Brandon bee II
BRANDON BEE II
ssue # 139 July, Aug, Sept 2025
BRANDON AREA COMMUNITY CLUB NEWS:
BRANDON DAYS- STORY TIME Aug 2, 3, 2024:
This year’s Brandon days celebration theme is “Storytime- Your favorite storybook character(s) ”. Some favorites- If you give a Mouse a Cookie”. “Cat in the Hat”, “ Peter Rabbit”, “Little Red Ridinghood”.
Events that we are planning included bags tournament for adults and kids, big ball tournament, horseshoe tournament, pedal tractor pull, facepainting, balloon creations, afternoon entertainment, supper, and an auction. The Foam Blaster will be back this year- Friday night 6-8 pm- This year there will be a cost of $5 per child for 2 hours of fun.
The raffle will feature prizes of $500, $300, $100 and several smaller prizes.
NEW CONCESSION STAND FUNDRAISING PROJECT:
The concession stand is nearly complete, with the exception of the outside landscaping. We are still short of funds to complete these final projects. Donations can be sent to the Brandon Area Community Club, P.O. Box 163, Brandon, Iowa. 52210
The BACC and the City of Brandon thank each and every donor that has contributed to this fund.
We are proud of our community and the support we receive on these improvement projects.
BACC MEETINGS
Brandon Area Community Club meetings will be held on the THIRD Monday of each month at 7 pm at the Brandon Area Community Center. BACC welcomes all adults to join our community club.
COWBOY BREAKFAST:
Cowboy breakfast will be Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the Brandon Area Community Center. We will serve from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Menu consists of scrambled eggs, pancakes, fried potatoes, ham, sausage, sausage gravy and homemade biscuits. Orange juice and coffee will be served.
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BRANDON GARDEN CLUB
The Brandon Garden Club recently went on their spring outing. We visited Meyers Nursery and
Petersen & Tietz Florist and Greenhouse in Waterloo and Jordon Nursery in Cedar Falls. We made
many purchases that will need to be planted. We also had a plant exchange among our members
that day.
We will be making plans to make a float for the Brandon Days Parade.
We meet on the 4th Monday of each month at Karol Smith’s home beginning at 6:30. We incite anyone interested in gardening to join our group. You can contact Karol for further information at 319-290-0101.
PHATS PUB AND GRUB CAR/ BIKE SHOW
Phats Pub and Grub will be hosting a Car and Bike Show on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 3 pm- 5 pm.
Trophies for: *Best of Paint* *Best of Show* *Best Truck* *Best Motorcycle**.
Food and Drink by Phats. Live Music after the show by “Hard Tellin”. $3.00 Busch Light Cans
For more information, contact Mark Johnson at 319-444-8998.
MOBILE FOOD PANTRY
The Brandon Mobile Food Pantry is held on the 4th Wednesday of each month. The upcoming dates
are: July 23, August 27, and September 24.
It is held at the Brandon Community Center parking lot and distribution of food is from 4:30 until
5:30. Please remain in your car and the food will be put in your car for you. Please bring boxes back
from previous visits and also have room for the food. Thank you.
Mobile food pantry is open to families in NE Iowa who have a need to supplement their grocery
budget. No cost is involved but you need to supply your name, address and household size.
(Information gathered is used to keep a tally of the number served in the communities and the
event of any recall of food items.) The mobile pantry is a service of the Northeast Iowa Food Bank.
Thank you to the volunteers that help with this project. If you would like to volunteer, please contact
Darlys Rogers 319-474-2368.
BRANDON HISTORICAL SOCIETY – Linda Clark
The Brandon/Jefferson Township Historical Society want to thank everyone for their support. We were open on Memorial Day for patrons to come see all of the accomplishments we have made over the last year. Thank you all that came to see us. It is much appreciated.
We have finished the plumbing and sewer at the museum. Big accomplishment. The bathroom has lights thanks to Dustin Clark for coming and volunteering to put those in for us. We are continuing cataloging each item we have in our possession. This is a big project as it involves writing down the; who, what, when, why and how of each item we received and making sure we have the paperwork done for each and every item. Also if you have time we have lots of photos that have no names on them. We would like your help in adding names to faces on photos.
As of now we need to raise more monies before we get any more projects done. We want to thank all of the people who have supported us with coming to our fundraising activities and have donated money as well. And of course all of the people who have donated items for the museum. We also appreciate all the cans and bottles you have left for us. Everything adds up and helps us to keep going.
If you would like to join us for our meetings we would be happy to welcome you on the 2nd Tuesdays of the month at the home of Karol Smith. If you have any artistry skills we would love to have your skills for doing backdrops, murals, etc. for all our new projects.
Does anyone have any photos of the big sign that was outside the township hall and later moved to the front of Lyle Likens store that had the names of Brandon veterans on it –was called the “Honor Roll”
TIRED OF THOSE ALUMINUM CANS CLUTTERING UP YOUR GARAGE/HOUSE?
DONATE THEM TO HELP RENOVATE THE BRANDON HISTORICAL MUSEUM!
YOU CAN DROP THEM OFF AT 502 MAIN STREET BY THE BACK DOOR. EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS US.
PLUS, YOU WILL FEEL GOOD TOO!
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.
A big thank you to all of the people who have donated so far. We will use it wisely.
Don’t forget to visit the Brandon Jefferson Township Historical Society page on Facebook. It is the one with a golden B.
See you at the Brandon Celebration in August.
Please feel free to send your donations to Brandon Historical Society, 502 Main Street, Brandon, IA 52210. We have a tax deductible 501 C3 number for large donations.
Linda Clark – The Brandon Historical Society!
BRANDON CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST~ Pastor Lenny Powers
306 East Street
319-474-2159 or 319-929-5604
Worship at 10:00 am. Handicap accessible.
The remodeling project continues at the church, and we are in the final stages of phase 1.
We hold a Bible study each Wednesday night at 7 pm. We are going through and understanding what the Word of God has to say, a chapter at a time. We encourage you to come to learn and discuss, we welcome all.
BRANDON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH~ Pastor Beth Graham
507 Main Street
10:00 am. Worship service begins at 10:00 am. Handicap accessible.
Adult Sunday School 9:00 am
Pastor’s contact information:
Rev. Beth Graham
P.O. Box 125
Brandon, Iowa 52210
NEW PASTOR AT BRANDON METHODIST CHURCH
Pastor Beth Graham is the newly appointed pastor of Brandon United Methodist Church. She also presides over Garrison UMC, Mount Auburn UMC, and Vinton-Stewart Memorial UMC.
She is a native of Iowa City, but spent her formative years in South Florida. She returned to Iowa for college where she received a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Iowa in 2006, and a Master’s in Youth Ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary in 2010.
She started in ministry after graduate school, where she served full time as a Youth/Children’s Pastor in the United Methodist church in Ada, Oklahoma, Hollywood, Florida, and North Liberty, Iowa.
In 2019, Beth shifted away from youth ministry as she received the call to serve the church in a pastorate as she became the Associate Pastor to North Liberty First United Methodist Church. In 2022,
God’s call led her to Pastor at West Branch United Methodist Church where she has served the past three years. Now living in Brandon with her four kids, she is looking forward to a quiet life in small town Iowa as she serves the United Methodist churches of Brandon, Garrison, Mount Auburn, and Vinton Stewart Memorial.
In her spare time, she enjoys watching her kids do what they love most - whether it is gymnastics, wrestling, acting or playing cards. Pastor Beth’s passion is to see the church as a welcoming and safe place for all.
BRANDON METHODIST YOUTH ***YOUTH LEADER (S) NEEDED.***
The Brandon United Methodist Church is in need of Youth Leader(s). Recently our long-time leaders retired and we are in need of new leadership for youth ages 4- 12 grades.
Please contact Denise Lehman, 319-404-8472, if you are interested.
BRANDON METHODIST MEN- Chicken BBQ fundraiser
The Brandon Methodist Men’s BBQ Chicken Dinner was held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, the menu included BBQ Chicken, potato salad, baked beans, dinner roll and desserts. The Brandon Methodist Men would like to thank everyone that supported us. Those who came and got food (dine in or carry out, those who helped (prepare, cook, made dessert, served, helped with clean-up) It was a successful event serving over 256 people.
BASH
2025-26 School year kick-off of BASH will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2024. BASH is held from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. Any child age kindergarten- 5th grade are invited to come. The Brandon bus will drop the kids off with parental permission.
FALL SUPPER
Brandon United Methodist Women’s Annual Fall Supper and Bazaar is Saturday, September 27, 2025 serving from 4:30-7:30pm at Brandon United Methodist Church 507 Main St. Brandon, Iowa
Meal includes:Homemade Chicken and Noodles, mashed potatoes, squash, green beans, salad bar
and dessert. ALL extra quarts of Chicken and Noodles MUST be ordered ahead of dinner (Max order is 6 quarts. WE WILL STOP TAKING ORDERS WHEN WE REACH 250 QUARTS. Last year we were overwhelmed with 450 qts order ahead of time! Call Lu 319-310-5610.
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COLLEGE GRADUATE
Hilary Peyton, recently graduated from University of Northern Iowa with her Masters of Library Science. Hilary works at the Jesup Community School District. She is the wife of Brian (Bo) Peyton, mother to Myra and Memphis. Hilary is the daughter of Doug and Denise Lehman.
HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT SOCCER HONORS
Independence High School Girls’ Soccer Program recently honored players for an outstanding season. The team qualified for state and lost in the quarter finals to
2A All State Team- Gracee Cornwell- midfielder
2A- All District team- Gracee Cornwell
WAMAC East Division All Conference Girls Soccer 2024-2025
First Team- Olivia Albert and Bella Louvar
Second team:Grace Cornwell
WAMAC All Academic Soccer-
First Team-Gracee Cornwell and Olivia Albert
Second Team- Bella Louvar
Bella Louvar -daughter of Jack and Jill Louvar
Olivia Albert- daughter of Susie and Ty Albert
Gracee Cornwell- daughter of Ty and Megan Cornwell
Congratulations on your accomplishments and a stellar season.
HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT GOLF HONORS
The Independence High School Boys Golf Team received 4th at the State Track meet. Grady Cornwell was a member of the golf team. Grady was selected for 2nd team ALL- Conference.
NATIONAL ARCHERY
The Independence Mustang Archers had a banner weekend at N ASP National Archery Tournament held in Louisville, Kentucky on May 9-11,2025. Coaches are Travis Mestad, Dave Harms, Chris Luloff, Jess Luloff, David Gissell, Bo Peyton, Derrick Hess, Travis Shellhorn, James Bumgarner.
To give you a perspective on how large this tournament was there was a total of 14,444 archers shooting bullseye and 6,471 archers shooting 3D!,
Evan Miller,8th grade, son of Wyatt and Amanda Miller, participated in the N ASP National Archery Tournament held in Louisville, Kentucky on May 9-11,2025.
Evan place 3rd in Middle School boys division IBO Genesis Indoor World Championship!!
He scored a 273 in bullseye. Evan scored a 273 in 3D. Middle School Boys Rank: 16 out of 1385. Evan was an Academic Archer. Evan’s grandparents are Beth Carlson, Jim and Sally Leider.
Blake Halligan, 8th grade, participated in the participated in the N ASP National Archery Tournament held in Louisville, Kentucky on May 9-11,2025. Blake scored 225 pts in bullseye Middle Blake is a member of the Independence Middle School Team. Blake’s parents are Tim and Jenny Halligan, Brandon. Grandparents are DC and Angie Halligan and Dennis and Chris Palmer all of Brandon.
Phillip Johnson, 9th grade, participated in the participated in the N ASP National Archery Tournament held in Louisville, Kentucky on May 9-11,2025. He participated in 3D scoring 244. Phillip shot a 256 in bullseyer. Phillip is a member of the Independence High School Team. Phillip was an academic archer. Phillip’s parents are Andrew and Amanda Johnson. Grandparents are Donna Roepke, Independence, Ken and Sandy Johnson, Independence.
BASS TOURNAMENT
The Iowa High School Bass Team Championship at Lake Mc Bride on May 11, 2025. Memphis Peyton and his teammate Brayton Kuse, along with their captain Brian (Bo) Peyton placed 11th out of 57 Boats. The Indee Club took 3rd place in the team championship, this is based on the top two boats for each school. Memphis and Brayton’s boat and Cal Sweeney and Ranger Reed’s boat were the two top boats for Independence. Congratulations.
STATE POOL
Phat’s Pub and Grub Men’s pool team took 1st place in the Iowa State 8 Ball team event in Des Moines in April. Members of the team are Michael Halligan Jr., Chad Rouse, Mark Johnson, Sky Pries, Tom Stueck. Congratulations
DONATIONS TO THE BRANDON BEE
Thank you to the following people for their generous donations to the publication of this newsletter.
Andrew Johnson and John Franklin.
DEADLINE
The deadline for the October, November, December issue of the Brandon Bee is due by September 15, 2025
Editors’ note: Please submit your information to the Brandon Bee to Denise: dndlehman@msn.com or 1684 332nd St., Rowley, IA 52329. Complete issues of the Brandon Bee II will now be published on the Brandon Area Community Club’s website at www.bacciowa.com
AREA TOWN CELEBRATIONS
INDEPENDENCE JULY 4 TH
AURORA JULY 4 TH
BUCHANAN COUNTY FAIR JULY 15-20
JONES COUNTY FAIR JULY 16-20
RAGBRAI JULY 19-26 OVERNIGHT IN OELWEIN THURSDAY
FAYETTE CO FAIR JULY 22-25
ROWLEY DAYS JULY 23-27
WALKER PICKLE DAYS JULY 25-27
BRANDON DAYS AUGUST 1 -2
LAMONT DAYS AUGUST 1-2
URBANA DAYS AUGUST 8-10
OELWEIN RAILROAD/HERITAGE DAYS 3 RD WEEKEND IN AUG
INDEPENDENCE BREWBQUE 8-23
Area Fireworks Shows
Independence - 4th of July
Hudson- July 19th
Walker- July 26th
CARING PAGES
(Editor’s note: This page is meant to keep people updated with information on our friends and neighbors who are in need of a pick me up. Please, if you are inclined, brighten these people’s day with a card or a note.)
Pat Rogers, formerly of Brandon, is now residing at West Village in Independence. Please send her a note or card to brighten her day.
Pat Rogers
ABCM West Care Center
1610 3rd Street NE
Independence, IA 50644
Donna Roepke, formerly of Brandon area, is now residing at Prairie Hills Senior Living. It would be nice for her to receive cards or notes from her Brandon Area friends.
Donna Roepke
Prairie Hills Senior Living
505 Enterprise Drive SW
Independence, IA 50644
Sharon Noe, formerly of Brandon, is now residing at Windhaven Assisted Living. Please send her a note or card to brighten her day.
Sharon Noe
Windhaven Assisted Living
5500 South Main Street #44
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613
Michelle Erger, Is on the Transplant list and doing home hemo, which is dialysis. Please brighten her day with a note of encouragement.
Michelle Erger
308 Main Street
Brandon, Iowa 52210
Caring pages continued:
Ross Wiley, is currently residing at the Lutheran home for some skilled nursing care. Brighten his day with a note or card.
Ross Wiley
Lutheran Home
1301 2nd Ave
Vinton, Iowa 52349
Berniece Clark, formerly of Brandon, is now residing at Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab. Brighten her day with a note or card.
Berniece Clark
Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab
Room 224
502 North 9th Avenue
Vinton, IA 52329
Dolores Novak, formerly of Brandon, has been diagnosed with cancer. Please brighten her day with a card or note.
Dolores Novak
1108 15th Street S.E.
Bondurant, Iowa 50035
Jerry and Bonnie Bishop, are in need of prayers, they both are experiencing health issues. Lift their spirits with a note or card.
Jerry and Bonnie Bishop
3224 Brandon Diag. Blvd
Brandon, Iowa 52210
OBITUARIES:
Arlen L. Bantz, 76, died Sunday, March 30, 2025, at his home from complications due to his long term fight with Dementia/ Parkinson's at his home in Rowley, Iowa.
Arlen was born on May 3, 1948, to the parents of Caroll and Frances (Mumford) Bantz at People's Hospital in Independence. He graduated from La Porte City with the class of 1966. Arlen had been an employee of 48 years at Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he met the love of his life, Wanda. They were married on August 29, 1991, in Independence, Iowa. His longtime passion he had for small engines and race cars brought him so much joy that he started a small side business in 1996, King Ave Mowers. Upon retiring from Rockwell Collins in 2016, he then focused on his business full time until the closing in 2020 due to complications of Parkinson's. Any other free time he enjoyed watching old westerns, car shows, going to auctions and visits from his grandchildren.
Arlen is survived by his wife of 33 years, Wanda; three sons: Darren (Kim) Bantz of Smith, Missouri, Curt (Carrie) Bantz of Brandon, Iowa, and Kyle Bantz of Cedar Rapids; three daughters: Kelly (Jerry) Wells of Lisbon, Shelly (Dale) Jacobs of Crest Hill, Illinois, and Brandy Graham of Cedar Rapids; one sister, Diane (Bob) Kress of Powell, Wyoming; thirteen grandkids and several great grandkids. He was preceded in death by his parents, Caroll and Frances.
Arlen's family would like to thank the Rowley Fire Department and Buchanan County Sheriff's Department for the care they showed him. The family will have a celebration of life at a later date.
Rex D. Stephens, 70, of Brandon, Iowa, passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa.
Rex was born on December 24, 1954, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Darrell "Buck" and Judy (Stainbrook) Stephens. He grew up in rural Brandon, Iowa, and graduated from Vinton High School in 1973. He worked as a Maintenance Mechanic for John Deere in Waterloo, Iowa, for over twenty-four years. He retired from John Deere in 1998, but continued to work various other jobs over the years.
In 1973, Rex married Mary Erger, and they made their home in Brandon, Iowa. Together they had two children, Eric and Myriah. They later divorced.
Rex later married Cheryl M. (Christen) Mastin on August 29, 1992, in Brandon, Iowa.
He is survived by his mother, Judy Stephens; his wife, Cheryl Stephens; his children, Eric (Amy) Stephens, and Myriah (Adam) Cole; his stepchildren, Wade (Amanda) Mastin, and Mikki (Mark) Warm; eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Rex is preceded in death by his father, Darrell "Buck" Stephens, a sister, Kathy Waskow, and a brother, Lanny Stephens.
Visitation were held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, Iowa. A Graveside Service was held on April 17, 2025,
Annette F. Hopkins, 85, of Brandon, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at the Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton, Iowa.
Annette was born on January 27, 1940, in Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of Gilbert L. and Fay O. (Babcock) Wright. She grew up on a farm just south of Brandon, Iowa, and was a 1958 graduate of Brandon High School. On September 5, 1959, Annette married Cyrus Hopkins at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vinton, Iowa. They made their home in rural Brandon, Iowa, where they farmed for many years. Annette loved farm life; when she wasn't caring for her family, she wasn't afraid to help on the farm, including feeding the calves they raised over the years.
She is survived by her children, Teresa Hopkins, Mark (Cindy) Hopkins, Andy (Janette) Hopkins, Donna (Kevin) Smith, Wayne (Lisa) Hopkins, Matt (Theresa) Hopkins, and Emily Hopkins; fifteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Yvonne Erger, Vinton, Iowa, and many nieces and nephews.
Annette is preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert and Fay Wright; her husband, Cyrus Hopkins; two sons, Carl and Mike Hopkins; a brother, Jim Wright; and a brother-in-law, Earl Erger.
Visitation was held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, Iowa. A Rosary was said at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 9th, at St. John's Catholic Church in Independence, Iowa. Burial will be held at the Brandon Cemetery in Brandon, Iowa.
Julie Noe, 66, of Rowley, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Good Neighbor Society in Manchester, Iowa.
Visitation was heldon May 6, at the Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, Iowa. A Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, May 7, at the Funeral Home. Burial will be held at the Rowley Cemetery in Rowley.
Julie was born on February 21, 1959, in Independence, the daughter of Archie L. and Marlis M. (Menuey) Miller. She grew up in rural Rowley, and attended South Elementary in Rowley. Julie married the love of her life, Michael D. "Nutster" Noe, on April 9, 1977, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Independence. She was a 1978 graduate of the Independence High School. She and Mike made their home in rural Rowley, where they raised their three children. For many years she worked as a cook for the Independence Community Schools, and Prairie Hills Assisted Living in Independence.
Julie loved children, and often babysat her nieces and nephews. When her grandchildren came into her life, she was there to look after them and teach them the basics of life.
She is survived by three children: Melissa (Jeff) Peyton, Matthew "Bud" (Alyssa Kress) Noe, and Clayton "Dude" (Jamie) Noe all of Rowley; Four grandchildren: Riley & Abby Peyton and Myiah & Millie Noe; her sisters: Debra Noesen, Independence, Kim (Ted) Kappel, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Pam (Bob) Noe, Independence; and many nieces and nephews.
Julie is preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Marlis Miller; and her husband Mike Noe.
LaVonne F. Rosencrans, 82, of Independence, Iowa passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Prairie Hills Assisted Living Center in Independence.
Visitation was held on Friday, May 9, the Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence. A Funeral Service was held on Saturday, May 10, at the Reiff Family Center. Burial will be held at Rowley Cemetery in Rowley, Iowa.
LaVonne was born on November 25, 1942, in rural Dubuque County, Iowa, the daughter of Elmer J. and Joann B. (McCarthy) Chapman. The Chapman family moved to Independence in the late 50s and LaVonne graduated from St. John's Catholic High School in 1960. She soon went to work at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. On January 5, 1962, LaVonne married Richard Hare. They made their home on a farm in rural Rowley. There LaVonne enjoyed raising their two children and helping out on the farm. They later divorced in 1988.
LaVonne moved back to Independence, and started working as a Nurse's Aide at East Towne Care Center and at the Mental Health Institute in Independence.
On February 24, 1990, she married Raymond Rosencrans at All Saints Catholic Church in Rowley. LaVonne enjoyed spending time with Raymond. Over their twenty-five years together, they made sure to take a vacation every year. They traveled the United States trying to see something new every year.
LaVonne worked for fourteen years at Walmart in Independence. She finally retired in 2001.
She is survived by her children: Dan (Charlene) Hare, Winthrop, Iowa, and Patricia (Bradley) Organ, Rowley; three grandchildren: Amanda Goslin, Nicolas Hare, and Samantha Hare; four great-grandchildren: Chanel, Emma, AdaMaya, and Landen; a sister, Delores (Kenny) Holst, Center Point, Iowa; a brother-in-law, Donald DeMark; and several nieces and nephews.
LaVonne is preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Joann Chapman; her first husband, Richard Hare; her second husband, Raymond Rosencrans; and two sisters, Madonna DeMark, and Rosemary Chapman.
Bonnie Kay Mathews, 75 years, of rural La Porte City, IA, died Sunday, May 25, 2025, at MercyOne Medical Center, Waterloo, IA.
Visitationwas held on Friday, May 30, 2025, at White Funeral Home, Independence, IA, with a time for sharing at 6:30 p.m. Memorials may be directed to charity or the family.
Bonnie was born February 15, 1950, in Cedar Rapids, IA, the daughter of Vernon C. Jons and Marion (Lentz) Jons. She graduated from Walker High School in 1957. On November 11, 1967, she was united in marriage to Gale Lee Mathews at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Center Point, IA.
Bonnie is survived by her husband, Gale of La Porte City; one son, Kelly Mathews of Waterloo, IA; two daughters, Karie (Rick) Catherwood of Vinton, IA, and Katrina (Caleb) Weber of Jesup, IA; also, three grandchildren, Marisa, Faith and Logan. Her parents and three brothers, George, Vernon Jr., and Allen Jons, preceded her in death.
White Funeral Home, Independence, IA, is in charge of the arrangements.
Becky (Nelson) Karr, 33 years old, of Cedar Rapids, IA, and formerly of Independence and Vinton, IA, died Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Premier Estates of Toledo Nursing Home in Toledo, IA, following a courageous battle with lupus.
Public visitation was Friday, June 6, 2025, at White Funeral Home, Independence, IA.
Becky was born, December 28, 1991, in Waterloo, IA, the daughter of Darwyn George Nelson, Jr. and Rhonda Lee (Westemeier) Bednarek. She grew up in Vinton and attended school in both Vinton and Cedar Rapids, IA. Before her illness prevented her from working, she was a shift manager at Pizza Hut in Cedar Rapids.
Becky had a big heart and loved her children. She had a beautiful voice and loved to sing. She loved crafting, beading, and watching movies – especially The Lion King and the Harry Potter series.
Becky is survived by her two children at home, Amber-Lynn Karr-Nelson and Ashton Michael Steven Karr-Nelson; also, her mother Rhonda (Rick) Westemeier-Woellert of Cedar Rapids; father, Darwyn Nelson, Jr. of Ladysmith, WI; two brothers, Alex Nelson of Ladysmith, WI, and Josua; two sisters, Kayla (Justin) Rommann of Janesville, IA. and Tabitha Mussellman of WI. She is also survived by two bonus sisters, Emma Westemeier and Marissa Hahesy; as well as her aunts and uncles.
She is preceded in death by her grandparents; four unborn siblings; and aunts and uncles.
White Funeral Home, Independence, IA, is in charge of arrangements.
Beverly J. Kenney, 88, passed away Monday, June 9th at the Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab where she had resided the past two years. Beverly was born May 24, 1937, near Brandon, Iowa, the daughter of Lyle and Gertrude (Bailey) Rogers.
On October 8, 1966, she was united in marriage to Gerald “Dean” Kenney at the First Baptist Church in Vinton. Beverly was employed at the Virgina Gay annex in the 1960’s, Cutlas Gear, Perfex, Lutheran Home and for several years was co-owner of The Second Image with her sister Patsy Rouse. Beverly was a talented seamstress and during her retirement years she created many beautiful quilts, table runners, wall hangings that her family will cherish. She moved to Windsor Manor Assisted Living in 2018 and her large sewing table, sewing machines, fabric and supplies moved with her, and she continued to turn out her beautiful creations that so many admired.
Beverly was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease August 2011. She immersed herself keeping educated on what she could do to maintain an independent, quality life. We are so thankful that she was able to have a good quality of life until balance issues caused her to have to move the VGNR in July 2023.
Left to cherish Beverly’s memory are her sons, Jerry Kenney and John Kenney, daughter-in-law Teresa Floyd, sister Patsy (Don) Rouse. Seven grandchildren, Dessa (Jereomy)Faircloth, Patrick Floyd, Samantha Floyd, Joe (Jessie) Schooley, Shannon Yerkes, Nicole Yerkes, Megan (Dan) Straw. Eleven great grandchildren, MacKenzie, Miley, Maci, Katlyn, Caleb, Rachel (Matthew), Scott, Stephanie, Daniel, Matthew and Kalla. Six great-great grandchildren, Wyatt, Suede, Akira, Oaklynn, Eleanor and Ryder. Brothers & sisters-in-law Dick (Joyce) Kenney and Darrell (Janet) Kenney, sister-in-law Mary Lee Usher, numerous nieces and nephews.In addition to her parents, Beverly is preceded in death by her husband, Dean Kenney, daughter Barbara Yerkes, sons Steven Floyd and Gordon Floyd. Sister Phyllis Ross, brother Lyle Jr. “Billy” Rogers, son-in-law Scott Yerkes, daughter-in-law Vicki Floyd, brother-in-law Jack Ross and great grandson Tyler Faircloth.
Per Beverly’s wishes she was cremated. The family hosted a celebration of life luncheon at the Brandon Community Center on Saturday, June 14th.
Marlene Jones, 83, of Vinton, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Virginia Gay Hospital, Vinton. Visitation was on Friday, June 20, at Van Steenhuyse-TeahenFuneral Home. Marlene was born October 7, 1941, in rural Brandon, the daughter of Mearl and Lillian (Alcott) Jones. She was a graduate of Brandon High School. Marlene had a short career at Rockwell Collins and then became a mom and homemaker. In her leisure time, Marlene enjoyed watching TV, reading, working word search puzzles, watching her bird feeders, and spending time with her cat, Fluffy. Marlene is survived by her daughter, Michele (Alfredo) Ricardo of Marion; grandsons: Brian (Katelyn) Hawley, and Chris (Megan) Hawley, all of Urbana; great-grandsons, Pierce and Everett of Urbana; sisters: Sue Kerkman, Luetta Rider, Nancy Gray, and Mary Jean Fall, all of Vinton; her precious cat, Fluffy; and several other family members. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Charles Hawley; brother, Mearl Jones, Jr.; and sisters: Marcia Peterson, and Evelyn Bland. A memorial fund has been established.
Barbara A. Close, 50, of Hazelton, passed away from a brief illness, Friday, April 18, 2025, at Unity Point Health-Allen Hospital, Waterloo. Graveside service were held on,Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Bear Creek Cemetery, Brandon. Celebration of Life was held Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Calvary Evangelistic Center, Fellowship Building. Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home is caring for Barb and her family. Barb was born May 1, 1974, in Iowa City, and adopted by Raymond and Mary (Barger) Cortez. She graduated from Metro High School, Cedar Rapids. On March 4, 2000, Barb was united in marriage to Stephen Close in Cedar Rapids. Barb chose the most fulfilling and loving career of a lifetime-that of being a wife and mother. Barb found enjoyment decorating her yard, working in her rock garden, playing computer games, and enjoying the wildlife in their backyard. Left to cherish Barb's memory are her husband, Stephen; daughters: Brittney Cortez, Selena Close, and Zendaya Close; and several other family members. She was preceded in death by her adoptive parents; in-laws, Ronald and Cheryl Close; and several other family members. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences for the family may be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com