Under the Water Tower Lovilia News

Ed died February 20th at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa  He was 58 years old.

He was born in Albia, Iowa on October 8, 1959 to Joe and Jean (Durbala) Hollinrake.  He grew up on their family farm near Weller, Iowa and attended school at Lovilia and later Albia.  Ed graduated high school with the class of 1978.  His career included several terms as the Monroe County Sheriff, a Maytag worker, semi-truck driver, security guard, garbage man, and Wal-Mart maintenance supervisor.

On April 30, 1983 Ed married Catherine Suszanne Houchins.  They had three children:  Catherine, Caylene, and Nicholas.

Some of his joys were spaghetti westerns, rowdy dogs, Julia child impressions, and bourbon.  He was an avid Cubs fan.

He is survived by his wife, children, parents, and one grandchild, Zella Jean Wilkins.  Also surviving are his siblings:  Mary Kay (Rick) Henderson, Barbara Hollinrake, Steve (Kim)Hollinrake, Robert Hollinrake, Marty (Kristi) Hollinrake, Laura (Pat Finan) Hollinrake, and John (Cami) Hollinrake.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 26, 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Albia, Iowa.  Father Mike Volkmer C.P.P.S. officiating.  Following the services the burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Weller, Iowa.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 25, 2018 at Sinnott Funeral Home in Albia.  It is open to the public at 1 p.m. and the family will be present until 8 p.m.  St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary society will conduct a rosary at 4 p.m.  A Christian wake service will be at 6 p.m. at the funeral home.  Ed’s family invites everyone to wear a flannel shirt to celebrate his life as that was one of his favorite things.

Memorials may be directed to the Weller Cemetery.

Clara was born Nov. 26, 1927 in Waterloo, Iowa and she died in Oskaloosa on Jan. 13, 2018.

She was a graduate of Cedar Falls High School with the class of 1946.  In 1947 she married Gerald Harrison in Waterloo.  Later they moved to Hamilton, Iowa where Clara was appointed US postmaster in 1961.  Then they moved to Lovilia where she and her husband operated Bidway Auction Center.

In 2009 she moved to Oskaloosa Homestead Assisted Living.

Funeral services were at Sinnott Funeral Home, Lovilia, Iowa on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018.  Burial followed at Hamilton Cemetery.  Memorials are to Mahaska County Hospice.  May she rest in peace.

Mary Sue Slay Died January 19, 2018

Mary Sue was born September 16, 1937 in Lovilia to Wilmer and Susie (Waters) Blomgren.  She graduated from Lovilia High School with the class of 1956.  Mary Sue worked for Chamberlain Mfg. in Albia, Iowa and then transferred with the company to Hot Springs, Arkansas.  She served the company for 25 years and then retired in 1997.

Her interests were golfing, playing cards with her canasta club, bowling, and visiting with friends at Boss Hogs.

Survivors are her children:  Rick Dunkin of Ankeny, Iowa; Kim Klyn of Mesa, Arizona; and Todd (Danielle) Slay of Knoxville, Iowa.  She has four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.  Also surviving are her siblings:  Junior Blomgren of Lovilia, Jerry Blomgren of Ottumwa, Sherry Clark of Centerville, and Judy (Bill) Jones of Albia.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 25, 2018 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Albia with Pastor Nancy Reed officiating.  Burial will follow services in Woodlawn Cemetery in Lovilia.

Visitation is Wed. Jan. 24th starting at 1 p.m. and with her family present from 5-7 p.m. at Sinnott Funeral home, Gilbert Chapel in Lovilia.

Memorials may be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Albia, Iowa.  May she rest in peace.

Claudine , age 83, died peacefully at her home in Lovilia surrounded by her family and under the care of Pella Hospice.

She was born December 20, 1934 in Coalfield, Iowa to Claude and Pauline (Long) Gullion. She was educated in Lovilia schools and graduated from high school with the class of 1953.  On April 24, 1954 she married Gerald Ross in Knoxville, Iowa.  They were blessed with five children:  Patti, Deb, Greg, Kenny, and Brian.  She and Gerald shared 63 years of marriage.

Claudine was a homemaker and cared for her son, Brian.  She worked for Chicago Rivet Factory in Albia, Iowa for 20 years until retiring.  Some of her enjoyments were crafts, cross stitching, sewing afghans, watching Chicago Bulls games, and attending her children and grandchildren’s sporting events.  Claudine was an excellent cook and known for her fried chicken, fried fish, meat loaf, pot salad, and Pon Haus.

Claudine is survived by her husband and her children: Patti (Bill) Maddy of Ankeny; Deb Clough of Lovilia; Greg (Lora) Ross of Georgetown, Kentucky; Kenny (Anna) Ross of Albia; and Brian Ross of Oskaloosa.  She has 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.  Also four sisters: Verona (Junior) Goemaat, Billie Reid, Kay (Marvin) Leach, and Bonnie Purdy.

Preceding her in death were her parents, brother Clyde “Bo” Gullion, and brother Jim Gullion.

A private graveside service will be held at the Gullion Cemetery in Attica at a later date.

May she rest in peace.

Elizabeth “Kae” Morgan Died December 30, 2017

Kae passed away peacefully at Pella Regional Hospital on Saturday, December 30, 2017.

Kae was born March 9, 1940 on the family farm in Lovilia, Iowa to Keith and Mary (Slay) Wells.  She graduated from Lovilia High School with the class of 1957.  On May 23, 1957 she married Lyle T. Morgan at the E.U.B. Church in Lovilia.  They were blessed with three children: Julie, Tom, and Bill.  They shared 52 years of marriage before Lyle died October 24, 2009.

Kae, a talented pianist, played for many church services and funerals.  She excelled as a student and skipped 7th grade. In 1957 she won the state typing championship.

Kae was a legal secretary for Alfred and John Pabst Law Firm until retiring after 28 years.  Kae was a member of the Cross Roads Gospel Church of Attica.   Her enjoyments were reading, crocheting, knitting, canning,camping, and cooking wild game was specialty.  She was also the best shot with a pistol in her family. Her family said she always put others before herself.

She is survived by her children: Julie (Jeff) Trinkle of Albia; Tom (Teri)Morgan of Bussey, and Bill (Teresa) Morgan of Knoxville, Iowa.  She had 12 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Kae is also survived by a sister-in-law, Phyllis (Ray) Conner and a brother, Jim “Marlene” Wells.

Preceding her in death were her husband, parents and two grandsons, Jeremy Trinkle and Zade Groenendyk.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at 11 am at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia officated by pastors Leo and Carol Freel. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Union Chapel Cemetery, north of Albia, Iowa.

Visitation will be from 9-11 am Tuesday before services and her family will be present to greet family and friends.

Memorials have been established to Lovilia First Responders, Lovilia Community Center, or to Cross Roads Gospel Church.

May she rest in peace.

The street decorations are up with red banners and snow flakes welcoming visitors to Lovilia.  Puts us in the festive mood.

Methodists Host Youth Christmas Party

Lovilia United Methodist church will host a youth Christmas party on Wednesday, Dec. 13th from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Children Pre K through 8th grade are invited. There will be snacks, activities, and surprises for all the kids.  All area youth are invited to this party at the church.

Lovilia Holiday Blood Drive

The blood bank will be at the Lovilia Community Building , Monday, December 18th from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  If you want to make an appointment to donate blood call 800-452-1097.  Eat before you donate and bring a photo ID.  The gift of blood saves lives.  What better gift could there be?

Christmas Eve Services

St. Peter’s Catholic Church will have regular mass at 10:30 a.m. and then Christmas Eve mass at 4 p.m.

St. Peter’s donated to the Christmas food baskets given out at the Helping Hands food pantry by giving 220 boxes of cake mix and 220 packages of frosting.

United Methodist Church at Lovilia will have a Christmas Eve candlelight service at 4:30 p.m.

Santa Claus will be in town Christmas Eve at the community building at 6 p.m.  The kids will want to say Hello to this jolly fellow!

Merry Christmas and Best wishes for you in 2018!

Bill , age 83, of Lovilia, passed away at the Pella Regional Health Center in Pella, Iowa.

He was born September 9, 1934 to Cecil and Agnus (Hutta) Crall at the family home near Weller, Iowa.  Bill attended country school in Monroe County and then served his country in the United States Army from 1957-1963.

On May 14, 1960 he was married to Joan Deeringer at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Knoxville, Iowa.  They were blessed with three children:  Mary, JoAnn, and Billy.  They shared 57 years together until Joan died in 2015.

Bill was a farmer and worked at Maytag for 30 years.  He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Weller until the church closed. Then he was a member of St. Peter’s at Lovilia and finally a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church at Albia, Iowa.

Outdoor activities he enjoyed such as hunting and fishing and especially coon hunting.  His real joy was family time.

He is survived by his daughter, Mary (Steve)Haagenson of Virginia Beach, VA;  daughter, JoAnn (Steven) Reed of Oskaloosa, IA; and son, Billy (Joy) Crall of Lovilia.  He has 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.  Also surviving are: his sister, Sheila (Richard) Sager; sister, Mary Ann Rippenger; and brother, James (Linda) Crall.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brother Pat, brother Jack and brother in law Mick Rippinger, and three nephews Jeff Shilling, Rick Sager, and Paul Sager.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 25, 2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic church in Albia with Father Michael E. Volkmer C.P.P.S. officiating.  Burial with military rites will be provided by the American Legion of Albia, Lovilia, and Melrose  following services at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Weller.

Visitation will be held 1-7 p.m. Friday, November 24th at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with his family present from 4-7 p.m.  At 4 p.m. will be a rosary led by St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary Society and a wake service will be held at 6 p.m.

An open memorial has been established to Bill’s family.

May he rest in peace.

Haydee Chance Waters, age 72, died Sat., Nov. 11, 2017 under hospice care.  She was cremated as per her wish and there will be no funeral.  A family burial will be held later.

Memorials may be made to Care Initiatives Hospice or Lovilia United Methodist Women.

May she rest in peace.

Bob Ivins Has Died

Bob died  Nov. 18th under hospice care and there will be no funeral. There will be a private burial service later.

His wife, Lola Baker Ivins, and family will welcome family and friends for a visitation at Tharp’s Funeral Home in Albia, Iowa.  This will be Wednesday, November 22, 2017 from 3-8 p.m.  Family present from 6-8 p.m..

Memorials are for Welcome Home Soldier Memorial in Albia, Iowa or the Salvation Army.

May he rest in peace.

The  big elephant in the room was the heat. What a hot day for late September! We think that hurt attendance as crowd was smaller.

The festival committee had rented inflatables for the kids to jump in and they were put to good use. We thought we would do some old fashioned relay races but kids were so busy jumping we skipped that.

One thing in the heat that was new and made a big hit was the sno-cone stand. Festival made $232 on sno-cones so that was a plethora of ice!

Fifteen cars entered the car show.  Winning the people’s choice award was the one owned by Kathy McCombs of Lovilia. Congratulations to her!  People enjoyed looking at all the shined up vehicles.

Randy Weldon, formerly of Lovilia, brought a Shriner’s train and gave kids rides for the afternoon.

Community betterment served food at the Community building and want to thank all the volunteers who served food and prepared it and donated desserts. It was yummy!

Several teams competed in the bags tournament in spirited competition.

Several vendors displayed their wares from signage to makeup for guests to view and purchase.

Stage entertainment was Albia Baptist Worship Band, Cornerstone Worship Band and the Small Town Superheroes. Even though it was hot enough for a meltdown they were all troopers and performed great music to the small crowd trying to find a place in the shade.  Thanks to all the performers!

The firemen had water fights and I am sure that was refreshing and fun.

The day ended with a night parade at 7p.m. with color guard, floats, fire trucks, golf carts, four wheelers, Shriners, and horses. Fun end of the festival.

Thanks to all who helped and all who attended.  It’s a day to celebrate the community of Lovilia.  Special thanks to Kristin Mick who chaired the committee and donated lots of hours to bring us this event.

United Methodist Women’s Guest Day

This annual event was held Oct. 5th at the Lovilia Community Building for lunch. Women from many local country parishes were invited. About 30 women shared fellowship and heard a presentation from local novelist, Darlene Miller.

Oct. 7 City Wide Yard Sales

This is an annual event. So some thrift shopping was done that day.

October 8th St. Peter’s Catholic Church Fall Picnic

Over 200 diners ate the beef and noodle dinner with all the trimmings.  Perfect weather lasted all day, shirtsleeve warm.  Raffle winners were:  $500 JoAnn Reed, $200 Ellie Davis, $100 Cindy Welsh, $100 Joan Molloy-Earp, $50 Jenny Welsh, and $50 Brad Stalzer. The church would like to thank all the diners, raffle ticket buyers, country store item buyers, and auction item buyers. The support is much appreciated.

Michael “Mick” John Papich Dies

Mick was born August 19, 1943 in Lovilia, Iowa to David Edward and Elna Lucas Papich. He grew up working with his six brothers and sisters at their family owned Papich Sundries drug store in Lovilia. He graduated from Lovilia high school with the class of 1961.  He attended Indian Hills Community College, worked at White’s Construction in Des Moines, Alcoa Aluminum in Davenport, and other jobs.  He was a member of the U.S. National guard.

His interests included hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, playing guitar, and vacationing.

Mick died Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017 at the Monroe County hospital with family at his side.

He is survived by sisters, JoAnne Papich -Feldmann, Marlene Papich (Bob) Terrell, Mary Jo Papich, and Connie (Joe) Sinnott.  Also a sister-in-law, Bette Papich.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Danny, brother Leonard, sister-in-law Lenore Papich, niece Jennifer Susan Terrell, and great niece Gabriella Marie Sinnott.

Mass of Christian Burial was Saturday, Oct. 28,2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, Iowa officiated by Father Michael E. Volkmer C.P.P.S.  Burial was at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Albia, Iowa.

Memorial gifts may be given to Welcome Home Soldier Memorial in Mick’s Memory.

May he rest in peace.

Dog Bite Reminder

Last weekend a child was walking a pit bull and it pulled away from her and bit a dog that was on a leash with it’s owner and bit the owner.  This is a reminder that pit bulls are not allowed in Lovilia. This dog has been removed from town the owner says and as the city ordinance requires.  If you plan to acquire a dog, check with the city clerk at city hall as to what dogs are ok and which ones are not allowed in the city limits.  This is for the safety of all our residents.

Floor Flash

Lovilia Community Betterment Committee, who is responsible for taking care of the Community Building, after the fall festival, hired a professional floor cleaner to scrub all the buildings floors.  He also sealed the kitchen, bathrooms, hall, and small room which gives it a nice shine and makes it easier to keep clean. It has been a few years since it was last done and this is good maintenance routine.

Lovilia Railroad History Goes to Boone

While visiting Boone, Susan Beary presented a sign for them to add to their Railroad Museum collection.  The curator of the museum asked where we were from and asked if Lovilia ever had a railroad station.   He said he was trying to acquire a photo of every station ever in Iowa.  Susan went home and photo copied the railroad pages and photos from the Lovilia History Book written by Catherine Ross and Eleanora Sofranko in the 1970s and sent them to the museum.  So we are officially listed there. Toot toot!

November 7, 2017 Vote in Lovilia City Election

Election for mayor and city council will be held Tuesday, Nov. 7 at the Lovilia Community Building. You can vote there anytime between noon and 8 p.m.  Any eligible voter living in the city limits may vote.  Please vote to support your town.

November 11 is Veteran’s Day

Let us all take a moment at least that day to give thanks for all men and women who have served our country to protect us and our freedoms.  We can never appreciate them enough.

Something new

Across from the Catholic church on the empty lot a paved floor appeared last month.  Then a few days later a pre-built garage was placed on that floor.  What is next?  Don’t know if a house will follow but we will keep you posted.

Stone Front to Former Gas n go

The former Gas n Go  convenience store and gas station on hwy. 5 has had a stone mason working for many days applying a stone facade to the front and sides of the new addition on the north end of the building.  Does that mean they will eventually open for business?  This remains to be seen. We will keep you posted.

You out of town Lovilia folks have a day to celebrate your hometown roots. Come join us for the fun.

Plan to visit starting with food at the Community Building, 607 W. 17th Street, at noon and available until 6 pm.  You can choose from a menu of walking tacos, steamed hamburgers, hot dogs, soda pop, and desserts of either homemade pie, bar cookies, or yummy Casey’s cookies.  Casey’s donated these to support the Community Building.  All proceeds from the food at the Community Building goes to support the building.  If you just want a treat there will be Rob’s Kettle Corn and sno-cones too outside near the stage.

Free musical groups start performing on stage at 1pm with the Albia Baptist Worship Band.  Then Cornerstone Worship Band carries the tune from 2-3 pm.  Rounding out the musical talent will be Small Town Superheroes singing and playing rock and country tunes from 3:30-6:30pm.  Come do some toe tapping.  Vandenberg’s greenhouse will decorate the stage for us with colorful fall mums and pumpkins.  There will be bleacher seating but feel free to bring your own comfy lawn chair.

There will also be at least eight vendor tables, a 50/50 raffle, and firemen water fights (starts at 1pm).  There will be old fashion kids games, free, such as sack races and other relays.  There will also be three different inflatables kids can bounce away in (starts at 1pm).

Are you good at scoring in bags?  Come join the tournament which begins at 2pm.  Shane Nichols will get you lined up to play.  Competition will be in the grass lot next to the bank.  You can enter that day or ahead of time by calling Shane at 641-660-1756.  Entry fee is $10 per team and the winning team takes away half of the money.

Susan Beary is setting up a history table of Lovilia books, t-shirts, and school photos.  Stop by and remember the old days at her table in the community building.

Bill Barnes is setting up a car show that begins at 1pm on E Avenue (Main Street).  All are welcome to enter by calling Bill at 641-946-7333.  A People’s Choice Award, donated by Sinnott Funeral Home, will be presented to one car owner at 5pm.  Cars are also welcome to stay and cruise E Avenue in our parade.

We are having a lighted night parade and you should call Sadie Dykstra 641-891-7855 to enter.  Line up for the parade begins at 6:30 p.m. and parade watchers  can find a place to watch along E Avenue from St. Peter’s Catholic church and north past the post office.  Come watch the night glow.  This will end the day’s festivities and be a highlight of the fun.

Volunteer chair for the festival is Kristin Mick who has been working hard to make it a success.  If you have questions or want to volunteer call her at 641-891-3050.

James, age 76, died Sept. 2, 2017 at Comfort House in Pella, Iowa.

He was born May 15, 1941 to James Dudley Herberth and Naomi Feral (Haines) Hatfield in Putnam Country, Missouri.  He graduated from high school in Cincinnati, Iowa with the class of 1959.

He married Iva Mae VanKampen on May 6, 1961 and they were blessed with four children: J. David, Daniel, Paul, and Debra Mae.

Jim and Iva Mae farmed just north of Lovilia where he raised cattle, hogs, row crops, and hay.  He also owned and operated  Hatfield Plumbing Company. Jim was a member of Albia Baptist Temple and his faith was very important to him.  Jim belonged to Albia Farm Bureau also.  Talented in woodworking, he made furniture and toys.  He also collected toy tractors, bottles and bottle caps and enjoyed singing  southern gospel music.  He enjoyed working with and helping people.

Surviving him is his wife of 56 years; his son, J. David Hatfield(Kevin Smith); son, Daniel (Doni) Hatfield; and son, Paul (Brenda) Hatfield; and daughter, Debra Mae (Sam) Santee.  He has eight grandchildren:  Claire, Andrew,Holly, Millie, Anita, Kamy, Logan and Rebecca and a great-grandson Peyton James.  He also leaves a sister, Jean Amos.

He is preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Clara Hatfield; brother,Fred Hatfield; sisters: Mavis Cormeny , Ann Starks, Elaine Hatfield; stepbrother, Karol Kimm; and eight half brothers and sisters.

Visitation will be Monday, Sept. 4, 1-8 p.m. at Albia Baptist Temple with family present 6-8 p.m.  An open memorial has been established.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017 at Albia Baptist Temple with Pastor Brian Harris and Pastor Andy Tuttle officiating.  Burial will be at Mt. Hermon Cemetery  at Chariton, Missouri.

May he rest in peace.

Chairs for Sale from Lovilia Community Building

Since the Community Building has purchased 100 new folding chairs with grant money, the Community Betterment Committee who maintains the building will sell hundred  old metal folding chairs. If you would like to buy some of the chairs, call Fred Kraber 641-946-7910. Cost for the used chairs is $2 per chair.  Sold on a first come first served basis.

Kristan passed away at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.

He was born November 7, 1963 to Kenneth, Jr. (Ben) and Charlotte (Villont) Pettyjohn of Lovilia, Iowa.  He grew up in Lovilia and was currently living there.  Kris was employed by Hy-Vee warehouse in Chariton, Iowa.

Kris is survived by his wife, Susan (Johnson) Pettyjohn, and his son Nikolas (Alexis) Pettyjohn and daughter, Hayley Pettyjohn.  He also has two grandchildren, Adalyn and Brodi.  He has two step-sons, Danny Johnson and Mark Seavey.  His brother Dennis and wife Mary of Lovilia and his sister, Diane, and her husband, Dennis De Moss of Knoxville are also left to mourn his passing.  Preceding him in death was his sister, Kendra.

Visitation will be at Williams Funeral Home in Knoxville Thursday, August 17, with family present from 5-7 p.m.

Funeral services will be Friday, August 18th at 10:30 a. m. at Williams Funeral Home.  Interment will follow in the Marysville Cemetery at Marysville, Iowa.

Memorials may be designated to Marysville Cemetery.

May he rest in peace.