Under the Water Tower Lovilia News

Pat Gilbert was reelected to the mayor’s job.  Three were elected to fill four year terms on the city council.  Returning for another term is Carrie Hutchinson.  Newly elected for their first term is Sadie Dykstra and Jess Hutchinson.  Pam Spaur resigned from the council with two years left on her term.  Josh Pettyjohn was elected to finish her term which will be a two year commitment.

Thanks to all you new electees for agreeing to serve your town by staffing city government.

John Malone Estate Auction

Nov.7 and Nov. 8 McDonough auction company was having an auction at F Avenue where John had lived until his recent death.  It was good sunny weather for the sale and several folks were there to bid.

New Christmas Lighted Decorations

Lovilia city parks committee member, Sadie Dykstra, says they want to hang decorations on light poles in Lovilia like was done many years ago.  They have some money to start the project but would like to have donations so they can hang enough lighted decor to give the town a festive glow.  If you would like to give to this project, take your cash or check to city hall earmarked for the Christmas lights.

Western guests are visiting

Rita Slofkosky of San Diego, California and Tina Robinson of Washington state are back visiting family and friends. Welcome home!

Blake, age 53, died at home in Lovilia.  He was born June 4, 1962 to William A. and Lois (Glass) Burk in Iowa City, Iowa.

He is a United States Army veteran who served in the Desert Storm Iraq war.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, talking politics, writing stories, and spending time with his family, especially his children.

He is survived by his children, Brady Michael Burk and Gretta Marie Burk of Menlo. Also, his mother, Lois Burk of Lovilia and his siblings:  Vickie (Steve) Smith of Lovilia, Dan Burk of Lovilia, Jayne (Vern) Goemaat of Attica, Kathy (Paul) Woolsey of Lovilia, Elaina (Mike) Dorethy of Lovilia, and Billy Burk of Lovilia.  He was preceded in death by his father and one brother, Mike Burk.

Graveside services were held at Marysville Cemetery Wednesday, September 2, 2015.  May he rest in peace.

Frances Elizabeth Spears Dies at age 93

Frances died August 29, 2015 at the Monroe County Hospital in Albia, Iowa.  She was born November 14, 1921 to Harry and Carrie (Newman) Tisue in Moravia. She graduated from Moravia High School in 1939.  On May 31, 1942 Frances married Daniel Spears in Unionville, Missouri.  They shared 48 years of marriage before he died on Sept. 13, 1990.

Frances worked most of her life as a social worker.  She enjoyed crocheting, needlework and in her earlier years, square dancing.  Spending time with family and friends was her real joy.

She is survived by her sons, Dennis Spears of Albia and Benny (Annette) Spears of Newton. Her daughter is Connie (Mike )Haluska of Decorah.  She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Kenneth and a granddaughter and a great grandchild.

Funeral services were held Sept. 2, 2015 at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia.  Burial was at Union chapel Cemetery.  May she rest in peace.

Lovilia Fall Festival

September 12 was the big day after over three months of planning. It opened at 2 p.m. with a car show on E Avenue with cars parked in front of city hall and the bank.  John Bain signed in the participants.  A plaque was given for the People’s Choice Award.

Three o’clock  the Fire Dept. water fights were held.  People sat on the grass and cheered them on and many kids ran close by so they could get wet from the overspray of the fire hoses.  Many young people had never seen this before and really enjoyed it.  Marc Etcher organized the event.

At 4 p.m. a bags tournament began at the ball diamond. Shay Ford and Tyler Ford set up the tournament.  Nine teams competed. Teams of two and the top four teams won cash prizes for placing in the top four.

On the paving behind city hall were the kids games, face painting, and kids crafts. Parents as teachers did the crafts and Jessica Manser lined up the games with help from the Bluff Creek Progressives 4-H club. Also, First community credit union brought their children’s train to give rides and this was really popular with the little ones.  In the community building were some vendors with crafts, jewelry, skin care products and more.  Lovilia community betterment ran the food booth serving walking tacos, hot dogs, chips, soda pop, and bottled water. Besides this the 4-H club was having a bake sale and Robbie Wallace was selling Kettle corn.

Stage entertainment in front of the Community Building began at 4 p.m. too.  Leading off the music was Sylvia Bain and John Bain.  Followed by Hunter McAninch singing and accompanying himself on guitar.  Finished the show was a four piece group of John Bain on lead guitar, Paul Hatfield on rhythm  guitar, Bobbie Morney on drums, and bass guitarist from Lennox ,Iowa.  They all shared in vocals. They played rousing music fro the 1950s up to recent tunes.  We heard nothing but good things about these musical guests.

People could order the new Lovilia T-shirt and some who ordered them earlier were wearing them today to show community pride.

At 7 p.m. the 50/50 raffle was announced. Extra prizes were donated by Casey’s and Jim & Charlies stores. We also had mums donated for stage decor and then prizes given by Vandenberg’s green house. After the names were called and prizes handed out, came the pie in the face.  Guests were asked to put money in a jar for the city councilman of their choice, mayor, fire chief, Leonard the city guy, or city clerk Patti DeGross.  There were two winners so the Mayor Pat Gilbert and the Fire Chief Marc Etcher took a whip cream pie to the face. Lots of smiles and cheers for this kapow!

The finale for the festival was the 8 p.m. Lighted Parade down main street (E Avenue). Parade lineup was at City park and the parade went north to the four way stop at 19th Street.  American Legion furnished a color guard of flags to lead out the parade.  Gerald Sofranko was parade marshal and rode with Mike Beary in Mike’s antique vehicle.  King Harold Parker and Queen Goldie Kraber rode in Merle Reginald’s convertible brimming with lights. Several fire departments sent trucks with lights blazing.  Casey’s store had a big beautiful float as did Lovilia United Methodist Church.  Some Shriner’s joined us with cars and one mini fire truck.  We also had golf carts, motorcycles, mom’s pushing strollers and the bikes.  Leading up the rear with several kids and adults on horse back with glowsticks on them for high lights. One horse even had a dog as its rider. That was quite a sight to see.  Kids were happy as the ran to retrieve candy thrown out from the parade vehicles.

We had festival donors such as Casey’s, City of Lovilia, Mike Lawrence-Iowa Aluminum, People’s State Bank, G & P Insurance, Jason Summers’ Ins., Lathrop Farms, First Iowa State Bank, Bussey State Bank, Hyvee, Jim & Charlies, Bluff Creek Progressive 4-H club, and several individual donors who made this event possible.  We thank you all.  We also had about 25 Lovilians who met almost weekly for three months plus donating extra of their time to produce this special day.  Thanks to all these folks for wanting Lovilia to have a day to celebrate.

October 1 Lovilia United Methodist Women’s Guest Day

They invite women to their guest day at 1 p.m. to hear a speaker, Lori Mercer, who made a missionary trip to South Africa.  Salad luncheon is after the program at the church. Please RSVP by Sept. 26th by calling Judy Conner 641-946-7353. ( leave a message if no answer).

Oct. 4 Crop Walk

Walk starts at 1:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Methodist church and walk to Bussey Methodist church.  Everyone welcome. Pledges or donations from the walkers support feeding the worlds hungry.  You are invited to join the walk by Lovilia United Methodist church.

Oct. 4 Missionary Priest to Talk

During mass at St. Peter’s Catholic Church a missionary priest will visit with us and give a homily.  You are welcome to be our guests at the 10:30 a.m. service.

Fireman’s Supper Oct. 8 at Lovilia Community Building

Firemen and their wives will be serving pulled pork, mac/cheese, corn, and desserts from 5pm-7pm Thursday.  Carry outs will be available.  Free will Donation appreciated. Hope to see you there to support your local Lovilia Fire Dept. There will be kids activities too.

Fall Dinner at St. Peter’s Catholic Church Oct. 11, Sunday

Mass is at 10:30 a.m. Lunch is served from 11am-1pm.  Menu includes choice of roast beef or ham, homemade noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, dinner roll and homemade desserts.  Dinner tickets will be $10 for adults and $5 for kids 4-12. Under four years there is no charge.  Country store open 9am-1pm with baked goods, garden produce and more.  Raffle tickets available for $1000 in cash prizes.  You can buy tickets in advance from church members or on picnic day. Need not be present to win.

Live auction starts at 1p.m.

Carry out meals are available by calling Ellie Davis 641-218-8169  the day before on Saturday the 10th between the hours of 8am and 10pm.  Leave a message telling your full name, number of meals ordered, and time you will pick the meals up at the church hall Sunday between 11am-1pm.

For many years Lovilia hosted a fall festival but it stopped about twenty years ago when our volunteers got burned out, worn out, and get up and go, got up and went.  Now with new young people in the town who want to revive this day of community fun and celebration we are set to give it a go.

The day will begin with a car show and gawkers and car buffs can look them all over and vote for their favorite.  The most voted for car gets the people’s choice award plaque at the stage at 4:30p.m.  If you want to enter your vehicle call car guy, John Bain 946-8160.  Then buff and shine it and come on down.

Firemen will team up at 3 p.m. for water fights on main street.  Come cheer on your team!

Lots of action takes off at 4 p.m.  The food booth in the community building will be serving walking tacos, hot dogs, chips, bottles of water and pop so you can take it to go and see the entertainment.  For dessert, the local 4-H club will have a bake sale in the community building and outside a kettle corn and a cotton candy vendor can satisfy your sweet tooth too.

Also in the building will be a fireman’s table of giveaways and info.  And parents as teachers will have free crafts for kids to do.  In the side room will be several vendors selling fashion accessories and other fun finds. So check them out.  Also, we have a new Lovilia T-shirt designed by Christian Williams that you can order and pay for at the festival and then pick up later when they are ready by going to Lovilia city hall.  It is charcoal gray and very cool !

Down on the ball diamond Shay and Tyler Ford have a bags tournament set up to begin at 4 p.m.  If you want to enter your team call Shay 641-891-1208 or Tyler 641-799-7727.  Cost is $10 per team, bring your own partner.  100% pay back.  We will pay top 4 teams.  Details are:  first team to 21 points wins, boards distance will be 25 feet hole to hole, double elimination will draw for seeding, and no alcohol allowed.  Enter your team and see if you have the right stuff to win!

On the paving behind city hall will be a dozen or more kid’s games for them to try and enjoy with prizes.  Also photo ops by our local artist, Jessica Manser, where you can be a princess, ninja fireman, lion, etc.  Photograph your child with your cell phone or your camera.

Meanwhile on the stage in front of the community building musical performances begin at 4 p.m.  John Bain and his daughter, Sylvia, lead off the show.  Second on stage will be Paul Hatfield followed by Hunter McAninch.  Bring up the final music group is Scarlet Rose of Melcher with their country melodies.

At 7 p.m. the winner of the 50/50 raffle will be announced. Second and third prize is a $50 gift card from Caseys.  Buy your raffle ticket in the community building hall from 4-6:30p.m.  Must be present to win.

Everything will stop at 7:45 p.m. so everyone can walk on down to E Avenue for a good viewing spot for the lighted parade.  The route will begin at the city park next to St. Peter’s Catholic Church and go north to the four way stop at 19th street where the parade will end.  If you have an entry for the parade, call parade lineup manager, Marc Etcher, at 641-208-7413 so he can get you a spot in the lineup.

Whether you come home to see old friends or you just join us for the family fun, we welcome you to Lovilia September 12th for a good old time.  Come on over!

New Community Building Frig

With money from the community betterment committee and from the Leisure Lounge  of Albia who works with Lovilia to provide Senior Meals at the building on Mon., Wed. and Fri., a new frig. was purchased. The old one had a water leak and was over 30 years old and therefore not very energy efficient.  The new one should cost less to operate and help us in the kitchen for many years.  New manager of the meal site for seniors is Marty Major who replaces Gayle Hastings who has retired.  Thank you Gayle for seven years of service to our community.

Three New IHCC Graduates from Lovilia

Katie Williams and Christian Williams whose parents are Bob and Loita (Barnes) Williams both graduated in August.  Katie has a degree as an occupational therapy assistant. She will take her state board exams in September. Her goal is to work as a traveling therapist and take short term assignments all over the USA and would be especially be pleased if she could have a Hawaii assignment.  Christian completed his degree as a machinist and is currently interning at VerMeers in Pella where he then hopes to have full time employment.

Jacque Gilbert, daughter of Pat and Teresa Gilbert, just completed her degree to be a surgical tech. She had clinical practice in Iowa City and Centerville hospitals as part of her training.  She is hoping to work at Centerville hospital where she interviews next week.

Congratulations to all three for your finishing your studies and best wishes in your new careers.

Teresa Beary moves to Netherlands

Teresa, daughter of David and Susan Beary, and her husband Paul White have moved in August to live and work in the Netherlands.  Paul will work in the chemistry dept. of the university there.  Teresa will continue her work for Ag leader of Ames at their European office in the same town.  There are many differences in culture there.  Susan asked about meeting the neighbors.  Teresa said they learned that you don’t just drop in on people there. The custom is to write or phone and make an appointment at least two weeks in advance. Everyone rides bikes. Bikes even have the right of way over pedestrians and cars. They have lots to learn in this new culture.

Sofrankos back in Lovilia

Gerald and Bev Sofranko, who spent the winter in Illinois near their children, have returned to their Lovilia home.  They missed the home place and are back to stay Gerald said.  Welcome back!!  We missed you.

Interview with North End Tap Owner

Joan Ford, owner of the North End for 34 years this August 15th, bought the tavern from Peggy Fowler.  She says the building has quite a history.  It was originally a general store at Rex 5 coal mine and then was moved into town at the south part of Lovilia and was used as a clothing store. Later Adeline Haycock’s parents moved the building to the present location.  Adeline’s parents ran the tavern and served home cooked Italian meals.  Other owners were Marvin Franzen, Harry & Geri Smith, Bingamans, and then Peggy Fowler.  Current employees are Pat Bregar and Gail Anderson.  There is a pool table for games available.  North End is well known for taco Tuesday and for home cooked meals on noon on Thursday.  Sandwiches and salads and other treats are served daily seven days a week.

New Ownership of South End Tavern

Brenda Chilton has sold the tavern to Lisa Starcevic Shepherd and Larry “Huck” Shepherd.  They started August 15th. They moved here because Lisa has family here in Hiteman.  They plan to be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. -2 a.m.  Employees besides themselves will be Larisa Shepherd, Carolyn Hainline, Randy Chilton, and Mike Hirchak.  They will serve “taste of the southwest” Mexican food, Iowa food, pizza, and broasted chicken. The new name will be “Lisa and Huckelberry’s South End Tap”.  There  goal is to make this a family neighborhood eatery Huck says.  They will remodel and the north end of the building will be separate from the bar area and have kids video games.  They will serve breakfast, lunch, and supper  and will do carry outs.

He would like to have rock music live on Fridays, karoke on Saturdays, and country music on Sundays.  When bands are going to come he will place an ad in the Albia newspaper.  He says they are biker friendly.  He has put a new awning outside on the west side 43 foot by 10 foot for a beer garden. That will be the only smoking area.  He is also setting up pool tournaments and horse shoe tournaments.

Lisa and Huck want to decorate the walls with photos of past stores and businesses of Lovilia.  If you have one to give or would copy it for him, let him know.

I f you want to enter the parade, please call our parade chairman, Marc Etcher, 641-208-7413, to save a place for you in the lineup.  The parade will be a lighted parade at 8 p.m. so have some kind of light on your entry for safety and for bling! Marc can tell you where the parade lineup area is and the parade route.

Car show starts the day at the school yard.  John Bain is the man in charge of the car show.  If you would like to enter your car, or have questions please give him a ring at 946-8160.  Show begins 2 p.m. and ends at 4 p.m.

At 4 p.m. food will be served from the community building kitchen.  Walking tacos, hot dogs, chips, and soda pop will be our simple fare.  Take your grub outside and listen to the stage entertainment in front of the building.  We will have John Bain and daughters perform, Hunter McAninch, and Scarlet Rose country band from Melcher. Be prepared for some toe tapping. Music begins at 4p.m. and goes until 7:45 p.m. when we all head out to the parade route to see the lighted entries glow by.

Also, at 4 p.m. will be lots of kids games and photo opportunities.  Jessica Manser painted six or seven characters a person can pose behind to be a lion or pirate and the others I’ll keep as a surprise.  So bring your phone or camera to take cute kids shots.

We will have raffle tickets for sale at the community building for a 50/50 raffle.  One winner will get half the money from the ticket sales and the other half will go in a fund for next years festival.  Casey’s has donated a $50 gift certificate for 2nd prize and a $50 certificate for third prize.  So buy some tickets to be a winner and support the festival too!  win win.

The first can drive netted over $800.  Those nickels added up!  Thanks to all who donated their cans.  Another can drive will be held Aug. 22, Saturday from 10-12.  Drop off your cans at the comm. bldg. or if you want them picked up call Sadie Dykstra at 641-891-7855 or Loita Williams at 946-7940.  All earnings from the can drive go to pay festival expenses and any left will be used for next years festival.

For shoppers there will be four or five vendors in the community building such as scentsy and some fashionista purses.

Three p.m. will be a waterfight between some firemen teams.  This will be a fun event to watch for all.

A Lovilia T-shirt has been designed by Christian Williams.  The committee chose a design and we will take orders for the shirts in advance and then buy the number ordered.  Order blanks should be out soon.

Kettle corn will be for sale courtesy of Rob Wallace. The 4-H club will be having a bake sale of yummy items.  Come prepared to eat and enjoy the fun at the Lovilia Fall Festival.

South End Tavern Changes Hands

The new name will be Lisa and Huckleberry’s South End Tap.  Will let you know when it opens for business.

Legion Building gets a Splash of Paint

Billy McCombs has changed the street side from green to blue. It gives it a facelift.  Hopefully, he can complete the whole building by parade day.

Post Office Spruced Up

Wilmer Blomgren, Jr. has installed new carpet in the post office lobby and it has been a nice improvement for customers.  Thanks, Wilmer!

Soul Barn

Jeff Comstock had church services in the country at the soul barn. Now he is moving to town with it.  He is rehabbing the building he owns on main street.  It is the building north of the old Geno building (now owned by Leon Chamberlain).

New Baby in Town

Jessica and Justin Manser are the proud parents of a baby boy born August 3rd.  His name is Trayton Jay Manser.  He weighed in at 7 pounds 4 ounces and at a length of 20 inches.  Congratulations!

John was born Feb. 18, 1932  to Gus and Alma Summers Malone at his parent’s home in Monroe County, Iowa.  After attending rural schools he entered the US Army and served during the Korean War.

He was joined in marriage to Alice Marie Bain Feb. 19, 1955.  They were the parents of Joan, Dennis and Doug.  Alice passed away in 2011 after they shared 55 years together.

John worked for Maytag in Newton for 37 years.  He Was a member of Albia American Legion. John enjoyed flea markets, auctions and refurbishing antiques to resell.

His children Joan and Douglas live in Albia.  Dennis resides in West Des Moines.  His sister Mary Lou Quinn lives in Bettendorf.  He also is survived by 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandson.

He was proceeded in death by his wife, parents, four brothers: Bob, Bill, Dick and James, and sister Betty as well as niece Patty Malone.

Visitation is Friday from 1-8 p.m. with family present 6-8p.m. at Tharps.

Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 1 at Tharp Funeral home in Albia.  Burial with military rites will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Lovilia.

A memorial to Welcome Home Soldier memorial has been established.  May he rest in peace.

Lovilia Fall Festival Sept. 12, 2015

Mark your calendars. Plans are being made by Lovilia Community Betterment and it’s festival committee to have the festival Saturday, Sept. 12th.

Volunteers are spearheading food, car show, stage entertainment, kid’s games, and a parade.

We are planning our first ever lighted parade to be held to end the festivities.  It will begin at 8 p.m.

John Bain is heading up the car show to begin 2 p.m. or so in the Lovilia School yard.  The other activites begin at 4pm and will last until parade time.

If you want to be involved and want more info. you can call chairman, Susan Beary at 946-7952.

Be there Sept 12, Saturday to enjoy Lovilia in the Fall! Let’s celebrate together!

In April the Legion building on main street (E avenue) was put up for auction by the current owner, Milo McCombs. However, no one placed a bid so the building was not sold.

Emily Plum Has Baby Boy April 21, 2015

Emily Plum has a new baby boy named Charles Ozan. He weighed in at 7 lbs. 12 oz.  Emily and her husband live in Atlanta, Georgia.  Emily grew up  near Lovilia and graduated from Albia High School.  Her dad is Joe Plum and her mom is Jane (Juana) Plum.  Her local  grandparents were Mr. and Mrs. Harlon Plum. Congratulations on your bundle of joy!

Lovilia Community Betterment Meeting

Meeting held April 30,2015 at the Lovilia Community Building.  Patty De Gross explained that the city obtained a grant. With the money sixteen American flags will be purchased and hung on special occasions in Lovilia.  Also there are funds for purchasing Christmas decorations for the town for the next holiday season.

Discussion was held regarding insuring the community building and its contents.  The annual premium  was raised by the insurance company to cover the replacement cost. The current premium is about $ 2,500.  We will need to have a couple of fund raisers to help pay for the insurance.

Ron Conner resigned as President of the board.  Susan Beary was nominated and elected president.  Judy Conner was elected secretary and Fred Kraber will continue as treasurer.

Fred stated the building had received three memorials:  $397 given in memory of Mary Chamberlain, $550 in memory of Edith Barnes, and $844 in memory of Vince and Mary Jo Beary.  This is very much appreciated in helping with the building needs.

Dawn Maughan has plans to frame photos of the latest Lovilia school classes before it’s closing. The board said they would then hang them in the small meeting room of the community building.

The board also discussed the possibility of having a town festival within a year like we use to do.  This will require the support and attendance of most of the towns people so we invite them to our next meeting.

June 15, 2015, Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the community building will be the next meeting.  We encourage any Lovilia residents or rural Lovilia  residents to join us and help plan for the festival and discuss other ways to make Lovilia a “better” place to live.

May 2 All City Wide Yard Sales

Several were held and several shoppers checked them out.  Susan Beary decided to give her earning to charity. She made $173.40.  The earnings went to two charities. $86.70 went to Helping Hands of Albia and $86.70 went to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  She thanks all her shoppers who made it possible.

St. Peter’s Catholic Church of Lovilia held a bake sale too and sold all they had but one bag of noodles. They were pleased and want to thank all who came out and supported the sale.

May 3, 2015 First Communion Day

One young man made his first communion, Luke Wynn.  He is son of Marc and Jill Wynn of rural Lovilia and grandson of Jerry and Camilla Wynn of Lovilia.  He received communion with his classmates at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, Iowa.

Bo “Clyde” Gullion dies May 6, 2015

Bo, age 69, passed away at Monroe County Hospital in Albia.

He was born December 29, 1945 to Claude “Hopper” and Pauline (Long) Gullion at their home in Marion County.  He attended country schools until 8th grade.

February 6, 1965 Bo and Diana Bonnett were married at the Union Liberty Church. To this union two children were born, Clyde II and Lisa.

He worked at Maytag in Newton for 25 years before retiring May 31, 1992. Then he worked in road construction and as an operator for the local 234 for 10 years.  He retired on July 1, 2007.

Bo coached little league and helped with Babe Ruth in the Bussey area. He liked the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Cubs, the out of doors and tending his rose bushes.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Diana of Lovilia. Also, his son and daughter and his daughter-in-law of Lovilia. He has four grandchildren, one great grandchild, and five sisters.

Preceding him in death were his parents and his brother, Jim Gullion.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 9, 2015 at the Bussey Methodist Church in Bussey, Iowa.  Burial will follow services in the Hamilton Cemetery in Marion Country, Iowa.

Visitation will be 2-8 p.m., Friday, May 8, 2015 at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Bo’s family present from 5-8 p,m.  An open memorial has been established in Bo’s family’s name.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.tharpfh.com

John, age 73, died after a seven and a half year battle with leukemia and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

He was born Sept. 5, 1941 in Iowa City to Ernest D. and Isabelle Herman Johnson of Lovilia, Iowa.  John went to Lovilia schools and graduated from Lovilia High School.  In school he met Judith Ann Sickler whom he married on August 5, 1962 at the Lovilia United Methodist Church. He was a lifelong church member there.

John’s dad was a hardworking coal miner, but after only one trip to the coal pit, John sought to make a living some other way.  He became an insurance man and built up his own agency where he worked for 42 years successfully.

John always believed in service to his community.  He was an original member of the Lovilia Community Betterment Committee in 1976 and one of the five men who signed the loan so Lovilia could finance and build the Lovilia Community Building.  He also served many years on the Lovilia Fire Dept.

When the family and the insurance agency moved to Albia, John helped with Albia Victorian Stroll, Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary.  He especially wanted to help improve Albia parks.  He enjoyed nature as a fisherman, hunter, and gardener.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judi and daughters Tammy, Terri and son, Anthony.

Tammy (Mark) McMains of Oskaloosa has a son John W. and two grandchildren.  Terri (Curtis) Krupp of Rockwall, Texas has four children: Victoria, Alexander, Phoebe, and Ella and one grandson.  Anthony and his son, Leo, reside in Polk City, Iowa.

Also survivng is John’s brother, Jerry, of Hamilton, Iowa.

John was preceded in death by his parents and brothers: Lowell, William, Dallas, and sister, Doris.

Visitation is Friday April 3rd at Sinnott-Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Albia.  Opens to visitors at 1 pm. and family will be present 5-8 p.m.

The  visiting will continue at the United Methodist Church from noon -2 p.m. Saturday, April 4th. Services begin at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Lovilia.

Memorials may be made to Albia Rotary for city parks improvement, Lovilia United Methodist Church or Lovilia Community Betterment.

May he rest in peace.

Zackary Randall and Tiffany Stansberry Randall have a new baby girl. She has been given the name, Zacklyn Hope Randall.  That makes three beautiful girls  for Zack and Tiff. Zack is Lovilia’s fire chief also.  They live on F Avenue in Lovilia. Best wishes for you as you welcome this little blessing to your family.

New Clerk at Lovilia Post Office

Sarah Lang is now at Lovilia as her regular job. Sue who was here is now at Bussey post office as her regular position. Both ladies are happy with the arrangements. Welcome Sarah!!

She and her husband, Justin, and daughter, Ava, live on E Avenue South in Lovilia.  Sarah is the daughter of David and Linda Kraber and the granddaughter of Marilyn Kraber all of Lovilia. Rural route carrier will continue to be Nancy Runquist.

Two Local Natives Pictured on Front Page of Catholic Messenger Newspaper

Laura Hollinrake, daughter of Joe and Jean Hollinrake of Weller, was in the photo with John Popson.  John was formerly from rural Monroe County too and is married to Martha Plum , daughter of deceased Mr. and Mrs. Harlon Plum.

Both were working in the photo on a Habitat for Humanity home. Both are now residents of Knoxville and are members of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church there.

Laura is director of religious education at the church as well as chairman of the social action committee. Also a member of the church is the Habitat affiliate’s community outreach director, Beth Adamcik.  Beth asked St. Anthony’s for help and Laura and John answered the call along with others.  Other parishes help too including Melcher and Pella Catholic churches.

I am sure they could always use more help. If interested, call Habitat for Humanity 641-828-8844 in Knoxville. Everyone is welcome. Any one can volunteer from any church or no church membership.

Easter Services in Lovilia

St. Peter’s Catholic church mass will be Sunday, April 5 at 10:30 a.m.  Guests are welcome.

Lovilia All City Yard Sales Set for May 2, Saturday

Susan and David Beary will have a yard sale at there house a 1201 E Avenue South from 8 a.m. until 1pm and from noon until pm what remains will be sold for 1/2 price.  Proceeds will be divided and 1/2 will go to Helping Hands in Albia and 1/2 to St. Jude’s Cancer Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.  No clothes.  All household, antiques, 20″ girl’s bike, books, etc. Come shop!

If you are planning a sale for that day or any day, contact us here at under the water tower and we will post it here, no charge.

Bake Sale by St. Peter’s women May 2, Saturday

8 a.m. until sold out. will be selling at Susan and David Beary’s house at 1201 E Avenue South .(four houses south of the Lovilia school building)

Delbert Hastings, 83, of Norway, Iowa died Jan. 21, 2015.  He was born March 7, 1931 to Robert and Deanie Smith Hastings at Eddyville, Iowa.  He and his younger brothers, Harold and John, grew up on a farm near Lovilia.  He graduated from Lovilia School with the class of 1949.

Delbert served for two years in the US Army during the Korean conflict.  After the service, he earned a degree at Simpson College.  June 3, 1956 he married Barbara Malloy.  They moved to Norway, Iowa where he taught school for 35 years.

Delbert was also a talented carpenter.  He was a very active member of Norway United Methodist church.

His son, Jeffrey, and wife, Sue, have two children, Emily and Scott and they all live in Cleveland, Ohio.  His daughter, Julie, and husband, Mike Sankot, live in Walford, Iowa.

Delbert was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.  Funeral service were in Oskaloosa Jan. 26.  Burial was in Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa.  May he rest in Peace.

Joann Flahive Derby dies Feb. 14, 2015

Josephine Ann “Joann” Flahive Derby was born in Weller, Iowa to Bill and Mary Ann Bingaman Flahive Nov. 4, 1936.  She was educated in Lovilia, Iowa and graduated with the high school class of 1954.

On Jan. 12, 1957 she married Samuel L. Derby.  They were blessed with four children:  Rick, Randy, Sandy, and Shelly.  In turn she is blessed with nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, children, and grandchildren.  Also by six sisters: Mary Theresa, Marge, Geraldine, Florence, Catherine, and Delores, as well as one brother James.

Preceding her in death were her parents, sisters Madeline and Bernice, and brothers, Ed, Bill and John.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11 am Thursday Feb. 19 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Albia , Iowa.  Private burial at a later date.

Visitation Wed., Feb. 18 at Tharp Funeral Home, Albia, Iowa 3pm-8pm with rosary at 4pm and wake at 5pm.

Memorials may be made to Exira Care Center at 409 South Carthage, Exira, Iowa 50076.  She was residing there at the time of her death, Feb. 14, 2015.  Joann was 78 years of age.  May she rest in peace.

I t just came to my awareness that I failed to publish Donna’s obituary.  I apologize for the oversight. Here is the information below:

She was born in Monroe County to Loren and Florence (Bingaman) Gass on January 7, 1938.  Donna received her education in Lovilia schools and graduated with the Lovilia High School class of 1954.

Bill Slofkosky and Donna Jean were married in 1955.  They were blessed with five children:  Tom, Debbie, Bill,Diane,and Kim.

Bill died in 1977.  She later married Jack Shelford in 1981.  Jack also preceded her in death July 24, 2012.

Donna Jean was a member of St. Peters Catholic Church and St. Peters Altar and Rosary in Lovilia, Iowa.  She is remembered as a humble and spiritual woman.  Her special interests were flowers, feeding birds, and enjoying her pets.

She is survived by her children: Tom (Melissa) Slofkosky of Liberty, Mo.; Debbie Peterson and George Teno of Albia, Iowa; Bill Slofkosky of Lovilia; Diane (Bill) Murray of Iowa City, Iowa; and Kim Murphy of Albia, Iowa.  Donna leaves 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.  Also surviving are her brother: Jim (Diane) Gass of Michigan; and step-son Greg (Holly)Shelford of Knoxville, Iowa and two step grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Bill, husband, Jack and three step children.

Celebration of life mass, officiated by F. Patrick Lumsden, was Sept. 22, 2014 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Lovilia, Iowa.  Honorary pall bearers were Donna’s grandchildren.  Inurnment was at Weller cemetery, Weller, Iowa.  Memorials were established to either Monroe County Hospice or Weller Cemetery.

May she rest in peace.