CHARLES SKINNER Jr.

OTTUMWA-Charles H. Skinner Jr., 92, of Ottumwa, died May 26, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Society-Ottumwa.

He was born August 23, 1924 in Ottumwa to Charles H. and Florence M. Lewis Skinner.  On May 29, 1969 he married Bertha I. Ritz.

Charles was a World War II veteran having served with the U.S. Army Air Corps and later joined the U.S. Navy.  He retired after 23 years of service.

He had worked at Haw Hardware, Batavia Grain Elevator, Hy-Vee, Ottumwa Transit and Ottumwa Regional Health Center.

Charles was a member of Bethel United Pentecostal Church now known as Life Church.

Surviving is his wife, Bertha; children, Brian (Susan) Skinner of Kinston, North Carolina, John Skinner and Keith (Cathy) Skinner both of Ottumwa, Theresa (Keith) Durst of Fairfield, Kimi McClellan of Bloomington, IN, Cindy ( Phil) Axtell of Oskaloosa and Nancy Johnson of Ottumwa; a brother, Harold (Dee) Skinner of Ottumwa and several grandkids, great grandkids and great-great grandkids that he adored.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Carol Sue Rominger; 3 sisters, Edna Winters, Viola Wind and Dodi Lacey; a brother, Bobby Skinner; two great grandsons; son-in-law, Rick Johnson and daughter-in-law, Linda Skinner.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Reece Funeral Home with Reverend Jeffrey Frase officiating.  Burial will be in Ottumwa Cemetery with military services conducted by Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars and O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion.

Visitation begins at 11 a.m. Thursday with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.

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  ZELLA  BUSSING

OTTUMWA – Zella F. Bussing, 96, formerly of 312 S. Moore, died a 6:05 a.m. May 28, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa.

She was born March 2, 1921 in Schuyler County, MO to Elmer Dewey and Zella Fidena Wheeler Smith.  She married John Bussing May 4, 1941.  He preceded her in death January 2, 2009.

Zella graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1939 where she was a cheerleader.  She was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church where she was a Sunday school teacher for 55 years.  She was a 50 year member of Enterprise Rebekah Lodge #132 and also served as a Past Noble Grand Officer.

Surviving is a son-in-law, Ron Davis of Ottumwa.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, Conrad Francis Bussing and a daughter, Zella Reneé Davis.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Alexander officiating.  Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery.

Visitation will begin after 11 a.m. Wednesday with the family present one hour prior to the service on Thursday.

Memorials may be made to Plymouth Congregational Church.

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 PAT THORNE

OTTUMWA-Patricia A. Thorne, 77, of Ottumwa, died May 26, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Society-Ottumwa.

She was born March 20, 1940 in Ottumwa to Walter E. and Helen Dorothy Moran Sickels.  She married Charles Neil Thorne on July 17, 1960.  He preceded her in death on January 15, 2012.

A resident of Ottumwa most of her life, she enjoyed sewing, reading and crafts.

Surviving are nephews and nieces; a caregiver, Sandy Williams.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Donna Marie Howard; an infant brother, Walter E. Sickels Jr. and a niece.

Graveside services and burial will be 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Eldon Cemetery with Pastor Jeremy Skinner officiating.

Memorials may be made to Heartland Humane Society.

Reece Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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Van P. Meek, 74, of rural Stockport died early Monday May 29, 2017, at home. He was born to Harold A. and Rachel Workman Meek March 26, 1943, on the family farm where he died and lived most of his life.  Van married Janet Waugh March 20, 1970, in the Birmingham Presbyterian Church.  Van Graduated from Birmingham High School, attended Northeast Missouri State College, Kirksville, and served in the U.S. Army 1964-1966.  He was Commander of Haney-Brannan Post 181, American Legion, Birmingham, was an active member of Birmingham Fire Department, was a member of the Birmingham Lions Club, and served as a Union Township Trustee and was currently Township clerk.  Surviving are his wife, Janet, two sons:  Brian Meek and wife, Ann of Plymouth, IN and Richard Meek of Seattle, WA and six grandchildren, Madison, Cooper, Nico, Hillary, Sean and Rain.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M. Friday June 2, 2017, at Pedrick Funeral Home, Keosauqua with Pastor Larry Smith officiating followed by a memorial service by Birmingham Fire Department.  Visitation will open at 3 P.M. Thursday with family present 5-7 P.M.  Burial with Military Honors by Haney-Brannan Post will be in Winchester Cemetery southeast of Birmingham.  Memorials to the Birmingham Fire Department or Birmingham Lions Club may be left at the funeral home or mailed to the family at 14500 Osage Avenue, Stockport, IA 52651.

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  CONNIE McDANIEL

BLOOMFIELD-Connie Jo McDaniel, 69, of Bloomfield, died at 10:33 a.m. May 29, 2017 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.

She was born October 26, 1947 in Ottumwa to Richard L. and Wilma P. Batterson Martsching.  On June 12, 1964 she married Gerald W. McDaniel and he preceded her in death on March 27, 2007.

Connie was a graduate of Cardinal High School in 1965.  She helped her husband farm, had worked at Hormel, had been a janitor at the Davis County courthouse and had worked in the Davis County Assessor’s office.  She had worked in the Davis County schools through FBG, as an aide and a bus monitor.

Connie had been a 4-H leader.  She enjoyed spending time with her family and attending her grandchildren’s sporting, dance, 4-H and musical events.  She loved gardening and won the “Spiffy Award” twice in Bloomfield.

Surviving are her children, Lisa (John) Oswalt of Bloomfield, Kevin (Darcy) McDaniel of Batavia, Heidi (Kenneth) Richardson and Jamie (Kyle) Kelley both of Bloomfield; seven grandchildren, Justin and Erin Oswalt, Jaxon McDaniel, Shelby, Kendra and Dawson Richardson and Tyreece Small; siblings, Sharon (Jerry) Canfield of Ottumwa, Harry (Marcy) Martsching of Moulton, Sue (Brad) Weller of Garden City, KS and Sandra (Doug Kellerman) Martsching of Enderlin, ND; and her dog, Pepe.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Mark “Bear” Martsching and a nephew, Brian McDaniel.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor David Albert officiating.  Burial will be in Fiedler Cemetery.

Visitation begins at 11 a.m. Thursday with the family present from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.

Memorials may be made to the family to be designated at a later date.

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  FAYE SPORER

OTTUMWA – Faye Sporer, 84, of Ottumwa died May 29, 2017.

She was born April 2, 1933 in Centerville to Michael and Edna Frances Graham Sklavos.  She married Fred W. Sporer on April 17, 1958.  He preceded her in death on December 16, 2010.

A graduate of Ottumwa High School in 1951, she had worked for the Ottumwa Courier for 45 years retiring as a controller.

Surviving are two sons, Theodore (Jo) Sporer of Clive  and Mike (Teri) Sporer of Runnells; four grandchildren, Rachel, Kassie, Jordan and Meredith.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Sandra Sklavos and Frances Richmond.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Reece Funeral Home with Reverend Charles Courtney and Reverend Paul Hughes officiating.  Burial will be in Ottumwa Cemetery.

Visitation will begin after 11 a.m. Wednesday with the family present from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heartland Humane Society, PO Box 1149, Ottumwa, IA 52501

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Thomas Blank, age 38 of Cincinnati, Iowa passed away Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 2PM Thursday, June 8, 2017 at Lange Funeral Home and Crematory with Pastor Mark Walsh officiating.  Cremation will follow the funeral service.  A visitation will take place from 1-2PM Thursday, June 8, 2017 at Lange Funeral Home and Crematory in Centerville. Memorials have been established to Thomas’ Children, and may be mailed to Lange Funeral Home and Crematory, 1900 South 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.langefh.com.

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Mildred F. Wilson, 96, of Bonaparte, died at 4:15 P.M. Wednesday May 31, 2017, at Keosauqua Health Care Center, where she had resided since September, 2015.  Mildred was born June 3, 1921, at home in Louisa County, IA to Howard and Frata Morrison Eden and married Forrest Wilson October 5, 1940, in Hannibal, MO.  He preceded her in death May 26, 1996.  She had taught school and she and her husband farmed many years north of Bonaparte.  She was a member of Bonaparte United Church.

Surviving are a daughter, Janis Parrott of Blandinsville, IL, a son, Wayne Wilson (Kathy) of Bonaparte, 6 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.  In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by 3 brothers and 4 sisters.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 A.M. Saturday June 3, 2017, at Pedrick Funeral Home, Keosauqua with Pastor Mary K. Hart officiating.  Burial will be in Bonaparte Cemetery.  Visitation will open at 3 P.M. Friday with family present 5-7 P.M.  Memorials to Bonaparte United Church or Bonaparte Cemetery may be left at the funeral home or mailed to the family at 30224 227^th Street Bonaparte, IA 52620.

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Susan M. Peckham, age 70 of Centerville, Iowa passed away Friday, June 2, 2017 at her residence.

Cremation has been accorded and a Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.  Susan will be buried next to her parents at the Exline Cemetery in Exline, Iowa.  In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to the Heartland Humane Society in Ottumwa, Iowa, and may be mailed to Lange Funeral Home and Crematory, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa, 52544.  Condolences may be shared online at www.langefh.com.

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Anna Marie Kerr, 59, formerly of Fairfield died at 12:30 A.M. Monday June 5, 2017, at Keota Health Care Center, Keota.  She was born July 31, 1957, in Ottumwa to Donald Rex and Ida Louise Kerr.  Anna lived most of her life in Fairfield and worked at TENCO.

Surviving are a sister, Ida Kerr of Cedar Rapids and two brothers, Donald Kerr of Des Moines and David Kerr of Woodward.  She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters:  Linda Dale and Deborah Kerr.

Graveside services will be at 2 P.M. Wednesday June 7, 2017, in Leando Cemetery, Douds with Pastor Danny Cary officiating.  Memorials to the family to assist in the purchase of a cemetery stone may be brought to the service or mailed to 2705 Southland Street, S.W., Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.  Pedrick Funeral Home Keosauqua is handling arrangements

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RACHEL HECKER NEIPERT

OTTUMWA-Rachel Anne Hecker Neipert, 34, of Muscatine, formerly of Ottumwa, died June 4, 2017 at her home.

She was born March 29, 1983 in Ottumwa to Terry and Nina Johnson Hecker.

Rachel was a 2001 graduate of Ottumwa High School.  She played softball while in high school, enjoyed outdoor sports and   playing slow pitch softball while living in Muscatine.

Surviving is her husband, Bryan;  her parents, Terry and Nina Hecker of Blakesburg; two sisters, Sarah Greenland of Batavia and Teresa Hecker of Ottumwa; grandmother, Sharon Hecker Smage of Texas; nephews and a niece, Peyton, Gavin, Emmett, Wyatt, Ryder, Jase, Madison and Bentley; aunts and uncles.

She was preceded in death by grandparents, Harley Hecker, Donna and Edgar Johnson.

Her body has been cremated.

A service to celebrate her life will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Reece Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Jessica Faye’s Closet in care of Jesus Mission Church, 509 Mulberry Ave., Muscatine, IA 52761.

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JORENE LOWE

OTTUMWA-Jorene E. Lowe, 86, of Ottumwa, died at 5:10 a.m. June 6, 2017 at Vista Woods Care Center.

She was born March 15, 1931 in Rockford, IL to Glen E. and Marilla Conger Houdesheldt.  On May 22, 1948 she married Wilbur Lowe in Centerville, IA.  He preceded her in death on March 19, 1989.

A graduate of Cincinnati High School, Jorene moved to Ottumwa in 1960.  She was a foster mother with American Home Finding and had worked at Ottumwa Regional Health Center as a ward clerk and nurses’ aide.

Surviving are her two sons, Alan (Diane) Lowe of Riverside, IA and David (Melody) Lowe of Ottumwa;  and 3 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Lucille.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor David Klanderman officiating.  Burial will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Cincinnati, IA.

Visitation will be open at 10 a.m. Thursday.  The family will be present one hour prior to the service on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heartland Humane Society, PO Box 1149, Ottumwa, IA 52501

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LESTER HASLEY

OTTUMWA – Lester T. Hasley, 90, formerly of 1980 Albia Rd., died at 3:55 p.m. June 3, 2017 at Good Samaritan Society – Ottumwa.

He was born September 5, 1926 in Iowa to Fred and Nettie Hart Hasley.

A graduate of Blakesburg High School, Lester was President of his class.  He served in World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army.  He was honorably discharged as a Corporal in 1948.  He returned to Ottumwa working for the U.S. Postal Service from where he retired.

Surviving is a brother, Gene (Dee) Hasley of Louis, CO; a sister-in-law, JoAnn Hasley of Ottumwa; several nieces and nephews including Jeff (Kathy) Hasley, Joni (Lloyd) Keith and Joy Benson, all of Ottumwa, Francis “Bud” (Jan) Carter of Chariton, Marcella Snakenberg of Columbia, MO, Denise Maise of Lafette, CO and Francoise Loewen; a great niece, Missy (Jay) Smallwood; and many great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his companion of over 50 years, Beverly J. Hoffman; a brother, Jerry Hasley, a sister, Blanche Carter; three nieces, Geneva Smallwood, Donna Jones and Sue Wilson.

Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Reece Funeral Home with the family present from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Graveside services and burial will be 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday Memorial Lawn Cemetery with Pastor Jane Martinez officiating.  Military services will be conducted by Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars and O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion.

Memorials may be made to Good Samaritan Hospice.

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  JIMMIE BUTLER

OTTUMWA-Jimmie Lee Butler, 67, of Ottumwa, died June 4, 2017 at the Ottumwa Regional Health Center.

He was born February 2, 1950 in Ottumwa to Raymond and Rosalie Johnston Butler.  He married Nancy Ramsey on September 2, 1978.

A graduate of Ottumwa High School, Jimmie drove for 10 years for Churchill Truck Lines and for 30 years for Roadway Truck Lines, retiring in 2012.  He was a member of Teamsters Local #147.

Surviving is his wife, Nancy; a brother, Laurel (Linda) Butler of Onalaska, WI; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, Raymond; his mother and step-father, Rosalie and George Tresslar;  grandmother, Sarah Johnston who helped raise him; and half-brother, Nick Woodard.

His body has been cremated.

Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Mel Kendall officiating.  Inurnment will be in Shaul Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heartland Humane Society, PO Box 1149, Ottumwa, IA 52501

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 ROSEMARY BLAINE

OTTUMWA-Rosemary Celeste Blaine, 78, of 720 Elma, died at 3 p.m. June 6, 2017 at Ottumwa Regional Health Center.

She was born August 21, 1938 in Ottumwa to Terence and Alma Dickens Owens.  On August 21 1982 she married James Blaine and he preceded her in death on September 28, 2007.

A resident of Ottumwa all of her life, she owned and operated Ottumwa Redemption Center from 1981 to 2001.

Rosemary was a member of Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary and O.B. Nelson Unit #3 American Legion Auxiliary.

She enjoyed playing bingo, fishing, gambling, St. Louis baseball, 4 p.m. Happy Hour and spending time with her family.

Rosemary is survived by a son, Vance (Becky) Frueh of Ottumwa; a daughter, Lora Frueh (Bob Taylor) of Ottumwa; three grandchildren, Jeremy (Ashley) Frueh, Levi Frueh and Bryce (Morgan) Frueh; three great-grandchildren, Mariah Frueh, Tayton Frueh and Kendall Frueh; two brothers, Jerry (Shirley) Owens of Ottumwa, Terry Owens of Des Moines; two sisters, her twin Rosellen Clark of Indiana, Helen Long of Ottumwa; a brother-in-law, Pat Richmond of Ottumwa and countless friends.

She was preceded in death by three sisters, Marita Richmond, Mary Owens and Judy Owens; and a brother, Harry Owens.

Her body has been cremated.

Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Friday at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Mel Kendall officiating.  Inurnment will be in Ottumwa Cemetery.

Family visitation will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars or O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion.

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  STEVE MONOHON

OTTUMWA – Steven Ray Monohon, 64, of Ottumwa, left this life listening to Street Outlaws racing on TV at 4:30 p.m. June 3, 2017 with his family by his side.

He was diagnosed on February 3, 2017 with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and died 4 months to the date.

He was born March 12, 1953 in Brookhaven, MS to Mark Matthew and Sarah Elizabeth Harris Monohon.  He married Patricia Johnson March 7, 1977.

Steve completed his GED and had a few jobs here and there but was diagnosed with polio shortly after being born.  This didn’t limit him from doing what everyone else was doing such as swimming, bike riding, driving fast and being loved by all.  Steve loved Elvis, John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and James Bond Movies.

He loved fast cars such as Cameros and Novas, loud music such as The Eagles, Joe Walsh and REO Speedwagon.  Cursing everything always made him feel better when things weren’t going his way.  He also loved to name the years and makes of cars while watching old movies.  He enjoyed working on cars and cooking.  The last 4 months he couldn’t get enough chocolate milk and watching M.A.S.H.

Surviving is his wife of 40 years, Patricia; his only child, Stephanie (Chuck) Smith of Ottumwa; two granddaughters, Alexis and Aleah Line of Ottumwa; a brother and three sisters.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers and a sister.

Steve loved dogs including his buddy, Snowball with whom he loved to share bologna.  Steve had been sober for 13 years and loved being “Papa” to Alexis and Aleah.  He enjoyed watching Sponge Bob Square Pants with them, teasing them, planting flowers and making flower arrangements.

Steve requested to be cremated and he should be remembered driving fast and doing cookies in the snow.

Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Shane Frazier officiating.  Inurnment will be in Ottumwa Cemetery.

Visitation with the family present will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday evening.

Memorials may be made to Hospice serving Davis and Wapello Counties, 927 Pennsylvania Ave. Ottumwa, IA 52501.

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  CRAIG DALBEY

OTTUMWA – Craig Allen Dalbey, 67, of Ottumwa, died June 2, 2017 at his home.

He was born October 13, 1949 in Ottumwa to Floyd and Virginia Aldridge Dalbey.  He married Teresa Moore September 6, 1975.  They later divorced.

A graduate of Ottumwa High School in 1967, Craig graduated from Centerville Community College in 1969 and Iowan Wesleyan College in 1986. He then earned his Master’s Degree in Business from St. Ambrose University in 1994 and served in the Iowa Army National Guard.

He worked for John Deere Ottumwa Works for 32 years and for Bolt for 3 years.  Craig had a passion for sports; especially playing golf, basketball and softball.  He enjoyed spending time at the YMCA and loved watching his kids participate in sports.

Surviving is a son, Jeremey Dalbey of Muscatine; a daughter, Jamie (Jesse) Schadt of Mt. Pleasant; 6 grandchildren; his mother, Virginia Dalbey of Ottumwa; a brother, Bryan (Sally) Dalbey of El Cajon, CA; three sisters, Lisa (Neil) Albertson of Fremont, Tracy (LeRoy) Short of Independence, MO and Paula (Tom) Greteman of Norwalk.

He was preceded in death by his father, Floyd.

His body has been cremated.

Graveside services and burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Cedar Township Memorial Cemetery in Fremont with Pastor Bob Voels officiating.

Visitation with the family present will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Reece Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the slow-pitch softball fields, or the Ottumwa YMCA.

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Ed Oehler, age 72 of Moravia, passed away Thursday, June 8, 2017 at his home.

Private graveside services will be held.  In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to either the Moravia First Responders or to the Moravia Public Library and may be mailed to Lange Funeral Home and Crematory, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa, 52544.  Condolences may be shared online at www.langefh.com.

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  82  year old Bob Thompson of Beacon will be held Thursday, June 15th,  at 10 a.m. at Beacon Cemetery  near  Beacon.

Those attending the service should meet at the cemetery.

Garland-Van Arkel-Langkamp Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements for (age and name)  82-year-old  Bob Thompson .

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A memorial service for Raymond P. Schlegel, 79, of Milton who died April 21, 2017, will be at 11 A.M. , Saturday June 17, 2017, in the Milton Heritage Church on the west side of Main Street, with a lunch following.  Pedrick Funeral Home, Keosauqua is handling arrangements.

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