Under the Water Tower Lovilia News

Mary Ann Chamberlain died Dec. 27, 2014.  She was 97 years old.  Her parents were Rose and John (Charlot) Ballalatak.  She was born in Cricket, Iowa in Mahaska County Oct. 10, 1917.

On Oct. 24, 1939 in Lovilia she married Guy Chamberlain.  They were blessed with three sons:  Gerald, Doyle, and Leon.  Mary and Guy farmed together until retirement.  Then Mary managed the Lovilia senior meal site for thirty-five years.

Mary was an active member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lovilia.  She was a dedicated volunteer with St. Peter’s Altar and Rosary and held the office of treasurer for many years.

She enjoyed people and volunteered also for SHARE program and Hospice among others.  One of her joys was raising flowers and and a garden.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Guy, four brothers: John, Frank, Joe, Mike, and two sisters:  Ann Kraber, and Helen Woodward.  She is survived by her three sons, all of Lovilia, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral mass was De. 31, 2014 at St. Peter’s in Lovilia.  Burial was at Osborn Cemetery near Lovilia.  Memorials to Osborn Cemetery or Lovilia Community Building have been established.

May she rest in peace.

Joan B. Crall dies Jan. 2, 2015

Joan, age 73, died January 2, 2015 at the Hospice Comfort House in Pella.

She was born September 10, 1941 to Don and Bertine (Slykhuis) Deeringer in Knoxville, Iowa.

She received her education in Knoxville and graduated with the high school class of 1959. The following year on May 14, 1960 she was married to Billy C. Crall at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Knoxville.   They were blessed with three children:  Mary, JoAnn, and Bill.

Joan was a homemaker and helped Bill with farming. Later in the 1980’s she went to work at the Chicago Rivet Factory.

When younger she enjoyed league bowling.  Her creativity was shown in flower arranging, cooking, baking and sewing.  Joan generously donated food for church and other needs.  She was nurturing and especially enjoyed time with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Debra Bennot; a brother, Bud Deeringer; and nephews: Jeff Shilling, Rick Sager, and Paul Sager; and two brother-in-laws: Jack and Pat Crall.

Joan is survived by her husband of Lovilia; her daughter Mary (Steve) Haagenson of Virginia Beach, Virginia; JoAnn (Steven) Reed of Oskaloosa, Iowa; and Billy (Joy) Crall of Lovilia; nine grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and a brother, Bill Slykhuis; as well as two sisters: Donna Thornburg, and Kayi Shilling.  Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

The family has established a memorial to Pella Hospice in Joan’s name.

Mass of Christian burial was January 5, 2015 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Albia , Iowa.  Interment was at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Weller, Iowa.

May she rest in Peace.

St. Peter’s Potluck

Families will have a potluck supper after 5:30pm mass on Saturday January 17 at the rectory basement.  Altar and Rosary will furnish a variety of soups and beverages.  Please join us and bring an appetizer or a dessert.

Mass time has rotated to 5:30pm on Saturday nights for Jan., Feb., March, and April.

Snowbirds Alert!

Enjoy your sunshine. We are having an arctic blast with subzero temp. today in Lovilia and a windchill that will make your knees knock.  But I enjoy a warm cup of coffee and curl up with a blanket in my recliner with the dog and read when my chores are done. It is all good!  But I do enjoy the thought of you all walking on the beach in the warm sand and listening to the waves hit the beach!

New Recycling Managers

David and Susan Beary retired Dec.31, 2014 from the Monroe County recycling job.  The new managers are Mark and Cindy Gillespie of rural Albia.  If you have recycling questions, you can call their phone:  641-932-2047.

Dave and Susan want to thank all the faithful Lovilia recyclers who help save tons of resources from being wasted by being buried at the landfill and instead recycle them for further use.

If you don’t recycle yet, you can start anytime.  It is a free service provided through the Monroe County government. Place your items in the recycling trailer parked one block north of the post office. Each window is marked for you to sort the items, ie. glass, plastic, tin cans, newspaper, magazines, cardboard,  bags of shredded paper, and white paper/notebook paper(mixed paper).

Born to Fred and Clara Ellen Clark on Oct. 24, 1915 in Buxton, Iowa.  The family later moved to a farm west of Lovilia and Edith walked to the one room school called Lemon. To attend high school she walked 3 1/2 miles to Lovilia  where she graduated in the class of 1933.  She had 6 brothers and three sisters.

Jan 12., 1935 Edith married James (Bud) Barnes.  Edith worked then at Harold Water’s grocery store in Lovilia and she and her husband owned and lived in the Park Hotel in Lovilia until it burned in 1945.

They moved to Albia and she worked as office manager of Monroe County Hospital until 1966.  In 1968 she was called to work at the new Albia nursing home as bookkeeper. Later she passed the exam to be an administrator of that home and did so until 1981 when she retired.

Edith was a 60 year member of the American Legion Auxiliary, active member of Lovilia Betterment Committee, and very active worker in the United Methodist church of Lovilia.

Sheila (Phil) Lundstrom of Lovilia and Joe(Sharon) Barnes of Tajique, NM are her children.  Grandchildren are Gail, Tiffany Jo, Gary, James, and Derek.  She also has three great grandchildren.

Preceded in Death by her parents, husband, brothers:  Howard, Raymond, Purl, Eugene, Vincent, and Harry Clark; and sisters:  Ella Visser, Lois Walter, and Wilma Bryant.

Funeral services were at the Lovilia United Methodist church Oct. 18th and burial at Woodlawn Cemetery in Lovilia.

St. Peter’s Picnic Results

We served a total of 228 dinners.  Raffle winners were the following:  $5oo to Martha Robinson, $200 to Margaret Beakler, $100 to Norma Barnes, $100 (winner gave back to St. Peter’s), $50 Richard Plum, and $50 to Jerry Anderson.  Congrats to the winners. The church wishes to thank all who bought dinners, raffle tickets, and goods from the country store and the auction.  See you next year!

Oct.23,2014 Reconvened Democratic County Convention

Due to the unexpected death of Denny Ryan, a candidate for the board of supervisors in the Nov. 4th election, country delegates from the March convention met to choose a candidate to run in a special election in Dec.  Our local precinct is to be commended for having the best attendance of any county precinct.  Local delegates were Susan Beary, Margaret Kasper, Jane and Doran Haywood, James Elliot, Doyle Chamberlain, Sandra Showers and Robert Chance.  The only delegates unable to attend were Fred and Goldie Kraber who were helping their daughter, Gladys, little girl celebrate her fourth birthday.

Dien Judge was chosen to be the democratic candidate.  Republicans are to pick a candidate the first part of November.

Dangerous Items Thrown in Lovilia Recycling Trailer

Syringes used to give shots came tumbling out as workers unloaded the trailer.  This poses a serious health hazard to workers.  Workers could contract a disease from the needles if stuck and the needle had been from a patient with a disease like hepatitis c.  Never put syringes in recycling or the garbage can.  Go to the public health office and ask for a free sharps box to put your syringes in.  Public health obtained a grant for the purpose of supplying patients with sharps boxes at no charge.  Call them at 641-932-7191 to ask for one or get directions to their office in Albia.

There are windows on both sides of the Lovilia trailer for different types of items so check both sides and put your items in the right window.

Put no compact florescent (screw shaped bulbs) or also called CFL bulbs and no long florescent bulbs in recycling. These have hazardous items in them and should only be brought to the once a year hazardous waste collection day held in Albia in Oct.

Plastics like soda pop straws or any item that do not have a recycle triangle on them can not be recycled. The buyer has to know the plastic formula in each item before it can be used.  so look for the triangle with a number from 1-7 on it.  We can not take automotive fluid containers because it is hazardous materials: no antifreeze jugs, no oil jugs, brake fluid, etc.) no toxic cleaner jugs either like toilet boil cleaner of lysol.  If it says poison or hazardous on the label put it instead in the garbage.

No pesticide or herbicide containers can be recycled by us as it is hazardous too.

Cigarette cartons and packs are not recyclable as they are not a reusable form of paper.

No styrofoam marked triangle 6 can be recycled as there is no buyer for it. it must go in your home garbage.

Mixed paper does not mean all paper.  it is only for white letters or school notebook papers

Aerosol cans explode when baled and often have plastic and other components so they can not be recycled.

No aluminum foil or aluminum baking pans. no buyer for this.

We do not take plastic bags to recycle. Return them to the store you got them from to their bag barrel, such as Hyvee and Walmart.

Glass jars need the lids removed before recycling.  metal lids can be put in with tin cans. plastic lids can go in with plastics.

If you have any questions call Susan Beary 641-946-7952,

Oct. 31 Trick or treat

Plenty of Ninjas, princesses, and goblins abounded from 6-8pm.  As usual on E Ave. South (main st.) I ran out of candy somewhere between 50 and hundred kids later. some politely took one and some grabbed a handful and ran.  There are always one or two greedy ghouls!!

House Torn down

The home most recently lived in by Donnie Tucker who died some time ago, was bulldozed down this week.  Trees downed too but not yet removed.  This is the property that is on the corner of F Avenue and 16th Street. It was just south of the former Gas N Go station/store.

Iris bloom on Halloween

How could this happen?  I don’t know but there were no iris blooms in the usual time period in the month of May. Then last week buds appeared and two beautiful, perfect white blooms appeared and lasted 3 or 4 days.  An October miracle of nature!

Mary Jo Beary Dies Nov.2 nd

She died at Oakwood Nursing Center in Albia November 2, 2014 under care of hospice.

Born to Robert J. and Marie (Sinnott) Lee in Melrose.  She was a graduate of Melrose High School.  She married Bill Johnson Dec. 17, 1943 and he died Oct. 12, 1964.  Mary Jo then married Leo Vincent Beary of Lovilia June 25, 1966.  Vincent died Feb. 11, 2014.  Mary Jo liked to help people and was always on the go doing so.

She is survived by her children Chris, Bob, and Donald, ten grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren as  well as her sister, Margie (John) Curran of Melrose.

Visitation opens 1pm Wed. Nov. 5 at Sinnott-Pierschbacher Funeral Home at Albia with family present 6-8 pm.  Rosary Wed. at 4pm and wake at 6pm

Funeral mass Thurs, Nov. 6 at 10:30am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Albia.  Burial afterwards at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Melrose.

Memorials established to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Mr. Calvary Cemetery.

PTSD and Dog “Healers”

If you know someone suffering with PTSD or a child with autism, look at this website. www.retrievingfreedom.org  They have helped many service men make remarkable improvements and the dogs are trained right here in Waverly, Ia.  This was just featured in a Farm Bureau family living article.

Farm Computer Games Free

Visit www.myamericanfarm.org  . I understand there are 19 different games.  This is provided by a grant from farm bureau and Dupont Pioneer.
These games are for K-5th grade and even have lesson plans and activities for school teachers.

Election Day Nov. 4, 2014

Polls are open 7am-9pm at the Lovilia Community building.  Come and exercise your freedom to vote. Our precinct includes the city of Lovilia, Union township, Cedar township , and Bluff Creek Township. See you at the polls!  And unlike some countries where they tell you who to vote for, you get to choose.  Go for it!!

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.

Ryan and Luke Sarver were half of the 4×200 and 4 x400 meter relay teams that made it to represent Albia Comm. H.S.  The team won the title. They are the grandsons of Joe and Wanda Flahive.

Tanner Wynn ran in the 800 and on the 4 x 800 team.  The 4 x 800 team did not win but broke the local school record by over five seconds. Also on the team were the Sarver boys.  Tanner is the grandson of Jerry and Camilla Wynn.

Congrats boys on a great season in track!!

Donna Flattery Retires From Teaching

Donna, daughter of Don and Marty Major, retired at the end of this school year.  She grew up in Lovilia and earned her teaching degree from William Penn in Oskaloosa.  She first taught in Lovilia first grade.  Donna has taught 39 years with most of them in Kindergarten.  She and her husband, Mike Flattery reside in Knoxville.  Enjoy your golden years, Donna!

William N. Yates Dies

William born Dec.22, 1927 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to William Henry and Mae Ellen Yates.  Due to injuries from a fall he died at age 86 on June 1, 2014.  Burial was at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter.

William was a Private First Class in the Air Force during WWII  and served in Japan. He worked many years as an arborist.

Will is survived by a sister of Cedar Rapids and seven children. Both Michael and James are residents of Lovilia.

May he rest in peace.

Darwin “Peanuts” Gordon and Harold Parker Honored with WWII Vets

Albia newspapers did a special D-Day paper for the 70 anniversary of D-Day.    Darwin was wounded twice in Italy and then was hit by bullets in a battle in France.  He spent many long months in the hospital.  He was wounded in the stomach, lost most of his left elbow.  He wears an elbow brace and braces on both legs today.

Harold Parker of rural Lovilia joined the Army Air Force, went to ground school, and served on ground crews in England.

We can not thank these men enough for their service to us to preserve our freedoms. May God bless you and give you peace.

Dorothy Claire Smith Dies

Dorothy was born to Andy and Josephine Long Claire on Dec. 15, 1923. She was educated in Lovilia schools.  She married Dr. Robert Smith and took schooling to be a lab assistant and worked with her husband in the Albia Smith Hospital.  Later she gave many years of dedicated service to promoting Rathbun Lake and was past pres. of the lake association and a regional director of Crappiethon.  She was preceded in death by her husband, son, and parents. Burial was at Oakview Cemetery in Albia.  May she rest in peace.

Dorothy Lynn Hogeland Dies

Dorothy was the daughter of Herbert Lee and Carabelle Drum Sherman and was born March 28, 1927 in Galesburg, Illinois.  Dorothy married Leroy Hogeland Dec.1, 1962  in Galesburg and then moved to Lovilia.  She is survived by her husband and three children: Andrea of Lovilia, Alicia of Moline, Ill.,, and John of San Francisco, Cal. and four grandchildren.  She died June 6, 2014 at age 87. Funeral services were at Lovilia United Methodist Church and she was later cremated.  May she rest in peace.

Trap Team Did Well

Ryan Romanco, Hunter McAninch and Case Scieszinski all with Lovilia roots are hitting the target well!  Congrats on your showing this season!

Jim Wynn Retires As Coach

Jim Wynn, son of Jerry and Camilla Wynn, retired this year after 29 years as an assistant football coach at Albia Comm. H. S. He grew up in Lovilia and attended Lovilia schools.  Enjoy your extra time with family!

Lovilia UMC

Lovilia Methodists held a clean-up day. Over a dozen kids joined Rev. Dozer to get r done.  The church hosted Vacation Bible School June 23-25.

Iva Mae Hatfield’s Students in Piano Recital

Her students performed June 22 at the Albia Baptist Temple.  Thirteen students performed.  The public was invited.

Steve Beary Tops in Land Sales

Steve Beary , son of Jim and Shirley Beary , lives in Albia and works for Mossy Oak Properties of the Heartland.  He was recognized for being one of the top in land sales for this quarter of 2014.  Congrats to Steve!

Edwin “Ed” Loraine Overturf Dies

He was born Aug. 16,1924 to Archibald “Burn” and Ethel Burkman Overturf in Belknap, Iowa.  Ed’s family moved to the Lovilia area and he went to school in Lovilia and graduated high school in the class of 1943.  He served in the Army in Europe and Africa during WWII.  His career was with John Deere, then the VA Hospital in Knoxville, Ia. and then worked the the funeral home in Albia.  Virginia Helen Gibson married Ed Aug. 17, 1946 and they had two sons, Tony and Jim. She died in 1991 and he later married Lucille Amoss in 1999.  He is survived by his wife, two sons, two step daughters, and  three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.   Funeral services will be July 7, 2014 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Albia. Burial with military rites will be in Oak View Cemetery in Albia.

Lovilia T-Ball Team is the “Lions”

Beginning ball players have a team in Lovilia coached by William and Sadie Dykstra, Christian Williams, and Heather Pettyjohn.  Children on the coed team are:  Everett Hoy, Kylie Manser, Brian Brown, Lillee Carlson, Garrett Dykstra, Koltin Wynn, Braydon Manser, Titus Smith, Carson Dykstra, Hannah Smith, Brayden Pettyjohn, Carter Pettyjohn, And Aiden Aldridge.  Hope you have had fun learning to catch,  bat, and run the bases.  Have Fun!

Ogle Manager of Pizza Hut

Britt Ogle of Lovilia was hired as manager of the Albia Pizza Hut about six months ago.  Britt says he has upgraded the “hut” and has new staff on board.  Check it out!  We wish you success in your new career.

Buy “Upon This Rock” History

If you want a copy of the history of St. Peter’s Catholic Church of Lovilia written by Ellie Sofranko and Catherine Ross and published in 1982, contact Catherine’s relative at this email address:  margaretdwiggins@gmail.com.

Weller Picnic July 19

Jim McGinn says the picnic is on!  Lunch is served from 11:30am-1:00pm.  Menu:  grilled pork loin, brats, pasta salad, baked beans, soda, ice tea, lemonade or water.  There will be live country and Irish music.  Lawn chairs and personal coolers welcome.  Fun for all and some Irish dancing may be done too!

The Albia Community High School 4 x 400 meter track relay team made up of Alex Schultz, Brett Leshen, Luke Sarver, and Ryan Sarver  won the event with a total time of 3:18.90.  This is a school breaking record and the fastest time  of any 2A school team in the Drake Relays ever!!!!  Luke and Ryan’s mother is Mary Flahive Sarver.  Their grandparents are Joe and Wanda Flahive. Their great grandparents are Ed and Lucille Wright Flahive.

We are proud of your working so hard in training and team efforts to bring this achievement.  Congratulations and enjoy the accolades!

Jr High Track High Points

The 4 x 100 team had the chance to run at the Drake Relays also.  Jer McAninch was on the team and Joe Beary was the alternate. Both are rural Lovilia boys.  The team had a time of 49.66 which placed them 9th out of 32 teams overall. Congrats!

Jer has also shown skill in the 100 meter dash, the high jump, and on the 4 x 200 team.  Joe Beary is performing well in the shuttle hurdle relay, in the 800 meter medley team, high jump, and 400 meter dash.  Looking forward to seeing your growth in high school track.  We are proud of your efforts Jer and Joe!

Lovilia Wins Grants

Monroe County Iowa Foundation awarded this years grants that come to Iowa counties that do not have gaming facilities.  City of Lovilia was awarded $2,500 for tombstone repair.  Lovilia Community Betterment was awarded $1500 for a new water heater.

Katie Williams Solos in IHCC Concert

Katie, daughter of Bob and Lolita Barnes Williams of Lovilia, sang a solo in the college spring concert as well as joined the college chorus for the rest of the concert.  They performed at St. John’s Auditorium in Ottumwa on May 9th.  Congrats on your fun performance!

Lovilia City Council Mowing Notice for Summer 2014

Any property within the city, whether vacated or non-vacated, including ditches, is required to be mowed by May 1 & 15, June 1 & 15, July 1 & 15, August 1 & 15, Sept. 1 & 15 and Oct. 1  &  15 of each year.  If any property is not mowed by the above dates, the city of Lovilia will cause the same to be mowed and the cost assessed to the property owners.   The charges for mowing shall be $75.00 per hour plus a surcharge of $10 FOR EACH PROPERTY.  This is ordered by the city council and administered by mayor Pat Gilbert.

New Findley Baby

Maxwell David Findley was born April 12, 2014.  His parents are Steven Findley and Amanda DeMoss.  Lovilia grandparents are Terry and Cheryl Findley  and great-grandparents are David and Lorraine Findley.  Welcome Maxwell!

Joe Beary Competes in Math Bee

Joe with seven other 8th graders from Albia competed in Burlington, Iowa.  Out of 81 students competing Joe placed 28th.  Good figuring and hope you had fun too!

Two Lovilia girls on 6th grade math team:  Makenna Ross and Savannah Stalzer.

Hunter McAninch Fronts Rathbun Theater Band

May 3rd, Saturday Hunter sang and accompanied himself on guitar with the house band.  He enjoyed it he said the the audience received him well.  John Bain his guitar teacher and the theater manager hope to have Hunter back to perform later in the concert season.  Congrats and looking forward to seeing you perform!

Harold was born Jan. 28, 1941 to Mathew C. and Evangaline (Johnson) Wright in Lovilia, Iowa.  He married Anna M. Casper on March 21, 1959 in Unionville, Missouri.  They had three children:  Lora Lopez of Chatham, Ill; Kevin Wright of Coal Valley, Ill.’ and Allen Wright of Colona, Ill.  Eight grand children and six great children also survive him.  One sister survives, Lillian Lennie of Cookville, Texas.  His parents and one brother and three sisters preceded him in death.

He worked for 32 years for John Deere Harvester and retired as an assembler in 1998.  He enjoyed yard work, bird watching, and fixing things.

Funeral services were at Esterdahl Morturary and Crematory in Moline, Ill.  Burial was at Coal Valley Township Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

May he rest in peace.

Robert”Bob” Barnes Dies April 20, 2014

Bob’s parents were Arnold and Esta (Nedderman) Barnes. He was the youngest of nine children and was born March 9, 1922. He was schooled at Lemon grade school and graduated from Lovilia High School in the class of 1940.
He wed Beth Davis on July 4, 1942.

Nov. 1942 he was drafted into the army.  He began with 903 Quartermaster Company but later volunteered as a paratrooper.  As a paratrooper he was in the 11th Airborne Division and stationed in the Philippines.  Eventually serving in the MacArthur Vanguard during the first days of occupation in Japan.

After the war he farmed west of Lovilia until his retirement.  He spent many years researching and updating the Barnes and Nedderman family geneology.

He is survived by his wife Beth; son Gary of W. St. Paul,MN; daughters Brenda of Overland Park,KS; Connie of West Des Moines,IA; and Shelley of St. Paul, MN.  Also four grandchildren and four great grandchildren survive.    His parents and siblings preceded him in death:  Icyle, Jesse, Howard, Orville, Phillip, Florence, Emmett, and Preston.

Funeral services were at the Independent Bible church in Bussey.  No burial services.  Open memorials.

May he rest in peace.

Rathbun Music Theater Open for the Season

John Bain of Lovilia and his father have purchased and opened the theater.  It is one mile north of the dam on Hwy J5T.  It is family entertainment with a concession stand available and no alcohol.  It opened April 19th.  Shows are planned for every Saturday at 8pm through the month of November.  Check it out!  (Doors open at 7pm)

Monroe County Democrats Select 2014 Leadership Team

Susan Beary was elected Affirmative Action Chairman.  Representatives for our local precinct which includes Lovilia, Cedar, Union, Bluff Creek and Guilford Townships are James Elliot, and Sandy Showers.

Michelle Manser Excelling in Spring Track at Albia High School

April 8th the Lady Dees competed in Bloomfield.  In the first of the events, Michelle, a Lovilia home town girl, won the 3000 meter run.  Her time was 12:46.95.  This gave her nearly  a 15 second victory over the other runners.  Congrats on your big win, Michelle!

Later she won the same event at Eddyville in first place with a time of 13.08.

Samantha Hunt of Lovilia Wins Art First Place

Albia Comm. High School had its annual art show the first week of April.  Samantha won first place and she also earned an honorable mention for a second piece of artwork.  Congratulations Samantha!

Trap Shooter Case Scieszinski Scoring well

Case competed in April at Knoxville with ten different schools teams in the competition.  He was the top shooter for the Albia team and hit 40 out of 50 targets.  His family tree comes back to the Lovilia Papich family.  Way to go Case!

At the April 19th trap shoot at Russell an Albia team took home first place team trophy.  The team included three of the six with Lovilia roots.  Case, Hunter McAninch (Wynn family) and Ryan Romanco( Romanco family) Congrats team!

Recycling Employee Retirement Planned

David and Susan Beary who are coordinators for recycling in Lovilia, Melrose, and Albia told the Mon. Co. board of supervisors at their meeting April 22nd that whey will retire Dec. 31, 2014.  The board will start to look for a replacement coordinator.  Beary’s will step down as soon as a replacement is found.  The program is working and the county hopes to continue upgrading the equipment and site to handle even more participation by residents in the state mandated recycling efforts. The goal is to prevent valuable resources going to the landfill.

April 30, Wednesday Supper at Comm. Building

United Methodist Church of Lovilia will hold a Chicken noodle supper from 5-7pm at the Lovilia Community Building.  Free will offering for the meal.  Good home cooking!

May 2 Sign up Your Child for Headstart

If your child will be three years old by Sept. 15 of this year, they can see if they are eligible to enroll. Call Jessica 641-799-6070 to find out what to bring to registration and when to come to sign up.

May 5, Monday Lovilia Firemen’s Fundraising Supper

Come to eat from 5-7pm at the Lovilia Community Building. Eat well and support your hometown firemen!!

St. Peter’s Catholic Church Sacrament Celebration

Those receiving first communion this year are Ethan Stalzer and his cousin, Kyle Kuhlmann.  Also Taryn Brown of Lovilia will receive at her church, St. Mary’s in Albia.

Confirmation students who celebrated with the Bishop in April were Marty Beary, Cole Kurimski, and Hunter McAninch.

Best wishes to all the students for these landmarks of their faith they have reached.

Sandra, age 61, of Lovilia was the daughter of Thomas and Eldora (Klug)Ryan. She was born on June 14, 1952.  She was a graduate of Albia Community High School.

She and Leon Chamberlain were married February 20, 1971 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lovilia.  They had two sons, Russ and Tom.

Sandra had worked in medical records at Veterans Hospital in Knoxville.

She is survived by her husband, sons, mother, and four sisters:  Diane Love of Ankeny, Iowa, Sharon Cunningham of Albia, Deborah Felton of Albia, and Pam Owens of Lovilia.  She is the grandmother of eight and great grandmother of five.

May she rest in peace.

Funeral services were at Sinnott Pierschbacher Funeral home of Lovilia and burial was at Osborn Cemetery, Lovilia, Iowa. A  memorial has been established for the Osborn Cemetery.

Indian Hills Community College Honor Roll

Edward L. Parcel and Katie Williams of Lovilia were on the honor roll for the winter term.  To be so honored the student must be a full time student and have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.  Congratulations on you achievement.

Joe Hollinrake Honored by IRWA

Joe and his wife Jean live near Weller on a farm.  He has been on the board of the Rathbun Rural Water Association since its inception and the board brought to fruition the water treatment plant which was completed and selling water in 1977.  Joe has been board chairman for many years but intends to retire this year from the board.  He served altogether 42 years on the board and was chairman for 20 of those years.  Through his efforts to improve the life of rural Iowans he has raised the quality of thousands of southern Iowans lives.  You are to be commended for your years of faithful service to your community.  May you enjoy your retirement from the board.

Catherine Kurimski’s Special Birthday

Catherine was born March 16th 90 years ago.  If you would like to help her celebrate, her family invites you to join their card shower for her.  Cards may be mailed to her at 1248 555th Avenue, Lovilia, Iowa 50150.  Congratulations and have a enjoyable special day!

Merrill,age 83, died from mesothelioma.

His parents were Vern and Pearl (Barnhill) Baker. He was born in rural Lovilia on August 15, 1930.  He graduated with the Lovilia class of 1948.  Merrill joined the US Army during the Korean conflict and served from 1951-1954.

Following the service, Merrill worked for Maytag in Newton,Iowa from 1955-1985 when he retired.  Then he ran his own construction company.

Merrill married Helen Corrick on June 19, 1954.  They were blessed with five children, Kevin, Jolinda, Kim, Jeff, and Brian.

He was involved in many community service activities.  For many years he donated his time to Lovilia Babe Ruth.  Recently he was very involved with the Welcome Home Soldier Memorial.

Merrill is survived by his wife, his five children, and ten grandchildren.  He is also survived by three sisters, Norma Barnes, Gayle Hastings, Lola Ivins, and one brother, Don Baker.

Funeral services will be Wed., Mar 12 at Trinity United Methodist Church, Albia, Iowa at 10:30 a.m. Private family burial at Woodlawn cemetery in Lovilia will be at a later date.

Visitation at Tharp Funeral Home, Albia will be Tues., Mar. 11 at noon-8 p.m.  Family will be present 4:30 -8 p.m.

Memorials to Welcome Home Soldier or to Lovilia United Methodist Church have been established. May he rest in peace.

Philip A. “Nonny” Papich Died March 8,2014

He was born Nov.16, 1929 and raised in Lovilia and Albia.  He served in the U.S. Army 1946-1950 where he was trained in radar mechanics.  His career was mostly with military aircrafts in the USA and overseas.

He is survived by one son, Bruce and wife of Colorado and one grandson, Shane also of Colorado.  Also surviving is his sister Francine Gansman of Chandler, ID.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Stephana Papich Larson.

Mass of Christian burial will be Thurs, Mar.13 at St. Mary’s Catholic church in Albia at 10:30 p.m.  Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Albia.

Visitation will be Wed. Mar. 12 from 2-8 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home. Rosary at 4:30 and wake at 5 p.m.  Family present 4-8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers memorials are to St. Mary’s church or the American Legion of Albia. May he rest in peace.

Belated report: Dorothy Anne Papich Crum Died Oct. 10, 2013

Dorothy was the daughter of Stanley Charles Papich and Catherine Jakovich Papich.  Most of you remember that Stank and Katie  owned Papich grocery store in the Lovilia south end.

Dorothy graduated from Ottumwa Heights Academy and Marycrest College.  She worked for the Iowa Dept. of Public Health and as an English teacher. She married Don Crum and shared over 50 years of marriage.  They lived more than 40 years in Iowa City, Iowa  and were active in many community services.

Dorothy is survived by her son Donald of Rock Island Ill, and her daughter Poppy Anne Carrie Crum of San Francisco, Cal.  She has one grandchild, Hanna Vance-Crum of Iowa City. Also surviving is her brother, Stanley D. Papich of Bloomington, N.Y.

May she rest in peace.

Janis Aldridge Named Comm. 1st Credit Union Albia Branch Manager

Janis has worked at the credit union for four years.  She has a bachelor of arts degree in business management from William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

Janis lives in Lovilia with her husband Jeremy and three sons, Jeremy, Devon and Aiden.

Congratulations on the promotion and best wishes.

New Director of South Central Iowa Solid Waste Commission

Rick Hurt has moved here from Nebraska to take over duties here at the landfill.   To learn more about the landfill and it’s services go to wwwsciswa.org

Mark your calendars so you will not miss this day. Oct. 18, 2014, Saturday.  This will be the day for the annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.  It will be held in Albia for all Monroe County residents.  Time will be announced later.

Sport Blurbs

Sydney Weldon, daughter of  Mr. and Mrs. Doug Weldon, and granddaughter of Bill and Betty Weldon has signed a national letter of intent to play softball for Des Moines Area Communtity College.  She was an all state softball player for Albia Comm. High School.

Monroe County Little League’s President this year is Mike Haywood (son of Doran and Jane Haywood of Lovilia) and umpire in chief is Kelly Romanco (son of Tom and Donna Romanco of Lovilia)

Albia Comm. High School wrestling squad made it to state tournament this year.  One of the team managers was Cheyenne See, daughter of Todd See and granddaughter of Jean See.

Jer McAninch, son of Kirk and Susan and grandson of Jerry and Camilla Wynn, was on the seventh grade basketball team at Albia that had a 23-1 record.  The coach was Farrington, son of Roberta Farrington of Lovilia.

Albia H. S. Boys basketball head to the state tournament.  Tanner Wynn, grandson of Jerry and Camilla Wynn is a strong member of the team.  Luke and Ryan Sarver, grandsons of Joe and Wanda Flahive, are both part of this winning team.  Good luck at state. Also on the team is Lee Curran, grandson of Jim and Shirley Beary.

4-H News

Lisa Etcher: ag. pin and outstanding ag. records award.

Logan Hatfield:  horticulture and gardening pin and outstanding award.

Valerie Beary and Joe Beary beef pins and Joe also outstanding beef record award

Valerie Beary and Lisa Etcher :  clothing pin award and Valerie Beary outstanding clothing record award

Marty Beary:  outstanding senior member award

Lisa Keeton:  leader award. she is a leader of the Bluff Creek Progressives

Susan Margaret Beenken who grew up in Lovilia as Susan Wilson, daughter of Edward and Marjorie (Bennett) Wilson has died.  Her birthdate was Dec. 7, 1946.  Susan went to school in Lovilia .

She married Fred Schade Sept. 10, 1963 in Lovilia and then they moved to Mason City .  The couple raised six sons:  Jack, Jeff, Jim, Jerry, John, and Joe.  In 1978 she married Roger Beenken and lived on a farm near Portland.  She is survived by her sons, 15 grandchildren,and five great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are her brother Fred of California and her brother Ed of Lovilia. She was proceeded in death by her parents and brother John Wilson.

Susan died Saturday Feb.8, 2014 at her home and memorial services were in Mason City at the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel.  May she rest in peace.

Vince Beary Dies Feb.11, 2014

Leo Vincent Beary died at Oakwood Nursing home in Albia at age 90 years. His parents were William and Anna (Malloy) Beary and he was born April 11, 1923.

Vince received his education at Lovilia schools and was class salutatorian in 1941.  He married Mary Jo lee on June 25, 1966.  Vince farmed all his life, enjoyed visiting with people, and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus for many years and enjoyed playing euchre there.

He is survived by his wife Mary Jo and three children:  Chris, Bob and Donald and ten grandchildren as well as ten great-grandchildren.  Also he leaves behind his brother John Lowell, and brother Leonard. He also is survived by two sisters:  Wilma Hollinrake and Marilyn Comer.

A mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia and burial was at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Melrose.  Memorial will be directed to St. Peter’s catholic Church or the Lovilia Community Building.  May he rest in peace.

Owners of the theater were past retirement age and feared the business they worked so many years to build would be closing.  But to the rescue came John Bain, Sr. of Albia.  He agreed to buy the business and continue furnishing live entertainment there.

Interviewed on Albia radio this week, John said they planned to be open April – Oct. and have the same house band on Saturday nights.  However, they plan to add Friday and Sunday programs.  John Jr. will book a variety of music on Friday, Sunday afternoon will feature Gospel music, and Sunday evening will specialize in the Blue Grass sound.

Ticket prices will be the same.  Adults are admitted for $10 each, kids 5-12 are $4 tickets each, and toddlers under 5 are admitted free. A concession stand will be available for snacks during the shows.

One change will be that John Jr. will install a new sound system which is a specialty of his and should be good.  They would like to do some remodeling to improve the building but will wait until fall to begin that project.

The tentative opening night will be the third Saturday of April.  John Jr. will manage the theater and we wish him and his father well in their new enterprise.  Go check it out for good live music and good family fun!

Smokey Smith Died This Week

If you go back to the blog entry of April 22, 2012,  you will see the story I wrote featuring Smokey.  He was well known in country music circles and in Nashville.  He had performed, been a radio disc jockey, and been a music promoter and country show organizer.  He brought shows to Lovilia years ago at the hopping Ponderosa Club.  He was close enough to Johnny Cash to be invited to June and John’s funerals.  This was described in his book which is a fascinating read that I recommend to any country music fan.

Former Resident, Ruth Dunkin, dies in Missouri

Ruth Elizabeth Dunkin, age 86, died Feb.5,2014 in Columbia, Missouri.  Her parents were Joseph Wallace and Ada(Evans) Manley and she was born to them in Albia on April 19, 1927.

She and Robert Dale Dunkin were married Nov. 22, 1942 and celebrated 37 years together before he died in Feb. 1979.  They lived on a farm near Lovilia and she worked many years as a cook for the school.  She and Dale had two children, Kevin (Judy) Dunkin of Columbia and Karen (deceased).  Kevin has five children and five grandchildren.

Funeral was Sat. Feb. 8th at Albia and burial is at Woodlawn Cemetery in Lovilia.

Lee Robinson of Rural Lovilia Dies

Lee Edward Robinson died Feb.7, 2014 under hospice care.  He was 86 years old.

His parents were James and Hazel (Noe) Robinson to whom he was born March 8, 1927.

He and Georgia Harrison exchanged wedding vows Oct. 23, 1948 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.

His career included farming, truck driving and as a factory supervisor.

He is survived by his wife, Georgia of Lovilia; son Terry of Lovilia; and his daughter Carolyn of Fairfield, Iowa.  He also has five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at the funeral home at Lovilia Wednesday, Feb. 12 and burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Lovilia.

St. Peter’s women hold a guest day Feb. 13thThe women are holding a guest day and have invited several Monroe County churches to send guests for lunch and fellowship.  Following the luncheon, Judy Anderson, is our special guest speaker.

She is a volunteer at the Des Moines homeless shelter and has done so for many years from its conception.  She will explain the services provided at the shelter and about the people helped there as well as how we could help them if we choose to.  Please RSVP if you plan to come by calling Susan Beary, 946-7952 or emailing: susanbearyrdh@hotmail.com.

Michael Spieler Appointed to Monroe County Hospital and Clinic’s Board of Directors

Tim Shehan left the board when he moved to another community and the board appointed Michael as his replacement.  He is Vice President and Sr. loan officer at Peoples State Bank in Albia, Iowa.

He moved to Lovilia in July 2013 with his wife, Kay, and two children,Kaitlyn and Karter.  It is nice to have him represent us on the board and wish him well in his service to the community.

Jim Beary Elected to FSA County Committee

Jim Beary who farms west of Lovilia was elected to represent these townships: Cedar, Guilford, Jackson, Union, and Wayne in Monroe County.  The committee represents Monroe and Appanoose counties  The committee is a contact between the local level and USDA.  We wish you well in serving the farm community.

Plastic bags and balloons can Kill

These seem like harmless objects but can kill birds and farm livestock.  Farmer, Donna Kromray, recently wrote in the Albia Newspaper about calves who choked and required a veterinarian to place a  tube in the animals throat to push down the obstruction.  She recounted three different such incidents.  Had she not been doing chores and saw the animals struggling they most likely would have died.

Also, biologists from around the world have found dead birds and on autopsy found their gut full of bits of plastic trash that choked them or caused an intestinal blockage that killed them.

So to save farmers vet bills and dead animals as well as save wildlife, make sure you recycle all plastic bags and that if you see one in the yard or road ditch to pick them up and dispose in the garbage.  Or better yet, don’t accept plastic at stores, take your own cloth shopping bags.  Also, don’t release helium or any balloons to see them fly high because when they come down birds or animals ingest them and die.

This is simple and something we can all do to protect animals and be sure to teach your kids this safety tip too.!