BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Gary Grosnickle, 90, Bella Vista, AK area. A former Boone resident. BHS-53.        

       Diana "Di" Weddell, 82, Boone. Born in Clarion. ISU and Eagle Grove Community College. Married James "Jim" Weddell in 1963. The couple moved to Boone in 1966. Diana worked at Hawkeye Savings and Loan and then as office manager for Pollard Family Dentistry. She appreciated nature, time at the family cabin in Minnesota and traveling. She was also a dog lover. Di suffered through some dementia challenges but was always known as "the sweetest, kindness" lady. Two children survive, Michael (Jamie) Weddell of Alaska and Jana (Randy) Stambaugh of Boone. A sister, Sue (Jim) Snider of Boone also survives. A COL is planned.       

       Rebecca Lou  "Becky" Johnson, 76, Colo. Survivors include a son, Dennis (Rita) Stoeffer of Boone. A COL in Nevada and burial in Colo. 

EMERGENCY.......

       At Kelley's Korner we seldom interrupt regular service with special notifications BUT.....

       THIS IS THE TIME AND THE PLACE........IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE LEDGES STATE PARK.....SOON.

        THE ROADS ARE GREAT SINCE THE LATEST PAVED WORK ON THEM AND THE WEATHER, OF COURSE, THIS TIME OF YEAR......FANTASTIC.

         JO AND I JUST FINISHED A TRIP THROUGH.....AND THE BEAUTY OF THAT PARK CANNOT BE ADEQUATELY DESCRIBED. IT HAS TO BE THE BEST OF ALL IN IOWA.

         AND, THE PLACE WAS OVERLOADED WITH PEOPLE OF ALL SIZES AND SHAPES AND BACKGROUNDS ENJOYING A WONDERFUL DAY

         YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED BY A QUICK TRIP.......SUCH BEAUTY AND UNBELIEVABLE ACTIVITY BY PEOPLE AND CARS FROM.......EVERYWHERE.

         FIND A WAY TO GET THERE AND THEN TELL ME LATER, "YOU WERE RIGHT. THANKS FOR LETTING ME KNOW"

          

 

 

          

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Steven Wesley Shaler, 85, St. Cloud, MN. Born in Boone. BHS-59. His parents were Signe and Wesley Shaler. Air Force vet. After service, he moved to Minneapolis to work for Northwestern Federal Savings. There, he met and in 1969, in Des Moines, married Wendelyn (Wendy) Gilman. Steve built a career in savings, loan and financial services. In 1975, he became President of First Federal Savings in Grand Rapids, MN and in 1995, he joined AgStar Financial Services in St. Cloud, retiring in 2008. A participant in several sports at Boone High, he became a lifelong runner, completing 13 marathons, including the famous Boston Marathon. He enjoyed reading, was a dapper dresser, loved cherry marshmallow malts and 1950's music. Every April, Steve met several of his high school teammates and lifelong friends, including Chuck McGrifff and Tim Croxen,, at the Drake Relays. Survivors include his wife, Wendy, daughters, Sara and Stephanie, and sisters, Sara, (BHS-55) Sally Harwood, Mary, (BHS-61) Day and Emily, (BHS-62) Osam. Service details pending.

       Barbara Ann "Barb" Hunt, 76, Newton. Born in Arkansas. Her parents were Clarence and Mildred (Nelson) Hunt. BHS-68. DMACC. Barb worked 10 years as an NFL seamstress before driving a special needs van for the Ogden school district for six years. She retired in 2017. Barb enjoyed knitting, crocheting, crafts, bird watching, gardening and yellow flowers, especially yellow roses and lily of the valley. Survivors include two daughters, Traci Wilcox of Newton and Jennifer West of Alaska. Three brothers, Jerry, James and Roger Hunt also survive.       

       Beth Ellen Meyer Stockton, 74, Diamond Bar, CA. Born in Boone in 1952. Her parents were Reuben and Rosella Freie Meyer. South Hamilton HS. Private family service. 

DEATH, LOVE AND MEMORIES

        I'm so sorry to report this but Jo and I have lost another close friend.

        For years, we have received and depended on some news from our friends, good and bad, back and forth, news that was shared as good friends normally do.

        Fact is, however, I guess  old age has simply caught up.

        A simple service is planned with further details to come a bit later. 

        Yup, we're finally making the move and yielding to better, more modern technology. Our land line telephone is being laid to rest.

         As simple as some pleasures are, they can still be difficult to remove and will, eventually, be missed. Perhaps the best thing our land line offered was the notification on the television screen the name of a party seeking our attention. If  it was something, obviously, not of our interest, we either quickly went back to our doze or tried to maneuver ourselves to that phones location, wherever it happened to be.

         Anyway, there are a few family members or friends that are still accustomed to that number so the notification of a necessary change will have to occur. 

         Soon, 1-515-432-1530 will be reaching its demise. So, on your calendar etc., replace that with Mo's cell phone number 1-515-230-0267 or Jo's 1-515-783-3985. Especially effected will be Korner viewers. Since the Korner's existence, we've always encouraged any feedback using that 1530 number. Now, our cell numbers will prevail, like it or not. Its progress......I guess. And, as always, our email address can be used for contact. Its listed at the end of each edition.

K-----K

       I love absentee voting.

       As Jo and I have aged, we have become more reliant on that type of participation. WHY NOT?

       I imagine just "getting out" is a solid reason to continue voting at a designated center on the exact day of the election, where you may see some folks you haven't seen for quite some time. HOWEVER, you can never depend on Iowa's weather, which could be bad or worse, or the length of large crowds waiting to vote that exact day. Regardless of the weather, with absentee ballots filled, all we need is a way to re-connect with the courthouse, before the deadline date, via some type of mailing device at our pleasure.

       And we've found that absentee voting is so simple. There are designated dates involved in the various elections but initially, well in advance, we indicate to the courthouse that we want to vote absentee. They quickly respond with the ballots whenever they are available and then, we fill them out to our desire and return them to the courthouse. 

       That's it.......DONE.

       While all those television advertisements continue, we can ignore them as much as possible and await election day and the final results.

       Yes, as pointed out......there could be a chance of late breaking news that might have effected our final vote but chances of that are probably pretty thin.

       So, the Kelley's have already voted and now, we do await the final results.

K-----K

       The Kornerman hadn't heard from an old friend and classmate, Richard Longworth, in some time but the recent Korner mention of the great Johnny Bright, yanked Dick's chain a bit and he had some great remembrances of Bright.

      Richard recalled, "Bright once played in Boone....softball, not football. The state championship was decided at the diamond in McHose Park and Bright was the star pitcher for one of the teams involved. I covered those games for the News Republican and was even appointed official scorer. Where Bright was concerned, it was an easy job---K's all the way. He was unhittable, a truly superior athlete. As I recall it, his team won the tournament."

      The Kornerman adds, "what memories of those great fast pitch softball state tournaments held right here in Boone on our McHose Park diamond. Huge crowds and great competition which could lead to a great story by itself."

K-----K

       Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 1-515-230-0267. Leave a message. To email your stories/memories/comments/death notices......https:/kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com 

        

       

 

 

 

          

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Norma Jean Fast, 83, Marshalltown. Formerly of Boone. Born in Des Moines. Her parents were Carl and Emma Fast. Gilbert HS-61. Worked in Chicago at Alden's department store for many years and then was at CDS Global in Boone until retirement. Known as "sis," she was an avid reader and known for her kindness to everyone. She loved the Chicago Bears, crossword puzzles and traveling. Two sisters, Carol (Leon) Lamer and Elizabeth (Rick) Browning, survive. A private family graveside service at Gilbert Cemetery.       

       Terry Crouch, 69, Lakefield, MN. Born in Boone. His parents were Bill and Doris Crouch. Grand Community HS. He started working in his dad's convenience store/gas station, along with his uncle Deck. After working briefly for Sandler Built Homes in Boone, he attended Lincoln Technical Institute of West Des Moines, learning about automotive and mechanical technology, then, Ellsworth Community College. He returned to Boxholm, working with his dad and then became a fuel manager at a truck stop in Des Moines. Terry, eventually, returned to Boxholm to take over the family business. Rosenbloom of Spirit Lake became his next employer, where he became a vital part of its maintenance program. A special part of Terry's life was the Shayla Bee Foundation, a mission centered on bringing hope, support and meaningful experiences to children and families facing childhood cancer and other serious illnesses.After marriage to Randine, Terry became the father of a daughter, Melissa, and a son Garrett. They, along with a brother, Robin, various in-laws and uncles survive. Services in Lakefield, Pilot Mound and Boxholm.

       Mary Ellen Miller Karas, 93, Chattanooga, TN. Born in Ogden. Her parents were Edgar and Rosamond Miller. OHS-51. Raised on a farm south of town. Had a career in banking. Married Richard C. Karas in 1964. The couple moved to Tennessee in 1983. She loved cats, music and caring for her yard. Survivors include a sister, Norma Jean Anderson, and sisters-in-law, Joyce and Peggy Miller. Services are pending.

A BIT OF THIS AND THAT

       The recent story on Pervical's drew a couple responses. 

        Martha Hilsabeck, BHS-62, remembered when her husband, Virgil, worked at Percival's. The couple married in 1963. Martha reported, "Virgil brought home $63.02 each week from his work there. We could spend $10.00 for a week's worth of groceries and still have money to pay rent, utilities etc. Those were the good old days. Thanks for keeping us in touch with those days."

         Mike Loehrer, BHS-64, wrote, "Percival's was the first real job I had, so I distinctly recall many events at the plant in '63 and '64. I started at $1.67 an hour and a short time later, jumped up to $1.76 and this was the same wage the guys who were supporting families received. To this day, I can name quite a number of fellow workers there and how they impacted my "growing up" period of life."

K-----K

        The latest minutes of meetings of the Boone County Historical Center board mentioned the landscaping that was continuing on the south side of the building as well as work on the front door, roof and various concrete updates. Racing in Boone County will be an exhibit feature in August/September of 2027. Work on that exhibit will begin in January.

         My-oh-my.....its hard to believe that the BCHC will soon have a 60th anniversary. There will be a special celebration on November 8, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m., with a program at 2:30 p.m. Also on your calendar add January 23, 2027, that will be the annual meeting day. 

K-----K

         Most of you are way too young to remember Johnny Bright.

         These old eyes of mine have seen and followed many great Iowa athletes but I've always said that Johnny Bright was one of, if not THE, best football player ever in Iowa, although he was not a Hawkeye State native. He came here from Indiana.

          He starred as a back for the Drake Bulldogs from 1949-51 and I see that finally, a statue of Bright has been added to the Drake campus near the football stadium to go along with the naming of the Drake Stadium in his honor. He received that honor several years ago.

          Bright actually lettered in three sports at Drake, football, track and basketball. 

          On the football field, he led the entire nation in total offense his sophomore and junior seasons and was recognized as a leading Heisman Trophy winner candidate in his senior year, again leading the nation in total offense.

          However, in a game against Oklahoma State, a tackle by the name of Wilbanks Smith became known nationwide. 

          In the first seven minutes of the game, Smith had purposely knocked Bright unconscious. Believe it or not, in those days, the Des Moines Register had an airplane that followed Iowa teams to certain games to speed up their coverage via pictures taken "from the air"  that accompanied game stories quickly back to Des Moines.

          In this particular case, clear pictures taken of Bright being targeted, actually breaking Brights jaw, became a world wide incident. The pictures of the flagrant actions earned a Pulitzer Prize for the Register and the actions by Smith  ended Johnny's college career.

          It was an amazing story and anyone interested in more details can find them on wikipedia.

          P.S. Bright was a first round pick in the NFL draft, but, instead, he chose to join the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League where he spent 12 years earning all kinds of honors, while breaking numerous football game and season records. 

K-----K

         Iowa's Caitlyn Clark is, of course, one of a kind nationally renowned basketball star but there have been many other ladies who call Iowa "home" and have made their own mark playing basketball.

         Not as well known, of course, but outstanding as well is another WNBA player from Iowa who continues to have an excellent career......and is, perhaps, too often overlooked.

         We're talking about Kiah Stokes, who was born in Cedar Rapids, attended Linn-Mar Marion High School and is currently a starting member of the Golden State Valkyries, a team still involved in the current playoff finals.She's already been a member of three WNBA championship teams, 2022, 2023 and 2025, with the Las Vegas Aces.

         Kiah stands 6-3 and is the daughter of a former University of Iowa star, Greg Stokes. Kiah had a successful career collegiately as a member of the successful University of Connecticut teams which reached NCAA Final Fours all four of her years there.

K-----K

         The Kornerman likes this.......Growing older is mandatory but growing up is optional. We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give.

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

       Rhonda Lynne Kerr Bagley, 73, Cambridge. Survivors include a niece, Teresa (Ron) Baker, of Boone. Services in Ames and Cambridge. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Joyce Marie Solomon, 96, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Born in West Milton, PA. Had lived in the Ann Arbor area for over 60 years. Survivors include a son, Daniel Solomon, of Ames, a former Boone resident and long time pastor of the Augustana Lutheran Church in Boone. 

       Michaela "Kayla" Annette Calllahan Rose, 50, Omaha. Born in Nebraska. BHS-94, after moving to Boone at age 10 when her mom, Norma, married Bob Paris. Had started fifth grade at Bryant Elementary. She enjoyed playing in the band from fifth grade to graduation and even played in the Municipal Band as a senior and a year later. She was happy to say she played in the first Municipal Band Festival. After several early jobs, she found farming with Junior John, ran the combine, did some trucking and learned lots of lessons about farming and life. Became a couple with Tyler in 2003 and started traveling to Phish shows. In 2004, the couple moved to Colorado so she could attend massage therapy school. Moved back home in 2007. She admitted she was obsessed with her kids. In 2020, she realized she had an alcohol problem and stopped drinking. Joined Trinity and started taking her faith more seriously. Survivors include her husband, Tyler, two children, Aidan and Liam, a brother, Patrick, her mother-in-law Lynne Jordan, best friend Amanda Runyan and her family and the Tom Rose family. Services in Boone.

       Deborah Faye Majors Lebo, 74, Boone. Born in Decorah. Grew up in Boone. Her parents, now deceased, were Erma and Harold Majors. BHS-70. Married Dale Lebo in 1970. Deborah built a long and dedicated career as a lab technician with the National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Services, now known as the USDA Research Lab in Ames. She retired in 2011 after over 35 years of service. Deborah was an active church member, singing, playing the bells and volunteering. She bowled, was a camper and loved boating, fishing, riding motorcycles, cooking and coaching softball. In 2022, her husband, Dale, suffered a brain injury due to a motor vehicle accident and Deb and family cared for him until his death in 2023. Survivors include a daughter, Toni Lebo (Michael) Tullis, twin sister, Donna Majors (Joel) Jones, and a brother, Ted Handlon. There will be a joint memorial tribute for Deborah and Dale in Boone.

A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE TOREADORS

       Late Tuesday, October 13, Boone High School claimed a state championship in class 1-A girls tennis competition in Cedar Rapids.

       Cedar Rapids Xavier had earlier claimed state championships in both singles and doubles play and, as a result, would be favored for the team crown.

       The two teams came into the match rated as the top two teams in the 1-A state rankings BUT it was Xavier that received the top billing.

       However, it was the Toreadors that prevailed with a 5-2 decision, the first Boone team title since 2008.

       Earlier, the Boone squad had defeated, Fairfield, 5-0, and Pella, 5-2, to advance to the final round.

       In singles play, Boone's Maiya Phanchantraurai, a freshman, lost in the title match to a four time state champion. Gabriella Fleming of Xavier, 6-4, 6-4.

       In doubles, Boone's Kaylee Kuehl and Livi Schneider captured fifth place. 

       CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR STATE CHAMPS, coached by Shawn Latimer and coach Jeb Hammen. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Karl "Doc" Grabau, 80, Boone. Born in Boone. His parents, now deceased, were Otto "Ott" and Adeline "Addie" (Borg) Grabau. South Hamilton HS-64. Doc had a long military career. Served in the Iowa National Guard from 1965-68, the U.S. Army from 1968-70 and finished as a guardsman from 1971-91. He married Sheryl Elvert but they divorced and he married Kathy (Craven) Losh in Boone in 1991. Kathy passed away in 2019. Doc was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 817 of Boone and a member of the Ames American Legion. Survivors include two sons, Matthew (Shellie) Grabau and Brandon Grabau and a step-son, Joe (Lori) Losh. Also surviving are a brother, Forrest (Stump) Grabau, and a sister, Paula "Pink" (Jim) Pudil. Services in Boone.

       Mary Elizabeth Dahmus Martens, 82 Ames. She is survived by her husband, Rev. Matthew Martens, who has served the Augustana Lutheran Church in Boone in various ways in his retirement. Two sons and four siblings also survive. Services in Ames. 

      Roger Lee Buechler, 83, Scottsdale, AZ. Born in Boone. His parents were Kenneth and Lyla (LeMaster) Buechler. UnitedCHS-60. Attended Sioux Falls College and lived in Sioux Falls. Worked as an office manager for Golden Rule construction. Moving to Arizona, he worked as an office manager for Grammar Construction. In retirement, he enjoyed driving transportation busses and was highly skilled as a car repair man. He was an avid NASCAR fan but his greatest joy was farming and building the Buechler and sons farming legacy. He was well known for his charm, sense of humor, generosity, and welcoming smile. Survivors include two daughters, Rachelle (Rick) Muir and Roxanne (Darin) Harr, a brother, Robert (Sheila) Buechler, a sister, Jean LeMaster, and an aunt, Lois (LeMaster) Nutt. Graveside service in Ames.   

DETERMINATION WINS OUT

       Anyone remember the song, "Blue Suede Shoes?" "Well, it's one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, now go, cat go. BUT, don't step on my blue suede shoes."

       Carl Perkins wrote the song and Elvis was one of many big stars who performed it back in the mid-50's. 

        Just a warning! Watch out! My wife, Georgia (Jo), isn't shakin' or bakin' anymore (I don't think) or even shooting from the logo like years past BUT she is a proud owner of a pair of Caitlin Clark's new signature blue suede shoes.

       October 1, Nike and Caitlin released them to 5,000 stores nationwide, the largest signature shoe launch in women's history and guess what? They sold out in ALL sizes and venues on that opening day, in less than two hours via reports of various retailers.

        Jo was quick to respond but not quick enough. Every outlet she tried had them available...BRIEFLY but soon they were long gone. Connecting with daughter, Jody, in Las Vegas, a new avenue was tried. And, thankfully, Jody quickly contacted Dick's Sporting Goods there and secured the big prize. Just a day or two later, they arrived at 928 South Jackson, Boone. 

        Jo's already worn them a time or two around town with little notice. Surely she's not the only Boone recipient. Next time you see her, take a quick look down and nod or, perhaps, give a thumbs up sign. I'm sure it will attract a nice, big smile.

K-----K

       Boone history is fun.

       For earlier Korner editions we have enjoyed various informative additions from Tom Hokel, BHS-65.

       In his latest, Tom has mentioned that, from 1964-69, he had once worked summers at Percival's in Boone. WHAT?

       Percival's Manufacturing was located in those buildings (now the Event Center?) just east of the Short Stop at the east edge of town.

       The company's name comes directly from its original co-founder, Charles L. Percival, and it has had a rich, 135 year history, transforming from a local butcher-supply shop into a cutting-edge global leader in scientific research.

       Starting in Des Moines in 1886, the company originally sold butcher tools, animal hides, and meat market fixtures. As the meat industry modernized, the need for preservation grew. In 1901, C.L. Percival patented a forced-air and ice-cooled counter refrigerator and the company shifted its focus to commercial refrigeration, manufacturing refrigerated food display cases for grocers and butchers. 

      In the 1950's, the company moved its operations from Des Moines to Boone. Due to a request from Iowa State University, the company engineered the first commercially available plant growth chamber, a controlled environment to study plant biology. This revolutionized agricultural and biological research because scientists could suddenly control variables like light, temperature, and humidity precisely.

      The company rebranded as Percival Scientific and in 2000, moved from Boone to a larger, modern facility in Perry. Today, they manufacture over 150 different models of research chambers and their units are used in all 50 states and over 80 countries by universities,biopharmaceutical companies, and government organizations like NASA. 

      EXTRA - In 90 plus years, many memories are implanted and I, the Kornerman, certainly have my share.

      To this day, I clearly remember a family trip to Colorado when I was going into my senior year at BHS. One of the stops was high up in the Rockies at a rather small convenience store. 

       Just browsing around, I looked at a refrigerated display case and, to my amazement, discovered that, although, many miles from home, the case had been built by Percival Manufacturing of Boone, Iowa.

K-----K

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

        

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       Dian Dobson Meek, 89, Des Moines. Born in Boone. Her parents, now deceased, were Ted and Virginia Dobson. Jefferson, Ia. HS/Iowa State. Married Bill Meek, who sold paper products to Boone customers. Survivors include Dian's husband, Bill, a son and two daughters. Services in Des Moines.

       Alice Marie Kelly, 96, Thurston, Nebraska. Three children survive, including Julie (Myron) Oliver of Boone. Services in Nebraska.

       Betty Ann Brunk Hugunin, 79, West Des Moines. Born in Sheldon. Fulda, MN-HS-65. A victim of pancreatic cancer, Betty spent 22 years as a medical laboratory technician, primarily at the Boone County Hospital and Mary Greeley. After retirement, she began a second career teaching family and consumer sciences and health occupation in various Central Iowa schools including Boone. Survivors include her husband, Mike Hugunin, a daughter, a son and stepsons.

THANK YOU VETERANS

       You know it!

        I know it!

        There ARE Boone area individuals and, even some former area residents, who are very capable of remembering ALL Boone County service veterans, living or gone, by donating a million or more dollars to this new proposed Boone Veterans Center project.

         In just, very short order, seems like a couple years, some, very hard working individuals, have worked to accumulate an immediate, reachable goal of almost three million dollars through any available short term means......golf tourney's, raffles, outright donations etc......BUT five million is the stated completed goal and nothing at the project site will be noticed until that five million is securely banked.

          Hopefully, when three million is reached, additional money will become available via various applicable grants.

          This project will re-invigorate something we all know well.........the numerous sacrifices ALL these veterans and their families have already given to this nation we know, believe in and love.

          But, as years have passed, all of the various men's and women's veterans organizations have suffered, as previous members have left this life and, perhaps, the newer generation  has not understood  the mere importance of  retaining "this great veteran's home of the brave and land of the free."

          The result has been a unifying effort......bringing ALL of the local veterans groups, men's and women's, together.......as one.....to continue their effort to recognize important past history and continued service to God and country.

          The kids are gone.....no longer need it.....and in many cases, mom and dad have even continuing resources but, with fewer objects or goals to look forward to or obtain.

           A huge gift would be a winner for all.......the current financial donors and, of course, as a tribute to those vets who have given their great previous donation of time and, perhaps, even life, to make all of our lives more safe and meaningful.

           Think about it! Make that big commitment, or even less, today. 

           Telephone......515-230-3222. Enter Boone Veterans Center website for further info.

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

       Arlene McMillen, 96, Boone. Arlene and her husband, Don, served at several Baptist churches in New York, Wyoming and Iowa. She spent the last years of her life serving the Boone Berean Baptist Church. Survivors include her four children, including Kay McMillen of Boone. Graveside service in Sac City and a COL in Boone.

       Atak A Tong, 55, Ames. Grew up in Sudan. Moved to Ames in 1995. He earned an Associates Degree from Boone Campus, DMACC, and worked in the food processing industry

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

      Michael Eugene Fairchild, 68, Stratford/Specialty Care. Born in Boone. His parents, now deceased, were Donald and Faith Fairchild. BHS-77. Grew up in Boone and lived, most recently, in Stratford. Michael enjoyed semi-trucks, collecting records, and going out to eat. He enjoyed the simple things in life, his interests brought him happiness and he enjoyed time with his family and those close to him. Six siblings survive, Doug and  Roger Fairchild, Becky (Todd) Rieper, Brenda (Randy) Stone, B.J. (Bob) Williams and Melodie Lawrene. Half-sister, Helen (Richard) Johnson is also a survivor.      

       Lisa Bill, 58, Fort Dodge. Born in Boone and earned an Associates degree as a veterinary technician. Her love for animals affected every aspect of her life from her early years and forever., especially her beloved cats. Met Mike Bill in 2000 and they were married in 2013. Survivors are her husband, Mike, and her mother, Sandy Schroeder. Services pending.

       Janet Marie Carter, 69, Bethany, MO. Survivors include her husband, Ron, of Bethany, and three daughters, including Christina Carter of Boone. Services in Lenox. 

       Joleen Ann Miller, 88, Ankeny. Among the survivors is a grandson, Josh (Keesha) Webster, of Boone. Services in Ankeny. 

BOONE/AREA CONNECTED DEATHS

       William Billy E. Eatock Jr., 63, Boone, BHS-81, passed away February 8, 2026 and his final celebration will be held at Cedar Pointe at 11 a.m. on October 10, 2026. 

        Frederick (Fred) H. Bowes, 88, Boone/Westhaven. Born in Boone. His parents, now deseased, were Dwight and Clara Bowes. BHS-56. Marine Corps vet. Returned to Boone after service and joined Vogler Neiman Chevrolet. Married Ruth Askland in 1960. Began working with his brother-in-law and learned the flooring/countertop trade, which became his lifetime work career. During that time, he worked on Iowa State projects and for builders in Boone, Ames and Des Moines. In later years, he worked through Redeker Furniture. Fred was very involved in his four daughter's music, dance and athletic endeavors. He loved fishing in Canada, snowmobiling, was always open to adventures, which included sky diving a couple times for a birthday treat. The entire family of Fred and Ruth enjoyed many vacation adventures all over the U.S.A.. A proud church member, he took great comfort and pride in his Christian faith. Survivors include his wife, Ruth, his daughters, Julie (BHS-79) Bowes, Rhonda (BHS-81) Russell, Susan (BHS-85) Trow and Sonja (BHS-90) Bammert. Services in Boone. 

       Mary Lou Morris Sorensen, 91, Warren, OR. Born in Boone. Her parents were Raymond Daisy Tilley Morris. A graveside service in Warren, OR. 

       Garland Kent Renegar, 81, Ankeny. Survivors include an extended family member, Geri McMahon of Madrid. Graveside services in the Newell cemetery.

PURE BOONE NEWS

       Alright, even if you didn't know, which is unlikely, I, the Kornerman, am in seventh heaven when a Boone guy, especially in the announcing business, finds great success. Just the fact he IS a Boone guy, through and through, just adds to the delight.

       Eric Ver Helst, BHS-2000, has been a "lightning bug" ever since I first knew him during his much earlier years. Talk about scurrying around, Eric seems to always be traveling in a different, faster gear than most of us.

     He's here, he's there, he's everywhere it seems and that wonderful trait has, eventually, led to some great opportunities, including the latest.

     Our friend, Eric, has been invited to work at this year's NJCAA (that's National Junior College Athletic Association) Division II championship volleyball tournament later this month.

     The event will be held November 19-22 at the Alliant Energy Powerhouse arena in Cedar Rapids.

      Though the years, Eric has built an excellent reputation for his various public address announcing duties which have included many Boone events, from Little League on up to high school and in most recent years, as Sports Information Director at Boone Campus, Des Moines Area Community College.

      If you've been at one of those mentioned Boone events and hear that distinctive "announcer's voice" yup, that's him. 

      He'll represent us Booneites well and he's hoping the Bears volleyball team, "will be there with him."

      Congratulations Eric.

K-----K

      What a delight!

      If you lived in Boone in the 1950's to 70's era, you simply have to have memories of the Ferry family.......and many of those remembrances are linked to Boone High School athletics.

      The Kornerman has received an email from Jim Ferry, BHS-65, and, immediately, the memories started flowing. This large family, that included Toreador members from Kevin, BHS-72, to Pat, BHS-54. was 11 strong and just one was a very spoiled young lady, Sharon.

      Jim recalled, "Sharon, now deceased, was the second born and spent most of her early years helping my mother raise 10 boys. She was our "other mother" and we loved her dearly."

      The boys were John, Pat, Mick, Denny, Terry, Tim, Jim, Tom, Kevin and Kelly and "we were all in sports. I was number seven of the boys."

      The oldest, Pat Ferry, was the third born and passed away in 1967 in a tragic gyrocopter accident in El Paso, Tx. At his young 37 years of age, he already had six children.

      Jim, who I recall as an outstanding lineman on a Toreador team that was one of several at that time, the 50's and 60's, that were among Boone High's best ever football teams under Coach Merle Harris.

     Apparently, the boys remaining still get together to reminisce about those times. "We five remaining brothers, Terry, Tom, Kevin, Kelly and me, were talking about which of us Ferry boys was the best athlete in the family."

     "We pretty much agreed it was the oldest, Pat, even though Terry, after all-state high school recognition as a running back, went on to play good as a defensive back at the State University of Iowa for two or three years" Jim said.

      Pat was an outstanding track man, specializing in the middle distances.

K-----K 

      IT'S OVER.....

      The Kornerman is declaring that the debate? if there was one, about the naming of Pufferbilly Days is officially over as we have a decisive answer.

      Earlier, in the Korner, a couple of readers had given credit to Carylee "Tolly" Boyd, BHS-63, as the author of that name. Then her sister, Linda Boyd Bravard, BHS-61, followed up.

      NOW, EVEN BETTER.....we have the words of Tolly herself. She wrote, "back in 1976, Boone decided to have an annual celebration, so a committee was formed to organize it. That committee asked people to submit ideas for a name for the celebration. I suggested calling it Pufferbilly Days due to Boone's long story of railroading. The inspiration for the name came from the song that starts, "Down by the station early in the morning were the little Pufferbellys all in a row" It was spelled Pufferbelly based on how it sounded as it was sung. There was no internet to look these things up back then. My entry was selected and Pufferbelly Days was born. Years later, the name was changed to Pufferbilly Days. Who knew that the celebration would continue to develop and grow for 50 years! Over those years, the Boone Community has worked hard, generously given their time and talents, and built an enduring legacy. I was grateful to be a small part of it."

       Thank you Tolly for leading the way.

       CASE CLOSED.

K-----K

       I, the Kornerman, ask, isn't it great to, at least once in awhile, get some PURE  community news like we did in those way back olden but golden days.

       Many thanks to those who contribute (no, not financially.....never has been any charge and never will be). Any kind of good Boone/area news....that's what we're looking for and will expand on if received.

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

       Fred H. Bowes, 88, Boone/Westhaven. BHS-56. Survivors include his wife, Ruth. Services in Boone.