Obituaries in the Courier (2024)

CEDAR FALLS -- Vernon James Christensen, 91, of Cedar Falls, died Saturday, Jan. 26, at Covenant Medical Center, Waterloo.

He was born May 13, 1927, in Dike, son of Peter and Christine Christensen. He graduated from Dike High School. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1947. On Oct. 25, 1952, he married Marian Chapman in New Hartford. She died April 21, 2003. Vern owned and operated Vern’s Phillip’s 66 Service Station on La Porte Road in Waterloo for more than 40 years, retiring in 1988.

Survived by: his daughter, Cheryl Christensen of St. Charles, Ill.; his son, Robert Christensen of Waterloo; three grandchildren, Rob Christensen of South Lake Tahoe, Calif., Jeremy Christensen of South Lake Tahoe, Calif., and Emily Christensen of Burlington, Wis.

Preceded in death by: his wife; and his brother, Harold Christensen.

Services:11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, at First United Methodist Church in Waterloo. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, at Richardson Funeral Service in Cedar Falls and also one hour prior to the service. Burial with military honors will be Thursday at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens.

Memorials: may be directed to Cedar Falls AMVETS Post #49 Honor Guard.

Condolences may be left at www.richardsonfuneralservice.com.

John F. Lambert, 88, of Johnston, IA, passed away in the company of his family on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at Mercy Hospice of Johnston.

John was born December 6th, 1930 in Keokuk, Iowa. He graduated from St. Peters High School where he excelled on the men’s basketball team.

John had an accomplished 60 year career in the meat packing industry including serving as Executive Vice President for the Rath Packing Company in Waterloo, Iowa, and President of Peer Foods, Chicago, IL. John’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Perishable Distributors of Iowa where he served as the company’s first president. Not one to idly retire, he continued consulting for many large companies into his early 80’s.

John married Mary Jane (Hechler) on April 17th, 1956 and raised three children in the Cedar Falls, Iowa community. He enjoyed golfing and fishing but his greatest joy and happiness was the time shared with his family, particularly those memories made on summer vacations in Galena, Illinois.

John was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and a brother. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane, sons Bruce Lambert of Des Moines, Iowa and David (Julie) Lambert of Geneva, Illinois as well as a daughter, Linda (Kurt) LaCoste of Fort Worth, Texas; his cherished grandchildren, Samantha, Jackson, Tanner, William and Addison; his sister, Norma (Lambert) Murphy and numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

A memorial service will be held on April 5th at St. Mary of Nazareth in Johnston, Iowa at 11:00 AM with a visitation two hours prior to the service. A second service will be held on April 6th at All Saints Church in Keokuk, Iowa at 1:00 PM with a visitation two hours prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Mercy Hospice-Johnston at https://foundation.mercydesmoines.org/donate/.

TRIPOLI — Robert Henry Bouman, 71, of Tripoli, formerly of Dike, died Thursday, Jan. 24, at Grandview Health Care Center in Oelwein.

He was born April 16, 1947, in Tyler, Minn., son of Henry and LaVon (Stevens) Bouman. He married Sandra Jean Bunkers on Sept. 7, 1968.

Bob graduated from Ruthton High School in 1965. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1967-1973. He worked at Members Mutual Co-op and Sam Annis and Co.

Survived by: his wife; a son, Jeff (Stacey) Bouman of Lakeville, Minn.; a daughter, Kris (Mark) Franzen of Decorah; seven grandchildren, Bryce, Drew, Gabby, Tate, Matthew, Annika and Luke; a sister, Carol (Bernard) Juliar of Surprise, Ariz.; and a brother, Bernie (Jan) Bouman of Ruthton, Minn.

Preceded in death by: his parents; and a granddaughter, Megan Franzen.

Celebration of Life: will be held at the end of March. Kaiser-Corson Funeral Homes in Denver is assisting the family.

Memorials: may be directed to the family at P.O. Box 676, Tripoli 50676.

WATERLOO — Charlotte Elaine Kirchhoff, 72, of Waterloo, died Tuesday, Jan. 22, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, due to complications of congestive heart failure.

She was born Nov. 25, 1946, daughter of Lavern and Jackie (Cook) Kirchhoff, and was raised by her aunt, Dorothy Kirchhoff in Buck Creek.

Charlotte graduated from Sumner High School and received an associate’s degree from Hawkeye Tech. After graduation, she continued her clerical work with the department secretary for the Agriculture Program at Hawkeye Community College.

Survived by: a son, Andy (Amanda) Kirchhoff of Waterloo; a brother, Lee Matthews; two sisters, Lynn (Greg Ragsdale) Folkers of Janesville and Colleen (Michael) Rosberg; a grandson, Anthon; and many friends, including her friend for more than 40 years, Tonia Kruse of Waterloo.

Preceded in death by: her parents; a brother, Scott Matthews; and a sister, Delores “Dee” Pruisner.

Services: 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at Parrott & Wood Chapel of Memories, an Overton Family Service, Waterloo, with burial at a later date. Visitation will be for an hour before services Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials: may be directed to the family.

Condolences may be left at www.parrottandwood.com.

Charlotte was a fantastic artist and made beautiful unique crafts. She also enjoyed reading and spending time with her family, especially her grandson. Charlotte was an amazing friend to many and had a forgiving spirit that she was willing to share with everyone. She will be greatly missed.

DENVER -- Rollis Gunder Jensen, 96, of Denver, died on Friday, Jan. 25, at the Denver Sunset Home; services 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Denver, with burial at the church cemetery; visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home, Denver, 984-5379, and also for an hour before services on Saturday at the church; condolences left at www.kaisercorson.com.

GRUNDY CENTER -- Charles Edward “Charlie” Riek, 91, of Coralville, formerly of Grundy Center, died Tuesday, Jan. 22, at Lantern Park Specialty Care in Coralville;services 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, at the United Methodist Church, with burial in Rosehill Cemetery, both in Grundy Center; visitation 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29, at Abels Funeral & Cremation Service-Engelkes Chapel, Grundy Center, (319) 824-3319; memorials may be directed to the family, where they will donate to a charity of their choice at a later date; condolences at www.abelsfuneralhomes.com.

WATERLOO -- Dean Lee, 77, of Waterloo, died at home Friday, Jan. 25.

He was born May 14, 1941, son of Ernest and Pearl Dahl Lee. He married Lucille Kelly on June 23, 1974, in Waterloo. She died Dec. 28, 2006.

Dean was employed as a truck driver with Wayne Engineering for 18 years. After retiring, he worked in lawn care until 2000.

Survived by: a daughter, Dawn Ford of White Bear Lake, Minn.; six grandchildren; and a special caregiver, Melanie (Michael) Nieman of Waterloo.

Preceded in death by: his wife; a daughter, Darcy Huttle; a brother, David Lee; and two sisters, Bonnie Wendelbow and Delores Olson.

Visitation: will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29, at Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service on West Ridgeway. Private burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Memorials: may be directed to the family.

Condolences may be left at www.hagartywaychoffgrarup.com.

WATERLOO — Tamara “Tami” Fintel, 55, of Waterloo, died Wednesday, Jan. 23, at UnityPoint-Allen Hospital.

She was born Jan. 5, 1964, in Cedar Falls, daughter of James and Sandra (Schrag) Demro. She married Douglas Fintel in Janesville, and they later divorced.

She graduated from Cedar Falls High School and was self employed in housekeeping.

Survived by: three children, Lindsey Fintel of Cedar Falls, Braden Fintel of Reno, Nev., and Brooke Klemz of West Palm Beach, Fla.; four grandsons, Kodi Torticill, Kameron Wireman, Aiden and Landon Fintel; two brothers, Chad (Jennifer) Demro of Pittsburgh and Jaydon Schrag of Cedar Falls; and significant other, Fong “AL” Phanhnao of Waterloo.

Preceded in death by: her parents; and biological father, Glenn Morrison.

Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, at Richardson Funeral Service in Cedar Falls.

Memorials: may be directed to the family in care of Richardson Funeral Service, 615 Main St., Cedar Falls 50613.

Condolences may be directed to www.richardsonfuneralservice.com.

WAVERLY — Eugene L. Shea, 76, of Waverly, died Wednesday, Jan. 23, at Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly from multiple myeloma.

He was born Oct. 21, 1942, in Volga, son of Cornelia (Srstka) and James Shea. On Aug. 19, 1961, he married Mary Ellen Smith at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Gene graduated from Volga High School in 1960. He worked for Volga Creamery, Maquoketa Valley Creamery in Arlington, and then Carnation in Waverly from 1966 until his retirement in 1998. Gene was also the former owner and operator of Waverly Cycle and Supply, an Indian Motorcycle dealership.

Gene was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Waverly.

Survived by: his wife; three children, Christine (Dean) Robbins of Clarksville and Rick (Veronica) Shea and Brenda (Shane) Pothast, both of Waverly; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Pat Shea of Volga and Joan (Bob) Kauten of Cedar Rapids; a brother-in-law, Leland (Roberta) Smith of Arlington; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by: his parents; a granddaughter; a great-granddaughter; four brothers, Jim, Bud, Bill and Dan; a sister, Mary Lou McTaggart; three sisters-in-law; and a brother-in-law.

Services: 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 28, at St. Mary Catholic Church, with burial at Harlington Cemetery, both in Waverly. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. today, Jan. 27, at Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly, and also for an hour before the service Monday at the church.

Memorials: may be directed to the family for later designation.

Condolences may be left at www.kaisercorson.com.

Gene was an adventurous man. He piloted his own airplane and enjoyed flights with his family and friends. He was a collector of antique tractors and gas engines and loved old cars. Gene enjoyed spending winters in Arizona with his wife, where they had adventures four-wheeling in the desert and mountains.

John Robert Miller passed away peacefully on January 21, 2019 at the age of 81.

John was one of two children born on November 1, 1937, to Earl and Vera (Hood) Miller.

Upon graduating from the Cedar Falls Campus School in 1955, John went on to study education and biology at Iowa State Teachers College (UNI). He completed his studies in 1959 and started working as a Junior high science teacher in Burlington, Iowa.

In 1961, John began farming. Farming was not only his career, but his passion. He enjoyed working the land and seeing the seasons change. He considered his business partners and associates as some of his best friends. Beyond planting and harvesting grain, John made conservation practices a priority. He implemented the usage of water ways, terraces and tiling. He viewed tall grass prairies as not just a means of conservation, but as a preserve which depicted the natural heritage of Iowa.

On June 14, 1959, John married Mary Lou Mamminga in Grundy Center. They moved into the main farm house on Strayer Road in 1966. They were the fourth generation of the family to occupy the house which was built in 1871.

While living on the farm, John and Mary raised their three children, Julie, Brad and Brian.

After a very rewarding and successful career in farming, John and Mary moved to Cedar Falls to become members of the Western Home Communities. As WHC residents they enjoyed socializing with the many friends they had made over the years.

John was preceded in death by his loving wife Mary in 2013. He is survived by his daughter Julie (Jay) Hinrichs of Overland Park, KS, Brad (Paula) Miller of Ormond Beach, FL and Brian (Jill) Miller of West Dundee, IL. Surviving grandchildren are Jared Hinrichs, Sam and Caroline Votaw and Quinn, Olivia and Kevin Miller. John loved his children and grandchildren dearly and was always interested in their activities and adventures.

John served the community as a member of the Board of Directors of the Cedar Valley Arboretum and the State of Iowa as a member of the Soil Conservation Commission. He was also a member of the Black Hawk County 4-H and FFA Fair Foundation. John received honors as Wallace’s Master Farmer and Iowa Conservation Farmer of the Year. John and Mary were honored as Host and Hostess of the Sturgis Falls Celebration parade. John was passionate about UNI athletics and the fine arts. He and Mary established scholarships endowment in their names to reflect their support of the university.

John was an avid and talented writer and photographer. Utilizing his quick wit and storytelling abilities, he composed the “Old Guy Newsletter” for 126 consecutive weeks. He loved to point out that there was a difference between “you are good looking and you’re looking good.”

Donations in John’s memory may be directed to the John and Mary Lou Mamminga Miller Endowed Biology Scholarship or Friends of the Tallgrass Prairie Center, UNI Foundation 204 Commons Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614.

A celebration of life is being planned for this summer in Cedar Falls.

WATERLOO — Barbara Jean Pepin Glaw, 98, passed away peacefully on Jan. 14 in hospice at Sartori Memorial Hospital.

She is survived by a son, Norman (Janet) Glaw of Sumner, and a daughter, Linda (Terry) Glaw Meier of Waterloo; six grandchildren, Jeff Glaw of Maquoketa, Todd Glaw of Washburn, Jim Glaw of Geneseo, Ill., Kim Coulter of West Des Moines, Lisa Roeding of Reinbeck and Matthew Dauschmidt of Los Angeles, Calif.; eight great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.

Barbara had a long career as a stenographer for the Chicago Great Western, Iowa Public Service and Winterbottom Supply and at Blackhawk Mental Health Center as office manager, all in Waterloo. In later years her husband, Robert, was transferred to Chicago, Ill.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert David Glaw, and by a grandson, Greg Glaw.

A private memorial service will occur at a later date.

RANDALIA — John Francis McFadden, 88, of Randalia, died Thursday, Jan. 24, at Hillcrest Home in Sumner.

He was born Feb. 28, 1930, in Randalia, son of Fred and Irene (Thamert) McFadden. He married Mary Jo Brunkhorst in Lamont on July 3, 1954. She died Dec. 27, 1998. John married Alyce Woltzen in Fayette on June 21, 2008. She died Sept. 23, 2018.

John graduated from Randalia High School and farmed near Randalia until he recently retired. He was involved in many organizations and boards and was a lifelong member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fayette. In 2018 John’s farm received the Heritage Award for being in the family 150 years.

Survived by: two daughters, Pam Morales of Marion and Anne Huey of Scottsdale, Ariz.; two sons, Michael (Cindy) of Randalia and Vincent (Paula) of Waterloo; a son-in-law, Todd Hertog; 11 grandchildren, Shane, Megan, Collin, Erin, Sean, Marissa and Ryan McFadden, Alexandra and Jack Huey, Jessica Brownell and James Gibbons; great-grandchildren, Jaxson Brownell, Jonny Gibbons and Joey Gibbons; two sisters, Patricia (Jim) Rederer of Bloomington, Minn., and Kathleen (Dave) Van Wart of Richardson, Texas; and in-laws, Mary McFadden, Dr. and Mrs. John Brunkhorst, Patricia Maas and Joe Green, Marlene Goetschel, Dr. and Mrs. Joe Brunkhorst, Phillip and Ann Brunkhorst, and Jim and Monica Piersall.

Preceded in death by: a son, Thomas; a daughter, Patricia; a son-in-law, Dave Morales; and a brother, Vernon.

Services: 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 28, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Fayette, with burial at Woodlawn Cemetery, rural Fayette. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. today, Jan. 27, at S.K. Rogers Funeral Home, Fayette, and for an hour before services at the church on Monday.

Memorials in lieu of flowers: may be directed to the American Cancer Society or St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fayette.

Condolences at www.skrogersfuneralhome.com.

WATERLOO -- Sally Mildred Hermanson, 75, of Waterloo, died Friday, Jan. 25.

She was born Jan. 28, 1943, in Waterloo, daughter of Carl and Alice (Jacobsen) Sherwood. She married Erling Hermanson on Sept. 5, 1959, in Spring Grove, Minn. He preceded her in death.

Sally attended West High School. She had worked at LaPole’s Root Beer Stand, was banquet manager at the ConWay Civic Center in Waterloo and tended bar at the VFW.

Survived by: two daughters, Alisa (Richard) Butts and Melissa (Sean) Burnell, both of Waterloo; a son, Curtis (LeeAnn) Hermanson of Spring Grove; seven grandchildren, RandyJohn and Ryan Butts, Jordan, Dakota (Emily) and Haley Wandro, and Levi (Kate) and Kelsey Hermanson; four great-grandchildren, Jasmine, Kacie, Kaily and Wyatt with another baby girl on the way; three brothers, William (Darlene) Sherwood of La Porte City and Tim and Steve Sherwood, both of Waterloo; and a sister, Vicki Sherwood of Waterloo.

Preceded in death by: her parents; her husband; three brothers, Robert "Bob," Vincent and James Sherwood; and a sister, Mary Jebe.

Services: 11 a.m.Tuesday, Jan. 29,Our Savior's Lutheran Church, with burial at Fairview Cemetery, Waterloo. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. at Parrott & Wood Chapel of Memories, an Overton Family Service, Waterloo, and for an hour before services Tuesday at the church.

Memorials: may be directed to the family.

Condolences may be left at www.parrottandwood.com.

She and Erling shared a love for the outdoors and would take their children on an annual vacation, camping along the way. Sally enjoyed playing cards, creating Halloween costumes and was a very good bowler. She was sassy and loved spending time with family and friends.Sally was a great cook.

CEDAR FALLS -- Darlene K. Walton, 95, of Cedar Falls, died Sunday, Jan. 20, at Sartori Memorial Hospital in Cedar Falls.

She was born Dec. 14, 1923, in Ames, daughter of Michael Frederick and Mary Emma (Parsons) Knuths. She married John W. Walton on March 27, 1943, in Burlington. He died March 29, 2002.

Darlene graduated from Ames High School and after raising a family, was a circulation clerk at the University of Northern Iowa's Rod Library.

Survived by: three daughters, Judith D. Walton of Brownsville, Texas, Jacquie (Chris) Knievel of Red Wing, Minn., and Jessica (Ron Myklestad) Walton of Prescott, Ariz.; two granddaughters, Jill (Troy) Bartels-Lovell and Melinda (John Hulsey) Walton; five great-grandchildren, Brienne (Ryan) Grant, Bailey Bartels, Luca Hulsey, Caleb and Kyle Lovell; and a sister, Anne (Bob) Buck of Ames.

Preceded in death by: a daughter, Janet Lewis; 12 brothers and sisters.

No services: are being planned at this time. Richardson Funeral Service is assisting the family.

Memorials: may be directed to the family for inclusion in the John and Darlene Walton Memorial Scholarship to be awarded at the University of Northern Iowa.

Condolences may be left at www.richardsonfuneralservice.com.

Darlene loved having a good meal with her family and friends, working in her garden, taking camping trips with John, watching birds at her backyard feeders, and watching old movies on TV -- especially John Wayne flicks. But by far, her favorite activity was reading, reading, and reading some more.

PARKERSBURG — Bart Lee Fisher, 71, of Parkersburg, died Thursday, Jan. 24, at Creekside Living in Grundy Center.

He was born Oct. 2, 1947, in Spirit Lake, son of Vernon L. and Marguerite Jeanne (Simon) Fisher. On Nov. 21, 1969, he married Lois Ann Meester at Stout Reformed Church, Stout.

Bart graduated from Mason City High School in 1965 and attended Mason City Junior College for two years. He worked for Claassen Engineering, then Construction Machinery. Bart later worked at John Deere and retired after he had been employed there for 30 years.

He was a member of Hope Reformed Church in Parkersburg.

Survived by: his wife; three daughters, Shawna (Terry) Sikkema of Fulton, Ill., Bobbi (Karen) Davidson-Fisher of Omaha, Neb., and Jacqueline Fisher of Waterloo; a grandson, Jason Sikkema; a stepgranddaughter, Clare Sherman; and a sister, Deborah Staley of Detroit.

Preceded in death by: his parents; and an infant brother, Vernon Fisher Jr.

Memorial services: 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at Hope Reformed Church in Parkersburg, with burial in Stout Reformed Cemetery, Stout. Visitation is 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, and for an hour before services Friday, all at the church. Redman-Schwartz Funeral Home in Parkersburg is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials: may be directed to the family.

Condolences may be left at www.redman-schwartz.com.

Bart enjoyed hunting, fishing and his dogs. He loved spending time with his family.

WATERLOO — Van Hare, 73, died at his home Saturday, Jan. 19. He battled with cancer for five months.

He was born Jan. 29, 1945, in Waterloo, son of Ivan and Dorthy (Turner) Hare. He married Lylia Geiger on June 24, 1972, and they lived most of their years in Waterloo. They had two daughters.

Van grew up in the Elk Run Heights and Evansdale areas. In 1973 Van was employed at John Deere in Waterloo; he had many positions and worked at each plant at some point, the last one at the Northeast site on the cab assembly line. He retired in 2005 after 30 years of service.

Survived by: his wife, Lylia, of Waterloo; two daughters, Laurie Hare; and Shellie Hare of Waverly; five grandchildren, Jonny and Brandon Howell of Marshalltown, Kortnie Hare of Waverly, Jimmy Reese of Waverly and Emily Reece of Clutier; a great-granddaughter, K’Marionna Chambers of Waverly; a brother, Ivan (Carol) Hare of Pensacola, Fla.; a sister, EvLynn Hare of Independence; a sister-in-law, Vi Hare; a brother-in-law, Gary (Jo) Kaune; sisters-in-law, Karen (Gary) Eliason, Brenda Rand and Judy Petersen; all of Waterloo; and dozens of beloved nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by: his parents; two brothers, Danny and Tim Hare; and a brother-in-law, Jim Geiger.

Services: 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at the Local 838 UAW Hall, 2615 Washington St., followed by a luncheon, with inurnment at a later time. There will be no visitation. The Rev. Mike Andersen of Bethel Baptist Church, Independence, will officiate the Celebration of Life service.

In lieu of flowers memorials: may be directed to Bethel Baptist Church, Independence.

Van enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hunting, walking, biking and traveling. He was a man of faith and loved helping people when needed. He was devoted to his church and family.