David succumbed to cancer at age 66. His birth was Sept. 24, 1946 to Vernon and Darlene (Atkins) Steckelberg in Carroll, Iowa. David earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a master’s degree in marine biology from Utah State University. He served 8 years in the US Air Force. In 1979 on May 26th he married Dixie Lee Kendall of Lovilia. She died in 2003. He was a chemist for Ajinomoto at Eddyville, Iowa and retired from there in 2010.
Local survivors are his step children: Clyde and Brian Williams of Albia and Lynn Anne DesPlanque of Lovilia. Burial was at Marysville cemetery. May he rest in peace.
Clarence Baayen dies June 23, 2013
He was 90 years old when he died. His parents were Arthur J. and Bessie (Gray) Baayen and he was born on Oct. 16, 1922 in West Cliff, Colorado. He used the nickname “Dutch” and graduated from Albia High School with the class of 1941. He joined the US Army air force and served in WWII. His wife was Marjorie Van Dorin whom he married June 24, 1945 in Des Moines, Iowa. She passed away in 2002 after 56 years of marriage.
He owned Baayen grocery in South Des Moines, Iowa and later sold it and entered the real estate business until he retired. The last several years he has lived in Lovilia. He leaves behind a daughter in Des Moines and two children in Colorado. May he rest in peace.
Cheryl Ann Allison dies June 29, 2013
Cheryl age 64 passed away due to cancer. Cheryl was born on September 3, 1948 in Knoxville, Iowa to Ralph and Darlene (Courtney) Kirtley. She married Ronnie Allison on November 26, 1965 in Lovilia. They were blessed with two daughters, Angela and Sarah.
Cheryl served the Lovilia community for many years as a first responder for the Lovilia Fire and Rescue.
She is survived by her husband Ronnie of Lovilia and her two married daughters and four grandchildren. She has one sister, Cindy Carlson of Knoxville and Cindy’s family. May she rest in peace.
Dennis Comstock dies July 5, 2013
Dennis died of cancer at the age of 64. Born Nov.1, 1948 to Robert and Lorraine (Tice) Comstock in his grandmother’s home in Albia. He graduated from Albia H.S. in the class of 1966. Dennis enlisted in the US Army and served six years and was honorably discharged in 1976. He worked in several factories and retired from 3M. He married Cinda Stocker in 1995. He is survived by six children: Jessica, Deseree, Jenisha, Dara, Cade and Melisa. He also adopted three children. Dennis has 7 living siblings and 5 deceased siblings. Living in Lovilia are his sister Barbara and brothers Jeff and Milo.
As per Dennis’ wishes he was cremated and memorial services were at his home south of Albia with military rites provided by Albia, Lovilia, and Melrose. May he rest in peace.
Lovilia Student Makes the Dean’s List
Andrew Kurimski, son of Mark and Pam Kurimski, made the spring dean’s list at the University of Northern Iowa, at Cedar Falls. Congratulations on the excellent grades. We are proud of your efforts!
In 2014 a Hydroelectric Plant Will Be Built at Red Rock
Breaking news in the Des Moines Register tells us the plant will be built at a cost of $260 million dollars. Who is paying the bill? A group of municipal utilities from four states (Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota) working together to build this plant will be selling bonds to cover the cost. Expected electricity output is enough to serve 18,000 homes. Expected construction work is to be completed by 2016 and the plant is automated to the point that only two employees will be needed to run the plant.
Only the hydroelectric plant at Keokuk will be larger in the state of Iowa. The CEO of the group says the plant is expected to be on line for 60-80 years producing renewable energy that is not a carbon footprint maker.
A model of the proposed plant is on display at the reservoir’s visitors center at Lake Red Rock located on the south side of the dam.
This will be a significant change for the area. We will all be interested to see the stages of construction unfold.
St. Peter’s Cemetery Donation
In June Mr. Irvin Massick of Knoxville made a generous donation of $500 in memory of the Bodnar and Massick families to the St. Peter’s cemetery perpetual care fund. The parish thanks him for his generous gift.
Ed Kamerick Will be Ordained a Deacon in the Catholic Church
We will celebrate his ordination on Sunday, July 14, 2013 at St. Patrick’s Melrose. Mass will be at 10:30 a. m. in Melrose with an open house and reception following. We congratulate Ed and his perseverance through several years of education to prepare for this day. He is married to the former Jane Hollinrake who grew up just west of Lovilia. He will be helping most likely in the Monroe County Catholic churches and perhaps in Centerville also. He will be a great addition to serve along with our priests.
Weller Picnic on Saturday, July 20, 2013
Everyone is welcome whether you have Weller roots or not. Lunch is served starting at 11:30 a. m. The menu is expected to be: pork loin, brats, side dishes, and beverages (soda, iced tea, or lemonade). There will be some live music both country and Irish. Raffle prizes. Please bring your own lawn chairs and personal coolers are fine. People expected to come to celebrate from 11 a. m. to 5 p.m. Good folk and good times!