Jessie E. Buseman, Dead At 94

May 12, 2000

  On June 21, 1922, Jessie Evelyn Johnson was united in marriage with Tom R. Buseman at the Bethel Reformed Parsonage, rural Aplington. They lived in the Butler County rural area until 1951, when they moved to Parkersburg. Tom died on December 19, 1972.

  Jessie was an active member of the Hope Reformed Church in Parkersburg.

  During her lifetime, she spent much time gardening, raising flowers, baking and playing the piano. Jessie liked entertaining her many friends, and she kept active going bowling, golfing and fishing. She especially enjoyed being with her family.

  Four years ago, Jessie became a resident of the Maple Manor Village in Aplington, where she died at 3:34 p.m., on Monday, May 1, 2000, from natural causes. She was born on May 17, 1905 and reached the age of 94 years, 11 months and 14 days.

  Jessie was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Buseman; an infant daughter, Minnie Irene Buseman; two sons-in-law, Don Considine and Don Card; her parents; one sister, Hattie Sessler; and one brother, James Johnson.

  Jessie is survived by one son, Andrew and his wife, Ruth Buseman of Parkersburg; three daughters, Tillie Considine and Agnes Card, both of Parkersburg and Darlene Saathoff and her husband, Pete Saathoff of Cedar Falls; nine grandchildren; twenty one great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

  Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, May 4, 2000, at the Hope Reformed Church in Parkersburg with Rev. Neal Ooms officiating. Special music was provided by organist, Gerdena Mudderman accompanying the vocal duet of Randy and Willie Aalderks singing “He Touched Me’” and “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” and the congregational hymn “How Great Thou Art”. Honorary casketbearer was Brent Card.

  Casketbearers were Allen Schrage, Curt Buseman, Bob Saathoff, Russ Stickley, Neale Oldenburger, Jeff Gibbs, Brian Card and Gaylen Winterberg. Interment was in the Bethel Reformed Church Cemetery, Aplington. The Schwartz Funeral Home in Parkersburg was in charge of the arrangements.

Marvin D. Eilers, Dead At 71

May 12, 2000

  Marvin Dean Eilers served in the United States Navy for four years. He worked for the Armour Food Company as a forklift driver for several years.

  On April 17, 1982, Marvin was united in marriage to Florence Hobson. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Osage and was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

  In his spare time he enjoyed spending time with his family, tinkering in the garage, and he took great pride in remembering important dates such as family birthdays and anniversaries.

  Marvin died at the Liebe Care Center in Greene on May 3, 2000. He was born on April 26, 1929 and reached the age of 71.

  He is survived by five step-sons, Gerald Hobson and wife, Debbie of Shell Rock, Dennis Hobson and wife, Kathy of Greene, Floyd Hobson and wife, Sheryl of Waverly, Dean Hobson and wife, Vernita of Clarksville and Gale Hobson; one step-daughter, Janine Wikerts and husband, Russ of Eldora; fifteen grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Lucille Francis and husband, Keith of Osage; and one brother, Lee Eilers of Jacksonville, Texas.

  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Florence; and a sister, Marie.

  Memorial services were held at 11:30 a.m., on Saturday, May 6, 2000, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church with Rev. Frederick J. Wood officiating. Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Interment was in the Hampton Cemetery in Hampton with full veterans rites by the Hampton Memorial Association. The Major-Erickson Funeral Home in Mason City was in charge of the arrangements.

Norma Jean White, Dead At 45

May 12, 2000

  Norma Jean Nuss was born on June 9, 1954, in Waverly, Iowa, the daughter of Norman and Jean (Studley) Nuss. She was baptized on September 5, 1954 at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Waverly. She was later confirmed at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Waverly. Norma attended Waverly-Shell Rock Schools, graduating with the class of 1972.

  She was united in marriage to David Roy White on September 21, 1974, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Waverly. The couple made their home in Waverly until moving to their present acreage west of Shell Rock in August of 1987. In addition to her roles of wife and mother, Norma worked with Dave’s Auction Business as a bookkeeper and cashier. In earlier years she worked at Lutheran Mutual, in-home day care, the State Bank of Waverly and Mid Com.

  Norma enjoyed cross-stitching, crocheting, sewing and reading. She was an active member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Waverly.

  Norma Jean White died on May 5, 2000 at her home in rural Shell Rock. 

  She is survived by her husband, Dave White of Shell Rock; two sons, Timothy White of Cedar Falls and Todd White of Shell Rock; a daughter, Laura White of Shell Rock; her parents, Norman and Jean (Studley) Nuss of Waverly; six siblings and their spouses, Rick and Merry Nuss of Urbandale, Ken and Sherry Nuss of Waverly, Kathryn Nuss and Steven Palmquist of Waverly, Judi and Tim Kramer of Nashua, Sheryl and Larry Marlette of Sauk City, Wisconsin and Charlie and Sherri Nuss of Waverly; and many nieces and nephews.

  She was preceded in death by a nephew, Benjamin Kollenkark; paternal grandparents, Fred and Anna Nuss; and maternal grandparents, Sam and Priscilla Studley.

  Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, May 9, 2000, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Waverly with Pastor Marcia Kifer and Pastor Jim Carpenter officiating. Special music, “Beautiful Savior”, “Because You Loved Me” taped selection by Celine Dion; “I Was There To Hear Your Borning Cry”, solo by Kathy Carpenter and “Amazing Grace”. Organist was Diane Beane.

  Pallbearers were Marv Aalderks, Mel E. Bohlen, Dave A. Johnson, Curt Lubben, Tom Blume, Herschal L. Creech and Jack Kramer. Burial was in the Harlington Cemetery in Waverly. The Kaiser Corson Funeral Homes, Inc., Waverly, were in charge of the arrangements.

Harold C. Wiebke, Dead At 78

May 12 2000

  Harold Carl Wiebke was born on July 14, 1921, in rural Bristow, Butler County, Iowa, a son of Henry and Antje (Franken) Wiebke and he died on Friday, May 5, 2000, at the Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo.

  He received his education in the rural Butler County Schools, and as a young man started farming with his parents. He later worked at the Teeple Service Station in Greene for several years.

  On September 12, 1953, he was united in marriage to Charmaine Pyatt at the First Presbyterian Church in Greene. To this union were born two sons.

  They farmed in the rural Greene area, and he worked for White Farm Equipment Manufacturing in Charles City for twenty years, retiring in 1981. Following his retirement they enjoyed traveling.

  Harold’s interests included gardening and visiting with his neighbors and friends. He was baptized on August 7, 1921, and confirmed a member of the St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church at Vilmar on May 3, 1936. He became a member of the St. Peter Lutheran Church in Greene on April 3, 1960.

  Living family members include his loving wife, Charmaine of Greene; two sons, Doug of Greene and Dewain and his wife, Kim of Greene; one sister, Phyllis and her husband, Hoton Bellows of Greene; and one brother, Glenn and his wife, Margaret Wiebke of Sumner.

  He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Violet Voigts.

  Special music for the funeral was provided by organist, Sandra Schuknecht accompanying the duet of Twyla Ring and Jack Reid singing “In the Garden” and “On Eagles Wings”, and also the congregational singing “Beautiful Savior” and “How Great Thou Art”. The flower attendants were Lisa Barros and Bernita Stanton.

  Casketbearers were Stan Pyatt, Stewart Pyatt, Ryan Wiebke, Craig Wiebke, Jerry Voigts and Dallas Voigts. Honorary casketbearers were Dean Debner and Bob Schafer. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Greene with Reid’s Funeral Chapel in Greene in charge of the arrangements.

Mildred C. Lamb, Dead At 84

May 12, 2000

  Mildred C. Crosby was born on September 12, 1915, in rural Clarksville, the daughter of LeRoy Crosby and Belle Boyd Crosby.

  She married Garland H. Lamb on December 23, 1949, in Butler County. He died in 1969.

  Mildred was a teacher and taught in Clarksville. She and her husband made their home in Cedar Rapids where they have lived since the early 1960’s. She was very active in her community and church. She was a member of the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Cedar Rapids Woman’s Club, 50-year member of the Order of Eastern Star Malta Chapter, El Kahir Shrine Auxiliary, Daughters of the Nile, and a member of the Anna Abigail Circle of the United Methodist Women. She was a volunteer for the St. Luke’s Hospital Auxiliary and the Cookie Shop.

  Mildred was an avid reader and bridge player. She has touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

  Death occurred on May 6, 2000 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

  Survivors include a sister, Charlene Olson and her husband, Rod of Tucson, Arizona; nephews, Garth and Matthew Olson, Jim Shipman and his wife, Carolyn and Dick Lamb and his wife, Debbie; nieces, Ann Nelson and her husband, Steve and Phyllis Lamb; two great-nieces, Kendall Hoover and Lori Haro; and two great-nephews, Kelley and Jeff Nelson.

  She was preceded in death by a sister, Maxine Crosby Shipman; and a brother, Burnell “Buster” Crosby. The Turner Chapel East, Cedar Rapids, was in charge of the arrangements.

Velma Krull, Dead At 94

May 19 2000

  Velma Hesse was born on March 15, 1906 in Davenport, Iowa, a daughter of Andrew J. and Ella (Jacobs) Hesse and she died on Sunday, May 14, 2000, at the Floyd County Memorial Hospital in Charles City.

  She received her education in the Davenport Public Schools and on October 22, 1924, was united in marriage to Henry Krull in Clarksville. They farmed in rural Butler County for several years and later farmed in Pleasant Grove Township in Floyd County, before moving into Marble Rock in 1954. Velma worked for the Harris Nursing Home and later the Rex Cafe, both in Marble Rock.

  Velma was a dedicated mother and grandmother, who enjoyed providing for her family through her special talents and skills in cooking, baking, and gardening. Her homemade dinner rolls, baked beans, pies, chicken and cookies will never be forgotten. In later years, she also helped the grandchildren and great-grandchildren bake cookies. She also enjoyed making ceramics and sharing them with her family and friends.

  She faithfully attended the Marble Rock United Methodist Church and was a member of the United Methodist Women, Marble Rock Study Club and former member of the Rebekkah Lodge.

  Those thankful for having shared Velma's life are her children and their spouses, Lyle and LaVonne Krull of Rockford, Delores and Robert Arhart of Garner, Henrietta and Earl Usher of Indianola; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Isabell and her husband, Eno Reiter of Charles City; and one brother, Bernard and his wife, Norma Hesse of Waterloo.

  She was preceded in death by her husband on November 25, 1985; two sons, Edward and Harry; one daughter, Marjorie; a grandson, Dennis Krull; and several brothers and sisters.

  Special music for the funeral was provided by organist, Mrs. Marion Wood accompanying the duet of Twyla Ring and Jack Reid singing "In the Garden" and "The Old Rugged Cross" and the congregational singing "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art". The flower attendants were Thelma Gansen, Phyllis McRoberts and Bonnie Schriever.

  Casketbearers were Robert Arhart, Randy Arhart, Earl Usher, Scott Usher, David Krull and Dan Krull. Interment was in the Westside Cemetery in Marble Rock with Reid's Funeral Chapel in Marble Rock in charge of the arrangements.

 
Abel J. Schrage, Dead At 90

June 2, 2000

  Abel Johnson Schrage was born on December 16, 1909, in Jackson Township, Butler County, Iowa, a son of John and Minnie (Lottman) Schrage and he died on Tuesday, May 23, 2000, at the Liebe Care Center in Greene.

  He was baptized on March 16, 1910, at the Ebenezer Lutheran Church at Butler Center and confirmed at the St. John Lutheran Church in Clarksville. As a young man he began farming near Butler Center.

  On May 15, 1934, he was united in marriage to Anna Hinders at the St. John Lutheran Church in Clarksville. They farmed in the Clarksville area until her death on March 10, 1939. 

  He was united in marriage to Elva Emma Rover on December 16, 1945, at the St. John Lutheran Church at Vilmar. They farmed in the rural Bristow area until 1979, when they retired and moved into town. Following his retirement he enjoyed fishing, and going to rummage sales and swap meets. Elva died on November 27, 1995. 

  Abel continued to live in Bristow until entering the nursing home. Abel was a member of the St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church at Vilmar and a former member of the Farm Bureau.

  Living family members include a daughter, Wilma and her husband, Lloyd Hodge of Cedar Falls; one son, Paul and his wife, Janice Schrage of Marble Rock; one step-son, Kenneth and his wife, Diane Rover of Greene; three grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; eleven step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Elizabeth and her husband, Lawrence Liddle of Plainfield; two brothers, Albert Schrage of Clarksville and William and his wife, Genevieve Schrage of Waverly; and a brother-in-law, Lester Rover of Greene. 

  He was preceded in death by his two wives; one grandson, Michael Schrage; a sister, Rena Rover and a brother, John Schrage.

  Funeral services for Abel J. Schrage, of Greene, formerly of Bristow, were held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, May 26, 2000, at the St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church at Vilmar, rural Greene, with Pastor Jerry Laehn officiating. Special music for the funeral was provided by organist, Florence Stirling Vieker accompanying the processional hymn, “Rock of Ages”, “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art”. Flower attendants were Lois Rover, Dee Liddle and Carolyn Rover.

  Casketbearers were Henry Rover, Clinton Schrage, Randy Liddle, Donald Schrage, Paul Rover and Dennis Schrage. Honorary casketbearers were the grandchildren of Abel J. Schrage. Interment was in the Lynwood Cemetery in Clarksville. The Reid’s Funeral Chapel in Greene was in charge of the arrangements.

Edith K. Huisinga, Dead At 104

June 2, 2000
 
  Edith Kathryn Keiser, age 104, of Aplington, was born the daughter of Hans and Mary Falb Keiser on April 23, 1896, in Elgin, Iowa.

  She received her education and graduated from the Elgin High School. Edith continued her education and attended the Iowa State Teachers College and received her Degree in Education. She began teaching in West Union, Iowa, and later in Elkader, Iowa, for several years.  

  On September 5, 1925, Edith Keiser was united in marriage with Claude Huisinga in Elgin. They made their home on a farm near Aplington. In 1925, Edith retired from teaching to begin her marriage and later start a family.

  She was a loving wife and homemaker. To this union they were blessed with three sons, Paul, Gordon and Myrlin. In 1955, they moved into the town of Aplington.

  Edith was an active member of the Aplington Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Benevolent Society. She taught Sunday School for many years and was the Superintendent of the Cradle Roll. Edith enjoyed reading and knitting and she especially liked socializing with her friends.

  Edith became a resident of the Maple Manor Care Center in Aplington, on July 27, 1992, because of her failing health. At 4:00 a.m., on Wednesday morning, May 24, 2000, Edith died at the Maple Manor Village of natural causes. She reached the age of 104 years, 1 month and 1 day.

  Edith was preceded in death by her husband, Claude Huisinga on December 25, 1982; one son, Myrlin Huisinga on December 29, 1993; her parents, Hans and Mary Keiser; and two brothers, Harry and Julius Keiser.

  Edith is survived by two sons, Paul Huisinga and his wife, Lucy of Aplington and Gordon Huisinga and his wife, Betty of Winburne, Pennsylvania; one daughter-in-law, Burdell Huisinga of Aplington; nine grandchildren; and twenty three great-grandchildren.

  Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., on Friday, May 26, 2000, at the Aplington Baptist Church with Rev. Marlin Mohrman officiating. Special music was provided by organist, Becky Ostercamp accompanying soloist, Beth Uhlenhopp singing “Find Us Faithful” and the congregational hymns of “Because He Lives” and “My Faith Has Found A Resting Place”.

  Casketbearers were Howard Huisinga, Tim Huisinga, Daryl Uhlenhopp, Randy Huisinga, Wesley Huisinga and Peter Hedstrom. Interment was in the Pleasant View Cemetery, rural Aplington. The Schwartz Funeral Home in Parkersburg was in charge of the arrangements.

Evelyn P. Behnke, Dead At 75

June 2, 2000

  Evelyn Phyllis Ewald was born on December 22, 1924 in Union township, Floyd County, Iowa, a daughter of Henry and Marguerite (Thomas) Ewald, and she died on Thursday, May 25, 2000, at the North Iowa Mercy Health Center in Mason City.

  She received her education in the Marble Rock Public School, graduating in 1942. She attended the Hamilton Business College in Waterloo and began working for the State Bank in Rockford, Iowa.

  On October 14, 1944, she was united in marriage to Ralph Dale Behnke at her parents home in rural Marble Rock. To this union were born three children.

  They farmed east of Greene until 1980, when they moved to their present home. Evelyn had a talent for crocheting, which she enjoyed at home and while riding in the car on their trips to Arizona for the winter. She was very grateful for the many fishing trips to Canada with her family. She participated in the morning exercise class and enjoyed having coffee with the ladies in that group.

  She was baptized and became a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Greene on January 18, 1948. She was an active member of the U.P.W. and a member of the Packard Club and the Greene Women’s Club.

  Evelyn will be sadly missed by her husband of 55 years, Ralph of Greene; her children and their spouses, Clayton and Cora Lee Behnke of Gretna, Nebraska, Michael and Terri Behnke of Greene and Marcia and Bob Larson of Dougherty; seven grandchildren, Chris Behnke, Pat and his wife, Kerry Behnke, Rick Behnke, Jamie Larson, Tony Larson, Ryan Behnke and Kurt Behnke; two great-grandchildren, Dylan Frascht and Greer Behnke; three sisters and their spouses, Lorraine and Maynard Kingery of Charles City, Maxine and Albert Kranz of Mason City and Marlys and Richard Reynolds of Sumner; and her step-mother, Madge Ewald of Charles City.

  She was preceded in death by her parents.

  Funeral services for Evelyn P. Behnke, of Greene, were held at 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, May 27, 2000, at the First Presbyterian Church in Greene with pastor Galen Smith officiating. Special music for the funeral was provided by organist, Linda Meek accompanying vocalists, The Reynolds Family singing “On Eagle Wings”, “The Lord’s Prayer” and “How Great Thou Art”. Flower attendants were Gertie Marsh and Loretta Miller.

  Casketbearers were Chris Behnke, Ryan Behnke, Pat Behnke, Tony Larson, Rick Behnke and Kurt Behnke. Ushers were Patrick McRoberts and Galen Miller. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Greene. The Reid’s Funeral Chapel in Greene was in charge of the arrangements.

Johanne B. Wilts, Dead At 81

June 2, 2000

  Johanne “Jo” B. Wilts, 81, of Shell Rock, died on Saturday, May 27, 2000, at the Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, from complications of a stroke. 

  Johanne Jaspers was born on August 2, 1918, in Jefferson Township, Butler County, Iowa, the daughter of Ben and Grace (Schoon) Jaspers.

  She attended country school in Jefferson Township and was a graduate of the Shell Rock High School Class of 1936. Following her education, Johanne taught country schools in the Shell Rock area for the next five years.

  Johanne was united in marriage to Otto Wilts on August 17, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa. The couple established their home on the home place, six miles west of Shell Rock, where they lived and farmed for the next 35 years. In 1975 they moved to their present home in Shell Rock.

  Johanne was a past member of the Bethel Christian Reformed Church west of Shell Rock, where she helped with Bible School and attended Ladies Aid. In 1957, they joined the Trinity Reformed Church in Allison, where Johanne was active with Guild as long as health permitted.

  Over the years, Johanne made many noodles for the chicken soup suppers held at Trinity Reformed Church. Johanne was also a 50 years member of the Jefferson Community Club.

  Johanne cherished all of their special friends, and also enjoyed fishing, playing cards and gardening. She was an inspiration and a mentor to all of her nieces and nephews. She shared her talents, her positive attitude and her love for the Lord with many people.

  Johanne is survived by her husband of 59 years, Otto Wilts of Shell Rock; a sister, Gertie Henley of Shell Rock; and many nieces and nephews.

  She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Minnie Hemingson; and a brother, Ben Jaspers.

  Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, May 31, 2000, at the Trinity Reformed Church in Allison, with Pastor Steve Petroelje officiating. Special music was provided by pianist, Denise Abbas accompanying vocalists, Greta Eberline and Joel Sult singing “Precious Lord” and “One Day At A Time” and the congregational hymns of “How Great Thou Art” and “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”. The ushers were Eugene Maifeld and Charles Smith.

  Pallbearers were Dave Engelhardt, Jeff Myers, Harris Reiter, William Mueller, Dave Peters and Robert Wilts. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery in Shell Rock. The Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Shell Rock was in charge of the arrangements.