BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

         Robert Donald Rinehart, 83, Ames. Formerly of Boone. Victim of a tragic accident. While walking, Robert was  hit by a car in Ames and succumbed of his injuries at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. Born in Boone. BHS-61.Bob married Theresa Lowry in Grand Junction in 1965. They divorced. He earned degrees from Southwest Missouri State University and a Masters in Education from  the University of Northern Iowa. Taught high school accounting in Wisconsin for 20 years. He was also an over-the-road truck driver. After retiring from trucking, he worked at Boone Hy-Vee as a floral and pharmacy delivery driver. He enjoyed camping, fishing and going to casino's. Survivors include his three children, Mark, Jennifer and Nick as well as siblings Jolene Martin, Joanne Coy, Jackie Rinehart and Marty (Gayle)  Rinehart. No service is in plan at this time.  

        LATE INFORMATION: Dixie Lee Howard Knight, 81, Palm Beach Garden, FL. passed away May 2, 2026 after  a long battle with dementia. Born in Iowa. Was the fifth of 10 children. BHS-62. At age 19, married Dean Knight. Dixie was a devoted wife and mother who enjoyed domestic travel. When Dean's work took him away from home, she loved homeschooling daughter Jessica so they could travel along with him and see more of the U.S. Her pride and joy were her grandchildren. She enjoyed making pancakes for Ivan on weekends before his baseball games and she never missed any of Bella's musicals or ice skating competitions. Dixie and Dean had four children, Jennifer, Jason and Jerrica and, Chantelle, who passed away in 1964. Services in Boone, July 11, with a graveside service and luncheon.

       Arlene J. Chally, 86, Stratford. A graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery. 

       Julie Renee Nelson Howard, 63, Ogden. Born in Boone. BHS-82. Her parents, now deceased, were Larry D. and Karen (Bass) Nelson. Worked at the former Tic Toc Restaurant and then for many years at Thermomass (Leviat) in Boone until retiring due to failing health.She married Alan Howard in Boone in 1988. Julie loved cooking and baking. Her family especially enjoyed her ham balls and cheesy potatoes. Survivors include her husband, Alan, two sons, Christopher and Matthew Howard all of Ogden, her two daughters, including Lindsay (Dustin Hanson) Howard of Logansport and a sister, Lorie (Larry) Ealy of Boone. Services in Ogden and Boone.

       Darci Lynne Shell Munford, 59, Des Moines. Death due to a long battle with breast cancer. Born in Boone to Leland and Alma Calhoon Shell. Grew up in Madrid. Very academic and involved in band, sports and 4-H. Was class valedictorian. Baptized in Boone at Trinity and confirmed at St. John's in Madrid. Earned a degree from Iowa State in Family Resource Management. After marriage and a move to southeast Iowa, she became a tax preparer, a rural mail carrier and sold vegetables from her garden. She also had a long career in finance, beginning as a teller at the Madrid branch of Commercial Federal Bank. She retired as an Assistant Vice President and Private Banker for Morgan Stanley. Darci loved road trips, hiking, camping, kayaking and spending time outdoors. Three daughters, her mother and two sisters survive. Services in Madrid. 

JUST NOT THE SAME

       I'm so sorry.......but I don't like it.

       Maybe I'm in a whiney stage but, in most cases, I declare I simply don't like most substitutes.

       There, I've said it and I'm glad.

        BUT WAIT.......just like you and you and you, I, myself, have been a substitute. Whether it was on my eighth grade basketball team, becoming chairman of the Boone County United Way board or replacing two of the best speakers this state has ever known, I, was a substitute, a replacement.

         Oh goodie, I've been looking for a way to use that word, oxymoron, sometime and this must be it. 

        There were various other sports teams along the way that forced me to "wait my turn." Then, one year when the REAL United Way head man's illness forced a change, being number two, I was the "next in line."  Most notable of all, I guess, were two different times when it was my obligation to fill in for two of Iowa's most renowned speakers......my old boss Bernie Saggau and the revered Jim Duncan, best known for his brilliance as the Drake Relays announcer. I know, filling in for greatness, isn't always easy but is oftentimes required.

         BREAKING NEWS......has anyone noticed Iowa's Caitlyn Clark has been in the news lately?? Oh my gosh. What has happened to important stuff like high gas prices or the attacks on ICE and that war thing involving Iran? All have been overshadowed by an Iowa girl's inherited throat problem.

         Back to my original thought. Here's the gist of my complaint. It really bothers me to have five days (usually) of good television news, sports and weather reporting, followed by a weekend or holiday of ...........substitutes. Its just not the same and I realize we all need a break on occasion. While we're at it, how about the times when the "normal" TV schedule is turned upside down by some replacement brouhaha.

         But, there's more. Blue Bunny has discontinued one of my favorite ice cream flavors, butter brickle and I can't find a good enough substitute. Then there's Boyd's malts, the Eighth Street coneys and the Lincoln Restaurant's fried chicken. They can never be adequately replaced. Good luck finding an equal substitute. Surely some number "2s" are lurking and hoping,.

         The other day, at a local establishment, I was waited on by a young man wearing a very colorful shirt with four-inch high "DORS" staring at me. Yup.....a poor replacement for the much more classy Toreadors. I tried, but it was hard to ignore. I love my town and my school and all its teams but I still don't care for this particular "substitute."

          Finally there's this.........a feeling of great sadness for Jeri Ann Ritter, WHO-TV, and Janice Dean, Fox News. Both are television meteorologists and both have been diagnosed with similar life-altering illnesses, Jeri Ann with ALS and Janice with MS. The illnesses have forced early retirements for both, who have served their constituents for 20 years plus. Numerous replacements are  there to choose from and some will be very good I'm sure, but that special "something" will be missing.

         C'mon now, admit it. Surely I'm not the only one. We've all seen "both sides".....there's that oxymoron thing again..... and have our varied opinions about these "things."

         Come to think of it......maybe this one-time substitute, the old Kornerman, can thank my lucky stars for the many opportunities I've been given in my lifetime to reach for better and higher opportunities. I'm extremely thankful.

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

 

          

 

          

 

 

          

         

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

        Pamela Frances Hike O' Tool Leytham, 82, Boone. Formerly of Woodbine. Born in Carroll. Married Melvin O'Tool and they divorced. Married Kenny Leytham  in 1991. Patricia worked for State Farm for 18 years, both in Woodbine and Boone. In Woodbine, she was a librarian for the children's library for eight years. Patricia enjoyed quilting, making all occasion cards and scrapbooking. She was a member of the Good Agers Club at Trinity Lutheran Church, belonged to the Red Hat Society and sang with the Sweet Adelines. Three children survive, Shawn (Raylene) O'Tool and Joey O'Tool of Boone and Michelle (Jerry) Hanson of Dayton. Other survivors include a daughter-in-law, Devon O'Tool, of Boone and a sister, Marilyn (Larry) Jordan of Ogden. Services in Boone and Glidden.     

         Mary Keenan Pohlner, 65, Boone. A cancer victim. Born in Boone the daughter of Joseph and Nellie (Clark) Keenan. Grew up on the family farm near Ogden. OHS-79. Married Robert Pohlner in Boone in 1979. The couple lived in Ogden for 20 years before moving in 2001 to a newly built home outside of town. Mary spent over 20 years working for Principal Financial Group in Ames. In 2012, she joined Mary Greeley Medical Center and continued work there until her passing. She enjoyed decorating her home, crafting, sewing and shopping for the perfect purse. She always prepared more food than anyone could eat and nothing brought her greater joy than being "Nana," watching all of her grandchildren's activities. Her husband, Robert, of Boone survives. A daughter and two brothers also survive. Services in Boone. 

       Marvin Steele, 87, Payson, AZ. Born in Boone.

       James Addems Norman, 80, Windsor Heights D.M. Family requested donations to Camp Hantesa, Boone. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Teresa "Teri"  Lorraine Atkinson Alitz, 76, Chariton. Born an Army Brat in Oklahoma. Her parents were Glenn and Sharon Atkinson. BHS-67. Joined the U.S. Marine Corps. Married Tim Alitz. The couple moved to various states and built a cabin at Lake Rathbun in Iowa in 1989. She had a passion for decorating and usually worked Service jobs. The couple lost a son, Ted, in 2007 and Teri has had to deal with roller coaster cancer for the last five years. Survivors include her husband, Tim, and a daughter, Christina Jensen. Services in Chariton and Melrose.

       Sean Michael Thompson, 58, Johnson. Formerly of Ogden. A lung cancer victim. Born in Iowa City. Survivors include his wife, Heidi, of Johnston, two sons, his parents, Elvin and Patti Thompson of Jefferson, six siblings and his mother-in-law. Services in Jefferson. 

       Arland C. "Van" "Screwdriver" Van Schuyver, 85, LaBelle, FL. Formerly of Boone and Ogden. Born in Oklahoma. Army vet. Married Beverly Madden in 1963. The couple enjoyed camping at Don Williams, fishing and boating. Arland served as a police officer and for some time was the Police Chief at Dallas Center. He worked at AgServe in Ogden until retirement. Van loved woodworking, tinkering, watching old Westerns and the Chicago Cubs. Beverly died in 2025. Survivors include three children, Marty Van Schuyver, Lonnie (Doll) Van Schuvyer and Lenneica (John) Stewart. Services in Boone and Mackey.

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Neill Robert Stark, 50, Pilot Mound. Born in New Jersey. He passed away unexpectedly. His parents are Joyce (Hochberg) Farley, who survives, and his father, Robert Stark, who is deseased. Neill grew up in North Carolina but was a high school graduate of Sullivan County HS in 1993 in Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1996 and had a distinquished 17 year career at a Naval sub base in Georgia. Following medical retirement in 2013, Neill continued his committment to civilian service. He met Shannon Zinnel in 2021 and they were married in Washington D.C. in 2024. Neill loved playing cards and board games and was a season ticket holder of the NFL Philadelphia Eagles. Survivors include his wife, Shannon, of Pilot Mound, his mother, a stepdaughter and two sisters. Services in Boone and Pennsylvania with his final resting place eventually being a Burial at Sea.       

        Mary Pohlner, 65, Boone. Services in Boone.      

        Thomas James York, 79, Ogden. Died in Ogden. Born in Boone. Army and Army Reserve vet. Had a long career as a conductor for the Union Pacific Railroad until retirement. Married Vicki Morgan in 1971. An excellent cook, Thomas loving fishing, road trips, playing cards and music. He also loved cheering on his sons at the Boone Speedway. Survivors include his wife, Vicki, his children, Angie (Dan) Dill, Jason (Wendy) York and Ryan (Holly) York, his brother Donald York and sister Susan (Richard) Rounds.  Services in Boone.      

         Larry E. Sampson, 77, Roland/State Center Specialty Care. Service in Boone. Burial in Bass Point Cemetery.

        Tristan Kyle Nelson, 37, Ames. Survivors include a sister, Sunni Nelson (Travis Friedel) of Madrid. 

         Joseph "Joe" Kerin Schneider, 82, Bedford, TX. Survivors include his wife, Catherine Sturies Schneider, a son and two daughters. Services in Hurst, TX. Private family graveside service at Glenwood Cemetery in Ogden. 

ETC......AND MORE

       Let's begin with a little Boone business history.

       In my most recent internet searchings, I discovered something that piqued my interest. It was a picture of a bottle cap. On top it said, "Its a Lindy's beverage grape AND the outline of an airplane was also evident. The ring around the cap said, "Boone, Iowa."

        I found out later that airplane sighting on a bottle cap was actually a tribute to famous aviator Charles Lindbergh who, on May 20-21, 1927, made the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight from New York to Paris in a plane named the Spirit of St. Louis  The flight covered 3,600 miles in some 33 hours.

        That flight made Lindbergh a very well known and one of the most famous worldwide figures of that day. 

        From the time the Kelley family moved to Boone in the late 1940's until today, the Linderblood family has been well known. The family tree included Boysell, BHS-1910; Frank, BHS-38; John, BHS-49; Susan, BHS-68; Sally, BHS-71; another Boysell, BHS-73, Mike, BHS-74, Tom, BHS-75 and various others.

       We'll concentrate on Frank who passed away at 68 in 1988. It was Frank who operated the Coca Cola bottling company with his father from 1945 to 1972, the time period that Lindy's soft drinks became a Boone institution.

       I clearly remember watching those drinks being manufactured in the building on the south side of Sixth Street, between Story and Boone streets, across the alley, west from the Police Station. Right across the street from the proposed Boone Veterans Center.

       Watching the conveyer belts moving the bottles to their proper place was interesting......but then, the drink itself.....a sweet grape and orange flavored I remember and their might have been even more flavors that I've forgotten.

        It hasn't been too long ago that I've seen some of those long, slender, empty Lindy's bottles. There are, no doubt, some around and I see on ebay, they're priced at $95 or more. I've been checking our basement,  attic and all the neighbors garage sales but......no luck.

        I wasn't as familiar with it but Wikipedia tells about the Stoll Bottling Works building which still stands at 824 Allen Street, just north of the Fire Department. 

        Wikipedia indicates that building was constructed in 1913-14 and "housed a plant for producing and bottling carbonated soft drinks, a significant industry in Boone."

        It states that Frank Linderblood bought that company and moved Stoll to Des Moines where he owned Capital City Bottling Works. By the mid-20th century the national brands had plants in Boone and the Boone Stoll Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. 

       I clearly remember how much I loved that Lindy's grape........so sweet. 

K-----K

       Recent times there have been discussions about the size of basketballs used in the WNBA.

       Yes, the basketball used in the WNBA IS smaller than the one used in the NBA. The women's league ball is 28.5 inches in circumference compared to the 29.5 inch ball used by the men.

       Some rules making body decided that, because on average, women have smaller hands than men, a smaller ball was required. It was also stated that the women's game often emphasizes quicker ball movement and perimeter shooting. Thus, a slightly smaller ball can facilitate this fast-paced, finesse-oriented style of play. AND, it was determined that a heavier or larger ball could cause strain or fatigue for some female players. It was finally decided that the lighter weight and smaller size of the WNBA ball can help optimize player comfort and performance.

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 a story/memories/comments/death notices......https:/kelleyskorner1@blogspot.

 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Richard Lee Stearns, 82, Boone. Born in Estherville. EHS-62. Attended Estherville Junior College. Married Gloria Walker in Estherville in 1963. Started part time work with Fareway at age 15, worked his way up to Assistant Manager and moved on to Marshalltown, Cherokee and Manchester. In 1981, was moved to the Boone Corporate Office and retired in 2010 as Senior V.P. of Merchandising. Known for his hard work ethic, he loved his work, especially with the vendors he met. He could fix anything and after retiring from Fareway, he worked at Vision Bank as a Courier and their "fix-it man." Rich and Gloria enjoyed many winters in the Palm Springs, California area and summers at Okoboji. Survivors include his wife, Gloria, son Jeff (Connie) Stearns, a daughters Julia Stearns and Jill (Shane) Peterson. Services in Boone.

       Mary Lou Carpenter Rasmusson, 89, Nevada/Story County Senior Care. Born in Boone. BHS-54. Married Harlan Deloss Rasmusson in Nevada in 1954. Mary Lou worked at Boone Dairy before a long career at Donnelly Marketing in Nevada. She retired in 1999. She had a creative heart and gifted hands, and enjoyed sewing and quilting. She loved puzzles, color-by-number projects and all kinds of crafts. Mary Lou is survived by a niece and two nephews. Services in Nevada. Burial at Oakwood cemetery near Moingona.   

       Larry Dean Pender, 82, Granger. Victim of Parkinson's. Survivors include a sister, Mary (Duane) of Madrid. Services in Adel. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       
       Madison Marie Neely, 7, Boone. Born in Boone. Attended Ledges Elementary. Madison was diagnosed with Diffuse High Grade Glioma brain cancer at six. She enjoyed family time, driving through the Ledges State Park, doing puzzles, playing games on an I-Pad, watching Bluey and the movie, descendants. She loved mac-n-cheese, French fries with ranch dressing and American cheese slices. Her favorite color was rainbow. Survivors include her father, Justin Neely and sister Olivia Neely of Boone, grandparents Tim and Berniece Licata of Boone, grandfather Kevin Neely of Boone and aunt, Sarah (Chris) Turbes of Pilot Mound. Services in Boone.       

       Richard Lee Stearns, 82, Boone. Services in Boone.       

       Debbie Jean Dennis Doran, 70, Boone. Passed away unexpectedly. Born in Fort Dodge. BHS-74. Married Rich Gustafson and they divorced. Married Gregg Elsberry. In 2012, married Daniel Montgomery Doran. She worked at the Boone Movie Theatre, Fareway, provided in-home daycare, Gates, Members 1st Community Credit Union and Vison Bank. Retired in 2020. Debbie loved unconditionally and found joy in the simple things, gardening, crafting, a good book and she and Dan met new friends as they traveled the world. Her patience and kindness were unmatched and above all, she cherished her family. Survivors include her husband, Daniel, her mother, Loretta Bass, both of Boone, several siblings, including Wes (Jennifer) Bass and Rick Dennis of Boone, and daughters, including Tonya (Kelly) Lyons and Courtney Rose (Kelly Tapper) of Boone and Lexus (Damian) Davidson of Ogden. Services in Boone. 

       JoAnn Grasso Hicks, 85, Boone/Westhaven. Born in Stanhope. BHS-60. Boone Junior College. JoAnn was married to Richard Hicks for 20 years. She helped run the family business, the Daniel Boone Sports Shop. She was a 4-Her in her younger years and was crafty and artistic. She loved attending events at the Beckwith Center. Four children survive as do her brother, Gary Grasso of Boone, a niece and a nephew. Services in Boone. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       James Marvin Wilhite, 79, Boone. Born in Mason City. MCHS. Attended drafting school. Married Helen (Trask) Wilhite in Mason City in 1965. James drove a Fareway truck for many years prior to retirement in 2019. Before Fareway, he had worked for Star Equipment, Woodford Wheeler, Hansen Steel, a drafting company and a concrete company. He loved snowmobiling, fishing, gardening, canning, grilling, cooking, working on cars and, in his younger years,  racing them. Jim was a Little League Board Member and was happy helping his friends build, whether it was homes or garages. A daughter, Tori Wilhite, of Boone survives as do a sister and brother.        

        Annette Rae Olson Kelley, 84, Grinnell, formerly of Boone. Born in Sioux Rapids. SRHS. Earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Buena Vista and later, a Master's Degree in Education from the State University of Iowa. Married John Roy Kelley in Sioux Rapids in 1966. The couple lived in Virginia before returning to Iowa. Annette dedicated her professional life to education. She taught in the Sibley, Sioux Rapids and Boone school districts, retiring in 2000 after 32 years of teaching. A Sunday school teacher and Little League softball coach, she loved the outdoors. She also enjoyed playing gin, cheering for the football Hawkeyes and Minnesota Vikings. John died in 2014 and Annette is survived by a son and a daughter. Graveside service near Sioux Rapids.     

         Connie "Connie Sue" Lande Hopkins, 78, Ames. Madrid HS. Was a homemaker. In 1972, met Russell Houser and he survives, as do grandchildren and nieces. Connie found joy in life's simple pleasures. Was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and enjoyed puzzles. Cremation rites have been accorded.

WHO KNOWS THE FUTURE?

       An exciting time. 

       When you're staring at 92 and something positive occurs that limits your lounge time or those dreaded TV reruns, yes....you do get a special "rush" that something different and better may be occurring.

       For several coming months now, in the 900 block of South Jackson, we'll have something to study and criticise and the ability to exercise our personal opinion of the proceedings.

       A new house is being built across the street, at almost arms length. I know we'll appreciate any blockage of snow or wind next winter but we'll also miss the beautiful view of the golf course the other times of year. We couldn't have it both ways could we?

       We met the occupying couple, who are coming from the Ames/Nevada area the other day and the lady of the house made comment, "the view is what sold us," while the male was especially impressed with the "wonderful meal we had" at one of our local restaurants.

       That type of adoration for this community I've lived in and promoted for 80 years was, of course, music to my ears BUT my moment became giddy when they added, "Ames is just too big and that daily South Duff fight is too much."

       Those comments added to my recent thought that, perhaps, they're a sign of new times, that a reversal may, slowly, be underway.

       The 2020 census showed that Ames had a population of 66,427 and was the ninth most populous city in Iowa. Good for them.....and we appreciate the many good and varied  opportuities they present from just 15 miles away. P.S. almost half of that 66 plus are students at ISU.

       But then, I remember, my dad, Clint, an Ames High graduate of 1929, telling me that he delivered papers to a portion of the 10,000 residents, 10,261 to be exact. 

      In that 2020 census, Boone was credited with 12,460, a handful more than the 11,886 of 1930. I'm inclined to think its more than that today.

      Look, I don't expect Boone to EVER romp to 60,000 residents or even 50 or 40,000 or much less AND Ames will, no doubt, continue to grow even more as time passes.

     But to me, it is interesting to dream of any kind of substantial population increase in Boone's future with, perhaps, the addition of some of those Ames folks or others who have "had it" with the large city "feel" in comparison to our much slower but pleasant "laid back" Boone existence.

     Just wonderin'.  

        

        

 

          

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

     Neill Stark, 50, Pilot Mound.       

     Judy Loehrer, 83, Ames. Born in Boone. BSH-61. Earned an Associates of Arts degree from Boone Junior College. Her parents were Lawrence and Maxine (Dickerson) Loehrer. Judy was a long time employee of Principal Park Financial. She was an avid Iowa State Cyclone fan and deeply devoted to her family, especially her nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Survivors include a brother, Mike (Ann) Loehrer of  Dublin, Ohio and a sister, Kathy Lassen of Bluffton, South Carolina as well as several nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be held, June 19, at Boone Sacred Heart and inurnment will take place at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

       Harriet Marie Sharnweber Sprouse, 93, Camas, Washington. Born in Boone. 

       Eugene "Gene" Francis Mitchell, 79, Cherokee/Accura Health. Born near Winterset. United Community HS-65. His parents were Dale Leroy Sr. and Francis (Diehl) Mitchell. Army vet. Was an auto mechanic for John Deere in Ankeny. Then, in Denison, he worked for Peterson Manufacturing selling and installing livestock waterers. Eventually, he became an insurance agent. Gene enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and bowhunting especially. He also had a passion for wildlife photography and loved muscle cars. His main hobby was being a Ham radio operator and gaining friends all over the world. Survivors include three children, a brother, David (Cherylin) Mitchell, nephews Tim (Lori) and Jake Mitchell and a niece Kristin Mitchell all of Boone. Services have been held in Denison. 

SCHOOL SIZE DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE

       If you happened to read the recent Korner story, "Boone Man "Saves" the IHSAA", you may have noticed that some 80 years ago, at the organization's beginning, mention is made of  1300 or so schools in Iowa that claimed earliest membership in the Iowa High School Athletic Association.

        My, my, times do change and a look at current IHSAA membership, in comparison, shows, in graphic detail, how much Iowa's educational platform has changed through the years. 

        The very latest membership figures show that today there are not 1300 members, not close at all. These days, there are  just 363 total members, thanks or no thanks to school consolidation. However, only 286 of the 363 have 100 students or more in their senior grades.

        Those last 100 include the final two, Diagonal and North Iowa Christian of Mason City, with just 20 students each. 

        Its that wide disparity in numbers, 1 to 363, that result in the IHSAA dividing its membership into classes,......5A, 4A etc...... in various state tournament offerings, an effort to "even out the field"....making the competition more fair, more realistic.

        Yes, admittedly, the excitement of the "little guy" upsetting his much bigger opponent was thrilling..... Dunkerton stopped Des Moines Roosevelt, 22-20, to win the state basketball championship in 1933 and in '37, it was Melrose topping Marshalltown, 35-17. However, those instances were few and far between and today, such outrageous results would be even more limited, if not completely impossible.

        We'll dazzle you a bit now with some current figures you may find interesting.

        Here are the enrollment figures of the "top ten" largest schools in Iowa .......and, perhaps, surprisingly, nine of the ten are in the Des Moines metro area. 

        Number one has made that claim for many years.....and it isn't close......West Des Moines Valley with 2,236 students. Johnston is second at 1,796, 440 fewer students, and that brings up some "talk" that is always mentioned but never seems to completely end.

        The skeptics say, "with that much of an advantage, that many more potential athletes to choose from, they (Valley) should win every championship, every year. Or, why doesn't the Valley district split into two or more schools, like Waukee or Ankeny have?" That, of course, is a local decision.

        Here's the remainder of the Top Ten. Southeast Polk, 1,757; Linn-Mar, Marion, 1,692; Des Moines Lincoln, 1,692; Waukee Northwest, 1,599; Ankeny Centennial, 1,511; Des Moines Roosevelt, 1,494; Waukee, 1,432 and Des Moines East, 1,425.   

        Its with pride and yet, great sadness, oldtimers like me lament the fact that the old six team Central Iowa Conference, which began in 1927, had a very successful run until the late 60's before things started falling apart.

        In its prime, that old CIC held its head high with fierce competition within, numerous sparks of domination outside and a widely circulated reputation as one of the best leagues in Iowa.

        Today, those proud six members are, oftentimes, disparaged more than cheered, simply unable to match their larger competitors and their current enrollment figures show the discrepancy.

        Marshalltown was and is the biggest of the six but just 17th largest in the state with 1,242 students. Ames is 26th with 1,076; Newton 53rd with 654; Boone 63rd with 515; Oskaloosa 65th with 490 and Grinnell 73rd with 408. 

         At random, here are a few schools, not previously mentioned, and their current standing. Ankeny, 11th with 1,385; Dowling Catholic 27th with 1,071; Urbandale 33rd with 980; Indianola 37th with 900, Dallas Center Grimes 42nd with 817 and Norwalk 44th with 801.   

         Ogden is the 184th largest with 179 while Madrid is 227th at 149.

         After an earlier run in the Little Hawkeye Conference, in 2024, the Boone School Board rejected an invitation to join the Heart of Iowa Conference and their current league affiliation is the Raccoon River Conference. Those members are, from largest to smallest, Bondurant-Farrar 54th with 653; Carlisle 59th with 573; Boone 63rd with 515; Adel, ADM 64th with 499; North Polk 67th with 467; Ballard 69th with 438; Winterset 78th with 399; Gilbert 80th with 391 and Carroll 90th with 359. 

         Through the years, the enrollment numbers do change......some schools bigger, some smaller. The result, oftentimes, is the change of conference affiliation in an effort, along with the IHSAA Class system, to pair, when possible, member schools in a more fair, more balanced chance for success.

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

       Cecil R. Barnes, 79, Boone/Eastern Star. Born in Boone. BHS-65. Worked for Walters Sanitary Service. At 25, Cecil suffered a work accident which resulted in amputation of both legs. After the accident, good friend Howard Van Cannon welcomed Cecil into his home. Then, in the 80's, Cecil lost his vision. Despite these setbacks, Cecil never let it stop him from "having fun." He was known for his quick wit, his love for cars, his stubbornness and perfectly timed one-liners. Nothing much held him back and he loved following Iowa State sports, especially women's basketball. Due to his calling in sale items and friends birthdays on KWBG, he became known as "The Godfather of Tradio." Survivors include many members of the Van Cannon family. Services in Boone and Moingona.

       Daniel Earl Larson, 75, Stratford. Services in Stratford.

       Beverly Deanna Jensen, 87, DeWitt. Born in Boone. Services in DeWitt/Clinton. 

       Denise Susan Miller, 71, Mt. Joy, PA. Earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Boone Campus, DMACC. Was a Registered Nurse who worked at several area hospitals. Services in Pennsylvania. 

       Thomas Eugene Shaeffer, 88, Omaha. Born in Boone. Huxley HS. 

       Judge Victor Glen Lathrop, 76, Ames. Was a racing enthusiast and loved spending time at the Boone Speedway.

       Mark James Kean, 63, Des Moines. Born in Boone. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Herman Junior Bruxvoort, 90, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Born in Boone. Services in Grand Rapids.       

       Richard "Dick" Lee Carr, 94, Ames. Born in Boone. Services in Ames.      

       Susan "Susie" Louise Erickson Holliday, 84, Des Moines. Born in Nebraska. She and her husband, Bob spent one week each summer at the Boone YMCA Camp. Services in Des Moines.

       Charlotte "Char" Tjello, 80, Boone/Eastern Star. Services in Dayton.

       Robert Joseph Batty, 74, Boone/Rolling Green Village, Nevada. 

       King Robert Paschell, 71, Bouton. Survivors include a nephew, Jon (Shannon) James of Boone. Services in Perry. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Larry Eugene Hardin, 78, Cedar Rapids/Hiawatha Care Center. Born in Wyoming but the family lived in Idaho, Oregon, North Dakota, Minnesota and settled in Boone. BHS-65. Married Delores Nystrom, BHS-64, in Boone in 1965. The couple soon moved to Cedar Rapids. Started work at Rockwell Collins in 1965 and retired in 2007 after 42 years of service. Sports, that was Larry's passion. He coached youth sports and served the Prairie High School Booster Club in various ways for more than 40 years. He ran the Little Hawk wrestling tournament and AAU Wrestling District tournament for many years. He was a baseball umpire, dog lover and big fan of the Cubs, Hawkeyes and Vikings. His parents were Rev. William and Dora Mae Harden. Survivors include his wife, Delores, two sons and a daughter. Services in Cedar Rapids.

       Marilyn Fitzgerald DeVoogd, 88, Boone/Madrid Home. Born in Boone. BHS-57. Marilyn worked as a CNA at the Boone County Home and the Ogden Manor. She loved dogs and taking walks. Two sons survive, Robert (Kay) DeVoogd of Boone and James DeVoogd. Services in Boone. Burial near Colo. 

       Thomas "Tom" Snow, 74, Boone. Born in Jefferson. JHS-69, where he held numerous track records. National Guard vet from 1980 to 2001 when he retired as a Master Sergeant. He was honored with numerous awards and recognitions including the prestigious "President's 100" award for shooting. Tom was an active member of the National Congress of Old West Shootists, in the "Grand Old Army" division. He especially enjoyed skeet shooting and won several medals for that skill at the Iowa Games. He married Patricia Frazier in 1971 in Scranton. The couple settled in Boone and were inseparable. In his free time, Tom spent time at the gun range, Lindy's Gun Shop or watching old Westerns. Survivors include a son, Bob (Paige) Snow of Boone and daughter Pam (Jason) Deets. Two siblings also survive. Visitation in Boone and a graveside service at the Iowa Veteran's Cemetery near Van Meter. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Thomas Arthur Johnson, 75, Springville, Al. Born in Boone. BHS-70. His parents were Bruce and Geraldine Johnson  He married Lynette Johnson in Ames in 1974. He enjoyed traveling with Lynette and working for the Chicago/Northwestern and Union Pacific Railroads for 37 years. Survivors include a son, a foster-daughter and a brother, Erick Johnson, BHS-89. COL later and burial in Nebraska.       

        Larry James Lansing, 86, Richardson, Tx. Born in Boone. Raised on a family farm near  Madrid. United Community HS-58. National Guard vet. Had a 50-year working career in the avionics and defense industry, primarily with Collins Radio of Cedar Rapids. Also served Rockwell International and Boeing. Moved to Dallas in retirement in 1985. A committed Christian, he enjoyed snowsking in Colorado and riding his Harley. He was proud of his ownership of a yellow Corvette and a Ford F-150 platinum truck. Survivors include two sons and a daughter. Three siblings also survive, Danny (Jean) Lansing of Boone, Kenneth Lansing and Kathy Terrell. Burial in Hillsdale Cemetery Madrid.   

       Jerry Alan Barrow, 70, Cincinnati. Born in Boone in 1956. His parents were Robert, BHS-48, and Margaret Barrow. 

       Pamela Jean Haakma, 71, Perry. Survivors include a nephew, David (Renna) Lile,, of Boone. A COL will be held in Perry.