Macksten Hayes Buttz

April 21, 2023-June 21, 2023

     Macksten Hayes Buttz, two month old son of Brandon Buttz and Tayler Welborn passed away on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL.

     He was born April 21, 2023 at St John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL.  Macksten was a beautiful baby boy who touched so many lives in such a brief time.  He laughed and smiled, bringing joy to everyone around him.  Macksten loved when he was being read to and was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

     Macksten is survived by his parents, Brandon and Tayler of Canton, MO, one sister, Myra Welborn and one brother, McCoy Welborn both of Canton, MO, maternal grandparents, Matt and Michelle Kirchner, paternal grandparents, Lisa and Brett Buttz, maternal great-grandparents, David and Susan Smith, Glenn and Teri Welborn and Clinton and Dixie Kirchner and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

     A visitation will be held from 3-4 p.m., Friday, at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with family meeting with friends at that time.

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

Porje Syemone Evaun Sangster

2003-2023

     Porje Syemone Evaun Sangster, 20, of Keokuk, IA died Friday, June 9, 2023.

     She was born March 17, 2003 in Keokuk, IA the daughter of Kia T. Sangster and Joshua A. Thompson.   Porje graduated from Keokuk High School.

     She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Keokuk.

     Porje loved to do anything with crafts, go shopping, eating, swimming and listening to music.  She had an outgoing personality and enjoyed socializing with her friends.  She had a heart for caring for others and helping those in need.  Porje was very creative and wrote poetry and enjoyed photography.  Her dream was to become a writer or photographer.

    She is survived by her mother, Kia Sangster of Keokuk, her father, Joshua Thompson of Macomb, IL, her biological mother, Natasha Kimble of Milwaukee, WI, three brothers, Pyrria, Perris and Perrion Sangster all of Milwaukee, WI and three sisters, Jamie, Jennifer, Treyonna Sangster all of Keokuk.  She is also survived by her grandmothers, Shirley Sangster and Sharon Sangster both of Keokuk and Vickey Dickey of Macomb, IL, her grandfather, James E. Clark of Keokuk, aunts and uncles Tom Sangster, Jr. (Doreanea) of Keokuk and Stephanie and Todd Dohrn of Keokuk and fifteen cousins.

     She was preceded in death by her biological father, George Kimble, one grandfather, Thomas E. Sangster and one uncle, Gary Sprague.

     A funeral service will be held at 12 noon, July 1, 2023 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Pastor John Heath officiating. 

     Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10-12 noon, July 1, 2023 at the funeral home with family meeting with friends at that time.

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

R. Jean Bell, 93, of Carthage, Illinois passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at Silver Maple Assisted Living in Carthage, Illinois.

Jean was born May 9, 1930, in rural Colusa, Illinois, the daughter of John and Grace (Paulus) Bell. She graduated from Colusa High School. 

Jean worked at Sheaffer Pen in Fort Madison, Iowa, and later at Franklin Life Insurance in Springfield, Illinois, until her retirement.

Jean is survived by one nephew; Arnold (Nina) Boyer of Carthage, and two nieces; Sharon (Bob) Butler of Ormond Beach, Florida and Doris Jean Launer of Springfield, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, Lois (Ben) Shroeder, Helen (Lowell) Phipps and Arlene (Hubert) Boyer, one brother, Wayne (Maxine) Bell, a nephew, Jerry (Judith) Boyer, a great nephew Shane Boyer, and nehpew in-law, Eldon Launer.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, June 26, 2023, at Harris Cemetery in rural Dallas City, Illinois. Printy Funeral Home in Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

David Lee Cornelius

1945-2023

     David Lee Cornelius, 77 of Keokuk, IA died Sunday, June 18, 2023 at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington, IA.

     He was born November 23, 1945 in Hannibal, MO the son of George and Ruth Ledbetter Cornelius.  He graduated from Hannibal High School with the class of 1953.

     On September 30, 1972 David was united in marriage to Kathleen Shearman in Hannibal.  She preceded him in death on January 26, 2023.

     David had been employed by Methode Electronics in Carthage, IL and later by Charles Industries in Canton, MO.  David had been elected as the mayor of Hamilton, IL and served for eight years. 

     He enjoyed to smoke his pipe, read books and loved all types of music, especially classic rock.  David stayed up to date on current politics, both local and nationally.

     David is survived by one daughter, Angela Marie Witte (Randy) of Peoria, IL, one granddaughter, Payten Jean Cornelius of Port Charlotte, FL and his grand dogs, Mollie and Romero.

      Besides his wife, he was also preceded in death by one son, Ben Cornelius.

     A Gathering of Remembrance will be held from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with family meeting with friends at that time.

     Memorials may be made to the Keokuk Humane Society.

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

L. Charlott Crose

July 3, 1933–June 7, 2023

Lovesta Charlott Crose, of Carthage, Illinois, age 89, died at 1:13 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Bickford of Macomb.

Born at home in Dallas City, Illinois, to Macle and Ernest Nelson on July 3, 1933, Charlott arrived during the height of the Great Depression. Her extended families shared a house, food, and her grandfather’s single paycheck.

As a teenager, Charlott was a cheerleader at Dallas City High School, where she met the love of her life, Floyd Crose. When they married during the Korean War, Floyd was enlisted in the Navy, and the couple had a series of adventures in their time in California. A small-town girl, Charlott found herself navigating big-city life and even learned to drive a stick shift on the hills of San Francisco.

When Floyd completed his deployment, they returned to Illinois and started farming in rural Hancock County near the town of Webster. Three decades later, Floyd and Charlott were adversely affected by the farm crisis of the 1980s and a house fire claimed most of their possessions. Together, they left Illinois for Florida with everything they owned in a Volkswagen Rabbit.

Not only did they find work in Florida, but they also found what they considered paradise. Charlott’s art reflected her happiness. Her portfolio of paintings is a legacy cherished by family and friends. In addition to her art, she leaves many stories by which to be remembered, as Charlott was, if nothing else, a very…colorful…character.

After Floyd died in 2013, Charlott returned to Illinois to be closer to family. She relished gardening and a weekly game of ten-point pitch—despite being known as a terrible ten-point pitch player. In her defense, she was quick to point out: “I play cards. I don’t work at cards.”

Charlott is survived by: daughter, Cindy (Craig) Owsley, LaHarpe, IL; son, Tim (Nancy) Crose, Carthage, IL; son, Bill (Lori) Crose of Rochester Hills, MI; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 to 5 pm on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at the Bailey House, 100 S. Campbell Street, Macomb, Illinois.

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

Printy Funeral Home of Carthage, Illinois, is in charge of arrangements.

July 3, 1933–June 7, 2023

Lovesta Charlott Crose, of Carthage, Illinois, age 89, died at 1:13 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Bickford of Macomb.

Born at home in Dallas City, Illinois, to Macle and Ernest Nelson on July 3, 1933, Charlott arrived during the height of the Great Depression. Her extended families shared a house, food, and her grandfather’s single paycheck.

As a teenager, Charlott was a cheerleader at Dallas City High School, where she met the love of her life, Floyd Crose. When they married during the Korean War, Floyd was enlisted in the Navy, and the couple had a series of adventures in their time in California. A small-town girl, Charlott found herself navigating big-city life and even learned to drive a stick shift on the hills of San Francisco.

When Floyd completed his deployment, they returned to Illinois and started farming in rural Hancock County near the town of Webster. Three decades later, Floyd and Charlott were adversely affected by the farm crisis of the 1980s and a house fire claimed most of their possessions. Together, they left Illinois for Florida with everything they owned in a Volkswagen Rabbit.

Not only did they find work in Florida, but they also found what they considered paradise. Charlott’s art reflected her happiness. Her portfolio of paintings is a legacy cherished by family and friends. In addition to her art, she leaves many stories by which to be remembered, as Charlott was, if nothing else, a very…colorful…character.

After Floyd died in 2013, Charlott returned to Illinois to be closer to family. She relished gardening and a weekly game of ten-point pitch—despite being known as a terrible ten-point pitch player. In her defense, she was quick to point out: “I play cards. I don’t work at cards.”

Charlott is survived by: daughter, Cindy (Craig) Owsley, LaHarpe, IL; son, Tim (Nancy) Crose, Carthage, IL; son, Bill (Lori) Crose of Rochester Hills, MI; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 to 5 pm on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at the Bailey House, 100 S. Campbell Street, Macomb, Illinois.

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

Printy Funeral Home of Carthage, Illinois, is in charge of arrangements.

Kirk Douglas Keefe
1962-2023

Kirk Douglas Keefe, 61 of Keokuk, IA died Thursday, June 15, 2023 at the University
of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, IA.
He was born February 6, 1962 in Keokuk, IA the son of Byron Francis and Alice
Kathryn Tallman Keefe.
Jackie Jones was his life partner for the past twenty-six years. She survives.
Other survivors include four sons, Justin “Number One Son” Keefe (Melanie) of
Burlington, IA, Ian “Boy Wonder” Keefe of Keokuk, Ty Griswold of Macomb, IL and
Scot “Miracle Boy” Keefe of Keokuk, one step-son, Jacob Davalt (Tina) of Farmington,
IA and Luke Johnson (the son he always wanted) of Mt. Pleasant, IA. He is also survived
by two sisters, Mary Edmiston (Archie) of Keokuk and Susie Riquire (Dan) of CT, two
brothers, Pat Keefe of Keokuk and Byron Keefe (Pamela) of Muscatine, IA and six
grandchildren, Raven, Gavin, Wrigley, Aubrey, Stella and Dominiq.
He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, Mike Keefe, David Keefe and
his wife Amy, Chuck Brown, Estel Brown and Raymond Tallman and his wife Sheryl.
Kirk had been employed by Armour Dial in his younger years and was currently
employed by C.C. S. in Keokuk.
Kirk enjoyed spending time outdoors metal detecting, mushroom hunting, rock hunting
and looking at the stars through his telescope. He was always willing to help people find
their loved one’s grave in various cemeteries. Kirk was a friend to many and loved
hanging out with the guys in the garage telling stories and making memories.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, June 24, 2023 at the Vigen Memorial
Home in Keokuk, IA. Burial will be in the Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk.
Visitation will be held after 1 p.m., Friday, June 23, 2023 at the funeral home with
family meeting with friends from 6-8 p.m.
Memorials may be made to the family for final expenses.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com

Margaret Jane Martens, 78, of Carthage, passed away at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois on June
14, 2023.
Jane was born July 31, 1944 in Ukiah, California, the daughter of William Uel “Pete” and Dorothea Jane
(Madison) Redding. She graduated from Cassville High School in Cassville, Missouri in 1962. On July 12,
1969, she was united in marriage to James Martens in Bethany, Missouri. Jane was a member of Trinity
Lutheran Church in Carthage and was a regular participant in the church sewing group. Jane worked at
Harmony Mutual Insurance for many years, retiring in 2008. She loved horses, her dog, “Izzy” and
enjoyed painting. Jane especially enjoyed spending time with her grandkids and attending all their
activities.
Jane is survived by her three children, Leslie(Chris)Lindner of Keokuk, Iowa, Jamie(Kim)Martens of Dixon,
Illinois, and Shannon(Dave)Jernigan of Chiefland, Florida; her grandchildren, Ameslee(Zach)Suter, Hanna
Blomme, Bryor Lindner, Addison Martens, Kaylin Martens, Ella Jane Martens, Kylie Jernigan, David
Jernigan; and her sister Gaylene(Larry)Vaught; she is also survived by her great grandchildren, Breilla,
Carsen, and Adalynn and her in-laws, Flo Martens, Gina Martens, Roger Martens, Sharon (Raymond)
Stotlar, Mary Martens, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband James.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church in
Carthage, with burial to follow at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00
PM Tuesday evening at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage. Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran
Church in Carthage. Printy Funeral Home in Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

James E. “Jim” Roberts, 69, of Plymouth, IL died unexpectedly at 7:23 pm Monday June 12, 2023 at Memorial Hospital in Carthage, IL.

He was born on May 22, 1954 in Birmingham Township near Augusta, IL to Eldon and Betty Sue Twaddle Roberts. He was united in marriage to Ronda Belville on October 15, 1988 at the Rushville Christian Church Rushville, IL. She survives.

Jim attended Huntsville Grade School, was a 1972 graduate of Southeastern High School in Augusta, IL and earned an Associate Degree in Auto Mechanics from Spoon River College in Canton, IL. He was first employed as a parts man at Holmes Equipment in Augusta, IL and for most of his working years he was employed as a service manager for numerous auto dealerships in Illinois, Missouri, Ohio and Indiana as he traveled with his wife for her work. He had farmed the family farm and was always willing to lend a helpful hand to anyone who needed help with their farming.

Jim was a member of the Living Faith United Methodist Church in Bowen, IL and was a former member of the Lions Club. He organized and served as President of the Late Knight Cruisers Car Club, served as President of the Hancock County Fair Board and President of Lamoine Ramblers Motorcycle Club. He was an announcer for many motor sports events in the area and served as organizer and judge for many car shows. He loved to drag race and won his first drag race on his 16^th birthday. He enjoyed woodworking and taking care of his lawn, but his greatest pride and joy was spending time with his wife, dogs, family, and attending his grandchildren’s activities.

He is survived along with his wife, Ronda by a daughter; Erin Roberts (Chris Solaro) of Quincy, IL, a son, Scott (Jenny) Roberts of Carthage, IL, 3 grandchildren, Ava, Jonah and Ben of Carthage, IL, 1 sister, Linda (Bob) Bradshaw of Plymouth, IL, 3 brothers, David (Jenny) Roberts of  Ft. Payne, AL, William (Lisa) Roberts of Augusta, IL and Richard (Christy) Roberts of Augusta, IL as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents.                                                                

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday June 17, 2023 at the Living Faith United Methodist Church in Bowen, IL with Pastor Sheri Renner officiating. Burial will follow the service at Huntsville Cemetery in Huntsville, IL. Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 Friday June 16, 2023 at the Living Faith United Methodist Church in Bowen, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Hancock County EMS or Hearts of Hancock Humane Society.

The Hamilton Funeral Home in Augusta, IL is handling arrangements.

Claude Raymond Webb, 98, of Carthage, IL, passed away at 6:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at Hancock Village in Carthage.

He was born November 4, 1924 in Summum, Fulton County, Illinois, to Claud E. and Winnie M. Bandle Webb. His family moved to Hancock County in 1927 and into Bentley shortly after that. He was baptized into Providence Primitive Baptist Church near Plymouth in March of 1940. He served in the army in Europe during World War II as an ambulance driver/medic. After the war in Europe ended, his division returned to the US, expecting to be sent to the south Pacific front. He married Betty White August 27, 1945 in Hattiesburg, MS, when she and his mother came to visit.

After being honorably discharged from the army, he was asked to preach for Friendship Primitive Baptist Church in northern Hancock County. He was ordained to the ministry in November 1947 and continued pastoring churches for more than 75 years. He also worked first as a substitute teacher, then as a full time teacher and principal for several elementary school districts in Hancock County, retiring from school work in 1980.

Raymond is survived by 5 children, Jimme (Pat) of Enterprise, AL; Robert (Linda) of Carthage; Randy (Bertha) of Bloomington, IL, Nancy of Kirksville, MO, and Ray (Andrea) of Marble Falls, TX; also 11 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, on July 16, 2012, by his parents, four sisters, Doris Jones, Louise Allen, Evelyn Ganion, and Ruth Briggs, and one brother, George “Louie” Webb, two grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

Funeral services will be held at the Printy Funeral Home in Carthage on Saturday, June 17 at 11am with burial to follow in Harmony Township Cemetery near Bentley. A visitation will be held that morning from 10am until the start of the service. Memorials may be directed to Providence Primitive Baptist Church near Plymouth or to Hancock Village in Carthage.

Krisen Lee “Kris” Printy, 65, of Keokuk, IA, died Monday, June 12, 2023 at his home after a short battle with lung cancer.

     He was born on September 4, 1957 in Keokuk, IA, the son of Martin Otto and Peggy Murphy.   His mother later married Donald Printy who raised Kris as his own son and who Kris considered his dad.  Kris graduated from Keokuk High School with the Class of 1975. 

     On June 21, 2008, Kris was united in marriage to the love of his life Tina Kiester Adams at their home in Keokuk.  She survives. “It’s time to say goodbye to the man I loved for the past seventeen years.  This is real …and it hurts to my soul. Rest well, my love…no more suffering.  I will miss you.”

     He is also survived by one son, Brandon Adams of Keokuk, three daughters, Megan Adams of North Liberty, IA, Sarah Berg (Chris) of the state of Washington and Katie Lyman (Elijah) of Yuma, AZ, one granddaughter, Charlotte Adams-Kemper and one grandson, Bentley Lyman.  He is also survived by his mother Peggy (Printy) Cottman of Keokuk, two half-brothers, Jon Otto and Kent Otto both of South Dakota, one step-brother, Scott Meade of North Carolina, several god-children and many other relatives.

     He was preceded in death by his father, Martin Otto, his dad, Donald Printy, grandparents and one step-sister, Heidi Batley.

     Kris had been employed as a police officer with the Keokuk Police Department, had been a master diver, instructor trainer in the Florida Keys and then retired from ADM in Keokuk until it closed.

     He enjoyed the outdoors and especially enjoyed being on the water, fishing, boating and diving.  Kris also enjoyed spending time at the shooting range, going to his coffee clutch on Thursdays and taking care of his dogs.  His grandchildren brought him much happiness and he loved taking them for rides on his 4-wheeler.   

     According to his wishes there will be no services.

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

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

Gerald Lee “Jerry” Miller, of Carthage, passed away at Memorial Hospital in Carthage at 1:04 AM Tuesday morning, June 13, 2023.

Jerry was born April 26, 1944, in rural Hancock County, Illinois near Adrian, the son of Lorna Yoe Franzen. He attended Carthage High School, graduating in 1962.  On March 22, 1968, he was united in marriage to Eleanor Sue Mershon in Warsaw, Illinois.  Jerry worked as a truck driver for the Wright Oil Company, TNT Oil Company and West Central FS.  He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Carthage Golf Course and the Carthage Clipper Fire Department.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Eleanor Sue Miller of Carthage; Cindi (Chuck) Knowles, Pam (Pete) Huston and Jerilyn (Shelley Smith) Miller; grandsons, Jesse Knowles, Kaden Huston, Brogan (Taylor) Smith and Kyle (Renee) Huston; granddaughter, Brady Huston; great grandson, Waylon Knowles and his mother, LeAnn Scofield Fecht; great granddaughters, Aubrey, Harper, Sydney and Blake Huston; a sister, Gladys Scaccia of Port Orange, Florida; a special nephew, Dennis Scaccia; and several loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, Edwin Dale “Eddie” Wandtke; his sisters and their husbands, Dorothy (Harry) Evans and Charlotte (Marshall) Gilmore; one brother and his wife, Franklen “Leon” (Mary) Miller; one niece, Patty Taylor Parker; and two nephews, Curtis and Dickie Taylor.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday morning, June 19, 2023, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Sunday evening at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Carthage Clippers Fire Department or the Memorial Hospital Medical/Surgical Department for End-of-Life Care.  Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Jerry Ralph Jinkens, 64, of Keokuk, IA, died Monday, June 12, 2023 at his home.

     He was born on July 4, 1958 in Keokuk, IA, the son of Robert and Aileen McNally Jinkens.  He graduated from Keokuk High School with the Class of 1976.

     On February 14, 2020, Jerry was united in marriage to Martha Harrell.  She survives.

     He is also survived by two daughters, Sarah Jinkens of Burlington and Hannah Abston (BJ) of Keokuk, two step-daughters, Samantha Harrell of Kahoka and Brandy Sturm (Tyler) of Keokuk and one step-son, Danny Burgess of Keokuk and twelve grandchildren.  He is also survived by five sisters, Karen Hickey (Mike) of Keokuk, Brenda Coursey (Steve) of Monmouth, IL, Bonnie Underwood (Steve) of Keokuk, Cynthia Ames (Roy) of Keokuk and Julie McNitt (Tim) of Osage Beach, MO, one brother, Dennis Jinkens of Keokuk and numerous nieces and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents, James & Letta Jinkens, Ralph and Edna Ingram McNally and step-grandmother, Myra Egley McNally.

     Jerry had been employed at Meyers Driveway and Septic and also at the Prototype Foundry.

     He was a loyal fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Raiders.  He loved listening to the rock band, The Who, and went to many of their concerts.  Jerry had a great appreciation for history, enjoyed camping and liked animals, especially dogs.

Most of all Jerry loved his family and his greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren.

     A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk.  Burial will be in the Hickory Grove Cemetery.

     There will be no visitation.

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

Gene Mudd, 83, of Warsaw, passed away at 1:44 PM, Saturday, June 10, 2023,
at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.
Gene married his high school sweetheart on “the hottest day of the year”. 6-11-
1961 in Hunnewell, MO at the United Methodist Church with the reception immediately
followed at the farm of Robert and Margaret Landrum in an unairconditioned home,
Gene complained about sweating until the winter of that year.
Gene was an outstanding, two sport athlete for the Monroe City Panthers in
baseball and basketball. His excellence earned him All-State honors in 1956 and 1957.
He was proud that his team was the first in school history to make it to state. Even in his
last days he would always ask the nurses where they were from, if they answered
“Palmyra”, he would nod and shake his head and say “that's too bad”.
Gene used his basketball ability to put himself through college on scholarship at
Northeast Missouri State, Moberly Jr College, and Central Missouri State in
Warrensburg, Missouri. He earned a Bachelor’s and Master's Degree which he was so
proud of. “I played sports to pay for my education”.

After graduation, he started coaching and teaching with stops in Stover,
Braymer, and Belton, Missouri schools. Success followed him throughout his career,
and he took the leap from high school to college. He became the Men’s basketball
coach at Southeastern Community College in Keokuk, IA in 1970. He moved his family
to Warsaw, IL. Gene coached the Keokuk Komets for seven seasons having success at
each level of competition.
In his spare time during the summer months, he coached the Warsaw fast pitch
team. Over the next decade his teams dominated both the “little” and “mini” leagues.
His teams went undefeated for seven consecutive seasons. He won over 300 wins with
only a handful of losses. To this day, former players will comment on how good those
teams were, and how well they were coached. Many players tried to emulate Gene and
his coaching style. He did not believe in participation trophies. He said, “winning isn’t
everything but losing sucks”. You always knew where you stood with Gene in sports
and in life.
After he ended his coaching career/teaching career in 1978 he started selling
insurance for Country Companies. He never wanted to sell insurance but after some
guidance from J.E. McMurray, he decided to give it a try. Gene sold insurance for the
next twenty-six years winning numerous awards, trips and praise from those around
him. He was the first agent in Hancock County to open his own office at 618 Main
Street in Warsaw.

Gene was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed all types of bird hunting including
quail, turkey, dove, duck, and goose. He also enjoyed boating and fishing on the
Mississippi River and spending time at his cabin. He loved boating so much that the
Mudd family cleared their summer schedules from Memorial Day to Labor Day to spend
their time boating. He has been credited for teaching over 300 people on how to water
ski by simply showing them and then shouting at them if they could not get up. It
worked.
After Gene’s retirement, he spent his winters vacationing in Pharr, Tx. Living out
of his motorhome. Gene developed a love for trapshooting and traveled all around the
midwest going to competitions. Gene was a life-long St. Louis Cardinals fan. He loved
spending time with his children, but it was grandchildren and great-grandchildren that
gave him so much joy. He was always a “crowd favorite” at family gatherings. Gene
loved his family and his home. Last but not least, Gene Mudd would always say, “I’m a
Missourian forever, and don’t you forget it.”
Gene is survived by his wife, Barbara, of Warsaw; children, Robb (Karen) Mudd
of Jacksonville, Illinois, Susan (Jeff) Wherley of Macomb, and Scott (Carla) Mudd of
Carthage; grandchildren, Austin (Hannah) Mudd, Jordan (Dylan) Reed, Karsyn Mudd,
Kendyl Mudd, Kaylea (Brad) Schmidt, Madison Wherley (Zach Grover), Jacob Wherley,
Jennifer Cooper, Drake Mudd, and Chase Mudd; great grandchildren, Mia Mudd, Norah
Reed, Sloane Schmidt, Barrett Schmidt, Lillian Cooper, Evan Cooper, and Kobi
Wherley; one sister, Doris Ann (Melvin) Wilson of Burlington; and nieces, nephews and
cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Velma Mudd; and one
sister, Sue Mudd.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday morning, June 16, 2023, at
Printy Funeral Home in Warsaw with burial to follow in Oakland Cemetery in Warsaw. A
visitation will be held Thursday evening from 2:00 – 7:00 PM with family meeting friends
from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. at Printy Funeral Home in Warsaw. A memorial fund has been
established. Printy Funeral Home of Warsaw is in charge of arrangements.

Nicholas John “Nick” Hawley, 35, of Des Moines, Iowa, formerly of Warsaw, Illinois, passed
away on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at his home in Des Moines, Iowa.
Nick was born on July 7, 1987, in Quincy, Illinois, the son of Jodie and Shelley (Bartholomew)
Hawley. He was a Nascar fan, and lived and breathed football, rooting for the New England
Patriots. But his true passion in life was movies, especially Star Wars. He related all of life to
movies, and had a movie quote for every occasion. Nick will always be remembered for his
generosity, and would give you the shirt off his back, no matter how little he had. He always
wanted those around him to feel loved. Nick proudly served his country in the United States
Army and was medically discharged.
Nick is survived by his mother Shelley (Monte Leenerts) Hawley of Warsaw, Illinois; his
biological father Joe (Sarah) Hegg of Mendon, Illinois; his biological mother Serena (Bob) Ryan
of Philadelphia, Missouri; three sisters: Lindsay (Eric) Schlotterbeck of Carthage, Illinois,
Amanda (Matt) Hegg of Hamilton, Illinois, and Kayla Meado of Quincy; three brothers: Alec
(Kaitlin) Prindle of Quincy, Everett Hegg of Mendon and Nolan Ryan of Philadelphia, Missouri;
his step-brother Keith (Gretchen) Leenerts of Hamilton; and his grandmother Vicky Hoebing of
Quincy. Other survivors include fourteen nieces and nephews and numerous aunts, uncles and
cousins.
Nick is preceded in death by his father Jodie Hawley, his sister Jaime Hawley and his brother
Jordan Peterson.
Funeral services will be held at 1 pm on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Printy Funeral Home in
Warsaw, with burial to follow at Montrose Cemetery in Montrose, Iowa. Visitation will be held
on Tuesday from 11 am to 1 pm at Printy Funeral Home in Warsaw directly before the service.
Memorials may be directed to the Wounded Warriors Project.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.
Printy Funeral Home of Warsaw is in charge of arrangements.

Priscilla L. Blecha, 79, of Warsaw, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at her home in Warsaw. Blessed be the life and memory of Priscilla.  She was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa August 27, 1943 to parents  Earl and Lucille Maulson Croskey.  She joined older sister, Patricia and they lived in several areas of Iowa until settling in Iowa City.  When Priscilla was four years old, her younger brother Phillip was born.  As a youngster, he was not able to pronounce her name and called her Sissy.  Thus the name stuck and Priscilla has been known far and wide with the nickname “Sissy.” 

Priscilla was proud of the fact that at eleven years old she was named an ambassador for the opening of Herbert Hoover Elementary School.   As a result, she was introduced to President Hoover and it was an important day in her life.  

While attending Iowa City High School she worked as a telephone operator.  Priscilla graduated from high school in 1961.  She immediately went to University College of Cosmetology where she began her career as a hair stylist. 

In 1965 she married Jim Blecha.  They moved to Eldora, Iowa where Priscilla opened her salon named, Colonial Coiffures.  Even though she was very successful she was missing an important part of her life: children.  She found that love and fulfillment in children, SuSana and Jose’.  Her life was complete. Priscilla and the children moved to LaCrosse in 1985 where she worked at Glenbies Beauty Shop and later she managed The Dayton Hudson Beauty Salon.  She bought a couple homes while living in the area and with her designer skills she was able to improve and profit from her efforts. 

She later met Tom Landis and their romance blossomed.  The decision was made for her to move to Warsaw, Illinois and begin her life with Tom along the Mississippi River Bluffs.  Once again, in her lifetime, Priscilla embraced all that the area offered.  She was active in her Trinity United Methodist Church, Deer Run Golf Course, PEO, Mississippi Speed Record Team, Warsaw City Council, Warsaw Community Women’s Club, Angels on the River, annual migration bird counts, book clubs and her bridge groups. Priscilla loved flowers, fruit trees, and developing new gardens and landscaping.  She treasured every minute she could be outside.  She saw God in everything she did in nature and all around her.  Priscilla was grateful for every day given her. 

Even though we miss her deeply, she danced the day, May 31, 2023, when she joined her mother Lucille, her father Earl, her sister Patricia and her beloved Tom Landis, in eternity. She is survived by her children, SuSana Blecha, Jose’ Blecha, her brother Phillip Croskey and his wife Denise, her aunt Genny Croskey, nieces, cousins, and friends.

God bless her memory and the contributions she made in her lifetime of 79 years.

A private visitation was held from 4:00-5:00 PM on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Printy Funeral Home in Warsaw, Illinois. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 24, 2023 at the Gay-Ciha Funeral Home, 2720 Muscatine Ave., Iowa City, IA at 10:30 AM.

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

Printy Funeral Home of Warsaw, Illinois, is in charge of arrangements.

Ralph “Toby” Dale Davis

1927 -2023

     Ralph “Toby” Dale Davis, 95 of Keokuk, IA died Monday, June 5, 2023 at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospital in Ft. Madison, IA.

     He was born July 10, 1927 in Centerville, IA the son of Lawrence and Mildred Newland Davis. 

     Ralph was a veteran of the United States Navy and Coast Guard. 

     On October 7, 1950 Ralph was united in marriage to Peggy Percival in Keokuk.  She preceded him in death on June 12, 2020.

     Ralph had been employed at several businesses in the area, including Thomas Trucking, Midwest Carbide and Industrial Engineering. 

     He was a member of the Living Waters Assembly of God Church in Keokuk.  He was also a member of the Eagles Club.

     Ralph enjoyed motorcycle riding, dancing, golfing and traveling.  Ralph and Peggy had traveled extensively throughout the United Sates and they had made a trip to California every summer for twenty-two years.  He was a gardener with a green thumb and grew large vegetable and flower gardens every year.   He was a talented leatherworker and enjoyed creating beautiful items.

     He is survived by two sons, Mike Phillips Davis (Refina) of Patterson, CA and Steve “Gus” Davis (Diana) of Hamilton, IL, one daughter, Debbie Miller (Ron) of Keokuk, fourteen grandchildren, Melissa Hilleby (Manes), Michele Presnell (Jason), Mike Phillips (Jeanette), Toby Davis, Steve Davis, Ron Miller (Risse), Jacob Davis (Kate), Matthew Davis (Lexie Shipley), Cory Long (Teressa), Heather Brown (Nate), Meghan Kavanagh, Matthew Nelson, Kelsey Washburn, and Isaac Malloy, fourteen great-grandchildren, Ella, Chase, Alex, Aaron, Mia, Aiden, Eli, Ezra, twins, Asher and Asa, Zoe, Lincoln and Justien.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and close friends, John and Kathy Happs.

     Besides his wife, he was also preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Davis, his mother, Mildred Rifenbery, his son, Lawrence “Larry” Davis, two brothers, Ray Davis and Donnie Davis in infancy, and one sister, Mary Lou Buffington.

     A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Pastor Larry Wallingford officiating.  Burial with military rites will be in the Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk, IA.

     Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 10-11 a.m., Monday at the funeral home with family meeting with friends at that time.

     In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials may be made to the Disables Veteran of America.

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

Gary Lynn Icenogle, 76, of Carthage, was called home on June 1, 2023, in Aledo IL, surrounded by his loving family. 

Gary was born August 1, 1946, in Spring Valley, IL, the son of William E. Icenogle and Wilma Jean (Bauser) Curtis. He graduated from Rushville High School in 1965. He enlisted in the Air Force, where he was a heavy machinery operator and ordinance specialist. He was stationed at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam during the Vietnam War. He completed his service at March Air Force Base and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant on January 18th, 1972. Gary was employed by Western Illinois Electric Co-op (WIEC), where he met the love of his life, Carolyn Kay Huls. Gary was baptized and confirmed in his faith at Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Carthage on October 21st, 1972. Gary and Carolyn were united in marriage on May 12, 1973, at Immanuel Lutheran Church. She preceded him in death on December 17, 2021. Gary furthered his education by graduating from Southeastern Community College in August 1990 with a degree in Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration. Gary was also employed in maintenance at the Bentley Lumber Company, Robert Morris College, Southeastern Community College, and Memorial Hospital, from which he retired in 2008.

Gary devoted himself for many years as a Boy Scout leader, volunteering as Scoutmaster for Troop 72 of Carthage from 1986 to 1991. Approximately fourteen young men earned the rank of Eagle Scout under his leadership. As a result of his efforts, he was awarded Volunteer of the Year by Cub Scout Pack 39 in 1986, the National Scoutmaster Award of Merit in 1990, the Algonquin District Award of Merit in 1991; and the Eagle Ridge District Award of Merit for Saukee Area Council in 1993. Gary had a passion for fishing, often stating that, “fishing isn’t about catching fish but rather the time spent together.” He loved the outdoors and instilled a love for camping, hunting, and especially fishing in his children and grandchildren. Gary enjoyed woodworking, leaving behind many keepsakes. He was also very artistic and occasionally painted woodland scenes, refurbished vintage steel toy trucks and in later years assembled model airplanes. He enjoyed reading, particularly Civil War Era history. Gary had a fondness for raising his cattle and tinkering with his tractors. Gary had an undying love for his family that will be felt for many generations to come.

Gary is survived by his son, Steven James (Megan) Icenogle, of Aledo, IL, and his daughter, Jennifer Lynn (Christopher) Meeks of Carthage, IL; his very adored grandchildren, Jessie, Dalton, and Zachary Icenogle, and Samuel and Benjamin Meeks. Also surviving are his brothers, Eldon “Butch” Icenogle of Keokuk, IA and Dennis (Kate) Icenogle of Blandinsville, IL; sisters Debra Bordenkircher of Mt. Sterling, IL, Barbara (Roger) Bailey of Hannibal, MO, and Shelly (Hank) Petrey of Eubank, KY; in-laws Carla (Kenneth) Crossland of Bowen, IL; Nancy Huls of Carthage, IL; and Lester (Yvonne) Huls of Carthage, IL; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding Gary in death are his loving wife, Carolyn, his parents, and stepfather, Clyde Curtis.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 6th, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with family greeting friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage. Services will be held on Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church of rural Carthage. Graveside service with full military honors rendered by the Hancock County Honor Guard following at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to continue his legacy in the Boy Scouts to Troop 72 of Carthage, or to

his church family, Immanuel Lutheran Church of Carthage. Printy Funeral Home in Carthage is in charge of arrangements.