Jason Scott Shounkwiler Obituary February 25, 1975 - December 11, 2022

 

Jason Scott Shounkwiler passed away December 11, 2022, at Mercy Medical Center surrounded by his family.

Services will be held Friday, December 16, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Burial will follow at the Russell Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Thursday, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made in care of Jason’s family. A fund account for the Shounkwiler family has been established at the First Interstate Bank in Chariton.

Jason Scott Shounkwiler was born February 25, 1975, in Chariton, Iowa to Glenn and Beverly Shounkwiler. He was raised in Chariton alongside his brothers, Brian and Justin. Jason attended elementary school in Williamson. He graduated from Chariton High School alongside the class of 1993.

Jason became a father for the first time in 1995 when his daughter, Courtney, was born. He met Niki and they knew from the beginning that they were soulmates. The couple was united in marriage on September 25, 1999. Jason and Niki were blessed with four children: Bodhi, Boston, Bristol, and Birkleigh. They made their home in Russell.

Jason worked for Astoria Industries of Iowa and Altec Inc. as a welder. He enjoyed welding and was a hard worker. When he wasn’t working, Jason looked forward to spending time with his family. Jason was tough as nails, but soft-hearted. This was clear in his parenting, as he was a strict, but loving father. His kids were his whole world. Every night before bed, Bristol would write Jason a note, and every morning, he would write her back.

Jason was a big NASCAR fan. He loved working alongside his son, Bodhi, rebuilding motors and sharing his love of automobiles. He was pretty happy that Bodhi has become a motorhead like him. Jason always looked forward to long rides on his Harley with Niki. He also enjoyed taking the kids for rides.

Jason loved heavy metal and attended every concert and festival that he could. One of Courtney’s favorite memories with her dad was attending Lazerfest. It was her very first concert and it was a memorable one.

Although he was a private person, Jason never hesitated to help anyone who needed him. He was thoughtful, considerate, and always had a great sense of humor. He recently took Boston out to eat, just the two of them, and he piled her plate full of food as they walked through the buffet line…always the jokester. He had a pair of bibs that Niki wouldn’t let him wear in public. When Birkleigh found a similar pair at a garage sale recently, she had to have them. She loved wearing matching bibs with her dad.

Jason will be dearly missed by his parents, Glenn and Beverly Shounkwiler; wife, Niki Shounkwiler; children: Courtney (Brian) Dossey, Bodhi Shounkwiler, Boston Shounkwiler, Bristol Shounkwiler, and Birkleigh Shounkwiler; brothers, Brian Shounkwiler and Justin Shounkwiler; nieces: Dorothy, Brianne, and Zoe; and great niece and nephews: Leah, Joey, and Chase.

Dale Parrish Obituary January 7, 1941 — December 9, 2022

 

Dale E. Parrish passed away surrounded by family on December 9, 2022 at the age of 81 years.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Burial will be at the Russell Cemetery following the service. Everyone is invited to Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton following the service for a time of sharing stories and refreshments.

Family will receive friends at visitation on Friday evening from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in care of Dale's family, the memorial contributions will be designated at a later date in ways to honor the well lived life of Dale Parrish.

Dale will be greatly missed by all who knew him, including his children: Chris Parrish and Lisa (Ron) Fresh; granddaughter, Kelsey (Derrick) Lear; great grandchildren: Shane, Tristin, Ellie, and Kylie; a sister, Colleen Seaman; along with many other close relatives, extended family, co-workers, and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents: WC and Edna Parrish; and siblings: Donald Parrish, Pauline (Floyd) Stevens, Lois (Howard) Beebout, Glen (Jean) Parrish, Wayne (Grace) Parrish, and Delbert Seaman.

Max Arnold Obituary February 12, 1924 ~ December 2, 2022 (age 98)

 

Earl Max Arnold of Chariton, passed away at his home on December 2, 2022 at the age of 98. Max was born on February 12, 1924 in Milo, Iowa to Emery and Elfa (Fight) Arnold.  He attended and graduated from Chariton High School in 1941.

On October 29, 1944, Max was united in marriage to Gwen (Allard) Arnold at the First Baptist Church in Russell, Iowa.  They lived on a farm south of Chariton, Iowa. To this union three children were born, Larry, Dwayne and Joyce.  He lived on their farm for 72 years.  On January 15, 2013, he lost the love of life Gwen.

Max was a member of the First Baptist Church, member of the Lucas County Cattlemen’s.  He received the outstanding Cattleman’s award.  He was also a member of the Lucas County Farm Bureau and received the farmer of the year award.  Max was always a farmer at heart, but still found time to co-own and operate Arnold Bros Inc. from 1953 to 1983.  Arnold Bros Inc took care all of the farmer’s needs like a lumberyard, feed mill, fertilizer and a grain storage.  Max loved flying from an early age and was always ready to get the plane out of the hanger and go fly. Even to the very end he loved telling about his flying trips across the United States and locally.

He was preceded in death by his parents Emery and Elfa Arnold, his brother Dean Arnold, his sisters, Lois Besco Arnold, Maxine Wolfe Arnold and granddaughter, Stacy Halferty.

Max is survived by his children Larry (Auvergne) Arnold of Bentonville, Arkansas, Dwayne (Shaunee) Arnold of Chariton, Iowa, Joyce Halferty of Chariton, Iowa, his grandchildren, Auvergne, Clark, Kim (Mitch) Semon, Heather (Travis) Kirkland, Misty (Josh) Henderson, Brian (Robi) Halferty, Brad (Heather) Halferty, his great-grandchildren, Justin, Amanda,Trey, Cade, Maddie, Quincy, Madik, Vivie, Ivy, Olivia, Natalee, Lance, Mckenzie, Brynlee, Kolter, his great-great-grandchildren, Cullen, Cohen, Luke, Beau and Asher. . Five generations of Max Arnold, Max, Dwayne, Kim, Justin, Collen, Cohen.  Max, Dwayne, Kim, Amanda, Luke and Beau. Max, Joyce, Ryan, Olivia, Asher.

Memorials may be directed at the First Baptist Church in Chariton, Iowa. On line condolence may be left at www.fieldingfuneralhome,com.

 

David Lee Dachenbach Obituary July 11, 1938-December 3, 2022

 

David Lee Dachenbach, 84, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2022 at his son's home south of Russell. A visitation will be held Thursday, December 8, from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. A graveside service will be held on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at the Chariton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in care of David's family, and may be sent in c/o Keith Dachenbach, 43184 270th Ave, Russell, IA 50238.

The family would like to thank all of those who provided David with Excellent care in his last days, especially EveryStep Hospice, for their assistance and support.

David was born July 11, 1938 at his parents' home east of Williamson, Iowa. He weighed over 11 pounds at birth and always said he was "born ready to work". He accepted the Lord as his Savior at the age of eight.

David attended country schools until he transferred to Chariton High School. He joined the National Guard when he was still in high school and started driving a semi truck at the age of 17. He started out driving for Breneman Truck Lines and later went to work for Bob Stone Cordage Company as a driver and farmhand. David had many fun stories from his years as a trucker. One trip in particular took him to the East Coast to deliver a horse to Bing Crosby's brother, to New Orleans, and finally to California to deliver another horse to Bing Crosby himself. In that week alone, David saw the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and the Gulf of Mexico. Over the course of his trucking career, David traveled through all of the lower 48 states, three Canadian Provinces, and parts of Mexico. He once said he'd "hauled everything but nuclear waste", as his truck loads over the years included livestock, grain, equipment parts, produce, and frozen foods. He was extremely proud that, at 80 years old, he was still able to pass his DOT physical and made over a dozen trips to California and back before retiring.

David was involved in agriculture in many ways over his lifetime and was a member of FFA in high school. He particularly enjoyed raising Hereford cattle and harvesting crops. David purchased the first rotary combine in Lucas County and over the course of his life, he harvested tens of thousands of acres in all types of weather for numerous friends and neighbors.

David was preceded in death by his parents: Warren and Maisel (Metz) Dachenbach; wife, Rose Marie (Relph) Dachenbach; sisters: Mildred Rollins and Ruth Ellen Ruddell; and brother-in-law, Bob Wright.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Wanda Dachenbach; sister, Marian Wright of Kerrville, Texas, brother-in-law, Ron Ruddell; children: Keith (Angela) Dachenbach of Russell, Suzanne (Gary) Smith of LaGrange, Ohio, and Karen (Bill) Watters of Oskaloosa; grandchildren: Ryan (Kelsey) Dachenbach of Chariton, Rachel (Dachenbach) Cohen of Johnston, Jennifer (Riley Calhoun) Watters of Oskaloosa, Paige (Jacob) Spears of Albia, and Anna Smith of LaGrange; great grandchildren: Hadley and Beckett Dachenbach; several nieces and nephews; and numerous relatives and friends.

Richard D. Pierce Obituary June 18, 1949 - November 19, 2022

 

Richard D. “Rich” Pierce, 73, of Waterloo, died Sat. Nov. 19 at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, of complications from a stroke.

He was born June 18, 1949 in Chariton, Iowa and grew up in Russell, Iowa. He was the son of Walter B. and Darle Lewis Pierce. He married Patricia “Patty” Turner in Waterloo, and they later divorced. He married Constance M. “Connie” Pool King on Dec. 11, 2004 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Waterloo.

Rich graduated from Russell High School with the Class of ‘67. He attended Centerville Community College and University of Northern Iowa where he received his Bachelor and Master Degree in Business Administration. He was employed with John Deere and worked in Purchasing for many years. When he retired in September of 2009, after 37 years of service, he was at engine works as a Business Process Improvement Manager.

He is survived by: his wife, Connie of Waterloo; his children, Bruce (Michelle) Pierce and Stacy (Greg) Gabel both of Broken Arrow, Okla., Richard King, Tara (Ben) Jewett and Christopher (Jessica) King all of Waterloo; seven grandchildren, Jaden, Michael, Pierce, Connor, Dillon, Autumn and Edison; two sisters, Carol (Dan) Coulson of Mount Ayr, Iowa and Jana (Craig) Cooper of Chariton, Iowa.

Preceded in death by: his parents and a brother, Charles Pierce.

Rich enjoyed telling stories, cooking, camping, reading, sports, and the warm weather months. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his wife, family, grandchildren and friends. He was loved by so many and truly will be missed.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date with inurnment in Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery, Waterloo. Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service on West Ridgeway is assisting the family.

 

Rick J. Brown Obituary June 25, 1956 — November 9, 2022

 A celebration of life service for Rick Brown, 66, of Chariton, will be held Saturday, November 12, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Family will receive friends on Friday evening from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Memorials may be made in care of Rick’s family.

Rick was born June 25, 1956, to Chuck and Vada Brown. He was the youngest brother to Gary and Steve raised near Kirksville, Missouri, attending school there until moving to Chariton when he was a teenager. Rick graduated from Chariton High School in 1974.

At the age of 20, Rick met Debbie Flanders in church. They were married April 13, 1979. This union was blessed with three children: Felicia, Jeremy, and Justin. For many years Rick and Debbie opened their home to foster children. They made a difference in the lives of many children who needed them.

Rick worked at the Lucas County Health Center for twenty years and at the Monroe County Hospital for five years as the operations manager. As Debbie called it, his “midlife crisis”, Rick briefly took over as manager at Heartland Car Care and as a driver for Ideal Ready Mix. He then worked for Hammer Medical Supply (NuCara) until retiring in April of 2021. He also served his community of Russell in many ways and was on the fire department for 19 years from 1991 until 2010.

He was a jack of all trades and a master of many. He loved working on old fast cars and could tear down a motor and rebuild it, just as he could build a house, including the wiring and plumbing. But he could not cook at all. He also enjoyed time camping and boating at the lake with his family and friends. He absolutely adored his grandchildren and was always a proud dad and grandpa. His greatest love was his wife, Debbie. They were inseparable.

Rick passed away of a broken heart after losing his wife, Debbie, in June of 2021. He will be greatly missed by his children: Felicia (Brian) Beaty, Jeremy (Jenny) Brown, and Justin (Chelsey) Brown; grandchildren: Macey, Mikenzy, Blayne, Emilea, Ashlynn, Ellie, Ayden, Emmitt, Ella, Asher, and Gavin; brother, Gary (Ida) Brown, and many relatives and friends, including Debbie’s family who he always had a close relationship.

The service will be livestreamed through the following link: https://my.gather.app/remember/rick-brown-2022 

Cindy L. Babberl Nation 1963-2014

 Cindy L. Nation, 51, passed away Sunday, June 15, 2014 at Taylor House after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born May 24, 1963 to Dorothy and Marvel Babberl in Ottumwa.

Cindy graduated from Russell High School in Russell, IA, and earned her BA in Sociology from Truman State University. She then began her career of over 29 years with Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, most recently as a Business Systems Analyst.

Cindy was very involved in Boy Scouts, serving as a committee member and popcorn chair for Troup 193. She loved to camp with her family and the Boy Scouts. Cindy spent many years coaching her girls in the South Des Moines Softball league.

Cindy is survived by her loving husband, Steve; children, Stephanie (Dustin) Kidder, Megan Churchill, Abbey (James) Norton, Heather Churchill, and Jonathan Nation; grandchildren, Austin and Trinity Kidder, Jordon and Lydia Sand, Jimmy, Claire, and Elijah Norton, and Aryah and Bailynn Churchill; mother, Dorothy Bailey Babberl; sisters, Patricia Remington, Kathy Babberl, Pam (Bill) Mogensen, and Kim Babberl; sister-in-law, Jenny Babberl; loving dog, Leo; and a host of other family and beloved friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Marvel John Babberl; brother, Michael Babberl; and brother-in-law, Larry Remington.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2014, at Glad Tidings Assembly of God, 314 E. Army Post Road, with cremation to follow services. The family will greet friends Friday evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Hamilton's near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines.

Dennis S. DeHoedt Obituary May 20, 1956 — November 6, 2022

 Services for Dennis DeHoedt, 66, of Russell, Iowa will be held on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton, Iowa. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., also at the funeral home. Interment will take place at the Russell Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lucas County Health Center or Faith United Methodist Church in Russell.

Dennis Scott DeHoedt was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa on May 20, 1956, to Helen Louise (Caldwell) DeHoedt and Scott J. DeHoedt. He was the younger brother of Sue and older brother of Patricia.

Dennis was raised on a farm outside of Barnes City, Iowa with his sisters. He was an avid reader, enjoyed adventure stories, and loved to run around the DeHoedt farm. Growing up on the farm was a joy for Dennis. He always enjoyed talking about farming, whether it be about the cattle, the machinery, or the price of ground. He became very close to his cousins as well during this time.

Dennis graduated from North Mahaska High School in 1974. He enjoyed muscle cars, playing football, and wrestling. In Dennis’ senior year, he took 2nd at sectionals with a 21-6 record.

After high school, Dennis worked for Mahaska Industries. In 1975, he met Lori Saunders in Oskaloosa, and the two were wed on May 26, 1977. Dennis then worked for Hormel in Ottumwa, Iowa and on February 19, 1983, they gave birth to daughter, Cassandra Lee DeHoedt. On February 3, 1985, they gave birth to Jennifer Jean DeHoedt.

Dennis would then go on to work for Hy-Vee Distribution in Chariton, Iowa. In 2020, Dennis retired after 30 years of service.

Dennis loved trying new restaurants, exploring rural Iowa, and cooking at home, especially on Saturday nights with the whole family. A Renaissance man, he loved to read and was always curious and keen to learn new things and try things out. He enjoyed going to car shows and black powder shoots. He really enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and camping. For 13 years, the family had a campout that they went on every October. It was always an adventure to watch Dennis and Lori hooking up the camper to set out for each trip.

But more than that, Dennis was a family man. He was a supportive brother, a beloved uncle, and dedicated and cherished father and husband and a devoted grandfather. There are so many amusing memories of Dennis’ dry humor, sly pranks, or ill-fated attempts to fix or do things. Though he will be deeply missed by many, his memory will be sustained by wonderful memories of his kindness, the laughter he shared, and his great sense of humor.

Dennis will be deeply missed by his mother, Helen; wife, Lori; daughters: Cassandra DeHoedt and Jennifer (Scott) Bear; grandsons, Parker and Truman; sisters, Sue (Darrell) Clark and Patricia Robertson; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Scott DeHoedt.

The service will be livestreamed through the following link: https://my.gather.app/remember/dennis-s-dehoedt 

Ryk Ralph VanBenthuysen Obituary

 

Mildred Ruth Ross Obituary April 30, 1927 — September 7, 2022

 Mildred Ross, 95, passed away peacefully at her home in Russell, Iowa on September 7, 2022.

 

Mildred Ruth Anderson was born April 30, 1927 to Anders “Pete” and Mariane “Mary” Anderson at their home in Centerville, Iowa. Mildred was the youngest of five children. She was raised in Centerville and graduated from Centerville High School.

 

Mildred was united in marriage to Theodore Ross. The couple was blessed with six children: Tim, Sally, Virginia, Mary-Ann, Rose, and William. Mildred and Theodore raised their family in Des Moines.

 

Mildred enjoyed being a homemaker and raising her children. She was a talented seamstress and made many quilts over the years. She was also very skilled in the kitchen; baking wonderful breads and making the best chili and homemade gravy.

 

The family moved to Russell, Iowa nearly fifty years ago. Mildred enjoyed her time living in a small town. She was blessed with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.

 

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, Pete and Mary Anderson; her husband, Theodore Ross; her children: Mary-Ann Storbeck, Rose Johnson, and William Ross; and siblings: Vera, Arnold, Kathrine, and David. She will be dearly missed by her children: Tim Ross, Sally Houser, and Virginia (Rich) Anderson; and her many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.

Terry M. Branscomb Obituary

 

Terry M. Branscomb, age 67, of Marengo, passed away Saturday, September 10, 2022 at the University of Iowa Hospital, in Iowa City.  A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo, is assisting the family with arrangements.

     Terry is survived by his longtime partner, Joanna Melsa, of Marengo; his former wife Elizabeth Branscomb Klimes, of Coralville; a son Tyson (Jesse) Branscomb of Solon; and their four children, Dylan, Landon, Norah and Colton. He is also survived by his niece Michelle Morgan of Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Jackie Branscomb, a son, Bryan Mark Branscomb and Joanna’s parents, Leonard and Ruth Melsa. 

     Terry Mark Branscomb was born in Putnam Co, Missouri on September 18, 1954, the son of Delbert and Gladys Branscomb. He graduated from Russell High School in 1972 and later relocated to Marengo. Terry was employed at American Color Graphics in Marengo. He enjoyed going fishing, reading western books and watching western movies.  He loved hanging out and spending time with his friends. Terry’s laughter was contagious and will be missed dearly by everyone he encountered.

Justine O. Abrahamson Obituary January 29, 1927 - August 25, 2022

 Justine Olevia (Gartin) Abrahamson went to be with her Lord and Savior, August 25, 2022, at the age of 95. Services will be held on Monday, August 29, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton, Iowa. Family will receive friends one hour prior from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at the Russell Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Russell Volunteer Fire Department.

The service will be livestreamed through the following link: https://my.gather.app/remember/justine-abrahamson

Justine was born January 29, 1927, in Putnam County Missouri. Justine was the oldest of four children born to Perry Dewey and Hazel Sophrona (Watson) Gartin. At the age of 7, they moved to Lucas County, Iowa.

Justine graduated from Chariton High School in 1944. She taught school at the Hazel Dell one-room country school until she married Glenn Robert Abrahamson, Sr. on August 24, 1947. To this union three children were born: Glenn Robert Jr., Charles Dewey and Elizabeth Anne.

She was a member of the Faith United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School and served on many committees. Justine was instrumental in making the Russell Museum a reality. She worked very hard on that project and was very proud of it. After her retirement from Hy-Vee Wholesale, her love of genealogy took her and Glenn on many trips, including Sweden twice. Justine’s grandchildren will always remember their “Grandma Day” each summer.

Preceding Justine in death were her husband, Glenn; parents, Dewey and Hazel (Watson) Gartin; brother, Lewis (Bill) Gartin; sister, Rosemary Callen; and great granddaughter, Avery Ann Palmer.

Justine will be dearly missed by her children: Robert (Jolene) Abrahamson, Dewey (Janet) Abrahamson, and Elizabeth (Gary) Palmer; grandchildren: Travis (Cindy) Abrahamson, Heidi (Tyson) Kaldenberg, Joshua (Jaimie) Abrahamson, Brian (Dottie) Abrahamson, Megan (Felix) Munoz, Sara (James) Davidson, Daniel (Shelly) Palmer and Eric (Beth) Palmer; 20 great grandchildren; sister, Betty (Roger) Marker; brother-in-law, Jack Callen; and many other extended family.

   

Peggy L. Morgan Fulks February 2, 1949- August 18, 2022

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Peggy was born February 2, 1949, the only beloved child of Robert and Virginia Morgan of Russell, Iowa.

In 1967, Peggy was married to Robert Conway and to this union, 3 children were born: Tracy, Buck, and Rob.

Peggy was united in marriage to Roger Fulks in 1980. They had 20 years together until his untimely death in 2000.

Peggy attended Russell Community School K-12 and 2 years at DMACC, earning her degree in Dietary Management. Her career spanned over 30 years in the food management and health care fields.

Peggy’s shining personality and sense of humor made her charming to those who knew her. Her passions were cooking, home decorating, and caring for others. She spent many hours each day caring for her parents.

Peggy will be dearly missed by her children: Tracy Young, Buck Conway, and Rob Conway; 5 grandchildren: Dee, Mashala, Tristen, Morgan, and Cash; and her lifelong friend, Donna Amice.

 AUG

26

Visitation

Friday, August 26, 2022

1:00PM - 2:00PM

Pierschbacher Funeral Homes - Chariton
914 Roland Ave.
Chariton, IA 50049

Py Fulks of Chariton, Iowa passed away on Thursday, August 18, 2022. At h, there will be no funeral services, t a gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, August 26, 2022, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at l Home in Chariton, Iowa. A private burial will be held at the Russell Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the y was born February 2, 1949, the only beloved child of Robert and Virginia Morgan of Russell, n 1967, Peggy was married to Robert Conway and to this union, 3 children were born: Tracy, Buck, and Roggy was united in marriage to Roger Fulks in 1980. They had 20 years together until his untimely death in 2000.

, 2022

Gregory “Mike” Harter Obituary

Mike Harter passed away Monday July 18, 2022 in a tragic automobile accident while doing one of the things he most enjoyed, educating young people.

This isn’t so much an obituary but a letter to those that knew Gregory Michael Harter (G Mike).

On April 27th, 1951, in a log cabin in Pisgah, IA, Mike was born to Guy and Eloise (Erixon) Harter.

Mike grew up working on the family farm in the Loess Hills of Iowa. Always a teacher at heart, even as a child, Mike loved learning and knew at a young age he wanted to share that passion with others.

Mike met the love his life in 1972 while attending the University of Northern Iowa, majoring in driver’s education and political science. On May 24th, 1975, Mike and Marla were united in marriage in Olin, IA. The very next day the newlyweds moved to Council Bluffs, IA, and Mike worked at a meat packing plant in Omaha. Three months later they moved to the Rosebud Indian Reservation in Mission, SD, where they both began their teaching careers.

In 1978, they welcomed their first son Andy, and in 1979 Mike and his family moved to Orient, IA, to begin teaching high school social studies and coaching baseball, football and basketball for Orient Macksburg.

In 1983, to complete their family, Mike and Marla welcomed their son Ryan.

After earning his master’s degree in Education Administration from Northwest Missouri State in 1985 the family moved to Russell, IA, where he was the high school principal, while still being able to teach a variety of classes.

In 1991, Mike was offered the high school principal job at Wapsie Valley High School which began his love for a town and community that would become his forever home. A community where his sons would graduate high school and, in 2018, was honored to be elected the Mayor of Fairbank.

After eleven years at Wapsie Valley, Mike became the superintendent at East Greene Schools in western Iowa, while also serving on the Iowa Girl’s Athletic Union. Not wanting to uproot his family, but not wanting to pass on a great opportunity, he traveled back and forth, coming home on weekends, to be with his family.

Although, self-admittedly not much of an athlete in high school, Mike loved all sports and coached many teams throughout the years—his true passion was baseball. At a young age his love for the New York Yankees began. He was overjoyed the summer of 1995 when he finally got to experience watching his favorite team play at Yankee Stadium with his family.

Before retiring from education in 2014, Mike was honored to serve one year as the interim superintendent for Wapsie Valley Schools—and although that came to and end, Mike never gave up his passions—teaching Driver’s Education, officiating as many sports as he could and substitute teaching wherever and whenever he was needed.

Mike’s family was his life. Having loved watching his boys excel in their activities throughout high school, his greatest joy was being able to watch his five grandchildren thriving in all of their activities. You could find him cheering on the Warriors on the bottom row of the visitor’s section at Wapsie Valley Varsity Basketball games.

Mike was a man of integrity, passion and love. As a lifelong public servant, in addition to dedicating his life to teaching hundreds of students, he also was passionate about serving and leading the communities he lived in. Holding organ donorship close to his heart, Mike was a proud organ donor though the Iowa Donor Network.

Mike is preceded in death by his mother, father, and two brothers; Leo and Gary and two sisters-in-law; Nancy and Vicki Harter.

Mike is survived by his beautiful wife Marla Sanborn Harter; children Andy (wife Jeni) and Ryan (partner Jasmin) five grandchildren; Peyton (fiancé Maddie), Carson, Mason, Grace, and Maddux, two brothers, Harlan Harter, Rex (Mary) Harter and one sister, Patti (Mike) Crozier and a sister-in-law, Jayne Harter. Along with many nieces and nephews.

Leaving behind so many amazing memories of all that knew him, Mike will be greatly missed and will always remain in our hearts. Thank you for always being you Mike!

“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” -Babe Ruth

A celebration of life will be held at Wapsie Valley High School at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 22, 2022.  A reception will be held at the American Legion following the celebration of life. All those who knew and loved Mike are encourage to come.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be placed in Mike’s honor. Donations will be used to establish a memorial in his honor.

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Mary Ann (Pierce) LeMar Obituary

 

Mary Ann (Pierce) LeMar, 83, passed away on Friday, July 1, 2022 at Independence Village of Waukee. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 6, at Iles Westover Chapel. Private interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Stuart, Iowa.

Mary Ann was the first child born to Neal and Hazel (Price) Pierce on September 11, 1938. She grew up in Russell, Iowa and graduated with honors from Russell High School. Mary Ann worked in various office administrative positions in Chariton and Des Moines. She retired in 2003 after a 20 year career as the office manager with the Iowa Motor Truck Association. Mary Ann married the love of her life, Guy “Gus” C. LeMar. They were blessed with a son Tracy Scott LeMar.

Mary Ann loved people and was always ready with a bright smile and a quick laugh. She made people feel like they had known her forever. Mary Ann loved to watch Tracy play baseball and was especially proud when his Norwalk team won the state championship. Her passion for baseball was rewarded again with the play of her grandsons. She rarely missed a game. Mary Ann loved her family and was always supportive of them.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Guy, her son, Tracy, and her brother, Roger Pierce. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Deb LeMar, her grandsons, Alex and Jake LeMar; her sister-in-law, Judy Pierce, her brother Steve (Becky) Pierce, nieces, Karla Pierce Treinen and Gina Pierce Kervan; her nephews, Todd Pierce and Jeff Pierce.

Memorial contributions may be made to Embrace Iowa, PO Box 41608, Des Moines, Iowa 50311. Online condolences will be welcomed at IlesCares.com.

ARRANGEMENTS BY ILES WESTOVER CHAPEL