Brandon bee II
BRANDON BEE II
Issue # 141 January, February, March 2026
BRANDON FIRE DEPARTMENT NEWS
The Brandon Fire Department and Brandon EMS are having a Pork Loin Supper Fundraiser on March 14,2026, at the Brandon Area Community Center, from 4:30- 7:30. Please plan to support these important organizations in Brandon.
THANK YOUS
Family & FriendsThanksgiving 2025
Wow! There isn’t enough words to say THANK YOU! The support we received from the community and surrounding areas was AWESOME. We are so humbled and blessed.
We served right at 120 people, some first timers that said they would be back and others that have attended every year. The non perishable food items we received were shared with a four families that were on the giving tree, the local churches. The monetary donations will be distributed to local organizations in the near future. Our families are grateful and say thank you. Craig, Judy, Jordy Albert, Jackie Shawn Aberle and Family.
EMERGENCY FOOD PANTRY
Our families would like to reach out to the community and ask for your input or thoughts on establishing an Emergency Food Pantry in Brandon for area residents. It would be available for the months of December 2026 and January 2027.
The would use the monetary donations & non perishable food items we collect at our Friends &Family Thanksgiving to stock the food pantry, plus any donations that community members would like to donate.
Items we are needing YOUR help with are the following:
A place to hold the Food Pantry- heat and electricity a must.
Volunteers to help staff the Food Pantry- if I am unavailable,
Days and Hours to have the pantry open or by appointment?
This may seem a long time til its available, but our families have been contemplating the idea for a couple of years.
If you have ideas, comments or suggestions please contact Judy at 563-920-7880. We are hoping to have the plans in place by September and make my dream a reality.
Thank you in advance!
Craig Albert Family and Shawn Aberle Family
ENGAGEMENT
Sarah Phelps and Ethan Horak both of Vinton, Iowa, got engaged in November of 2025 and are planning their nuptials in the near future. The couple has not set a date as of this publication.
Sarah is the daughter of Mia and Ron Phelps.
Ethan is the son of Matt and Jen Horak. He is the grandson of Lu Horak, rural Vinton, Andrea and Bob Peterson, Michelle and Bill Oldfather and Bob and Becky Norris. Congratulations to the young couple.
BRANDON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
BRANDON GARDEN CLUB ~Darlys Rogers
The Garden club will hold its first meeting of 2026 on March 23, 2026 at Karol’s house at 6:30 pm.
We will be planning the year’s activities.
Each month our meetings are held at Karol Smith’s home beginning at 6:30 p.m. New members are always welcome.
BRANDON AREA COMMUNITY CLUB NEWS
FEBRUARY NIGHT OUT
We have no activity planned for Brandon in February of 2026.
If you have interest in seeing hypnotist one will be appearing on Friday, January 9th in LaPorte City Golf Course. Contact the golf course for purchasing tickets.
Tickets are $35
Bags (Corn hole) Tournaments
The dates for bags for this season have been set! Please bring your own drinks and a
snack to share. We hope to have a great turnout this year!
Bags start at 4:30 pm each night
Bags is $5 per person
January 18th
February 22nd
March 22nd
April 12th
Ages 18 & over are welcome to attend. Please bring your own refreshments and a snack to share.
HALLOWEEN PARTY
Thank you to the following businesses and individuals that donated to the BACC halloween party
LAVON BEARBOWER
DEAN AND Tami Kastli Gorton
RL LIMEROCK RANCH RANDY AND Jen White- Lehman
SMOKEY HILLTOP RANCH DOUG LEHMAN FAMILY
THOMAS REPAIR Brian Buddy Thomas Kelly Webster Thomas
AP CASTING - DAN PROCTOR
Amanda Miller AND Wyatt Miller
Beth Carlson
CUTS BY US-Tally Aldrich and Christi K Palmer Tally Aldrich
HORAK FARMS- Lu Horak Jen Horak Matt Horak
JAY AND JENNIFER NABHOLZ
JILL MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY- Jill Louvar
Karol Smith
TY Tyler Albert AND Susie Albert
PRAIRIE ACRES PUMPKINS- Chip Hoffman AND JACKIE HOFFMAN
ERGER SEEDS ANDY AND Jamee Jean Erger
Bev Bearbower AND GARY
VALLEY GREEN FARMS Jordan Albert Judy Albert CRAIG ALBERT
Karen Nichol AND Jeremy Nichol
CAROL NOE
Brooke Long
JACK AND Denise Wolf
JUDGES
Sherri Kavalier
Anne Brunko
Mary McNeal Barkdoll
Karol Smith
Donnette Pierce-Sutton
See costume contest winners on the Brandon Area Community Club Facebook page.
Denny's Pumpkin Patch for donation of pumpkins
COWBOY BREAKFAST
Mark your calendars now. The next Cowboy breakfast will be Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the
Brandon Area Community Center.
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.
EASTER EGG HUNT
BACC will hold its annual Easter Egg Hunt on Good Friday, April 3, 2026, at 10 a.m. sharp.
Weather permitting it will be held at the Brandon City Park. Ages 0-12 years old. Easter Bunny will be appearing.
Brandon Days- Aug 7th and 8th, 2026
The 2026 theme for Brandon Days has not been decided. BACC will entertain any suggestions for a theme.
BRANDON CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 2025
2025 CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE
Thank you to each person that chose a child’s or senior citizen’s name from the Community Giving tree. Four families had a brighter Christmas morning because of your generosity. Special thanks to Men’s Club, Walker, Ia and Albert Family for donations of food for the families.
WINNERS CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
Christmas festival was a huge success. Thank you to everyone that donated, bid, attended, volunteered. Thank you to Brandon Historical Society, Brandon methodist youth group, Neighbor sisters, for your beautiful music, THE Union Singers were suppose to sing but the snowstorm caused them to cancel, Santa and Mrs. Claus ( Jeremy and Jill Michael ), Larry McCardle hayrides.Those that decorated large trees. Jackie for cookies.
Winners:
TOWN LIGHTING
1ST SCHMADEKES
2ND KIMMS
3RD DIANA CONRAD- PARK
.
Winners of Big tree contest:
1st : The Bee tree- Delaine Holt
2nd-Vintage Hotwheels -Denise Lehman
3rd tie:1030's tree- Sharon Koopman and Homemade-BASH
Mini trees:
Sherri Kavalier
2nd tie:
Jennifer Nabholz
Sharon koopman
3rd Jill Louvar
Ugly sweater contest
1st Sherri Kavalier
2nd Amy Kimm
Gingerbread contest
18 and over
1st movie theater- Hilary Peyton
2nd cottage and mushrooms Denise Lehman
3rd tie Nativity Carol Zieser
Elegant house -Annette Sauer
12-17
1st- Stranger Things- Myra Peyton
2nd - "67" - Memphis Peyton
Gingerbread contest continued
7-11
1st Tree House- Delaine Holt
2nd Homemade House - Amira O'Loughlin
3rd-Large House- Derbi Holt
0-6
1st - Hanna Nabholz
2nd- Hensley O'Loughlin
3rd- Hudson Zieser
THANK YOU EVERYONE!! MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY 2026!!
BACC would like to thank everyone that donated to the Brandon Christmas Festival. Those donating wreaths, gift basket, auction items: Amanda Peyton, Jennifer Thomas, Mary Barkdahl, Denise Lehman, Jackie Aberle, Lu Horak, Cassie McCurdy, Donnette Sutton, Sherri Kavalier, Phyllis Clark, Judy Albert,Clipper Corner, Louise Brown, Theresa Stacy, Michelle Lamphier, Dawn Edler, Karla Nielsen, Melinda Hunter, Amanda Miller, Sharon Koopman, Jen Horak, Valerie Struve, Cuts by Us, Kelly Thomas, Anonymous, Brooke Long, Jennifer Nabholz, Prairie Acre Pumpkins,Amy and Matt Kimm, Amy Stephens, Michelle Thoma and Susie Albert, Patrick Lehman, Kim Brunko,Stacy Nabholz, Dawn Edler,Andrea Schmadeke, Diana Conrad, Dustin Steiber,Abby Rogers,Jill Louvar.
Mini trees- Sharon Koopman, Sherri Kavalier, Piper Nabholz, Brooke Long, Bev Bearbower, Town and Kountry 4-H Club, Mary Barkdahl, Denise Lehman
Thank you to those that decorated Big Trees and entered the Gingerbread House contest and donated raffle prizes.
LOCAL CHURCH INFORMATION:
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 sanctuary remodeling project is completed and we are now having church services in sanctuary.
You can joins live by going to our Facebook page. On Wednesdays at 7 pm you can join our interactive Bible study. We will restart this on January 7th at 7 pm.
We held a Christmas Concert and Open House on Saturday, December 18, 2025 at 6 pm.Thank you for all the wonderful support that family and friends showed us on the open house of the newly remodeled sanctuary and enjoyment of the Brandon Choir. It was a night of great blessings.
WEBSITE
The Brandon Area Community Club has its own website. Please visit www.bacciowa.com
and check out upcoming events and important information pertaining to our community. Complete issues of the Brandon Bee II will now be published on the Brandon Area Community Club’s website at www.bacciowa.com.
DEADLINE
The deadline for the April, May, June Issue of the Brandon Bee is due by March 15, 2026. Editors’ note: Please submit your information to the Bee to Denise: dndlehman@msn.com or 1684 332nd Street, Rowley, IA 52329. DONORS TO THE Brandon Bee II this quarter include LaVon Bearbower, Bob Hertzberg, Polly Williams, Orline Schnieder, JoAnn Walker, Glenn Larson.
BRANDON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH~ Pastor Beth Graham
507 Main Street
Pastor’s contact information:
Pastor Beth Graham
P.O. Box 125
Brandon, Iowa 52210 580-279-2430 pastorbethgraham@gmail.com
BRANDON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH INFO Church Services
worship service begins at 10:00 am. Adult Sunday School is at 9 am and Fellowship time is 9:45 am.
Christmas Baskets
The Brandon United Methodist Women delivered 42 baskets of fruit and goodies to 57 area citizens.
CHRISTMAS TEA
The Brandon United Methodist Women held their 29th Annual Christmas Tea on Monday, December 1st We originally started this tea as a suggestion from the late Marlene Brown. She read that the first Monday is December is “All you can eat day”. We spend a fun afternoon of fellowship and enjoying an exquisite spread of food along with tea, coffee and Christmas punch. This year’s theme was “Angels” and 48 women enjoyed the afternoon festivities. 2026 will be our 30th year, we are planning a special tea.
BASH
Brandon’s After School Hour is held at the United Methodist Church for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. The sessions start after school (4:00-5:00) each month. Dates for this school year are February 4th, March 4th, and April 1st. Each month there is a program, an activity and snacks.
For more information, please contact Kelly Thomas 319-361-0031 or Hilary Peyton 319-404-8473.
BASH kids had a tree at the Brandon Christmas Festival decorated with Homemade sequins ornaments themed. The tree place 3rd in the contest. Thank you to everyone that voted for our tree.
BRANDON METHODIST YOUTH GROUP
The Youth Group is looking for new leadership and ideas. If you are interested in working with students grades 4-12, please contact Denise Lehman, 319-404-8472.
CONNIE’S QUILTERS
The local quilting/sewing group, Connie’s Quilters would like to invite ANYONE to join our fun
Group whether you are a beginner or a seasoned quilter. They meet at Connie’s home at 204 Main St. At 1 pm the first and third Monday of each month.
Thank you for the donation of yard goods that we use to make our lap quilts. If you have fabric to donate please use the door closest to the garage.
They continue to donate quilts to various individuals and organizations. If you have questions please call Connie at 319-540-0587.
MOBILE FOOD PANTRY
The Brandon Mobile Food Pantry is held on the 4th Wednesday of each month. The upcoming dates
are: January 28, February 25 and March 25.
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. In case on inclement weather and
the food pantry is postponed we will put the notification on KWWL TV and The Brandon Area
Community Club Facebook Page. It will also be on the Northeast Iowa Food Bank Facebook page.
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.
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
Caring pages continued
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
:
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
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:
Larry O. Bathen, 84, of Independence, Iowa, died on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence.
Larry was born on June 30, 1941, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Otto and Ruth (Applegrath) Bathen. He grew up on a farm near Brandon, Iowa, where he helped work the family farm for many years, learning the value of hard work at an early age.
He graduated from Brandon High School in 1959 and went on to work at John Deere in Waterloo. Larry spent thirty-five years at the John Deere Component Works in downtown Waterloo before retiring in 1997.
On March 2, 1963, Larry was united in marriage to Helen A. Brooks at the Brandon Methodist Church. The couple made their home on a farm near Independence, where they raised their four children. Larry enjoyed camping with Helen in Canada, deer hunting, and taking fall car trips with his family to admire the changing leaves—memories that were cherished by all who shared them with him.
Larry is survived by his loving wife, Helen Bathen; four children, Larry Edwin Bathen, Laura Ann (Lance Eric) Mumaw, Lisa Ruth Shelton-Bathen, and Lonny Otto Bathen; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one brother, Lloyd Bathen; three sisters, Velda Mentzer, Marie McFarland, and Debbie Jungling; and several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Ruth Bathen.
A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, or Otter Creek Animal Shelter.
Jeffrey R. Weber, 63 years old, of Waterloo, Iowa, and formerly of Jesup, Iowa, died Sunday, November 30, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa, following a sudden illness.
Funeral Services were held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at St. Athanasius Catholic Church, Jesup, followed by burial in the church cemetery.
Jeffrey was born June 14, 1962, in Independence, the son of Kenneth P. Weber and Patricia K. (Heerkes) Weber. He attended school in Independence and graduated with the Jefferson High School Class of 1981. He continued his education at Northwest Community College in Sheldon, Iowa, and earned a degree in buildings and ground maintenance. Jeff lived in Waterloo, but spent time in Minnesota and Arizona too. He had a number of different jobs over the years, and was most recently employed with Goodwill Industries.
Jeff loved his family and was very fond of growing up on the family farm. He liked to live by his own rules and was often determined to do things his way - many times putting others before himself. He loved sports and had a great ability to memorize sports statistics. He also enjoyed music and kept notebooks full of music lyrics.
Jeff is survived by his mother, Patricia of Independence, IA; seven brothers and sisters, Julie Weber of Independence, IA, Joseph (Jean) Weber of Jesup, IA, Janet Weber of Jesup, IA, Jay (Janet) Weber of Madrid, IA, Jean (Mark) Brewer of Fairfax, IA, Jerald (Nicole) Weber of Brandon, IA, Jill (Brian) Huebner of Raymond, IA; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth P. Weber; one stillborn brother, James Michael Weber; and one nephew, Joel Michael Rottinghaus. Memorials may be directed to the Salvation Army.
White Funeral Home of Independence, Iowa, was in charge of arrangements.
Debbie S. Hannan, 68, of Fairbank, Iowa, died suddenly on Friday, October 17, 2025, at her home in Fairbank, Iowa.
Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Oelwein, Iowa, with Rev. Rick Johnson officiating.Interment: Stanley Cemetery in Stanley, Iowa.
Debbie Sue Duckett was born September 25, 1957, in Oelwein, Iowa, the daughter of Mark LaVerne and Wilma Alice (Paul) Duckett. She graduated from Oelwein High School with the class of 1975. Debbie graduated from Allen School of Nursing in 1982 and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Iowa in 1992. On July 24, 1982, she was united in marriage to Joseph Michael Hannan at the Grace United Methodist Church in Oelwein, Iowa. Debbie worked as an ICU nurse at Allen Hospital for 41 years. She enjoyed fishing, shooting pool, watching Iowa Hawkeye sports, rescuing animals, and spending time with her family.
Debbie is survived by her 3 siblings: Linda (Gary) Woodward of Oelwein, Leon (Delores) Duckett of Fairbank and Sharon Bearbower of Rowley; 4 Nephews: Robert (Jane) Arthur of Littleton, Travis (Autumn) Woodward of Oelwein, Duane Duckett of Fairbank and Gary (Laurie) Bearbower of Rowley; Niece: Julie Motley of Texas; Many great nieces and nephews and 3 great-great nieces and nephews.Debbie was preceded in death by her mother Wilma in 2002, husband Joe in 1999, brother Duane in 1958 and brother-in-law Harold in 2015.
Robert Charles Hertzberg, Sr., 92 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence, following a lengthy illness.
Funeral Services were held Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Zion Lutheran Church – Jubilee, rural La Porte City, IA. Military Honors will be accorded by the Bechter-Boies VFW Post 2440, assisted by the United States Army. Burial will be in the church cemetery at a later date.
Bob was born June 4, 1933, at Westberg Township, in rural Buchanan County, Iowa, the son of Lorraine Howard Hertzberg and Martha Amanda (Weidemann) Hertzberg. He attended school in Brandon, Iowa, and graduated with the high school class of 1951. He farmed with his father and worked at Wilson & Co. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, before he joined the Army in 1953. Following his time serving his country, Bob continued to farm. His interest in agriculture and business helped him in successful careers as a seed salesman for DeKalb, and a Belarus tractor salesman.
On April 20, 1958, he was united in marriage to Marilyn Louise Cornwell at the Immanual Lutheran Church in Independence. Together they raised their family in rural Brandon and later in life they made their home in Independence and wintered in Florida and Texas. Bob was strong and resilient. His leadership and love for his family resonated through multiple generations. He was the foundation that gave others strength, and he was always proud to say that “I’ve been blessed with a beautiful family.” Bob had a good sense of humor and loved to solve the world’s problems with his coffee buddies. He was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church – Jubilee.
Bob is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marilyn Hertzberg of Independence; one daughter Laurie (Scott) Erdman of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; one son, Robert Hertzberg, Jr. (Susan) of Urbandale, Iowa; four grandchildren, Quintin (Jodie) Erdman, Nicholas (April) Erdman, Jessica (Richard) Torre, and Elizabeth Hertzberg; six great grandchildren, Ryker & Kira, Barrett & Holly, and Jaxson & Grayson; one sister LaVelle Wessels of Swisher, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Howard (Pauline) Hertzberg; and one brother-in-law, Lorni Wessels; as well as other nieces and nephews. Memorials may be directed to the church.
Arrangements were under the care of White Funeral Home, Independence, Iowa.
Brandon James Dale, with solemn reverence, we commemorate Brandon Dale (Independence, Iowa), whose life came to an end on October 17, 2025 at the age of 42, leaving behind cherished memories.
He was predeceased by: his brother Brice Dale; his grandparents, Walter, Darlene Dale (Sampson), Clifford and Patricia Tjelmeland (Ditzler); his aunt Ellen Dale; and his uncle David Peterson.
He is survived by: his parents, Brian K. Dale and Lori L. Dale (Tjelmeland) of Urbana, IA; his siblings, Bradley Dale of Tampa, FL, Brianne Bustos of Littleton, CO and Christian Dale of Rochester, MN; his nephews, Kameron and Willem Bustos; and his aunts and uncles, James (Linda Tjelmeland), John (Gerry Ann Jones), Scott (Susan Tjelmeland), Danny (Renee Tjelmeland), Brent Dale of Davenport, IA, Lorraine Peterson of The Villages, FL and Crystal Urosevich of The Villages, FL..
Elaine Marie Bearbower, 77, of Vinton,Surrounded by her loving family, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 20, 2025. Funeral services were held Monday, October 27, 2025, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Vinton, with Pastor Anne Williams officiating. Burial in the Brandon Cemetery. Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home is caring for Elaine and her family.
Elaine was born on December 28, 1947, to Lyle and Elsie (Gutknecht) Watters. She grew up with her four siblings who shared in her love of family, faith, and community. She attended school in Jesup, graduating from Jesup High School. She also attended Kirkwood Community College where she earned an Associate’s Degree in special education. On October 18, 1969, Elaine married the love of her life, Larry Bearbower. Together they celebrated 56 years of marriage and raised three sons.
Elaine lived a life centered on giving and service. Alongside Larry, she opened her home and heart to hundreds of foster children over more than 35 years, offering each one love and stability. She was deeply involved in her community as a 4-H leader, Sunday school teacher, member of the Vinton Booster Club, and supporter of the local food bank. She loved gardening, bowling, attending the Old Thresher’s Reunion and spending time at the cabin. As a proud farm wife and longtime employee of the Vinton-Shellsburg School District, where she worked for over 21 years, Elaine touched countless lives with her kindness and steady presence.
Left to cherish Elaine’s memory are her husband, Larry; sons: Grant (Lori) Bearbower, Adam (Val) Bearbower, and Nathan Bearbower; grandchildren: Natalie, Braden, Brody, Ayden, and Ava (who were her greatest joy); and siblings: Roger (Carolyn) Watters, Bonnie Walden, Dave Watters, and Peg Bearbower. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother-in-law, Linn Bearbower.
Elaine will be remembered for her unwavering compassion, her deep faith, and the countless lives she quietly made better. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Instead of flowers, the family would appreciate donations of money, food, or time to support the Benton County Food Pantry.
Kenneth J. Keegan, 68, of Davenport, passed away on Friday October 10, 2025, at his home. Per his wishes he will be cremated. A memorial service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at St. Paul United Methodist Church, LaPorte, IA. Memorials may be left at the Scott County humane society.
Ken was born on December 13,1956 in Davenport to John and Clarice (Reiter) Keegan. Ken graduated from LaPorte City High School in 1975. He was united in marriage to Cheryl Bulazo on October 20, 2001, in Brandon IA. Ken worked for LRC Electronics as an inventory manager retiring in 2020. Ken enjoyed the simple things in life. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed woodworking.
Survivors include his wife Cheryl, sons Mitchell and Kendall Keegan. Brother Danny(Sue)Keegan, sisters Kathy Schares, Jan Pint and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Beth.
Fern V. Lee, age 92, of Brandon, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Thorton Manor Nursing Home in Lansing, Iowa.
Fern was born on March 20, 1933, in Lewiston, Minnesota, the daughter of Anton and Estella (Frahm) Luehmann. She grew up in rural Minnesota and graduated from Winona High School in 1951. Following graduation, Fern began working at J.R. Watkins Co. in Winona, where she met the love of her life, Alfred Lee. The two quickly fell in love and was united in marriage on February 28, 1953.
They moved from Minnesota to Illinois, and later to Iowa. They did various jobs during that time, such as farming, managing a service station, office work for various companies, and provided in-home care.
In 1972, the Lee family put down roots near Lamont, Iowa, purchasing a farm where they raised their four children. Fern was a dedicated mother who loved sewing, caring for her children, and helping with farm work.
In 1982, the family transitioned from farming and moved to an acreage in Otterville, IA, where they raised horses and spent many joyful years trail riding with friends in the area. Retiring from farming didn’t stop Fern’s work. In 1985, Al and Fern purchased “Professional Cleaners” a dry-cleaning business in Oelwein, IA, and operated it for several years. Fern was skilled seamstress, and put her skills to work, providing alteration services for many people in the area.
Fern was a member of the VFW Auxiliary in Independence, and served as the treasurer, and president for few years.She had volunteered countless hours throughout the community in many different organizations. Often volunteering their horses and wagons to many community events throughout eastern Iowa.
Fern had a strong heart for her faith. Her deep love for her family, animals, and friends. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her daughter, Laura Lee of Brandon, IA; her son, Leslie Lee (Jamie Mason) of Otterville, IA; daughters-in-law Debra Lee and Charli Lee, both of Independence, IA; eleven grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Fern was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Alfred; two sons, Ron and Lorne Lee; a sister, Virgil Borkowski, and brother Lincoln Luehmann.
A Funeral Service was held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, IA. Fern will be laid to rest at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Hazelton, IA. Memorials may be directed to the family.
Tonya (T-Boss) Smalley, 49, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on November 10, 2025, in her home. As per Tonya’s wishes private family services will be held. Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre is in charge of arrangements.
Tonya was born on September 30, 1976 , in Waterloo Iowa at the Schotiz Memorial Hospital. She spent the majority of her childhood and young adult years living in Brandon Iowa, then moved to Cedar Rapids Iowa in 2012.
Tonya is survived by her son Justin Smalley; her daughter Jordan Smalley; and her three cats Raven, Lillie, and Tidbit. She is preceded in death by her two sons: Wyatt and Dylan Smalley.
Kathleen McFarland Struck, the world bids farewell to Kathleen Struck of Marion, Iowa, departing on November 4, 2025 at the age of 79. Kathleen leaves behind memories cherished by the community.
She was predeceased by: her parents, Robin Vest and Alberta Vest; her son Robert McFarland; her siblings, Emma, Donna and Robert; and her pet Happy.
She is survived by: her husband James Struck; her children, Angie McFarland, Kayleen McFarland and Dave McFarland (Brenda); and her sisters, Bernice Wilson and Carol Wood (Dick). She is also survived by six grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Kathleens memory may be made to the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy or the Lorena and Robert Scholarship Foundation at http://www.lrsf.net.
Michael “Mick” “Mike” John Newton, age 69, of LaPorte City, Iowa, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025, surrounded by his family. Mick had been diagnosed with cancer in September 2025. A Celebration of Life were held on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at the Brandon Area Community Center, Brandon, Iowa, with Pastor Beth Graham officiating. Burial will be in Brandon Cemetery at a later date.
Mick was born on March 14, 1956, in Independence, Iowa to James W. Newton and Verda Dolores (Masters) Newton. He was the third child of 7 children. Mick graduated from Independence High School in May 1974. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1974 and served 4 years and was honorably discharged in 1977. He served in Norfolk, Virginia and Iceland.
On May 24, 1980, Mick and Pamela Rose were married in La Porte City, Iowa. They were married for 45 years and to this union five children were born, Nicole “Nikki”, Joshua, Ashley, Jesse and William.
Mick was a hard worker. He worked for B & B Construction, West Union, along with various other construction companies, Denton Castings and Novak Sawmill in Brandon, before he retired. Mick loved to fish and hike, spending time with family and friends. His grandchildren were the joy of his life. Mick was a Kansas City Chiefs Fan before it was cool, and was always up for a day of fishing.
Mick is survived by his wife Pam of Laporte; children; Nicole “Nikki” (Dustin) Timmons; LaPorte City, Iowa, Joshua (Amanda) Newton; La Porte City, Iowa, Jesse (Tasha) Newton; Tripoli, Iowa , Ashley Newton; Evansdale, Iowa, and William (Katelynn Adams) Newton; La Porte, Iowa. Grandchildren Austin (Makayla Tucker) Hart; Hayley (Hunter) Loffredo; Kylie (Kenny Myers) Hart; Abel Timmons; Addison and Jasper Newton; Michael (LeAdyn Hatcher) Scott; Monica Biemann; Malcolm Biemann; Karter Moe, Joshua and EmmaLeigh Newton; Bella, Zayden, and Octavia Adams; great grandchildren, Brixton Hart, Lakyn Myers and Kado and Zion Scott.
He is also survived by brothers, David Newton, McKinney, TX; Andrew (Tiffany) Newton, Las Vegas, NV; Kelly (Lisa) Newton, Waverly, IA; Wayne(Susie) Novak, Central City, IA; sisters, Lynn (Lyle) Ries; Annette (Ray) Sauer, Bondurant,IA; Denise (Doug) Lehman, Rowley, IA, Dawn (Bill) Phillips, Independence, IA; Carolyn (Doug) Wright, Marion, IA,Cheryl (Rick) Wensel, Urbana, IA; Debora (George) Smith, Coggon, Ia. Mother in law Vidys Rose, West Union, IA; Brothers in law Jim (Kay) Rose,West Union, IA; Rick (Darla) Rose, Hazelton, IA; Mike Rose, La Porte City, IA; Bob (Laura) Rose, Winthrop, IA; and Sisters in law Lynn Streif and Karen Rose, both of West Union, IA.
Mick was proceeded in death by his parents, James William Newton; Dolores Masters Newton Novak; Step-dad Duane Novak; his brother James William Newton, Jr.; Brothers in law Alan Rose and Dale Streif, and his great grandson Ryker James Hart.
Memorials can be addressed to the family. Locke Funeral Home, La Porte City is assisting the family.