Patricia Ann Squier, 74, of Carthage, passed away at 12:25 on Sunday afternoon, February 14, 2021, at Timber Point Healthcare Center.

Pat was born October 17, 1946, the daughter of Earl Leroy Balzer and Mary Louise Parrick in Quincy, Il.  She attended school at Quincy Senior High. She was united in marriage to Arthur Ronald Squier in 1964. He preceded her in death in February of 2012.

Pat spent some time as a foster parent. She then worked at Good Apple Inc. for 10 years and Methode in Carthage for another 15 years. She loved to collect dolls, especially, her Betty Boop dolls. Pat loved attending to her vegetable and flower gardens. She was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Pat is survived by her children, Ronald “Red” Squier of Carthage, Jeffery Dean Squier of Carthage, and Kimberly (Dale) Zink of El Cajon, California; her grandchildren, Mylei Squier, Courtney Zink, Trenton Zink, and Austin Zink; great grandchildren, Aadin, Mason, Branson, and Brylee. Pat is also survived by her siblings Marilyn (Arnold) Tournear of Quincy, Norma Balzer of Quincy, Carole Sue Kline of Canton, and Fred Balzer of Quincy.   

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arthur; and her sisters, Beverly Canavan and Dorothy Scott.

Private family services will be held at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with burial in Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage.  Memorials may be directed to Red Squier at 39 Prairie Ave, Carthage, IL, 62321. Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

James Edgar Clinton, 89, of Hamilton, went home to be with his Lord and Savior at 6:00 AM Saturday morning, February 20, 2021 at Unity Point Hospital in Keokuk.

James was born March 12, 1931, in Keokuk,  Iowa the son of Isaac Edgar and Esther Viola (Long) Clinton.  James was united in marriage to his childhood sweetheart Barbara Delvina Milligan on December 19, 1948, at the First Christian Church in Keokuk.  From this union three children were born, Linda (Thomas) Wray, Daniel (Sandy) Clinton and a son-in-law Brian Baker, all survive.   Also surviving are two grandsons, Clinton (Nicole) Wray and KJ Jones; two granddaughters, Brandy (Mike) Johnson and Lindi (Danny) Smith; six great grandchildren, London, Lincoln and Lennan Wray, Samantha and Christopher Johnson and Celia Smith; and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barb; a daughter, Cathy Baker; his parents; two sisters, Peggy Clinton and Esther Harrison; and one grandson, Todd Wray.

At age 16 James joined the Army Air Corps with his father’s permission.  He was stationed in the Philippines where he held the position of Postmaster.  Then he was stationed in Japan and attended Radar School.  James received an Honorable Discharge.  After returning home he was employed at National Carbide until they closed.  Then he was employed at Whiz-Mow in Warsaw.  He later purchased the building and renamed it Production Engineering.  He was the factory production engineer owner and operator with Barb for 20 years.  Jim attended Keokuk schools and later received his GED.  He was a member of the First Christian Church where he was a member of the Friendly Class and also served as an Elder. He also enjoyed playing church softball. He was a past member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, VFW, Southside Boat Club, Warsaw Ambulance Service and National EMT.  He had also served as mayor of Warsaw. He cherished the times with Barb traveling all over the United States on their motorcycle and boating with family and friends on the Mississippi. Over the years, Jim taught many people how to water ski.  Jim coached Cub Scouts baseball and The Sparks for years. The Cub Scout teams never lost a game, unfortunately the Sparks only recorded one win.  Jim was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Jim’s favorite place to dine out with his family, was DJ’s restaurant in Warsaw for chicken.  His best friend “Snoopy” was his loving cat. He will be greatly missed!

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, February 26, 2021, at the Keokuk National Cemetery with Pastor David Turner officiating.  Visitation will be held prior to services from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton. Friends and family welcome. The Hancock County Honor Guard will provide military rites.  Memorials may be directed to P.A.W.S. in Fort Madison, Iowa or Every Step Hospice in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.  Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.

Martha Jane Barclift

1939-2021

     Martha Jane Barclift, 82, of Keokuk, IA died Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

     She was born January 13, 1939 in St. Joseph Hospital, Keokuk, IA to William John and Janie Grace Veatch Sigmund, the second of three daughters. 

     She was educated in the Keokuk Public Schools and attended American Institute of Commerce in Davenport, IA. 

     She was employed at The Hubinger Co., later J.C.Penny Co. and Keasling’s Drug Store.  In 1978 she took over her family business after the sudden death of her father.  She also helped start up Sew N Works while continuing to run Sigmund Brothers, later moving Sigmund Brothers into her home.  She also was employed by her son-in-law and daughter at Winners Circle. 

     During her lifetime she was involved in the Boy and Girl Scouts.  She was a homeroom mother and PTA member during the years of her children’s education.  As well as being a faithful member of St. Francis and All Saints Parishes, she was on the Parish Council and President for a year.  She was a TTT member and held many offices.  She was on Main Street Keokuk Board.  For many years, Martha was on the board and held the office of President at Parkridge Sheltered Workshop in Montrose, IA.   She also had been on the board of the Keokuk Area Group Home (later named the Mary Sue Jackson Home) as well as a member of the Keokuk Building and Housing Advisory Appeals committee.

     Martha loved cooking and baking.  She made wonderful sour cream coffeecakes, soups, “snifla” dumplings and pies.  She once entered a pie baking contest and won first place for her pineapple pie.  Martha lived on Middle Road for many years, where she was known to her neighbors as “the Mayor of Middle Road”.  She enjoyed working in her yard and spent hours tending to it.  She deservingly won the Keokuk Pride Award twice. She was also a skilled seamstress.  She enjoyed vacationing in the Ozarks and loved her boat, Ka-Mar-Ru.  She also loved her Pepsi and cigarettes.  Martha was a people person and never met a stranger.    She had a zest for life and her laugh and smile were contagious.  She enjoyed going out to lunch with her four different lunch groups.  Martha was a devoted mother who raised her children on her own and with the grace of God.  It was the time spent with family that she treasured most and never missed an opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren, who were her life.  She also loved her grand dogs. 

     She is survived by the loves of her life, her four children.  James Stephen (Pam) Barclift, Jane Kathryn (Lync) Fellows, Sgt. Richard William (Becky) Barclift and Julie Lynn (Brent) Fischer,  nine precious grandchildren who called her “Grannie”,  Daniel, Jennifer and Megan Fellows, Chris Barclift, Lindsey Fischer, Brittany, Brooke, Jonathan and Maggie Barclift and a great-grandson, Clay.  Also surviving is one sister, Ruth (John) Gazzola of New York as well as cousins, uncles and many friends. 

     Martha was preceded in death by her parents, maternal and paternal grandparents, her sister, Kathryn Ryan, aunts, uncles and many dear friends. 

     According to her wishes, she was cremated.

     Visitation will be held after 1 p.m., Monday at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk with the family meeting with friends from 4-6 p.m.  A vigil service will be held at 6 p.m.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, at All Saints Parish with Father David Brownfield, Ph.D. officiating. A celebration of life and burial in Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk will be held at a later date. The funeral mass will be lived streamed and may be viewed on the Church of All Saints Facebook page or on their YouTube site which can be found at www.allsaintskeokuk.org/live.   Masks are required and social distancing requirements will be in place at both the church and the funeral home. 

     Memorials may be made to the Keokuk Animal Shelter or Quincy Notre Dame softball.

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

Ivan Phines Murphy, 88, of Carthage, passed away at 10:00 AM Thursday morning, February 18, 2021 at the Silver Maple Care Center in Carthage.

Ivan was born September 18, 1932, the son of Phines Brown and Lela Mae (Seigfried) Murphy near Ferris, Illinois.  He attended Carthage High School graduating in 1950.  Ivan served in the U.  S. Army during the Korean War.  On February 20, 1955, he was united in marriage to Patricia Ann “Patt” Bettisworth at the First Christian Church (DOC) in Carthage.  Ivan was a life-long farmer and had owned Murphy Construction.  Ivan would take his daily trip to the farm to see what was going on.  He especially enjoyed when his grandsons would help him into the combine where he would ride until he thought grandma was tired of waiting.  Harvest was always his favorite time of the year.  He had also owned a NASCAR race team.  Ivan was a member of the Ferris Christian Church and had served as a deacon and treasurer for many years.  One of the highlights of the year was Labor Day Weekend when the family would gather for a family reunion.  He was very proud of his family.  

Ivan is survived by his wife, Patt, of Carthage; six daughters, Patrice (Bob Osborne) Squier of Carthage, Paula (Rusty) Williams of Quincy, Tami (Jim) Servis of Winter Park, Florida, Julie Phillips of Carthage, Kimberly (Walt) McComb of New Smyrna Beach, Florida and Dixie (Chris) Patton of Boiling Springs, South Carolina; fourteen grandchildren; and many great grandchildren; one brother, Ray Murphy of Florida; and two sisters, Karen Murphy of Carthage and Donna Ganion of Kansas City, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Barbara Rohlf; and a son-in-law, Robert Phillips.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, February 22, 2021, at the Ferris Christian Church with burial to follow in Moss Ridge Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 PM Sunday evening at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with family meeting friends from 6:00 – 8:00 PM.  Memorials may be directed to the Ferris Christian Church or the Wounded Warrior’s Project.  Printy Funeral Home in Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Richard Lee “Dick” Potter

1937-2021

     Richard Lee “Dick” Potter, 83, of Warsaw, IL died Friday, February 5, 2021 at his home. 

     He was born August 21, 1937 in Keokuk, IA the son of Raymond and Rosemary Pullins Potter. 

     He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and proudly served his country during the Korean War.  

     On October 26, 1985 he was united in marriage to Becky Henson.  She survives.

     Other survivors include three sons, Ricky Potter (Brenda), Terry Potter (Lan) and Michael Potter all of Burlington, IA, one step-daughter, Michelle Skinner (Sean) of Keokuk, two step-sons, Steven Dougherty (Jennifer) of Keokuk, Ryan Dougherty (Lana) of Ferris, IL, three granddaughters, Carrie Brown (Mike) of Danville, IA, Melissa Bantz (Stephen) of Burlington, IA and Jenny Potter (Levi Cheely) of Aledo, IL and two grandsons, Phillip Potter (Sarah) of Davenport, IA and Brandon Potter (Molly) of Iowa City, IA.  He is also survived by ten great-grandchildren, Reece and Landon Brown both of New London, IA, Avery and Temperance Bantz both of Burlington, IA, Aiden, Keegan and Olivia Potter all of Bettendorf, IA, Finn Potter of Iowa City, IA, Makala Potter and Corbin Cheely of Aledo, IL, four step-grandchildren, Sydni, Corey and Andrew Skinner all of Keokuk and Maci Dougherty of Ferris, IL, two brothers, Raymond Potter of Lafayette, IN and Patrick Potter (Marion) of Orlando, FL and one sister, Sheila Johnson of Carthage, IL.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Mark Potter and William Potter, one sister, Shirley Carlton and one sister-in-law, Patty Potter.

     Dick had been employed by BNSF Railway for twenty-five years until his retirement in 1999.  He was a member of the American Legion in Warsaw, IL.  

     Dick enjoyed golfing, metal detecting and bowling.  He was avid researcher of history, particularly events like the JFK assassination.  He was an outstanding bowler and at one time also managed the Ten Pin Bowling Alley and Arrowhead Bowl both in Keokuk. 

     A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, at the First Christian Church in Keokuk, IA with Reverend David Turner officiating.  Burial with military rites will be held in the Keokuk National Cemetery at a later date.  The memorial service will be live streamed on the First Christian Church Facebook page. Social distancing requirements will be in place and masks are required.

     There will be no visitation.

     Memorials may be made to Keokuk Animal Services or to Dick’s family to assist with funeral costs.

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

Melvin James Baker, Sr., passed away at 5:45 AM early Friday morning, February 12, 2021, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.

Melvin was born June 17, 1948, the son of Elza and Isabelle (Goff) Baker in Princeton, Missouri.  He was united in marriage to Betty Elaine Saul on May 12, 1967, in Chillicothe, Missouri.  He drove for various Trucking companies over the years.  Melvin enjoyed hunting, fishing and horseback riding.  He was a long-time member of the Hancock County Saddle Club in Carthage.  He also enjoyed car racing and his Dodge Charger.  He especially enjoyed time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Betty, of Carthage; a daughter, Jody (Gale) Blackwell of Carthage; grandchildren, Anthony Baker, Kristina Wurster and Brandon Blackwell; great grandchildren, Aeryess and James Baker, Riley and Emmalyn Kenney and Briella Bailey; one brother, Reverend Earl Wayne (Joan) Baker of Green Castle, Missouri; and Beverly Coon of Trenton, Missouri; sisters-in-law, Marjorie (Rollie) Madison of Des Moines, Iowa; and Martha McEntire of Harrison, Arkansas; brothers-in-law, Melvin (Karen) Saul of Trenton, Missouri; and Marvin (Sally) Saul of Wisconsin; as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Melvin “Jimmy” Baker, Jr; and brother-in-law Larry Saul of Galt, Missouri. 

Funeral services will be held at a later date in Trenton, Missouri.  Memorials may be directed to the Hancock County Saddle Club.  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Virginia Lee Nelson, 91, of Macomb, formerly of Hamilton, passed away on Tuesday evening, February 9, 2021, at Wesley Village in Macomb.

Virginia was born February 26, 1929, the daughter of Glen A. and Velma (Golden) Smith in Ft. Madison, Iowa.  She attended grade school in Niota and graduated from Nauvoo High School.  She attended Western Illinois University and graduated from Carthage College.  On August 24, 1949, she was united in marriage to Gayle L. Nelson in the First Methodist Church in Ft. Madison, Iowa.  He preceded her in death in 2015.  

Virginia started teaching when she was 17 years old in Niota, Il. She taught school for thirty-nine years, mostly in the Hamilton school system but also spent time in Fairview and Bushnell.  She enjoyed her years of teaching and spending time with her family.  She liked baseball, reading, playing cards and crossword puzzles.  She and her husband traveled to many different stadiums to see baseball games.  She was a long-time member of the Hamilton United Methodist Church and the Hancock County Retired Teachers Association.

Virginia is survived by her daughter, Gayla (Walt) Lewis of Blandinsville, Illinois; and two grandsons, Ross Lewis and Philip (Rachel) Lewis.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, Gayle.

Private family services will be held at Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton with burial in Oakwood Cemetery in Hamilton.  Memorials may be directed to Wesley Village in Macomb, Illinois or the McDonough District Hospital Hospice.  Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.

Eleanor Irene Cutler, 96, of Carthage, passed away at 7:18 AM Friday morning, February 5, 2021 at her home.

Eleanor was born July 4, 1924, the daughter of Rolland and Esther (Hayes) Rucker in Carthage, Illinois.  She graduated from Carthage High School.  On August 3, 1947, she was united in marriage to Max Cutler in Bloomington, Illinois.  He preceded her in death in 2010.  Also, Eleanor preceded in death by both of her parents.  

Eleanor was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the United Methodist Church in Carthage.

Eleanor is survived by two children, Mary Ellen (Dennis) Bruniga of Farmington, Illinois and Mike (Nancy) Cutler of Marion, Iowa; four grandchildren, Lisa (Darren Flynn) Rosich, Lori (Dale) Shaeffer, Noah Cutler and Marcie (Jonah) Strand; five great grandchildren, Allison (Joe) Tompkins, Courtney (Casey Jones) Shaeffer, Sydney Shaeffer, Tatum and Haidyn Strand;  two great great grandchildren, Jayson and Jensen Tompkins.

Eleanor’s biggest enjoyment was the time she spent with her family.  

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, February 11, 2021, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with burial to follow in Moss Ridge Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until time of services at 10:30 at the funeral home.  Memorials may be directed to Lee County Hospice.  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements

Lori J. (Shurtleff) Mann, 53, of Warsaw, passed away on Thursday, February 4, 2021, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois.

Lori was born on July 18, 1967, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the daughter of Carl and Katheryn (Schade) Shurtleff, and graduated from Hamilton High School in 1985. On May 31, 2017, she was united in marriage to Gilbert “Gibb” Mann in Phoenix, Arizona. He survives. 

Lori was baptized into Zion Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, and was confirmed at Messiah Lutheran Church in Keokuk, Iowa. She was employed as an executive assistant for engineering firms in St. Paul until her retirement in 2012. In her free time, she enjoyed reading, crocheting, and running the Hamilton Facebook page. Her favorite pastime was spending time with her husband Gibb and her dog Sharona, both of whom she loved dearly. 

Lori is survived by her husband Gibb Mann of Warsaw; her parents Carl and Katheryn Shurtleff; her sister Tracy (Jim) Lewis; four step-children: Mara (Jordan) Drew, Clarissa (Aaron) Appel, Dalton (Tracy Brown) Mann and Aaron (Chelsea) Mann; eight grandchildren; her dog and constant companion Sharona; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

Lori is preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents and her aunt Belinda (Schade) Miller.

Per her request, no services will be held.

Memorials may be directed to Mayo Clinic: Division of Medical Oncology, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905. 

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

Printy Funeral Home of Warsaw is in charge of arrangements.

Wilma Irene Fecht, 90, of Carthage, passed away at 8:26 AM, Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at Red Maple Care Center in Carthage.

Wilma was born July 14, 1930, the daughter of Ora and Edgel Smith.  On June 11, 1950, she was united in marriage to William Fecht at Trinity Lutheran Church in Carthage.  They celebrated 70 years of marriage last year.  He preceded her in death in December.

During her life, Wilma worked as a homemaker and also helped on the farm.  She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Carthage, serving as a Sunday School teacher and for many years on the Kitchen Committee.  She enjoyed sewing and quilting and was an active member of the Trinity Sewing group, helping the group make quilts for world relief.

Wilma loved to quilt for her family as well, and one of her quilts is registered with the State of Illinois Museum’s Illinois Quilt Research Project.  When the spools of thread she used in her lifetime are totaled, she literally sewed miles and miles of stitching.  Wilma also loved to write and send letters and cards to friends and relatives.  A card itself was not enough, but always needed a written note as well.

Wilma is survived by three children, Sandra Fecht of St. Paul, Minnesota, James 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.  She is also survived by her sister-in-law Berneita Smith, Carthage, and numerous nieces and nephews

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents; and 5 siblings: Gilbert Smith, Elvyn Smith, Fern Sather, Ruth Walker, and Rolland Smith.

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 Wilma be honored through memorials.  Memorials may be directed to either the Maple Grove Memory Care Center in Carthage or to the Trinity Lutheran Church Sewing group.

Born Nov. 4, 1943 Peoria, IL – Died 1-21-21 Peoria, AZ 

David James Nixon, II was born to David James and Virginia (Baxter) Nixon, in Peoria, IL. He graduated from Hamilton High School with the Class of 1961 and attended Carthage College before joining the United States Air Force.  He served assignments in MS, GA, IL, AK, WA, OR, MT and Germany.  He completed his college degree from Eastern IL University in 1978. 

He married Mary Ann Turner April 23, 1965.  They were blessed with 3 children:  Michelle Cooper (Terry) Canberra, Australia, Michael Nixon (Mendi) Ocoee, FL, and Allison Kindler (John) Peoria, AZ.  Six grandchildren: Shelby Heaverly (Trip), Lauren Theriault, Chelsea Nixon, Bryce, Wrede and Wyatt Kindler.  One great granddaughter. 

In August, 1984, he retired from the Air Force and settled in Florida, then Bellevue, NE, back to FL and then Peoria, AZ. 

Dave enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and all family was very important to him.  His 3 grandsons will have fond memories of camping and fishing with grandpa. Dave loved to travel and has been to all 50 states, Canada and Mexico, in addition to his military travel.  

He was definitely a FORD man, and like his father, he was an inventor when necessary.  He and FORD always had a good idea!!  Always working on something!

David is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, daughters Michelle and Allison, and son Michael.  Also, 2 sisters, Joyce (Phil) Johnson, Mahomet, IL and Nancy (Jim) Rauch of The Villages, FL and several close cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. 

A funeral service was to be held at the Church of the Latter-Day Saints in Peoria, AZ, but was cancelled due to COVID. 

Graveside services will be open to the public on Sat., Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. at Oakwood Cemetery, Hamilton, IL. With full military rites.  Masks and social distancing are required.

Melvin Eugene Whitaker, 89, of Hamilton, IL passed away February 1, 2021 at River Hills Nursing Home in Keokuk, Iowa. 

Melvin was born March 28, 1931 in Akron, Iowa, the son of Charles and Dorothy (McCorkell) Whitaker. He was united in marriage to his wife of sixty-nine years, whom he absolutely adored, Marlene Cameron on June 4, 1950. She preceded him in death on June 28, 2019. In 1953 they welcomed their only child, Ronald Whitaker.  

Melvin attended high school in Elvaston, Illinois where he loved playing basketball.  He enlisted in the Army in 1951 and was stationed in Ft Ord, California.  Upon completion of his military service he moved back to Elvaston where he farmed for JL Ewing. Melvin was extremely passionate about cars and worked as a mechanic for Biel Motor Company in Carthage, Jemison Chevrolet in Keokuk and George Koch Buick Pontiac and Cadillac. He went on to work for Goodyear Tire Company where he transferred to Algona, Iowa.  Harsh winters brought Melvin back to Hamilton where he was employed by the Hamilton School District as a bus mechanic and driver until he retired.  Immediately after retiring Melvin became restless and went to work for the Hamilton Park Board mowing and maintaining the Hamilton parks. 

Melvin was an avid fisherman and enjoyed countless fishing trips with his brothers. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, especially for mushrooms.  Melvin was a devoted country music fan and always had music playing in the house.  He and Marlene frequently travelled to Branson, MO and Nashville, TN to attend country music shows and theatres. Melvin enthusiastically watched country western films and became enthralled with the annual March Madness basketball tournament.  Melvin was also a keen gambler. He enjoyed visiting riverboat casinos, which became a birthday and anniversary tradition between him and Marlene.  

Melvin, more than anything, loved spending time with his family.  Mornings were spent drinking black coffee and playfully bickering with Marlene.  He loved cross country road trips to visit with cousins, fishing excursions, and the pop-up poker games of Whitaker Win that occurred at every family gathering.  Over the years Melvin, along with Marlene, opened their home for numerous family gatherings and events.  They became family pillars who helped plan and coordinate large reunions that brought together family members from across the country.  These events and gatherings created Melvin’s most cherished memories that he fondly reminisced about. 

Melvin is survived by his son Ronald (Deborah) Whitaker of Warsaw Illinois; three grandchildren: Beau Whitaker of Hamilton, Illinois, Lance Whitaker of Sutter, Illinois, and Erin (Mark) Hutchison of Hamilton, Illinois; one great-grandchild: Dylan Whitaker of Keokuk, Iowa; four brothers: Stan (Marge) Whitaker of Keokuk, Jerry Whitaker of Warsaw, Bill (Phyllis) Whitaker of Carthage, and Mike (Pam) Whitaker of Keokuk; one sister-in-law: Marge Whitaker of Texas; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marlene, grandson Dustin Whitaker, and four brothers: Duane, Lowell, Kenneth, and Dennis. 

A visitation for family will be held at Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton, Illinois, on February 13, 2021, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm with a funeral immediately following at 1 pm.  For the safety of those attending, masks and social distancing will be required. For those unable to attend, the funeral service will be available for live-streaming on Melvin’s obituary at www.printyfuneralhome.com. A private graveside burial will be held at a later date.

Harriett Elizbeth Wittich

1933-2021

     Harriett Elizbeth Wittich, 87 of Keokuk, IA died Monday, February 1, 2021 at River Hills Village in Keokuk.

     She was born November 2, 1933 in Keokuk, IA the daughter of John and Hazel Dodge Wittich.  Harriett graduated from Keokuk High School.

     She had been employed for the Keokuk Community School District at Lincoln School until her retirement in 1995.

      Harriett was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Keokuk.

     Harriett enjoyed quilting and loved her cat, Snowball.

     She is survived by her son, Daniel L. (Brenda) Wittich of Keokuk, two granddaughters, Katrina Cole (Robert) of Carthage, IL and Amanda Gould (Kevin) of Winterset, IA, great-grandchildren, Sarah, Jacob, Keira and Tara Gould, Terasa Cole and Bobby Cole, step-grandchildren, William, Laurence and Elizabeth Goehl and two great-great-grandchildren, Luke Gould and Grayson Fisher and several nieces and nephews. 

     She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, William Phillip Wittich and Arthur Wittich.

     A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Reverend Milo VanVeldhuizen officiating.  Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery in Hamilton, IL.

      Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service, from 9:30 -10:30 a.m., Friday, at the funeral home with family meeting with friends at that time. Social distancing measures will be in effect and masks are required at both the funeral home and graveside.

      Memorials may be made to St. Paul United Church of Christ.

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

Paul W. Curfman

1933 – 2021

     Paul William Curfman, 87, of Keokuk, IA died Saturday, January 30, 2021 at the Great River Medical Center, West Burlington, IA.

     Paul was born on November 21, 1933 in Keokuk, IA the son of Clarence and Marie Azinger Curfman. 

     He graduated from the St. Peters High School in Keokuk with the Class of 1953.

     On November 27, 1954 Paul was united in marriage to Wanda Dockum in St. Patrick, MO.  She preceded him in death on May 23, 2018.

      He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and proudly served his country from 1955 to 1957.

      Paul was a member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church in St. Patrick, MO and the Eagles Club in Cedar Rapids, IA.

      He was employed as a shift supervisor for the Cargill Corn Plant in Cedar Rapids for thirty years before his retirement in 1995.  

     Paul enjoyed camping, going on cruises, traveling throughout the country, spending winters in Texas and bowling.

     He is survived by his children, Diana North (Joe), David Curfman (Christine), Ronald Curfman (Kathy)  and Becky Sherbon (John) all of Cedar Rapids, IA.  12 grandchildren, Joseph North,  Katherine North, David Curfman, Danny Curfman, Laney Curfman, Miranda Ellis, Amber Curfman, Cole Curfman, Carleigh Curfman, Allie Sherbon, Kelsie Sherbon and Seth Sherbon, 10 great-grandchildren, two sisters, Darlene Mondon and Kathleen Keppel (Albert) of both of Keokuk, one brother, Donnie Curfman (Carla) of Bolivar, MO, brother and sister-in-law, Oren and Lila Dockum of Keokuk

     Paul was also preceded in death by his father Clarence Curfman in 1969, his mother, Marie Azinger Curfman in 1972, four brothers, Herman in 2000, Clarence in 1999, John in 1993 and Anthony at birth and one sister, Theresa at birth.

     Graveside services with military rites will be held 10 a.m. Saturday at the St. Patrick Cemetery, St. Patrick, MO. with Father Rob Fields officiating.

      There will be no visitation.

      Memorials may be made to the Great River Medical Center Intensive Care Unit, West Burlington, IA.

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

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

Sherri Goodman, 67, of Keokuk, passed away peacefully at Blessing Hospital on Monday, January 25, 2021.

Sherri is survived by her children Peggy Hanson and David Goodman. Her great loves in life were her family, especially her grandkids: Halie Howard, Randi Hanson, Andrew Goodman, Tyler Goodman, Austin Goodman and Joshua Goodman; with the addition of four great-grandchildren that she loved dearly. Sherri liked to cook and feed people and she received great joy from quilting.

No services will be held at this time. 

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

Printy Funeral Home of Warsaw is in charge of arrangements.

Lois Ann Wilkens, 92, of Carthage, passed away at 7:22 A.M. Saturday, January 30, 2021 in Nauvoo, Illinois.

Lois Ann was born October 28, 1928, the daughter of Joseph and Mildred (Byers) McBride.  She was an alumni of Carthage College.  On September 3, 1955, she was united in marriage to Carl A. Wilkens at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Carthage.  He preceded her in death in 2006.  Lois Ann had worked as a bookkeeper in Carthage for Hancock County Frozen Foods in her younger years and later for Farm Bureau.  She was a homemaker and helped farm with her husband.  Lois was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and was active in the Catholic’s Women’s Club and Altar and Rosary.  She also served as a member of the Election Board and was a volunteer for the Kibbe Museum in Carthage.  She was an avid gardener.

Lois is survived by two children, Stephen Wilkens of Nauvoo and Carla (Terry) Roberts of Shawnee, Kansas; granddaughter, Dr. Kara Wilkens; step-granddaughters, Deborah (Keith) Webber and Michelle (Michael) Lucero; three step-great grandchildren, Colin and Emma Webber and Adam Lucero; a sister, Ruth Buckert of Hamilton; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carl A.; sisters, Mary (James) Piette, Theresa Dye, and a brother, Vincent.

Visitation without the family will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Monday evening, February 1, 2021 at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage.  Private family services will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Carthage with burial in Calvary Cemetery in Carthage.  Memorials may be directed to the Immaculate Conception Fellowship Hall Fund or Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School in Nauvoo.  Printy Funeral Home in Carthage is in charge of arrangements.