Under the Water Tower Lovilia News

Jerry was born in Knoxville, Iowa to Wilmer and Susie Blomgren on July 15, 1943. He attended school in Lovilia and graduated with the class of 1962. Then he entered the United States Army and served his country from 1965 to 1967 as a Pole Lineman. Later he studied electronics at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa.

His work life included: Caterpillar, Monroe Plastics, Chamberlain, Hormel and he retired as Maintenance Supervisor at Excel Meat Solutions.

Jerry’s interests were: Western movies (with Pepsi & popcorn), gardening, fixing things, music ( favorites were Johnny Cash & Elvis), and his dancing. He enjoyed time with his two dogs, Waylon and Izzy B. and he cherished family gatherings.

After high school he soon met Correne and they married September 18, 1965.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; step mother, Edith; his ex-wife, Correne; grandparents Emanuel and Matilda Blomgren, William and Rose Waters; infant sister, Marilyn; sisters, Mary Sue Slay and Sharon Speck; brother, Junior; nephew, Kevin Bunch; and brother-in-law Robert Clark.

Jerry is survived by his two daughters and one son: Cindy (Matt) Trainum of Dows, Iowa; Jennifer (Jamie) Wilson of Sioux Rapids, Iowa; and Jerry (Darla) Blomgren of Swisher, Iowa. Also three grandchildren; one great grandchild; sister, Sherry Clark of Centerville; sister, Judy (Bill) Jones of Albia; and his good friend and neighbor, Scott.

He passed away at home on Oct. 18, 2022 in Ottumwa, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 1-2pm Thursday, Nov. 3rd, at St. Paul’s church.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, November 3, 2022 at 2pm at St. Paul’s Lutheran church in Albia. Pastor Ronald Myers officiating. Military rites will follow by the American Legion of Albia, Lovilia, and Melrose.

Memorials may be directed to: Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.Org/donate or to the American Red Cross at redcross.org

Sinnott Funeral home is handling arrangements.

May he rest in peace.

Margaret C. Vittetoe, 83, of Ottumwa died October 24,2022 at University Hospital in Iowa City.

She was born January 30,1939 to Donald Vere and Geraldine R. Carr Crumley. She attended school in Lovilia, Iowa and graduated there with the 1957 class. Margaret then graduated from the St. Joseph School of x-Ray and worked as a technician at St. Joseph Hospital in Ottumwa.

Margaret and Raymond A. Vittetoe were married on October 8,1960 at St. Peter’s Catholic church in Lovilia. They were blessed with five sons: John, Michael, Joseph, David and Stephen. She was a fulltime mother for some time but later returned to work as an x-ray tech for Dr. berg and Dr. Brindley until retiring in 2004.

As a member of the St. Mary of the Visitation Church in Ottumwa, she served in the Ministry of Care, was Eucharistic minister, and a member of the Altar and Rosary Society. She was a member of the Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra and served on the board. She was also a member in: Ottumwa Civic Music, Questers, Antique Friends, TTT, Sate Association of Radiology Techs., Hospice Auxiliary, and St. Joseph Hospital Boar

Surviving are her five sons and their families: John of Omaha, NE; Michael of Chino Hills, CA; Joseph of Berthoud, CO; Dr. David of Adel, Iowa; and Stephen of Crystal Lake, IL. She is also blessed with ten grandchildren and two great-grand daughters.

Preceding her in death were her parents and her two brothers: Robert S. “Bob” Crumley and infant, John William Crumley.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 30th, at Reece Funeral Home in Ottumwa, Iowa. Visitation will be open at 10 a.m. At 2 p.m. will be a Rosary followed by a Wake service. After the Wake the family will greet guests until 5 p.m.

The funeral mass will be 10 a.m., Monday, October 31st, at St. Mary of the Visitation church with Father Dale Mallory presiding. Cremation will follow the service. Inurnment will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery in Lovilia at a later date.

If you can not attend the visit or funeral, you may watch it on the Reece Funeral Home Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to St. Mary of the Visitation or to the Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra.

May she rest in peace.

Pamela, age 59, of Lovilia, Iowa passed away October 4, 2022 at Mahaska Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

Pam was born on October 28, 1962 in Albia to Lee and Mary (Summers) Smith. Her education was in Albia schools. On May 31, 1985, she married Richard P. Pierce in Cincinnati, Iowa. They had one daughter, Ricci, and one son, Paul. Pam and Richard shared 25 years of marriage before he passed away April 8, 2011.

Pam worked at DeLong’s in Albia until it closed and then she worked as a waitress at Main Street Cafe in Albia.

She is survived by her daughter and 3 siblings: Stan (Barbara) Smith, Vanessa Smith-Campbell, and Annie Clark. Also, nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends survive.

Preceding her in death were her husband, son, father, mother, and brother (Danny) and sister (Janette).

Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, October 9, 2022 at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia. A private family burial will be held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Cincinnati, Iowa at a later date.

Cards of condolences or memorials may be sent to the Tharp Funeral Home at 116 Benton Ave. West, Albia, Iowa 52531, to be given to the family.

May she rest in peace.

Barbara J. Hollinrake

Barbara Jean Hollinrake died, shortly after a cancer diagnosis, on June 1, 2011.

She was born on August 11, 1955 to Joseph Michael and Jean Kathryn Durbala Hollinrake of Weller. she was the oldest of eight children and grew up on the farm near Weller. Barb grew up in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Weller. She was a godmother, catechist, confirmation sponsor, and role model to many young people.

Her education began with elementary at Lovilia and graduation with the Albia High School class of 1973. Her interests were with academics, music, and 4-H. She attended Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, Missouri and earned a bachelor’s degree in business education. She began teaching business classes when a priest recognized her gift for counseling students. As a result, she returned to school and earned a master’s degree in counseling and human development.

In 1983 she began as a guidance counselor at Maquoketa Valley Community School district in Delhi. She enjoyed all that entailed from career days, college visits, proctoring ACT tests, student council adviser, and track meet timekeeper. She also developed a scholarship program that she served on its board for 20 years.

She is survived by her parents, sister Mary Kay Henderson (Rick), brother Steve (Kim), brother Robert, brother Marty (Kristy), sister Laura (Pat Finan), brother John (Cami) and sister-in-law Suzanne.

Preceding her in death were her brother, Ed and niece Gabrielle, and nephew Elijah, maternal and paternal grandparents and others.

Mass of Christian burial was June 6, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Albia and burial at Weller Cemetery, Weller, Iowa. May she rest in peace.

Lawrence “Larry” Edward Beary

Larry, age 91, passed away June 21,2022 at the West Rideg Specialty Care Center in Knoxville, Iowa.

He was born in Cedar Township near Weller on Sept. 4,1930 to Walter E and Mary Garnet Hackathorn Beary. He was the first born of seven children.

His education was at Oak Dale country school and then he graduated from Lovilia High School with the class of 1948. For a while he lived and worked with his uncles, Jim and Leo Beary on their farm. As soon as he graduated, he went to Albia airport and signed up for flying lessons. Larry earned his private pilot’s license in 1949 and loved to fly.

August 9,1952 at St. Mary’s Church in Albia, Iowa he married Joan Marlin. They shared 70 years of marriage and were blessed with five children: Kathleen, David, Chistine, Randy, and Scott.

He served in the U. S. Air Force from 1951-1955. Larry was promoted to the rank of Staff Sgt. After his service he returned to Iowa and farmed. He was a good steward using conservation practices, raised animals but especially liked his cow/calf herd. He was active in square dance club, Albia American Legion and the Catholic Church in Weller and Albia. He was always proud of his Irish heritage.

Larry enjoyed flying, card playing, dancing, and roller skating.

He is survived by his wife, and children: Kathleen (Bruce) Baumbaugh, David Beary, Christine (Bill) Lanphier, Randy (Tina) Beary, and Scott Beary. Family includes 16 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren,

A mass of Christian burial was held June 27, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic church in Albia, Iowa and burial with military honors at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Weller, Iowa. A memorial has been established to St. Mary’s Cemetery Weller. May he rest in peace.

Wilmer Junior Blomgren

Junior passed away in Ottumwa at his daughter Lana’s home in the care of EveryStep Hospice on June 22, 2022.

November 29, 1938 he was born in his Lovilia home to Wilmer and Susie Blomgren. His family included five siblings: Mary Sue, Sharon, Sherry, Jerry, and Judy.

He attended school in Lovilia and graduated with the class of 1957. Junior was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War and served as a medic from 1961-1963.

He worked at Maytag as a journeyman carpenter until his retirement in 1998.

On Dec. 12, 1969 he married Barbara Orr and they were blessed with one daughter, Lana. His interests included: dancing, road trips with Lana, carpentry projects, gardening, and time with friends at the Legion.

He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Albia and attended weekly with his stepmother, Edith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, wife, stepmother, infant sister (Marilyn), sisters (Mary Sue and Sharon), nephew (Kevin Bunch), in-laws (Robert Clark and Corrine Blomgren).

Junior is survived by: daughter, three grandchildren (Donovan (Kat) Helm, Connor Helm, and Taylor (Jordan)Boyenga; sisters (Sherry and Judy), brother (Jerry) and other family and friends.

Funeral services were July 2, 2022 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Albia and burial with military honors were provided by the American Legion Albia at Oak View Cemetery in Albia.

The family will donate all memorials to Welcome Home Soldier Memorial in Albia and EveryStep Hospice of Centerville. May he rest in peace.

Murder/Suicide in Lovilia

These paragraphs are taken from the posted Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation report: On July 3, 2022 deputies with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and agents from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation began an investigation into a body found in rural Monroe County. The body has been identified as 33- year-old Betty Werner of Lovilia.

The investigation into Betty’s death began after Ankeny police officers were told of a potential homicide in Monroe County. Ankeny police shared the information with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, and Department of Natural Resources. Using the information provided to Ankeny police, law enforcement officers in Monroe County found Betty’s body, covered with bedding and debris, off of 505th Street.

Betty’s husband, 41-year-old Nathan Werner, was identified as the sole person responsible for her death. Nathan was found, armed and holed up inside his residence. Over several hours, Iowa State Patrol negotiators and tactical team members attempted to persuade Werner from his home. Werner refused to leave and ended negotiations. Before law enforcement entered his house, Nathan took his own life.

An autopsy conducted by the Office of the State Medical Examiner showed that Betty died as the result of multiple gunshot wounds. Her death has been classified as a homicide.

An autopsy conducted by the Polk County Medical Examiner confirmed that Nathan died as the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His death has been classified as a suicide.

Bates Funeral Chapel of Oskaloosa, Iowa said no services were planned for Nathan Werner. Nathan was born on July 5,1981 and died on July 4,2022. May he rest in peace.

Betty Ann Garden (Werner)

Betty was born on July 6,1988 at Mahaska County Hospital, Oskaloosa, Iowa to Randy and Jacquelene (Schippers) Garden. She went to school in Oskaloosa and earned a CNA certificate from Indian Hills Comm. College in Ottumwa, Iowa.

She worked as a nurse’s aide at Pleasant Park in Oskaloosa and then worked at Vermeer’s in Pella as a forklift driver. Her interests were fishing, kayaking, camping, hiking, grilling, and campfires. Her son, Zane, was cherished by her most of all.

She is survived by her son, parents, siblings: Stephanie (Logan) Cavan, Denise (Mark) Bower, and Clayton (Maddi) Garden and other family and friends.

Her celebration of life was July 23,2022 at Lake Miami in Monroe County. Betty’s family encouraged all to come enjoy things Betty loved to do: fishing, kayaking, and outdoor fun. May she rest in peace.

Gwen Chance Shepard

Gwen (Lemaster) Chance Shepard, age 96, of Albia, Iowa passed away on September 12, 2022, at the Monroe Care Center in Albia.

She was born on February 20, 1926 in Albia Iowa to H. Ray Lemaster and Flossie Hamilton. On June 5, 1943 she married Raymond Chance and they farmed outside of Lovilia, Iowa until he passed away on August 4, 1976. They were blessed with two children, Sharon and Steve.

Gwen also worked at several businesses in the Lovilia and Albia area. On March 21, 1981 she married Sam Shepard. He passed away on November 27, 1997.

She is survived by her, sister (Marlene), daughter, Sharon Robb of Des Moines, her son Steve (Carol Emal) of Lovilia, and three grandchildren: Lisa, Matt, and Mitch, and many other family and friends.

Preceding her in death were both husbands, her brothers, and son-in-law, Charles Robb and a stepson.

Funeral services were held September 17, 2022 at Trinity United Methodist church in Albia, Iowa. A private family burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Lovilia at a later date. There is an open memorial. May she rest in peace.

Karen Kay (Farrington) Bain

Karen, age 52, of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, died suddenly at her home on Saturday, September 17, 2022. Karen formerly lived in Lovilia, Iowa with her husband, John and two daughters.

Arrangements are pending at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia. May she rest in peace.

Congratulation to Rylee Dunkin and her Twin Cedar Team

Their team won the 1A State Softball tournament and Rylee was chosen for the 1st Team All State. Congratulations on winning this honor! Rylee is the daughter of Kurt and Heather Dunkin who live near Lovilia.

New Recycling manager for Monroe County

Doug Anderson has recently accepted the job and is also busy working as a vice-president of People’s Bank in Albia, Iowa. Welcome aboard and thanks for continuing our recycling services in Lovilia.

NEW LOVILIAN BORN

TJ Post and Jacquelyn Post are the proud parents of a baby girl born Sept. 13, 2022. She weighed in at 7 pounds 8 ounces and measured 20 inches. They have chosen the name Kinsley Sue. Welcome to this bundle of joy!

Raffle winners for St. Peter’s Picnic are:

$50 Rich Plum, $50 Bernie Kurimski, $100 Kirk McAninch, $100 Jane Kamerick, $200 Murph Robinson, and $500 Justin Rosenboom. Thanks to everyone who helped us by buying tickets! says St. Peter’s Church.

40TH

Congratulation to Bob and Loita Williams on the celebration of their 40th wedding anniversary! May you enjoy many more years together!

Sept. 25, Sunday, is the special dinner and event. It begins with mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lovilia.

Then we move to the Lovilia Community Building on 17th Street ( under the water tower) for dinner. Serving begins at 11 a.m. and continues until 1 p.m. Menu is: roast beef or ham, mashed potatoes, homemade egg noodles, green beans, coleslaw, bread/butter, homemade desserts, and beverages.

Dinner tickets are $13 for adults, age 4-12 is $8, and 3 years and under eat free. Carry out meals available for pickup only during serving times 11 -1.

Auction begins at 1 p.m. with anything from green plants to quilts, etc. Come check it out. Good time to do some early Christmas gift shopping. Auctions are full of fun and surprises.

Raffle tickets with all cash prizes will be for sale for $2 each and the winners will be announced at the end of the auction. You do not need to be present to be a winner. Winners will be notified by phone.

See you there!

David “Dave” Dean Stewart, age 63, passed away on Saturday, March 19, 2022 while wintering in Mission, Texas.

He was born November 17, 1958 to Paul and Elizabeth (Ewers) Stewart in the Oskaloosa Hospital. He was educated in Albia Community Schools and graduated with the class of 1977. On December 3, 1977 he married Kim Conner at the Lovilia, Iowa Methodist church. Dave and Kim shared 44 years of marriage before he passed. To this union three sons were born: Jeff, Travis, and Nick.

Dave’s work life included: cattle farming, construction work with Ben Pettyjohn, work with stained glass windows, owned/operated Lovilia Stop and Shop and finally, hauled local farmers grain.

His interests included: fishing, mechanic work, lawn care, and playing pool. He and Kim enjoyed traveling to Oklahoma and wintered in Texas for 15 years. Dave enjoyed visiting with family and friends.

Dave is survived by his wife, three sons, 12 grandchildren, and his siblings: Karen ,Margaret, Stephen, Claudia, Debby, and Bess Powers. Also 2 sister-in-laws: Dotty Stewart and Cindy (Tom) Welsh; and brother-in-law, Danny Conner.

Preceding him in death were: his parents; brother, Charlie; in-laws, Don and Phyllis Conner; and brothers-in-law, Don Casper, Dale VanLangen, and Dick Powers.

At his request, his body has been cremated and a Celebration Of Life service will be at a later date.

Cards may be sent to the family at 6233 132nd St., Lovilia, Iowa 50150.

May he rest in peace.

Lovilia Bank Has Been Sold

The bank is a branch of the State Bank of Bussey. Both have been sold to Palm Grove Bancorp. At the closing of the sale, the bank will be renamed Twin Cedars Bank.

Rudy Fors, Chairman and CEO of Palm Grove Bancorp, Inc., said in a released statement that they are happy to buy the bank and welcome the customers, employees, and the communities they serve.They even plan to offer more products to their new customers.

Sate Bank of Bussey has been locally owned by the Hansen family since 1961 and it has been in operation since 1931. State bank of Bussey currently has $50mm in total assets and $45mm in deposits in their three branches: Bussey, Lovilia, and Oskaloosa.

Palm Grove Bancorp,Inc. is owned by a group of Iowa based investors, Rudy Fors is one of the founders and is the current chairman, President, and CEO.

If you have questions call: Rudy Fors 515-344-2000 or Kim Hansen 641-944-5314

Mr. Fors and his family live in Ankeny, Iowa. He has a bachelors degree from St. Louis Univ., graduate school of banking, Univ.of Wis. and MBA in Finance at Colorado State Univ., plus other education.

We are happy the bank will remain open in Lovilia and hope the new bank will continue to serve us well.

Changes in Residence

We hear that Greg and Sara Wynn and family have purchased a rural home and will be moving from main street. We wish you well but will miss you.

Crystal Gladys Stansberry, age 70, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, passed away Sunday, March 6, 2022 at her home.

She was born April 4, 1951 in Chariton, Iowa to Edwin Francis and Hazel(Lamb) Wade. Crystal went to school in Albia and graduated with the class of 1969. She continued her education at Indian Hills Community College in the Machine Technology program.

Crystal and John Stansberry Sr. were married in 1981 in Ottumwa, Iowa. Her work career was with Chamberlains in Albia, Clow Valve Co. in Oskaloosa and then 23 years with Vermeer at Pella, Iowa. Her last work was with Mon. Co. Professional Management in Albia. She enjoyed reading, thrift shops, casinos, and family time.

Crystal is survived by 3 children: John (Karyn) Stansberry Jr. of Gillette, WY; Tiffany (Zach) Randall of Newton, IA; and Waylon (Nikki) Hutt of Lovilia, IA; and 11 grandchildren. She leaves three siblings: Sandra Wade of Lovilia, Jim Wade, and Tamie(Cameron) Watson. Also, she leaves good friends Rhonda Bonnett, and Phyllis Whicker .

Preceding her in death were her parents and two siblings: Jack Wade and Arlene Riessen.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 12, 2022 at Tharp Funeral Home from 9-11am and services will be at 11 am. Her family will be present to greet family and friends at the visitation.

Per Crystal’s wishes, her body will be cremated following services and private graveside services will be at Shaul cemetery in Ottumwa, Iowa at a later date. There is an open memorial to the family.

May she rest in peace.

Linda Kraber Obit

Linda Ann Kraber, age 68, of Lovilia, Iowa passed away at her home on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 under the care of EveryStep Hospice.

She was born on December 17, 1953 in Albia, Iowa to John and Jennie (Post) Landsperger. Her education was in Albia and she graduated with the class of 1972. During high school she worked at Albia Newspaper and Trophy Glove.

July 16, 1977 she married David Kraber and they were blessed with two children: Matthew and Sarah.

Then she spent the rest of her life as a homemaker. Her joys were planting flowers, decorating her yard, reading, making homemade noodles, having family dinners, and especially time with her grandchildren.

Linda will be missed by her husband; son, Matthew (Holly) Kraber;, daughter, Sarah (Justin) Lang; three grandchildren: Karson Kraber, Ava Lang, and Natalie Lang; mother-in-law, Marilyn Kraber; aunt, Janice Slay of Albia; uncle, Pete (Shirley) Post of Cedar Rapids, and uncle, Tim (Jodi) Post of Albia.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her father-in-law, Charles Kraber.

Per Linda’s wishes, her body has been cremated and a private family burial will be held at a later date at Woodlawn Cemetery in Lovilia, Iowa.

Cards of condolences/memorials can be mailed to Linda’s family at 202 West 5th street, Lovilia, Iowa 50150.

May she rest in peace.

Free Movie Canceled due to Weather

Last Saturday’s free movie at the community building was canceled because everyone in Lovilia was in their basements. Why you say? A tornado touched down in Winterset, Iowa and was approaching Lovilia at movie time so with the tornado warning in effect Lovilians had descended to the basements. I am unaware of any Lovilia damage.

Let’s hope the April movie can be shown without any hitches!! But it is March in Iowa so it is par for the course. Buckle your seat belts and hang on!

Gerald, age 88, passed away at his home in Albia on Feb. 28, 2022. Before moving to Albia his family lived many years in Lovilia.

His birth was Nov.14, 1933 in Chariton, Iowa to Earl and Jennie(Hunt) Conner. His education was received in Chariton. Then he served his country in the US Air Force from 1953-1957 as an air craft mechanic with time in Korea, Alaska, and Texas. After his service he returned to Iowa and on Oct. 25, 1958 , Gerald married Janet Waters at the Methodist Church in Knoxville, Iowa. They were blessed with two daughters, Shelly and Sandra.

He worked in construction and for Franzen Trucking before going into business for himself. Gerald owned and operated first the APCO station and then the Sinclair station. His final work before retirement was in the service department at Duea Motor Co. in Albia, iowa.

His interests included fishing, camping, Nascar racing, and traveling with Janet. He was a talented mechanic who especially liked working on cars.

Surviving are his wife; daughter,Shelly (Tom) Shultz; daughter, Sandra (Roger) Reed; 7 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; brother, Ronald (Judy) Conner; in-laws, Lewis Darrah ,Ray Mosbarger and Larry (Armadine) Schmitt.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother,Clyde (Margaret) Conner; brother, Cecil (Viola) Conner; brother, Donald (Phyllis) Conner; brother, Elmer (Beverly) Conner; and sister, Connie Darrah, his wife’s parents, Pat and Iva Waters; and his wife’s brother and wife, Marvin (Haydee) Waters.

Visitation will be from 2-7pm on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia. Gerald’s family will be there to greet family and friends from 4-7 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, March 3, 2022 at Tharp’s with Pastor Richard Grimes officiating.

Burial with military honors will follow services at Woodlawn Cemetery in Lovilia, Iowa.

An open memorial has been established to the family.

May he rest in peace.

Lovilia Houses Sold

The Charlie and Patty DeGross home has been purchased by Louise Burn who will be moving here from out of state. Her son and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Gibson, live across the street from the former Stank and Katie Papich house.

The former Harold and Ardyth Showers house has been remodeled and sold to Dennis and Mary Pettyjohn. Pettyjohn’s had recently lost their home in a fire.

We hope everyone will enjoy their new homes.

Free Movie March 5, Saturday

Be at the Lovilia Community Building for the start of the film at 7p.m. The movie is “Lars and the Real Girls”. PG The story is about a young man who is wrapped up in his own world. He does not relate well to his family or others. Can he change? Can he relate to a girl? Come see and bring your own snacks. This is not a movie for children to like or understand. Made for teens and adults to enjoy. See you there or be square! ( that saying dates me, haha)

Dawson Bonnett, grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Doser , of Lovilia is competing this week in the Iowa High School wrestling tournament in Des Moines. Congrats on your training and workouts that brought you to this moment. Enjoy!

Tom Crall Obit

Tom, age 82, passed away on February 5, 2022.

He was born ,on his parent’s farm near Melrose ,on October 19, 1939. His parents were Robert and Helen (Brugos) Crall. Tom was a Melrose High School graduate and a graduate of Northeast Missouri State Teacher’s College. He followed that with a career in the insurance business. HIs outside interests included being a Hawkeye fan and raising cattle.

Surviving are his wife, Kathleen (Kearney), and children: Tom, Mindy, and Matt. Also siblings: Bernard, Ed (Sally) of Lovilia, Denny, Greg, Steve, Barb Kurimski (of Lovilia), Mary Jo, and Lorraine.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bob; sister, Phyllis; and sister, Martha (Louie) Flattery.

Burial was at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Weller, Iowa.

May he rest in peace.

William “Bill” Joseph Ballalatak Obit

Bill passed away on February 6, 2022 in Grimes, Iowa. He was born on December 21, 1943 to Joseph Ballalatak and Kathryn Welsh in Knoxville, Iowa. His schooling was in Lovilia where he met his future wife, Elizabeth “Betty” and then married her on February 9, 1963.

They were blessed with two daughters, Kim and Connie. Bill worked 39 years at the Super Valu warehouse and 13 years at Pioneer Hi Bred. Bill was well known as a guitar player and played for wedding receptions and other events in the Lovilia area.

He is survived by his wife, daughters, six grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Also surviving are his brothers: Dean, and Gary.

Preceding in death were his parents; brother, Larry; and sister-in-laws, Karen and Dori Ballalatak.

May he rest in peace.

Little Lions Childcare Opens

Jessica Manser has remodeled the former Headstart building in Lovilia located at 302 south H Avenue. She has named it the Little Lions Childcare center. For childcare call Jessica at 641-946-2000 or email to llionscc@gmail.com.

Hours are 6am-6pm Monday through Friday. Children accepted are newborns – 6th grade. She also offers early-bird care from 4am-6am for an added fee. There is also drop -in care for up to 8 days per month. Also offered is a multiple child discount.

For further information contact Jessica. Having visited at the open house I can say it is clean and inviting. They plan to add new additional play ground equipment in the near future too.

This will be a boon for working parents and an asset to Lovilia. Congrats on your opening!

Free movie at the Lovilia Community Building, Saturday, Feb. 5. Building open at 6:30pm so you can pick your seat. Movie starts at 7pm.

The PG movie is “Hunt for the Wilderpeople”. It is the story of a boy and his step father in New Zealand who get lost in the wilderness and there is a search party out to try and find them.

Bring your own snacks and blanket to get comfortable for the show.

Hosted by John Hogeland and his wife Beth Hoffman. Free but donations accepted to pay the rent for the buildings use. Come join the fun!

Tom Gullion Obit

Thomas “Tom” Duane Gullion, age 75, of rural Attica, Iowa passed away on January 25, 2022 at his home.

He was born September 27, 1946 in Oskaloosa, Iowa to Thomas and Dena (Raveling) Guillion. Tom received his education in Attica and then went to high school at Twin Cedars where he graduated with the class of 1965. He joined the US Air Force where he served from 1965-1969.

After discharge he worked nearly 30 years at Pella Rolscreen Company and then drove a truck for Iowa Aluminum in Albia.

Tom and Julia De Haai were wed on November 24, 1984 and shared 37 years before his passing.

Tom was a member of the Newton American Legion and the Newton Legion Riders. His interests included reading, history, storytelling, and visiting with friends.

He is survived by his wife; sister, Mary (Charlie) Spitler of Des Moines; nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, and sister-Alice Blalock.

Visitation at Winfield Funeral home in Knoxville, Iowa is Sunday, January 30, 2022 from 3-5 p.m. with family present.

Funeral services are Monday, January 31st at Winfield’s at 1 pm. Burial with military honors will take place at Silent City Cemetery in Monroe, Iowa. Following burial, refreshments and fellowship will be at Attica United Methodist church.

Memorials may be given to Newton American Legion or Attica United Methodist church.

May he rest in peace.

Richard Sterling Obit

Richard (Dick) Lee Sterling, age 87, of Knoxville, Iowa passed away December 18, 2021.

Dick was born August 2, 1934 to Everette and Madge (Wilson) Sterling at home in Marion County. His family moved to Lovilia a year later and he went to school and graduated with the class of 1952.

January 7, 1956 he and Lily Lucille Jones VanLoon were married in Ottumwa, Iowa. He adopted her children, Vicki and Ross. Together they had a daughter, Gwen,

They spent most of their married life in Knoxville. Dick worked at Maytag in Newton 41 years until his retirement. He was member of the First United Methodist Church.

Surviving are Vicki and Ross and grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, daughter Gwen, parents, and siblings: Glenn Sterling, Karen Courtney, Jack Sterling, and Marilyn VandenBerg.

Burial was at Graceland Cemetery, Knoxville, Iowa. Memorials may be given to Knoxville First United Methodist Church.

Rest in Peace.