Dennis Linville Obituary January 28, 1962 - April 13, 2025

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Dennis Linville, 63, of Chariton, passed away at home on Sunday, April 13, 2025. A service with sharing of memories will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 17th at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton; followed by a celebration of life visitation until 6:00 p.m. Burial will follow at the Confidence Cemetery. Dennis would probably like you to wear a gray t-shirt and jeans, he would want things to be casual without much fuss.

Dennis Richard Linville was born January 28, 1962, to Richard and Marie Linville. He grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in 1980. He was married to his high school sweetheart Lesha Leck in 1980. Dennis and Lesha were blessed with five children: Holly, David, Aaron, Jeremy, and Kitt. Dennis farmed with his father and on his own for several years. He also worked for the Chariton Municipal Water Department for over 30 years, retiring 8 years ago.

Dennis loved the outdoors and his property out in the country. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping, and working in the garden. He was a pretty good cook and enjoyed baking. He would often say he was going out to tinker, which meant he would grab a smoke, and go work on one of his old cars or grab a beer and mow the yard. He also enjoyed old westerns and TV shows like Gilligan’s Island and The Beverly Hillbillies, often watching them with his grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in care of Dennis' family and will be designated at a later date.

Dennis will be missed by his ex-wife, Lesha Linville; children: Holly (Jaime) Maldonado, David Linville, Aaron (Crystal) Linville, Jeremy Linville, and Kitt Linville; grandchildren: Katelynn, Jaime Jr., Izabellah, and Daniel; sisters: Marcie (Dennis) Slack and Rhonda (Mark) White; along with many relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents: Richard and Marie Linville; brother, Bruce Linville; and granddaughter, Lilyanna and nephew, Christopher Stone.3, 2025

Geneva Mae Bequette Obituary

Geneva Mae (Duer) Bequette went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 11, 2025. She was born to Neva Pearl (Holder) Duer and Chester William Duer on February 5, 1937, in Confidence, Iowa. She had two sisters, Nancy and Patty, and two brothers, Bill and Tom. The family moved several times and settled on a farm near Melrose, Iowa. She attended Russell High School. Then she worked in Des Moines, Iowa. In 1962, she moved to California where she met Lindell and getting married on April 11, 1964. When she was eleven, she accepted Christ as her Savior and baptized on Easter Sunday at the age of twelve. She has a step-daughter, Christina Bequette (husband is Michael Kemp). She has two daughters, Cynthia Markle (Todd) and Bonnie Porter (Glen). She has two sons, Dennis (Pauline) Bequette and Thomas Ellion. In January 1967 they bought a farm in Iowa across from her parents raising cattle. She loved working along side of Lindell. She loved gardening, flowers and quilting. In 1972 they moved to Arkansas where Lindell sold real estate and trucking. She went with Lindell in the truck whenever possible. She was active in the Baptist Church helping with Act Teens and Awana. Also she hosted the girls in her home for church activities. In 2000 they moved to Monahans, Texas. While living there, they loved traveling in their various trailers. While able to, she took care of the flower bed at Southside Baptist Church. She moved to Ankeny, Iowa, in November 2024 to be close to her sister, Patty. She is survived by her sister, Patty Duer, and sister-in-laws Carol Duer and Sally Duer. She leaves granddaughters Casey DeBell (Tony) and Amanda Markle; and grandsons Jesse Bequette, Josh Markle (Chelsea) and Robert Ellion (Natashi); several great grandchildren-Finley, Hudson, and Bowie Markle; Alex, Owen, Emmett and Cooper Ellion; Dani DeBell, Jenah and Taylor Bequette. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brothers Bill and Tom, her sister Nancy, her sons Dennis and Thomas. In lieu of flowers, she would like donations to go the following: Community Baptist Church, Ankeny, Iowa; Cornerstone Baptist Church, Ankeny, Iowa; Faith Baptist Bible College, Ankeny, Iowa; Gideon Bibles or Southside Baptist Church, Monahans, Texas. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Harkey Funeral Home in Monahans, Texas with visitation on April 11 from 5-8 p.m. The funeral will be at Southside Baptist Church in Monahans, Texas on April 12 at 11 a.m. There will be a memorial service on May 3 and 3 p.m. at Community Baptist Church, Ankeny, Iowa. funeral-home-logo funeral-home-logo

Diane DeBok October 18, 1943 - March 30, 2025 Obituary

Diane DeBok, 81, passed away on March 30, 2025, in Chariton, Iowa. The family will greet guests from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton, Iowa. A funeral service will immediately follow at 12:00 p.m. Diane will be interred in Chariton Cemetery following services.

Diane was born in Chariton on October 18, 1943, to Lowell and Elaine (Marks) Baughman. In 1961, she graduated from Chariton High School and later retired from Wells Fargo. She had a deep love for nature, finding joy in her garden where she could often be found “digging in the dirt.” Her flowers were her pride and joy, and she delighted in the company of hummingbirds and butterflies that visited her blooms. She shared her home with her beloved cats, Gabe and Ellie, who brought her endless comfort and companionship.

Diane is survived by her children: Brad (Shari) DeBok, Darrin DeBok, their father Pete DeBok; grandchildren: Taylor DeBok, Ally DeBok, Hannah DeBok, Ava DeBok, and Dominic Messina; brother, Bob Baughman; brother in-law, Warren Wallace; and niece : Carolyn Elam.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Patricia Wallace and nephew Merlin Wallace.

 

Theodore Allen Hansen December 26, 1955 – March 26, 2025

 Theodore Allen Hansen, age 69, of Valrico, Florida passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

Page Mitteness March 1, 1958 - March 25, 2025 Obituary

 Elisabeth Page Mitteness (Page) was born on March 1, 1958, in Thief River Falls, MN, to Harold and Eleanor Olson. She spent her early childhood in St. Cloud, MN, where she began her love for animals, training and showing her German Shepherd in obedience trials. In 1973, the family moved to Park Rapids, MN, where Page got her own horse. She graduated from Park Rapids Area High School in 1976 and later attended the University of Minnesota Crookston, focusing on light horse management. It was there that she met Rick Mitteness, beginning their 46-year marriage.

Rick and Page lived in Crookston, MN, where they worked together at the Crookston Cattle Company for a few years. After their son Aaron was born, they moved to Milton, IA. Following the death of Page's grandfather, Tom Lockridge, they moved to his farm, Lockmoor Angus Farms, near Russell, IA, in 1985. There, Rick and Page started farming and raising Angus cattle, becoming well-known in the Russell and Corydon communities. Page worked as a secretary at S&S Veterinary Clinic and later with Dr. Jim Sandy until her retirement.

Page had a deep love for her family farm and animals, along with a passion for gardening. She enjoyed training and showing horses in her younger years. Page was known for her dedication to hard work and always had a project on hand. She could often be found in the barn, with the radio playing oldies, or covered in dirt working in the yard. Her door was always open, and a plate of food was ready for anyone who stopped by.

Page is survived by her sons, Aaron (Wendi) Mitteness and Brian (Jonda) Mericle; grandchildren Skye Mitteness, Thor Mitteness, Brynlee Bingham, and Kotler Bingham; and her brother, Eric Olson of Park Rapids, MN. She is also survived by her sister Anne (Bill) Bialke of Upstate NY, and Anne and Bill's children: Audrey (Arlo Chapple-Berletic) Bialke, Madeline (Sarah Milner-Barry) Bialke, and Julia Bialke. Page is also survived by her sisters- and brothers-in-law Michele (John) Westlund of Punta Gorda, FL, Chantell (Bob) Hay of Buffalo, MN, Lynette (special friend Dennis Peterson) of Alexandria, MN, and Randy (Karen) Mitteness of Benson, MN.

She was preceded in death by her husband Rick Mitteness, her parents Harold and Eleanor (Lockridge) Olson, and her in-laws Leonard and Charlotte Mitteness. A celebration of life will be held at a later time.

Memorials may be sent to the Wayne County Fair, 201 West Jackson Street, Corydon, IA 50060.

Rick Lee Mitteness August 10, 1957 - September 25, 2024 Obituary

Ricky Lee (Rick) Mitteness was born on August 10, 1957 in Benson, Minnesota. He passed away on September 25, 2024, under the care of Hospice in Corydon, Iowa. Rick was born to Leonard and Charlotte (Swenson) Mitteness of rural Benson. He was baptized and confirmed in the Christian Faith at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson. He attended country school with his siblings and neighborhood kids.

Rick graduated from Benson High School in 1975 where he was active in 4-H, FFA, Livestock Judging and wrestling. In the fall of 1976, he attended the University of Minnesota, Crookston. It is here he met his future wife, Page Olson. They lived in Crookston, Minnesota where they worked for the Crookston Cattle Company. After their son Aaron was born, they moved to Milton Iowa where Rick worked as a herdsman and later at a foundry.

Upon the passing of Page’s grandfather, Tom Lockridge, they moved to his farm, Lockmoor Angus Farms, near Russell, Iowa. It was here that Rick and Page started in farming and continued in raising angus cattle. They became established in the Russell and Corydon communities. Rick was active with the Wayne County Fair board.

Rick lived his life with optimism. He always saw the glass as half full. He loved his family especially his grandchildren, Skye, Thor, Brynlee, and Kolter. He believed in God and country. He was patriotic and a true conservative. He looked out and helped his neighbors.

Rick had the gift to gab and a wonderful sense of humor. Because of these qualities he had many friends from many walks of life. To quote Rick, “Dad once told me he’d rather have 10 friends than $10 and I never forgot that.” Rick enjoyed when people would stop by and he would stop whatever he was doing to just talk.

Rick is survived by his wife, Page, of 46 years, his sons Aaron (Wendi) Mitteness, Brian (Jonda) Mericle, his grandchildren Skye Mitteness, Thor Mitteness, Brynlee Bingham, and Kotler Bingham. His siblings: Michele (John) Westlund from Punta Gorda, Florida, Chantell (Bob)Hay from Buffalo, Minnesota, Lynette, (Special friend Dennis Peterson) from Alexandria Minnesota, Randy (Karen)Mitteness, from Benson, Minnesota. His brother-in-law Eric Olson of Park Rapids and sister and brother- in- law Anne and Bill Bialke, Upstate New York.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Charlotte Mitteness, and In-Laws Harold and Eleanor (Lockridge) Olson. 

The family will being having a celebration of life at a later time. Memorials may be sent to Wayne County Fair: 201 West Jackson Street, Corydon, Iowa 50060. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or on our funeral home Facebook page, www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.

 

 

Gelene Kay Sibert August 5, 1943 - March 18, 2025 Obituary

 

Gelene Kay Sibert, 81, passed away on March 18, 2025, in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Family will greet guests from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton, Iowa. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 24, 2025, at the funeral home. Gelene will be interred in Russell Cemetery following services. Memorials may be made to the University of Iowa Children's Hospital-Stead Family Children's Hospital in Gelenes name.

Gelene was born August 5, 1943, at a home on a farm south of Chariton. She was the middle child of 5, an older brother and sister, and a younger brother and sister. By the farm where they grew up, there was a bridge over Honey Creek, and Gelene and her siblings loved playing at the bridge as children so much, that 70 years later she asked to be taken there again. It was special to her. She loved her baby dolls and loved animals her whole life. She had very cherished memories of Christmas, including the year she and her sister Marcia received Green Ruffled Bloomers for Christmas. She enjoyed growing up with her siblings and her large extended family of cousins and going on frequent family visits each year, which meant either family coming to Russell or going to Marshalltown or Newton.

She attended Russell High School and graduated in the Class of 1962. She played softball for four years but was sad that a heart murmur prevented her from playing basketball and other sports. She always remembered her senior class trip to Chicago with her friends and how much she enjoyed going to Chicago to tour the city and going to the movies.

At one time she worked at Gino’s Restaurant in Des Moines in the 1960’s and it was then that her first greatest joy came into her life, her son Michael was born. In the early 1970s she and her son moved to Chariton with the family and lived at 527 North Main street, across the street from the Chariton High School. She worked as a baker at the Quality-T Bakery on the Chariton Square, before becoming a cook and lunch lady at the Chariton School District for over 30 years. She loved working for the school, the friends she worked with, and being around generations of kids at the Chariton School District, serving lunch each day at Garfield Junior High or the High School. Her family always lived across the street from the high school, and their home was always open to everyone, and it was routine in the 1980s for the high school kids to go to their home for lunch periods; all were welcomed, the doors were never locked. Gelene was a hard worker and always had two jobs. For decades she would work eight hours in the morning, come home and change and work another eight hours in the evening. She was a cook at the Country Chef Restaurant for years, and eventually at the Lucas County Hospital before retiring. She never had a car and didn’t drive but was extremely grateful to the hundreds of friends and family who gave her rides around Chariton for decades.

In her spare time, she was always sewing, coloring/painting, or making art/craft projects, or just reading volumes of books. Her home was always decorated for holidays, especially Christmas and most of the decorations and ornaments were handmade by her. She always saw the beauty in the world, in the simplest things; she would be the first to plant a pink flamingo in the yard and there were always toys and games to be found at her side, because life should include Cotton Candy. She was also a lifelong Chariton and Russell supporter, and an Iowa Hawkeye fan. She was known to always be watching a football or basketball game on television while sewing or doing crafts. She was a huge Iowa Hawkeye fan, especially when her son Michael was playing on the Iowa Hawkeye Football team in the 1980s and 1990s and was thrilled to be attending home games at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.

After retiring, few loved retirement more than Gelene. At 62 years old, she became determined to get her learner's permit and eventually her driver's license, which she did, and was able to purchase her first car at 64 years old. The timing was perfect because it coincided with the arrival of her most prized joy in her life, her granddaughters Josephine and Holiday. Gelene moved to Kansas City for almost 10 years and lived with her son, and wife Leah, and granddaughter Josephine Ruby, who was her best friend, who she got to see grow and spent every day and night with. Grandma Gelene went from never driving to rapidly learning to drive Josephine to her Ballet Classes at the Kansas City Ballet, or just their daily trips to the library or other events. As her health declined, she moved back to Chariton in 2020, to Southgate Apartments where she enjoyed her time with the ladies of the building. When Josephine graduated in 2023 as the Missouri Scout of the Year, a Gold Awardee, and a top Beering Scholar, no one was prouder than Grandma.

As a child, Gelene suffered from intense bullying at the hands of a teacher in the 1950s, and that formed her identity in which she wanted nothing but kindness for everyone. Seeing anyone being unkind or seeing anyone experiencing unkindness was something that deeply troubled her and she went out of her way to take care of people or to befriend everyone. She was an amazing gift giver, even though she was always of low-income status, she gave anything she had to others, her son experienced amazing Christmases, and her granddaughters always received amazing birthday and Christmas presents. Most importantly, she gave everyone the one thing she could and that was her time and attention. She was generous, selfless, and fiercely independent- she always gave selflessly of her time, always put others first, especially her family, and she actually would walk in the snow to a job that didn’t pay much and work two jobs to take care of her child, and the same with her grandchild.

She is survived by her son, Michael D. Sibert (Leah), of Lee’s Summit, MO & New Orleans, LA, and Granddaughters Josephine Ruby Sibert and Holiday Fagan. Her sister Marcia Clark and Jim Porterfield, Chariton, Iowa her brother (Earl) Dale Sibert Jr, Okmulgee, OK. Her nieces, Karmel Kemper (John), Tonya Clark (Thad Tracy), Shelley Sibert Deeringer (Randy Thompson), Sherry Kistler (Travis) and Shannon Sibert-Kimmel (Joe). Her Nephew Brian Sibert (Connie). A lot of Cousins, Grandnieces, Grandnephews, dear friends, and extended family.

She is Preceded in death by her parents: Earl and Gladys Sibert, a brother: Gary Sibert & Wife Pamela Amos Sibert, her sister Verdella Sibert Phipps and husband Charles "Bud" Phipps and her sister-in-law Sharon (Hudson) Sibert and her nephew: John Dale Clark.

Her family is eternally grateful to everyone who ever helped her or were simply her friends and expressed their love. Charitable contributions.

Visitation

Sunday, March 23, 2025

2:00PM - 4:00PM

Pierschbacher Funeral Homes - Chariton

914 Roland Ave.

Chariton, IA 50049

Service

Monday, March 24, 2025

10:30AM

 

Carl R. Kimler Obituary January 11, 1949 - February 2, 2025

Carl R. Kimler, 76, of Macomb, Illinois passed away at 12:00 PM Sunday February 2, 2025 at his residence.

He was born January 11, 1949 in Centerville, Iowa to Benjamin Ray (Bud) and Thelma (Rueark) Kimler; he married Marsha Cluck November 26, 1971 in Russell, Iowa, they had 53 wonderful years together. She survives.

He is also survived by his children, Delesia M. (Danny) Stoeffler of Nevada, Iowa, Delania A. Heller (Mike Dixon) of Lacrosse, Wisconsin, Carla R. (Darren) Headley of Oswego, Illinois, Eric D. (Trixey) Kimler of New Orleans, Louisiana;  also many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and step-brother, Ernie Gookin.

He was raised in Russell, Iowa and lived in Chariton, Iowa, Webster City, Iowa and Macomb, Illinois

He was in the Navy from 1969-1971, serving 2 tours of duty in Vietnam.

After coming back from the Navy, he went to school at Indian Hills in Ottumwa, Iowa and graduated in Culinary Arts; and started working for Hy-Vee until retiring in 2009.

In his good health he loved to fish, hunt, and watch ball games. Carl was a member of Macomb VFW Post 1921 and member and past commander of the American Legion Post 6.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

He attended Wesley United Methodist Church in Macomb.

Celebration of Life held in Macomb, IL  April 19th,  4 - 8 p.m.

Cindy Moore Obituary December 24, 1956 - February 23, 2025

Cindy Marie Moore, 68, of Russell, passed peacefully surrounded by family on February 23, 2025. The family welcomes guests to join them for Cindy’s services on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton, Iowa. A luncheon will be held at the Methodist Church in Russell following the service. A private family burial will take place at the Russell Cemetery at a later date. Following the service, a luncheon will be held at the Methodist Church in Russell.

Memorials may be made to Cindy’s family, which will be used to purchase supplies for care packages for treatment patients in the infusion center at LCHC, a cause very dear to Cindy’s heart.

Cindy Marie Moore was born December 24, 1956, to Maynard and Burnetta Sheese. The family resided in New Boston, Illinois, until she was in the third grade, moving to Russell, Iowa. She graduated from Russell High School in 1975.

Cindy married the love of her life, Joe Moore, on April 3, 1975, and to this union they were blessed with three children: Brian, Angie, and Trisha. Cindy worked several jobs throughout her lifetime, none more important to her than raising her family. As her family matured, she enrolled in college at Indian Hills, graduating in the top 5% of her class, with honors. She enjoyed a career with SCICAP for 10 years, a career she both loved and excelled at, before retiring.

Being born on Christmas Eve, Cindy loved the holiday season. She spared no effort in making sure that the Christmas season was a magical time filled with family, love and laughter for everyone involved. She was the embodiment of the spirit of Christmas. She enjoyed collecting vintage Santa Clauses, making special quilts for her family, laughing around a campfire, dancing, old musicals, spending time with her wonderful friends, and, of course, lounging in her pool.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Maynard, and Burnetta Sheese; mother-in-law, June Moore; father-in-law, James Moore Sr. and brother-in-law, Jerry Moore.

Cindy passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at home on February 23, 2025. She will be deeply missed by her husband of 50 years, Joe Moore; her children: Brian (Jennifer) Moore, Angie (Jacob) Shriver and Trisha Moore; grandchildren: Alia Moore, Brenna (Jordan) Shriver, Grant Shriver, Autumn Moore, Mya Jo Moore and Dominic Gray; great grandchildren, Barrett Brady and Olive Brady; her brother, Kevin Sheese; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Lori Moore; her dog, Pepper; and many other relatives and friends.

Richard Elvin West Obituary June 7, 1939-December 20, 2024

 

Richard E. West, 85, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 23 at Grandwood Assisted Living Facility surrounded by family and friends in Grove, OK. Richard was born on June 7, 1939 in Russell, IA to Charles and Edna (Jennings) West. He attended Russell High School graduating with the class of 1957. He joined the Iowa National Guard before starting at Armstrong/Titan tires where he worked over forty years before retiring. Richard was united in marriage to Geraldine (Barron) West of Lovilia, Iowa and they welcomed four children into their home. Richard grew up on an Iowa farm where he learned to love hunting, fishing and all the outdoor activities that living in the country brings. He continued to enjoy those activities throughout most of his life. He also enjoyed taking his family to Rathbun Lake to camp, fish and water ski. Richard met and married Pamela Abbott of Ankeny, Iowa on August 8, 1983 who precedes him in death. Richard then moved to Grove, OK to be closer to family where he enjoyed the lake, warmer weather and making new friends. Richard is survived by his four children: Steve (Jo) West of Grove, OK, Robyn (Steve) Howell of Broken Arrow, OK, Sandy (Jack) Kirkpatrick of Afton, OK, Rhonda (Randy) Seward of Houston, TX; 8 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and three nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Roger, sister-in-law Mary Jo and niece Sharon. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM, January 15, 2025 at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery located at 1 NE 60th Ave., Des Moines, Iowa. A Celebration of Life gathering to follow. 

Betty Marie Veenstra Obituary November 19, 1938 — January 15, 2025

 Betty Marie (Parks) Veenstra, a woman with an adventurer’s heart, a sharp eye for playing cards and an endless well of love for her children, grandchildren and family, passed away on January 15, 2025, at EveryStep Kavanagh House in Des Moines, IA. She was 86 years old. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 25, 2025 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in West Des Moines, IA. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be held at a later date at the Pella Cemetery in Pella, IA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s name to the St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital and Za-Ga-Zig Shriners. Online condolences may be sent to www.caldwellparrish.com

The middle of three children born to James and Jennie Parks. Betty graduated from Russell (Iowa) High School in 1957. Recalling her childhood, she said: “Russell was just the greatest place to be a kid and grow up. You could do everything and we did.”

Following high school, Betty trained as a hair stylist and co-owned a beauty salon. She met her first husband, Bill Hopkins. They welcomed two children, William Hopkins and Melissa Hopkins-Norris.

Betty began working real estate in 1974 and during a nearly 40-year career, much of it with Iowa Realty, helped bring the joy of home ownership to clients in Iowa, Florida and Colorado. 

In 1985 she met Ron Veenstra, “the love of her life.” They married and nurtured each other until his passing in 1994. She honored his memory every year on their anniversary. 

Even with a busy life, Betty was devoted to her children, serving as a primary caregiver for William, sharing his love of the Green Bay Packers and helping him cultivate a variety of flavorful and hot peppers for homemade sauces. 

Survivors include her sister, Mary Jewett, and brother, Bill (Caroyln) Parks; children, William Hopkins, Melissa Hopkins-Norris, Beth (Steve) Krehbiel, and mike (Marla) Veenstra; grandchildren: Joshua, Corey (Stephanie), Bradi, Joel (Kelly), Ben, Amanda, Matthew, great-grandchildren: Madden, Maverick, Isabella, Christopher, Tyler, Kennedy, and Rylea.

Asked about the Lessons of life, she said: “The most important thing in life is to have the confidence and courage to go and be independent.”