Marilyn J. Reiter, 82, of Quincy, formerly of Ursa, passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2020, at Sunset Home in Quincy.

Marilyn was born on April 3, 1938, in Lima, Illinois, the daughter of the late Virgil and Clara (Rabe) Andrew. She graduated from Bowen High School and later Quincy Beauty Academy. Marilyn was employed at the Illinois Veteran’s Home for over twenty years. In her free time, she tended to her immaculate flower gardens, cooked and sewed. Marilyn was a wonderful person with a quick wit and a great sense of humor. She never met a stranger and loved animals of all kinds. But most of all, she loved her family. 

Marilyn is survived by three children: Kathy (Jim) Maher of Cascade, Montana, Kermit Reiter of Ursa, Illinois, and Kevin (Golden) Reiter of Ursa; two grandsons: Sergeant Brandon Reiter of Rising Sun, Maryland, and Kalb (Ashley) Reiter of Lima, Illinois; her sister Deloris (Bill) Moore of West Point, Illinois, two great-granddaughters and one great-grandson. Marilyn was also a surrogate mother to many young people in her life. 

No services will be held at this time.

Tributes and condolences may be left at www.dejongsfuneralhome.com. 

DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.

Jereldene Muenzenmaier, 92, of Dallas City, Illinois, passed away at 3:44 a.m. Thursday, December 28, 2020 at the Fort Madison Community Hospital.

Jereldene was born on March 15, 1928 near Bucklin, Missouri the daughter of Charlie and Trella (Carriker) Neff. On September 13, 1986 she married Frank Muenzenmaier. He preceded her in death on December 11, 2015.

Jereldene enjoyed watching birds, dogs and cats. She also enjoyed tending to her flowers and doing crafts, especially painting.

Survivors include three chldren, Rebecca Murphy of Dallas City, Jeff (Cindy) Manning of West Point, Iowa and Gary (Teresa) Manning of Fort Madison, Iowa; nine grandchildren, John Rhondes III, Angela Rhodes, Jessica Pietz, Samantha Morris, James Imthurn, Garrett Grelk, Lauren Grelk, Brandon Manning and Joseph Manning; 17 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Also surviving is one sister Violet (Wes) Brown of San Antonio, Texas.

In addition to her husband, Frank, also preceding her in death are two sisters, Leona and Bonnie and one brother, Charles.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 2, 2021 at Harris Cemetery, near Dallas City. No visitation is planned.

Banks & Beals Funeral Home of Dallas City is assisting the family. A memorial fund has been established for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. To sign the guestbook or leave a condolence please visit Jereldene’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.

William M. “Bill” Adams

1939 – 2020

     William M. “Bill” Adams, 81, of Keokuk died Saturday, December 26, 2020 at the Unity Point Keokuk Hospital in Keokuk.

     He was born on March 11, 1939 in Salisbury, Maryland the son of William Leon and Ruth A Lakefield.

     Bill graduated from the Milford High School in Milford, Delaware with the Class of 1958.

      On September 3, 1966 Bill was united in marriage to Georgia “Kay” Adams in Keokuk. She survives.

     Other survivors include two sisters, Ruth Ann Dickerson and Leona Clendaniel both of Milford, Delaware, nieces, nephews and special friends and caregiver his “kids” Stacie and Bill Claus and their children, his “grandkids” Nicole, Caylee and Cody.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, two stepbrothers, William Morris and Elwood Wayne Morris and two stepsisters, Betty Lane and Dian Simpson.

     Bill enlisted in the United States Coast Guard on June 30, 1958 and proudly served his country until July 1, 1978 when he retired after 20 years of service. 

He then was employed as a distribution manager for the L.D. Caulk Co. for 10 years and then worked as an assistant manager for Walmart for 11 years prior to his retirement.

     He was a faithful member of the First Christian Church in Keokuk and the Elks Lodge in Keokuk where he was a past Exalted Ruler.

     In his spare time, he loved to golf, fish and go dancing with Kay. He stayed active in the Elks Lodge and traveled throughout the United States for a year with Kay.

     Due to the Covid-19 situation there will be no services at this time.  A celebration of his life will be at a later with burial with military rites in the Keokuk National Cemetery.

     Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church youth activities or youth camp.

      The Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk is assisting the family with arrangements.

       Online condolences may be made to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com

Jeanette “Jetty” Calvert, 74, of Carthage, passed away at her home on December 26, 2020 at 8:11 P.M, with her family by her side.

Jetty was born December 21, 1946, the daughter of Howard and Norma (Bilderback) Clark in Keokuk, Iowa.  She graduated from Carthage High School and went on to receive her B.A. in Nursing from Illinois Wesleyan College.  She spent twenty-five years as a nurse at Carthage Memorial Hospital and taught the Practical Nursing Program at Carl Sandburg College.  Jetty was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Hancock County T.B. Board, a Charter member of H.U.G.S., served as the community member on the Memorial Hospital Ethics Board and the National League for Nursing.  She also served in the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and was the Hancock County Disaster Nurse for the American Red Cross.  Jetty was a member of D.A.R. and the National Nursing Honor Society SigmaTheta Tau.  On March 5, 2005, she was united in marriage to Craig Calvert at the United Methodist Church in Carthage.

    Jetty was known for generous, giving heart. She was a lifelong best friend to her sister Cindi, a caring mother, and a loving wife. Jetty’s grandchildren were the light of her life. She found joy in watching her grandchildren’s activities. They will always remember Grandma Jetty’s purse full of bubble gum. Jetty was an excellent nursing teacher and mentor who paved the way for many.  She was always known for her exceptional cooking and hospitality. 

Jetty is survived by her husband, Craig Calvert, of Carthage; three daughters, KaDee (Jared) Shutwell of Carthage, Kara (Ryan) Ruffcorn of Canton, Missouri and Kelly (Kevin) Carlson of Pella, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Maddie, Ella, Ava and Myah Shutwell, Allie and Izzy Ruffcorn and Samuel and Lucy Carlson; a sister, Cindi (Kevin) Smith of Warrenton, Missouri; two nieces, KaLyn (Danny) Fuemmeler and Kena (Dana) Valencia; a nephew, Kurt Smith; and four great nieces and nephews, Bryce, Hannah and Abby Fuemmeler and K.J. Beyer.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two young brothers, Cary Jon and Clifton Clark and family member Helen Seigfreid.

Friends may come from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. Wednesday evening at Printy Funeral Home to sign the book and take a service folder.  The family will not be present.  Private funeral services will be held at a later date with burial in Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage.  Memorials may be directed to H.U.G.S. or the United Methodist Church in Carthage.  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Bonnie Mae McFarland, 71, of Carthage, passed away at Oak Lane Care Center in Stronghurst, Illinois at 5:20 AM , on Wednesday, December 23, 2020.

Bonnie was born February 2, 1949 in Marquette, Michigan, the daughter of Howard J. and Viola J. (Basal) Johnson. She graduated from Marquette High School in Marquette, Michigan. On July 26, 1985, she was united in marriage to Ray A. McFarland at Rand Park in Keokuk, Iowa. Bonnie had a lifelong desire to help people with learning disabilities. She worked with special needs at the Ferris School and the Hancock County Mental Health Department for many years. She also operated a home respite care in her home, taking care of many elderly people. Bonnie had a deaf and hearing ministry, teaching many the arts of sign language, children and adults alike. She was an active member of the Burnside Christian Church teaching Sunday School for the 2-3 year olds for over 30 years. 

Bonnie is survived by her husband Ray, of Carthage, two sisters Carole Wiggins, of Marquette, Michigan, Lynn Giles, of Dothan, Alabama, one brother, Allen Johnson, of Marquette, Michigan. Three sons, Robert (Debbie) Kurrle, of Oglesby, Illinois, Mark (Kristen) Kurrle, of Peru, Illinois and Travis Kurrle of Macomb, Illinois. Three step sons, Eric (Erin) McFarland of Pekin, Illinois, Jason McFarland of Pekin, Illinois and Christopher (Cath) McFarland, of Louin, Mississippi, nine grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Judy Labreche, and an aunt and uncle; brother-in-law, Al Labreche and Jack Wiggens.

Private services will be held at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage, with interment to follow at Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage. There will be no formal visitation, but the register book will be available to sign at 9 AM, Monday, January 4. Memorials may be directed to the Burnside Christian Church, Deaf and Hearing ministry. Printy Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

William “Bill” Johnson Fecht, 95, of Carthage, passed away at 11:29 AM, Friday, December 25, 2020, at Red Maple Care Center in Carthage.

Bill was born November 26, 1925, the son of Arnold and Ollie (Johnson) Fecht at home in Harmony Township.  On June 11, 1950, he was united in marriage to Wilma Irene Smith at Trinity Lutheran Church in Carthage.  They celebrated 70 years of marriage this year.  She survives.

During World War II, he did civilian service work at the Ft Madison Railway. Following the War, Bill attained the rank of Corporal in the U.S. Army, serving from 1948 - 1949.  He then continued to serve in the Army Ready Reserve until 1954.  Bill was a farmer all his life, even after his “retirement.”  He had worked at the Bentley Elevator in his younger years and served as a part time rural mail carrier.  The original Christmas Star on the Bentley elevator was built in 1940 with Bill’s help in his grandparent’s kitchen.  He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Carthage.  

Bill was a lifelong learner who loved to read.  He attended Bentley Grade School through the 8th grade.  In 1968, he returned to school and earned his GED.  He enjoyed story-telling, meeting new people, and tinkering with machinery out in the shop.

Bill is survived by his wife, Wilma, of Carthage; a daughter, Sandra M. Fecht of St. Paul, Minnesota; two sons, James W. Fecht of Falcon Heights, Minnesota and Robert (Shellee) Fecht of Carthage; a grandson, Wyatt Fecht of St. Louis; and LeAnn Schofield-Fecht who held a special place in Bill and Wilma’s life for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, John E. Fecht.

Private family funeral services will be held at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with burial to follow in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.  The family strongly requests no flowers but rather that Bill be honored through memorials.  Memorials may be directed to Camp Callahan (a summer camp for individuals age 6-65 with special needs) in Quincy or to the Maple Grove Memory Care Center in Carthage.  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Vida Suzanne Curtis

1926-2020

     Vida Suzanne Curtis was called home on December 16, 2020.  She was born January 24, 1926 at Graham Hospital in Keokuk, IA, the eighth child of William and Lula Noonan Fowler. Raised in Montrose, Iowa, Vida loved school and sports. She married Dean Mitchell on October 9, 1943, who was killed in action during the Battle of the Bulge. Vida then moved to Washington DC to live with her sister and work for the Department of Agriculture. While there she began dating Howard Curtis, also from Montrose, and serving in the Navy. They married on June 20, 1946 and lived in Peoria, IL. They soon relocated back to Montrose to live on and run the Curtis family farm located on the Mississippi River while Howard continued his meteorology career in Burlington. 

     Vida began a life-long love of growing and preserving many types of produce from their large garden and orchard, which blessed not just her family but many others. Family favorites included apple Pie, apple Butter and bread and butter pickles. She also raised many varieties of flowers and enjoyed making arrangements.

      In 1965 the family relocated to Norwalk, Iowa for 10 years before Howard retired and then they returned back to the farm in Montrose. After Howard’s death, Vida moved to Des Moines to be closer to family and enjoyed being involved in her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s activities.  

     Vida’s faith in God was the most important part of her life and she exemplified the Proverbs 31 Woman. Her children, grandchildren and great -grandchildren were her greatest achievements. She was actively involved with her children in Sunday School, 4H, Scouts, Room Mom activities, and any extra-curricular activity or sport they were involved in.  She had a very strong work ethic, loved to sew, crochet, craft, sing, play games and spend time with her siblings and extended family where laughter could always be heard. She absolutely loved Iowa Hawkeye basketball games. However, her all-time favorite coach was Tom Izzo of Michigan State much to the amusement of her family.

     She was an active member of The Montrose Presbyterian Church, Crusaders, Mariners and Eastern Stars. After moving to Des Moines, in her later years, she regularly attended Des Moines Fellowship Church, where she was much loved, and became the honorary grandmother to many. 

     She is survived by her children, Frank (Debbie) Curtis, Norwalk, IA, Jeonia Curtis, Des Moines, IA, Kristi (John) Stockton, Leawood, KS, and son-in-law Donnie Roach, Norwalk, IA; grandchildren, Stacy (Darin) Cox, Todd (Kristi) Curtis, Curt (Missy) Roach, Kevin Roach, Zac Stockton, Tate Stockton; great –grandchildren, McKenna, Cooper and Quinn Cox, Bailey, Garret and Madison Roach, Miles and Morgan Curtis.

     She was preceded in death by her husbands, her children, Nancy Kay (1949), Woody (1965), and Suzette (2019), her parents and her siblings, Ivor (Ruthann) Fowler, Minnie (Hayward) Braddock, Ruth (John) Davis, John Edwin (Francis) Fowler, Wilma (Travis) Hailey, Louis (Jeanette) Fowler, and Robert (Lila) Fowler.

     Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation from 12-2 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. The service will be livestreamed and the link can be found on the Hamilton Funeral Home website, www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.  

       A graveside service will be held on Thursday, December 31st at 11:00 a.m. at Montrose Cemetery in Montrose, IA. Social distancing requirements will be in place and attendees may be limited according to those requirements. Masks are required.

      Visitation will be held at the Vigen Memorial Home in Montrose from 10 – 10:45 a.m. Thursday.

      Memorials may be directed to the family to be distributed to the various charities that were close to Vida’s heart.  

     Online condolences may be made to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com

Shirley M. Batley

1937 – 2020

     Shirley Maxine (Bryant) Batley, 83, born July 25th, 1937 in Keokuk, Iowa passed at her home on December 22, 2020.

     She was born to Emmett and Lottie Neves Bryant in Keokuk. She married Dennis Batley, January 17th, 1981 and would have celebrated their 40th Anniversary in 2021. 

     She was very social, loved to travel, dance, take trips to casinos and Branson, Missouri.  She enjoyed meeting many friends at the Hamilton Family restaurant. She was of Catholic faith and would attend mass with her sisters, which she cherished. Above all, she loved her family and spending time with them.

     Shirley is survived by her husband, two daughters, Teresa (Roger) Evans and Sherry (Brad) Huston, four grandchildren, Keith Evans of Topeka, Kansas and James (Tressa) Evans, Shawna (Brendon) Myers, Christopher (Autumn) Huston all of Keokuk, Iowa.  Step grandchildren include Tim (Deanne) Huston, Steve (Jessica) Huston, Christina Huston and Debbie Huston.  Nine great grandchildren include Brandon, Allison, Jared, Emma, and Noah Evans, Jacob Farrell, Kori Myers, Oliver Huston, Aria Mills along with several step great grandchildren, two sisters, Betty (Richard) McCarl of Keokuk, Iowa and Emma Jean (Marvin) Steffensmeier of Fredericksburg, Virginia, one sister-in-law, Judy (Ernie) Kaylor of Hannibal, Missouri, many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.  Shirley was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

     Shirley was proceeded in death by her parents, her first husband, Jimmie, her grandson, Corey Evans, one sister, Pat (Brad) and their daughter, Barbara Picton and her father-in-law Gerald Batley. 

     Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk with Rev. David Brownfield, PhD officiating.  Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park in Keokuk. The funeral service will be live streamed on the Vigen Memorial Home facebook page.

     Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from noon until 1:00 pm at the funeral home with family meeting with friends at that time.  Social distancing requirements will be in place and attendees may be limited according to those requirements. Masks are required.

     A memorial has been established with St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

     Online condolences may be made to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com 

Ruby Jean Steck, age 102, of Carman, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab in Stronghurst.  She was born November 23, 1918 at home, near Carman, the daughter of Fred and Emma Siegworth Dannenberg.  She was married to George Franklin Steck.  He preceded her in death in January of 1959.

Ruby grew up on a close knit family farm with her parents, siblings, and two significant uncles, Louie and Bill Dannenberg.  She attended Carman Grade School and graduated from Stronghurst High School in 1935.  In 1937, she graduated from Western Illinois State Teachers College with an Associate degree in teaching.  She later returned and received her Bachelor degree in 1969.

Ruby taught in rural schools in Cass County, Illinois, Stronghurst, Raritan, Smithshire, Media, and in the Grimes and Salter Elementary Schools in Burlington, Iowa.  An elementary teacher for forty years, Ruby stated “ each child is unique. Educating the mind without a heart, is no education at all.”

She was a 4-H leader, a member of the Carman United Church, two card clubs, and was active in the Henderson County Republican Women.  She was a talented seamstress, and in her younger years, loved dancing to the big band era of Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, and singer Bing Crosby.

Survivors include two daughters; Peggy (Donald) Latherow of Fountain Green, IL, Jean Ann Steck of Carman, two sons; Fred (Kerri) Steck and William (Brenda) Steck, both of Carman, five grandchildren; Megan (Michael) Moser, and Maria, Catie, Abby, and John Steck, and four great grandsons; Clifford, Michael, Reid, and Max Moser.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one grandson; Dannen Latherow, three brothers; Walter, John and Charles L.,  and two sisters; Helen and Marguerite.

Private family graveside services will be held Monday, December 28, 2020 in the Carman Cemetery, with Pastor Lisa Unger officiating.  Friends may call as they desire from 1:00 until 5:00 p.m. Sunday at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst.  A memorial fund has been established for Oak Lane Nursing and Rehab in Stronghurst.  Please visit Ruby’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to sign the guest book and leave a condolence.

Richard “Dick” Lucie, 85, died December 21, 2020 at his Basco home surrounded by family.

Dick is survived by his wife of 65 years, Nancy (Collins); daughter Teresa (Thompson), grandchildren Jake and Alex (Kristin) Thompson, and great grandchildren Sophia and Jonny; son Mitch (Carla), and grandchildren Matt (Kristen), Nick (Margo), and Brock (Kelsey); daughter Jill (David) Beck, grandchildren Christy Dickinson (Wes) and Jacob Beck (Christine).

Born August 2, 1935, in Keokuk, Iowa, the first child of Raymond and Lorraine Lucie, Dick attended Western Illinois University for one year before following his passion and beginning his lifelong career as a farmer.  His commitment to family and love for the land exemplify the best of rural America, formed by the still rhythms of nature and community. 

Dick loved doing much more than talking and showed his generosity through gifts of service.  He and Nancy contributed tennis courts for the Basco community when their children were teenagers, co-chaired the Hancock County Relay for Life for many years, and Dick served on Unit District 316’s school board for two terms in the 1960s and 1970s.

Dick’s favorite memories were created with family.  He and Nancy loved to travel, often with their children or friends.  A safari in Africa, a mail run to the North Pole, and a cruise through the Panama Canal ranked at the top of his adventure list.

An avid sports fan with a keen memory for statistics, he especially loved St. Louis Cardinal baseball and University of Illinois basketball. In recent years, the family would often gather in St. Louis around Dick’s birthday, renting a suite at Bush Stadium to enjoy baseball, one another, and the Midwest summer.  As the seven grandchildren were growing up, Dick and Nancy attended at least one game per sport per child per season—whether soccer, pole vaulting, football, cross county, or the myriad other sports in which the children participated.

The epitome of Paul Harvey’s memorable 1978 speech, “So God Made a Farmer,” Dick’s life is beautifully framed through that lens: “And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, ‘I need a caretaker.’ So God made a farmer.  God said, I need somebody willing to get up before dawn, milk cows, work all day in the fields, milk cows again, eat supper and then go to town and stay past midnight at a meeting of the school board.’ So God made a farmer. . . . God had to have somebody willing to ride the ruts at double speed to get the hay in ahead of the rain clouds and yet stop midfield and race to help when he sees the first smoke from a neighbor’s place.  So God made a farmer. . . . Somebody who’d bale a family together with the soft strong bonds of sharing, who would laugh and then sigh, and then reply, with smiling eyes, when his son says he wants to spend his life ‘doing what dad does.’ So God made a farmer.”

Dick enjoyed gardening and was tilling, weeding, and harvesting until the final few months of his life. Like him, his tools are now at rest, but the fruit of his labor lives on in the family he raised. The family was blessed to have him at home for the final few days of his life.

A private service (due to Covid) to honor Dick’s life will be held December 29, 2020.  His cremains will remain on his Basco farm.  In lieu of flowers memorials are welcome, especially for the following charities:

1.  Chaddock Boys Home

2. Lucie Critical Thinking Award at Illinois State University

3. Warsaw United Methodist Church

Janelle Sue Holtsclaw Hopson, 64, of Hamilton, passed away Sunday, December 20, 2020 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.

Janelle was born February 23, 1956, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Verne and Alice (Carlile) Holtsclaw.  She married Scott Hopson on July 5, 1986 in Keokuk, Iowa.  He survives.   Janelle was president of Hopson Drilling Company for ten years.  She held a food service license for twenty years, being employed by numerous local restaurants as a chef.  She was also employed by Ben Franklin as a decorator.  She was a graduate of Hamilton High School, class of 1974.  Janelle was a lover of all animals, often rescuing strays.  Her family was everything to her and she enjoyed her time with them.  She was a very friendly open person who never forgot anyone’s name.  Janelle was a member of the First Christian Church of Hamilton, attending weekly services for eighteen years.

Janelle is survived by her husband, Scott of Hamilton; son, Ryan Holtsclaw of Warsaw; granddaughter, Kristianna Holtsclaw of Orion, Illinois; great grandson, Rowen Chadley Norton of Orion, Illinois; grandson, Anthony Hicks of Blue Springs, Nebraska; one sister, Denise (Merle) Bloyd of Mendon, Illinois; a niece, nephew and a great nephew; numerous cousins and two aunts; and precious life-long friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Cards and condolences can be sent to Scott Hopson, 1436 NCR 1100 E, Hamilton, IL  62341.  Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is in charge of arrangements

Sylvia Margarette (Hitz) St. Clair, 92, of Carthage, passed away quickly and peacefully on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at Carthage Memorial Hospital to be with her Lord.

Sylvia was born on the family farm in rural Plymouth, Illinois, the only child to Harvey and Flossie (Lee) Hitz on October 25, 1928.  She attended St. Mary’s School, north of Plymouth, and graduated from Carthage High School in 1946.

On November 24, 1946, she married the love of her life, Earl St. Clair at St. Mary’s Baptist Church.  They farmed together for many years.  After farming, she worked at the Carthage Bowling Alley, Newsland Bookstore, and Ben Franklin in Carthage.  If she didn’t know a person, she figured out who they had in common as friends and family.

She was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Christian Church in rural Plymouth and was a member of the VFW Ladies auxiliary for a time. Sylvia has lived at Hickory Grove North Assisted Living since it opened.  The care given there helped her live a happy life all the way to the end.

Preceding her in death were her husband; parents; in-laws; and many first and second cousins.  Surviving her are daughter, Shirley (David) Jordan of Rock City, Illinois; son, Randy St. Clair of Marion, Illinois; grandsons, Aaron (Laura) St. Clair of Quincy, Jeremy (Meg) Jordan of Rock City, Kevin (Kaylee) Jordan of Winfield, Illinois, Adam St. Clair and ten great grandchildren; and cousin Junior (Pat) Hitz of Carthage.

Private services are planned due to COVID.  A Celebration of Life is possible in the spring.  Memorials may be directed to the Mt. Pleasant Christian Church or Hickory Grove Assisted Living.  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Hazel Josephine Beeler, 95, of Warsaw, passed away at 10:20 PM Monday night, December 21, 2020 at the Montebello Care Center in Hamilton.

Hazel was born August 1, 1925, in Sutter, Illinois, the daughter of Raymond Frederick and Marie Anna (Nagel) Buckert.  She attended the one room schoolhouse near Sutter.  She was Confirmed at the Bethlehem United Church of Christ near Sutter on May 28th, 1939.  On June 10, 1942, she was united in marriage to Carroll Frederick Beeler at the Bethlehem United Church of Christ.  Hazel enjoyed word search puzzles and was well known for her hospitality, especially never leaving her home without first having cake and ice cream.  She was universally known and spoken of as a sweet lady.

Hazel is survived by a daughter, Sharon Fryrear of Mendon; two sons, Ronald (Judy) Beeler of Ft. Madison, Iowa and Les (Martha) Beeler of Warsaw; twenty-three grandchildren; forty-eight great grandchildren and one on the way; thirteen great great grandchildren; two sisters, Beulah Luft of Hamilton and Bernice Clark of Sutter; a brother, Carroll (Suzanne) Buckert of Carthage; sister-in-law, Mrs. Paul (Betty) Buckert; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carroll in 2012; two sons, Darrell and Myron Beeler; a grandson, Marc Beeler; a son-in-law, DeWayne Fryrear; and siblings, Mary Wells, Blanche Slothauber, Goldie Caley, Paul Buckert and Leo Buckert.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at Oakland Cemetery in Warsaw.  Extended visitation will be held from 3:00 – 7:00 PM Monday evening at Printy Funeral Home in Warsaw.  Memorials may be directed to the Montebello Manor Health Care Center Activity Fund.  Printy Funeral Home of Warsaw is in charge of arrangements.

Anna Ruth King

1938-2020

     Anna Ruth King, 82 formerly of St. Francisville, MO passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at the Mississippi Valley Healthcare in Keokuk, IA.

     She was born on April 5, 1938 to Norman LeMaster and Hazel Gregory.  She married Gerald “Jiggs” Haskins and they had three children.  They later divorced.  She remarried to Dennis King.

     Anna had been employed at the Keokuk Yacht Club and Methode Electronics in Carthage, IL.  She enjoyed being in the St. Francisville Garden Club and going on trips with the girls on the OATS bus.  She was an avid gardener, cookbook collector (which she had a lot of) and canner. 

     She made excellent salsa that everyone just loved, using the vegetables she grew in her garden.  She also loved to hit yard sales in the summer time and during the Christmas Eve get-together there would be a high spirited game of cards that she really enjoyed.

     Anna is survived by a son, Scott Haskins of St. Francisville, MO, daughter, Lona Starr of Keokuk, stepdaughter Laura Happs of St. Francisville, MO, stepson, Michael King of Merritt Island, FL, thirteen grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, sisters, Norma Rye of Revere, MO, Dorthy Scott of Elkins, AR and a brother, Dave (Sandy) LeMaster of St. Francisville, MO, also several nieces, nephews and cousins.

     She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Charles LeMaster, niece Tina Lucas, brother-in-law, Jesse (Corky) Rye and one daughter, Carrie Kelly.

     No services are planned at this time due to COVID-19 concerns.  A Celebration of her life may take place at a later date.

     Memorials may be made to an animal shelter of the donor’s choice.

     “When tomorrow starts without me, and I’m not there to see, If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me, I wish so much you wouldn’t cry the way you did today, while thinking of the many things we didn’t get to say.  I know how much you love me, as much as I love you, and each time that you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too.” Author David Romano

     The Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA is assisting the family with arrangements.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com

Fredrick Leroy Howe, 80, of rural Niota, Illinois, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at the UnityPoint - Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois.  He was born in La Harpe, Illinois at Mary Davier Hospital on July 6, 1940 to Fred Franklin and Dorothy Lucille (Johnson) Howe.  He attended Gilead Grade School northeast of La Harpe and Blandinsville High School, and graduated in 1958 from Terre Haute High School.
 He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patricia Jane (Hall) Howe, three daughters: Catherine Ann (Smith) & Darren of Dallas City, Illinois, Trisha Suzanne (Hopper) & Shawn of Fort Madison, Iowa, and Amanda Lucille (Greenhalge) & Christopher of Dallas City; 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild due to arrive in May; one sister, Shirley Poulter of Beverly, Illinois, one brother and faithful friend, Richard Howe of Dallas City, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and family friends from surrounding communities. He is predeceased by 2 sisters, Betty Brewer and Barbara Walters Logan.
 Fred served with the United States Navy from 1961 – 1965 as an Electronics Technician, having made three Mediterranean cruises with the 6th fleet aboard an aircraft carrier.  He worked for AT&T/Bell System, was self employed in a TV business, and retired from Computer Aided Design (CAD) Engineering. 
 He loved The Lord, All his family & many friends, nature, and deer & turkey hunting.  He possessed great skill with Electronics, Television, Computers, Auto Mechanics, Carpentry, and Plumbing.  He shared his love for Bluegrass Gospel Music and his 5 string Bluegrass Banjo and Harmonicas with many friends. 
 He served the Lord most recently in the River of Life Fellowship in Dallas City, Illinois, and was a Pontoosuc Township Trustee. He was a member of the LaHarpe Masonic Lodge and the Dallas City American Legion.
 A private family celebration of Fred’s  life will be held on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City with Pastor Doug Clark officiating. Immediately following, at 11:15a.m., all family and friends are welcome to attend a graveside service, with military rites, at Myers Cemetery, near Niota. No visitation is planned. A memorial fund has been established for the River of Life Fellowship. To leave a condolence and sign the guestbook, please visit Fred’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.

Mary Jo Williams, 87, of West Point, Illinois, passed away Wednesday evening, December 16, 2020 at 9:53 PM at the Sunset Home in Quincy following an extensive struggle with Alzheimer’s.

Mary Jo was born February 13, 1933 in Laurel, Mississippi, the daughter of Charles and Alice (Polk) McGinnis.  On February 13, 1954 she was united in marriage to Frank A. Williams in Mississippi.  He preceded her in death in 2016.  Mary Jo felt the call to join the ministry in the 80’s. She graduated from Garrett Seminary and served as minister in Point Pleasant, Bardolph, and New Philadelphia Methodist Churches for over 20 years retiring upon the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Mary Jo moved into Sunset Home in Quincy, IL in 2014, and was a resident there until her recent passing.

Mary Jo is survived by her son, David Williams of Guthrie, Oklahoma; two daughters, Marcia (Kevin) Avise of Bowen, Illinois and Linda (David) Wright of Loraine, Illinois; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren; three sisters, Lucille Davis, Geraldine Thornton, and Rachel Baygents; and a brother Oscar Montgomery, all living in Mississippi; as well as many nieces and nephews;

She was preceded in death by her parents Charles McGinnis, and Alice Smith; husband, Frank; and two sisters, Betty Scott and Katherine Clark.

Extended visitation hours will be held from 2:00 – 6:00 P.M. Sunday evening, December 20, 2020, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage.  Private family services will be held at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with burial in Chili Township Cemetery.  Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Susan Jane Garrett, 74, of Elvaston, passed away at 11:13 AM Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.

Susan was born July 12, 1946, in Whitesboro, Texas, the daughter of Charles and June (Syron) West.  On September 28, 1974, she was united in marriage to Fred Garrett in LaHarpe, Illinois.  He survives.  Susan worked many years for Ann Menke Accounting in Keokuk retiring in 2012.  She was a member of the First Christian Church in Hamilton and an avid supporter of Transitions of Western Illinois in Quincy.  

Susan is survived by her husband, Fred, of Elvaston; children, Shondra (C.L.) Hutson of Keokuk, Shane (Kristina) Garrett of Dixon, TN, Donnie (Jenny) Patrick of White Bluff, TN, Jimmy Patrick of Quincy and Stacey (Rich) Huss of Burlington; fourteen grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; two brothers, James (Lori) West of Vancouver, WA and Ron (Shelly) West of Salem, OR; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Nancy; and a niece.

Extended visitation hours will be held at Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton from 2:00 – 8:00 PM Sunday evening, December 20, 2020.  Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, December 21, 2020, at the Elvaston Cemetery.  Memorials may be directed to Transitions of Western Illinois in Quincy.  Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.

Matthew Warren Burford, 71, of Fountain Green, Illinois, passed away at 6:40 a.m. Thursday, December 17, 2020 at the UnityPoint - Memorial Hospital in Carthage.

Matthew was born on September 5, 1949 in LaHarpe, Illinois, the son of Cecil Ray and Madelyn Stabler Burford Jr. On March 25, 2004 he married Kimberly Kitchen in Carthage.

Matthew was a graduate of LaHarpe High School. Following high school he worked for IAAP in Burlington for a short time before enlisting in the U.S. Army. After his service he spent most of his life driving a truck for Jones Heating & Cooling. He also worked construction in the Chicago and LaHarpe areas.

Matthew was a member of the Carthage VFW and the LaHarpe American Legion. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and tinkering on old tractors.

Survivors include his wife, Kimberly; one son, Blaze (Amber) Burford of Knoxville, Illinois; two daughters, Brittany (Terry) Teesdale and Kim (Bill) Raines all of LaHarpe; one step-son, Christafer (Amy) Savage of Keokuk, Iowa; four grandchildren, Reese, Olive, Nora and Bridgette; three step-grandchildren, Cassidy, Aaron and Colbee and one step great-grandchild, Jaxson. Also surviving are two siblings, Susan Pfeiffer of Ft. Madison and Edward (Barbara) Burford of Warsaw, Illinois.

Matthew was preceded in death by his parents.

Cremation has been entrusted to Banks & Beals Funeral Homes.

A graveside service with Military Rites will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at the LaHarpe Cemetery with Rick Goettsche officiating. A memorial fund has been established for the Ft. Green Fire Department.

To leave a condolence  please visit Matthew’s obituary at banksandbeals.com

Thomas Harold Ferguson

1944 -2020

     Thomas Harold Ferguson, 76 of Keokuk, IA died Monday, December 14, 2020 at the VA Medical Center in Iowa City, IA.

     He was born February 28, 1944 in LaHarpe, IL the son of William Henry and Ollie LaVenia Duncan Ferguson.  Thomas graduated from Union High in Biggsville, IL with the Class of 1962.   While in high school, he was involved in the football squad, track, basketball team. 

     He joined the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country from 1962-1965, during the Vietnam War.

     On June 19, 1965 he was united in marriage to Esther West at First Christian Church in Keokuk.  She survives. 

     Other survivors include one daughter, Tamara Claussen and her husband Duane of Ankeny, IA, one son, Timothy Ferguson of Keokuk, two grandchildren, Andrew Rusher of Ankeny, IA and Cameron Ferguson of Muscatine, IA, two step-grandchildren, Colton McGee Claussen of Ankeny, IA and Heather Dixon.  He is also survived by brothers and sisters, Gary Ferguson and his wife Irene,  Janice Hamm, R. Eugene “Gene” (Sharon) Ferguson and Cheryl Boughton all of California and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Walter and Lena (Hood) Ferguson and Della (Cox) Duncan, one brother, Gail L. Ferguson, and several aunts, Doris Duncan, Barbara Lawyer Sandra Wickham and Esta Ferguson, and uncle Lawrence Lawyer.   

     He had been employed by J.I. Case Company in Burlington, IA, the Stronghurst Lumber Company in Stronghurst, IL, Keokuk Steel Castings, Hawley Heating and Cooling Company and the Keokuk National Cemetery all in Keokuk, IA.

     Thomas was very involved in his children’s activities while they were growing up.   He was the assistant scoutmaster for a troop in Stronghurst, IL, acted as the assistant baseball coach for the YMCA for his son’s team and was the head baseball coach for the Torrence’s Cub Scout program.  He also enjoyed playing and coaching the Steel Castings baseball team in the Industrial baseball League and bowling in the Industrial Bowling League.  Thomas loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing.  A graveside service with military rites will be held at a later date in the Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk, IA.

     The Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk is assisting the family with arrangements.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com

Martha Ann Habben, 85, of Carthage, passed away at the Montrose Care Center Monday, December 14, 2020.

Martha was born February 21, 1935, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph and Dorothy (Lafeber) Spring.  She was a 1953 graduate of Carthage High School.  In May of 1976, she was united in marriage to Curtis Habben and they farmed west of Carthage until his death in August of 2007.  She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Carthage.

Martha is survived by nieces and nephews, Leo (Roscel) Spring, Michael (Andrea) Spring, Melissa (Mike) Murphy and Monica Spring.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Curtis; and her brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Mildred Spring.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, December 17, 2020 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Carthage with burial to follow in Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage. Memorials may be directed to the Hancock County Dog Pound/ACO.  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Allen Dale Harrison

1956-2020

     Allen Dale Harrison, 64 of Keokuk, IA died Sunday, December 13, 2020 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

     He was born November 21, 1956 in Keokuk, IA the son of James and Doris Wilson Harrison. 

     Allen had been employed at Siemens in Ft. Madison, IA.

     He was a jack of all trade and could fix anything.  Allen was known to his family as the best cook east of the Mississippi and made delicious enchiladas for them to enjoy.  Allen loved music and listening to Pink Floyd.  His favorite song was “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel “IZ”.  Allen adored his grandchildren and loved spending time with them.

     He is survived by two daughters, Tia Christy and Taylor Harrison both of Keokuk, five grandchildren, Kirstianna Selvog, Janessa, Lane and Corbin Christy and Faythe Harrison all of Keokuk, two step-daughters, Ashley Campbell-Howell of Ft. Madison, IA and Alexis Pullins of Illinois, one brother, Gary Harrison of Missouri, one niece, Samantha Glasscock of Keokuk, two nephews, Kenneth Bergheger of Hahnville, LA and Stacey Harrison of Waukesha, WI and former partner, Sheila Campbell of Keokuk.

     He was preceded in death by his mother and one sister, Barb Bergheger.

     A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. 

     The Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA is assisting the family with arrangements.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com

Arden Laverne Bollin, 89, of Kewanee, IL, formerly of Hamilton, IL, passed away on Friday, December 11,
2020 at St. Luke OSF Hospital in Kewanee. He was born on February 12, 1931 at Sacred Heart Hospital in
Ft. Madison, IA, the eldest son of Gottlieb and Jessie (Cunningham) Bollin. On September 14, 1952 he
married Mary Reneau at the home of her parents in rural Hamilton. She preceded him in death in 2018.
Arden was a 1949 graduate of Nauvoo High School where he played basketball and was active in FFA. He
and Mary met at a dance in Powellton, IL. They were married for 66 years.
A lifelong farmer in the Nauvoo and Hamilton areas, he was well known for his prize winning purebred
Simmental, Limousin, and Charolais cattle; showing them at numerous fairs, including the Illinois and
Iowa state fairs and the Iowa Beef Expo. He raised and sold breeding stock and show calves. He was a
member of the Hancock County Beef Association. Arden served on the Hamilton school board. He was
also a distributor of Shaklee (subsequently Neo Life) products in the 70’s and 80’s.
A current member of New Testament Christian church in Keokuk, IA and a former member of Golden’s
Point Christian church near Hamilton, he served in various capacities. He prayed beautifully, always
ready to share his faith with others.
Arden was also well known for his sense of humor. He was always ready to tell a story or a long joke
with a guaranteed laugh at the punch line. He loved raising a big garden, fishing with Mary and the
grandkids, teaching kids how to show calves, playing cards with his cronies, and summer blackberry
picking on the hill.
Survivors include a brother, Lyle (Connie) of Rensselaer, IN; a son, Jerry (Bonnie) of Quincy, IL: two
daughters, Nancy (John) Corey of Morning Sun, IA, and Judy (Tom) Ratliff of Kewanee, IL; seven
grandsons, Loren Bollin (significant other Jenna Bland), Kendall (Kristy) Bollin, Darin Bollin (fiancé Megan
Schnur), Marc and Matthew Corey, Brian(Stacy) Good, Stephen Good; one granddaughter, Stephanie
(James) Hancock; five great-grandsons, Brock Bollin, Clayton and Logan Bollin, Ezra Hancock, Samuel
Good; and five great-granddaughters, Kenzie Bollin, Anna, Kate, Sara, and Lily Hancock. He was
preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Delores Rea, and brother-in-law, Glenn Rea.
SERVICES: Private family graveside services will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery near Hamilton.
MEMORIALS: Hancock County Beef Association; New Testament Christian Church.
ARRANGEMENTS: Printy Funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at
www.printyfuneralhome.com.

Reva M.Anderson

Reva Marlene Anderson, 89, of rural Dallas City, Illinois, passed away at 12:54 p.m. Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at her home.

Reva was born on June 22, 1931 near Livonia, Missouri, the daughter of Finis and Chloe (Mathes) Anderson. On December 26, 1954 she married Wendell Dean Anderson in Queen City, Missouri. He preceded her in death on January 24, 2002.

Reva was a graduate of Queen City High School. Reva worked as a homemaker until her children were grown. She then worked as a Payroll Manager for the Fort Madison Health Center.

Reva was a member of the Durham United Methodist Church and a devoted St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan.

Survivors include three sons. Roger Anderson of Summerville, South Carolina, David Anderson and Gary Anderson both of rural Dallas City; one daughter, Joann Anderson of rural Dallas City; seven grandchildren, Auston, Aaron, Jenna, Julie, Tanner, Tucker and Mackenzie; three great-grandchildren, Reid, Lucas and Ava; two step great-grandchildren, Jackson and Madison; two brothers, Howard and Paul and one sister, Joyce Cassidy all of Missouri.

Reva was preceded in death by her husband, parents and three brothers.

All family and friends are welcome to attend a graveside service Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the Durham Cemetery with Rev. Jim Clayton officiating. Friends may call as they desire on Friday from 2:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe.

A memorial fund has been established for the Durham United Methodist Church or Harbor Light Hospice. To leave a condolence please visit Reva’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.

Mr. Dale Joseph Eckhardt, 87 of rural Dallas City passed away peacefully at his home Monday evening December 7,2020 surrounded by his family.

    Dale was born May 6, 1933 at the family home near Dallas City , the son of Joseph Adam and Velna Irene Rockel Eckhardt.

    Dale entered the United States Army in 1952, and served in Germany until 1955.

    On October 14, 1956, he married Emily Ruth Bollin at the Durham United Methodist Church, in Durham Township.

    Dale’s passion was farming, which he was able to enjoy his whole life. He will be remembered for his infectious laugh, which could often be overheard in a crowd, or with the fellows at the Durham Coffee Shop. He will be missed by family, many friends and neighbors.

    Dale was a lifelong member of the Durham United Methodist Church. He enjoyed being a member of the Dallas City Lions Club, being a Durham Township Trustee, and also a member of the Durham Cemetery Board.

    He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Emily, his sons Randy (Kris) and Jeff (Dawn) all of  Durham. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Jenel Starbuck, Erica (Ryan) Gaines, Dr. Michael Dale (Ashley) Eckhardt, Michelle Howardson, Justin (Kerri) Howardson, Ashley (Joseph) Johnson and seven great-grandchildren Sierra, Alexis Alyssa, Cayden, Mason, Oliver, and Miles Dale.

    Mr. Eckhard was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Rodney Lynn, a grandson, SSG Sean Nicholas Howardson and his brother, Bob.

    All family and friends are welcome to attend a graveside service, with Military Rites, Friday, December 11, 2020 at 2:30p.m. at the Durham Cemetery with Revs. Jim Clayton and Lee Unger officiating. A memorial has been established for the Durham United Methodist Church. Banks & Beals funeral Home in LaHarpe is assisting with arrangements. To sign the guestbook and leave a condolence, please visit Dale’s obituary at banksandbeals.com

Mary Louise Calfee

1933-2020

     Mary Louise Calfee, 87 of Montrose, IA died Monday, December 7, 2020 at The Madison in Ft. Madison, IA. 

     She was born May 10, 1933 in Clark County, MO the daughter of John Conrad and Stella Wright Kirchner.  Mary graduated from Kahoka High School in Kahoka, MO.

     On January 9, 1956 she was united in marriage to Richard Joseph Calfee in St. Louis, MO.  He preceded her in death on November 6, 1992.

     Mary had been employed by Hoerner Box Company in Keokuk.  Mary and her husband owned and operated a poultry processing operation and later owned and operated the Calfee 66 Station in Argyle, IA.   

     Mary enjoyed antiquing, going to auctions with her husband and going to yard sales.  She also enjoyed having yard sales of her own.  She loved to cook and made wonderful meals for her family and friends.  Mary crocheted many baby blankets for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren through the years.  After Richard retired, they enjoyed traveling out west and visiting the casinos. 

     She is survived by two sons, Richard Calfee, Jr., (Debi) of New River, AZ and Ricky Calfee (Debbie) of Montrose, IA, six grandchildren, Derick Calfee (Mary), Trevor Calfee (Megan),  Dillon Calfee (Kassondra), Denton Calfee, Jason Calfee (Lindsay Kelly) and Tara Calfee, eight great-grandchildren, Kayden and Kolt Calfee and their mother, Jessica Johnston, Kennedy Calfee,  Kyra Calfee, Ayden Calfee, Colton Calfee, Brayson Calfee,  and Tatum Calfee, one sister-in-law, Janice Kirchner and two nieces, Stella and Janet.

     Besides her husband, Mary was also preceded in death by her parents, one son, Ronnie L. Calfee, daughter-in-law, Tammy Calfee, one brother, Junior Kirchner and one nephew, Steve Kirchner.

     A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, at the Montrose Cemetery in Montrose, IA with Pastor David Turner officiating.  Friends may come to Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk from 1-8 p.m., Friday, to sign the register book and view Mary.  The family will not be present.   Social distancing requirements will be in place and masks are required at the funeral home and cemetery.    

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com 

Shirley (Hill) Waddell, 79, of Carthage, passed away on December 7, 2020, at 5:45 pm at Hickory Grove in Carthage. 

Shirley was born on October 26, 1941, in Plymouth, Illinois, the daughter of Ray and Mabel (Nelson) Hill. She was united in marriage to John Waddell on May 21, 1959. Shirley is survived by five daughters and two sons: Donna (Bob) Harmon of Hamilton, Debbie Murray of Warsaw, Lori Waddell of Burnside, Dawn (Matt) Leroy of Hamilton, John (Judy) Waddell of Kahoka, Missouri, Darwin Waddell of Burnside, and Crystal (Shirley is preceded in death by her husband John Waddell on June 9, 2000, her parents, her brother and a nephew.

According to her wishes, no services will be held at this time.

Memorials may be directed to Lee County Hospice or Hickory Grove.

Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.

Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.Mike) Doyle of Carthage; nineteen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren with an additional great-grandchild due in July of 2021; and two great-great grandchildren. Other survivors include a sister, a sister-in-law, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jean Ann St.Ores, 75, from Colusa, Illinois passed away unexpectedly at home on December 4, 2020.

Jean is survived by her husband of 60 years, Stanley St.Ores, also of Colusa, Illinois; her three children, son Todd (Kathy) St.Ores of Gulf Breeze, Florida, daughter Cindy (Robert) Sederlin of Grand Junction, Colorado and daughter Lynnette (Scott) Romine of Pueblo, Colorado; also 10 grand children and 3.3 great-grandchildren.

Jean’s surviving siblings include; Robert L. (Bobbi) Williams of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Linda Peters of Oxnard, California.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents Robert G. and Velma J. Williams of Lomax, Illinois.

Jean was born on April 7, 1945 in La Harpe, Illinois. She was married to her high school sweetheart, Stan St.Ores on December 28, 1960 in Dallas City, Illinois.

Jean lived a diverse and accomplished life. She was a licensed hairdresser, a licensed real estate agent and worked in numerous other fields, including construction, retail, agriculture, and restaurants on both sides of the bar. Jean and Stan traveled and worked as entrepreneurs before their permanent retirement in Colusa.

She was a fantastic cook, kept an immaculate house, loved her pets and was always surrounded by her beautiful flowers and plants. Jean was dedicated to her family and friends. She was generous beyond measure, always helping to support causes near and dear to her heart.

There will be no formal visitation with the family, but friends are welcome to stop at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City, to pay your respects and sign the book, anytime Wednesday between 2:00 and 7:00p.m.. A private family service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, followed by a graveside service at 2:30p.m. at Harris Cemetery, near Dallas City.  Rev. Lee Unger will officiate. All family and friends are welcome at the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to PBS or another charity of your choice or plant a memorial tree on behalf of Jean St. Ores. To sign the guestbook and leave a condolence, please visit Jean’s obituary at www.banksandbeals.com.

Ruth Arlene Roberts, 89, of Hamilton, passed away at 4:00 PM Saturday, December 5, 2020, at Keokuk Area Hospital.

Ruth was born May 28, 1931, the daughter of Roy and Esther (Williams) Davis in Powdertown, Iowa.  She had worked at Huiskamp Shoes in Keokuk in her younger years and later worked for Dadant and Sons and most recently Blessing Home Health Care.  On February 19, 1977, she was united in marriage to Herman Leroy Roberts.  He preceded her in death in 2014.  Ruth enjoyed camping, feeding birds and word search puzzles.  She also collected Barbie dolls, Cabbage Patch Kids and Mickey and Minnie Mouse paraphernalia.  She loved playing Bunco with her friends in Lima and reading her Bible daily.  She attended Park View Bible Church in Hamilton.

Ruth is survived by her son, Neil Smith, of Hamilton; step-children, Dickie (Kim) Roberts of Hamilton and Rhonda (Wayne) Overkamp of Hermann, Missouri; grandchildren, Sheri (Kevin) Ritter, Chris (Heather) Roberts, Dustin (Christy) Wood, Kristin (Jeremy) Bono, and Daniel (fiancé, Heather Brown) Wood; great grandchildren, Mason and Drew Ritter, Kennedy and Dawson Roberts, Aubrey and Alexander Wood and Gabriella and Benjamin Bono; a sister, Norma Reynolds and a brother, Kenny Davis, both of Keokuk.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leroy Roberts; a brother, Vernon Davis; and three sisters, Anna Mae Russell, Eunice Russell and Marjorie Davis in infancy.

Private family services will be held Thursday, December 10, 2020 at Printy Funeral Home.  Visitation will be held without the family present from 3:00 – 7:00 PM Wednesday evening, December 9, 2020 at Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton.  Memorials may be directed to the Park View Bible Church in Hamilton or the Arthritis Foundation. Burial will be in the Keokuk National Cemetery next to her husband.  Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.

Obituary for M. G. Sterne, Jr.

November 26, 1928-December 3, 2020

Madison Germain Sterne, (M.G.), age 92, died December 3, 2020 at the Illinois Veteran’s Home, Quincy, Illinois. He was born November 26, 1928, the son of Madison G. Sterne (Matt) and Lyda Frances Kiedaisch Sterne. 

M.G. attended high school in Keokuk, graduating in 1946. That fall he entered Knox College in Galesburg, majoring in English. He was a proud member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. On August 15, 1949, he married his soul mate, Joan Cochrane Baker, the daughter of E. Ross and Mary Baker.  M.G. and Joan lived in Galesburg until he graduated from Knox in 1950.  At that time, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the US Army Infantry. In 1951, he was called to active service. He, his wife and first child, Leslie, lived in Japan and Okinawa during his combat service in Korea in 1953. After returning to the U. S., the family moved to Enterprise, Alabama where he was assigned Company Commander of Company M351 and where he was promoted to Captain. It was at Fort Rucker that his second child, Toby, was born. 

After returning to Keokuk, he and family then moved to rural Nauvoo, Illinois and he was employed by the Hubinger Company where he was Personnel Director, Safety Director and editor of The Kernel magazine. He retired from Hubinger’s in 1978.

He is survived by his two children, son, Madison Germain Sterne III, (Toby), and youngest daughter Jennifer Ross Sterne, and her partner, Steve Miller. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Sarah Sterne and his brother, Jack, of Columbia, South Carolina, nephews, great nephews and great nieces. Also surviving are his step granddaughter, Mollie Miller, her two sons, Brody and Elijah, and two cousins, Ellen Kiedaisch of Hamilton, Montana, and John Kiedaisch of Hinesburg, Vermont.  M.G. was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Joan, and his father. His mother, eldest daughter, Leslie Sterne Scott, her husband, Wright Scott and their two-year-old child, Jason Ryder, Jr. were all killed in an airplane crash in December of 1972. 

M. G. and Joan, after the tragedy of the plane crash, with no real experience with horses, started Montebello Morgan Horse Farm. With Jennifer as manager, the farm produced world champion Morgan Horses, and was highlighted in the Morgan Horse Magazine in 2004. He was a long-time member of the American Morgan Horse Association, the American Horse Shows Association and past president of the Jubilee Regional Morgan Championship Show. 

The product of a liberal education, M.G. was constantly learning. He enjoyed literature, nature, music, history (especially the Civil War), photography, world religions (he was a Unitarian Universalist) and people. His favorite things were conversation and story-telling where one would always notice his dry wit and warm personality. His favorite place was on the horse farm, sitting in the sun while watching foals playing in the fields, birds on the feeders, or monarch butterflies that he raised in his milkweed garden. His gentle way characterized his life. 

After Joan died in 2011, M.G. adopted his little dog, Isaac from a local shelter and they were buddies until the end. Isaac survives and requests donations be made to any animal shelter near you. In M.G.’s memory it is also appropriate to support any organization that promotes the natural world around us and its sustainability, or to the family who will do so on your behalf.

During M.G.’s final months, his quality of life was greatly enhanced by the caring staff of the Veteran’s Home for which we are extremely grateful. 

According to his wishes, no services will be held at this time.

Tributes and condolences may be left at www.dejongsfuneralhome.com.

DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.

Wendell Woodson Land

1938-2020

      Wendell Woodson Land, 82 of Keokuk, IA died peacefully Thursday, December 3, 2020 surrounded by his loved ones at home. 

     Wendell was born on August 2, 1938 in Keokuk, IA the son of Sydney and Dorothy Hartley Land.

     He was married to Deanna Ralston in Burlington, they later divorced.  Wendell was then united in marriage to Karen Martin Wilkerson in February of 1976 in Keokuk, IA.

She survives.

     Other survivors include three sons, Jeffrey Alan (Deborah) Land of Burlington, IA, N. Ryan (Erin) Land of Keokuk, L. Vincent Land of Keokuk, and a beloved stepson that he raised as his own, Christopher Don Wilkerson of Tulsa, OK., grandchildren, Nicki (Tad) Creighton of Burlington, IA, Brooklyn (Brandon) Briggs, Avery Land and Carter Land all of Keokuk, and Zoey Jane Land of Basco, IL, one step-granddaughter, who he loved deeply, Maggie Rose Martin of Keokuk, great grandchildren, Dempsey Jane Creighton of Burlington, IA, and  Blye, Bo, and Baker Briggs all of Keokuk, a special niece, Dottie (John) Pillans  and her daughters, Lavon (Vern) Coop and Alicia (Michael) Stanko all of Rotan, Texas.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Sydney (Viola) Land and Bernard (Alice) Land.

     Wendell graduated from Keokuk Senior High School with the Class of 1956.

      He proudly served his country in the Iowa Army National Guard.

       Wendell was an avid lifelong whistler.

      Wendell was a lifelong resident of Keokuk and had been employed as a Production Manager for Iowa Fiber Box which later became Smurfit-Stone Container for 36 years. He then purchased Artistic Cleaners in Keokuk which he had for 10 years then retired in 2000 due to health issues at the age of 62. 

       Wendell was of the Catholic faith, he was also member of the Keokuk Lions Club, Elks Lodge #106 and the Masonic Lodge. 

       He enjoyed boating on the Mississippi, playing tennis, golf, and racquetball, most of all he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

       No services are planned at this time due to COVID-19 concerns. A Celebration of his life may take place at a later date.

       The Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk is assisting the family with arrangements.

        Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com

Lawrence “Larry” Frey, 58, of Hamilton, passed away at his home, Saturday afternoon, December 5, 2020.

Larry was born April 29, 1962, in Peoria.  He is the son of Robert “Bob” and Theresa (Spring) Frey.  Larry had worked for Tri-State Window over 25 years.

Larry is survived by his mother, Theresa Frey, of Hamilton; a sister, Karen (Albert) Harrison of Ferris, Illinois; a daughter, Cassie Underwood of Keokuk, Iowa; grandsons, Tyler and Alex Underwood; two nieces, Amanda Harrison and Shannon Grossman; a great nephew, Braxton Grossman; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert; and his grandparents.

The register book and service folders will be available at Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Thursday evening, December 10, 2020.  Private family services will be held at Oakwood Cemetery in Hamilton.  Memorials may be directed to H.U.G.S.  Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.

James William "Buzz" Brooks, Jr., 64, of Keokuk, passed away on Friday, December 4, 2020, at Unity Point Health in Keokuk. 

Buzz was born on January 3, 1956, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of James William and Norma (Hewitt) Brooks. In 1974, he graduated from Keokuk High School, and on May 23, 1975, he was united in marriage to Connie Blick in Keokuk.  Buzz went on to work at Griffin Wheel for thirty-six years, retiring as a supervisor in 2018. Buzz coached many different sports at Keokuk, Warsaw, and Central Lee, and received an honorable mention for the High School Prep All American Football Team. He attended many coaching clinics throughout the years, earning him many certificates. In his free time, he enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and was an avid reader.

Buzz is survived by his wife Connie Brooks of Keokuk; three sons: James William (Melissa) Brooks, III, of Memphis, Tennessee, Tim (Vicky) Brooks of Pittston, Pennsylvania, and Mike Brooks of Keokuk; his brother Randy (Joan) Brooks of Omaha, Nebraska; two sisters: Lynn (Robert) Morgan and Lori Brackelsberg, both of Keokuk; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Buzz is predeceased by his parents, his brothers Thomas and Raymond Brooks, and his nephew Jeremy Brooks.

Buzz’s life will be celebrated with a funeral service at 10 am on Friday, December 11, 2020, at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Keokuk. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the church. Due to Covid-19, masks and social distancing will be required, and visitation is limited to fifteen people in the building at a time due to state regulations.

Memorials may be directed to Pilgrim Rest Church or the Keokuk High School Athletic Department.

Tributes and condolences may be left at www.dejongsfuneralhome.com.

DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home in Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.

J. Darwin Wisehart, 84, of Carthage, passed away at Memorial Hospital at 3:30 P.M. Thursday afternoon at Memorial Hospital in Carthage.

Darwin was born January 8, 1936, in Ferris, Illinois the son of Glenwood Forest “Jack” and Bonnie Alyene (Murphy) Wisehart.  He learned from his father at the age of 14 the art of bulldozing for land improvement.  Most of his life, including earlier this year, was spent on the seat of his bulldozer building ponds, dry dams, terraces, waterways, fence rows and land clearing.  On September 7, 1956, he was united in marriage to Patricia Jean White.  They later divorced.  On June 10, 1995 he was united in marriage to Sandra J. Gathers in Fort Madison.  She survives.  He was a 42 year member of the Masonic Lodge #464.  He was well known throughout Hancock County.

Darwin is survived by his wife, Sandra, of Carthage; three daughters, Ginger (Lee) Woodside of Tennessee, Illinois, Candy (Denny) Hellyer of Loraine, Illinois and Lynda Ferrel of Keokuk, Iowa; five sons, Rocky (Lynn) Wisehart of Quincy, Robert (Angie) Wisehart of Carthage, Rick (Chris) Wisehart of Carthage, Randy (Barb) Gathers of Indianola, Iowa and Neal (Amy) Gathers of Ft. Madison, Iowa; eighteen grandchildren, Michaell (Matt) Zimmerman, Nathan (Stacie) Wisehart, Sara (Devin) Lenix, Cassy (Ragan) Peter, Kayla (Jeremy) Bosch, Rachelle Wisehart, Leah (Andy) Boyer, Charli Wisehart, Tyler (Danielle) Gathers, Amber (Brian) Miller, Eric (Lacey) Ferrel, Brad (Elizabeth) Ferrel, Troy (Amy) Ferrel, Laci Gathers, Brenna Gathers, Jared (Kathleen) Gregory and Ross and Connor Smith and Ashlyn and Danielle Henderson; and nineteen great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Larry Wisehart.

Private family services will be held at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with burial at a later date in Moss Ridge Cemetery.  Memorials may be directed to the Memorial Hospital Foundation, Union Presbyterian Church of Ft. Madison or the Ft. Madison Fire and Rescue.  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Rebecca Sue Gilpin, 62, of Pontoosuc, Illinois, passed away at 4:53 PM Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa.

Rebecca was born April 18, 1958, the daughter of Robert and Patricia (McConnell) Shores in Macomb, Illinois.  She was united in marriage to Leonard Gilpin.  He survives.  Later in life Rebecca received her Associate’s Degree at Carl Sandburg College.  She had worked at The Madison Care Center in Ft. Madison and took great pride in her work.  

Rebecca is survived by her husband, Leonard, of Pontoosuc; children, Patty Gilpin of Burlington, Daniel Jackson of Niota and Kelly Rae Decker of Dallas City; a step-son, Dan (Bree) Gilpin of Moon Lake, Florida; siblings, Judy Shores of Carthage, Robert (Lisa) Shores of LaHarpe and Robin (Ernie) Castillo of Port Huron, Michigan; sixteen grandchildren; and one great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her father; and a granddaughter, Addy Jo Mapes.

Private family services will be held at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with burial in Myers Cemetery.

Marilyn Lucille (Young) Buckert, 89, of Carthage, passed away at 6:25 PM, Tuesday, December 1, 2020, at Memorial Hospital in Carthage.

Marilyn was born January 19, 1931, in Plymouth, Illinois, the daughter of Roscoe and Doshia (Hough) Young the youngest of five children.  In 1948, she was united in marriage to Robert Curtis.  They had four sons, Christopher, Rodney, Michael and Robert Curtis.  She worked for Shaeffer Pen and was a bartender for eight years at the Wood Inn in Carthage. In 1975 she married Harold Buckert and became the step-mother of three children, Diana, Phyllis and Tommy.  She was a life member of the VFW Auxiliary in Carthage.

Marilyn is survived by three sons, Christopher (Susie) Curtis of Columbia, Illinois, Michael (Chips) Curtis of Warsaw and Robert Curtis of Seattle, Washington; three step-children, Diana (Kenny) Jones of Warsaw, Phyllis Frey of Keokuk and Tommy (Laura) Buckert of Hamilton, Illinois; three grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; five great grandchildren, several great great grandchildren; a special niece, Rosemary (Bill) Churchill; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; a son, Rodney L. Curtis; and four siblings, Arlene Biery, Kenneth Young, Eloise Harris and Bernice Lyon.

Services will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, December 8, 2020 Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with burial in the Keokuk National Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the V.F.W. Auxiliary or donor’s choice.

James S. “Bud” Bisby, 93, of Burnside, passed away peacefully at his home Tuesday, December
1, 2020, at 2:50 A.M.
James was born December 21, 1926 to Everett and Mae (Howd) Bisby in Macomb, Illinois. He
graduated from LaHarpe High School in 1944, and served in the U.S. Army in Germany during
1945 until the end of WWII. He married Eloise Derry on October 11, 1948 in Des Moines, Iowa.
James is survived by his wife, Eloise, of Burnside; four sons, Roger (Karen) Bisby of Carthage,
Rodney (Carolyn) Bisby of Newman, Illinois, Greg (Bonnie) Bisby of Carthage, Illinois and Jeffrey
Bisby of Burnside, Illinois; one daughter, Rachel (Gary) Sutton of Macomb; eight grandchildren;
and sixteen great grandchildren. Also surviving are Bonnie’s daughters and families; and one
niece and one nephew.
James was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Harriet Green; a daughter-in-law, Linda
David Bisby; one niece; and one step-grandson.
James was a life-long farmer in the Burnside area and clerked for many area livestock sale
facilities for years. He was a lifelong member of multiple service organizations. A highlight was
his Honor Flight to Washington, DC in 2015 with his grandson, Matt Sutton. He was an avid
card player and also enjoyed attending NASCAR races and sporting events, especially those
involving his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, December 4, 2020 at Moss Ridge Cemetery
in Carthage with military rites rendered by the U. S. Army Honor Guard and the Hancock County
Honor Guard. The family will not be present but friends may stop by Printy Funeral Home in
Carthage from 9:00 AM until 11:00 Friday morning for service folders and sign the register
book. Memorials may be made to the Quincy/Hannibal Honor Flight or Amputee Blade
Runners, 356 24th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203, a non-profit organization that helps provide free
running prosthetics for amputees, in honor of his great granddaughter Addalyn Worster. Printy
Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Merle W. Huston, 89, of Hamilton, passed away at 7:43 PM Sunday, November 29, 2020 at Memorial Hospital in Carthage.

Merle was born November 26, 1931, the son of Arthur and Melva (Ewing) Huston in Keokuk, Iowa.  He was united in marriage to Lois Joan Conners in Carthage on January 23, 1956. She preceded him in death at an early age.  He was later married to Gladys VanWinkle.  They later divorced.  He was a production operator for over 24 years at the Burlington Ordinance Plant.  He retired early in 1991 to help care for his grandson.  Merle raised large gardens and bailed hay with his daughter, Peggy.  He also raised rabbits and had horses, dogs and many other animals.  He especially enjoyed time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  

Merle is survived by his daughter, Peggy (Kevin) Job, of Warsaw; grandchildren, Jesse Job, Dalton Job and McKenzie Jones; and great grandchildren, Dominic Tad Job Jones and Hunter Lee Dillinger.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lois; and ten siblings, Henry, Arthur, Melvin, James and Russell Lee Huston and Verna Means, Dorothy Rude, Joy Bell Dunn, his twin sister, Murl Dean Bloyd, and a sister in infancy.

Private family services will be held at Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton with burial in Oakwood Cemetery in Hamilton.  Memorials may be directed to the family of Merle W. Huston.  Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.

Stanley Eugene Walker

1940-2020

     Stanley Eugene Walker, 80, of Keokuk, IA died Saturday, November 28, 2020 at University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, IA.

     He was born on October 30, 1940 in Keokuk, IA to Ernest and Viva Stehl Walker.  On April 15, 1962 he was united in marriage to Marilyn Inman.  She survives.

     Stanley was a veteran of the United States National Guard.

     He and Bonnie Hanks owned and operated Streeters in Keokuk for many years.

     He is survived by his siblings, Robert Walker, Rovene (Ronald) Cochran, Melba (Jim) Crago, Harold (Florence) Walker, Patricia (Wayne) Marshall and many nieces and nephews.

     Stanley was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Wanda Walker.

     A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, December 4, 2020 in the Sandusky Cemetery in Sandusky, IA with Pastor Dean Graber officiating.  Social distancing requirements will be in place at the cemetery and attendees will be limited according to those requirements.  

      Memorial may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

     The Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA is assisting the family with arrangements.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com

Joseph Leslie “Joe” Brown, 78, of Carthage, passed away on Monday, November 30, 2020, at Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois. 

Joe was born on February 1, 1942, near Burnside, Illinois, the son of Milerd Leslie and Mary Virginia (Hitz) Brown. He spent his working years logging and working on the family farm with his parents, retiring in 1998. In his free time, Joe enjoyed watching Nascar and wrestling, milking his cows, and making homemade ice cream. 

Joe is survived by his life-partner of seventeen years Lillian Graber of Carthage; six siblings: Suzanne (Russell) Ferrell of Hamilton, Illinois, Cherry Shepler of Macomb, Illinois, Jack (Marsha) Brown of Blandinsville, Illinois, Jay (Pam) Brown of Stronghurst, Illinois, Mike (Vickie) Brown of Cathage, Illinois, and Ann (Rodney) Fosdyck of Bowen, Illinois; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents and three siblings: Charles Brown, Melvin “Andy” Brown and Joyce Fooken.

Due to Covid-19, Joe’s life will be celebrated with a private graveside service at Bowen Cemetery in Bowen, Illinois.

Memorials may be directed to the Memorial Hospital Foundation.

Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.

Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Tony “Bones” Palmer

1968-2020

     Tony “Bones” Palmer, 52 of Keokuk, IA died Thursday, November 26, 2020 at UnityPoint Health – Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines Iowa. 

     He was born November 17, 1968, in Burlington, IA, the son of Clair and Norma McGraw Palmer.     On January 25, 1990, he was united in marriage to Susan McCarl in Burlington, IA.  She survives.

     Other survivors include two daughters, Shannon Watts (Travis Meyers) and her children, Abigail, Kylie, Cadence, Hayden, Chase and Leah all of Keokuk and Shawndra Spoores (James Balmer) and her children, Alyssa, Haylee, Jace and Jaxson all of Ft. Madison, his mother, Norma Palmer of Stronghurst, IL, one sister, Lori Lewis (John) of Denmark, two nieces and one nephew, ten great nieces and nephews, and his mother in law, Gloria McCarl of Fort Madison. 

     He was preceded in death by his grandparents, his father, Clair Palmer, his father in law, Franklin McCarl, four uncles and three aunts.

     Tony was a mechanic all his life.  He enjoyed going to car shows and to the drag strips watching the hot rods race.   Cruising the back roads with his wife and grandkids looking for old cars was a highlight of his week.

     He considered his friends like family and would do anything for any of them. Most of all he loved spending time with his grandchildren teaching them all about cars and leavin’ burnouts especially in his pride and joy his 1993 GMC Yukon 4x4. 

     A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

     Memorials may be made to the family.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com