Welcome to Brandon Area Community Club Community Hub

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEK IS APRIL 19-25, 2026.  I thank each of you for taking time from your busy lives to volunteer for our community.  If you haven’t had an opportunity to volunteer but our interested in lending a helping hand, whether you have an hour to spare or more, all of the organizations welcome new members with new ideas. I have listed the contact person to inquire about each group or organization below:

Brandon Area Community Club   Doug Lehman 319-404-8471

Garden Club Karol Smith 319-329-0101

Historical Society Diana Conrad 319-327-3424

Connie’s Quilters Connie Langrabe 319-540-0587

First Responders Kelly Thomas 319-361-0031

Brandon Volunteer Fire Dept           Deb Bistline 319-327-2496

Lime Creek Fish and Game Club Chris Palmer 563-920-9755

Bear Creek Church Denny Donley 319-560-5599

Brandon Methodist Church Pastor Beth Graham 580-279-2430  

Brandon Church of Christ Rev Lenny Powers 319-474-2159 

Brandon Cemetery Denise Cue 319-464-7577

Brandon Area Mobile Food Pantry           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 

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  and Shirley Wiley, are currently residing at the Lutheran home . Brighten their day with a 

note or card. 

Ross Wiley 

Shirley 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 

OBITUARIES:

Andrew “Andy” Dean Newton, age 62,  of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2026, of congestive heart failure.   There will be a Celebration of Life at Brandon Area Community Center, 802 Main St., Brandon, Iowa on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 1 pm.  In honor of Andy please wear your favorite Iowa Hawkeyes or Chicago Bears attire. 

A Celebration of Life in Las Vegas on April 17, 2026.  Andy wishes were to be cremated and his cremains will be buried in the Brandon Cemetery, Brandon, Iowa.

Andy was born on September 24, 1963 in Des Moines, Iowa, the 7th child of James W. Newton and Dolores (Masters) Newton Novak.  He graduated in 1982 from Independence Jefferson High School,  Independence, Iowa.    He married Becky Brown on June 19, 1985, at the Brandon United Methodist Church, Brandon, Iowa, . Andy and Becky moved to Arizona in 1984. To this union two children were born, Stephanie and Andrew.  After their divorce Andy moved to Las Vegas.  On September 9, 2007 Andy and Tiffany Sandlin were married in Las Vegas.  Tiffany has one son, Nicholas Genung, whom Andy raised as his own.

Andy worked for Las Vegas Demolition (LVD).  Andy was an excavator operator for LVD and demolished and imploded many of the casinos and high rise buildings in Las Vegas.  His LVD co-workers were a family and Andy cherished these men and women.  He worked his last day on January 9, 2026.

Andy’s children were the light of his life.  Though there was physical distance between them they kept their relationships close.  Andy was a forever fan of Chicago Bears and the Iowa Hawkeyes.  He  enjoyed cooking and would often send pictures of his creations on the sibling chat.   He liked playing video poker at his favorite watering hole and was quite lucky getting Royal Flushes.   Andy loved teasing people, from his siblings, nieces and nephews, grandson and his co-workers.   He told the great nieces and nephews to just refer to him as “ Uncle Andy the Great”.

Andy is survived by his wife, Tiffany, Las Vegas, Nevada, his children Stephanie (Zach) King, Andrew (Jenni) Newton, both of Bondurant, Iowa and Nicholas B. Genung, Las Vegas, Nevada.  His grandson William. He is also survived by brothers, David Newton, McKinney, TX; Kelly (Lisa) Newton, Waverly, IA; Wayne(Susie) Novak, Central City, IA; sisters, Lynn (Lyle) Ries, Alta Vista, IA; Annette (Ray) Sauer, Bondurant,IA; Denise (Doug) Lehman, Rowley, IA, Dawn (Bill) Phillips, Independence, IA; Carolyn (Doug) Wright, Marion, IA.;Debora (George) Smith, Coggon, Ia.  Brother-in-law, Rick Wensel, Urbana, IA.;his sister-in-law Susan Sandlin, Westland, Michigan.  Many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great- great nieces and nephews.   Andy was preceeded in death by his parents, James William Newton; Dolores Masters Newton Novak; Step-dad Duane Novak; his brothers James William Newton, Jr.;Michael John Newton; sister Cheryl Wensel. Brothers-in-law, Duane Walker Sandlin;Brian Douglas Sandlin.  His in-laws; Walker and Katherine Martha Sandlin.

Karla Wanerus, age 62

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Karla Wanerus of Robins, Iowa, who passed away on March 16, 2026, at the age of 62, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

As we bid Karla farewell, let us not mourn the absence of her physical form, but rather celebrate the essence of her spirit that lingers in the spaces between moments. For Karla is not truly gone, but merely transformed, her energy intertwined with the fabric of the universe itself, forever dancing among the stars.

She was predeceased by: her parents, Jerry W. Younker and Vada J. Younker (McManis); her former husband Jeff Tarbon; and her husband Mark Wanerus. She is survived by: her sisters, Kriss McGraw (Steve) of Independence and Kim Brunko (Darrell) of Brandon, Iowa; and her stepson Jacob Tarbon of Florida. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Marie Ann (Webster) Bistline, 81, died Monday, March 16, 2026 at her home, surrounded by her family.

Funeral Services were held at 10:00 AM, Friday, March 20, 2026 at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel (212 E 6th St.) in Vinton.  Interment in Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton.  A luncheon will be held following interment at the Brandon United Methodist Church.

Marie was born December 2, 1944 in Cedar Rapids to Eugene and June (Franks) Webster.

On October 26, 1968 she was united in marriage to Harley Bistline at the Brandon United Methodist Church.

Prior to her retirement, Marie was employed as a CNA at various facilities in LaPorte, Vinton and Independence. She was a member of the Brandon United Methodist Church, the Brandon Jaycees, Brandon United Methodist Women and Mary Circle,and Young Couples.         

Marie is survived by her sons, Lance (Susan) Bistline of Walker and Shaun (Miranda) Bistline of Van Horne; her daughter, Deb Bistline of Brandon; her grandchildren, Dillin (Abby) Rogers, Bailey (Seth) Habager, Eric Bistline, Taylor Bistline, Logan Bistline, Bradyn Bistline, Isabel Bistline, and Abigail Bistline; and her great-grandchildren, Casen, Madalyn, and Baby Rogers, Jace and Dax Habager, Braxtyn Bistline, and Trevor and Emma Bistline Ternus.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harley in 2013; and her infant daughter, Candace.The family would like to give a special thank you to Cedar Valley Hospice.

Joshua James Bagg, 43 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died due to complications from influenza and pneumonia, Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at UnityPoint – Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa.

Celebration of Life gathering will be 2:00 p.m. – Sunday, February 1, 2026, at The Crowbar in Independence.

Joshua was born October 20, 1982, in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Roger Junior and Diana Lynne (Spece) Bagg. He attended school in Independence and graduated from Jefferson High School with the class of 2002. Josh worked as a construction worker for Larson Construction in Independence. He liked to fish, hunt, and ride motorcycles. There are many fond memories of Josh growing up, having fun on the family farm and playing in the river.

Josh is survived by his three sons, Aden Bagg, Jacob Bagg, and Hunter Bagg, all at home; his parents, Roger and Diana Bagg of Rowley, Iowa; one brother, Jason Spece of Rowley; his half-sister, Amanda Lynn his aunts and uncles, Janet Roepke, Roberta (Paul) Marshall, MaLinda Buchholz, Lila White, Duane Bagg and Julie Spece; he is also survived by many cousins.

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Roger Bagg and Donna White; maternal grandparents, Vernon & Florence Spece; an aunt, Julie Groote; and two uncles, Larry Spece and Craig Spece.

Betty Dean Mathews, age 94, of Walker. Iowa, passed away on December 6, 2025, following a long life marked by resilience, generosity, and quiet joy. She was born on August 1, 1931, to Barney and Martha Ashcraft. Later, Martha married Homer Buck, who was a loving and stabilizing father to Betty and her siblings. The family settled in Brandon, Iowa. 

After graduating from school, Betty worked second shift at Rath Packing Company, commuting weekly by Interurban train to Waterloo. It was there she met Dean Mathews, whom she married in 1950. Together, they welcomed seven children. Following their divorce, Betty devoted herself to raising her children on her own. 

Though she never learned to drive, she consistently worked and provided for her family, overcoming hardship with determination and grace. While material resources were limited, her household was rich in love, perseverance, and optimism. Throughout her life, Betty faced adversity without losing her kindness or spirit. She was known for her gentle demeanor, sharp wit, and generous heart. She delighted in sewing personalized gifts, cooking, baking, and spending time with family. Her warm smile and infectious laugh will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Barney Ashcraft and Martha (Homer) Buck; her sister, Marlys Jacobson; and her son, Jay Mathews. She is survived by her brother, Kenneth Buck of Arizona; her children: Gary (Pam) Mathews of Priest River, Idaho; Debbie (Gary) Thompson of Center Point, Iowa; Wendy (Stewart) Merritt of Walker, Iowa; Bobbie (Gary) Benson of Urbana, Iowa; Terry (Teresa) Mathews of Walker, Iowa; and Karen Dizayee of Florence, Oregon. She is also survived by 21grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 18 great-great-grandchildren. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Mercy Hospice for their compassionate care during Betty's final 18 months, with special appreciation to her nurse, Pam, who became a dear and trusted friend. A celebration of Betty's life will be held at a later date.

Mary Lou Lassen, 91, of rural Garrison, Iowa, passed away at her home, with her husband and family around her, on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

Mary Lou was born on January 6, 1934 in Vinton, Iowa, the daughter of Morris and Esther King.

She attended college in Cedar Falls, and was a music major, and loved music throughout her whole life. She married Robert Lassen on June 13, 1953, and they made a life together on the family farm for 72 years, raising 9 children together. They have 23 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Mary Lou had a great love for the Bible, and as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, she shared the Bible’s hope with many others.

Many thanks to all of the family members who took such good care of her this past year, as did all of her doctors, nurses, and the St Croix hospice staff.

A memorial for her was held on January 24, 2026 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Vinton, Iowa at 2:00 pm. A funeral reception will be held following the memorial service, at the Brandon Community Center, in Brandon Iowa.

Her positive and caring spirit will be greatly missed by her family and friend

Cheryl Ann Wensel, 70, of Urbana, Iowa, passed away Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Oldorf Hospice House, with her husband, Rick, by her side, following a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services were held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Murdoch Funeral Home in Center Point, Iowa,. Burial will immediately follow the service at Urbana Memorial Cemetery. Following burial, the family invites everyone to join them for fellowship and lunch at Kacena Farms, 2510 55th Street, Vinton, Iowa.

Cheryl was born on August 9, 1955, the daughter of Duane and Betty Novak. She married Steven Chamberlain in 1972, and together they had two daughters, Stacey and Tammy. The couple later divorced. Cheryl married Rick Wensel in 1997, welcoming four additional daughters into the family.

Cheryl is survived by her loving husband, Rick Wensel; daughters, Stacey Chamberlain-Farmer, Tammy (Dennis) Karr, Angela Wensel, Amanda (Bo) Deaton, Amy (Rich) Rilling and Ashley Wensel; grandchildren, Tyler (Marissa) Weems, Emily (Matthew) Grasso, Austyn, Maddie, Virginia and Jesse Farmer, Matthew, Cameron and Haylee Karr, Jacob and Logan Wensel, Lilly Shelton, Sira and Devon Deaton, Jordan, Audriana, Cole, Joseph and Amelia Rilling; great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Patriot and Lillie Weems, Claira Hartman, Sadie Killian, Brylan, Zaiden, Dakota and Nevaeh Wensel, Kinsley Snook and Grace King; sisters, Deb (George) Smith, Lynn (Lyle) Ries, Annette (Ray) Sauer, Denise (Doug) Lehman, Carolyn (Doug) Wright and Dawn (Bill) Phillips; and brothers, David Newton, Wayne (Susie) Novak, Andrew (Tiffany) Newton and Kelly (Lisa) Newton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Duane and Dolores Novak and Lewis and Betty Merritt; brothers, James Newton and Michael Newton; and grandsons, Alexander Chamberlain and Lucas Farmer.

In her younger years, Cheryl enjoyed crocheting, crafting and spending time with family and friends. She had a lifelong soft spot for animals in need, once even bringing a litter of raccoons into her home after they lost their mother. Cheryl adored her dogs and farm cats and raised many chihuahuas over the years.

Cheryl worked at Iowa Ham Processors in Vinton from 1983 until its closure in 1989. After completing her certification at Kirkwood, she began working at ADM Corn Sweeteners, where she spent the remainder of her career.

Memorials may be directed to the family. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Oldorf Hospice House for their compassionate care during this difficult time.

James Siefken, 57, of Brandon, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Unity Point – St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

James was born on August 10, 1968, in Grundy Center, Iowa, the son of Paul J. and Carol E. (Geiken) Siefken. He spent his early years growing up in Wellsburg, Iowa, and later moved to Marshalltown, Iowa, where he attended high school, graduating in 1987. While still in high school, James proudly joined the National Guard, demonstrating early on his strong sense of duty and commitment.

Shortly after graduation, James began what would become a lifelong career as a semi-truck driver. For more than 40 years, he traveled highways across the nation, logging countless miles and forming friendships along the way. He truly loved life on the road and took pride in his work, embracing every minute behind the wheel.When he wasn’t driving, James enjoyed fishing, camping, motorcycle rides with friends, and listening to country music. He had a natural talent for working with his hands and could often be found tinkering with motors, restoring old tractors, fixing up pickup trucks, or taking apart and rebuilding just about anything mechanical. If it had an engine, James could fix it.

Known for his giving heart, James quietly supported children’s programs and other causes close to his heart. He was generous, hardworking, and always willing to lend a helping hand to family and friends.

James is survived by his mother, Carol Blackburn of Brandon, Iowa; his brother, Gary (Linda) Siefken of Shellsburg, Iowa; and several nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Siefken.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.

David Allen Pierce Obituary

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of David Allen Pierce of Waterloo, Iowa, who passed away on November 9, 2025, at the age of 69, leaving to mourn family and friends. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. You may also light a candle in honor of David Allen Pierce or send a beautiful flower arrangement to the funeral service.

He was predeceased by: his parents, Donald Pierce and Maryann Pierce (Brustkern); and his siblings, Danny Pierce and Deanna Pierce-Bauler. He is survived by: his sisters, Deborah Suzan of Madison, WI, Donnette Sutton (Tom) of Brandon, IA and Delia Pierce of Marion, IA; his sister-in-law Judy Pierce of Waterloo, IA; his nephews, Josh, Nate and Braxton; his niece Courtney; and his great-nieces and great-nephews, Beckett, Grant, Maddox, Barrett, Huxon, Taylor and Berkley.

Boni Jane Bishop, 71 of rural Brandon, IA, died Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Hospital – Methodist Campus, Rochester, MN.

A Celebration of Life was held for Boni from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Brandon Community Hall, Brandon.

Boni was born October 28, 1954, in Waterloo, IA, the daughter of Donald Ricketts and Mary LuElla (Harris) Ricketts. She graduated from Jesup High School, Jesup, IA, with the class of 1972. Boni was united in marriage to Gerald Paul Bishop on September 30, 1972, in Fayette, IA. She attended Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo where she obtained her Licensed Practical Nurses training. She later attended Allen School of Nursing to obtain her Registered Nurse License. Boni had practiced nursing at Covenant Medical Center, Allen Memorial Hospital and the Jesup Medical Clinic.

Boni is survived by her husband, Jerry of Brandon; one brother, Joe (Joan) Ricketts of Mason City, IA; two sisters, Roseann Weber of Independence, IA, Therese (Kenneth) Olson of Jesup, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son, Brandon Allen Bishop; one sister, Donna Ricketts; three brothers, Robert, John and Larry Ricketts; a brother in law, Richard Weber and a niece, Kim Weber.

White Funeral Home, Jesup, IA, is assisting the family with her arrangements.

Laura Frances Melrose (Orr) Friedrich Klendworth, 94 years old, of rural Independence, IA, died of natural causes, Friday, February 27, 2026, at her home.

Funeral Services were held on Monday, March 2, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church in Jesup, IA, with burial at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence.

Laura was born September 1, 1931, in rural Buchanan County, Iowa, the daughter of John Daniel Melrose and Laura Blanche (Wyrick) Melrose. Her father died when she was one year old, and her mother would later marry James Blair Orr. James helped raise Laura Frances from the age of five. She attended school in Jesup, Iowa, and graduated with the class of 1950. Later that year she married Herbert Julius Friedrich. Laura worked at a local chicken candling factory and then for a while at Microswitch in Independence. The couple moved to Pennsylvania and Laura worked at the Bonton Department Store. They would divorce in 1967. On August 29, 1969, she married Leroy John Klendworth at the First United Methodist Church in Jesup. They made their home in rural Independence, Iowa, and Laura enjoyed her role as a farmwife, raising her children and grandchildren. For many years she was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Jesup, where she taught Sunday School and volunteered with the women’s group.

Laura is survived by 3 children, Randall (Nancy) Friedrich of Independence; Phillip (Rita) Klendworth of Benbrook, Texas, Brent (Cindy) Klendworth of Fairbank, Iowa; 11 grandchildren, Jason (Annette) Pilcher, Rachelle (Jason) Hesse, Zane (Erin) Yandow, Felicia (Wes) Cooper, Chad (April) Klendworth, Brian (Catherine) Klendworth, Dana (Josh) Bair, Kyle (Julia) Klendworth, Justin Klendworth, Jeremy (Amanda) Klendworth, Mackenzie (Rachael) Klendworth; 21 great grandchildren; and 1 great great granddaughter . She’s also survived by 2 sisters, Marianne Cayouette of Jesup, and Cleta Fuller of Brandon, Iowa; 1 son-in-law, Ernest Yandow of Jesup; and many nieces and nephews.

Laura is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leroy Klendworth; her unborn Baby Friedrich; two daughters, Laura Blanche (Friedrich) Wieland and Robin Lynn (Friedrich) Pilcher Yandow; one son, Todd Neil Klendworth; and brothers – in – law, Roland Cayouette and James Fuller.

Memorials may be directed to the church. Condolences may be placed at www.White-MtHope.com.

White Funeral Home, Jesup, IA, is in charge of arrangements.

Elwood L. Bernard, 75, of Brandon, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home in rural Brandon on February 6, 2026.

Elwood was born on April 4, 1950, in Buchanan County, Iowa, the son of Homer E. and Beatrice A. (Lawless) Bernard. He was raised on the family farm, where he developed a lifelong appreciation for hard work and the outdoors. Elwood graduated in 1968 from John F. Locke High School in Independence, Iowa.

Elwood later married Karen Marie, and together they made their home in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Over the years, he held a variety of positions that reflected his strong work ethic. He worked as a logger for a company out of Traer for several years before joining Red Bow Express Moving Company in Cedar Falls. He also worked at Malek Midwest Woodworking. In 2003, Elwood began working as a janitor for AEA 7 in Cedar Falls. For more than fifteen years, he took pride in caring for the facilities, ensuring they were well maintained and welcoming to all.

Following the death of his beloved wife in 2015, Elwood moved back to Brandon. In retirement, he devoted time to the activities he loved most. He enjoyed traveling to Minnesota and Canada for fishing trips with friends, pursuits that brought him both relaxation and camaraderie. He also had a passion for gold prospecting, making trips to Georgia and North Carolina to pan for gold. Elwood owned several sluice boxes and took great pleasure in the adventure and challenge of the search.

Elwood is survived by his brother, Dan Bernard of Brandon, Iowa; three nephews, Jeremy Bernard, Joseph Bernard, and William Bernard; one niece, Crystal Bernard; and his sister-in-law, Joanne Bernard.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Beatrice Bernard; his wife, Karen Bernard; two brothers, Paul and Michael Bernard; and his sister-in-law, Cyndee Bernard.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 Pm until 4 PM on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the VFW Hall in Independence, IA. The Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family 

Robert J. “Bob” Newton, 85, of Oelwein, Iowa, died Saturday morning, February 14, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held on, Friday, February 20, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein, with Fr. Ray Atwood officiating.

Robert John Newton was born October 21, 1940, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Thomas John and Mary (Kerns) Newton.  He graduated from Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Fairbank, Iowa. After high school, Bob proudly served in the United States Navy. On April 18, 1964, he was united in marriage to Rosemary Kay Napoli at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein. In 1998, Bob retired from John Deere in Waterloo. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ross Reid American Legion Post #9 and UAW Local 838. Bob enjoyed spending time with his family, being outdoors, gardening, reading, gambling, traveling and bowling.

Robert is survived by his wife: Rose Newton of Oelwein; 4 children: Gina Newton of Cedar Rapids, Rachelle (Darrin) Molyneux of Marion, Bobby Newton of Oelwein and Becky (Steve) Koch of Oelwein; grandson: Tony Koch of Oelwein; 3 sisters: Beverly Copenhaver of Independendence, Janet (Junior) Covington of Brandon and Doris (Ron) Rechkemmer of Mason City; and many nieces; nephews; and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law: Leo and Mary Napoli; brothers-in-law: John Napoli and Philip Copenhaver; and sister-in-law: Carolyn Napoli.

Robert LaClaire “Bob” Lane, 63 years old, of Jesup, Iowa, died Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa after suffering a sudden stroke.

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church in Jesup, Iowa. Burial will be at a later date at Cedar Crest Cemetery in Jesup.

Bob was born February 25, 1962, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Robert LaClaire and Beverly JoAnn (Weltzin) Lane. He attended school in Shirley, Arkansas, and graduated with the class of 1981. He continued his education at Hawkeye Technical College in Waterloo, in the welding program, and started his career as a metal fabricator. On October 1, 1983, he married Julie Ann Krusemark at the First United Methodist Church in Jesup. They made their home in La Porte City, Iowa, and together they had three children, Jody, Jessica, and Jamie. The couple would later divorce. On September 18, 2004, Bob was united in marriage to Beverly Jane King-Ewalt, at the Hartman Reserve Nature Center in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Together they made their home in Jesup.

Bob was a welder for 43 years and most recently employed at Samson Fabrication in Waterloo. He could fix anything and was always willing to help. He was a perfectionist with an eye for detail. Bob was dependable and had the gift of gab that will be missed. He enjoyed going to gun shows and he was a great cook. He loved to hunt, fish, and go camping, especially around Decorah, where many memories have been made over the years. Bob was a member of multiple outdoor and wildlife organizations throughout his life, including Pheasants Forever, National Turkey and Wildlife Association, and Whitetails Unlimited. He was also proud of his time as a fireman when he lived in Arkansas.

Bob loved his family and always looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed going to archery meets, wrestling around and being playful, and when the time was right, quietly listening and offering an encouraging word during late night phone conversations. His patience made him a great teacher and mentor.

Bob is survived by his wife of 21 years, Beverly Jane Lane of Jesup; three daughters, Jody Nosko of Waterloo, Jessica (Brett) Beatty of Brandon, Iowa, Jamie (Zach) Peterson of Jesup; two step-sons Aaron (Angie Bosshart) Ewalt of Cedar Falls, Nathan (Hannah) Ewalt of Fayette, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Alexis and Kalen Nosko, Kyle and Kara Beatty, Colton, Lilly, and Paisley Peterson; one step-granddaughter, Nova Ewalt; his mother, Beverly JoAnn Lane of Independence, Iowa; one brother, Jim Lane of La Porte City, and one sister, Kim Lane of Hazelton, Iowa.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Robert L. Lane.

Memorials may be directed to the family to be given to organizations important to Bob.

Online condolences may be placed at www.White-MtHope.com.

White Funeral Home, Jesup, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.

 John William “Bill” Travis, age 93, passed peacefully, on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Vinton Lutheran Home.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the Phillips Funeral Home in Vinton with Bill’s grandson Tom Primmer officiating.  Interment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery with graveside military rites. Memorials may be directed to the family for a scholarship to be set up in Bill’s name for students entering the trades.

Bill was born on March 2, 1932, in Dallas Center IA, the son of Emery and Blanche (Leggett) Travis.  He graduated from Dallas Center High School with the class of 1949.  Bill served his Country in the United States Navy during the Korean War.  He married his High School sweetheart Julia Ann “Judy” Cadwell on April 12, 1952, at the Dallas Center United Methodist Church.  They would have celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary this year.  Judy preceded Bill in death on January 7th of this year.

Bill and Judy operated the Dallas Center True Value Hardware Store for six years and purchased Travis True Value in Vinton in 1969.  They worked side by side at the store for 42 years.  Bill was very active in both of his communities.  He was a member of the Jaycees, the American Legion, the Masonic Lodge, and served as a Boy Scout Leader in Dallas Center.  In Vinton, he enjoyed membership in the American Legion, Harmony Hawks, Act 1 Community Theatre, the Community Club, Kiwanis Club, Masonic Lodge, and the Vinton Country Club.  Bill and Judy volunteered for many years at the Palace Theatre, and Bill dearly loved working as a driver for Virginia Gay Hospital and volunteering with Veterans transportation.  

He is survived by his daughters, Pamela (Rick) Primmer of Vinton, Susan Travis of Waukee; daughter-in-law Connie Travis of Vinton; 8 grandchildren, Tom (Diane) Primmer, James (Natane) Primmer, Julie (Kevin) Haefner, Angie (Bart) Klinsing, Tyler Travis, Will (Megan) Ketchen, Natalie (Brandon Ehrecke) Ketchen, Olivia (Brian) Stainbrook; 15 great grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren; brother, Robert (Rose) Travis of Marietta, OK, sister, Jean (Arnie) Odefy of Savage, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Judy; his beloved son Tom in 2003; brother, Donald Travis in infancy; sisters, Doris (Ralph) Preuss, and Phyllis (John) Mertz. 

Julia Ann “Judy” Travis, age 92, passed peacefully, on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the Vinton Lutheran Home. Funeral services were held on, Friday, January 16, 2026 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Vinton with Rev. Darrian Adkins officiating.  Interment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery.   Memorials may be directed to the Vinton Lutheran Home.

Judy was born on May 18, 1933 in Dallas Center IA, the daughter of James and Marguerite (Stump) Cadwell.  She graduated from Dallas Center High School with the class of 1951.  She married her High School sweetheart John William “Bill” Travis on April 12, 1952, at the Dallas Center United Methodist Church.  They would have celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary this year.

Bill and Judy operated the Dallas Center True Value Hardware Store for six years and purchased Travis True Value in Vinton in 1969.  They worked side by side at the store for 42 years.  Judy was active in her community, as a member of Early Arts and T.T.T.  She loved playing Bridge at the Country Club and enjoyed entertaining.  Gardening and cooking were special loves of hers.  Judy won a blue ribbon for her apple pie at the State Fair.  She was also known for her special peanut brittle, which she and Bill shared with friends and family during the Holidays.  Judy had a bubbly personality and a deep love for friends and family.  

She is survived by her husband Bill; daughters, Pamela (Rick) Primmer of Vinton, Susan Travis of Waukee; daughter-in-law Connie Travis of Vinton; 8 grandchildren, Tom (Diane) Primmer, James (Natane) Primmer, Julie (Kevin) Haefner, Angie (Bart) Klinzing, Tyler Travis, Will (Megan) Ketchen, Natalie (Brandon Ehrecke) Ketchen, Olivia (Brian) Stainbrook; 15 great grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren; and her sister Marilyn Kuehl of Dallas Center.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her beloved son Tom in 2003

Online condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com