Obituary for Earl Dean Swartzwelter

Dean was a member of the Russell High School Class of 1953

September 22, 1934 September 06, 2014 

On September 6, 2014, Earl "Dean" Swartzwelter passed away after a valiant 12 year struggle with cancer. Dean died just shy of his September 22nd birthday of which he would have been 80 years old. Dean's incredible life journey began with his birth in Chariton, Iowa in 1934. He was born to Eva Louise (Post) and was supported in his upbringing by Eva's loving family - Harley & Berta Post. He attended Russell High School where he played basketball in high school and sang in the Russell Quartet. He served in the U.S. Army from April 1954 to February 1957. Dean attended and graduated from the U.S. Army School of Finance. After leaving the Army, Dean attended Drake University in Des Moines Iowa on the GI Bill. In the midst of his university experiences he joined Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Dean met and married Nancy Jo Namanny on September 10, 1960. They would have been married 54 years this September 10th. He graduated Drake with a B.S. Degree in 1961. Daughter Deborah Ann (Dean) was born May 17, 1961. Dean spirited away his young family to Michigan when he accepted a job at The Ford Motor Company. Dean's life blossomed with the birth of Dawn Lynn (Danlovich) in 1964 and finally Scott Russell in 1971. Dean's passion for giving of himself and time was expressed in many civic ways: The Church, Youth Education via The Presidency of The Plymouth - Canton School Board, Drake Alumni Board to mention but a few. Ford Motor Company sent the entire family to London, England in 1973. Dean retired from The Ford Motor Company in January 1995 after 34 years. He and Nancy spent many great years back and forth between Whispering Pines, Pinckney Michigan and Eagle Creek, Naples Florida. When in Naples, Dean was active on the Condo Association Board, and he and Nancy enjoyed golf, bocce ball, cards and the Wesley United Methodist Church. Dean is survived by his wife Nancy and his children Deborah (Jeffrey) Dean, Dawn (Dan) Danlovich, Scott (Stacey) Swartzwelter and four grandchildren: Alyssa and Tyler Dean and C.J. and John Swartzwelter. 

Max L. Yoakum Obituary

Max L. Yoakum, 86 of Russell, passed away September 24, 2015 at the Legacy Lodge in Chariton.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, September 28, 2015 at 4:30 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Family will receive friends prior to the service from 3:00 until 4:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to any animal rescue league, Legacy Lodge-Chariton, or the Alzheimer's Research Mayo Clinic. 

Max Lowell Yoakum was born August 29, 1929 to Morris Oakley and Anna Jane Brown Yoakum in Newton, Iowa. His earthly life ended on September 24, 2015 in Chariton, Iowa, at the Legacy Lodge. Max spent his early years in the Newton and Colfax areas.

Max was united in marriage to Marilyn Walde on April 10th, 1965. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Max was a mechanic most of his life working for Brightwell's and Gearhart auto. He and his partner eventually owned Windsor Auto. In later years he drove a school bus for St. Theresa's School and the Russell school. Earlier jobs included Maytag in Newton and Solar Aircraft. 

Max loved both his family and the outdoors. They bought land south of Russell in 1974 so his city kids and grandchildren could share his love of nature on the weekends. He shared with them his passions for fishing and hunting, and rock and coin collecting. They built a home on the land in 1995 and moved permanently from Des Moines to the country in 2000.

Max is survived by Marilyn and children: Andrea Lundberg, Amy Yoakum(Mike Havlik), Andy Yoakum (Kimberly) and Phillip Hawthorne. Also six grandchildren: Zach Nelson (Jenna), Kayleigh Jones (Kade), Cody Lundberg, Max Havlik, Torin and Deklin Yoakum, and four great-grandchildren: Madden, Emerie, Beckham and Falyn. Max is also survived by sister-in-law LaDonna Yoakum and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Marvin and Harold, and sisters Martha and Lila.

Phillip Messamer Obituary

Philip Howard Messamer, of rural Russell, Iowa, died peacefully in his sleep early Sunday morning, September 20, 2015, at the family farm, aged 94 years, 10 months, and 16 days. His son Jerry and daughter-in-law Carol and son Tom were with him when he passed. He had been in declining health for some time. 

Philip was born November 4, 1920 to T.R. and Beulah (Zellers) Messamer, in Dallas County, Iowa, the 9th of 14 children, of whom 10 survived to adulthood. 

He grew up in Dallas County, except for a year in Osceola. He spent a year working in Alaska during Word War II. With money saved from that work, he bought 80 acres in Washington Township in Dallas County and began farming. He graduated from Coyne Electrical School in Chicago, IL and became an electrician working many years for Fitz Electric of Dallas Center. 

On June 27, 1947 he married Phyllis Marie Cotten at the Panther Creek Church of the Brethren in Dallas County. Her parents were Dudley and Lucy (Ellis) Cotten also of Dallas County. Phyllis died in 1997 just a few months before their 50th wedding anniversary. 

Five children were born to Philip and Phyllis in Dallas County. In 1956 they bought a larger farm in Lucas County, and moved there that spring. The 3 youngest children were born while there. In the late ‘80s they moved back to Dallas County, and lived in Adel until Phyllis died. Philip then moved back to the farm in Lucas County. He was a farmer/electrician for most of his life. 

He and Phyllis attended Panther Creek Church of the Brethren in rural Adel, of which he was a birthright member, and Rapids Street Baptist Church in Adel, when they lived in Dallas County. They attended Bethel EUB Church in rural Russell and Church of the Nazarene in Knoxville, when they lived in Lucas County. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, 11 brothers and sisters, his wife, a great-granddaughter, and 5 nephews and nieces. 

He is survived by his 8 children - Steven (Donald Beck) of Michigan City, Indiana, Nicholas (Karen) of Oskaloosa, Timothy (Julia) of Burlington, Jerry (Carol) living at the family farm, William (Kristen) of rural Russell, Cynthia (Thomas) Phillips of rural Lacona, Thomas (Colleen) of Independence Kentucky, and Rebecca of Des Moines; a sister Jessie Blomquist of Greenfield; a brother Charles of Avon, Indiana; sisters-in-law Norma Hubbard of Adel, Bernadine Cotten of Altoona, Naomi Chandler of Lucas, Mary (Ted) Coppock of Des Moines, & brother-in-law Dean (Donna) Cotten of Dexter; 17 grandchildren - Gina (Alex) Nielsen, Marcus Messamer, Jason Messamer, Margaret (Daniel) Rigg, Sarah (Joshua) Broward, Elizabeth (Michael) Palmer, Abygail Messamer, Theresa Messamer, Lucas (Erikah) Messamer, Leah Messamer, Candace (Brian) Hatch, Nicole Messamer, Charles (Kelly) Phillips, Troy (Rachel) Phillips, Chad Rekers, Amber Messamer, & Nathan (Dani) Sheibley; 16 great-grandchildren - Emma & John David Broward, Elliana & Henry Palmer, Liam Messamer, Mason, Jaxson, & Lucille Hatch, Mary (Leo) Galey, Ben Alfred, & Amelia Phillips, Ariela, Kiya, Thomas, & Trenton Phillips, Nathan Sheibley, Jr.; cousins Grace Gilmer of Adel, Donna Heiny of Modesto CA, and Robert Messamer of Phoenix AZ; 41 nephews and nieces, and many other relatives and friends. 

He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who taught us not to sweat the small stuff, to accept people for who they are, to help others and not expect anything in return, the meaning of hard work, and that nothing is more important than family. He will be greatly missed. 

A Lunch will be held after services in Adel at the Panther Creek Church. 

Memorials may be directed to the Panther Creek Cemetery 

Visitation

5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Wed., Sep. 23, 2015

Location: Fielding Funeral Home

10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Thu., Sep. 24, 2015

Location: Panther Creek Church 

Funeral Service

11:00 AM Thu., Sep. 24, 2015

Location: Panther Creek Church 

Dorothy Eileen Wright Obituary

Dorothy Eileen Wright, 95, of Chariton, passed away the afternoon of September 19, 2015 at the Legacy Lodge in Chariton, Iowa.

A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the Russell Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton.

Memorials may be made to Legacy Lodge or the Columbus Elementary School Library.

Eileen was born July 31, 1920 in Lucas County to Guy and Zella Parker. Eileen married Carl Henry Wright on March 15, 1941. The couple then made their home in Russell, where they raised their daughters, Dawn and Sherry.

Eileen taught elementary school, mostly kindergarten, for 38 years; including 21 in Chariton, 14 in Russell, and 3 in rural schools. Teaching was her passion, and her enthusiasm for education was always evident. After her retirement she enjoyed going to Elderhostel educational conferences held all over the United States.

Eileen always told kind, and often times humorous, stories about her former students. She loved it when former students would say to her, “You were my kindergarten teacher.”

She and Carl loved taking fishing trips to Minnesota and to the Mississippi River on a pontoon boat with their dear friends. They planted “master” gardens together. Eileen volunteered with community projects, church activities, and mentoring in schools. She enjoyed taking many trips to Sherry and Max’s in Port Huron, Michigan.

Eileen enjoyed growing flowers and was always excited to show her projects in the open class at the Russell Homecoming and the Lucas County Fair. She often times earned purple and/or blue ribbons.

She loved to shop, especially for her grandchildren. Eileen also enjoyed giving “surprise gifts” to her friends. Eileen looked forward to cooking family meals, even allowing her family to choose the menu!

Eileen is survived by her daughters, Dawn Beaty (Mike) of Russell and Sherry Haas of Chariton; brother, Bob Parker of Chariton; 3 grandchildren: Jeff Johnson (Shellie), Brian Beaty (Felicia), and Nicki Paige (Corey); and 9 great grandchildren: Broc Johnson, Brodey Johnson, Jordana Johnson Carpenter, Kelcii Johnson, Macey Beaty, Mikenzy Beaty, Blayne Beaty, Kasyn Paige, and Kynzlee Paige. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Henry Wright; her parents; sister-in-law, Arlene Parker; son-in-law, Max Haas; and nephew, Edward Parker.

Arlene "Abby" Jeanette Deney Obituary

Arlene "Abby" Jeanette Deney, 81, of Russell passed away on September 16, 2015. Arlene was born August 17, 1934 and was adopted by Earl and Fern Williams at three days old. 

She attended Chariton High School until she met Wayne Snider and they married in November, 1951. To this union, five children were born: Randy, Mark, Kelly, Cherie and Terri. Wayne and Arlene were married for thirty years. In 1983, Arlene married Gerald "Joe" Deney until his death in 2000. 

As a young girl, Arlene found pleasure in showing horses with her dad until his passing when she was at the young age of 14. She would tell fond stories of growing up and spending time at the two businesses her family owned in town, Williams Furniture Store and the White Swan Restaurant. 

Arlene had a love for all animals particularly horses. She and Joe cherished riding their Palomino, Blondie and their Arabian, Dino, in local parades. They liked to spend time at horse sales and taking Sunday afternoon drives. She also enjoyed the Knoxville races and going to the Iowa Speedway with her sons. Although, she did not really like to cook , she did make the best gravy, meatloaf, and fudge that none of her family could seem to match. Her family also looked forward to her oyster dressing that was only made during the holidays. 

Arlene liked being outdoors. She was a very hard worker with a feisty independent, strong willed personality and would definitely speak her mind. Her goal was to maintain her independence and continue to live on her acreage. Unfortunately, circumstances changed with her health and she resided at the Corydon Nursing and Rehab since 2013 where she kept the days very active for the nursing staff. 

Arlene worked various jobs throughout her life. These included being a teacher's assistant at Head Start, CNA at the County Home, Auburn Manor and Chariton Nursing and Rehab. The job that she enjoyed most was working for the VA Hospital in Knoxville for 20 years until her retirement. She made many friends during her time there. She gained a great feeling of accomplishment to be able to assist the veterans in her role. 

Although, Arlene has been unable to ride her horses or drive her ponies for many years. It is comforting to know that she is now in Heaven with her pick of the most magnificent horses and the grandest of stables. She is now free to ride as fast as she can whenever her heart desires. 

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Joe; her sister Lois Deming; her son, Randy Snider; and infant granddaughter, Alexa McCurdy. 

Left to honor her memory are her children, Mark Snider of Chariton, Kelly (Rania) Snider of Chariton, Cherie Albertson of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Terri (Mike) McCurdy of Russell, daughter-in-law Donnell Snider of Chariton, as well as her grandchildren, Amanda Snider, Lee Snider, Ann Snider, Julian Albertson, Shawn Albertson, Samantha McCurdy, Stephen McCurdy and Kourtney Nichols, and great-grandson Carson McCurdy. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lucas County Humane Society.

David Wayne Glover Obituary

David Wayne Glover was born on April 3, 1959 to Judith Diane (Tanner) Glover and Dwight Glover in Knoxville, Iowa. David spent most of his childhood living with his grandparents Harry and Glendoris Tanner. So, their children Rae Lynn and Kevin Tanner were considered his sister and brother. 

David attended high school at both Apache Junction and Russell Community High School. In January of 1978 he met the woman who would become his best friend and wife, Cindy Jo Simmons. On December 30th 1978 they were wed in Russell, Iowa at the Methodist church, the day included a blizzard in which half the guest could not come leaving enough cake to feed an army. David, the loving husband, made the best of it and showed all the love he could. To their marriage,3 children were born, Chad David in October 1979, Cory Richard August 1982 and Kyla Dawn January of 1985. 

In fall of 1982 he decided to try a new skill in life as an over the road truck driver. Not only did he love it but, he met a lot of great friends along the way. Driving was not a job to David, it was a life style. Which he made a life for years, ending his carrier driving for Hy-Vee Inc., which he loved. David enjoyed the outdoors working on his yard, fishing, camping, and helping Kevin working in the garage or on his race cars. He enjoyed riding his bike with Kevin, Gene, Dusty, and Pat Farrell. He loved anything with four wheels that made left turns, as family jokes, he loved Nascar. Also, he enjoyed his yearly remodels he would do one room at a time. Most of all David loved spending time with his family. He adored each one of his grandchildren and enjoyed going to football games baseball whatever he could find time to do. He will always and forever love his grandkids MyKenzie, Landon, Konner, Grace, Karter Kaeden, Gemma, and Jeremia. 

No matter if David was having a bad day or not, they brought out his one of a kind smile because of his love for them. Most of all, he loved his wife of 36 years Cindy Jo Glover. She meant the world to him. David was called up to drive a Large Car in sky on the morning of September 13th 2015. Even though he is gone he will never be forgotten as he has touched everyone's life in a special way no matter who has met him. 

David is survived by his wife of 36 years Cindy Jo Glover, sons Chad, Cory, and Daughter Kyla all of Carlisle. Grandkids Mykenzie, Landon, Konner,Grace, Karter, Kaeden, Gemma, and Jeremiah. Brothers; Quint Porter of Leon, Iowa and Shawn Porter of Washington State. 

Survived by many nieces and nephews. David is proceeded in death by his mom Judith, Step-dad Levi, grandmother Glendoris and mother in law Madonna Simmons 

Gayla Arlene Buckalew Pierschbacher Obituary

Gayla Arlene Buckalew Pierschbacher, the daughter of Willard Marvin (Bud) and Lura Arlene Davis Buckalew was born October 8, 1938 near Russell, IA. She passed away September 13, 2015, at the Chariton Nursing and Rehab. Center at the age of 76 years. 

Gayla spent her childhood North of Chariton on a farm. She attended elementary school at Zion 

and Stanley Schools and graduated from Chariton High School in 1957. Gayla was baptized at an early age and a member of the Whitebreast Christian Union Church. Gayla was united in marriage to Gerald (Jerry) Eugene Pierschbacher on May 30, 1957. 

After their marriage they lived in Chariton. She was employed at Iowa Southern Utilities, Iowa State Extension Service and Levis Insurance Agency. Also, she and Jerry were Nikken Distributors for several years and travelled extensively. After she was no longer able to live at home, she moved into the Chariton Nursing & Rehab Center. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Bud and Arlene Buckalew, infant brother Homer Doyle, Father/Mother- in-law, Enos and Jenny Pierschbacher, Sister-in-law Hilda Pierschbacher 

and brother in law Paul Pierschbacher. 

Gayla is survived by her husband Jerry of 58 years, of Chariton, Sister Evelyn (Ed)Hull of Chariton and brother Marvin (Jeannette) Buckalew of Russell. Brothers-in-law Bill (Barbara)Pierschbacher, Leo Pierschbacher and Sisters-in- law Joyce (Don) Anderson and Mary Jane (Jack) Langford as well as several nieces and nephews. Gayla was passionate about her pets and enjoyed boating on Red Rock Lake, Lake Rathbun and gardening. 

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Velda "Tootie" Anne Carpenter Norton

Velda “Tootie” Anne Norton, 90, of Newton, and formerly of Chariton, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2015 at the Nelson Manor Care Center in Newton, IA. As were Velda’s wishes, her body has been cremated. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2015 at the Fielding Funeral Home in Chariton. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2015 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Fielding Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Russell Cemetery immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in her honor to the American Legion Auxiliary or the Lucas County Public Health. 

Velda “Tootie” Anne Norton was born August 9, 1925 in Russell, IA to Hollie and Candacy Harding Carpenter. She attended grade school in Russell and the rest of her schooling in Chariton. When she was fifteen she left school and married the love of her life, Dale Norton in Princeton, MO. Dale was in the service, and the first few years of their marriage were spent traveling until he left for WWII. Upon Dales return they settled in Chariton. Velda became a loving mother to four daughters, Kandy, Sharry, Kathy, and Peggy. During the girls’ early years she was a stay at home mother and homemaker. As the children got older she returned to the work force. She worked at Regal, Steiner Jewelry, and Fisher’s Greenhouse. Velda cherished her job as mother to her daughters but also enjoyed the time she spent working outside the home. In her spare time she loved to collect items such as ceramic chickens and Betty Boop memorabilia. She was known for her green thumb, and put it to work in her garden, often canning what she had grown. People always knew where they stood with Velda. She was not afraid to share what was on her mind or her thoughts on a given situation. No matter what life brought her way, her family always came first. Velda was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend who will be deeply missed by those left here to share her story. 

Velda was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Dale Norton; a daughter, Sharry Belcher; three brothers, Bill, Lee, and Lyle “Red” Carpenter, and one grandson, Patrick Ober. 

Left to honor her memory are her three daughters, Kandy (Bill) Hardie of Chariton, Kathy Batterson (Gary Bingham) of Newton, and Peggy Wickstrom of McPherson, KS; one brother, Bernie (Cindi) Carpenter, as well as seven grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren, and many extended family and friends, including a best friend and aunt Retha Burgett.

Kathy Orman Death

Kathy Orman

Died: Fri., Sep. 4, 2015

Visitation

10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Wed., Sep. 09, 2015

Location: Fielding Funeral Home

Visitation for Kathy Orman, 78 will be held 10-12 p.m. Wednesday, September 9, 2015, at the Fielding Funeral Home. There will be a private family interment.