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Norma I. Masters, 95, of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025 at Unity Point Health Allen Memorial Hospital with her loving family by her side.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls with Pastor Michael Knox officiating. I

Norma Irene Huse was born on February 3, 1930 in Robertson, Iowa. The daughter of Earl and Dena (Johnson) Huse. She graduated from Waterloo East High School with the class of 1948. On July 26, 1953 Norma was united in marriage to the love of her life, Howard Gerald Masters at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Iowa. From this union the couple was blessed with three sons: Timothy, LeRoy and Dale.

Left to cherish her memory are her three sons: Timothy (Angie) Masters, LeRoy (Wendi) Masters and Dale (Tani) Masters; 6 grandchildren: Ryan Masters, Rhaea Baity, Tobie (Steven) Ness, Adam Masters, Tacy (Ryan) Anderson and Sarah Masters; 8 great-grandchildren: Paige Masters, Madison Masters, Tyler Masters, Ethan Baity, Simon Baity, Daniel Ness, Alona Ness and Daven Anderson; one great-great grandchild Calen Reno along with several nieces and nephews. Local survivors are her sister in law, Dolores Novak, niece, Denise (Doug) Lehman.

She is preceded in death by her husband: Howard Masters; parents: Earl and Dena Huse and three siblings: Leo Huse, Elaine Baier and Loretta Barber.

Janet Gayle Von Lehmden, 82, of Independence, IA, passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Grandview Healthcare Center in Oelwein, IA.

Jan was born on November 4, 1942, in Waterloo, the daughter of Glenn and Beatrice (Tarbert) Stoner. The family lived in Waterloo for three years, then moved to Brandon, IA.

She attended the Brandon community schools, graduating with the class of 1960. On April 20, 1963, she married John Von Lehmden at St. John Church in Independence and they made their home in Independence. John passed away in February 2009.

After high school, Jan began working as an Nurse's Aide at the Mental Health Institute (MHI), in Independence. She went on to work various jobs in Independence, and returned to working at MHI in 1988 and continued there until her retirement.

Jan is survived by a son, Terry (Kelly) Von Lehmden of Marion; and a daughter, Lisa (Kraig) Kirchhoff of Independence. Five grandchildren, Morgan (Michael) Redmond, Sydney Von Lehmden, and Ellie Von Lehmden (Austin Burroughs), all of Marion, IA, Colin (Kimberly) Kirchhoff of Johnston, IA, and McKenna Kirchhoff of Grimes, IA. Two great-grandchildren, Carter and Jace Redmond of Marion, IA. Sisters-in-law, Lois Doyle of Cedar Rapids, IA and Betty Von Lehmden of Rowley, IA; and a brother-in-law, LeRoy Thoma of Madison, WI; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John; son, Thomas in infancy; her parents, Glenn and Bea Stoner; sister, Maxene Norris; and in-laws: Frank and Mary Tarpy, Agnes Thoma, Jim Doyle, and Tom Von Lehmden.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held  on Monday, February 3, 2025, at St. John's Catholic Church with  Rev. David Beckman presiding. Burial will be held at St. Johns Cemetery in Independence. 

Gary Lee Louvar, PGA Golf Professional, formerly of Cedar Rapids, Iowa passed away in Houston, Texas on January 16, 2025, after a 6-year battle with kidney cancer. Gary was born on March 30, 1951, in Cedar Rapids to Richard Paul and Frances Edna (Coufal) Louvar. He graduated from John F. Kennedy Sr High School in 1969, was co-captain of the varsity football team and earned all-city, conference, and state honors. He graduated from Upper Iowa University in 1973. Gary built the original 9 holes of Northbrook Golf Course (now St. Andrews Golf Club) in Cedar Rapids during 1967-1969 along with his parents and brother. After college graduation, he became an educator, assistant varsity football coach and head 9th grade wrestling coach at Linn Mar High School. Gary and his wife, Kathy, then leased and operated the St. Andrews golf facility for 10 years. He later served as the PGA Golf Professional at Reid Municipal Golf Course (Appleton, WI), Tara Hills and Indian Creek Country Clubs (Van Horne/Marion, Iowa), followed by a 25-year tenure at all four of the City of Cedar Rapids golf courses. He retired in 2015. Gary was honored to be an Eagle Scout, a 45-year member of the PGA of America, President of the Iowa Chapter of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and received the Iowa Junior Golf Leader Award and the Bill Strausbaugh Award from the Iowa PGA. A dedicated volunteer, Gary taught golf to veterans through the GIVE Foundation and helped to secure new sets of golf clubs for veterans. He cherished annual golfing trips with friends, organizing and hosting various golf tournaments and leagues, playing St. Andrews in Scotland with his son, watching "White Christmas" every year with his daughter, and enjoying time with family, friends and fellow golfers. He was an amazing man, friendly to everyone and the best husband, father and grandfather. As so many have said over the years...to know him is to love him! He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kathy (Floyd), their children, Dr. Melissa Reeves (Shawn) of Loveland, CO and Kyle (Nicole) Louvar of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Austin Reeves, Denver, Colorado, Taylor Reeves (fiancée Dirk Nelson) of Ft. Collins, CO, Blake and Reese Louvar of Houston, TX, and brother, Dr. Richard Louvar (Barbara) of Cedar Rapids. Gary is a member of St. Johns United Methodist Church in Richmond, TX. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 19 from 2- 6 p.m. at the Hiawatha Community Center, 101 Emmons St., Hiawatha, IA

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Misty M. Boots, 44, of Manchester, Iowa, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at her home in Manchester. A Celebration of Life was held from on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Falcon Civic Center in Central City, Iowa. A private family inurnment will be held at

Mount Clark Cemetery in Central City, Iowa.  

Misty was born to Susan Boots on January 20, 1981, at St.Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She attended Kenwood Elementary for grade school, went on to Roosevelt for middle school, and graduated from Washington High School in 1999.

Afterward, she relocated to Manchester, where she worked at the Can-Do Redemption Center.

Her greatest passion was the Chicago Cubs baseball team,and she was blessed enough to attend a game at Wrigley Field. She adored every cat she came across and cherished the time

spent with her family and friends. 

Those who will cherish her memory include her mother and stepfather, Susan (Wayne) Novak; her brothers, Harlin Moore of DeWitt, Iowa, Thomas (Jess) Young of Evansdale, Iowa, and Ryan Morehead of Iowa City, Iowa; her sister, Cameo (Shirone) Jennings of Denver, Iowa; her grandmother, Dolores Novak;along with three nieces, four nephews, and numerous aunts and uncles. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Alvin and Virginia Boots, Louis and Betty Merit, and Duane Novak.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations maybe in care of Susan Novak.

Deanna L. Abernathey, 74, of Brandon, IA, passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025, at her home surrounded by family.

Deanna was born on February 20, 1950, in Independence, IA, the daughter of Carl R. and Catherine (Schnepf) Rouse. She grew up in rural Jesup, IA, and was a 1968 graduate of Jesup High School. On July 20, 1968, she married her high school sweetheart, Eugene L. Abernathey, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. They lived in Vinton, IA for a few years before making their home in Brandon, IA. They soon welcomed two daughters into their lives. Deanna was a phenomenal mother, wife, sister, and friend. She was a second mother to many. She was always there to help, or just to listen, ready with a snack, and a pot of coffee.

When her children were old enough, she started working at the Brandon Quick Stop. In the early 1980’s She and Eugene started an auto repair business in Brandon, Abernathey Auto. Eugene passed away in 2009, and Deanna closed the repair shop shortly after. Most recently, she worked part time at Denton Casting/AP Casting in Brandon as a secretary. She always brought smiles and laughter wherever she went.

She enjoyed staying busy. In the warm months she spent a lot of time outside gardening, and in the colder months she quilted. She loved spending time with her family, often traveled with friends to quilting retreats, fishing, and going to the casino.

Deanna loved her family, especially her grandchildren. She made an effort to always be there for them and loved making happy memories with them.

Deanna will be missed for her quiet, supportive, and loving personality.

She is survived by her children, Carmen (David) Sloan, Avon, IL, and Carrie (Curt) Bantz, Rowley, IA, six grandchildren; Iain McGrew, James McGrew, Carley (Jake Covault) Robison, Cayla (Christian Nixdorf) Bantz, Cameron (Alyssa) Bantz, and Collin (Haley Skiens) Bantz, her significant other, Duane Donley, Brandon, IA, two sisters; Char (Wayne) Swarts, Independence, IA, and Wendy (Richard) Sperfslage, Quasqueton, IA, a brother Terry (Connie) Rouse, Silver Lake, Indiana, a step-brother, Russ Weston, and many nieces and nephews.

Deanna is preceded in death by her father Carl Rouse, her mother Catherine Weston, and her husband, Eugene Abernathey.

A Funeral Service was held on Monday, January 27th, at the funeral home, burial will be held at the Brandon Cemetery in Brandon, IA.

John J. Snyder, 39, of Dubuque, died from having too big of a heart, Friday, March 7, 2025, at his home in Dubuque.

The Funeral Service for John was held on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home & Crematory with Deacon Jim Schmidt officiating.

John was born July 22, 1985, in Rome, NY, the son of John G. and Dawn C. (Smith) Snyder. On September 18, 2021, he married Kristin Klostermann in Dubuque, IA.

John attended Dubuque Senior High School where he excelled in wrestling and football. He worked for Addoco Inc. in Peosta for the past 14 years.

John loved being outdoors, whether it be golfing, boating, or camping. He also enjoyed hanging out with his friends, but most of all, he was happiest when goofing around with his children.

Survivors include his wife, Kristin Snyder of Dubuque; his five children, Ezekiel Curler, Matthew Snyder, Harmoney Snyder, Summer Snyder, and James Snyder, all of Dubuque; his mother-in-law, Nancy Klostermann; his father, John Snyder; his mother, Dawn (Jimmie) Bates; his step-father, Charlie Kass; six siblings, Nathan Kass of Dubuque, Nicole Kass of Dubuque, Torri Bates of Cedar Rapids, IA, Cailey Bates of Cedar Rapids, Ashley Osbourne of Brandon, IA, and Heather Johnson of Independence, IA; one brother-in-law, Chad (Ann) Klostermann of Dubuque; grandmothers, Carroll Schuety and Miriam Snyder; 15 nieces and nephews; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

John was preceded in death by his grandfathers, John Snyder Sr. and Jerald Smith; and his father-in-law, James Klostermann.

Karmen N. Kimm, 82, of Vinton and formerly of Oelwein, Iowa, died Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab in Vinton, Iowa.

Funeral Service were held on Monday, March 10, 2025, at Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Oelwein with Rev. Josh Schunk officiating. Interment: Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, rural Oelwein.

Karmen Noreen Gluesing was born September 28, 1942, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of Paul William and Norma (Voeltz) Gluesing.  She graduated from Van Horne High School in Van Horne, Iowa.  On November 18, 1961, she was united in marriage to Richard J. Kimm at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Van Horne.  Karmen was employed at Pizza Hut in Oelwein and Hardees in Vinton.  She enjoyed sewing, crosswords, coloring, and playing Yahtzee, Bingo, and Solitaire on her tablet.  Karmen especially loved spending time with her kids, grandkids and great grandkids.

Karmen is survived by her son: James (Bobbie) Kimm of Stewartville, Minnesota; daughter: Sonja Schuelka of Vinton; 8 grandchildren: Annie Lerch (Devin Spencer), Kelsey Robbins (Jonah Osmundson), Brittani (Cody) Perez, Jared Kimm, Matthew (Amy) Kimm, Hannah Kimm (Michael Urbanek), Jason Grove and Brittany Grove; 12 great grandchildren; sister: Paulette Brown of Waterloo; and several nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents: Paul and Norma Gluesing; husband: Richard Kimm on March 31, 2001; sister: Jackie Norris; and son-in-law: J’me Schuelka.

Marlene June Steinbeck, 89 years old, of Independence, and formerly of Brandon, IA, went to be with the Lord peacefully on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Lexington Estate at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence.

Funeral Services were held on March 28, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church in Independence. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence.

Marlene was born June 1, 1935, at home in Rowley, IA, the daughter of Howard Franklin Satterlee and June Clara (Stevens) Satterlee. She attended school in Brandon and graduated with the high school class of 1952. She continued her education at Iowa State University in Ames, IA. On February 26, 1955, she was united in marriage to Ivan James Steinbeck at the Brandon United Methodist Church in Brandon. They made their home and raised their family in Brandon. Marlene worked at the ASCS in Vinton, IA, and then she worked as a personal banker for various banks in the area including Urbana Savings Bank, People’s Savings and Trust, Norwest Bank, and Wells Fargo Bank. Marlene was also instrumental in the operation of her and Ivan’s short haul trucking company, based out of Brandon.

Marlene loved tending to her flowers, cooking, decorating, and hosting friends and family. She and Ivan enjoyed going to card club and playing 500, but more importantly socializing and building friendships that lasted a lifetime. Marlene enjoyed participating in the church circle activities. She was active at the Brandon United Methodist Church, and when Marlene and Ivan retired, they moved to Independence, where she was active in the First United Methodist Church. She was involved in the Ladies Literary Club, Buchanan County Health Center Axillary, and in her later years, she always looked forward to her water aerobics classes. Marlene was a loving grandma and great grandma and loved staying up to date with her grandchildren’s activities.

Marlene is survived by one son, David (Terrace) Steinbeck of Eagle, ID; two daughters, Beth (Mike) Little of Brandon, IA, and Amy Steinbeck of Cedar Rapids, IA; five grandchildren, five great grandchildren; two brothers, Dr. James (Gloria) Satterlee of Edmond, OK, and Alan (Carol) Satterlee of Omaha, NE; and her nieces, nephew, and many cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Ivan Steinbeck, in 2016. Memorials may be directed to the family to be given to organizations important to Marlene.

John Wayne Holst, 68, of Vinton, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 with his family by his side. A celebration of John’s life was held, Sunday, April 6, 2025 at Tara Hills Country Club (1846 70th St., Van Horne, IA).  Join the family to share love, laughs, reminisce, and celebrate John's legacy.

John was born on March 5, 1956 to William and Helen (Hilton) Holst. He graduated from Washington High School in Vinton in 1974. He obtained a degree in Animal Science from Hawkeye Tech in 1976 in Waterloo, Iowa, where his passion for agriculture led him to compete in the college Livestock Judging team where he traveled the nation. On September 25, 1976, John was united in marriage to Kristin Doud in Vinton.  

John built numerous relationships over the years working as a feed salesman, a realtor with Johnson Realty, and most recently as the VP and commercial lending officer at US Bank. Outside of work, John was very dedicated to the positions he held in various committees and councils for the county extension, school district’s FFA program, and 4H. He found great joy in teaching his daughters and traveling with his family showing sheep and rabbits in 4H and livestock shows, often referring to himself as “Sheepman.” In 2019, John was inducted in the Iowa 4H Hall of Fame for outstanding service and dedication to 4H in Benton County.  

John is survived by his wife of 48 years, Kristin Holst of Vinton, daughter Kaitlin (RJ) Hammel of Hiawatha, and Molly (Denny) Gardemann of Shellsburg; grandchildren, Halle and Camden Hammel, and Avery and Charlie Gardemann; sister Suzanne Holst, sister-in-law Doris Holst, brother-in-law Kevin Doud, and sister-in-law Kerry (Mike) Less, and several nieces and nephews.  Local survivors, Craig (Judy) Albert, Jordan Albert and Jackie (Shawn) Aberle.

John was preceded in death by his parents, brother Warren Holst, father-in-law Jimmy Doud, and mother-in-law Shirley Doud.  

James "Jim" Eugene Chalmers, passed away peacefully at his home in Elkmont, Alabama on March 1, 2025.

Funeral services were held March 15, 2025, at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel (212 E. 6th Street) in Vinton, Iowa with Pastor Kip McGee officiating.  Burial will be held at Bear Creek Cemetery near Brandon.

Jim was born on April 13, 1966, and was the beloved son of Lillian (Lyle) Geater and late Adrian Chalmers, Jr.  He graduated with his GED from Colorado Springs.  In 1995, Jim married Michelle Chalmers, and the couple had two sons, James and Jackson.  Jim worked as a janitor/maintenance for Limestone County Health Department for 19 years before he retired in 2022 due to ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis aka Lou Gehrig's disease).

He is survived by his wife Michelle (Tharp) Chalmers; sons, James W Chalmers of Elkmont and Jackson P Chalmers of Elmont; siblings, Angie (Terry) Blum of Rochester, MN, Annie (Doug) Havel, of Cedar Rapids, IA, Melea Davis of Cedar Rapids IA, Debbie Chalmers of Oklahoma, Danny Chalmers of Texas and Melvin Lee Chalmers of Texas. Local survivor his cousin, Cindy (Mark) Hopkins, Brandon,IA.

He was preceded in death by his father; Adrian Chalmers, Jr. and his grandmother, Adabelle Roster.

May Jim’s memory bring comfort to all who knew him and serve as a reminder of the power of faith, kindness, and love.  

Steven Leslie Chamberlain, 71, of Cedar Rapids passed away from a short battle with congestive heart failure on Friday, February 14, 2025. Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday March 20, 2025 at Teahen Funeral Home.

Steven is survived by his wife Julie; two daughters Stacey Chamberlain-Farmer and Tammy (Dennis) Karr; his mother Donna Chamberlain; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; two brothers Mike and Dan Chamberlain; four sisters Lisa (Bob) Benton, Janis Chamberlain, Lori Chamberlain and Kathy Chamberlain; Julie’s children Cory Chambers, Ben Chambers and Ashley Harville.

He was preceded in death by his dad, brother Scott Chamberlain, two grandsons Lucas Farmer and Alexander Benjamin Michael Chamberlain.

Steven was born on February 17, 1953 in Vinton the son of Leslie and Donna Burkey Chamberlain. He married Julie Irish on April 18, 1996 in Cedar Rapids. 

Steven enjoyed hunting morel mushrooms, Mopar’s, planting and canning tomatoes and spending time outdoors. Steven was a very quiet loving man who loved spending time with his family and friends.

Amanda Kay Hackler, 41, of Conway, Arkansas passed away on March 6, 2025, just two days after her birthday. She has now reunited with her beloved mother, father and grandparents.

Born on March 4, 1984 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Denise and Alvin Close, Amanda and her family made Arkansas their home for the past 40 years. She graduated from Conway High School in 2002. Above all else, Amanda cherished being a mother. If asked about her greatest achievement, she would undoubtedly say her amazing boys. She was a devoted mother, loving wife and a true friend to many. Amanda never met a stranger-her warmth, kindness and unforgettable personality left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. She was truly one of a kind and was taken from this world far too soon.

Amanda is survived by her loving husband, Gary; her two cherished sons, Jeremy and Toby; her brother, Nicholas; her sisters, Christina and Jackie and many heartbroken cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. She also leaves behind her dear Amazon family, who became an extension of her own.  Local survivor is her aunt Rachel (Kevin) Webster, Brandon, IA.

Amanda's light will continue to shine through the love she shared and the memories she created. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A celebration of Amanda's life were held on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway.

NEW BUSINESS IN BRANDON

Usually when you have a dream, there is someone or something, that precipitates that dream. 

That is the case with the new bakery in Brandon, Grandma Leona’s Bakery at 401 Main Street, Brandon.

Dana Zeller and Carrie Pecinosvsky’s Grandma Leona is the namesake of the bakery. (Their grandma on their mom’s side).  Grandma Leona baked everything from scratch and instilled the importance of this in Dana and Carrie.  Dana and Carrie have a saying ”If we would make it from a box, Grandma would come and hit us with a her cane”.  The sisters have been baking for years, their goods were so yummy that their fans told them that they needed to open a bakery.

The bakery doesn’t have set hours but if you want to place an order please give the ladies 2 days notice.  Just like their grandma everything is made from scratch.  They make brownies bars, breads, kolaches, quick breads and more.   Watch for porch pop- up sales coming up.

The sisters’ dream is to have a brick and mortar building as their business grows.  To contact the bakery, please call 319-348-9906.  Check them and their goodies out on their Facebook page Grandma Leona’s Bakery.