CONNIE’S QUILTERS:
The quilters meet on Mondays, weather permitting, and are always looking for new members.
They have been donating lap quilts to folks that need them. Quilters of all abilities are encouraged to join the group. We welcome donations of material. All quilts are donated to people to enjoy.
If you are interested in joining the group, please contact Connie Landgrabe at 319-540-0587 to obtain details on the meetings.
PORK LOIN SUPPER FUNDRAISER
The Brandon Fire Department and Brandon First Responders are having a Pork Loin Supper Fundraiser on Saturday, April 15, 2023. Serving from 4:30- 7:30 p.m. Please support these important
organizations in Brandon. This fundraiser will replace the October Firemen’s auction.
THANK YOU
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!! Our family is forever grateful to everyone that joined us for our Family and Friends Thanksgiving this year- to our friends that join us year after year and to our new friends that came and celebrated with us. We must also say Thank You to those that donated food, that helped set up, and helped in the kitchen. We are so appreciative of the monetary donations given and also the non-perishable food that everyone brought.
Blessings to All, Craig, Judy, Jordy, Jackie, Shawn and kids.
FREE LITTLE LIBRARY
The Steiber family has put up a free Little Library in Brandon. It is located at 602 Main Street. You can stop by and take a book or leave a book for others to enjoy. There are baby, kids and adult books. If there isn't room to leave books, you are always welcome to leave them in a bag or box on the front porch at 602 Main Street. We will place any books left on the porch in the library when there is room. Books will be in the free little library all year round! We are also making sure to circulate different books in the library every couple of weeks, so check back often! We hope the community visits the free little library and takes some time to read!
The Steiber Family (Kristin, Dusty, Wyatt and Dawson)
BIRTHS-
Candace and Jamie Hocken, Cedar Rapids, are the proud parents of a baby boy, Hollis Michael Hocken, born at 10:52 p.m. on Saturday, August 20th at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. Hollis weighed 6 pounds and was 20 inches long. He was welcomed home by big brother, Huxley, age 3. Hollis’ grandparents are Mike and Beth Little, Brandon, Kelley and Donnie Doyle, Independence, and Dick Straw, Jesup. Great grandparents are Marlene Steinbeck and Bob and Joni Hocken, all of Independence.
BRANDON HISTORICAL SOCIETY 501c3
The Brandon Historical Society is proud to announce that they have finally been approved as a 501C3 organization. This means that all donations made to the Historical Society are now tax deductible. Th-at being said, if you need a gift for that “has everything they need”, you could donate any amount to the Historical Society in their name. Also, if anyone would like to volunteer a few hours to help us renovate, we would welcome you with open arms.
Please contact: Diana Conrad 319-327-3424 or Karol Smith 319-329-0101.
Donations can be mailed to: Brandon Historical Society, P.O. Box 34, Brandon, Iowa 52210
BRANDON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Brandon Historical Society held a Soup Supper Fundraiser on December 2, 2022, as part of the Brandon Christmas Festival. We would like to thank everyone that attended the supper. All proceeds will go to the renovation of the Bank building.
60th BIRTHDAY
Brad Erger, of rural Rowley will be celebrating his 60th Birthday on January 7th. He will celebrate in a private celebration with his wife Michelle, children Lehia, Lindsey and Austin and his grandchildren.
Please help him celebrate with a card shower. Cards can be sent to Brad Erger, 1775 335th St., Rowley, IA 52329.
50th WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
Kim (Younker) and Darrell Brunko were married on February 17,1973 at the First United Methodist Church in Independence, Iowa. Kim and Darrell will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a family dinner after wrestling season is over. Kim and Darrell have six children Andy(Calista), Erin (Eric) Soukup, Brooke(John) Long, Amie(Matt) Buskohl, Curtis, and Lindsey(Greg) Hudgens and 18 grand- children. Cards may be sent to Kim and Darrell at 1602 310th Street, Brandon, Iowa 52210
Cliff and Patti Stacy, formerly of Brandon, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on December 26th. The couple resides in Independence. They celebrated their anniversary with a family dinner at Red Lobster. They are the parents of Guy (Theresa) Stacy, Brandon, and Ami (Jon) Otis, Independence. Their grandchildren include Paige Stacy, Independence; Grace (Alex) Stacy-Derr, Independence; Hannah (Mitch) Ohl, Independence; Seth Stacy, Brandon; Nic Otis, Independence; and Aiden Stacy, Brandon. They have one great-granddaughter, Ivy. Cards may be sent to Cliff and Patti at 117 14th Ave. SE, Independence,IA 50644.
BRANDON AREA COMMUNITY CLUB NEWS:
Bags (Corn hole) Tournaments
The dates for bags for this season have been set! Please bring your own drinks and a
snack to share. We hope to have a great turnout this year!
Bags start at 4:30 pm each night
Bags is $5 per person
January 8th
February 12th
March 12th
April 9th
Ages 18 & over are welcome to attend. Please bring your own refreshments and a snack to share.
Concession Stand Fund
The concession stand is nearly complete with the exception of installing changing tables, a few incidentals in the kitchen area and the outside landscaping. We are still short of funds to complete these final projects. Donations can be sent to the Brandon Area Community Club, P.O. Box 163, 333Brandon, Iowa.
The BACC and the City of Brandon thank each and every donor that has contributed to this fund.
We are proud of our community and the support we receive on these improvement projects. Happy New Year.
Thank you
Thank you to the following for judging the Halloween Costume Contest: Sherri Kavalier (also Photographer), Sharon Koopman, LaVon Westcott, Lu Horak and Diana Conrad.
HALLOWEEN PARTY
BACC annual Halloween party was held on Sunday, October 30, 2022.
The following business and individuals donated door prizes to the party:
BACC, RL Limerock Ranch- Randy Lehman, Cuts by Us- Tally Aldrich & Chris Palmer,
Amanda & Wyatt Miller, EZ Trash Solutions- Dawn & Bill Phillips, Smokey Hilltop Ranch- Doug Lehman, Bev and Gary Bearbower, Jill Marie Photography- Jill Louvar, Brooke and John Long,
Prairie Acres Pumpkins- Jackie Hoffman, Thomas Repair- Buddy Thomas, Jay and Jennifer Nabholz,
Dean and Tami Gorton, Karol Smith, Horak Farms- Matt, Jen and Lu Horak, Beth Carlson, Alycia Ludden and Erger Farms- Andy and Jamee Erger.
Halloween Costume Contest Winners
Age 0-11 months First Grade
1st-Woody- Hollis Hocken 1st- Mac n Cheese-Matty Daffeny
2nd-Nightmare before Christmas- Hudson Zeiser 2nd- Witch- Brynley Brunko
3rd-Dalmation- Eloise Ackerman 3rd- Mermaid- Davenah Erger
Age 1 2nd Grade
1st- Red Riding hood- Adeline Gray 1st-Pumpkin Scarecrow- Oliver Schillers
2nd-Skunk- Britton Templeton 2nd- Harry Potter-Sawyer Halligan
3rd-Minnie Mouse- Taylan Suckow 3rd- Hunter Cason Cook
Age 2 3rd Grade
1st- Oompa- Gilbert Erger 1st- Ninja – Camdon Long
2nd-Butterfly- Kennedy Halligan 2nd- Hippy- Gage Butz
3rd-Batgirl Karlee Stempien 3rd – Black & White Witch-Paisley Zeiser
Age 3 Fourth Grade
1st-Lucy- Corban Arnell 1st- Corpse Bride- Kallie Erger
2nd- Excavator-Madison Cleerer 2nd – Harry Potter- Ayla Halligan
3rd-Buzz- Huxley Hocken 3rd - Cheerleader-Quinn Lehman
Age 4 5th Grade
1st- Red Witch- Rosey Erger 1st – Clown- Clarissa conijada
2nd-Policeman- Tucker Chaney 2nd – Purge-??
3rd-Teenage Mutant Turtle-Dale Burmeister 3rd – Red Devil- Angela Michael
Age 5- preschool 6th Grade
1st- Dalmatian- Delaine Holt 1st- Oompa Kaylon Gilliam
3rd- 3rd - Skull- Uriah Halligan
Age Kindergarten 7 grade- Adult
1st-Porcupine- Hudson Templeton 1st Crazy Cat Lady- Becca Ries
2nd-Pirate- Henry Burmiester 2nd- Prisoner-??
3rd-Godzilla – Sawyer Kurt 3rd- Witch – Myra Peyton
Age 1 Group Contest
1st- Red Ridinghood- Adeline Gray 1st- Large Dalmatian Family-Ackerman Family
2nd-Skunk- Britton Templeton 2nd- Butterfly Family- Corby Parziek Family
3rd-Skeleton- Bentley Kerr 3rd- Prisoner and Policeman- Chaney Family
2022 CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE
Thank you to each person that chose a child’s or senior citizen’s name from the Community Giving tree. Three families had a brighter Christmas morning because of your generosity.
COWBOY BREAKFAST
Mark your calendars now. The next Cowboy breakfast will be Sunday, September 17, 2023, at the
Brandon Area Community Center.
BACC MEETINGS
Brandon Area Community Club meetings will be held on the THIRD Monday of each Month at 7 pm at the Brandon Area Community Center. BACC welcomes all adults to join our community club.
EASTER EGG HUNT
BACC will hold its annual Easter Egg Hunt on Good Friday, April 7, 2023, at 10 a.m. sharp.
Weather permitting it will be held at the Brandon City Park. Ages 0-12 years old. Easter Bunny will be appearing.
Brandon Days- Aug 4th and 5th, 2023
The Theme for Brandon Days hasn’t been decided. If you have an idea for the theme, please contact a BACC member.
BRANDON CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 2022
Thank you to all who came to the Brandon Christmas Festival, December 2 and 3rd! We are so appreciative of everyone who attended and donated items to the festival. Winners for the weekend include…
Town Lights…
First Place Heather and Kenny Freese
Second Place Wendy Kafer
Third Place Diana Conrad
Mini Trees…
First Place Tie Derbi Holt and Jennifer Nabholz
Second Place Denise Lehman
Third Place Brooke Long
Big Trees…
First Place Sharon Koopman
Second Place BASH
Third Place Tie Sharon Koopman and Joyce Anderson
Gingerbread House…
Age 0-6
First Place Emerson Zieser
Second Place Scarlett Parizek
Third Place Delanie Holt
Age 7-11
First Place Oakley Zieser
Second Place Aiden Stacy
Third Place Paisley Zieser
Age 12-17
First Place Myra Peyton
Age 18 and Over
First Place Denise Lehman
Second Place Carol Zieser
Third Place Seth Stacy
WEBSITE
The Brandon Area Community Club has its own website. Please visit www.bacciowa.com
and check out upcoming events and important information pertaining to our community.
DEADLINE
The deadline for the April, May, June Issue of the Brandon Bee is due by March 15, 2023. Editors’ note: Please submit your information to the Bee to Denise: dndlehman@msn.com or 3326 Hamilton Ave., Rowley, IA 52329. Complete issues of the Brandon Bee II will now be published on the Brandon Area Community Club’s website at www.bacciowa.com.
DONORS TO THE Brandon bee II this quarter, Karen Sauer and Orline Snider.
LOCAL CHURCH INFORMATION:
BRANDON CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST~ Pastor Lenny Powers
306 East Street
319-474-2159 or 319-929-5604
Worship at 10:00 am. Handicap accessible.
Sincere thank you to everyone that attended the performance of Brandon Church of Jesus Christ at the Methodist church during the Brandon Christmas festival. A free will donation was collected will used for the sanctuary remodeling project. We will keep you updated on the progress of this project. Happy New Year and God’s Blessings.
BRANDON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH~ Pastor Luke Evans
507 Main Street
319-474-2669 Church office
Pastor’s contact information:
Rev. Luke Evans
P.O. Box 125
Brandon, Iowa 52210 712-898-4834 pastorlukeevans@gmail.com
Church Services
worship service begins at 10:00 am. Sunday school is at 9:15 am, Adult Sunday School is at 9 am and Fellowship time is 9:45 am.
Christmas Baskets
The Brandon United Methodist Women delivered 38 baskets of fruit and goodies to 52 area senior citizens.
CHRISTMAS TEA
The Brandon United Methodist Women held their 26th Annual Christmas Tea on Monday, December 5th. We originally started this tea as a suggestion from the late Marlene Brown. She read that the first Monday is December is “All you can eat day”. We spend a fun afternoon of fellowship and enjoying an exquisite spread of food along with tea, coffee and Christmas punch. Over 40 women enjoyed the afternoon festivities.
COMMUNITY SUPPER
Thank you to everyone who attended the Brandon Community Supper sponsored by and held at the Brandon United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 12th. There were 54 people attending who enjoyed the community fellowship and a chili and chicken noodle soup meal including sandwiches, relishes and homemade desserts.
A freewill offering was received to benefit the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight, the program of the evening, presented by Mr. Dick Bell, President of the Honor Flight Board.
Thank to everyone for a very generous donation, to be used in continuing flights to Washington, DC, available to veterans. Information was shared, and many questions were answered about how the program is carried out.
BASH
Brandon’s After School Hour is held at the United Methodist Church for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. The sessions start after school (4:15-5:30) each month. Dates for this school year are February 1st, March 1st, and April 5th. Each month there is a program, an activity and snacks.
For more information, please contact Kelly Thomas 319-361-0031 or Hilary Peyton 319-404-8473.
BRANDON UNITED METHODIST YOUTH:
Members have had a busy few months! In September, the students helped out in the church dining room at the Annual Fall Supper. In October, they had a great time playing mini golf, driving go-karts, and jumping on the Kangaroo Jumping Pillow at Palmer's Family Fun. More recently, members and leaders rang the Salvation Army bell for two hours at Walmart. Fortunately, it was a nice day. Then everyone helped make and serve soup and sandwiches at the church during the Brandon Christmas festival. We extend a shout out to Deb Rogers and Bailey Habeger for their soup making skills. We especially want to thank the many people who stopped by for supper. We so appreciate your tremendous support. Finally, the group presented a special Christmas skit about the Nativity and shared the 4th Sunday Advent reading during the church service.
At our next meeting in 2023, members will begin planning for our spring activities. All students in grades 4-12 are welcome!
MOBILE FOOD PANTRY:
The Brandon Mobile Food Pantry is held on the 4th Wednesday of each month. The upcoming dates
are: January 25, February 22, and March 22.
It is held at the Brandon Community Center parking lot and distribution of food is from 4:30 until 5:30.
Please remain in your car and the food will be put in your car for you. Please bring boxes back from
previous food pantry visits and have room for the food in your car. Thank you.
Mobile food pantry is open to families in NE Iowa who have a need to supplement their grocery
budget. No cost is involved but you need to supply your name, address, and household size.
Information gathered is used to keep a tally of the number served in the communities and the
event of any recall on food items. The mobile pantry is a service of the Northeast Iowa Food Bank.
Thank you to the volunteers that help with this project. If you would like to volunteer or have any
questions about the food pantry, please contact Darlys Rogers at 319-474-2368.
CARING PAGE:
Pat Rogers, formerly of Brandon, is now residing at Prairie Hills Senior Living. It would be nice for her to receive cards or notes from her Brandon Area Friends
Pat Rogers
Prairie Hills Senior Living
505 Enterprise Drive SW
Independence, Iowa 50644
Donna Roepke, formerly of Brandon area, is now residing at Prairie Hills Senior Living. It would be nice for her to receive cards or notes from her Brandon Area Friends
Donna Roepke
Prairie Hills Senior Living
505 Enterprise Drive SW
Independence, Iowa 50644
Rex Stephens. Of rural Brandon, is experiencing continued health issues. Please keep him in your thought and prayers. Rex would enjoy some notes and cards.
Rex Stephens
2666 50th Street
Brandon, IA 52210
Samantha McKinley, wife of Cliff McKinley, rural Walker was severely injured in a “freak accident”.
Sam and Cliff have three children, Ruger, Sage, and Landry. Last January the communities of Brandon and Walker held fundraisers for the family to make their home handicap accessible. Because the generous outpouring of the communities, Sam and Cliff will soon be in a new home.
They would like to THANK everyone for their in making this new home a reality. The house is coming along but is not quite done. Cliff and Sam and their family wish everybody- Happy Holidays!
Sam McKinley
3384 King Ave.
Walker, Iowa 52329
OBITUARIES:
Daniel Joshua Martin
We are sad to announce that on December 19, 2022, we had to say goodbye to Daniel Joshua Martin of Vinton, Iowa, born in Amarillo, Texas. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family.
He was predeceased by his brother Joe; and his parents, Joshua Martin and Ella Martin (Castleberry). He is survived by his wife Shirley Anne Dees of Marshalltown; his children, Tony Martin (Gillen) of Redmond, WA and Teresa Lindsey (Keith) of Vinton; and his grandchildren, Jeremy Nichol (Karen) of Independence, Mike Nichol (Holly) of Newhall, Sarah Skipworth (Jon) of Renton, WA and Drew Martin (Olivia) of Port Orchard, WA. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Memorials may be directed to the family.
OBITUARIES CONTINUE:
Dolores Kathryn “Dolly” Conrad, Brandon, Iowa.
Dolly, as she was known throughout her life, was born in the early years of the Great Depression on a farm near Fairbank, Iowa, the daughter of Edward Niemann and Kathryn Anna Wilson. Herbert Hoover was serving his final days as president of the United States.
Dolly was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Donald Eugene Conrad who died in 2015, a grandchild, Gregory Lee Conrad, three sisters, Daphne who died as an infant, Imelda Bohling and Dorothy Niichel. Tragically her two brothers, Raymond, age 13, and Lawrence, age 9, together with an 8 year old cousin died in a drowning accident in the Wapsipinicon River in Cutshall County Park while attending a family reunion celebrating Memorial Day in 1939.
She is survived by all of her children: Donald Larry Conrad of New York City, Deborah Lynn (Willy) Downs of Independence, Iowa, Daniel James (Evie) Conrad of La Grange, Missouri, Dennis John (Red) Conrad of Brandon, Iowa, Denise Linda (Tony) Clark of Brandon, Iowa, Diana Louise Conrad of Brandon, Iowa, David Mark Conrad, of Brandon, Iowa, Donna Marie (Lenny) Clark of Kodak, Tennessee, and Nadyne Janette Conrad of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, eleven grandchildren, three step grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.
Dolly was a precocious child who had a wild streak as some of her older relatives described her. Her Uncle Tom told of an incident while she visited his family. She was a sophomore in high school at the time and he was called by the police in Waterloo, Iowa, where he lived. They asked him to come to Lincoln Park and coax his niece down from her perch on a city light pole where she had stubbornly refused to come down.
She attended high school in Jesup, Iowa, and married shortly after graduation in 1951. She then moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where she gave birth to eight of her nine children. In 1962, she moved to Waterloo, Iowa, where she gave birth to her last child in 1963.
In 1967, she moved to Brandon, Iowa, where she lived until shortly before her death. It was her years of living in Brandon that truly defined her. To many, she was ‘the cat lady’ and she looked after many, many cats. It was not uncommon for children from the community to appear at her front door holding unwanted kittens while begging her to accept them.
In hindsight she was a complex person who was certainly ahead of her time. She was passionate about holistic medicine before many even knew what it was. She practically memorized every issue of Prevention Magazine. Vitamins and supplements lined the shelves of her cabinets.
She embraced everything organic at a time when the word organic was never even seen in supermarkets. She located the only organic market in the area (Waterloo) and made weekly shopping excursions to it to buy everything possible. She caused quite a stir among the mothers in the community when they discovered that she was harvesting dandelion greens from her yard for the salads she served to her children. Some declared that she was feeding her kids weeds. Now those weeds are practically standard in produce isles.
OBITUARIES CONTINUED:
Dolly Conrad obit continued:
Gardening was another of her passions and as usual, she was ahead of her time. Composting became second nature for her. The thought of an in-sink garbage disposal horrified her. She watched the utility companies’ trim trees away from power lines and got the crews to unload the wagon of wood chips onto her backyard. Those chips lined every row of her large gardens and largely kept the weeds from growing.
Dolly didn’t like the thought of digging potatoes because that was just too much work. So, she devised a method for growing potatoes on top of the ground. She simply had to pull a layer of straw back and pick up the potatoes. Today, you can find YouTube videos demonstrating that method. She also liked to grow the unusual, like purple string beans that magically turned green when doused with boiling water.
After her husband retired, she became very interested in the Christmas open houses held every year by people in the community. Dolly became obsessed with decorating her home for her own open house. She eventually collected an entire miniature village that filled the house.
Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s claimed the last years of her life and in 2021 Dolly was moved to the ABCM Rehabilitation Center of Independence where she died.
Visitation will be held from 4 PM until 8 PM on Monday, January 2, 2023, at the Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, IA. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at the Reiff Family Center in Independence. Burial will be held at St. John’s Cemetery.
LaVonne M. Weber, 98 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at Lexington Estates in Independence.
She was born on June 21, 1924, in Brandon, Iowa, the daughter of Harold and Hazel Stevenson. She graduated from high school in 1941 from Jesup High School and graduated from Pitze’s Beauty School in Waterloo, Iowa. On September 22, 1943, she married Russell Ohrt in Jesup, Iowa. He preceded her in death on November 10, 1970. On June 1, 1990, she and Norbert Weber were married at St. John’s Catholic Church in Independence. He preceded her in death on October 10, 2019. LaVonne was a homemaker, a seamstress and worked as a salesclerk in various stores in Vinton, Iowa. She was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, and spending time with her family.
LaVonne is survived by her children, Kathleen (Ron) Clapsaddle of St. Bernardo, California, Dean (Linda) Ohrt of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Marcia (Bill) Buhr of Rutledge, Tennessee, John (Sandy) Ohrt of Santee, California, Mark (Janet) Ohrt of Maple Grove, Minnesota, Marty (Don Ryan) Toale of Independence, Ellen (Dan) Carroll of Vinton, Iowa, Julie (Mark) Chmelka of Sioux City, Iowa, and stepdaughters, Mary Ann Sprague of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Barbara (Phil) Lanning of Parker, Colorado, 24 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to both spouses, she was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Clarence (Bud) Stevenson, son-in-law, Don Toale, stepson, Jerome Weber, and two grandsons, Michael Ohrt and Glynn Clapsaddle.
Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton, Iowa.
OBITUARIES CONTINUE:
Mary L. Blaness, 61, of Rowley, IA died on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence, IA.
Mary was born on June 9, 1961, in Independence, IA the daughter of Raymon L. and Patricia A. (Morrisey) Rasmussen. Mary grew up on the family farm in Rowley, IA, and attended the Rowley School. She was a 1980 graduate of Independence High School and moved to Arizona to start working in healthcare. In 1987, Mary moved back to Iowa and started working as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Mental Health Center (MHI) in Independence, IA. She met Jeff Blaness while working at MHI. Together they built a home in Rowley, IA in 2000. Mary loved helping Jeff’s children get through school and watching them grow up. She and Jeff were married 0n March 7, 2006, in Las Vegas, NV.
In the mid-1990s, Mary partnered with Tom Crawford and purchased the Rush Park Bar. She loved socializing with the customers, and many became friends throughout the years.
She is survived by her husband, Jeff Blaness, Rowley, IA, her stepchildren Auburn (Jeff) Blaness, Wells, MN, and Devin (Kelly) Blaness, Vernon Center, MN, three grandchildren, Camryn and Autumn Blaness, and Skylar Provincial, a great-granddaughter Kaleigha Provincial, five brothers; Mike (Lorrie) Rasmussen, Rowley, IA, Robert (Micky Avis) Rasmussen, Rowley, IA, Paul (Lisa) Rasmussen, Rowley, IA, Richard (Pam) Rasmussen, Independence, IA, and Alan (Rose) Rasmussen, Winthrop, IA, two sisters, Molly (Joel) Greenly, Independence, IA, and Ann (Eric) Lamparter, Rowley, IA, a sister-in-law, Terry Dezelske, Mankato, MN, two brothers-in-law, Shawn (Michelle) Delaney, Liberty, MO, Scott (Debbie) Blaness, Coffeeville, KS, and many nieces and nephews.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Raymon and Patricia Rasmussen, a sister, Ruth Ann Rasmussen, and a great nephew, Blake Steil.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 4 – 8 PM on January 7, 2023, at the Crowbar in Independence, IA.
Kenneth P. Weber, 85 years old, of Independence, IA, and formerly of Jesup, IA, died due to complications related to Parkinson’s Disease, Sunday, November 13, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at St. Athanasius Catholic Church, Jesup. Burial followed at the church cemetery.
Memorials will be directed to the church, St. Athanasius Catholic School, and Cedar Valley Hospice. Condolences may be left at www.White-MtHope.com.
Kenneth Peter Weber was born January 24, 1937, in Independence, the son of Orville Peter Weber and Alice Mary (DeDoncker) Weber. He attended Westburg Township Country School #8 until eighth grade when he attended St. Athanasius Catholic School in Jesup. Kenny graduated from St. John Catholic High School in Independence, with the class of 1955. On November 8, 1958, he was united in marriage to Patricia Kaye Heerkes at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Gilbertville, IA. The couple made their home on the family farm near Brandon where they raised hogs, cattle, and farmed corn and soybeans. Kenny also spent time working at the Jesup Creamery and John Deere. Eventually, Kenny and Pat moved into Jesup, where they lived for 24 years, before moving to Independence.
OBITUARIES CONTINUE:
Kenneth P. Weber obituary continued
Kenny liked to travel, fish, and dance. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, watching the Cubs and Hawkeyes, and eating ice cream. Kenny loved his family and he loved to watch his children and grandchildren play sports. He liked to play cards, watch cowboy shows, and care for his dogs. In his later years, he loved to take his scooter out for a ride and socialize with his neighbors. Kenny was a member of the Buchanan County Pork Producers, Farm Bureau, Lime Creek Fish and Game Club, Knights of Columbus Council #8227, and he was a lifelong member of St. Athanasius Catholic Church.
Kenny is survived by his wife Pat of Independence, IA; eight children, Julie Weber of Independence, IA, Jeffrey (Tammy Balvanz) Weber of Waterloo, IA, Joseph (Jean) Weber of Brandon, IA, Janet Weber of Jesup, IA, Jay (Janet) Weber of Madrid, IA, Jean (Mark Brewer) Weber of Fairfax, IA, Jerald (Nicole) Weber of Brandon, IA, Jill (Brian) Huebner of Raymond, IA; 18 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; four brothers, William (JoAnn) Weber of Independence, IA, Allen (JoAnn) Weber of Gilbertville, IA, Thomas (Marge) Weber of Jesup, IA, Orville Jr. (Jeannie) Weber of Gilbertville, IA; two sisters, Judy (Roger) Cordes of Stout, IA, Diane Heath of Cedar Falls, IA; one brother-in-law, Albert Burrage of Des Moines, IA; one sister-in-law, RaeAnn Pedersen of Cedar Falls, IA; several step-brothers and sisters, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Irene Weber; one stillborn son, James Michael Weber; one grandson, Joel Michael Rottinghaus; one sister, Patricia Burrage; and two brothers-in-law, Michael Heerkes and Ronald Pedersen.
Louise M. Koob, 88 years old, of Jesup, IA, died peacefully of natural causes, Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at her home at Winding Creek Meadows Assisted Living in Jesup.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at Zion Lutheran Church – Jubilee, in rural La Porte City, IA. Burial in the Zion Lutheran - Jubilee cemetery.
Louise Mary Wright was born October 5, 1934, in rural Buchanan County, Iowa, the daughter of Ralph Emery Wright and Mae (Hilton) Wright. She graduated from the Brandon High School with the class of 1952. For a short time before she was married, she worked as a telephone operator in Independence, IA. On January 25, 1953, she was united in marriage to Floyd John Koob at Zion Lutheran Church – Jubilee. They made their home on Floyd’s family farm south of Jesup, where she farmed alongside her husband and raised their family. He preceded her in death in 2003.
Louise was a member of Zion Lutheran Church – Jubilee. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, birdwatching, gardening, and collecting cookbooks. She was a wonderful caretaker, and always put others before herself.
Louise is survived by one son, Andy (Dawn) Koob; one daughter, Julie (Duane) Kraus, all of Jesup, IA; five grandchildren, Kevin (Gina) Kraus, Dean (Diana) Kraus, Scott (Sara) Kraus, Jonathan Koob, Dalton Koob and his special friend Haylee Sparks; two great grandchildren, Dillon Kraus, Drew Kraus; three step-greatgrandchildren, Elizabeth Armstrong, Elliot Armstrong, and Josh Armstrong.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Floyd Koob; and one sister, Nerme Stainbrook.
OBITUARIES CONTINUED:
Thomas “Tom” M. Fuller, 82 years old, of Jesup, IA, died Monday, October 3, 2022, at the Western Home Communities – Deery Suites, in Cedar Falls, IA, following a short illness.
Funeral services were held on Friday, October 7, 2022, at the First Presbyterian Church, in Jesup. Burial in Cedar Crest Cemetery, Jesup.
Thomas Michael Fuller was born in Jesup, IA, October 14, 1939, the son of Omer Basel Fuller and Mary (Woods) Fuller. He attended school in Jesup and graduated from Jesup High School with the class of 1958. On October 22, 1960, he married Dian Fisher. The couple later divorced. On December 22, 1980, he, and the former Karen Lee (Vye) Smith were married in Cedar Falls, IA. They made their home in Jesup.
Tom is survived by his wife of 41 years, Karen Fuller of Cedar Falls, IA; his children, Brent (Gui) Fuller of Phoenix, AZ, Scott (Nicola) Fuller of Waterloo, IA, Linnae Hartwig of Timnath, CO, Clint Fuller of Waterloo, IA; his step-children, Joleyne (Barry) Kramer of Hudson, IA, Lori (Trent) Hill of Cedar Falls, IA; 11 grandchildren, Anna Fuller, Lindsey Fuller, Ben Mulder, Brody Hartwig, Addison Fuller, Adrienne Fuller, John Kramer, Jaimie Kramer, Tyler (Hannah) Hill, Alex Hill, and Brandon (Baylea) Hill; one sister, Marian Elson of Independence, IA; and two sisters-in-law, Marlys Fuller of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Cleta Fuller of Brandon, IA.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Charles Fuller, Robert Fuller, John Fuller, Bill Fuller, Don Fuller, and James Fuller; four sisters, Lucile Fuller, in infancy, Marge Moore, Fran Crawford, Joanie Ewalt; and one brother-in-law, Jim Elson.
Robert F. “Bob” Truax, age 63, passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at his home in Cedar Rapids from complications of an ongoing illness.
Memorial visitation was held on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at the Phillips Funeral Home Chapel (212 E. 6th Street) in Vinton. A short memorial service will follow, with Pastor David Condry officiating. Private family interment will be held at the Brandon Cemetery, at a later date.
“Bob” was born on July 7, 1959, in Vinton, the son of Larry and Janice (Bauer) Truax. He graduated from Washington High School in Vinton with the class of 1977. Bob worked in waste management until his retirement.
Bob was always the life of the party and could be found wearing jeans and a cut off shirt driving a pickup truck. He loved a good nap while sitting down to watch Nascar and could make a mean batch of Kraft Mac and Cheese. No matter the situation he was always a hard worker who loved to joke around. The fun memories of him we have, will always be cherished.
He is survived by his children, Jordan (Joslyn) Truax of Vinton, Ali (Dan) LaGrange of Vinton, Tanysha Truax of Nashville, TN; 4 grandchildren; his brother, Raleigh (Sherri) Truax of Brandon, many aunts, uncle, nieces, and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Cindy Garwood.
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BRANDON BEE II
ISSUE 129 JAN, FEB, MAR 2023