will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery. The Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, IA is assisting the family with arrangements.
John Murray Kulhavy, age 74, died Sunday, December 24, 2023 at the Vinton Lutheran Home.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 3, 2023 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Vinton, with Rev. Brian Channel officiating. Interment will be held at the Brandon Cemetery.
John was born on November 19, 1949, the son of Frank and Ila Belle (Gallaher) Kulhavy. He was united in marriage to Sandy Coulthard on November 19, 1988 at Stewart Memorial United Methodist Church in Vinton. The couple lived north of Vinton.
John worked in rock quarries most of his life. Starting with B.L. Anderson, then Vulcan Materials Company, and finally Wendling Quarries. After he left the quarry he did odd jobs, and then worked at Ideal Industries in Vinton before retirement.
John is survived by his wife Sandy; sister Ann Rouse; and brother Dodd Kulhavy, both of Roper, NC; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Butch.
Ruth E. Hansen, 86, of Rowley, Iowa, died on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Unity Point – Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa.
A Funeral Service was held at the Rowley Methodist Church on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2024. Burial will be held at the Rowley Cemetery in Rowley.
The Reiff Family Center, Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.
Ruth was born on January 25, 1937, in Rowley, the daughter of John D. and Martha (Basquin) Grover. She attended Rowley Community School and graduated in 1954. On July 1, 1956, Ruth married Robert Edwin Hansen at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Independence, Iowa. The couple moved to Illion, N.Y. in 1960. They lived in Blountville, Tenn. from 1976 until moving back to Rowley in 1995.
Ruth was an active member of the Rowley United Methodist Church.
She is survived by a brother, Max and Charlotte Grover, Rowley; a sister, Ruby Marks, Rowley; and many nieces and nephews.
Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, John and Martha; her husband, Robert Hansen; a son, Robert Douglas "Bobby" Hansen; three brothers: Bill, Guy, and Jim Grover; and a sister, Gladys Corkery.
Craig Allen Schutte, 72 years old of Jesup, IA, died Sunday, February 18, 2024, at MercyOne-Covenant Medical Center, Waterloo, IA.
Funeral services were held Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church, Jesup, IA, with burial at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Independence, IA.
Craig was born March 10, 1951, in Independence, IA, the son of Gail Alvin Schutte and Mary Imojean (Whitney) Schutte. He graduated from Jesup High School with the class of 1969. He furthered his education at Morningside College in Sioux City, IA, on a wrestling scholarship. He also attended officer training for the US Marine Corp., hoping to fly airplanes. Craig then returned home to work on the family farm. On July 14, 1973, he was united in marriage to Kathleen Jane Dlouhy at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Independence. They raised their three children in Jesup and Craig also took over his father’s Pioneer Seed business in 1989. Craig enjoyed flying airplanes, farming, Cajun food, visiting his Texas homes, vacationing with family and his grandchildren. He was a Mr. “Fix-it”, the leader and patriarch to his family, especially after the death of his wife, Kathy J. Schutte on February 7, 1997. Craig was fierce in his political beliefs and loved a good debate, although you could never prove him any different. He had so much love for all 11 of his grandchildren and when he called, they knew, they better get their work clothes on, however, he paid the best wage.
Craig is survived by his three children; son, Christopher (Lori) Schutte; and two daughters, Katey (Jeff) Niichel, and Kayla (Dan) Maynard, all of Jesup; 11 grandchildren, Kalista, William, Ruby and Phoenix Schutte, Maisie, Carsyn, and Kash Niichel, Theo, Emme, Otto, and Lela Maynard; his significant other, Becky Batterson of Waterloo, IA; three sisters, Vicki Decker of Prior Lake, MN, Debra Tokheim of Prescott, WI, Nancy (Steve) Ober of Garden Ridge, TX; one brother, Kent (Lynn) Schutte of Cambridge, MN; brothers-in-law, Ron (Julie) Dlouhy of Newton, IA, and Al Penfold of Clear Lake, IA; also many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen; also, his parents, Gail and Mary Jean Schutte; his mother-in-law, Malinda Dlouhy; brothers-in-law, Bruce Tokheim and Joel Decker; and sister-in- law, Marlene Penfold. White Funeral Home, Jesup, IA, is in charge of the arrangements
Robert “Bob” D. Pettit, 63, of Independence, IA died on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at his home in rural Independence, IA.
Bob was born on December 29, 1960, in Waterloo, IA, the son of Leo J. and Mary R. (Loney) Pettit. He grew up on a farm north of Jesup, IA, and was a 1979 graduate of Jesup High School. Bob went on to work for John Deere in the Foundry in Waterloo, IA. In 1980, Bob married Janelle Swartz, and together they had a daughter, Shannon. They later divorced. Bob later went on to work for Iowa Ham and Pipestone in Independence, IA.
On October 26, 2007, Bob married Susan Lee Weinreich, and they made their home together in Independence, IA. Susan was the love of his life, she passed away due to cancer, on June 19, 2012. He loved her so much, and never stopped mourning her until the day he died. Bob loved spending time with his family, especially during the holidays. He developed a special bond with his niece Amanda and her children Nicholas and Cleo.
He is survived by his daughter, Shannon, two grandchildren, four brothers: Marty (Fran) Pettit and Mark (Jenny) Ketchum both of Maxwell, IA, Charles (Jon) Ketchum, Ankeny, IA, and Joe (Shelley) Pettit, Brandon, IA, and many nieces and nephews. Bob is preceded in death by his wife Susan Pettit, his father, Leo Pettit, and his mother and stepfather, Mary and Jim Ketchum.
The Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, IA, is assisting the family with arrangements.
C. D. “Bub” Reifenstahl, 71, of Vinton, surrounded by his loving family, passed away at his residence, Wednesday, January 24, 2024. Visitation was held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home, Vinton.
Bub was born December 7, 1952 in Vinton, the son of Don and Alberta (Demmel) Reifenstahl. He was a graduate of Washington High School, Vinton. On January 25, 1974, Bub was united in marriage to Rosemary Erger at St. Mary Catholic Church, Vinton. When Bub retired from John Deere as a maintenance mechanic, he was then self-employed as a “jack of all trades”.
Bub was an excellent mechanic, loved old cars, and loved sharing his knowledge and knowing if someone else could do it, so could he.
Bub is survived by his wife (two days shy of 50 years), Rosey; daughter, Carrie (Kurt) Janssen and grandsons, Wyatt and Max; son, Mike (Sherry) Reifenstahl and grandsons, Ryan and Matt; mother, Alberta Reifenstahl; two sisters: Becky Reifenstahl and Donna Reifenstahl; two brothers: Rex Reifenstahl and Dan (Pam) Reifenstahl; mother-in-law, Yvonne Erger; and sisters and brothers-in-law: Mary (Joe) Robinson, Sandy (John) Lindaman, Paula (Rick) Murphy, and Dave (Teresa) Erger.
Preceding him in death were his father, Don Reifenstahl; and father-in-law, Earl Erger.
A memorial fund has been established.
Walter Dale Cook, 87, of Walker, Iowa, died Wednesday, February 7, 2024. The family will host a Celebration of Life at a later date. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Center Point, Iowa, assisted the family. Walter was born July 6, 1936, in rural Palo, Iowa, the son of Harold and Delores (Rouse) Cook. He graduated from Urbana High School, Class of 1955. Walter was united in marriage to Eleanor Ann Kuhn on September 10, 1957, in Walker. He worked for Rockwell Collins until his retirement in 1991. Walter was a member of the Iowa Firemen's Association. He had been a volunteer fireman since 1958 and served on the Walker Fire Department for 35 years, and as Fire Chief for a few years. Walter loved attending Firemen conventions and many other Firemen events. He enjoyed stock car racing and attending Happy Hour with his friends. Survivors include his beloved wife, Eleanor Cook; daughters, Linda "ReAnna" (Gerald) DeMers and Joanie (Marc) Mills; son, Martin (Carolyn) Cook; sisters, Reita Cook and Leita (Bob) Duello; grandchildren, Aaron Schantz, Charles Mills, Rachel (Adam) Chrystal, Christen Mills, Jana (Mitch) Mahmens, and Hayley (Braxton) Lawrence; and great-grandchildren, Kalyn, Jevan and Jaron Mills, Briggs Chrystal, Blaire and Beau Mahmens, and Saylor Lawrence. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Paula Cook, and parents, Harold and Delores Cook. Memorials may be directed to the Iowa Firefighters Association.
Toni R. Reed, 58 of Lena, IL passed away on January 3, 2024 at FHN. She was born on March 30, 1965 at Dr. Boeke’s office in Winslow, IL to Bob and Karen (Bauer) Johnson. She married Dave Reed on November 7, 1981 at the Lena Methodist Church and together they raised a family. She kept busy throughout the years. She worked at Gilley’s Supperclub in her younger years where she had a lot of fun and made friends. She also spent many years babysitting nieces and nephews and became like a second mother to them. The past 18 years she was a devoted caregiver for the elderly.
Toni enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, crocheting, baking, watching 49ers play, genealogy, and sight-seeing. She enjoyed memorable trips to Florida, Colorado, Minnesota, and Salem, MA. She will be greatly missed by both family and friends.
She is survived by her boyfriend Todd Lloyd; children- Randy (Amanda) Reed, Nicole (Justin) Hesselbacher, Samantha Reed, Dylan (Jordyn) Reed, and Erik Huerta; mother- Karen Johnson; sister- Brenda (Rod) Hale; grandchildren-Preston, Sidney, Beau, Liv, Bram, Jada, Max, Ethan, Clairissa, Aurora, Wyatt, Baby Reed due in July, and Vae; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Local survivors include LaVon Bearbower, Steve Bauer, Walt (Sharon) Bauer.
She was preceded in death by her father Bob Johnson; grandpa and grandma Bauer, grandpa and grandma Johnson, Aunt Janice Truax and Connie Bauer, and nephews Christopher and Raymond Love Jr. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Judd Eastman Truax, 89, of Cedar Falls, passed away at Thuesen Cottage of Western Home Communities on Sunday, January 7, 2024. He was born January 16, 1934, in Brandon, Iowa, son of Linzy George and Iva Beryl (Eastman) Truax. Judd graduated from Brandon Consolidated High School, then served in the US Naval Reserve from 1951 to 1959 with active duty from 1954 to 1956. He received his undergraduate degree in 1959 from the University of Iowa, during which time he played in the Hawkeye Marching Band, and earned his law degree in 1962. Judd married Evelyn Jean Kuhn on December 27, 1958, at the Methodist Church in LaPorte City. They came to Cedar Falls in 1962 when he began work as an attorney for Jacobsen Law Firm. He served as Assistant County Attorney for 3 years and then established his own law office where he practiced until May 2020, while also serving as Cedar Falls City Attorney for 34 years. Judd was a member of the Cedar Falls Rotary Club, Black Hawk County Bar Association, Co-Founder of the Cedar Falls Boxing Club, Cedar Falls Chamber of Commerce and many other community organizations. He was one of the original members of the Saints Dixieland Jazz Band and one of the founders of the Cedar Basin Jazz Festival. In his spare time, Judd enjoyed spending time with family, attending Hawkeye sporting events, golfing and listening and playing music.
Judd was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, William Judd Reinart; siblings: Larry, Jake and Thomas Truax and Sally Schmitz; niece, Cindy Garwood; nephew, Robert Truax. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Evelyn; two daughters: Jacqueline Truax and Susan (Scott) Reinart both of Cedar Falls; four grandchildren: Katie (Jeff) Cornelius, Zach Nesvik, Daniel Reinart and Samuel Reinart; brother, Mark Truax of Marion; and beloved nieces, nephews and friends.
Judd’s Funeral Service were held on Friday, January 12, 2024, at First Christian Church, Cedar Falls. Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home assisted the family. Burial with Military honors to follow at Greenwood Cemetery of Cedar Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Truax Family Scholarship that Judd and Evelyn established for Marching Band students at the University of Iowa, the Will Reinart Determination Scholarship through the University of Northern Iowa Foundation, or First Christian Church in Cedar Falls.
Caleb Nicholas Enos, 21, passed away Friday, February 16, 2024. Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at First Christian Church, Vinton, with Brad Shockley officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Caleb was born August 5, 2002, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Nicholas and Malinda (Robinson) Enos. In his childhood, Caleb was adopted by Matthew and Jennifer (Klouda) Enos. Caleb's joy in life was evident in his love for trucks, fishing, John Deere tractors, and his family. Left to cherish Caleb's memory are his parents: Nicholas, Malinda, Matthew and Jennifer; siblings: Isaiah, Damien, and Nathan Enos, and Ashley (Matthew) Tison; grandparents, Paul and Karen Enos; great-grandfather, Glenn Becker; great-grandmother, Lois Macke; nieces, Adelaide and Clara Tison; and nephew, Matthew Andrès "Andy" Tison. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: James Robinson and Judy Crawford; and great-grandparents: Owen Macke and Shirley Becker. A memorial fund has been established. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com
Wayne L. Masters, 95, of Westerville, formerly of Oelwein, IA, Mount Prospect, IL, Richmond, IL and Santa Teresa, NM passed away on March 8, 2024. He was the ninth of 13 children born to the late Jessie M. and Effie M. (Reed) Masters. In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, JoAnn M. (Harrington) Masters; brothers Glen, Ralph, Donald, Delbert, Jess, Jr., Howard and Raymond and sisters Velma (Mervin), Dorothy (Olsen), and Florence (Spece). He is survived by sisters Dolores (Novak) and Norma Lee (Roger) (Van Haaften), brother-in-law Claire (Anna Mary) Harrington, and sisters-in-law Norma Masters and Alyce Masters, plus numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
After serving in the Army during the Korean conflict in Stuttgart, Germany, Wayne completed a five-year course at the Tool and Die Institute in Chicago, IL, and received his completion as a Journeyman mold maker. While attending school he worked as an apprentice in the trade at Die and Tool Company of Chicago. Following his formal training, he worked at several plastic mold building companies in the greater Chicago area.
In 1962, Wayne returned to his hometown to assist in running family-owned Iowa Portable Mill Company as vice president, sales manager. In 1968 he returned to the Chicago area and resumed his career in plastics at Plas Tool Company. As the lead mold maker, he concentrated on manufacturing and tooling for the 8-track audio cassette industry. With several years of tooling under his belt, he was offered a position as vice president, general manager of Automated Mould Industries in 1972. He was instrumental in building the company from $100,000 to $10 million and oversaw the company’s 200 employees. Some key accounts included Black & Decker, Milwaukee Electric Tool, West Bend, Motorola, among others. In 1988 after the business was sold to Richco Plastics Company, Wayne retained his position as vice president, general manager until 1993 when he was promoted to corporate vice president in charge of support for General Electric Company and various automotive accounts. In 1994, Wayne was asked to establish a new injection molding operation in El Paso, TX to serve the Maquiladora industries. He was influential in the development and management of this new facility until his retirement in 1998.
Wayne also held several community positions. He is an honored member of the Knights of Columbus having earned his fourth degree. Outside of work Wayne enjoyed golfing, playing cards with friends, his involvement in the Catholic church, fixing furniture for St. Vincent de Paul, piddling in the yard or garage, his cars, road trips and travel.
Wayne will be greatly missed by sons, David (Barbara) Masters, Daniel (Najat) Masters, Alan (Karen) Masters and Brian (Eric) Masters and daughter Kathleen/Kelly (Lou) Borth as well as his 11 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren and special caregivers who were important members of the family. Local survivors Dolores Novak and Denise (Doug) Lehman.
A Catholic Mass and burial will take place in Oelwein, IA at a future date.
Larry Lee Burrage, 76, passed away in his home on March 5th, 2024.
Larry was born on February 2nd, 1948 in Soldiers Grove, WI to Hubert and Geraldine Burrage. Larry graduated from Don Bosco High School in 1967. He married Linda Claussen on June 11th, 1983 and they had 2 children, Haley and Harrson. He worked as a bricklayer most of his life, running his own company, Lockard Burrage & Masonry.
Above all, Larry was a family man and a homebody. He enjoyed spending time in his garage, visiting with family and friends, mushroom hunting and driving the golf carts around their farm that he called "Hillbilly Hollow". When visiting Larry he'd be sure to share a story or two with you, show you his favorite spots in the woods, tell you about where the mushrooms were, don't you dare pick them though and end your visit with a "God loves you and so do I."
Larry is survived by his brother Albert (Cindy) Burrage; his sisters Eileen Shadlow, DD Clark, Jerilyn Becker, and Tami (Bill) Smith; his wife Linda Burrage and their children Haley (Nick) Lansing and Harrson (Kaylyn) Burrage; his three grandchildren Eliza Lansing, Clair Dohner and Presley Burrage; a sister-in-law Kathy Claussen; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Kandle; his parents, Hubert and Geraldine; his sister Dottie; his brothers Denis and Michael; seven brothers-in-law, Fred Roquet, Jerry Clark, Gary Shadlow, Gene Mattingly, Gary Becker, Larry Claussen, Ken Claussen; four sisters-in-law, Patricia Burrage, Carrie Burrage, Beverly Ladd, Susie Thompson and his in-laws, Merle and Lawayanna Claussen
Larry lived a beautiful life that he worked hard for. He'd want you all to have a fudgesicle in his honor. To know Larry was to love Larry.
A celebration of life was held on Sunday March 10th at the Rowley Community Center.
Delores B. (Budeau) Sellers, age 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at the Vinton Lutheran Home.
Funeral services were held on Saturday March 23, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, with Stephen Preus officiating Interment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton. Memorials may be directed to the Vinton Lutheran Home.
Delores was born on March 14, 1931, in North Dakota, to Andrew and Albina (Degenstein) Budeau. Delores graduated from the North Dakota School for the Blind in Bathgate, North Dakota. On April 15, 1952, she was united in marriage to Kenneth Sellers in Anamoose, North Dakota. Kenneth preceded Delores in death in 1988.
After moving to Vinton, Delores worked in the kitchens at Café 218 and the Braille School for many years. She was a faithful member at Trinity Lutheran Church, and an accomplished cook, both at her places of employment and for her family and friends. She loved to play pinochle and 500 and was a lifelong reader.
Delores is survived by her 5 sons, Kevin (Laurel) Sellers of Iowa City, Chadwick (Susie) Sellers of Des Moines, Wyndham (Nancy) Sellers of Prole, IA, Sheldon (Amy) Sellers of Marion, Darran (Teri) Sellers of Vinton; 10 grandchildren, Krista (Dayton) Stevens, Abby Sellers, Nicholas (Joseph Wanek) Sellers, Mitchel (Lexi) Sellers, Kenneth (Ashlee) Sellers, Connie (Jonathan) Beilke, Stephanie (Zach Edgar) Brozo, Kordereau (Breezie) Sellers, Dakoda (Sarah) Sellers, Kolton (Kayla) Sellers, Brandon; 13 great grandchildren; and her brother Ted (Pat) Budeau of Minot, North Dakota.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Kenneth; great-granddaughter, Nora; and 2 sisters, Myrtle Eisenzimmer, and Bertha Hawkins.
Virginia A. Kuper, 84, of Independence, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 25, 2024, at ABCM Rehabilitation Center – West Campus in Independence, IA.
Virginia was born on a farm in rural Independence, IA, on March 31, 1939, the daughter of Frank and Myrtha L. (Copenhaver) Wilson. She was the youngest of six children, and grew up in Brandon, Jesup and Independence, IA. In 1957, she graduated from the Independence High School, and went on to study nursing. Virginia met John Arthur Kuper through family and quickly fell in love. They were married on December 14, 1958 in Independence, IA.
John was in the Navy and Virginia joined him as his Naval career took them across the country. When John was deployed, Virginia moved back to Brandon, IA where she continued to work as a nurse’s aide. Upon John’s return and retirement from the Navy the Kuper family made their home in Independence, IA.
Virginia loved to cook. In 1984, she stared her own catering business and employed her children for her successful enterprise. She soon took a job as a cook at the Independence School District and quickly became the head cook. She insisted on making sure that the students had “Good Food” at lunch time. She worked for the school for over a decade, and retired.
Virginia loved her family with every ounce of her being. It was extremely important for her to keep in touch with her grandchildren and made sure her kids were doing the right thing. Her favorite times were when they all came home to be together, and the laughter was guaranteed.
She is survived by her five children; Melinda (Dennis) Hunter, Brandon, IA, Morgan (Becky) Kuper, Jesup, IA, Richard (Jennifer) Kuper, Colorado Springs, CO, Joni (Mike) Doe, Cedar Rapids, IA, and Janet Kuper, Vinton, IA, eleven grandchildren, eight step grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Virginia is preceded in death by her parents; Frank and Myrtha Wilson, her husband, John Kuper in 2015, a son, Lawrence Kuper, three brothers, Lyle, Richard, and James Wilson, and two sisters Laura Kaldfleisch, and Jeanne Wilson.
The Memorial Service were held on Friday, March 29, 2024, at Hope Wesleyan Church in Independence, IA followed by the inurnment at the Mt Hope Cemetery, Independence. The Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, IA assisted the family.
Memorials may be directed to the Virginia Kuper Memorial Fund, BankIowa, 230 1st Street E., Independence, IA 50644.
Doris (Cress) Haefner, age 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 1, 2024, at the Vinton Lutheran Home, with her family by her side.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday March 5, 2024, at the Phillips Funeral Home Chapel (212 E. 6th Street) in Vinton, with Rev. Brian Channel officiating. Interment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton. Doris was born December 23, 1934, in Shellsburg, to Everett and Irma (Van Fossen) Cress. Doris graduated from Shellsburg High School. On December 24, 1954, she was united in marriage to George Haefner Jr. in Vinton.
Doris had worked in the kitchens at Virginia Gay Hospital and The Vinton Lutheran Home for many years. She also provided childcare for many families in her home. Doris loved garage sales, flea markets, gardening, and toy shows. She also loved ceramics and was very meticulous with her pieces. She spent many hours doing genealogy. Doris was proud of being baptized on April 21, 2019 at Wesley United Methodist Church at the age of 84.
Doris is survived by her companion Larry Peters, of Cedar Rapids; her sons, Russ (Kristy) Haefner of Vinton, Kevin (Julie) Haefner of Vinton; son-in-law Harry Harrison; 14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; 4 sisters, Fern Karr of Urbana, Marilyn Kolsrud of Shellsburg, Elaine Boddicker of Keystone, Anna Mae Witherall of Hiawatha; also Evelyn Renee Stein of Vinton.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband George in 2009; son Scott Haefner; daughter Colette Harrison; son-in-law Darby Stein; 2 brothers Roy Cress, and Ray Cress; and 2 sisters, Decie Mason, and Alberta Mason.
Melvin C. Schnepf, 97, of Independence, IA, died on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at ABCM Rehabilitation Center – West Campus in Independence, IA.
Melvin was born on April 29, 1926, the son of Conrad and Sylvia (Horak) Schnepf. He grew up in rural Brandon Iowa and attended the Brandon School. Melvin learned the lessons of responsibility at a young age. Being the oldest of eight children, He left school early to take care of the farm and help his mother care for the family. He learned everything about farming quickly and developed a strong work ethic.
On May 14, 1950, Melvin married Jean E. Redington in Vinton, IA. They made their home together in Brandon. They later moved to Independence, IA in 1962 where they raised their five children.
He is survived by his wife, Jean Schnepf, Independence, IA, three sons; Dennis (Panda) Schnepf, Independence, IA, David (Maria) Schnepf, Evansdale, IA, and Jeff (Connie) Schnepf, Hazelton, IA, a daughter Brenda (Tom) Rouse, Cedar Rapids, IA, a daughter-in-law, Gloria Schnepf, Finchford, IA, sixteen grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.
Melvin is preceded in death by his parents, Conrad and Sylvia Schnepf, a son James Schnepf, and his eight siblings; Bernard Schnepf, Catherine Miller-Weston, Verlius Schnepf, Virginia Schnepf, Hilda Sauer, Jesse Schnepf, Bruce Schnepf, and Marilyn Rouse.
A Private Memorial Service will be held at a later date. The Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.
Beverly Baldwin, 87, passed away Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at La Porte City Specialty Care, following a short illness. Serviceswere held, Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Geneseo Methodist Church, Buckingham, with Pastor Jim Turner as officiant. Burial: Westview Cemetery, La Porte City. Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home, Vinton, is caring for Beverly and her family.
Beverly, born June 15, 1936, in Waterloo, to Tollie and Mildred (Hilmer) Jones, found loving guidance and care in the arms of her Aunt Florence and Uncle Ai Emberton. Beverly attended school in La Porte City, graduating in 1954. On June 10, 1956, she was united in marriage to Edwin Baldwin at Pratt Creek Church, rural Benton County. In addition to being a farmwife and mother, Beverly worked as a bank teller at the State Bank of Vinton, Waterloo Savings Bank and US Bank.
Beverly was a member of Geneseo Methodist Church and 20th Century Women's Club, Dysart. She enjoyed get-togethers with church groups and card club meetings with friends. She was a collector of antique furniture, figurines, snowmen and apples. She loved mailing greeting cards to family and friends, going to craft shows and shopping trips to Kalona, especially when it included the bakery, woodworking shop and quilt store.
Left to cherish Beverly's memory are her daughter, Denise Baldwin of West Des Moines; son, David Baldwin of La Porte City; two sisters-in-law: Ann Emberton of Brandon and Carol Emberton of Anamosa; and brother-in-law, Roger Close of Gladbrook.
Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, Florence and Ai Emberton; husband of 67 years, Edwin; two brothers: Dennis Emberton and Shannon Emberton; and sister, Gloria Close.
**Beverly’s husband Edwin A. Baldwin passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2024 following a short illness. The couple had joint funeral service and burial.
Keith L. “Harry” Dudley, 84, of Independence, IA, died on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Unity Point – St. Lukes Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Keith was born on May 22, 1939, in Troy Mills, IA, the son of Carlton and Wilma (Watchal) Dudley. He grew up in Walker, IA, and attended the Walker Schools. Keith learned how to work at a young age and started working as a farm hand in the local area and part-time at the lumber yard in Walker. On February 28, 1960, he married Janet McKinley, and made their home together on the Mckinley farm just outside of Walker. They had three sons together, Tim, Todd, and Rodd and for many years Keith tended to the farm and his dairy cows. Keith and Janet were later divorced.
Keith married Jeanne Williams on December 24, 1980, at the Methodist Church in Rowley, IA. They made their home Rowley and had three sons together, Rob, Travis, and Nickolas. They continued to farm and raise dairy cows for many years. Keith worked for many years at Walker Ag and helped many farming friends with custom farming jobs throughout the years. Keith stopped farming in the early 90’s. Harry later went back to the first place he ever had a job, the lumber yard in Walker. He finally retired in 2006, and they moved to Independence, in 2019.
Dudley was an avid sports fan, and there wasn’t a game he wasn’t willing to watch. He always loved supporting the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, and Kansas City Chiefs.
Harry made many memories from behind the wheel of a truck or tractor. Whether it was while driving Jeanne’s 1975 Trans Am when they first got together, in the fields working the land, or just recently him just mowing his lawn. He often had a smile and wave for you in passing or just plainly didn’t see you.
To those who knew Dudley well, they will forever remember how easy it was to smile and laugh around him. He always had a good story that he could tell relating to any situation, and those stories seemed to get better and more hilarious each time he told them. He loved spending time with his family, especially the many family dinners they had, not just during the holidays, but just to get together to see each other were his favorites.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Dudley, Independence, IA, his children; Tim (Kim) Dudley, Walker, IA, Todd (Michelle) Dudley, Walker, IA, Rodney (Sandy) Dudley, Walker, IA, Rob (Janet) Dudley, Winthrop, IA, Travis (Bailey) Dudley, Walker, IA, and Nickolas (Crystal Bernard) Dudley, Rowley, IA, fifteen grandchildren, three bonus grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, a brother Kenneth (Gloria) Dudley, California, MO, a Brother-in-law, Jim Williams, Hazleton, IA, and several nieces and nephews.
Keith is preceded in death by his parents, Carlton and Wilma Dudley.
A Celebration of Life was held on Sunday, January 7, 2024, from 2 PM until 6 PM in the Community Room of the Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, IA.
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