Under the Water Tower Lovilia News

In Columbus City, Iowa on August 23, 1920, Velma was born to Harold Merton and Viola Merle (Smith) Schabilion. She graduated with the class of 1937 from Columbus Junction High School. Velma continued her education at American Institute of Commerce in Davenport, Iowa.

She was joined in marriage to Michael J. Slofkosky on July 4, 1946. They were blessed with four children: Carolyn, Larry, Paul, and Kenneth.

Together the couple owned and operated Slofkosky Hardware in Lovilia, Iowa from 1946-1970. Michael passed away in 1970.

She worked from 1975-1984 at the First Financial Savings and Loan in Albia, Iowa and achieved the position of office manager.

Velma was married to John Schleier from 1980 until his death in 1983. She married Larry Mishler in 2003, moved to Knoxville, and remained with him until he passed away in 2008.

She is survived by her four children: Carolyn (John Lutz) of The Villages, Florida; Larry (Sharon) Slofkosky of Spring Valley, California; Paul Slofkosky of Knoxville, Iowa; and Kenneth (Lois) Slofkosky of Kansas City, Missouri. Velma was blessed with four grandchildren and six great grand children.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, two sisters (Catherine Locke and Esther May Schabilion) , and a brother (Dan Schabilion).

Velma was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society at St. Peter’s Catholic Church of Lovilia. Her volunteer time was spent at Helping Hands, The Shared Food Program and Monroe County Hospice.

Visitation will be at the Sinnott Funeral Home in Albia, Iowa on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 starting at 3pm. Her family will be present from 5-7 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lovilia at 10:30 am on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. Interment will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery at Lovilia.

The family requires that all who attend wear a mask and practice social distancing due to the very contagious Omicron virus variant.

Memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Welcome Home Soldier Memorial, Hospice St. Croix Knoxville or Hospice of Pella Comfort House.

Velma was blessed to live to celebrate 101 years of life. May she now rest in peace.

Lowell passed away at his home in Colorado at age 85 on Dec. 21, 2021.

Born in Lovilia to Willard E. and Minnie May (Jackson) Findley on February 7, 1936. His mother passed away 10 days later. Willard cared for Lowell by himself and did his farm work too. A relative said he would place the baby in a box at the field, the family dog would keep watch, and if the baby cried or fussed he would call the dad over by barking. As he grew he liked music and started piano lessons while very young. He was a Lovilia High School graduate with the class of 1954 and played the trap drum in the school band.

In 1957 he went to college in Le Mars, Iowa and served two churches too. Then he went to seminary school and eventually earned a Doctrine of Divinity.

In 1963 he began a career on a native American reservation in the South west. Eventually working as head master at the Window Rock school.

He enjoyed preaching, teaching, playing the piano, flute and other musical instruments. He also enjoyed having a dog as a companion most of his life.

In 1980 he returned to Lovilia to care for his father for four years until his dad passed. He cared for him with all the love his father had given him as an infant.

In 1985 her returned to the reservation and worked there until his retirement.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, January 6, 2022 at Sinnott Funeral Home in Albia with Pastor Dan Hatfield officiating. Interment will follow in Osborn Cemetery near Lovilia. A luncheon will be served after burial at Sinnott Funeral Home in Albia.

Memorials be be directed to Osborn Cemetery.. May he rest in peace.

John Hogeland and his his wife, Beth Hoffman, are hosting a free movie in Lovilia at the Lovilia Community Building. They plan to do it the first Saturday of each month. Movies will be PG and they plan to put out a movie listing soon for the future movies to be shown.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the movie begins at 7 p.m. Bring your own snacks and blanket to get comfy. (each person must clean up after themselves) The move is free but the building rent is $50 which they will pay but if you want to show your appreciation for the fun, drop a small donation. I am sure that would be appreciated.

January 1st the movie will be Wall-E. Wall-E is a robot who is designed to clean up a waste covered earth far in the future. He falls in love with a robot named Eve and the adventure begins………..

I hope there will be a huge crowd for this fun event that everyone can afford and enjoy with their kids, grandkids, and neighbors. Let’s make it a monthly Thing for Lovilia. Get off your couch and lets party!!

Alisyn Hughes and Steven Keegel are the parents of a baby boy. He arrived on Oct. 26, 2021 and was named Kaeson Reese Keegel. Grandmother is Charity McCombs and great grandmother is Cindy McCombs and great grandfather is the late Milo McCombs. Welcome Kaeson!

Gloria Owens Obit

Gloria Renee Owens, age 69, of Lovilia, died November 29, 2021.

She was born on May 25, 1952 to Warren Earl and Viola Hester (Chance) Jones in Monroe County. She attended school in Albia Comm. Schools and graduated with the class of 1970.

Jerry Stevens Owens and Gloria were married at United Methodist Church in Loviia on July 27, 1973. They had one son, Tyler Owens. Tyler, lives in Lovilia and has four children: Carter, Oakley, Hunter, and Payton Owens.

Gloria enjoyed painting, drawing, quilting, doing artwork for her United Methodist church newsletter, and family time.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother, Ronald.

The funeral was held Dec. 3, 2021 at the Lovilia United Methodist Church and interment followed at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Lovilia. Memorials may be left to Lovilia United Methodist Church.

May she rest in peace.

Leslie Dennison (Griffith) Dies

Leslie was born Jan. 4, 1948 to Lester and Clara (Six) Billings in Pershing. She died Dec. 8, 2021 at age 73. Her Lovilia family members are: Eric and Regina Dennison; Maryann and Tim Findley; Michael Griffith; Clayton Griffith, and Gregory Griffith.

May she rest in peace.

Homes for sale

The Charlie and Patti DeGross home, across the street west of the community building , is for sale. Also, the former Joe and Agnes Spencer house on North E Avenue across the street from the north storage building is for sale by the Pella company that remodeled it.

Beth Hoffman on IPTV

Beth Hoffman, author of “Bet the Farm”, appeared on Market to Market program Dec. 10th on IPTV. She is the wife of John Hogeland.

They are planning to host some movie nights at the Lovilia Commnity Building. The movies will be announced on a poster at the Lovilia post office. So check it out. Free will donation to cover cost of building rent is appreciated. Moviegoers can bring your own snacks or beverage (alcohol not allowed in the building). Come and enjoy!

Brent, age 41, passed away at his Lovilia home, November 28, 2021.

Dennis and Mary (Kristof) Pettyjohn are his parents and he was born on June 11,1980 at Monroe County Hospital, Albia, Iowa.

He was employed for more than twenty years at Pella Corp. His many interests included: fishing, hunting, privy digging, arrowhead hunting, and working on his “rat rod”.

He is survived by his parents; brother, Josh (Alicia) Pettyjohn; sister, Jessica (Shane) Nichols; grandparents, Kenneth “Ben” and Charlotte Pettyjohn. All are of Lovilia. Also surviving are his nieces and nephews: Molly, Lyla, Steve, Trenton, Tanner, and Tyce.

Preceding him in death were his maternal grandparents, Frank and Della Kristof.

Brent was cremated which was his decision and no services are planned at this time.

On line messages may be left for his

family at sinnottfuneralhome.com or Sinnott Funeral Home facebook page.

May he rest in peace.

Carolyn Jane Goemaat McKim Obit

Carolyn died Monday, November 15, 2021 at age 78.

She was born on August 21, 1943 to Leonard G. and Pearl (Pettyjohn) Goemaat of Lovilia. Carolyn grew up and went to school in Lovilia.

She was joined in marriage to Harold McKim in 1962. They were blessed with six children: Rodger, Harold Jr., Leonard, Kimberly, Tammy, and Kelly.

She spent her working years at Monroe County Hospital, Oakwood Specialty Care and then White Buffalo until her retirement.

Carolyn enjoyed chats while having coffee & a cigarette, camping, fishing, races, and family time.

Her last residence was at Mill Pond in Ankeny, Iowa where she enjoyed the workers and the activities.

Surviving her are her six children, 11 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were: her husband, her parents, siblings ( Iverna, Hazel, and Chet), sister-in-law Arlene Goemaat, and one infant great grandchild, Mathew Phipps.

The funeral was Nov.20, 2021 at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia. Cremation followed. Burial was at Selection Cemetery in rural Monroe County.

An open memorial has been established for Mill Pond Care Center in Ankeny, Iowa.

May she rest in peace.

At Least 15 Ways to Shop Local this Christmas

Let’s support our local businesses and churches.

Below are the choices I am aware of. Please let me know if I missed a business and I will post it.

1. Gift card from It’s All Relative Cafe
2. Casey’s gift card for food or gas, etc.
3. Post office: buy a sheet of collectible postage stamps or a roll of stamps, or treat someone by paying their box rent
4. Bank: buy some customized personalized checks or pay someone’s safety deposit box rent
5. City hall: treat someone by paying a month of their water bill
6. Wirtjes concrete: buy someone a new sidewalk or driveway
7. Wallace tire shop: buy new tires for someones car or truck
8. Buy a concrete statue from the seller on Hyw 5 in Lovilia
9. Car wash: give gift of a few car washes
10. Kurimski custom embroidery : have him design a ball cap or shirt with your custom logo
11. Storage units: pay someones rent for their unit at the north unit managed by Jean See or the south unit managed by Randy Gottschalk
12. Hunt dog walking service: pay for someone for the service from Brian Hunt’s daughter
13. Day Care Center: pay for a month of day care for someone starting January in Lovilia at the former Headstart building. Call Jessica Manser to set this up.
14. Rent a cabin at Lake Miami (heated and cooled) anytime year round. Check their website
15. North End Tavern: gift a certificate for food and beverages
16. Churches: donate to one of the four Lovilia churches: Community Church in the North End, Soul Barn and United Methodist in mid-town, and St. Peter’s Catholic Church in the South End.

Hope these ideas spark your gift giving plans! Merry Christmas to you all!

Stephanie, age 43, died Oct. 31, 2021 at the University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.

She was born to Patty Jean See Rote in Knoxville, Iowa on October 18, 1978. Her education began at Lovilia school k-4 and then finished with her graduating from Albia High School with the class of 1997.

Stephanie married and later divorced Jeremy Bricker. She has two daughters: Olyvia Williams of Bussey and Ryleigh Bricker (Joseph Sager) of Albia.

Surviving her are her mother, two daughters, grandson, Braxton Sager; sisters: Stacy, Lora, and Amber; and her grandmother, Jean See of Lovilia.

Preceding her in death were her step father, David Rote, and her grandfather, Dean See.

She liked the beach, traveling, Halloween, babies and children, and family time.

Her family invites you to celebrate Stephanie’s life Friday, November 12, 2021 starting at 5 p.m. at the North End Tap in Lovilia.

Memorial donations may be sent to the family.

May she rest in peace.

Rabbit Trick or Treater

This year I had a novel event. A trick or treater knocked on my door and they had a stroller with them. In the stroller was a bunny in a pumpkin costume. Did you have him visit you?

The bunny does not eat candy (I think) but I understand he lives in the house and is litter trained. Some smart bunny!

On E Avenue I had 71 treaters. Three came back a second time and I treated but request they don’t try for a third visit.

Deer Scrambles Car

Meg Kasper was driving home from a visit to her sister in Minnesota. She was just west of Knoxville when a deer tried to cross in front of her and did not make it. The car is in sad shape.

Word to the wise ( talking to the choir here). Watch for them and avoid driving at dawn or dusk or at night. This is both breeding and hunting season so they are on the move. Having one slide up over my hood several years ago, I can say it is scary and no fun. Be careful out there.

Election Results

The only contested seat was for mayor. Those running were Billy Mc Combs, Justin Lang, and Pat Gilbert. Pat won by just a few votes. Congrats to him.

We thank all of them for being willing to take the job and serve the town.

Also the ballot measure to raise tax funding for Indian Hills Community College passed by a wide margin in Lovilia and all of Monroe County.

New Baby Boy

Congratulations to Tim and Tiffany Ballalatak of rural Lovilia who welcomed a new baby boy this weekend.

He has been named Lokin. Welcoming him home too is his sister, Mitzi.

If you want the kids to come to your house, turn on your porch light, and they will come to get their treats. Leave your light off if you don’t want to participate.

Weldons Move to Albia

Bill and Betty Weldon have remodeled the old bait shop south of the Hwy 5 and hwy 34 intersection and a block west. It is now a duplex. Bill and Betty live in one and Lola Ivins will occupy the second apt.

The Weldon house in Lovilia has been sold to the Rebel family from Melrose, Iowa.

We wish them all well in their new housing.

Romanco-Lathrop Wedding

Macey Romanco, daughter of Kelly and Jenny Romanco of Albia, and Chad Lathrop, son of Dean and Nathalie Lathrop of Albia celebrated the sacrament of marriage. The wedding was held on Oct. 2, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and officiated by Father Mark Yates.

The reception was held at the Gathering Grounds near Bussey. Tom Romanco, grandfather of the bride, crafted personalized wooden cake stands for each table.

Grandparents were honored guests of the bride and groom: Mary Ann Freshwater, Mike and Rita Freshwater; Tom and Donna Romanco of Lovilia; and Larry and Helen Mitrisin.

Mrs. Lathrop is a first grade teacher at Grant Elementary in Albia The couple are the owners of Sweet Pickin’ farm which specializes in strawberries. Mr. Lathrop, who is in the Lathrop Farms company, helped create the Gathering Grounds by doing the dirt work and rock hauling. May God bless your marriage now and forever.

Dawson Bonnett Breaks School Record

Dawson is the first male cross country runner at Albia Community Schools to make it to the state competition for all four years of high school. His grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Ray Doser also of Lovilia.

Ethan Stalzer, sophomore, also earned a birth at state for his second time. They will compete at Ft. dodge.

Coach Ratliff says Dawson and Ethan work hard and support the team and are respectful and good leaders

Congratulations men and run swift and sure at State!

City Election Nov. 2nd

Be sure to vote for mayor and city council. Every vote counts.

Philip, age 58, of Lovilia, died Oct. 6, 2021 at University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.

He was born on July 21, 1963 in Albia to William and Phyllis (Foster) Hughes.

He graduated from Eddyville High School with the class of 1981. On July 17, 2010 he married Valerie Stanfield.

His working years were with Ajinomoto, Southern Iowa Mechanical, and Winger. Philip enjoyed trapping, fishing, hunting, motorcycles, and chainsaw art.

He is survived by his wife, and children: Tony (Rachael) Hughes, Shayne (Kari) Hughes, Stacy (Harold) Lear, Heather Hughes, Jo Laugerman, and his siblings: Paul (Pam) Hughes, Jim (Peggy) Hughes, and 16 grandchildren.

Funeral services were Oct. 13 at the First Christian Church of Eddyville officiated by Pastor Nick Hughes and Pastor Paul Hughes. Military rites were by American Legion of Albia, Lovilia, and Melrose.

May he rest in peace.

Prize for Colton Groenendyk

Colton won a hunting trip from a hunter’s group that picks one disabled young person each year for this chance.

He and his father went to the hunt site and using a crossbow, Colton, bagged a doe that weighed in at 186 pounds. He donated the meat to HUSH which distributes the venison to families who need food aid.

Colton will get a second trip and can shoot a buck with a muzzleloader. The group will pay for the head mount and process the meat. Colton will take the venison for his family. Congratulations on the prize and the hunting adventure.

Ethan Stalzer Shines in Cross-Country

At the recent 19 team Centerville cross-country meet, Ethan ran the course with a time of 17minutes and 14 seconds. That time won him 5th overall. The coach said,” Ethan is such a strong runner for being a sophomore”. Congratulations, Ethan.

Ethan is the son of Brad and Mindy Stalzer and the grandson of Kathy Welsh and the late Joe Welsh.

Gladys Kraber Genskow Winning Coach

Gladys coaches the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont volleyball team who has run up this season, 27 wins and only 3 losses. This makes the team their conference’s volleyball championship team. Congrats to the coach and the team.

Gladys is the daughter of Fred and Goldie Kraber.

Detour is Finished

Today , Oct. 16th, Hwy 5 south of Lovilia was back open for through traffic. If you put off a visit due to detouring you can now plan to visit us!

North End Tap Anniversary Party Oct. 16

Kimmie Keegel DeBrouse, new owner, is celebrating the one year anniversary of her management with corn hole games in the afternoon and Whiskey Rebellion band to entertain from 8pm-midnight. There will be a $5 cover charge at the door. Good food all day and evening.

Best wishes for many more years in business in Lovilia.

Oct. 18th Blood Collection

Blood donors will be giving on Monday, Oct. 18th at the Lovilia Community Building. Appointments are necessary due to covid and masks must be worn. Bring your picture ID. Thanks to all donors.

City Election Mayorial Race

The only contested seat in the city election is for mayor. If you are not registered to vote, get up to the Monroe County auditor’s office and register.

The following three men are running for mayor:

Pat Gilbert ( current mayor)

Justin Lang (a current city councilman)

and Billy McCombs.

Lovilia voters get to the polls and cast your vote. The choice is yours.

Gerald Spaur Birthday Party

Gerald will be 86 years old on Oct. 28, 2021. His family will have a open house for him at the Lovilia Community Building on Oct. 30th from 1-4 p.m.

If you can not attend, they would appreciate cards sent to: Gerald Spaur, 2402 E Avenue North, Lovilia, Iowa 50150

Update of Pettyjohn Fire

Dennis and Mary Pettyjohn had insurance on their home which burned to the ground Sept. 26th west of Lovilia. They have moved into an apartment in Lovilia while they ponder housing and future plans. We wish them the best.

Childcare Center Coming to Lovilia

Jessica Manser has announced plans to open a childcare center in 2022. She will give a nod to the Lovilia school mascot and call the center, “Little Lions Childcare Center”

Best wishes for success and giving this opportunity to Lovilia parents and children.

The book is titled: Bet the Farm: The Dollars and Sense of Growing Food in America. Author Beth Hoffman moved from San Francisco with her partner, John Hogeland, to take over John’s family’s 530 acre farm. The book dives into their personal difficulties in taking over and running an intergenerational farm and the challenge of making money farming.

She later explores ways to improve farmers lives, rural communities, and the environment.

The book is available at Island Press.org. If you use the code: HOFFMAN, you will get a 20% discount. Or you can order from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or buy it from your local independent book sellers.

Congratulations on publishing your book and hoping the sales go well.

Welcome to Iowa Beth and welcome home John.

Lovilia Hwy 5 Detour in Place

Since the DOT is replacing a culvert under highway 5 at the south of Lovilia, you must detour to reach Albia. So out of towners be alert, GPS around us in any of several dusty county roads. Or to avoid the gravel, turn at the Bussey stub and go to Bussey. Turn left at Wilson’s store and go on paving out to Hyway 63 four lane. Then go to your destination.

Detour is to be in place through Oct. unless they are able to do it quicker.

When to Trick or Treat

The Lovilia city council has designated Saturday, Oct. 30th for the goblins to trick or treat between 5pm and 7pm.

Residents who want the kids, turn on your porch lights and pass out treats.

If you do not want to do this, leave your porch light turned off.

Kids and chaperones, please do not knock on houses with no porch light on.

Have fun and stay safe! Look both ways when crossing streets and don’t walk down the streets. Too many cars will be out and about.

Boo!!

Phyllis died Aug.17, 2021 at age 85 in Des Moines, Iowa. She was the daughter of Marvin Franzen and Dorothy Chamberlain of Lovilia. Phyllis was senior class President and graduated with the class of 1954 from Lovilia High School.

Her career at Maytag at Newton, Iowa lasted 34 years until she retired in 1989.

She enjoyed football and basketball, especially Cyclones of Ames. She was a founder of Jasper County Genealogical Society and had records of her own family dating back to the 1600’s in Scotland.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents and sister Patricia Jean Davis. Surviving her are her son, Michael James Guffey of Melcher and an aunt,Donna Winburn. Also her siblings: Larry Franzen, Judy McGinn, Charles Barton, Rick Barton, Terry Franzen (of Lovilia), and brother-in-law, Tom Davis.

A graveside service will be held at a later date for family and friends with interment at Waveland Cemetery in Prairie City, Iowa.

May she rest in peace.

U.S. Census for 2020 shows that Lovilia lost 66 persons from the population leaving us with a total of 472 residents.

Monroe County Fair

Abby Findley won some top awards in beef: 4th place overall champion market beef, champion bucket +1, and junior beef showman, and other beef awards. She also won Grand Champion Market Lamb, Champion County Born Market Lamb. Abby also did a share the fun about John Wayne. Congrats Abby!

Stephanie Beary also received awards in beef class 2 market steer-purple, blue for ultrasound quality market beef, and purple in rate of gain. Congrats Steph!

Noah Findley had multiple ribbons in the poultry show. Congrats, Noah!

Noah Findley and Kylie Manser were intermediate exhibitors an Stephanie Beary was a senior exhibitor in the horse show. They won multiple ribbons each. Congrats to you all!

Alexis Rominger, reserve champion cat and Dog Obedience: Beginners Novice A Reserve champion and Jillian Rominger ,Champion cat. Congrats girls !

Brayden Manser Showmanship Junior Reserve Champion dog. Congrats, Brayden!

Great job Lovilia 4-H YOUTH. I know I may have missed some ribbons or youth. Contact me and I will add them. Thanks.

Sharon O’Donnell Obit

Former rural Lovilia resident, died September 11, 2021 at age 75 at Corydon, Iowa. She had suffered several years with the health complications of vasculitis.

Sharon Laurene Penner was born July 28, 1946 to Isaac and Elsie (Wolford) Penner in Mountain Lake, Minnesota. She graduated from Mountain Lake High School in 1964.

January 9, 1987 she was married to Robert Francis O’Donnell in Butterfield, Minnesota. Together they shared six children: Shelly, Lori, Nicole, Katherine, Charles and Bridget.

Her interests included spending time in nature, bird watching, horses, playing rummy or cribbage, and music ,especially the Beatles,

Sharon was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Corydon and a member of P.E.O.

She is survived by her husband, six children, and nine grandchildren

The funeral was at St. Francis Church in Corydon and interment was at St. James Cemetery in Colo, Iowa. Memorials are directed to the Vasculitis Foundation: www.vasculitisfoundation.org

May she rest in peace.

Lovilian Added This Year to Albia Community High School Wall of Fame

Lester Stevens was the only member of the Lovilia High School track team in 1950 to 1952. On his own he won some state titles in track. He also graduated valedictorian of his senior class.

He went on to be a star on the Hawkeyes track team at the University of Iowa.

There he earned his degree in teaching/coaching and his career included: Phoenix Junior College, Santa Barbara City College, University of Iowa, and Central Missouri State. Colleagues at one time chose him coach of the year. His widow, Katherine, accepted the honor of wall of fame inductee for him. We are proud of this alumni of Lovilia School.

Pettyjohn Home Destroyed by Fire

The Dennis and Mary Pettyjohn home west of Lovilia burned to the ground in the early hours of Sunday, Sept.26th. The garage was a total loss also. The good news is that Dennis, Mary, and their family dog escaped unharmed.

If more information about their situation comes to me, I will blog it here.