskey, her mother, Sharon Loehr Blaskey of Boone and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her father, Harold Blaskey, who passed away on February 6, 2026. COL in Des Moines    

        Karen Kay Anderson Lind, 83, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-60. Earned an Associates of Art Degree. Married Lyle Jim Lind in 1960. An active church member, she taught piano to many students in the Boone area and enjoyed working as an administrative assistant at Iowa State for over 15 years. Three children survive, Lisa, Jeff and Steve. A sister, Dianne, of Boone also survives. Services in Boone.       

       Glenda Jean Hall Monson, 89, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in Webster City. Stratford HS-55. Married James Ernest Monson in 1955 in Stratford. The couple farmed north and south of Stratford. Jim passed in 2016. Glenda enjoyed watching the orioles and hummingbirds, caring for her flowers, decorating for the holidays and watching college sports.Survivors include three children, including Michael (Sandra) Monson and Kendra (Mark) Stumpenhorst both of Stratford. Son Steve also survives. A private family graveside service will be held.

GREAT NEWS....THEN, NO CBS NEWS?

       Great news for Boone, courtesy of Fareway.

       On Monday, the Iowa grocery legend, which began in Boone in 1938, broke ground on a 105,000 square foot expansion of the freezer building at the company's distribution center at the east side of town.

        Reynold's Cramer, BHS-87, CEO of Fareway Stores Inc. said, "this project reflects our continued commitment to remain the best in meat and grocery, by ensuring we have the infrastructure to support our current locations and future growth. This is also an investment in Boone and in our employees that call the Boone area home. Finally, we want to thank the Boone County Supervisors, City of Boone, and other local leaders for their support of this important project."

         It was explained that, "the freezer expansion would deliver substantial improvements, by nearly doubling pallet capacity, increasing pallet facings by 33-percent, improving functionality in dual temperature environments, adding additional dock space, and allowing current freezer space to be repurposed into additional storage space. The freezer expansion is also foundational for future investments in technology and automation at the Fareway distribution center."

         The project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2027 and will increase Fareway's distribution capabilities to accomodate up to 200 additional stores as the chain grows.

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         Some interesting news Korner viewers might have missed concerns the approval of a merger between communication giants, Nexstar and Tegna, that could result in some Iowa television changes.

          Thursday, March 19, the $3.5 billion deal was approved by the Federal Communications division and Department of Justice.

          Two well know Central Iowa television stations are involved. Tegna has been the owner of WOI-TV, channel five, formerly of Ames but more recently of Des Moines, while Nexstar has owned WHO-TV, channel 13 of Des Moines.

          This sale could, possibly, move the two stations into the same studio and produce various other changes. The new owners have pledged to increase the amount of local news and programs offered by these stations.

          Good friend and former Boone resident Vern Modeland, BHS-50, who, prior to retirement, had a long career in the broadcast field, which included radio and TV time at WHO and KWBG in Boone among others.

           Vern has his opinions about the changing broadcast landscape. He thinks broadcasting is on its way into the dark ages. He wrote, "podcasting has made everybody who has an ego into a specialist in something. And that thinly veiled attempt to put an end to AM broadcast radio in vehicles to get rid of the annoyance to them to have to clean up all this solid state dashboard stuff."

           What? No more AM radio in are cars?  

           To add to all this......CBS News Radio is set to cease operations on May 22, 2026, marking the end of nearly a century of service. The decision is said to be part of a restructuring effort, which includes significant layoffs.

           Reasons given for the closure are the difficult economic conditions affecting the media industry and the fact there has been a shift in how radio stations approach programming, making it unsustainable for CBS News Radio to continue.

          CBS News has had a rich history, having been established in 1927, and featuring notable journalists like Edward R. Murrow. The service has provided news updates to some 700 affiliate stations across the country. 

          No more CBS News breaks "on the hour" and etc. Change can be good......sometimes but, on occasion, sad news also.

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          I would be remiss if I didn't publicly thank all of you who were so kind in reminding me I'm getting older. My 91st birthday brought many kind comments in many ways. I started listing those that I had heard from in various ways.......but decided if I took the chance of listing responders, I would surely miss some. 

          So, simply.....thank you all so much and let's plan to do this again next March 18.

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. 

 

             

           

          

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Late Addition: Quentin C. Klinkefus, 81, South Fulton, Tenn. passed away December 11, 2026. BHS-62. He had retired from 24 years of service with the U.S. Navy. A COL will be held in Boone at a later date.       

       Kay Ava Ginter Wulf, 83, Altoona. Married Frederick Wulf in South Dakota in 1958. Earned a degree from DMACC, Boone Campus. The couple had moved to Boone in 1966 and Kay stayed until 2025 when she moved to Altoona. Three children survive, including Gary (Diane) Wulf and Bob (Denise) Wulf of Boone. Three sisters and two brothers also survive. A COL will be held in Boone.

        Sharon D. Savits, 83, Waukee. Grew up in Stratford, married Dennis Savits and the couple moved to Ogden. They eventually divorced. A daughter survives, as well as a son, Mike (Lisa) Savits of Ogden. A private family graveside is planned. Burial in Ogden.

         Patricia Peterson, 86, Jefferson. Two brothers survive, including Robert Peterson of Madrid. Two sons and a daughter also survive. A graveside service will be held. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Karen Kay Anderson Lind, Boone. BHS-60. Services in Boone.   

       Loren Edward "Ed" Mondt Jr., 86, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in Boone. BHS-58. Earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arizona in 1962. Iowa National Guard Vet.  Worked in the family business, Mondt Hotel and Restaurant. The original business was destroyed by fire and a new Mondt Townhouse was built. Ed remained  involved in that business until 1985. He retired in 2002. He was very active in the Boone Historical Society and Mamie Eisenhower Birthplace and enjoyed and contributed to local history and geneology his entire life. Survivors include first cousins John McPherson, Joyce Jensen, Pam Jones and Karen Johnson. A graveside service will be held.   

       Margaret Ellen Johnson, 86, Story City. Five children survive, including Mark (Tammi) Quillen of Madrid. Graveside service in Story City. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Laura E. McConkey Herrig, 92, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in Storm Lake. Married Fred Herrig in Omaha in 1949. Fred died in 1990. Laura always took pride in "looking her best" and in the 1980's and 90's, she worked at Marla's House of Larger Fashion. Eventually, she owned and operated Marla's House of Larger Fashion in Storm Lake before retiring in Boone. She became a well known door greeter at Walmart in Boone. Laura loved the outdoors, especially fishing, and she had a warm heart for animals. She and Fred were the parents of four daughters, including Judy, BHS-68, (Bill) Haberman of Spencer who survives. The deceased daughters are Barbara, BHS-69, Susan and Linda. Services in Boone.

       Charlotte Mae Anderson, 97, Boone/Eastern Star since 2019. Earned a GED in 1989. Married Ralph Anderson in 1947. Ralph passed in 2001. Charlotte was the head cook at the Imperial Inn Restaurant, then worked as a telephone operator at ISU. Retired in 1991. An active and faithful church member, she enjoyed cooking, baking, crocheting, floral arranging, reading, playing Bingo and Chinese Checkers. Survivors include a daughter, Alana (Lana) Russell of Boone, and two sons, including Darrell Anderson of Ogden. Services in Boone.

         Mary Margaret Neikirk, 80, Santa Fe, NM. Died January 14, 2026.  Born in Texas. BHS-64, where she excelled in academics and athletics. University of Texas in Austin and again excelled academically. Earned a B.S. in Physical Education. Taught at Brown University and then, earned a Master of Science degree at the University of North Carolina. Worked as a teacher/coach in Wisconsin and enrolled in the doctoral program at the University of Georgia and earned a Doctor of Education in P.E. in 1985. A lifelong learner, she studied gardening, horticulture, history, religion and learned Spanish and German. Moved to Santa Fe in 1983 and taught at Southwestern College and for various other programs. Mary loved animals and gardening while grappling with bipolar disorder most of her adult life. Four siblings survive and a COL is scheduled for May 2, 2026 in New Mexico.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Very late addition......Richard Young, 87, BHS-57, passed away February 12.        

       Michael James Lingelbach, 74, Boone. Born in Boone. Marine vet who proudly served as a bodyguard connected with the Apollo 14 mission. Survivors include his daughter, Micah (Parvez) Fausal, and a brother, Darrell Lingelbach, BHS-64.     

        Mark Alan Johnson, 73. BHS-71. Born in Yakima, WA. Grew up in Boone. Spent his career working in the sheet metal industry, contributing to the construction of the Seattle Space Needle and Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. His passion was found in the strings of a guitar. He was a man of few worries and many melodies. Easy going, with a laid-back philosophy, his life was a melody of hard work, family and music. Mark expressed much of his love through his cooking. Survivors include three daughters, Holly, Audrey and Mary. A COL will be held at Cedar Pointe in Boone.       

       Mary Theresa Uthe Wirth, 92, Gilbert/Bethany Manor, Story City. Born in Boone. Ames HS-51. Previously attended schools in Jordan, at Boone Sacred Heart and Boxholm. Iowa State Teacher's College grad and taught school in Colo and Gilbert. Married Vincent Wirth in 1957 and the couple farmed northwest of Gilbert. When Vince passed, Mary moved to Ames and worked in the Public Library. She also volunteered at Mary Greeley and Food at First. She enjoyed putting puzzles together and going for a ride. She also organized many family gatherings. Survivors include two sons, two daughters and her sister-in-law Kate Uthe of Boone. Services in Ames, burial in rural Gilbert.

       Evelyn May Nyguard Hovick, 96, Story City/Eastern Star in 2023. Married Alvin Hovick in 1947. She worked at Bourns in Ames, 1958-89. Three sons and two daughters survive. Services in Story City. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        Kenneth Louis Graves, 92, Manning. Three children survive,  including Dean Graves of Stratford. Services in Manning.      

       Colleen Pepper Sparks, 73, Ogden/Stratford Care Center. Born in Boone. OHS-71. Earned a nursing degree from Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge. Married Brian Sparks in 1986 at the Arboretum. Worked at Woodward State Hospital and Iowa State before becoming an RN. Then, worked at the Evangelical Home in Boone, Madrid Nursing Home and Bethany Manor in Story City. Colleen loved sports and played softball and basketball in high school and continued playing in slow pitch softball leagues. Enjoyed sewing and cooking, was smart, quick-witted and had a great sense of humor and many, many friends. Boone area survivors are her sisters, Mary Pepper and Becky (Dan) Watson, and a nephew, Josh (Andrea) Clauson. A COL will be held in Ogden with burial in Beaver. 

       Thomas Eugene Friess, 70, Jefferson. Born in Kansas. Lived in Lake City early before the family moved to Jefferson. East Greene HS-74. Married Cindy McCoy in 1975 in Boone. Tom graduated from DMACC with the President's Award and a degree in Health Care Administration. During his work time, he aided farmers in the Rippey area, the Angus Elevator, Rippey Coop, Osmundson's and the Perry Water Works. He was a private pilot, enjoyed fishing, was an amateur radio operator and enjoyed trips to air shows and NHRA drag racing events. Tom studied the King James Bible and shared that study. Survivors include his wife, Cindy, sisters and brothers-in-law and many other relatives. Private family burial. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Paul Thomas "Pete" McIntyre, 74, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-70. Pete was an  outstanding three-sport Toreador athlete, football, wrestling and track. He received all-state recognition as a football running back in both 1969 and 1970 and also participated in State Wrestling competition. The '69 football team tied Ames in the season opener and then won the remainder of their eight-game schedule. McIntyre attended the University of Nebraska on a wrestling scholarship but was injured and transferred to the University of Northern Iowa where he secured a teaching/coaching degree. He married Connie Martin in 1972 but they divorced and in 2002, he and Cristy Boyd were married at Don Williams Recreation area. After 38 years, Pete retired as an Administrative Law Judge for the State of Iowa. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching westerns, annual fishing trips to Canada and the movie, "Secondhand Lions." Survivors include his wife, Cristy, children Jeremy and Marty McIntyre; Michelle Daleske; Joy Davis; Dan and Tyler Boyd; Theresa Angle and a sister, Juli Murray. Services in Boone.     

       Timothy Raymond McBirnie, 58, Stratford. Born in Boone. While living in Arizona, Tim received his GED and then made the honors list via automotive courses at Central Arizona College.  Married Cheryl Robbins in Arizona in 2004. They divorced. From age eight to 16, Tim was an Iowa AAU Boxing Champion. After living in Arizona, Tim's family returned to Iowa., living in Boone. Tim enjoyed living close to his brothers, Joe and Eddie. Joe and wife Susie's baby, Macy, proved to be a spark for Tim to become a fighter again, a fighter for his health and well being, just as premature Macy was. Tim enjoyed Christian music. Survivors include his mother, Julie (Christensen) McBirnie, of Boone, and three brothers, including Eddie of Stratford and Joe (Susie) McBirnie of Boone. Services in Boone.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Allan L. Harris, 76. South Hamilton HS-76. Married Deborah Kruck of Boone. Allan's life was dedicated to his wife, family, his craft and his music. The couple owned and operated resort properties in Northern Minnesota and built Harris Painting and Wall Covering in Boone. Survivors include his wife, Deb, of Ames, a son and a brother. Service in Boone with a private graveside service later.

       Arlene Deloris Pretz, 97, Boone. Born in Pocahontas County. A member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Boone, she is survived by a son, Larry Pretz, and a daughter, Karen King. Burial at Bass Point Cemetery in Boone.

       Ron Eide, 92, Forest City/Waukee. Four children survive, including Rosanne (Daryl) of Boone. Burial at a later date.

       Jesse Micheal Murphy, 37, Grand Junction. Survivors include his parents, two daughters, including McKinley Murphy, of Ogden, two brothers and a sister. A COL will be held at Spring Lake Park. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Dona Jean Dusseldorp Van Hemert, 93, Boone/Westhaven. Lived in Pella, then Oskaloosa and finally, Boone, to live out her retirement years. Pella Public Schools. Dona shared four children, including Denny (Terri) Van Hemert, of Ogden/Boone, with Raymond Van Hemert. After her children were grown, she cleaned dorm rooms at Central College. She loved horses, had an appreciation of music and her piano and loved watching her favorite musical stars on the weekly TV shows. Dona's greatest legacy is the family she loved, especially all the children. Survivors include her four children, a brother and many grand children. Services in Boone.

        Robert John Knight, 89, Jefferson/Westhaven. Born in Boone. BHS-54. Robert worked for Skel Gas and for many years, operated the street sweeper for the city of Boone. He was a member of the American Legion, Ducks Unlimited and played in several area bands. He is survived by his life partner, Nelia Burkhart, two sons, two daughters, including Patti Boone of Boone and a step son. Graveside service planned in Boone County, followed by a COL in Boone.     

       Sharon Jayne Dunkelberger Nelson, 56. Born in Boone. Ogden HS-57. DMACC. Married Frank Nelson in 2022. Sharon cherished her faith, family, cooking and especially, her 11 grandchildren. Survivors include her husband, three children and two siblings.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

 
       Dennis Michael Pelleymounter, 78, Boone. Born in Osage. OHS-65. Earned a degree in drafting from NIACC in Mason City. Worked for an architectural firm in Mason City, followed by work for Oliver/White Farm Equipment. He returned to NIACC to earn an engineering degree while helping his dad with a flooring business. As an engineer, he worked for firms including Quinn/Besser in Boone. Married Vicki Jo McGhan in 1970 in Osage. Dennis was always very active in Boy Scouts and was a long time Knights of Columbus member. He also enjoyed fishing, woodworking and carpentry. Survivors include his wife and three sons. Service in Boone and graveside service in Osage.    

        Mary Elaine Settle Harringa, 72, Boone. Raised in Nevada. NHS-72. Boone Junior College and Elementary Education from Iowa State University. Married Merlyn Harringa in Nevada in 1975. The couple made their home in Boone. Mary devoted much of her life to serving others in partnership with her husband.She was a 4-H group leader and the co-Superintendent of the Rabbitt and Poultry programs. She played the piano and organ for area churches and served as a special education instructor for the Boone and Madrid school districts. Mary enjoyed sewing, crafting, camping, gospel outreach, visiting national parks, enjoying God's beautiful scenery and motorcycle riding. She also did voluntary work for her uncle's missionary organization. serving in Mexico and Central America. Survivors include her husband, Merlyn, and two daughters. A COL will be held later.

       Donna Malloy, 81, Carroll. Four sons survive including Rick (Sandie) Lebeck of Boone. Services in Jefferson. 

A NICE TRIBUTE TO A FRIEND

       I, the Kornerman, absolutely feel I must give a "shout out" to a long time great friend, Gary Long, BHS-73.

       Scanning the internet the other day, much to my surprise, I,  came across a tribute to Gary.

       What I discovered in my internet travels was a video that featured Joe Gibbons. He was one member of the Gibbons family, who became very well known for their success in the sport of wrestling. Brothers Joe, Jim and Jeff Gibbons won 10 state high school championships and had one runnerup finish in the late 70's and into the early 80's. The threesome had a combined state tournament record of 40 wins and one loss.

        Joe led the way with four state championships, two representing Ames High and two as a Waterloo Columbus entrant. As an Iowa State Cyclone, he became a two-time Big Eight Conference champion and in 1985, won an NCAA title.

         The video I witnessed featured Joe reviewing his wrestling career while speaking from the Waterloo Columbus wrestling facility.

          What caught my Boone eye was the fact he mentioned that his coaches there were Dennis Getz and Gary Long. In his younger days, Gary, himself, had been a pretty good wrestler, making a couple state tournament appearances as a Toreador and then competing in the sport at Coe College. He spent part of his career in education at Columbus.

          I immediately wondered if Gary was aware of this "notice." He was. I caught up with him at the Villages in Florida where he spends winter time. By phone, he felt very "humbled" by the reference from one of Iowa's greatest wrestlers.

          P.S. When we talked, Gary was enroute to a Detroit Tigers spring baseball training game WITH Pat Olofson, BHS-69, another former Toreador, who also escapes the Iowa winter with residence in the Villages.

          ONE MORE THING: Gary Long will return to Boone in a week or so to again fulfill an obligation he has enjoyed for a number of years. This will be the 49th consecutive YEAR he has worked in the statistics crew at the Iowa Boys High School State Basketball tournament. Yup, he tells me he's hoping to return for at least one more year....his 50th in 2027.  

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        Vern Modeland, BHS-50, is always a good resource for "the way things used to be" in Boonetown.In fact he noted that, "I'm now older than Boone history." 

        Reporting from his Ozarks destination, Vern wrote, "I had a flash, particularly about the ice skating that was the winter occupation with the then-old Fred Crary gliding along with hands folded behind him among those of us who packed the backed-up creek at McHose Park from first freeze to last, circa 1940's and 50's era."

        Referring to another mention we've made in the Korner recently, Vern had this to say, "the very first airport after World War II was on Division Street, just north of the big Ripley barn on the way to the city dump. It was a flying school started by a World War II returned flyer with his military bonus money. His name was  "Bud" St. John. I cut the very ample grass around the house he and his wife shared and helped out any other way I could. In return, I got my very first flight in any airplane and some early lessons. He had a green Piper J-3 and a yellow Piper L-4 that had been an observation plane for the Army in an earlier life. The airport featured a runway of pasture grass, not the fancy runways out there east of town now."

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       For some reason, I received a copy of a Boone News Republican sports page from many years ago that I found interesting. Unfortunately, I have no idea what year it was. But, right there, before these old eyes was a Kelley's Korner, which I have to assume was sometime between 1962 when the Korner was started and 2010 when we went strictly online. It appears to be from the late 60's.

      The main topics were an "I" Club meeting attended in Fort Dodge by Boone fans and some Toreador football talk. 

       But the real attraction was........"a Bon Appetite advertisement, chicken and noodles at 85-cents, baked swiss steak $1.00 and fried filet of Perch, 85-cents." 

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