Larry Gene Vance

Larry Gene Vance, 87, of Carthage, passed away early
Tuesday morning, August 26, 2025, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.
Larry was born March 8, 1938, the son of Junius and Evelyn (Fleming) Vance in
Keokuk, Iowa. He graduated from Carthage High School in 1956. On September 9,
1959, he was united in marriage to Elaine Johnson at the Immanuel Lutheran Church
near Basco and she preceded him in death in 1989. On March 17, 1990, he was united
in marriage to Judy Melton Snodgrass at Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Larry farmed and also worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation, retiring in
June of 2000 after twenty years of service maintaining roads and highways. After
retirement he began digging graves and was also the right hand for Printy Funeral
Home for many years where he was an invaluable help and asset. He was an active
community member and was very generous with his time and resources. He was often
found at community events and parades with his horse and carriage providing rides, a
service he loved. He and his family were members of the Bentley Community Saddle
Club for many years, and he enjoyed horse auctions all over the area, especially Kalona
Iowa. He faithfully attended his grandchildren’s dance and sporting events and was
known as the “candy-man” because of his pockets full of mints matching the colors of
the grandchild’s team he was there to support. He was a Republican Precinct
committee member for many years and volunteered many hours of his time in parades
and support for local candidates with his horse and carriage. Larry was a committed
Christian and a lifetime member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church. He also enjoyed
attending other churches with Judy and other members of his family over the years. He
was a faithful friend and beloved community member.
Larry is survived by his wife, Judy, of Carthage; children, Vian Neally of Hamilton, Luan
(Rick) Streb of North Liberty, Iowa, Alan (Amber Gottman) Vance of Golden, Illinois,
Shelle Welty of California, Scott Rigdon of Willington, North Carolina and Angela (Scott)
Boilard of Florida; his daughter-in-law, Tonja Vance of Carthage; grandchildren, Alisha
(Clint) Grothaus, Jeni (Robert) Gaffey, Megan (Patrick) Fay, Kayla (Tanner) Marshall,
Nate Streb, Quinten (Beth) Smith, Miriah (Jordan) Hatfield, Tyler (Rachel) Bruns,
Chauntel (Brandon) Maroon, Alaina (Lane) Marlow, Jalan Vance, Cyle (Courtney)
Vance, Colt Vance, Austin (Bekah) Welty, Alyssa Welty, Jade (Matthew) Phillips,
Kennedy (Carlton) Homan, Dathan DeGonia, Ezra Rigdon and Sophia Rigdon; and
many great and great great grandchildren; one brother, Terry (Cathy) Vance of Salem,
Iowa. He is also survived by many bonus children and grandchildren who loved him
deeply from Judy’s marriage to Harold (Skeets) Snodgrass.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Elaine; a son, Brian; and a brother
in infancy.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, August 29, 2025, at Immanuel
Lutheran Church 921 N Co Rd 1900, Carthage with burial to follow in the Immanuel
Lutheran Church Cemetery Carthage. Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday evening at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with family meeting friends from
4:00 – 7:00 PM. A memorial fund has been established. Printy Funeral Home of
Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

Shirley Lee Statler

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Shirley Lee Statler to a greater
life with our Lord.
Shirley was 95 years old, she was born on January 25, 1930, and passed on August 23,
2025 at her home in Carthage. She was born in McDonough County to Jesse Belle
(Fowler) Jarvis and Earl Ross Jarvis. Shirley had 4 older brothers. Shirley is preceded
by her loving husband Frank “Zeke” Statler, stepson, Tom Statler, her parents Earl and
Jesse, brothers and their wives Hubert, Gene and Ailene Jarvis, Howard and Darlene,
and Dwight and Fairy Jarvis, her niece Judy Eddington, and granddaughter Julie Loftin.
Shirley is survived by her children Marcia (Tom) Runge, Mark (JoAnn) Hohbein, Michael
Hohbein, Samee (Tracy) Owens, nieces Anita (Bill deceased) Ussery, Elaine Jarvis,
Lynn (Richard) Sipes, and Rebecca (Charles) Shumaker. She is also survived by 9
grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 4 great - great grandchildren.
Shirley graduated from Macomb High School in 1948. She then went to work for Kroger
Grocery chain. In 1952 while in a company training course she met her 1 st husband
Eugene Hohbein, they married in Beatrice, Nebraska and worked for Kroger until they
moved to Oskaloosa, Iowa. They divorced in 1960 with three children. In 1962-3 she
met and married the love of her life Frank “Zeke” Statler and were married at his
passing in 2007 spending 44 years together.
Shirley’s career lasted into her 70’ s. She was a secretary, clerk, and bookkeeper for
several businesses. Besides Kroger, she also worked for Shelor Mobile Homes, the
ASCS office of Carthage, Carthage School system, Good Apple, Cargil elevator, Morton
Buildings, and H&R Block. Her hobbies were bridge, bingo, bowling, canasta with her
brothers, the coffee club Girls, and a lifelong love of Golf.
Shirley was dedicated to her love of family and friends and never met anyone she didn’t
like. She made sure her family was always close as she could even though they are
scattered all over the country. Her belief that you always help others in need has been
a driving force for her whenever possible. She will be loved and remembered for her
bright smile, unbelievable memory and always being 39 years old.
Most recently mom spent time on hospice, and the family would like to thank the
amazing people that took care of her especially our brother Mike and sister Samee who
moved back here to take care of her. They had the help of Duane Massey, Betty
Twaddle, Jean Freeman, Lori and Kenney Cox and the care of the Nurses Melinda,

Carsen, and Maggie from Blessing Hospice. Mom spent her life trying to get the most
out of it she could especially Love. Her family would like to say we will always love mom
and carry her in our hearts as fond memories until we meet again.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Printy Funeral
Home in Carthage. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until time of services at 1:00
pm at the funeral home. Burial in Moss Ridge Cemetery will be held at 10:00 AM Friday
morning, September 5 th . Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of
arrangements.

Marsha M. Froman

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Smoking Gun Event Center in Hamilton at 1:00 PM, Saturday, August 30, 2025.  Memorials may be directed to the Memorial Hospital Foundation (for the Silver Maple Memory Care unit).

Randy Allen Carlton

Randy Allen Carlton, 68, of Hamilton, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, August 21,
2025, at his home in Hamilton.
Randy was born on February 20, 1957, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Tressler and Shirley
(Potter) Carlton. On April 2, 1977, he was united in marriage to Ramona Jean
Rubemeyer in Keokuk, Iowa. She survives.
Randy was employed at Conagra for forty years and was also employed at H & S
Construction. He was a member of the Union and the Mississippi Rat Pack Car Club,
proudly displaying his El Camino. He loved fishing and visiting the casino and enjoyed
rooting for the Green Bay Packers and tinkering on cars. Most of all, Randy loved
people, especially his grandchildren.
Randy is survived by his wife Ramona Carlton of Hamilton; two daughters: Karinsa
Washburn and Shilea (Brandon) Wilson, both of Hamilton; his brother Richard (Debbie)
Carlton; three grandchildren: Brooke Hayes, Dalton (Ashley) Hayes and Bryce
(Madison) Wilson; five great-grandchildren: Braeden, Baylor, Avery, Ava and Blakely;
his beloved dog Hoss; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Randy is preceded in death by his parents; his son Hot Rod; his son-in-law Carl
Washburn and seven siblings: Ronald, Danny, Steve, Faith, Raymond, Tina and Tommy
Carlton.
Funeral services will be held at 4 pm on Monday, August 25, 2025, at Printy Funeral
Home, 917 Blondeau Street, Keokuk, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 1 to 4 pm, with
family meeting friends from 2 to 4 pm at Printy Funeral Home directly before the service.
Rat Pack members and car enthusiasts are invited to bring their cars in memory of
Randy.
Memorials may be directed to the Blessing Hospital Cancer Center in Quincy.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.
Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.

Darel Duane Carroll

Darel Duane Carroll, 95, of Carthage, passed away at his home, surrounded by his family at
7:11 AM, Thursday, August 21, 2025.
Darel was born on April 29, 1930, the son of Floyd and Theresa (Bromberg) Carroll on the
family farm in rural Carthage. He graduated from the last class at Elvaston High School in
1948. On November 25, 1954, Darel was united in marriage to Alvera Neisen at St.
Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fowler, Illinois. Darel was a lifelong farmer. He was a member
of the Immaculate Conception Catholic church, serving as a trustee for many years. He was
a long time 4-H leader, a member of NFO, where he also served as county president. He
was active in the swing ezy square dance club. He served on the Marine Bank board of
directors and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Darel was also a Korean War
Veteran.
Darel is survived by three children, Dan (Deanne) Carroll of Carthage, Colleen (John)
McAndrew of Fort Collins, Colorado and David (Tami) Carroll of Carthage; grandchildren,
John (Kelly) Carroll of Carthage, Catherine Henoch of Keokuk, Sarah (Rishu) Mandolia of
St. Charles, Illinois, Mary (Alan) Moore of Bozeman, Montana, Michael Carroll of Winfield,
Illinois, Anna Carroll of Carthage; John McAndrew of Ft. Collins, Colorado, Mary (Jon)
Oliver of Ft. Collins, Colorado, Joseph (Tessa) McAndrew of Basco, Illinois; Drew (Erica)
Carroll of Carthage, Mackenzie (Ben) McLean of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Aaron (Jessica)
Carroll of Carthage and Brayden (Katelyn) Carroll of Birmingham, Alabama; Nineteen great
grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Jimmy (Peggy) Neisen and a sister-in-law, Mary Helen
Carroll.
Darel was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Alvera, and two brothers, Daniel and
Paul Carroll.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 25, 2025, at the Immaculate
Conception Catholic Church in Carthage with burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery in
Carthage with full military rites. Visitation will be held at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage on
Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM with family meeting friends from 5:00 to
7:00 PM. A Rosary will be held following the visitation. Memorials may be directed to
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Carthage or Blessing Hospice. Printy Funeral
Home of Carthage is in charge of the arrangements.

Randy Carlton

Randy Carlton, 68, of Hamilton, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at
his home in Hamilton.
Funeral services will be held at 4 pm on Monday, August 25, 2025, at Printy Funeral
Home, 917 Blondeau Street, Keokuk, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 1 to 4 pm, with
family meeting friends from 2 to 4 pm at Printy Funeral Home directly before the service.
A full obituary will follow.
Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.

Linda L. Blankenship

Linda L. Blankenship, 73, of Keokuk, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at
Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa.
Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at New Testament
Christian Church in Keokuk. A private burial will be held on Monday, September 1,
2025, at Keokuk National Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 29, from 5
to 8 pm at New Testament Christian Church in Keokuk.
A full obituary will follow.
Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.

Gregory “Greg” L. Jones

Gregory “Greg” L. Jones, 70, of Keokuk, passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2025,
at his home in Keokuk.
Greg was born on May 2, 1955, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of William “Casey” F. and
Donna Ruth (Long) Jones. He graduated from Warsaw High School in 1973, and went
on to later graduate from Southeastern Community College with an Associates of
Computer Science. He was employed at Henniges Automotive until his retirement. In
his free time, Greg enjoyed refinishing furniture, watching shows, Harley-Davidson
motorcycles and anything involving computers and technology. He was a true people-
person, and enjoyed a happy hour with his friends or attending his grandchildren’s ball
games.
Greg is survived by three children: Audrey Jones of Hamilton, Zachary Jones (Fiancée
Rebecca King) of Hamilton, and William Jones (Hannah Ehrhardt) of Keokuk; his
brother Gary (Tammy) Jones of Warsaw; six grandchildren: Isaiah Seay of Iowa City,
Ilona and Irelynn Seay, both of Keokuk, Callie Jones of Keokuk, Skylar Stonehouse of
Quincy, Illinois, and Richard Stonehouse, Jr. of Hamilton; and several nieces, nephews
and cousins.
Greg is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Geoffrey Jones, and his son Ethan
Jones.
Funeral services will be held at 4 pm on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at Printy Funeral
Home in Warsaw. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2 to 4 pm
directly before the service.
Memorials may be directed to the family for expenses.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.
Printy Funeral Home of Warsaw is in charge of arrangements.

Raphael Herbert

Raphael Herbert, 93, of Nauvoo, passed away at 5:20 PM Monday, August
18, 2025, at his home.
Raphael was born January 3, 1932, in Nauvoo, the son of Hilary and Ethel
(Schmitz) Herbert. He graduated from Saints Peter and Paul High School.
His first job was with the Nauvoo Cheese Factory. He had also worked for
the Sante Fe Railroad, J.I. Case in Burlington and retired as the production
supervisor for Fruehauf Trailor Corporation. Raphael was united in
marriage to Doris Bravo July 3 rd , 1982. He enjoyed house flipping, but his
favorite pastime was gardening.
Raphael is survived by his wife, Doris, of Nauvoo.
Cremation Rites have been accorded. Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is
in charge of arrangements.

Matthew Eugene Huling

Matthew Eugene Huling, 43, of Carthage, passed away at home.
Matthew was born June 9, 1982, the son of Kenneth Eugene and Julie May
(Patrick) Huling in Carthage. He graduated from Carthage High School in
2001. Matthew had worked for J and R Tire in Carthage, Sharkey
Transportation in Quincy and had served as the Carthage Township
Cemetery sexton.
Matthew is survived by four children, Ambria, Austin, Everly and Ford
Huling; parents, Kenneth and Julie Huling of Carthage; siblings, Lucas
(Katy) Huling of Carthage and Penny (Bobbi) Huling of Macomb; and niece
and nephew, Parker and Ty Huling.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Kenneth J. and Emma Lee
(Peterson) Huling and Gene and Joy (Feagans) Patrick.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, August 21, 2025, at
the First Christian Church in Carthage. Family will meet friends from 9:00
AM until time of services at 11:00 AM at the church on Thursday. Burial will
be in the Harmony Township Cemetery near Bentley. Memorials may be
directed to the family of Matthew Huling. Printy Funeral Home of Carthage
is in charge of arrangements.

Tracy K. Fowler

Tracy K. Fowler, 45, of Warsaw, Illinois, passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025, at
St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.
Tracy was born on April 10, 1980, in Quincy, Illinois, the daughter of Robert “Bob” and
Kathryn (Bowen) Foley. She graduated Warsaw High School in 1998 and was employed
as a Team Lead at Walmart. She enjoyed spending time in nature; kayaking, mushroom
hunting, and going on trips with family. She was also a music aficionado and made All
State Choir in high school. Above all, she loved her family.
Tracy is survived by her parents Bob and Kathryn Foley of Warsaw; her fiancé Jeremiah
McGrann of Warsaw; three children: Dalton Foley, Ian Fowler and Gretchen Fowler, all
of Warsaw; her grandmother Doris Foley of Warsaw; her sister Karen Burns of Monroe
City, Missouri; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Tracy is preceded in death by her aunt Beverly Bliven, and three grandparents: Elmer
Foley, Helen Bowen and Corwin Bowen.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to the family for her children.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.
Printy Funeral Home of Warsaw is in charge of arrangements.

Alfred Everett Hempen, Jr. passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025, at The
Boulevard of St Peters, St Peters, Mo.  He was born March 2, 1945, in Keokuk, IA.
to Margaret C. and Alfred E. Hempen.
He was a proud resident of Hamilton, IL., a Hamilton High School and University of
Missouri graduate.  He married Marilyn Council at Whiteman AFB, Mo. on
September 16, 1967, and worked in Kansas City as an accountant.  When their
first child was born, they moved home to Hamilton.   He opened his office as a
professional accountant, accredited tax advisor, and enrolled to practice before
the IRS.  He was a volunteer fireman, Park Commissioner, co-founder for Hamilton
Ambulance Service as well as member of Hamilton's Board of Education.  At
retirement he earned his IL. Real estate appraiser license.  Boating on the
Mississippi, Lake of the Ozarks and watching the many neighborhood kids were
his favorite activities.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; daughter, Alison "Nikki" (Alejandro) Ramirez;
son, Tyler (Rebekah) Hempen; a sister, Clarice Ellison; grandkids Nicolas "Nico"
Ramirez, McKenzie and Peyton Hempen; and several nieces and nephews. 
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Margaret and Alfred
Hempen; brother, William "Bill" (Evelyn) Hempen; nephews Kirk Ellison, Billy,
Steve, Butch and Terry Hempen; and brother-in-law, Tom Ellison.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, August 29, 2025, at Oakwood
Cemetery in Hamilton. Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s
Association, Attn: Alzheimer's Association Home Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave.,
Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601. Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is in charge of
arrangements.

Jack Kennedy 

John William “Jack” Kennedy, 82, of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away on Friday, August 8, 2025, at his home.

Jack was born on November 4, 1942, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of James and Emma (Keller) Kennedy. He graduated from High School in Revere, Missouri, and on August 14, 1976, he was united in marriage to Linda Bawden in Keokuk, Iowa. She survives.

Jack was employed at BNSF for twenty-eight years and enjoyed living a quiet life in the country. He loved horses, even raising them for a time, and loved to fish. He was skilled at rebuilding cars and worked on race cars in his free time.  Jack was always willing to help others and will always be remembered for his dry sense of humor and love for his family.

Jack is survived by his wife Linda Kennedy of Donnellson; his son Karson Dean (Shanda) Kennedy of Niota, Illinois; his granddaughter Kathy Kennedy of Niota; three brothers: George (Linda) Kennedy of Farmington, Iowa, Kenneth Kennedy of Keosauqua, Iowa, and Randy Kennedy of Luray, Missouri; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Karen Kennedy and his brother Jim Kennedy.

Services will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association

Brenda Wetzel-Sage Obituary

Brenda Louise Wetzel-Sage, 81, of Carthage, passed away at 6:06 PM, Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Red Maple Memory Care in Carthage.

 

Brenda was born September 24, 1943, in rural Tennessee, Illinois, the daughter of Burdette Carson and Helen Marie (Fentem) Wetzel. She lived in rural Tennessee, Plymouth and Dallas City as a child where she attended the Free Methodist Church. She then lived in Carthage, Burlington and Keokuk. She was a 1961 graduate of Dallas City High School, worked in her father’s implement dealership and various dress shops and such businesses. She was also a Mary Kay representative for many years. Brenda was a member of the St. John’s Episcopal Church in Keokuk and later in her life attended First Baptist Church in Carthage. She helped with the after-school program there. For several years she was a member of the Hancock County Republican Women. She loved her family, enjoyed family gatherings, would lend a helping hand, enjoyed art and artwork and traveling.

 

Brenda is survived by two brothers, Jim (Michelle) Wetzel of Stanley, Idaho and Byron (Kathy) Wetzel of Bellevue, Idaho; a sister-in-law, Greta Wetzel of Nauvoo; a sister-in-law, Claudia Wetzel of Keystone Heights, Florida: three sisters, Karel Carl of Carthage, Margery Campbell of Carthage and Nancy (Robert) Lionberger of Niota; and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

 

She is preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Wayne and David Wetzel.

 

Memorials may be directed to Red Maple Memory Care, c/o Nancy Lionberger, 1636 E Co Rd 2700, Niota, IL 62358.

 

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage. Burial will be held in Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk at a later time. Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store

Tammy Sue Gavillet

62

Tammy Sue Gavillet, 62, of Austintown, OH, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Tammy was born on August 25, 1962, in Carthage, IL, the daughter of William (Bill) and Mary Beth (Scott) Coppedge. Tammy graduated from Carthage High School. She then joined the United States Marine Corp. and proudly served her country, earning the Good Conduct Medal and receiving an Honorable discharge in September 1982. She met her husband in the marines. They have two children together. Her sense of duty and commitment extended beyond her military service as she was also a dedicated homemaker and worked for over 18 years at Things Remembered in Lordstown, Ohio. Tammy found joy in the simple things. She loved music. She always had some form of music on. She enjoyed being outdoors, especially spending time on her back porch watching the beauty of nature. A woman of faith, she was a member of the Disciples of Christ. 

Tammy leaves behind a legacy of love and strength in her children, Maria Girardi and Nick Girardi, her beloved grandson, David Cutlip, her sisters, Kathy (Dan) McClintock and Mickie (Howard) Gillispie, a brother, Russ (April) Gavillet, and a sister-in-law, Shana Coppedge, and a stepmother, Mary Jo Gavillet, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her father, Bill Gavillet, her stepfather, Mike Coppedge, and her brother, Jason Coppedge. 

A graveside service will be held at a later date. Printy Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Steven Yoder

1953-2025

     Steven Yoder, 71 of Sandusky passed away, Friday, August 1, 2025 at his home.

     Born September 24, 1953, in Keokuk, Iowa, he was the son of Ned and JoAnn Hanerhoff Yoder. Steven was a proud 1972 graduate of Keokuk High School. He went on to build a successful career, serving as Vice President of Operations for US Food Services in San Diego, California, until his retirement in 2019.  He was also a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

      In his free time, Steven found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved watching the birds and squirrels outside his window, following his favorite sports teams—the L.A. Chargers and the Iowa Hawkeyes—and exploring YouTube videos. He especially enjoyed watching the live feed from Lock and Dam 19, experimenting in the kitchen, and sharing his home with the loyal companionship of his dog, Bella.    

     He is survived by his daughter, Michelle Sage (Bryan) of Keokuk, and two grandchildren, Cole Sage and Chloe Sage of Keokuk. 

     He was preceded in death by his parents.

     A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, August 8, 2025 in the Sandusky Cemetery with Mark Anderson officiating.

     Memorials in Steven’s honor may be made to PAWS or KASPIR (Keokuk Animal Services, Partners in Rescue).

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

Christina “Tina” Smeltser

1956 – 2025   

 Christina “Tina” Smeltser, 69, of Keokuk, IA passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at River Hills Village.

     She was born on April 23, 1956 in Keokuk the daughter of Frank and June (Robinett) Protsman.

     Tina graduated from Keokuk High School with the Class of 1973.

     On February 12, 1977 she was united in marriage to Dave Smeltser in Wayland, MO. He preceded her in death on August 7, 2007.  Her longtime companion Carroll “Tootie” Cunningham also preceded her in death on July 20, 2019.

      Tina was employed for years at Bob Land’s Service Station in Alexandria, MO. She then worked for the Keokuk Community School District until her retirement.

        She is survived by her son, Zebadiah Smeltser of Canton, MO, two brothers, Frank (Joyce) Protsman of Keokuk and Danny “Boone” Protsman of Alexandria, MO, Two step- children, Sean (Melissa) Smeltser of Kahoka, MO and Lisa Allen of Perry, MO, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

      Per her wishes, there will be no services, she will be buried in the Keokuk National Cemetery with her late husband.

      To honor her memory, memorials may be made to the family (in care of Brandy Magray, 2408 Belknap Blvd., Keokuk, Iowa 52632 these funds will be used to purchase items for the River Hills Activity Fund.  This is for activities of residents of the nursing home, like Bingo and crafts projects that she so enjoyed.  The family expresses a huge thank you to River Hills Staff for the wonderful care she received.  They treated her like family and also to EveryStep Hospice for the comfort and support given to Tina and her family.

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

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

Neva Grace Brunk

1951-2025

 Neva Grace Brunk, 74 of Hannibal passed away Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at Luther Manor in Hannibal, MO.

     She was born January 11, 1951 in Keokuk, IA the daughter of Walter and Ella Clifton Hunziker.

     Neva graduated from Clark County R-1 High School and later dedicated herself to caring for others as a CNA, working in local nursing homes. Her compassion touched the lives of the many residents she cared for over the years.

     Neva was a woman of creativity. A member of the Baptist faith, she found comfort and inspiration in her faith throughout her life. She loved reading books and filled countless journals with her thoughts and stories, showcasing her reflective and imaginative nature. She was also a talented seamstress, delighting in sewing projects that often became cherished keepsakes for her loved ones. Neva enjoyed traveling and treasured the memories made on family vacations, always finding beauty and adventure in new places.

     Above all, family was the heart of Neva’s world. She loved gathering with her children and grandchildren, whether sharing stories around the table, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying the everyday moments together.

     She is survived by her children: Tiffany Kirchner (Dustin) of Kahoka, Valerie Brown of Hamilton, Jared Brunk of Hannibal, and Jesse Brunk of Farmington; six grandchildren: Kaili Saxton (Ross), Kristil Bevans (Chase), Trevor Schorr (Dayanara), Mason Owen (Jazzalyn), Emily Brown, and Miranda Justice (Jakobie); five great-grandchildren: Isabella, Leah, Clay, Wade and Kolt; four sisters: Linda Plenge, Lavon Hood (Robin), Norma Toering and Karen Donahue; along with many nieces and nephews.

     She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Leland Hunziker and Leroy Hunziker.

     Visitation will be Monday, August 4, at the Vigen Memorial Home in Kahoka with the family meeting with friends from 10 – 11 a.m.

     A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday August 4, 2025 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Kahoka.  Burial will take place in the Kahoka Cemetery.

     Memorials may be made to Northeast Humane Society 7315 Veteran Road Hannibal, MO 63401.

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