Donald, age 86, was a resident of Blakesburg. His parents were Vern and Pearl (Barnhill) Baker, who welcomed his birth Oct.19, 1927. He was schooled at Lovilia High School and graduated in the class of 1945. Then he went to work for Burlington Sante Fe Railroad where he retired as a time clerk with 40 years of service.
Cleo Helen Brewer married Don March 26, 1949. They were blessed with five children: Don,Terry, Gary, Cathy, and Vicki. He was a Blakesburg Methodist Church member and was an active community spirited person. He coached baseball and softball when his kids were on the teams. Don also enjoyed sporting events, hunting, fishing, cards, bingo, and collectible cars.
He is survived by his five children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as three sisters: Norma, Lola, and Gayle. Preceding him in death were his parents, wife, and siblings: Forrest, James, Merrill, and Doris.
The funeral was Sept. 8, 2014 at Blakesburg Methodist Church. A private family inurnment will be at Blakesburg Cemetery at a later date. May he rest in peace.
Harold Hastings Dies Sept. 6, 2014
Harold died on his birthday at age 81. He was born in 1933 in Buxton, Iowa to Robert and Deanie(Smith) Hastings. He graduated with Lovilia High School class of 1951. His time in the U.S. Army was from 1953-1955.
Harold married Mary Jo McGinn Oct. 11, 1958. They were blessed with four children: Diane, Jean, Judy, and Jim.
In 1959 he began work with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers as a surveyor and later as a park ranger at Red Rock Lake until his 1992 retirement. After retiring he helped with surveying and construction of the bike trails at Red Rock.
Harold also hand dug graves for 41 years in several local cemeteries up until he reached age 76. This is a special skill and done in all kinds of weather year round which adds to an already very hard job. Harold was a very hard worker.
He was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lovilia. He had many interests including: cooking, baking pies, gardening, hunting for Indian artifacts, refinishing furniture ,and caning chairs.
He is survived by his wife, children, 10 grandchildren, and one great grand child, a brother (Delbert) and a sister-in-law (Gayle Hastings).
A mass of Christian burial was at St. Peter’s , Lovilia Sept. 10 and burial followed with military rites at Woodlawn Cemetery, Lovilia. May he rest in peace.
Monroe County Supervisor Dies
Dennis “Denny” Ryan, age 54, of Melrose died Sept. 11, 2014. He leaves behind his wife Carolyn and two daughters Allyson and Josey. He served on Monroe County Board of Supervisors from 1990-the present. Denny was a strong leader in developing the Honey Creek area at Lake Rathbun and of the 24 hour recycling program in Monroe Country.
Denny was a tireless worker serving his community and his church in so many ways.
The funeral was at St. Patrick’s Church, Georgetown, Iowa and burial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Melrose, Iowa. May he rest in peace.
St. Peter’s Annual Picnic and Auction Oct. 12, 2014
Be sure to come join the folks for lunch from 11a.m.-1p.m. Or call 641-946-7952 the day before and order carry out meals. Please leave your name, and number of meals ordered and the time you will pick them up between 11 and 1.
Menu is Roast beef or ham, homemade noodles, real mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, dinner roll, raw veggies with dip, and desserts. drink included of ice tea, lemonade, or hot coffee.
Following the meal at 1p.m. will be an auction and everyone is welcome to bid and buy the items up for sale.
For those coming from out of town, mass time that day is 10:30 a.m.
There is also a country market from 9am- 1pm of garden produce, home baked goodies, and other surprises. Be sure to check it out and buy early while there is a wide selection.
Last but not least there are raffle tickets for sale by church members in advance and also that day at the door. There will be $1000 in cash prizes. Prizes will be drawn at the conclusion of the auction. You need not be present to win. Your chances of winning are better than in the Iowa Lottery so buy a ticket and join the fun!
St. Peter’s Church thanks everyone for their support and hope you will join us for a fun day with friends and family.