Under the Water Tower Lovilia News

So sorry, but you can not send emails to me, Susan Beary- blog writer as it says on our opening page.

I sincerely apologize for this. But my blog Manager and I decided to stop emails because we were bombed by dozens of emails daily that were sales pitches, porno ads, spam, you name it.

In order to contact me with news please call: 641-946-7952. If you get my answering machine, leave your name and number and I will call you back.

Or you can snail mail stories to: underthewatertower.com, P.O. Box 91, Lovilia, Iowa 50150-0091.

Thanks for reading!

Geraldine went by “Jerry” and lived at Milo, Iowa and she died Dec. 28, 2019. Her parents Verla and Hazel Martin had a farm years ago west of Lovilia. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters: Gwen (Bob) Sims of Russell, Iowa; and Arlene (John) Wilson of Lovilia.

She is survived by her husband Larry; daughter, Holly; son, Larry; and two granddaughters.

She learned to drive a tractor when she was six years old, milked cows, baled hay, gardened, canned, and cooked. She credited her parents for teaching farm management and starting in 1968 she owned and operated a farm herself.

Jerry loved country music so much she met many of her favorite singers and got their autographs at their live concerts. She also loved gospel music.

Married at age 19, the next eleven years she and Larry traveled the USA, Canada , and Mexico in dance competitions with the Suzy-Q Square Dance Club.

Once her children were in school, she earned a degree at Drake University with emphasis on psychology, sociology, and art. Learning was always important to Jerry.

She had wide interests including: motorcycle riding and camping; hosting a foreign exchange student from Chile for two years; chaperoning Drum and Bugle Corps shows; volunteering for Tom Harkin campaigns, and helping with a juvenile center in Indianola, Iowa.

Her work off the farm was varied and wide in range from being a secretary to the Iowa Supreme Court Clerk to being a floral arranger for Hyvee.

She was buried Jan.4, 2020 at I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Indianola. Celebration of Life service is planned for the spring. Memorial contributions are directed to Kiya Koda Animal Rescue in Indianola and St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

May she rest in peace.

Shirley Anne Gray Obit

Shirley, age 79, who lived on a farm west of Lovilia, died January 21, 2020 at Mercy Medical Center.

She was born Feb. 11, 1940 in Moravia, Iowa to Loren (Bud) Walter and Ardis (Callen) Walter. Shirley graduated as salutatorian from Moravia High School with the class of 1958.

On March 7, 1959 she married Delbert Gray of Lovilia. They shared 57 years of marriage prior to his passing in 2016. They had three children: Brad (Denise) Gray of Albia, Shelli (Kevin) Parmenter of Overland Park, Kansas, and Lisa (Brian) Scala of Albia.

Some of her talents were cooking, reading Plat Books, raising horses and especially her Tennessee walking horses. She loved the farm and was active in its day-to-day operation with both grain and livestock.

Notably, Shirley started work with the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation in 1974 where she was the first female crop adjuster in the United States. She was recognized as a “female pioneer” as the first woman hired as Supervisor in Charge of the South-Central District as a crop adjuster for FCIC. In addition to her work, she was a Master Gardner.

Her three children and seven grandchildren survive her.

Visitation is Friday, Jan. 24, 2020 at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with family there from 3-8 p.m.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. at Tharp Funeral Home on Saturday, Jan.25, 2020. Pastor Brad Gray officiating. Burial will follow services at Woodlawn Cemetery in Lovilia, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to Monroe County Cattlemen’s Association and the Albia Animal Clinic for stray animals.

May she rest in peace.

February 3, Monday, Democrat Caucus in Lovilia

All Democrats or those who want to register at the caucus as a Democrat are asked to attend. It will be held at the Lovilia Community building for those in the precinct that vote there on election days.

Doyle Chamberlain will be the temporary chair to start out the meeting. Doors will be open to sign in starting at 6:15 p.m. Doors close and no one else can come in to participate at 7 p.m. That is the rule of the state Democratic party. If you are in the line waiting to register at seven you will get in. This is very important, you must be there in line by seven or you can not be in the caucus.

Mark your calendar to attend and help choose the candidate to run for President for the Democratic Party.

Feb. 13 Valentine Dinner in Lovilia

Lovilia Community Betterment will be hosting a Valentine supper at the Lovilia Community building Feb. 13rd , Thursday, from 5-7 p.m..

The menu is: lasagna , side salad, garlic bread, and dessert.

Meals cost: $8 per person for a regular serving

$10 per person for a large serving

$ 5 per child who is age 9 or younger

All are welcome!

Marilyn, age 86, died Tuesday, Jan. 7,2020 at the Monroe Care Center in Albia, Iowa.

She was born to Everette and Madge (Wilson) Sterling at the their home in Marion County on August 10, 1933. In 1935 the family moved to Monroe County where she lived the rest of her live.

Marilyn attended Lemon country school and graduated from Lovilia high school with the class of 1951.

She was joined in marriage with Gerald “Jud” VandenBerg in Knoxville, Iowa on Feb. 7, 1953. They had four children: Darla, Kenny, Russ, and Jaxine. Jud passed on Dec. 20, 1982

Marilyn and Jud owned and operated Vans Kennel. They sold dogs of many breeds nationwide. She later was a teacher’s aide, employed at Ragtime as an aide, and worked at Cindy’s Beauty Hut.

Marilyn had many talents such as: quilting, embroidering, writing, and journaling. She enjoyed date night with Jud, county fairs, the out of doors, decorating for Christmas, and was a faithful member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Albia.

She is survived by her children: Darla (Al) Stafford of West Palm Beach, Florida, Kenny (Peggy) of Albia, Russ (Becky) of rural Lovilia, and Jaxine “Jackie” (Phil) Bauer of Knoxville, Iowa. She also has 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Also, a brother Richard Sterling of Knoxville, a sister-n-law Bev Sterling of Knoxille and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law of Lovilia, Bill and Betty Weldon. Her roommate and friend at the care center, Judy Lahart, remains too.

Visitation will be 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020 at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia. Her family will be there to greet family and friends from 4-7p.m..

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 13, 2020 at the Trinity United Methodist church in Albia, with Pastors Roger Henry and Lynda Carlson co-officiating. Burial will follow services in Oak View Cemetery in Albia.

A memorial has been established to the Trinity United Methodist Church in Albia. May she rest in peace.

Gayle Louella Hastings Obit

Gayle, age 79, died on Jan.10, 2020 at Monroe Care Center in Albia, Iowa

She was born to Vern and Pearl (Barnhill) Baker at their farm on Feb. 27,1940 in Monroe County. She attended country school and then graduated from Lovilia high school with the class of 1958.

Gayle married John Hastings at the Lovilia United Brethren Church on July 12,1959. They had four sons: Tom, Randy, Mark, and Ed. They shared 49 years of marriage and John passed away in 2008.

Gayle worked as a bank teller, Lovilia water bill clerk, and then skilled worker at Chicago Rivet in Albia from 1976 until retirement in 2002.

Gayle was a member of the Lovilia United Brethren Church, later the Lovilia United Methodist Church, and a member of Eastern Star. She liked traveling (even to Europe), Sudoku puzzles, Wheel of Fortune on tv, visits to the casino, gardening, canning salsa, and attending her grandchildren’s activities. Gayle was a wonderful cook and liked making special meals to share and especially loved time spent with family.

Surviving are Tom (Susan Wise), Mark (Kate), and Ed (Karissa) Hastings. Also she has 9 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Two sisters: Norma Barnes and Lola Ivins survive as well as four sister-in-laws: Barb Hastings, Mary Jo Hastings, Betty Baker, and Hazel Baker.

Gayle was preceded in death by her husband, son Randy, her parents,sister Doris, brothers: Forrest, Jim, Don, and Merrill. Preceding her were 5 brothers-in-law and 2 sisters-in-laws.

Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 13, 2020 at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with her family present from 5-8 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020 at the Lovilia United Methodist Church. Pastor Raymond Doser officiating. Per her wishes, cremation will follow and a private burial at a later date at Woodlawn Cemetery. An open memorial has been established to the family to be determined at a later date. May she rest in peace.

Eugene “Gene” Claver, age 84, died Thursday, Dec.12, 2019 at Monroe Care Center in Albia, Iowa.

He was born Oct. 8, 1935 at home on the farm in Monroe County to Ralph Edward and Cleta Mae (Fraizer) Claver. He was educated in Lovilia Schools. March 18, 1955 he and Joyce Moyle were married at the United Brethern Church in Albia. They had three children: Dennis, Danny, and Carole.

Gene worked a while at Maytag factory in Newton, Iowa and then spent the rest of his life in full time farming. He enjoyed county fairs, tractor pulls, and spending time at sale barns viewing livestock. He was a friendly people person.

He is survived by his wife and children as well as 5 grand children and 14 great grandchildren and many good friends.

Visitation will be 2pm-8pm Sunday, Dec. 15th at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia. His family will be present there from 4-8 p.m.

Funeral services will be Monday, Dec. 16th at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Methodist Church in Albia. Burial will be in Oakview Cemetery, Albia, Iowa.

May he rest in peace.

Methodist Church Christmas Party

Lovilia United Methodist Church will hold a party for kids Kindergarten and up on Dec. 17th, Tuesday, from 4-5:30 p.m. at the church. It will include crafts, food, and fun for the children. Head over after school for some Christmas party fun!

Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Spaur to Celebrate 63 Years of Marriage

Gerald and Barbara will celebrate at the Lovilia Community Building on their anniversary, Sunday, December 22nd from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.. They were married on that date 63 years ago in 1956.

They are the parents of six boys: Mark, Dan (Nita), Gary (Pam), David, Lee (Patty), and Matt (Casey). Gerald and Barbara also have 20 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

You may mail cards to them at: 2402 E Avenue North, Lovilia, Iowa 50150.

Best wishes for a lovely open house sharing with family and friends.

Dec.23 Blood Drive in Lovilia

The blood bank will be taking donations on Monday, Dec. 23rd from 3pm-6:15 pm at the Lovilia Community Building. If you would like to donate ,call toll free to make an appointment: 800-452-1097. There is always a need due to accidents, surgeries, etc. Please consider giving as that is the only way for blood to be available when it is needed.

Santa will stop in Lovilia

Mark your calendars if you want to see Santa in Lovilia. He will be at the Lovilia Community Building on Christmas eve at 6 pm. He will be happy to see all your children!! HOHOHO and Merry Christmas!

New Entrance Signs in Lovilia

New signs have been erected as you enter Lovilia from the north or south on Hwy 5. The north sign is in Gibson Park and replaces the one that said “Lovilia is the Coal Mining Center of Iowa”. The south sign is on an empty lot owned by Jeff and Pam Comstock ( where years ago the south end tavern was located). Jeff and Pam generously gave permission to put the sign on their property. The signs say ” Welcome to Lovilia, established 1853″ on the front and on the back it says, ” Come Again, Drive Safely”.

Signs were purchased by Lovilia Community Betterment committee from a memorial given to them by Dan Weldon for his wife, Virginia. Signs were erected by Lathrop farm workers and our city man, Josh Pettyjohn.

This is a beautiful addition to the town in memory of Virginia Weldon. We thank the family and all who helped bring it to completion.

John Massick was a brother to Irvin and Frank Massick. The three served in WWII. John was with the U.S. Army’s 95th Division as a platoon sergeant. He spent time in Germany and earned the Bronze Star and the Bronze Star with the Oak Leaf Cluster.

After serving from 1941-1945 he was discharged and returned to Iowa. He married and had two children. First living in Cedar Rapids and then Bettendorf.
May he rest in peace.

Frank Massick, Vietnam Vet, is his nephew and lives near Albia.

Lovilia 8th Grader Excels At  State Cross Country Meet

Ethan Stalzer, son of Brad and Mindy Stalzer, came in second in the Class 2A eighth grade boys race with a time of 11:47 right behind the winner who came in at 11:27. Congrats, Ethan! Your hard practice brought you success!

Nathan Wynn Receives Football Honor

Nathan, son of Marc and Jill Wynn, was chosen as a 1st team conference receiver for the conference that Albia High School is a member of.  Congrats, Nathan!!

New Store Being Erected In Lovilia

A Dollar General Store is being built on the south end of Lovilia on property sold to them by Caroline Hainline, who lives just north of it and she manages  the It’s All Relative cafe just north of the house on Hwy 5. The concrete pad is in as well as a paved entrance from the highway and a paved parking lot.  The beams are up, the roof on, and the metal siding is in place.  The entrance wall and interior work remains to be done.

There is lots of speculation on opening date .  We will update you when we know more.

St. Peter’s Church News

Raffle winners at the Oct. fall fundraiser were:

$5oo Norma Barnes

$200 Bernard Kurimski

$100 Dolores Romanco Huyler

$100 Pat Crall

$50 Margaret Beakler

$ 50 Jim Tierney

St. Peter’s members want to thank all who bought tickets, items at the auction, dinner tickets and country store items.

New priest assignments came in effect when Father Mike Volkmer moved from Albia to a Missouri assignment. Father Mark Yates who was serving Georgetown, Lovilia, and Melrose was assigned to Albia, Georgetown, and Lovilia. Melrose and Centerville now share a priest.

With the change are new mass times. The one weekly Lovilia mass is Tuesday at 9 a.m.. The weekend mass is 2nd and 4th Sunday at 8:30 a.m. at Lovilia. The 1st and 3rd Sunday there is 8:30 a.m. mass at Georgetown.  Sunday mass at Albia is at 10:30 a. m.

New House Being Built in Town

Calvin and Pam Chamberlain’s daughter, Jennifer and her husband, have torn the house down on West 20th where Pam grew up.  They are now building a new house which will be their home when it is completed.

Dennis Leroy Spears, age 75, died August 11, 2019.

Dennis was the son of Daniel and Frances (Tisue) Spears and was born Jan.14,1944.  He attended school in Lovilia, worked on his father’s farm, and later at Ragtime Industries.  There he assembled mousetraps for Kness Mfg.  He enjoyed: football games, watching parades, TV westerns, and pro wrestling on TV, and visiting with friends and coworkers.

He is survived by his brother, Benny (Annette) Spears of Newton and his sister, Connie (Mike) Haluska of Decorah.

Preceding him in death  were his parents and a brother, Kenneth Spears.

His funeral was Aug. 14 at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia. Burial was in Union Chapel Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers a memorial is established to Mon. Co. Professional Management Day Hab.  May he rest in peace.

Accidental Death in Lovilia

August 12, 2019 John VanWardhuizen was attempting to mow his lawn at his Lovilia home. Due to an accident with  the mower, he died.  He was 57 years old and a newer resident.  He had purchased the home formerly owned by Ted and Colleen Visser.  May he rest in peace.

Bob Thomas died August 31, 2019

Robert “Bob” Joseph Thomas, age 73, died under hospice care at his home on Aug. 31, 2019.

He was born to Joseph and Geneva (Bates) Thomas in Albia on July 24, 1946.  He grew up in the Hiteman area and attended school in Albia where he graduated with the class of 1964.  Bob later enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967 ad served his country during the Vietnam War.

When he returned home he worked for Maytag and then John Deere.  After that he joined work and travel to Hawaii, Australia, Florida and then Honduras. In these travels he worked on shrimp boats, oil ships, Danish Freighters, and lastly a lobster boat. While in Honduras he met and married Romanita Rosales on April 30, 1986.  After a while they decided to come to Monroe County, Iowa.

He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, hunting mushrooms, and was an accomplished woodworker.

Bob is survived by his wife, Romanita and a brother, Howard (Lois) Thomas, sister, Mimi Tharp, and sister, Karen “Kitty” (Buddy)Stafford, and a brother-in-law, Matt Watson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and three sisters: Gladyth VanDolah,Jeanne Frye, and Donna Watson.

Memorial services were Sept.3, 2019 at Tharp funeral Home in Albia and burial with Military rites followed services at the Hiteman Cemetery.  An open memorial has been established. May he rest in peace.

Joe Kurimski Honored at Lake Miami

A park bench and a plaque is placed there to honor the 18 years that Joe was the Lake Miami Park Ranger.  During that time he created wildlife enclosure that held some elk, and he developed the park’s cabin system among many other projects.  Kurimski enjoyed wildlife and wanted to conserve it. He died December 2018.

Lindsey Chance New Mother

Lindsey recently gave birth to a baby girl who she named, Kirsten Maxine. More details to follow.

Lovilia Fall Festival

Rain hampered the activities this year on Saturday, Sept.21.  There was food served at the Community Building and the Coal Mule band entertained the guests with music in spite of the wet evening. There is always next year and hopes for a sunny day.

Sept. 29th is the Annual St. Peter’s Picnic

Mass is at the church in Lovilia at 10:30 a.m. with Father Mark Yates.

After mass there will be golf carts at the church to bring guests from there to the Lovilia Community building for the dinner and give them a ride back later to their parked cars.  You can park up town but may have to walk a ways to the building.

There will be a Country Market with garden produce, baked goods, etc for purchase. Raffle prizes  of cash are winnable if you buy a $2 ticket per chance.  Tickets can be purchased in advance from a church member or at the door that day.  You need not be present to win.

Menu:  roast beef or ham, mashed potatoes, homemade egg noodles, green beans, cole slaw, dinner roll, choice of desserts, and a beverage (water, ice tea, lemonade, or coffee).  Meal tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids 4-12 years of age, and free for 3 years of age and younger.

Dinner is served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Carry outs are available for you to pick up at the building:  please call on Saturday to order so we can have it ready for you to pick up on Sunday. Call Saturday between 9 am and 9 pm to 641-946-7952 (David and Susan Beary’s) leave a message with your name and phone number if no one answers and we will return your call.

Live Auction begins at 1pm and will include interesting and unique items. So grab a bid card and join the bidders.

Raffle drawing and winners will be announced at the end of the auction.

Everyone is welcome to join in for the meal and auction.  This is the once a year fundraiser for St. Peter’s.  All the guests are appreciated.

 

A baby girl was born to Nadine Grosvenor of Lovilia on June 28th.  She is named April May Seavey.  Her uncle Danny Johnson calls her “June Bug”!  She is a gift of spring! Congratulations and welcome  to Lovilia April!

Denny J. Franzen Died July 10, 2019

Denny was born April 17, 1950 to Harold and Madelon Franzen at Lovilia, Iowa. In his youth he served as an altar boy at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lovilia.  He graduated from Albia High School with the class of 1968.  He attended Indian Hills Comm. College.

In July of 1969 he married Linda Kurimski.  Two sons were born to them:  Martin John and Jamey Navo.  Jamey (Teri) blessed them with two granddaughters:  Madelyn and Olivia.

Preceding him in death were his parents and two brothers:  Hal and Richard.

In his working years Denny founded D.J. Franzen Trucking, was President of Iowa Cold Storage, was active in Iowa-Motor Truck Association, and involved in multiple real estate companies.

Outside work he was an Elk member at Pleasant Hills,coached children’s baseball and umpired it too.  He was a club champion golfer in Altoona, Iowa and Nokomis, Florida.  He had also served in the National Guard.  Denny was not afraid to take a chance and this resulted him being a champion poker player as a favorite pastime too.

Visitation will be 2-5pm Sunday, July 14, 2019 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines.

Memorial service will be 2:30 p.m. Monday, July 15, 2019 at Hamilton’s.  There will be a dinner following at Prairie Meadows, Bishop Room C.

In lieu of flowers, Contributions may be directed to Unity Point Hospice in appreciation of their compassionate care of Denny.

May he rest in peace.

Housing Musical Chairs

There are at least five houses changing hands this summer in Lovilia. Whoo! When all the shuffling is done, we will report on it here.  Who says nothing changes in Lovilia?

Weller Picnic July20, 2019

The picnic will be held at Weller on Saturday.  You can purchase lunch there at 11:30 a.m. and live music will be played from 1-3 p.m.  They welcome all former Weller folks and friends to come on out!

 

 

 

 

Lovilia has enough youngsters for two T-ball teams.  They play every Tuesday in the month of June at the Lovilia ball diamond behind the old school building.

The first team takes the field at 6 p.m. and the second team when that game is over about 6:45pm or 7 p.m.

It is a coed team and they can hit the ball or hit it off the tee.  They then run the bases.  No score is kept and no outs are kept.  It is just a learning experience.  The fielding team goes after the hit balls.

The game last week was fun to watch and see the kids hit and run.  Come see this weeks game and cheer them on.

New Home Owner in Lovilia

Ricky Gilbert, son of Pat and Teresa Gilbert, has purchased the Jr. Goematt home on Hwy. 5 in Lovilia.  Mr. and Mrs. Goematt are planning on moving out of town.  We wish them all well in their new housing.

 

George Edward bunch passed away Saturday, June 1, 2019 at his home in Albia at the age of 81.

November 20,1937 James and Irene (Roberts) Bunch welcomed a baby boy, George, to their farm in rural Lovilia.  He grew up with four sisters and one brother.  His early education was at the Mt. View Country School and he went to high school in Lovilia.  George served in the National Guard.

In his working years he farmed for Lloyd Clark and later for himself.  After time at Chamberlains Mfg. in Albia he became a trucker for 37 years.

He was joined in marriage with Barbara Baird in 1959 at the Methodist Church in Blakesburg, Iowa and they were married 59 years before his passing.  They had three children:  Keith Lee Bunch, Lynda Kay (Bunch) Niffenegger and Danny Warren Bunch.

George enjoyed the outdoors and especially hunting trips to Colorado with family, friends, and mules.

He is survived by:   his wife of Albia; daughter, Lynda (Jeff) Niffenegger of Urbandale, Iowa; granddaughter, Lindsey (Mike) Frandsen of West Des Moines, Iowa; his grandson, Lucas Niffenegger of Urbandale, Iowa; one great granddaughter, Emerson Faith Frandsen.

He also leaves: sister, Ruth Belzer of Albia, Iowa; sister, Carol (Jerry) Belzer of Lawrence, Kansas; sister, Helen Baker of Chicago, Illinois; sister-in-law, Sarah Hindman of Fremont, Nebraska; and brother-in-law, Jack Epps of Sun Lakes, Arizona.

George was preceded in death by his parents, his sons,  his brother Walter, and his sister Dorothy (Bunch) Cotter.

No visitation is planned.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 6, 2019 at Tharp Funeral in Albia, Iowa.  Pastor Linda Carlson will officiate.  Burial will follow services at Woodlawn Cemetery in Lovilia, Iowa.

A memorial has been established to the Welcome Home Soldier Memorial in Albia.

May he rest in peace.

Four graduated from Albia Community High School.  They are Valerie Beary, Jer McAninch, Payton Nichols, and Nika Spaur.

Valerie is the daughter of AJ and Pat Beary and she plans to go to school at the Univ. of Northern Iowa and major in elementary education.

Jer McAninch is the son of Kirk and Susan McAninch and he plans to enter Iowa State University and major in ag systems technology.

Nika Spaur is the daughter of Tiffinie and Matt Spaur and she plans to go to Des Moines Area Community College and major in fitness and sports education.

Payton Steven Nichols is the son of Justin and Samantha Nichols. He has been working full time at Hy-Vee Warehouse and will continue to do so.

Three graduated from Twin Cedars High School. Daniel Beary, Amber McCombs and Gracie McCombs.

Daniel is  the son of Gene and Shelly Beary and he plans to study ag business at Centerville Comm. College and then transfer to Iowa State University.

Amber is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chris McCombs of Lovilia. (this writer does not know Amber’s plans)

Gracie McCombs is the daughter of Justin McCombs and Trisha McCombs of Lovilia and she works currently at Homestead in Knoxville and plans to attend college.

Best wishes to all seven with their future education and careers.

Marvin Joe Barnes Has Died

Marvin Joe Barnes, age 58, died at his residence in Ottumwa, Iowa on May 21,2019.

He was born June 2, 1960 to Phillip and Ada Mae (Davis) Barnes. Marvin graduated from Albia High School with the class of 1978.

He liked attending sprint car races, casinos, and mushroom hunting.  He also enjoyed accompanying his brother Roland and Roland’s wife, Jessie, on trips to Las Vegas and to the Philippines.

Surviving him are his brother Roland (Jessie) Barnes of Ottumwa, Iowa and his sister, Karen (Jerry) Knapp of Lovilia, Iowa and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents and a nephew, JJ Knapp.

Visitation and funeral services were May 24, 2019 at Sinnott Funeral Home, Gilbert Chapel in Lovilia with Pastor Merle Pope officiating.  Memorials may be directed in memory of Marvin to assist with funeral expenses.

May he rest in peace.

Accident Sends Boy to Iowa City by Helicopter

Friday afternoon , May 24th, a young boy in a motorized wheelchair entered a Lovilia street and was struck by an oncoming car. The chair turned over on its side and the boy fell out of the chair. An ambulance was called right away. Onlookers protected him until the ambulance arrived.  A life flight helicopter was called in and it landed in Lovilia to which the boy was transferred and taken directly to University of Iowa Hospitals. Testing showed no brain injury but both arms and both legs are broken.  Further testing is being done to check for other possible injury.  He is the grandson of Jerry and Karen Knapp of Lovilia.  Please keep him your thoughts and prayers for a full recovery.