BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Ardis Taylor Cazett, 87, Boone. Born in Minnesota. Married Clifford Cazett in 1976. Very family oriented, liked to read, watch her soap operas and enjoyed Mondays when she would run errands with her brother, Doug. Three daughters survive, Deb (Terry) Weber, Mindy (Dallas) Buck and Stacie McClure as well as three brothers, Rick (Phyliss) Taylor, Mike (Lynda) Taylor and Doug Taylor. Services in Boone.     

       Gary Wilson Cook, 86, Madrid/Accura Healthcare of Ogden. Born in Iowa City. His parents were Everette and Lucille Cook. BHS-58, where he was an accomplished trumpet player and vocalist. U.S. Navy vet. Married Georgianne Doyle in Missouri in 1972. The couple started their home in Boone, but moved to Hawaii, then Ames and in 1993, their current home near Madrid. Gary owned and operated Cook's painting and wallpapering business in Ames, then was employed at the maintenance department of a Hilton Hotel in West Des Moines. He officially retired as COVID struck. Gary enjoyed all types of animals. Survivors include his wife, Georgianne, a daughter, a son, and two sisters, Sharon Cook, BHS-62, Sindlinger and Mary Fairbank. No services planned.

       Darrell (Dinko) Dee Hunter, 74, Cambridge. Was a big race fan. Survivors include a daughter, Mindy Hunter, of Boone, and a brother, Renal (Ronald) Hunter of Boone. Services in Nevada. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Ian Sawyer, 54, Madrid. Survived by his parents, Mike and Kathi Sawyer, four sons, Keaton, Chase, Zach and Jake, and a brother, Joe. A COL will be held in Huxley.       

       Todd Brandon "Big Todd T" Anderson, 61, Sheldahl. Victim of a motorcycle accident. Born in Des Moines. His parents were Don Anderson and Jane (Kinney) McCaffrey. Todd's stepfather for more than 40 years was Bob McCaffrey. Hoover HS-83. Married Kathy Limke in Des Moines in 2014. Air Force vet. After service, Todd worked as the head bouncer at the New Knights Club in Valdosta, GA. Eventually, he moved back to Iowa and held various jobs in Boone. Todd was in remission from Lymphoma but lived life to the fullest. He was restoring an '85 Mustang GT, loved riding his motorcycle and collected over 2,500 Hot Wheels, numerous knives and many other treasures. He recently opened his own tire shop in Sheldahl after retirement from CBRE as a Maintenance Engineer. He has also been serving as Sheldahl Mayor. Survivors include his wife, Kathy, a son, step-daughters and sisters. Services in Des Moines. 

       JoAnn Pfaltgzgraff, 97, Boone/Eastern Star. Services in Hubbard. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

     VERY LATE NEWS.....SERVICES: TUESDAY, AUGUST 25. Gladys Ruth Flynn Sickau, 83, Forsyth, MO. Formerly of Fraser. Parents were Irving Stanley Flynn and Esther White Flynn. Married Carl "Buck" Sickau in Las Vegas in 1961. Was a volunteer for the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad, a member of the American Business Women's Association-Boone County Charter Chapter, and retired as Departmental Secretary of Civil and Construction Engineering at Iowa State University. Gladys enjoyed cooking, baking, country western dancing, attending car shows, fishing, antiques, gardening, crafting, sewing and cross-stitching for which she won several local and state ribbons and awards. Survivors include her husband, Carl, a son, Carl "Scott" (Diane) Sickau of Boone, a daughter and a brother. ATTENTION: Pastor Andrew Potratz of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Story City will lead a private graveside service for the family at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday (tomorrow) at Bluff Creek Cemetery, 906 J Avenue, Boone, Iowa, which will be followed from 1:00 to 3:00 by a celebration of memories for family and friends hosted at Tulips Event Center, lower level of the Dutch Oven Bakery, 603 Story St., Boone, Iowa, with light refreshments being provided by Dutch Oven Bakery.    

     Alan August  Ruther, 88, Ogden/Eastern Star. Born in Jefferson. Boxholm HS-56. Married Jo Ann Weyer of Woodward in Boxholm in 1960. For 45 years, Alan worked for the Iowa DOT in the bridge inspection department, initially in Jefferson but then from the Ames office. At age 15, Alan was diagnosed with juvenile onset diabetes but with perserverance, steady monitoring and his wife's assistance, he became a model for managing the Type 1 diabetes effectively. The couple enjoyed the Knoxville races and listening to classic country music. Alan enjoyed woodworking, gardening, yard work, watching Iowa PBS, anything chocolate and reading about science and astrophysics. Survivors include four children, including Marva Ruther of Ames. A COL will be held later. 

     Jeffrey Wayne Mercer, 51, Mount Ayr. National Guard vet. Trucker. Spent many Saturdays at the Boone Speedway. Survivors include a close friend, Darrin, of Boone. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Brian C. Hall, 71, Shellsburg. Born in Boone. His parents were Cedric and Helen Hall. BHS-73. Army vet. Married Twila Bennett in 1975. They divorced. In 1980, he married Penny Heard. Brian worked in security at the Cedar Rapids Duane Arnold Energy Center for 31 years. He then worked five years as a tire and lube supervisor at Walmart. He enjoyed NASCAR, John Wayne movies and crime TV shows. He also loved his daily ritual of coffee. Survivors include his wife, Penny, two daughters, a son, and his sister, Becky (Nick) Caskey of Boone. Private services.      

      Jon Harold Vogler, 82, Des Moines. Born in Fort Dodge. BHS-63. Wentworth Military Academy in 1965. His parents were Harold Sturtz Vogler and Doris Albertina Lorena Swanson Vogler. A devout Lutheran, he was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Boone. U.S. Army vet. After service, he earned a diploma in Bookkeeping/Accounting at DMACC in 1970. Jon was an avid investor who enjoyed NASCAR, had a deep love for his country, was a passionate fan of Elvis and a car enthusiast. He moved to Scottish Rite Park in Des Moines in 2017 and quickly became a beloved fixture in that community. Survivors include his NASCAR family and people whose lives were touched by his company. Services in Des Moines. Burial in Boone Linwood cemetery.

     Carol J. Rardin Hamilton, 66, Ames. Born in Boone to Harold and Joyce Lang Rardin. BHS-78. Earned an Associates Degree from Boone Campus DMACC in 1980 and her LPN in 1981. Married Scott Hamilton in Boone in 1984. Carol started  her nursing career at Mary Greeley Medical Telemetry Unit on 2 South/4C, 1981, and served there until retirement in 2017. She then joined McFarland Clinic in the Endocrinology Unit for two years and five years in the Oncology Unit at the Bliss Cancer Center. She officially retired from 43 years of helping others in 2024. An avid shopper, she looked forward to her annual trip to the Mall of America. She loved traveling, cruises, music and concerts and she collected Longaberger baskets and Byers' Choice Carolers. Survivors include her husband, Scott, a son and a daughter. Services in Boone and Pilot Mound.

     Jaci Schwering, 51, Otho. Survivors include a son, Michael Schwering of Stratford. 

     Joan Millhollin, 79, Yale. Survivors include a daughter, Annie (Matt) Drewis of Madrid. 

HERE'S HOPING YOU AGREE

       Jealousy?.........absolutely, and the piece that I'm going to share is soooooo good I just wish I could take credit for initially displaying it myself.

       The real author is "That Wealth Girl" and, unfortunately, I have no further information to convey. It was simply one of those many offerings each day that appear on the internet. It was a facebook post that someone saw and sent on to the Korner. Thank you so much.

       Here goes.....

       My 91-year old grandma gave me nine rules before she passed. I think about them every day.

       (1)  Do not let a grudge choose your family. She said you will bury people you were too proud to call. Pick up the phone while it still rings.

       (2)  Never sign anything anyone says you would not understand. She read every page and asked every question. She said the words too complicated for you are usually the words written against you.

       (3)  Keep something beautiful in the house even when money is tight. She had flowers on the table in the worst years. She said poverty is hard enough without letting it make you ugly.

       (4)  Spend on the things that get used every day. She bought a good mattress and cheap everything else. She said you sleep a third of your life, so put your money where your hours are.

       (5)  Do not tell people how tired you are, show them what you finished. She never complained and always delivered. She said tired is a feeling and finished is a fact.

       (6)  Be the one who remembers birthdays. She wrote them all in one book. She said the world forgets people constantly, and being remembered is the cheapest kindness there is.

       (7)  Never let the sale price decide what you need. She walked past bargains her whole life. She said a thing you did not want at full price is not a deal, it is clutter, with a discount.

       (8)  Learn to sit with someone in pain without fixing it. She said most people do not need advice, they just need a chair pulled up next to them.

      (9)  Do not save your good dishes for a day that never comes. She used everything. She said you are the special occasion and you have been all along.

      Nothing you buy will love you back. She said put money in the things that can, and your time in the people who do.

      She used the good dishes and told the truth. Pick the rule that stung and start there today. 

     AMEN. What a great piece and probably some of it is too much truth for some of us to handle.

     I hope.....and I imagine there are Korner viewers who are making copies and sending them to various family members.......friends....... neighbors etc.

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

      Michael Kevin Boettger, 69, Des Moines. Born in Des Moines. East HS. He was a loving, caring husband to his surviving wife of 56 years, Sarah. Also surviving are four children and families and a brother. A COL is planned for later. Condolences can be sent to Sarah, 1555 First St., Boone.

       

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Jay H. Honohan, 96, Iowa City. Born in Illinois. His parents were Harold and Evelyn Sproule Honahan. BHS-48. BJC-50. Navy Korean War vet. At ISU, earned a degree in Industrial Psychology in 1955 and from the State University of Iowa earned his Juris Doctor Degree in 1960. Married Nancy Lee Leary in Keota in 1958. Started law practice in Iowa City in 1960 with sole practice beginning in 1970. He served as a Police Judge and for City Attorney for Iowa City for several years. He was active in legal committees, his church and the Jaycees. Numerous times he was honored with prestigious awards including Boss of the Year, the Iowa Bar Association award of Merit and as a volunteer for various organizations. He was a lifelong Cub and Iowa Hawkeye fan, Survivors include three children, his sister, Kay Flockhart, (BHS-51) and niece Calista (Harrison Ford) Flockhart among many other nieces and nephews. Services in Iowa City.

       Delores Kathyrn Shaheen Haddy, 99, Phoenix. Married Albert Haddy in 1947 and the couple lived in Cedar Rapids, Albert Lea and Boone. In 1958, they pursued opportunities in Phoenix and remained there. Services in Phoenix. 

ITS A MISHMASH TODAY

       I, the Kornerman, must confess, I'm not a die-hard racing fan, although I have a passing interest in the past and upcoming races and I do know some of the history, past and present, nationally and locally, of this long time sport.

       Despite this somewhat limited appeal, I do, as all Iowans should, "bust our buttons" for the great success of the NASCAR events in Newton and the annual race schedules at Knoxville and, especially, in Boone.

       A sell-out crowd watched the action at the Iowa Speedway over the weekend and both the Knoxville and Boone tracks will be attracting their usual terrific support for their upcoming events. These are events for all Iowans to be proud of and wonderful assets for our state to point to.

K-----K

       An old friend, former KWBG announcer Mark Campbell, BHS-67, has some good information to relay regarding our recent spiel about the changes underway for AM radio.

       He mentions that K-Dub has an FM translator 101.5 and "it has pretty good coverage, even to the south at night where the AM doesn't quite make it due to directional requirements." 

       Mark went on to say that, "I'm with Vern Modeland on this one. Its disappointing to hear AM stations go dark. WBT in Charlotte, N.C. just switched its new/talk format to FM. WSB in Atlanta no longer identifies its AM frequency (750). Instead it is WSB-95.5. Local small market stations are dropping like flies. KGRN Grinnell and the former KCOB-Newton are dark and the future does not bode well for other big stations. KMOX St.Louis and WCCO-Minneapolis, former powerhouses in their respective markets, are not even in the top 10. Its a sad time for us former radio folks and listeners. But one surprise. The former WOW-Omaha went dark within the past year but one enterprising buyer is putting the AM-590 back on the air with WOW call letters."

K-------K

       Always nice to hear from former residents.

       The Kornerman had a good visit with Tom Lainson, BHS-57, who is now a settled resident of Dallas after a long work career with Coldwell Banker Real Estate. Tom says his days of travel to Boone are probably "over now," as he still dreams of those Boyd's malts. Tom grew up near the number three tee at the Boone Golf and Country Club. His wife, Sandy Shadle, BHS-59, grew up at 1128 Crawford.

       Betty McElyea Vitt wrote, "I religiously read your blog after my sister, Marilyn, BHS-54, told me about it. She was an avid Kelley's Korner fan. Marilyn passed away in California in 2024." Betty also lost her husband, BHS-57 classmate, Fred Vitt, in 2010.

K-------K

       Finally, an item in the recent news caught my eye. In 1896, the first recorded speeding ticket was issued. Some poor person was cited for driving (I don't know what) eight miles per hour in a two miles per hour zone.

K-------K

        Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, 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@blog spot. com. 

        

        

        

        

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Shirley Lorraine Ross Parrish, 92, Tennesee. Born in Boone. BHS-52. Her parents (deceased) were Clayton and Edna Ross. She married into the military and lived in various states. Settled in Tennessee. A sister, Dorothy Ross Harris, BHS-50, of Boone, preceded her in death. A daughter survives. Services in Tennessee. 

       Mershell Frist Putman, 74, Des Moines. Born in Boone. Final Boone Ryan High School class 1970. Earned a stenographic diploma from AIB in Des Moines. Her parents (deceased) are Ruth and Wayne Frist. Was blessed with a "bonus dad," LeRoy McGinnis, also now deceased but an important part of her life. Married Richard Putnam of Perry in 1972. Mershell had a distinguished military career at a Air National Guard base in California before returning to Iowa for 12 years of part-time service. She lived in St. Charles while working for Principal Financial, moved to Harlan to be a full-time legal secretary and then to Carlisle to continue her military service in Des Moines. She totaled 32 years of military service, including 20 years full-time and a rank of E-8. That service took her across the world. After retirement, she worked for a law firm until May of 2025. Mershell was deeply involved in community and church endeavors and had a special gift of bringing people together. Survivors include two daughters, a brother, Mike (Judy) Frist of Boone, and a sister. Services in Des Moines and Adel. 

WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?

       Yes, I know, some of us are old and even, occasionally, cranky but that long experience can be a valuable asset.

        That's why we always enjoy hearing from 94-year old Vern Modeland, BHS-50, for his observations of the world today, yesterday and, perhaps, even tomorrow. Communication has always been one of his greatest sources of wisdom.

        That love started with famous Boone High School physics instructor H.L. Cunningham and continued with work at KWBG and a couple other area  radio stations. Eventually, he secured an almost lifetime position, both in the mechanical operation, as well as on-air duties, with the Iowa "big guy," coast-to-coast WHO, Des Moines, Radio AM/FM-TV.

        Vern is a close Korner and world "watcher" and in his latest offering, he's very concerned about something that could eventually impact all of us.

        It would be interesting to know how many radios appear in an average American home. One in the kitchen for sure, followed by the bathroom, living room, bedroom and, of course, even the garage. We're not even going to mention our vehicle options.

        There are those who already lock in faithfully to the FM mode but a vast majority still depend on AM material and if that would disappear, as Vern thinks it will, a game changer in every day living would be the result.

        In all honestly, I, the Kornerman, admit I am not savvy to this situation. I've done no research or made any effort to decipher the why's and where-fores, although I have had glimmers of some type of change in the way we listen to radio. I just know Vern is upset about all of the possibilities.

        He wrote, "I've spent the day online researching this latest broadcast radio thing. It turns out I may be one of the last to know how dead and dying it really is. I listened with sadness last night to the Tulsa clear channel radio voice advising its listeners that it was "moving" at the end of the month to 95 Mhz and there would be no more AM available. No other explanation, just, "it will be.""

        Vern concluded, "be prepared for the end of AM broadcast radio and the wonderful clear channel stations that allowed a look-in on the life and thoughts of those not adjusted to the blogs and thought control most recently encroaching on our lives."

        As we all have made our way through years of life, we've experienced many changes. Some have exploded into greatness while others have been a dud, and then there are those that, as my mother used to say, we should just give some time too, "wait and see." 

        I imagine, eventually, we'll find out.....something.......for sure.

K-----K

        Congratulations to another BHS grad who is making an impressive move.......good for him and good for Iowa State University.

        Jesse Howard, BHS-93, is joining the ISU Department of Music and Theatre as the Theatre Office Coordinator.

        An ISU news release stated, "Jessie will be a valuable asset to our department as he supports our students, faculty, and staff in creating a collaborative and welcoming environment."

        The release adds, "Jessie brings more than 25 years of experience in administration, operations, customer service, and leadership across healthcare, higher education partnerships, and technology. As Technical and Volunteer Coordinator at Mary Greeley Medical Center's hospice, and formerly, Israel Family Hospice House, he manages administrative operations, coordinates volunteers, supports special events, and collaborates across departments to provide exceptional service to patients and families."

        The Kornerman has known Jessie as an extremely dedicated longtime supporter of Boone youth baseball, primarily as a top notch umpire.....good enough to be selected to work worldwide championship baseball games in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA.

        Congratulations to another Boone resident who has earned the praise of his home community.

K-----K

        Worldwide Korner headquarters are still located at 929 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

       Larry Wayne (Como) Reutter, 89, Ogden. Born in Ogden. Raised on a family farm between Boxholm and Pilot Mound. Boxholm HS-57. Married Jacqueline Marie Craven in 1965. He was the eighth of what would become 15 children. He often talked about the school bus coming to the house and nine children either coming or going. During a junior high concert, Larry sang a solo and his friends began calling him Como, referring to a popular singer of the day, Perry Como. A big Chicago Cub fan, Como started work driving a dump truck and in construction. Returning to farming, Como and his brother Jake were partners, farming over 2300 acres until retirement in 2009. Survivors include his wife, Jacqueline, of Ogden, a son, Chad, and a daughter, Heather and siblings, including Leo Reutter of Boone and Marlene Rabern of Ogden. A COL will be held in Ogden.

       Gloria A. Elsberry Stiles, 82, Boone. Born in Boone. Her parents were A.Ben and Ruby (Williams) Elsberry. Both are deceased. Grand Community HS-62. Married Danny Stiles in Boone in 1966. Gloria worked at Bournes from 1964-83, then was a part time night shift worker at the ISU Medical Center. From 1988-98 she helped Danny at Stiles Fix It Shop while also taking care of her mother. Gloria had an addiction to anything M&M's with 3,500 pieces collected. She loved travel, cross stitch and scrapbooking. Survivors include her husband, Danny, two sons, Randy (Megan) and Brian "Boomer" Stiles all of Boone. A COP will be held. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Judy M. Walters Keel, 67, Ogden. Born in Belmond. He parents were Marvin and Gladys Walters, both deceased. Educated in Boone. Married David Keel in Ogden in 1985. David is deceased. Judy enjoyed golfing. Survivors include a son, T.J. (Amy) Keel of Ames, a grandson, Trevor Keel, of Ames and a brother, Jerry (Eva) Walters of Boone. Services in Ogden. 

       Larry (Como) Reutter, 89, Ogden/Accura Health. 

       Betty Jo (Kueck) Swanson, 93, Boone. Born in Missouri. William Chrisman HS. Married Kenneth G. Swanson in Boone in 1975. Betty Jo worked as a secretary for many companies in Missouri, California and Iowa including the Rolfes Company in Boone for 15 years and the Iowa High School Athletic Association for 10 years. She loved sports and played competitive tennis for many years. Survivors include her husband, Kenneth, and two sons, Robert, BHS-81, and Eric, BHS-82, Foster. Services in Boone.

       Melvin Craven, 82, Burlington. Born in Boone. His parents were Charles and Audrey (Bennett) Craven. Stanhope HS-62. National Guard vet, 1961-69. Married Judy Kruse in Ogden in 1964. Worked at Danfoss for 37 years. He enjoyed camping, traveling and having projects to work on. Survivors include his wife, Judy, their children, Alan and Laurie, a sister, Jan Monson, and a brother, Dennis (Bobby) Craven. Services in Burlington. 

       Ina Belle (Mo) Bertrand Lofy, 97, Boone. Born in Kansas. Married Lawrence Ray Peterson in 1946. After living on a farm near Morganville, KS, the family moved to Boone in 1962. Ray died in 1968 and in 1972, Ina Belle married Richard Lofy and a move was made to Clear Lake. An expert seamstress, she had a passion for quilting. During some time at Garner, IA, she worked at Country Threads Quilt Shop until retirement at age 85. Earlier in life, she had worked at Bourns and Hach Chemical in Ames. Ina Belle enjoyed flower gardening, crocheting, sewing and was an avid bowler. Survivors include a brother and three children, including Deborah (Alan) Arringdale of Boone. No services are planned. 

       Pauline Foshe Osentowski, Lincoln, Neb. Survivors include a brother, Ron (Nancy) Foshe of Madrid. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Roger Wyant Cook, 92, Boone/Dayton/Eastern Star. Born in Missouri. Eagleville HS-52. Earned a teaching degree from Northwest Missouri State and a Master's in education from Iowa State. He taught in Missouri and Bedford, IA, along with National Guard service. The family moved to Boone in 1962 where Roger began a 32-year career at Boone Jr/Sr HS. He taught government, was a guidance counselor, coached four different sports, was a basketball official and Goeppinger Field announcer. Roger enjoyed farming, golfing, boating, playing slow pitch and was a lifelong horse lover who trained and raced thoroughbreds at regional tracks. He also served on the Boone City Council. In 1984, Roger married Jo Corso of Davenport and the couple began a 40-year journey together until Jo's death. Roger was also preceded in death by his former wife and mother of his children, Joyce (Hutton) Cook. Survivors include his children and stepchildren, including Amy Priest of Boone.      

        Mary Margaret Parker, 83, Boone. Formerly of Granite City, IL. Survivors include a daughter, Connie (Dan Meyer) Parker of Boone. Services in Illinois. 

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

        Barbara Jean Pedersen Johnson, 71, Boone. Born in Minnesota. Her parents were Harold and Eve Pedersen. Survivors include her husband, Kevin Johnson, three children, as well as step-children and foster children and two siblings. A COL is planned.

        Elaine Sue Youngren, Ankeny, Formerly of Dayton. Was a social worker who served in various capacities at several agencies, including in Boone. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Daniel Everett Buss, 74, Boone. Born in Boone. BHS-70. DMACC-72. Earned a B.S. in Industrial Administration from Iowa State in 1974. Married Sandra Hansen, BHS-71, in 1972. Dan began his accounting profession in 1974, working for a firm in Marshalltown. After four years, in 1978, the couple moved to Boone and Dan joined D.D. Pyle Company CPA's in Ames, where he later became a partner. He was a working CPA for 41 years. Dan was known for his great work ethic, business mind, kindness and concern for others. He enjoyed woodworking and remodeling/building three homes, pheasant hunting, skiing, fishing in Canada and golfing. He planned and managed two housing developments, was a founding member of Pheasants Forever and an active church member. Survivors include his wife, Sandra, two daughters, Julie and Suzanne, and a son, Joseph. Services in Boone.   

       VERY LATE REPORT: Ronald Lee Flockhart, 88, Morristown, TN. Ron passed away in June of 2020. Born in Boone. BHS-51. Iowa State University, 1957. Married Kay Calista Honohan Flockhart, BHS-51, in 1957. Started working for Kraft while in college and the couple lived in Illinois, Minnesota, New York and Pennsylvania. He was plant manager in Albany, MN and Norwich, NY. During his time with Kraft, he worked in three different divisions, finally retiring in 1987. He then worked for Sorrento Cheese Company in Buffalo, NY as Vice President of Quality and Environment Control. The couple retired to Morristown, TN in 1995 where they were active in church and the Morristown Theatre Guild. Survivors include his wife, Kay, of Morristown, a son, Gary, a daughter, Calista Kay Flockhart and her husband, Harrison Ford, of California, a sister-in-law, Dodie Flockfart of Stratford and brother-in-law, Jay Honohan, BHS-48. of Iowa City. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, George and Jewel Flockhart of Boone and his brother, Larry Flockhart, of Stratford. Services were held in Morristown.

       Robert Dale Pigott, 77, Summerville, SC. Memorials requested for March of Dimes, Boone, Iowa. Service in South Carolina.

       Lois A. Johnson, 86, Rockford, Ill. Among other places, Lois worked at the First Evangelical Free Church in Boone. She loved music and was a talented pianist. Lois spent her lifetime active in church ministries. Her husband, Bob, and two children survive. Services in Rockford.

       Gary Clyde Finch, 82, Des Moines. Born in Boone where he attended kindergarten at Lincoln Elementary. Moving to the Des Moines area, he attended a two-room schoolhouse, Cloverhill, for first through eighth grade, then grades nine and 10 at Norwalk before graduating from Des Moines Lincoln HS. Services in Des Moines. 

A VARIETY OF ENTRIES

       Former Toreador Pete Kostelnick, fortyish now, continues to amaze.

       The 2005 BHS graduate has a long and sterling record as a marathon-plus runner, despite the fact some serious injuries had laid him up and destroyed some opportunities during a prime time of his career.

        He just completed the "world's toughest foot race," the Badwater Ultramarathon, and he showed that he is still a fearless, tough competitor.

        The Ultramarathon is a 135 mile race in California's Death Valley, running from the lowest point in North America (Badwater Basin) to the highest point in the contiguous U.S. (Whitney Portal). Its held annually in July, known for extreme heat, over 120 degrees F, with a significant elevation gain, 14,600 feet, for a 24 hour time limit, requiring runners to have a support crew for hydration and nutrition. Its a grueling test of physical and mental endurance over a course that crosses three mountain ranges.

        This 39th annual event featured a cast of 98 competitors, including 28 women and representatives of 21 nations.

        Kostelnick has competed in this event several times and was a winner in both 2015 and 2016 with even more impressive finishes as well. He was third in 2025 and came in eighth this year. 

        And who can forget his record-setting run cross country, from the West Coast to New York City, a few years back, in 2016.

        Pete's proud parents, Charles and Clair Kostelnick, are Boone residents.

K-----K

        While we're saluting Booneites who have excelled, how about Eric Ver Helst, BHS-2000. 

        The son of Jack and Sharon Ver Helst is well known for his enthusiastic style of public address announcing for DMACC and Toreador athletic events and now this.......he's been selected to do some of that work at the famous Field of Dreams for Major League baseball activity there next spring. Congrats Eric.

K-----K

         The Kornerman has received some feedback to a couple of recent stories.

         Davi Mondt Lowman, BHS-67, sent a lengthy response to the recent, " The Story Goes On and On" article.

         Davi partially wrote, "I am going to say one thing to you regarding your thoughts/opinion regarding Caitlin Clark. Stop it. You may not realize, but you are contributing towards the misogynistic effort to place female athletes in impossible situations." She concluded with "I'd appreciate it if you'd give her the respect she deserves instead of betting on "who" will give her some undeserved technical foul." 

         The other material was about how women, including Clark, are, generally, badly mistreated by some of the public and even some members of the press. Its opinions heard around the world on a daily basis. No need to repeat them here.

          Nobody has been a bigger supporter or more respectful than I of Caitlin Clark and her achievements. Maybe Davi is correct. But my take was intended to be just a little different, humorous sidelight of a story that, seemingly, has endured every type of emotion and coverage available and then some.

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          Vern Modeland, BHS-50, noticed the death of a classmate, Donald Diehl. Vern said, "Keep that up and I'll be the only one left. Chilling thought. Hang in there, keep the web site going as long as you can now that you are the county's only news source."

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         I referenced recently how my name Mo has been changed to Morris as I get older. John Kueck, BHS-61, can relate. He said he was at a ski club years ago and rooms has been reassigned. "They started the names to hand out the keys......Thompson, Anderson, Miller but when they came to Kueck, they simply called out  "John."

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