Betty A. Mason Obituary September 20, 1936 — February 8, 2023

 Services for Betty A. Mason, 86, of Russell, Iowa will be held on Monday, February 20, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Faith United Methodist Church in Russell. Family will receive friends on Sunday, February 19, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton, Iowa. Memorials may be made to the Faith United Methodist Church in Russell or the Russell Fire Department.

Betty Ann (Cain) Mason was born on September 20, 1936, to Wallace “Bud” and Addie (Fry) Cain in Leon, Iowa. Addie passed away when Betty was very young. After her passing, Bud met Lela, and the couple married. She took care of Betty as her own until her passing when Betty was 17. Bud later married Marge. Betty and Marge became very close. She grew up in the Van Wert area where she attended school, graduating with the class of 1954 and then moved to Des Moines.

Within a year, Betty met Elwyn E. Mason and the couple married November 18, 1955. They were blessed with two sons, Phil and Ken. When the boys were young, the family would vacation to California every other year to see Betty’s sister Luetta and family.

Betty was always a hard worker. She began her career in Des Moines working for Banker’s Life and Preferred Risk. In 1971, the family moved to the Russell area and built a new home near Elwyn’s parent’s home. She sold Tupperware for many years. She worked in Chariton at Central Savings and Loan through their many name changes during the 1970-80’s. She started as a teller and worked her way up to Controller, something of which she was very proud. She took a break from banking for a time and opened “Grandma’s Treasure Cove”, a craft and consignment shop in Russell. Later she went back to banking to work as a customer service representative for Great Western Bank in Russell until her retirement.

Betty always had a green thumb. She and Elwyn kept a garden that she helped him tend to, and she loved planting and enjoying her flowers. She had a nice collection of salt and pepper shakers that she was quite fond of. She loved animals and always loved having pets. She was very active in the Faith United Methodist Church in Russell, a member of the UMW as well as holding the title of Treasurer for many years. She also enjoyed being a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority and the American Legion Auxiliary. Betty was one of 13 women who retired from the sorority at the same time, thus naming themselves the “Lucky 13”. As a group they took many small trips and enjoyed each other’s company.

Betty had a passion for music. She enjoyed when Brian would play guitar and sing and Shelley and brothers, Glenn and George Norris would sing, among others. She always had a treat for anyone who came to visit, as she was an excellent cook and baker. Some of her family’s all-time favorites were her apple crisp, fried chicken, and spicy chili.

Betty was very passionate about her family and willing to help whenever she could. She was very proud of them all. When her great-grandson, Dallas, was very young, he couldn’t say great grandma Betty, so she became “Great Betty”  to the great grandchildren. One of her favorite family traditions was on Christmas Eve. After everyone had eaten and before they could unwrap presents, she insisted that “The Night Before Christmas” be read.

Betty will be deeply missed by her sons, Phil (Shelley) Mason and Ken (Deb) Mason; grandchildren: Jaime (Brian) Sabel, Becky (Daren) Jaques, Robbie (Shayna) Mason, Stephanie Mason, and Michael (Emily) Mason; great grandchildren: Wynter, Savannah, Dallas, Kaydence, Ryker, Gavin, Bentleigh, and Lakelynn; nephew, Wallace Wakefield and his family; along with many other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elwyn Mason; sister, Luetta Wakefield; brother-in-law, David Wakefield; sister-in-law, Maxine Moore; and brother-in-law, Bill Moore.

 

 

 

Clarence Alvin Gee Obituary June 24, 1947 ~ January 27, 2023 (age 75)

Clarence was born to Clarence and Wilma Gee at Oskaloosa, Iowa on 6-24-1947.  He passed away on 1-27-2023 at his home in Wellton, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Wilma and his mother-in-law, Angie Amos and father-in-law, Roy Amos plus premature twin grand-daughters and several other close relatives and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Rosemary, sons, Don (Becky), Paul and Roy, daughters, Norma (Reid Paris), Dollie (Mike Rogers), and Sue (Clayton Wall), 19 grandchildren, his brother, Gary (Marilyn) Gee and sister-in-law, Dollie McGee, Brothers-in-laws, Jim and John Amos and too many nephews and nieces to count.

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in June 1966 and was Honorable Discharged in August 1970.  Part of his service was spent in South East Asia during the Vietnam War.

He marred to Rosemary Amos on September 27,1969 in Marion County.

My nephew Jess Amos summed up his life in the following letter to me.

“Uncle Clarence’s service to family, community and nation as a giving and selfless Dad, Uncle, Grandpa, Paramedic, Airman etc. served as a wonderful example. He Left us with many good memories.”

Lois Garner Obituary August 1, 1938 - January 25, 2023

 Lois Yvonne Garner, 84, of Ottumwa, died at 7:00 a.m. January 25, 2023 at Crystal Heights Care Center in Oskaloosa.

She was born August 1, 1938 in Hazard, NE to Walter and Marjorie Casteel Hohlfeld. Lois married Harold Marion Garner on February 21, 1958 and he preceded her in death on August 25, 2019.

Lois was a graduate of Mt. Ayr High School. Living several years in Indianola and Russell, she and her husband moved to Melrose after he retired and they then moved to Ottumwa in 2012. She had worked as a waitress, a cook, and at J.C. Penney’s for the Russell schools, for the Russell newspaper and for a travel agency in Chariton.

Lois was a member of a sorority in Russell, Beta Sigma Pi, a member of Quilters Guild while living in Melrose and served as secretary for the National Horseshoe Pitching Association. Lois enjoyed quilting, sewing and crocheting and spending time with her family, especially her great-grandchildren.

Surviving are two children, Richard (Kim) Garner and Carol (Doug) Drummond both of Ottumwa; 5 grandchildren, Kristen (Aaron) Bankson, Justin (Erica) Drummond, Nicole (Brad) Crosby, Zach Garner, (Julie Griffiths), Kourtney (Javier) Cortez; 9 great- grandchildren, Kiley, Karter, Jayden, Hailey, Wyatt, Everly, Jesslyn, Isabella and Mateo; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Ward of Shenandoah, IA, Sue (Frank) Carson of Diagonal, IA and Georgia Garner of Carrollton, IL;, brothers-in-law, William Tridle of Orient, IA and Jerry Lynch of Bernard, IA; numerous nieces and nephews including Matthew (Amber) Lynch.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Norma Lynch.

Her body has been cremated.

Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, January 28th at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Hornback officiating. The service will be livestreamed on the Reece Funeral Home Facebook page. Inurnment will be in Shaul Cemetery. The family will be present to greet friends one hour prior to the service.

Memorials may be made for Alzheimer’s Research.

 

Jack Christensen Obituary April 28, 1944 — January 29, 2023

 Services for Jack Christensen will be Friday, February 3, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Family will receive friends on Thursday, from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m., at the funeral home. Jack’s family encourages everyone to wear Iowa Hawkeye or Los Angeles Dodgers apparel in his honor. Memorials for Jack can be made to the family who are working on a tribute to be installed at a later date.

 

Jack was born on April 28, 1944, in Harlan, Iowa to Dale and Ruby (Olsen) Christensen. He grew up in Russell, Iowa, graduating from Russell High School. Jack married Linda Sellers on March 6, 1965, in Russell. The couple was blessed with two children, Stacie and Chad.

 

Jack was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed watching all sports, but especially loved the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was a member of the Lakeview Golf and Country Club, where he played many rounds of golf. He headed up a golf tournament at Honey Creek/The Preserve called the JCI (Jack Christensen Invitational). A tradition his family will continue.

 

Jack never met a stranger, welcoming all with a smile and a handshake. He loved hanging with his friends and family. He was very much a social butterfly. He served as the President of the Russell School Board when his kids were in school. He enjoyed taking his grandchildren and great-grandchildren fishing; and going to their activities to cheer them on. He was very proud of them all and loved having them over.

 

Jack passed away January 29, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Linda; children, Stacie (Kyle) Hardin and Chad (DJ) Christensen; grandchildren: TJ (Mackenzie) Hardin, Dustin (Jessica) Hardin, Brett (Ashlyn) Hardin, Slade Christensen, and Cassie (Seth) Christensen; great-grandchildren: Kasen, Khyler, Kinnen, Blake, and Ivalee; and siblings: Ron (Doris) Christensen, Dick (Peggy) Christensen, and Pam (Bill) Sandy.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Ruby, and parents-in-law, Leo and Dorothy Sellers.

Hazel Marie Clanin February 5, 1928 ~ January 20, 2023 (age 94)

 

Hazel Marie Ellis Clanin was born February 5, 1928, at home, in Weldon Iowa to Clarence J and Maudie Carpenter Ellis.

Hazel attended country school until 6th grade, then Russell Community School, graduating from high school in 1947. Hazel continued to keep in contact with all of her classmates throughout her life.

Hazel was baptized April 20, 1941, at Faith United Methodist Church and became a member January 28, 1942. Hazel was a Sunday School teacher and helped with Bible school.  She enjoyed helping with church activities, including the dinners.

She married William Dwaine Clanin March 8, 1951, at Reverend Archie Beals’ home in Russell. Arlene Ellis and Lowell Sims were there to witness the occasion.

Dwaine joined the army and was stationed in Colorado and Hazel spent several months there with him until he was sent to Germany. She then lived with her mother, Maudie Smith in Russell, at which time their first daughter, Nadene was born. When Dwaine was discharged from the army Dwaine, Hazel and Nadene moved out to the Clanin farm with his mother. Later they bought the farm, and three more daughters, Brenda, Lesa and Cristi were added to the family. A lot of time was spent with family for reunions, holiday celebrations, and making homemade ice cream.

Hazel enjoyed 4-H activities with Nadene and Brenda. She was a leader and Neighborhood Chairman in Girl Scouts with Lesa and Cristi.

She was a long-time member of American Legion Auxiliary and held offices in unit and county. She served as an election volunteer.

Hazel loved playing cards throughout the years with family and friends. She loved the friendly games and banter, especially when she won! Hazel never missed a chance to go out to lunch. She loved lunches with friends, family members, and her special ladies.

Hazel loved living in the country and raising her family there. Family was her greatest joy. She enjoyed baking and cooking for the family. She was well-known for her pies. She maintained four gardens for many years, canning vegetables and meat to help to provide for the family, as she was a stay-at-home mom, which was much appreciated by her daughters. Hazel looked forward to family time together.

Hazel is preceded in death by her husband, Dwaine; father, Clarence Ellis; mother, Maudie Carpenter Ellis Smith and Vogel Smith; granddaughter, Stacie; sisters Arlene and Dori; brother Ed; and numerous family and friends.

She is survived by brother, Raymond Ellis; daughters Nadene (Mark) Werts, Brenda (Ron) Everson, Lesa Wells, Cristi Walters (Eddie See); grandchildren, Chad Werts, Brandy Marshall, Gavin Werts, Carrie Hall, Shanna Boehme, Kayla Jones, Riley Walters, and Reid Walters; twelve great grandchildren, with another arriving soon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bonnie L. Stone Obituary March 14, 1926 — December 14, 2022

 Services for Bonnie Stone, 96, of Chariton, will be Monday, December 19, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Chariton. Burial will follow at the Chariton Cemetery.

Family will receive friends on Sunday, December 18, 2022, from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church.

Bonnie Lou Price was born March 14, 1926, in Russell, Iowa to Fred and Ethel Price. She grew up in Russell, and graduated from Russell High School in 1943. She was active in high school and church activities, and also worked part time to help her mother.

After high school, Bonnie started working at the Chariton Seed Store for Edmond Stone and Sons.  It was there, she met their son, Keith, after his return home from the war.  Knowing she’d found the love of her life, they were married on June 27, 1948; and began their happily ever after.  They were blessed with six children:  Linda, Carol, Karl, Sherri, Kirk and Don.  She made a happy home for her family, and was a Sunday School teacher, Scout leader, Brownie leader, PTA room mother, all while driving them where they needed to be and attending all of their activities.  As her children married and blessed her with grandchildren, and great grandchildren, her loving heart embraced them all, and her greatest joy was always to have her family around her.  Her love had no limits, and she welcomed them all with love and something to eat, anytime day or night.

She was baptized and a member at the Methodist Church in Russell, later transferring her membership to the First United Methodist Church in Chariton.  With her strong faith and a serving heart, she graciously helped wherever she could.  Her church has been a home to her, with an extended church family she cherished.

At the age of 56, she started working in the Music Department at the Chariton Public Library.  She enjoyed the work and developed many friendships with the patrons, especially the children.  She decided to retire 25 years later, as God gave her a new purpose.

She started a card ministry that knew no boundaries.  She sent greeting cards with hand written messages for all occasions.  As her outreach grew, she’d buy more cards and stamps to send more loving thoughts.  Stacks of cards were mailed daily, and her joy was in knowing she made someone’s day a little brighter.

She lived a full life sharing love, kindness, strength, and an angelic smile to all.  Her life was lived to make other’s lives better.  She was surrounded by love, with a smile in her heart, when God took her hand and gave her His heavenly reward.

Bonnie passed away December 14, 2022. She will be dearly missed by her children: Carol Honeywell, Karl (Lori) Stone, Sherri Chandler, Kirk (Rita) Stone, and Don (Cris) Stone; loving grandchildren: Julie (Mike) Ohrazda, Mark (Lili) Honeywell, Karla (Don) Frisby, Shawn (Teri) Stone, Tanner (Jen) Stone, Aimee (Brooke) Delpierre, Tyler (Calan) Chandler, Tracy (Ryan) Jobman, Tiffany (Matt) Klaassen, Jenna (Aaron) Madison, and Brianna (Seth) Ruppert; loving great grandchildren: Nathan, Alison, Eugene, Alex, Alexis, Mercedes, Reagan, Beckett, Lia, Asher, Rye, Adry, Maizie, Terra, Elsie, Amelia, Elly, Makenna, Kyler, Samuel, Ollie, Ada, Abraham, Selah, and Jovie; relatives and friends.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, Keith Stone; daughter, Linda Stone; great grandson, Chance Frisby; sons-in-law, Eugene Honeywell and Gary Chandler; and sister, Muriel Witman.

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