Earnest-Johnson Funeral Home Obituaries

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Earnest-Johnson Funeral Home, located at 206 East Pine, Marcus, IA, 51035, is a trusted and compassionate funeral home that has been serving the community of Marcus and surrounding areas for years. With a commitment to providing exceptional service and care, the funeral home has established itself as a beacon of hope and support during difficult times.

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The story of Earnest-Johnson Funeral Home began with a vision to provide families with a dignified and meaningful way to say goodbye to their loved ones. Over the years, the funeral home has remained true to its core values of compassion, empathy, and professionalism, earning the trust and respect of the community it serves. Today, the funeral home continues to be a pillar of strength and support, helping families navigate the complex process of planning a funeral or memorial service.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Judith Ann Letsche - August 27, 1944 - April 27, 2024

Departed: 04/27/2024 (Marcus)

Obituary Preview: Judith Ann Letsche, 79, of rural Marcus, passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at a Sioux Falls hospital with her family at her side. Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Remsen, Iowa. Rev. Alan Cummins will officiate. Burial will follow at the Marcus Amherst Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at the Earnest – Johnson Funeral Home in Marcus. The family will be present from 5-7 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to the service on Wednesday.

Judith Ann Letsche was born August 27, 1944, in Cherokee, Iowa, to Marion and Ella Mae (Presuhn) Miller. She spent most of her childhood on the family farm near Remsen, Iowa and graduated from Remsen-Union High School in 1962.

On September 12, 1964, she married the love of her life, Philip Letsche, in St. Paul Lutheran Church in Remsen. Phil and Judy were looking forward to celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary later this year. The couple were blessed with two sons, Kirk and Eric, who they raised on the family farm south of Marcus.

After high school, Judy attended NBT business school in Sioux City. Shortly thereafter, she started a long banking career, nearly all of which she spent at Farmers State Bank in Marcus prior to her retirement in 2013.

Judy’s top priority was always as wife, mother and grandmother. She loved attending the events of her children and grandchildren, spending countless hours watching all kinds of athletic, academic and musical performances. She enjoyed playing cards, traveling, keeping a spotless house, and doing anything that involved spending time with her family and friends. Judy was a life-long member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Remsen, volunteering her time for several church activities.

Judy is survived by her husband of 59 years, Phil; her two sons, Kirk (Lisa) of Marcus, and Eric (Amy Swenson) of Sergeant Bluff; grandchildren Neal Schreier, Jaci (Luke) Seablom, Levi Letsche, Elliott Swenson, Ben Hueser and Sam Hueser; great-grandchildren Luci and Jake Seablom; sisters Marilyn (Marv) Ekeren and Caryn Barry, sisters-in-law Sandi Miller and Mary (Gary) Chase, brothers-in-law Richard (Bernie) Letsche and Roger (Becky) Letsche, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marion and Mae Miller; parents-in-law, Walter and Jane Letsche, her brother, Jim Miller, daughter-in-law, Margaret Letsche, and brothers-in-law, Mike Barry and Jim Lickiss.

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Rodney Lee Ogren - June 26, 1941 - March 30, 2024

Departed: 03/30/2024 (Marcus)

Obituary Preview: Rodney Ogren, 82, of Marcus, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the Heartland Care Center in Marcus. A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Grace Methodist Church in Marcus. Rev. Dr. Travis Stevick will officiate. A private family burial will take place at a later date at Marcus Amherst Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2024, at Grace Methodist Church. The family will be present from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to the service on Saturday.

With sadness, we share the passing of Rod Ogren, a devoted son, brother, and uncle, and a cherished friend to many. Rod passed away March 30, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to those he held dear.

Rodney Lee Ogren was born June 26, 1941, to Paul and Catherine (Pitts) Ogren, becoming the trusted oldest brother among the five Ogren boys. Rod's lifelong residence for almost 83 years on the family farm in Tilden Township, south of Marcus, Iowa, was a testament to his steadfastness and connection to his roots. His faith was an important part of his life, having been baptized, confirmed, and a member of Grace Methodist Church.

Rod graduated from Marcus High School in 1960, followed by Sierra Junior College, located outside Sacramento, California. Shortly thereafter, Rod served in the military, stationed in Germany. He was an army veteran.

Rod's commitment to his Marcus community started as a member of the Tilden Tillers 4-H club and eventually extended to the Cherokee County Cattlemen's Association and the Marcus Community Fair Board, where he served faithfully for many years. Over five decades, Rod lent his expertise as a cattleman and livestock judge to countless county, state, regional fairs and stock shows. He was privileged to judge the Iowa State Fair Governor's Steer Show. While serving on the Board of Directors for the American Hereford Association, he had the opportunity to travel to New Zealand as an AHA ambassador. As a close friend remembers, it was typical for Rod to kneel down to talk to 4-Hers showing their cattle on the woodchip-covered show barn floor. His dedication to shaping young minds and nurturing their potential was a testament to his generous spirit and enduring legacy.

Rod served several years as the Marcus Main Street Director. Within this position, he, along with many others, helped support the Marcus community's revitalization efforts for future generations by advocating to bring new commercial businesses and resources to his hometown.

Rod also found joy in the simple pleasures of friendship and family. He cherished time with his nieces and nephews (and great-nieces and nephews) and enjoyed many special travels with his friends. In honoring Rod's memory, let us strive to embody the values he held dear; honesty, compassion, and a sincere love to the things that matter most in life.

He will be lovingly remembered by his brothers; Ken Ogren of Marcus, Iowa; Steve (and Renea) Ogren of Marcus, Iowa; Chuck (and Kay) Ogren of Marcus, Iowa; sister-in-law Sara Ogren of Exeter, Nebraska; ten nieces and nephews; numerous great-nieces and nephews; and many cherished friends.

In addition to his beloved parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Roger Ogren and sister-in-law Kate Ogren.

Memorials will be given to the Marcus Community Fair, Grace Methodist Church, and other non-profit organizations close to Rod.

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Henry Busch - Unknown - March 16, 2024

Departed: 03/16/2024 (Marcus)

Obituary Preview: Henry “Bud” Busch, Jr., 86, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the Heartland Care Center in Marcus, Iowa. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Marcus. Father Timothy Pick will celebrate Mass. Burial will follow at Holy Name Cemetery in Marcus. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Holy Name Catholic Church. The family will be present from 4-7 p.m. with a Rosary at 4:00 p.m. and a Scriptural Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to Mass on Thursday.

Henry “Bud” Joseph Busch, Jr., was born on August 15, 1937, at home south of Remsen, Iowa. He was the son of Henry and Gertrude (Wersinger) Busch, Sr. Henry was the third-born and eldest son of a family of 15 children. In 1942, the family moved to a farm one-half mile east of Marcus. He graduated from Holy Name Catholic School in Marcus, Iowa in 1955.

His first year out of school, he held a variety of jobs including carpentry work, farm work, and even picking oranges in Bakersfield, California. In December of 1956, he started working for Sand & Goth, Inc. in Marcus. He worked there for many years feeding cattle. Bud served in the Army National Guard, reaching the rank of SSGE6-Platoon Sergeant. He was honorably discharged in 1966.

On February 24, 1962, Bud and Nancy Ellen Cashman were united in marriage at Faribault, Minnesota. They made their home in Marcus, Iowa, moving to the family farm that Bud purchased in 1974. They had three daughters, Laurie, and twins Anita and Gina.

Bud was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Marcus Jaycees, and Marcus School Board. He was a CCD teacher and volunteered for many community and church activities. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, card clubs, antique cars, and attending his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s activities.

He was humble and generous his whole life, taking care of his parents, siblings, children, and being his wife’s caretaker until she passed away June 30, 2023.

He will be lovingly remembered by his three daughters, Laurie Alesch of South Sioux City, Nebraska, Anita (John) Schneider of Marcus, Iowa, and Gina (Jeff) Myers of McCook Lake, South Dakota; seven grandchildren, Jacob (Katie) Alesch, Dan Hueser, Diane (Jonny) Sand, Greg (Jozalyn) Hueser, Lee Hueser, Paige (Ben) Moes, and Austin (Leah) Sypersma; thirteen great grandchildren, Ace, Archie and Reese Alesch; Brady, Addie, and Avery Hueser; Cael, Gavin, Ava, and Tristan Sand; Ellie Hueser; Parker Sypersma; and Naomi Moes; and a fourteenth great grandchild due in June; siblings Clara Barrett, Helen Curtis, Agnes Cox, Ray (Lupe) Busch, Mary (Jack) Beazley, Joe (Laurie) Busch, Jo Anne (Al) Jenness, Joyce Merrill, Paul (Jane) Busch, Lawrence (Jackie) Busch, and Louise (Reyes) Rodriguez; Nancy’s siblings, Tom (Lin) Cashman, Leo Cashman, Rose (Rick) Harrow, Colleen (Andrew) Leibert, Janet (Robert) Greenwell, Elaine Cashman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nancy, his wife of 61 years, his siblings, Betty Freking, Trudy Petersen, and Johnny Busch; In-laws, Herman Freking, Jr., Jack Barrett, Bob Curtis, Ron Uhl, Floyd Cox, Pete Petersen, Mary Busch, and Tom Merrill; his mother and father-in law, Bernard and Ann Cashman, In-laws, Sister Marge Cashman, Rita Cashman, and Dan Cashman.

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Madonna Theresa Pick - October 12, 1930 - March 13, 2024

Departed: 03/13/2024 (Marcus)

Obituary Preview: Madonna Theresa Pick, 93, of Marcus, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at the Heartland Care Center in Marcus. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Marcus. Father Timothy Pick will celebrate Mass. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Sioux City, Iowa. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 18, 2024, at Holy Name Catholic Church. The family will be present from 5-7 p.m. with a Rosary by Catholic Daughters of the Americas at 5:30 p.m. and a Scriptural Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to Mass on Tuesday.

Madonna Theresa Frank was born on October 12, 1930, in Remsen, Iowa to Mike and Emma (Klosterman) Frank. She attended Remsen St. Mary’s High School where she graduated in 1948. Following high school, Donna attended Beauty School in Sioux City. She married Edward Robinette on September 8, 1951, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Remsen. Donna operated a beauty salon in Remsen. The couple lived in several places throughout Nebraska and Iowa before settling in Sioux City. After Edward passed away in 1984, Donna moved to Omaha, Nebraska. She married Marvin Pick on May 27, 1989, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Sioux City, Iowa. Donna and Marvin made their home in Marcus. Donna was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church where she participated in St. Ann’s Guild and Catholic Daughters of the Americas. She loved a good game of cards, feeding everyone around her kitchen table and making sure everyone she met felt special and loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Edward; daughter Cindy Rinnan, son in law Stephen Hatz, five brothers Emery Frank, Lee Frank, Donald Frank, Fr. Richard Frank and James Frank; and two sisters Lorraine Steichen and Rosemary Mai.

Donna is survived by her husband of 34 years, Marvin; children Donald Robinette (Patty) of Chandler, AZ, Pam Hatz of Omaha, Daniel Robinette (Cheri) of Tempe, AZ and son in law Larry Rinnan of Omaha. She was blessed with 12 grandchildren including Jamie Robinette of Omaha, Kelly Edwards (Cory) of Burmingham, AL, Nicholas Hatz (Jody) of Omaha, Katie Schultz (Kevin) of Dakota Dunes, SD, Matthew Hatz of Omaha, Jill Wetz (Grant) of Dakota Dunes, SD, Dr. Daniel Hatz (Lauren) of Omaha, Melissa Clements (Fabius) of Cumming, GA, Daniel Robinette of San Francisco, Brad Robinette (Lauren) of Atlanta, Luke Robinette of Denver and Matthew Robinette of Chandler, AZ. Her most special treasures were her 19 great grandchildren Morgan, Benjamin and Jack Robinette; Owen and Abby Edwards; Ella, Hannah and Jacob Hatz; Emma and Lainey Schultz; Bennett and Claire Wetz; Kinnick, Hayden and Hawkenson Hatz; Olivia, Eleanor, Fabius and Theodore Clements.

She was also blessed with a bonus family with Marv’s children including Jane (Paul) Busch of Marcus, Bob Pick (Ann) of Omaha, Gary Pick (Raquel) of Marcus, and the late Jackie Husman (Mike) of Yankton, SD, Jill Carver (Greg) of Marcus and Margie Erdman (Tim) of Marcus.

The two families combined had 10 children, 30 grandchildren and 58 great grandchildren which kept Nene and Marv very busy and their hearts so full. Our family lost its matriarch and cannot imagine our lives without her. She was so full of love and compassion and touched the lives of everyone she met.

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Vernon Means - November 13, 1927 - March 09, 2024

Departed: 03/09/2024 (Marcus)

Obituary Preview: Vernon Means, 96, of Marcus, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Unity Point Health in Sioux City, Iowa. A private family graveside service will take place at Marcus Amherst Cemetery. Vernon LeRoy Means was born on November 13, 1927, in Marcus, Iowa, the son of Humphrey and Lena (Swartzwelder) Means. He attended school in Meriden and Marcus, graduating from

Marcus High School. Following high school, Vernon worked the area as a farmhand. On October 1, 1949, Vernon and Gladys Geringer were united in marriage at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sioux City, Iowa. Vernon worked for many years at Marcus Lumber in the plumbing and heating department. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening, traveling, attending

various country and bluegrass music festivals, spending time with grandchildren, and watching his favorite sports teams, the St. Louis Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Grateful to have shared his life is his wife of 74 years, Gladys Means of Marcus, IA; a daughter and her husband, Deb and Mike Heath of Sioux City, IA; daughter-in-law Judy Means of Marcus, grandchildren, Steve Means of Le Mars, IA, Bill (Christina) Means of Alta, IA, Tony (Cassie) Means of Hudson, IA, Jessica Means-Waldschmitt of Remsen, IA, Janet (Mark) Hill of Cherokee, Tim (Tonya) Means of Claremore, OK; Jenny (Bill) Boger of Cherokee, IA, Misty (Corey) Davis of Sgt. Bluff, IA and Melissa Means of Murray, IA; 21 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren; three brothers, Bill Means of West Sun City, AZ, Joe Means of

Inyokem, CA and Jacob Means of Sioux City, IA; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, David, Dennis and Duane; a sister, June Cave; two infant brothers and brothers, Michael, Richard, Percy, Paul, Bobbie, Walter, James and Herbert; in-laws, Harold and Alice Geringer; and brothers-in-law, Donald Geringer, Charles Geringer and Steven Geringer.

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Dean Merle Harvey - July 21, 1935 - February 18, 2024

Departed: 02/18/2024 (Marcus)

Obituary Preview: Dean M. Harvey, 88, of rural Marcus, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at the Cherokee Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church, rural Marcus. Rev. Ray Ohlendorf and Rev. Don Meyer will officiate. Burial will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, rural Marcus. Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at the Earnest – Johnson Funeral Home in Marcus. The family will be present from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service scheduled at 7:00 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to the funeral service on Friday.

Dean Merle Harvey was born on July 21, 1935, in rural Remsen, Iowa to Frank Pixler and Minnie Bertha (Kahl) Harvey. He was raised on the farm south of Remsen. Dean lost his father at age 11. When Dean was able he started farming at an early age with his mother. Dean attended Union Public School in rural Remsen. He joined the Army National Guard and was a member for six years.

Dean was united in marriage to Sharon Harnack on June 23, 1960. With this union came two sons, Frank Dean who was born on September 30, 1961 and Allen Clarence who was born on May 16, 1966. Dean and Sharon lost their son Allen suddenly on November 21, 2000. Dean’s long struggle with health issues began in 2001.

Dean had a love for agriculture, farming and repairing machinery. He raised livestock with his two sons and later switched to grain farming, which he continued to do up until his death. He loved to drive his combine and his Allis-Chalmers tractors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. Dean and Sharon loved their many trips to Arizona in the winter months. His sister Evelyn awaited their arrivals.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. His family was the most important thing to him. Dean’s wife, sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren were his whole world. Dean also had a very close bond with many nieces and nephews.

Dean is survived by his wife, Sharon of Marcus, IA; his son, Frank (Lynette) Harvey of Remsen, IA; his daughter-in-law, Gina (Rodney) Harvey-Wiekamp of Hartley, IA; grandchildren, Ashley (Jon) Harvey Larson Laddusaw of Kingsley, IA, Dennis Harvey of Remsen, IA, Brooke Harvey of Sioux City, IA, Dr. Cade (Alexis) Harvey of Columbus, OH, Macin Harvey of Andover, Kansas; step-grandchildren, Mindy (Jim) Broadway and family of Papillion, NE, Trishia (Scott) Taylor and family of Elk Point, SD; great grandchildren, Allen Larson and Zachary Laddusaw of Kingsley, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Minnie (Kahl) Harvey; in-laws, Clarence and Alma (Krekow) Harnack; son, Allen Harvey; brothers, Floyd (Verna) Harvey, Harold (Mary) Bock; sisters, Evelyn (Merlin) Bierman, Arvada (Ray) Mills; and his grandson-in-law, Adam Larson.

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Bernice Ruth Dixson - October 09, 1928 - December 25, 2023

Departed: 12/25/2023 (Marcus)

Obituary Preview: Bernice Ruth Dixson, 95, of Marcus, Iowa, passed away on Monday, December 25, 2023, at the Heartland Care Center in Marcus, Iowa. Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 29, 2023, at Grace Methodist Church in Marcus. Rev. Dr. Travis Stevick will officiate. Burial will follow at Marcus Amherst Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Grace Methodist Church. The family will be present from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service scheduled at 7:00 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to the funeral service on Friday.

Bernice Ruth Dixson was born on October 9, 1928, on the family farm near Remsen, Iowa, the daughter of James and Margaret (Case) Harman. She attended country school and later graduated from Union High School in 1948.

On January 8, 1953, Bernie and Jake Edward Dixson were united in marriage at Cherokee, Iowa. They made their first home in Marcus. They later moved to a farm outside of Marcus. In early years, Bernie assisted area families with housekeeping and childcare. Later she worked at the cap factory in Le Mars, Iowa, in the kitchen at the Cherokee Hospital and Lundell Manufacturing. She retired from work at K-Products in Marcus.

Bernie was an active member of Grace Methodist Church in Marcus. She belonged to the UMW, taught Sunday School and Bible School and helped with many church activities. She served as a pack leader for the Cub Scouts, was an avid walker and loved her cats and dogs. Bernie and Jake took great pride in spending time with their grandchildren and attending school activities. They kept a large garden and did a great deal of canning. Bernie was great at hosting and feeding family at gatherings. She was always ready to offer anyone a brownie or an invitation to stay for supper.

Grateful to have shared her life are her children, Jake (Genelle) Dixson, Jr. of Sioux City, IA, John (Mary) Dixson of Newell, SD, Jay (Brenda) Dixson of Ottumwa, IA, JoAnne (Joe Ramsey) Dixson of Taylor Ridge, IL, Janet (Jim) Schroeder of Remsen, IA; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Marsha Harman of Kingsley, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

Bernie was preceded in death by her parents; husband. Jake (2009); a son, Jim Dixson (2012); a twin sister, Eunice (Edward) Delaney; a sister, Frances (Dr. Milford) Hayden; and brothers, James (Natalie) Harman, Jr. and Michael Harman.

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Milton A. Wurth - April 27, 1944 - August 31, 2023

Departed: 08/31/2023 (Marcus)

Obituary Preview: Marcus, Iowa - Milton A. Wurth,79, of Marcus, Iowa passed away Thursday, August 31, 2023, at Heartland Care Center in Marcus, Iowa. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at Most Holy Name of Mary Parish-Holy Name Catholic Church in Marcus. Father Timothy Pick will celebrate Mass. Burial will follow at Holy Name Cemetery in Marcus. Military Honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post 517. Visitation with the family present will be 4-7 p.m. on Friday, September 1, 2023, at the church. There will be a Scriptural Prayer Service at 7 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation before the funeral on Saturday.

Milton Aloysius Wurth was born on April 27, 1944, in Le Mars, Iowa to Lawrence and Clarinda (Krier) Wurth. He attended school at Holy Name and graduated in 1963 from Holy Name High School. On October 27, 1964, Milton enlisted in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged on October 17, 1968, having attained the rank of Sergeant.

Milt met his bride-to-be, Barbara Fowler, on a blind date. Following a brief courtship, they were married on September 3, 1966, in Sioux City, Iowa. Soon after they married, the couple moved to Alconbury, England while Milt was stationed in the Air Force. They lived there for two years before moving back to Milt’s hometown of Marcus.

Milt farmed for 50 years, tending to land and livestock. While he loved being in a tractor, his children learned new words when he tended to the pigs. He never imagined doing anything other than farming until his own father needed care in a nursing home.

Milt started working at Heartland Care Center when his father became a resident there so he could keep an eye on him. His depth of kindness reached past just checking on his father and he soon became a favorite of many residents. Milt made many wonderful memories and friends there, many of whom cared for him until his dying day.

Milt was an active member of the American Legion, assisting with set up for the Parade of Flags on Memorial Day, as well as serving many funerals with military rites. He also served with the Knights of Columbus. Somehow, he still found time to help his wife establish Wurth Hardware.

Knowing Milt means you’ve smiled more, laughed harder, felt valued, and if you listened, are wiser. He passed on the words of his father to his own children, “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” “You never have to explain what you don’t say,” was mostly for his daughter, but is sound advice.

Milt was loved by so many and he enriched our lives in ways we can pass on for generations. We can all ensure his kindness does not leave this world when he does.

A very special thank you to everyone at Heartland Care Center, both past and present staff, for every way you made Milt’s life better. We are truly grateful for your compassion and incredible care. Also, to Cherokee Regional Center Hospice. We relied on all of you to care for him in the most difficult time and you have been a true blessing to us.

Milt will be lovingly remembered by his children; Andrew Wurth of Marcus, IA, Dennis (Lauralee) Wurth of Rochester, MN, Kenneth Wurth of Hixson, TN, Angela (Spencer) Mortensen of Omaha, NE; his grandchildren, Madison, Nicholas, Melanie and Sam Wurth, Elliana and Alex Mortensen; brothers Joseph (Margaret) Wurth and Lawrence (Jean) Wurth, all of Marcus, IA; sister Mary (Larry) Leonard of Prairie Village, KS; sisters-in-law, Patricia Wurth of Marcus, IA and Margaret Wurth of Platteville, KS.

Milt was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and his brothers, Francis Wurth and Marvin Wurth. “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” -Mother Teresa

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Michael John Deichmann - October 05, 1994 - August 26, 2023

Departed: 08/26/2023 (Marcus)

Obituary Preview: Michael John Deichmann, 28, of Omaha, Nebraska, formerly of Marcus, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at his parents' home in Marcus. A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at Peace Lutheran Church in Marcus. Rev. Kevin Roop will officiate. Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at Peace Lutheran Church. The family will be present from 5-7 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to the service on Thursday. Michael John Deichmann was born on October 5,1994, in Sioux City, Iowa to John and Mary (Meyer) Deichmann. He graduated high school from Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn in 2013. As a young child he enjoyed playing on the farm with his sisters and friends, spending time with his dog Copper and various activities such as football and video games. In high school, Michael was active in track, basketball, golf and football. His final years of high school he developed a

passion for playing the guitar. Michael continued his education at Iowa State University where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing in 2017. He was active in the Iowa State Business Fraternity and displayed his creative talents while acting in a play during his senior year. With his business

entrepreneurship through Iowa State Michael was able to explore Florence, Italy. Following his graduation he moved to Denver, Colorado where he pursued a position in an apartment complex as a leasing agent. He transitioned to working for 2You where he excelled as an admission counselor for Harvard University. Although Michael thrived in the city of Denver, the change from the pandemic motivated him to explore other cities while working

remotely. He settled in Omaha, Nebraska to be closer to family. During Michael’s short time on earth, he lived with vibrance and laughter. He enjoyed music, literature, the Green Bay Packers, playing his guitar, spending time with his family and being

the fun “Uncle Mike” to his three nieces. Even though Michael enjoyed being the life of the party he was never short of time to lend a helping hand or be a companion to confide in. Michael will be dearly missed by many. Grateful to have shared his life are his parents John and Mary Deichmann of Marcus, Iowa, his sister Lauren Williams of Omaha, NE and sister and brother-in-law Megan and Kyle Schuck of

Cherokee, Iowa. He leaves behind three nieces Layla Williams, Vera and Willa Schuck. Michael is survived also by his son, Landon. In addition to his immediate family, he leaves behind his grandmother Jolene Deichmann of Marcus, Iowa and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his great grandparents, grandparents, Irvin and Linda Deichmann

and Francis and Carolyn Meyer and beloved friend, Sawyer Leavitt.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call/text 988 for help.

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Lila Beth Galles - April 08, 1944 - August 09, 2023

Departed: 08/09/2023 (Marcus)

Obituary Preview: Lila Beth Galles of Marcus, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at the Heartland Care Center in Marcus, Iowa surrounded in love by her five children and their families. Lila bravely battled Alzheimer's Disease, which took her life at 79 years old. A Celebration of Life Service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Grace United Methodist Church in Marcus. Reverend Dr. Travis Stevick will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Kingsley, Iowa. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral service at the church.

Lila was born on April 8, 1944, to Peter and Lillian (Hofmeyer) Van Kley. She was raised on a farm near Newkirk, IA and graduated in 1961 from Floyd Valley High School in Alton, IA. After high school, Lila attended Stewarts School of Cosmetology in Sioux City, IA and graduated in 1962. She worked as a beautician for several years in Sioux City. Lila married Jerry Kasner in 1972 and moved to Kingsley, IA, where they lived on the family farm. They were married for 22 years and were blessed with 5 children.

Lila was a stay-at-home wife and mother until 1988 when she went to work at K-Products in Marcus, IA. In 1993 she was offered a position to work at Synergy Center in Cherokee, IA, where she worked for 2 years before returning to K-Products. In 2002 Lila took classes at Western Iowa Technical College and started working at the Boys and Girls Home in Cherokee. When the Cherokee facility closed, Lila was transferred to the Boys and Girls Home in Sioux City until 2005 when she got a position as a Residential Counselor at Midwest Christian Children’s Services near Peterson, IA. Lila retired from Midwest Christian in 2016.

Those left to cherish Lila’s memory include her five children: Scott (Colleen) Kasner of Pecatonica IL, Shannelle (James) Cicillini of Marcus, IA, Wendy (Chris) Labadie of Papillion, NE, Shawna (Dave) Hannam of Omaha, NE, Donn (Erin) Kasner of Omaha, NE; grandchildren Kayla (Luke) Hart, Koryn Behrends, Kaleb Kasner, Kristyn Kasner, Dakota Kasner, Ryleigh Kasner, Michael (Hannah) Labadie, Justin Labadie, Braedon Haggin, Coleton Haggin, Logan Hannam, Kamryn Kasner, Jackson Kasner, and Keegan Kasner; five great-grandchildren; sister Rosa Grotenhuis of Hospers, IA, brother Peter Lee (Diane) Van Kley of Sioux Center, IA; and former spouse James Marshall.

Lila was preceded in death by her parents, former spouse Jerry Kasner, brother-in-law Lloyd Grotenhuis, and nephew James Grotenhuis.

Lila would like to direct memorials to Grace United Methodist Church in Marcus, Iowa, where she was a member. Alternatively, the family is grateful for the exceptional care that Lila received at Heartland Care Center in Marcus, IA, so memorials directed to the family will be shared with this care facility.

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Elizabeth Bernadine Seggerman - June 14, 1927 - July 26, 2023

Departed: 07/26/2023 (Marcus)

Obituary Preview: Betty B. Seggerman, 96, of Marcus, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at the Heartland Care Center in Marcus. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Most Holy Name of Mary Parish - Holy Name Catholic Church in Marcus. Father Bruce Lawler will celebrate Mass. Burial will follow at the parish cemetery. Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 28, 2023, at Holy Name Church. The family will be present from 5-7 p.m. with a Rosary at 5 p.m. and a Scriptural Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at church on Saturday prior to Mass.

Elizabeth “Betty” Bernadine (Collins) Seggerman, daughter of William (Bill) Patrick and Anna Laurena (Ryan) Collins was born on June 14, 1927. She attended country school through fourth grade and graduated from Holy Name School as class valedictorian in 1945. She worked for Clarence Beck at Western Cherokee Mutual Insurance, and later as a bookkeeper at Community Coop Oil where she met her future husband, Bobbie Albert Seggerman. They were married at Holy Name Catholic Church on May 16, 1949.

Betty and Bob farmed 35 years and moved to Marcus from the farm in 1986. Betty was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters of America, the Holy Name Missionary Society, St. Ann’s Guild, and the Heartland Auxiliary. She retired as an organist in 2008 after 32 years of dedicated service.

She enjoyed playing Pinochle and Scrabble, reading, and working crossword puzzles. She and Bob loved to dance, play cards, and spend time with family and friends. Betty and her sister Bonnie were very close and did almost everything together. In 2018, showing their adventurous spirits, Betty (91), Bonnie (89) and their sister Charlotte (87) went parasailing together in Florida. Her family will miss her smile, her positive and giving nature, and above all her amazing grace.

She is survived by her sister LaVonne (Bonnie) Means, sons, daughters and their spouses, Bob, Pat (Tere), Diane (Doug) Roseberry, Joan (Ed) Nims, Charlotte (Charlie) Fike, Margaret (Yogi) Rohwer, Ron, Rich (Ann), Randy (Peggy), Steph (Dave) Phillips, and Steve (Tammy). Grandchildren Joy (Roger) Baldassare, Robbie (Leslie) McElroy, Vicky (Arley) Smude, Ashley Saunders, Mike (Lesa) Nims, Charles (Stephanie) Nims, Will (Celeste) Nims, Jason (Kristin) Watkins, Jake Johnson, Dean (Mandy) Rohwer, Dan (Laura) Rohwer, Austin Seggerman, Shawn (Rachel) Lee, Mallory (Travis) Bundy, Lee Seggerman, Justin, Kyle, Breanna & Alex Seggerman, Lincoln & Kate Phillips, and Samantha & Amanda Seggerman. Great grandchildren, Sophia Baldassare, Savannah & Autumn Bullerdick, Vaughn & Remy McElroy, Collin Benham, Cece & Lydia Nims, Staci (Dillon) Sanders, Makayla Nims, Michael Watkins, Eleanor Rohwer, Zara-Lynn & Athena Seggerman, Emerson & Hudson Lee, Greyson & Addison Bundy, Noah, Owen & Jordyn Seggerman, and Zowie & Parker Seggerman. She also has several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death are her husband Bob on June 7, 2006, a daughter Michele, her parents, grandchildren Ryan & Creed Seggerman, and Nancy Nims, sisters and their spouses Eileen (Mike) Berger, Mary (Ambrose) Barrett, Billie (Herb) Horacek, Vi (Ronnie) Waggoner, Percy Means & Sister Mary (Charlotte) Donard, brothers Leonard, Donald & Patrick Collins, two sons-in-law Jess Solomon & Jim Kitterman, one daughter-in-law Thoi Seggerman, and Bob’s siblings and their spouses.

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Joseph Anthony Durband - June 21, 1932 - July 14, 2023

Departed: 07/14/2023 (Marcus)

Obituary Preview: Joseph A. Durband, 91, of rural Cleghorn, Iowa, passed away on Friday, July 14, 2023, at the Heartland Care Center in Marcus, Iowa. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at Most Holy Name of Mary Parish - Holy Name Catholic Church in Marcus. Father Timothy Pick will celebrate Mass. Burial will follow at Holy Name Cemetery in Marcus. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 17, 2023, at the Earnest – Johnson Funeral Home in Marcus. The family will be present from 5-7 p.m. with a Scriptural Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to Mass on Tuesday.

Joseph Anthony Durband was born June 21, 1932, near Struble, Iowa, the son of Edward and Mary (Curtis) Durband. He graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Remsen, Iowa. Following graduation, Joe enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Korean War. He returned from the Army and took a position in road construction and also assisted his brother with farming.

On October 1, 1966, Joe and Janice Delaney were united in marriage at Holy Name Catholic Church in Marcus. They farmed near Cleghorn, Iowa until the 1980’s. Joe then went to work at Wilson’s Meat Packing in Cherokee, Iowa. He retired from Tyson Foods 29 years later. Joe was an avid sports fan and closely followed the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Grateful to have shared his life is his wife of 56 years, Janice Durband of Cleghorn, Iowa; a daughter and her husband, Ann and Gary Janssen of Spencer, IA; grandchildren, Eric (Vicki) Janssen of Sheldon, IA, Justin Janssen of Spencer, IA and Alex (Brittany) Janssen of Royal, IA; great-grandchildren, Brenn, Shay, Jaxon, Axel and Kaya; a sister, Mary Gengler of Sioux Falls, SD; a brother, Tom (Fern) Durband of Dixson, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, James and Earl; and a brother-in-law, Don Gengler.

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Nancy Ellen Busch - December 14, 1942 - June 30, 2023

Departed: 06/30/2023 (Marcus)

Obituary Preview: Nancy E. Busch, 80, of Marcus, Iowa passed away on Friday, June 30, 2023, at her home. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Most Holy Name Of Mary Parish - Holy Name Catholic Church in Marcus in Marcus. Father Timothy Pick will celebrate Mass. Burial will follow at Holy Name Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at Holy Name Catholic Church. The family will be present from 5-7 p.m. with a rosary at 5:00 p.m. and a scriptural prayer service at 7:00 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to Mass on Thursday.

Nancy Ellen Cashman was born on December 14, 1942, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, the daughter of Bernard and Ann (Slatoski) Cashman. Nancy was born the fifth child in a family of ten. She graduated from Bethlehem Academy High School in Faribault, MN in 1960. She then attended Briar Cliff College in Sioux City for one year. She met Bud at a dance at Briar Cliff.

On February 24, 1962, Nancy and Henry “Bud” Busch, Jr. were united in marriage at Faribault, Minnesota. They first made their home in Marcus, Iowa, later moving to the farm in 1974. They had three daughters, Laurie, and twins Anita and Gina.

After her girls were in school, Nancy earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Westmar College in Le Mars, Iowa. She later received a Master’s degree from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. She had various teaching positions throughout the years. Education was very important to her. They retired and moved to town in 2008.

Nancy was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church in Marcus and St. Ann’s Guild. Her faith was important to her and she prayed the rosary daily, knowing she couldn’t help others physically, but could pray for them. She also belonged to the Non Ame Club years ago and various card clubs over the years. Bud and Nancy enjoyed time together with friends, dancing, card clubs, playing Pinochle, golfing, traveling, and attending their grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s activities. She loved to read and was in several book clubs. She instilled a love of music and culture into her girls. Her family was important to her and she worked hard at staying in touch with her siblings that all lived out of state, enjoying zoom calls with them frequently.

Despite struggling with rheumatoid arthritis for the last 50 years, she was determined to do as much as she could for her herself and live life to the fullest.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 61 years, Henry “Bud” Busch, Jr. of Marcus, IA; three daughters, Laurie Alesch, of South Sioux City, NE; Anita (John) Schneider of Marcus, IA; and Gina (Jeff) Myers of McCook Lake, SD. Seven grandchildren: Jacob (Katie) Alesch, Dan Hueser, Diane (Jonny) Sand, Greg (Jozalyn) Hueser, Lee Hueser, Paige (Ben) Moes, and Austin (Leah) Sypersma. Thirteen great-grandchildren: Ace, Archie, and Reese Alesch, Brady, Addie and Avery Hueser, Cael, Gavin, Ava and Tristan Sand, Ellie Hueser, Parker Sypersma and Naomi Moes. Brothers Tom (Lin) Cashman and Leo Cashman, sisters Rose (Rick) Harrow, Colleen (Andrew) Leibert, Janet (Robert) Greenwell, Elaine Cashman and several step grandchildren, Bud’s siblings: Clara Barrett, Helen Curtis, Agnes Cox, Raymond (Lupe) Busch, Mary (Jack) Beazley, Joe (Laurie) Busch, Jo Anne (Al) Jenness, Joyce Merrill, Paul (Jane) Busch, Lawrence (Jackie) Busch, and Louise (Reyes) Rodriguez, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Rita Cashman and Sr. Marge Cashman, a brother Dan Cashman, her mother and father in law, Gertrude and Henry Busch Sr., in laws Betty and Herman Freking, Jr, Jack Barrett, Bob Curtis, Ron Uhl, Floyd Cox, Johnny Busch, Trudy and Pete Petersen, Mary Busch, and Tom Merrill.

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Randall Craig Polson - December 11, 1953 - June 14, 2023

Departed: 06/14/2023 (Marcus)

Obituary Preview: Randall C. Polson, 69, of Marcus, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at the Heartland Care Center in Marcus. Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at the Earnest – Johnson Funeral Home in Marcus. Pastor Jon Harvey and Pastor Mark Leeds will officiate. Burial will follow at the Marcus Amherst Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Randall Craig Polson was born on December 11, 1953, in Cherokee, Iowa, the son of Langdon and Mary Elaine (Haight) Polson. He grew up on a farm near Marcus. Randy graduated from Marcus High School in 1972. He furthered his education at the University of South Dakota at Springfield. He earned a Bachelors’ Degree in Diesel Mechanics with a minor in Psychology.

On August 18, 1984, Randy and Teresa Harvey were united in marriage in Cherokee, Iowa. They made their home in Marcus where they raised their two boys. Randy worked for Bushlow’s International Harvester dealer as a mechanic for several years. He also worked at Kmart and as a cook at Happy Chef and Danny’s in Cherokee. Along with farming throughout the years, Randy most recently worked at The Junction in Marcus. He enjoyed working on cars and was in the process of restoring a 1937 Pontiac.

Grateful to have shared his life is his wife, Teresa Polson; two sons, Zach Polson and Logan Polson; and a brother and his wife, Gene and Vivian Polson all of Marcus, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a stillborn set of twins and an infant set of twins, Graeme Michael and Lucas Jon Polson; and a sister, Karol.

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Lorna Viola Olson - January 02, 1933 - June 14, 2023

Departed: 06/14/2023 (Marcus)

Obituary Preview: Lorna V. Olson, 90, of Cleghorn, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at the Heartland Care Center in Marcus. Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church, rural Marcus, Iowa. Rev. Don Meyer and Rev. Ray Ohlendorf will officiate. Burial will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, rural Marcus, Iowa. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 23, 2023, at the Earnest – Johnson Funeral Home in Marcus. The family will be present from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to the service on Saturday.

Lorna Viola Gottsche was born on January 2, 1933, in Plymouth County, Iowa, the daughter of William and Viola Minnie (Grage) Gottsche. She was Baptized and Confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church in Remsen, Iowa. She attended school in Remsen, Iowa.

On February 25, 1951, Lorna and James Alfred Olson were united in marriage at Christ Lutheran Church in Remsen. They farmed for 30 years, many of them near Marcus, then spent several years in Arlington, Texas where Lorna worked for AMPI. When they returned to Iowa they settled in Cleghorn and she retired. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, rural Marcus.

What greater honor, than to be called a faithful Christian woman. Lorna lived her faith through her kindness, compassion, forgiveness, generosity. She was a faithful wife, loving (and strict) mother, doting grandmother, proud great grandmother. She worked hard on the farm, raising six kids, working in the fields, gardening, and keeping the house spotless. She taught Sunday School for years and also taught preschool. She worked for AMPI in Texas doing telephone sales, and not surprisingly, her boss loved her. Seems like everyone loved her. Mostly Jim, whose dying request was that we take care of Mom. You could try to take care of her, but it always seemed she was taking care of you. She was beautiful inside and out. She endured hardships most of us can’t imagine, and remained the same sweet, gentle person. If you were lucky, she babysat you or your children or your grandchildren, and you worked and learned and, oh, what joy was had! She loved jigsaw puzzles, playing word games on her iPad, loved playing cards and Farkle, but only fun or super-fun Farkle. She had a great sense of humor and an irresistibly infectious laugh. She knew her own mind, and it was hard to change it. She was an admitted stubborn German. She was faithful unto death. She leaves a hole in our hearts that will never be filled, until we see her again in heaven. Love you, love you, love you.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children; Constance (Alan) Sand of Cleghorn, IA; Steven (Mary) Olson of Marcus, IA; Richard (LaDonna) Olson of Odebolt, IA; Michael (Tammy) Olson of Quimby, IA; Jean (Jeff) Sassman of Storm Lake, IA; 13 grandchildren plus step-grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren plus step-great grandchildren; brother, Virgil (Cindy) Gottsche; sister-in-law, Casey Gottsche; and brother-in-law, Paul (Norma) Olson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, James on July 18, 2019; son, James Olson; a great-grandchild, Peyton Almagno; a sister, Lorraine Weber; and brothers, Donald and Duane Gottsche.

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Julia Anne Sand - October 26, 1948 - June 10, 2023

Departed: 06/10/2023 (Marcus)

Obituary Preview: Julia A. Sand, 74, of Marcus, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Floyd Valley Healthcare in Le Mars, Iowa. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Marcus. Father Timothy Pick will celebrate Mass. Burial will follow at Marcus – Amherst Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will take place on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, from 4-7 p.m. at Holy Name Catholic Church. There will be a Rosary at 4 p.m. with a Scriptural Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to Mass on Wednesday.

Julia Anne Irwin was born on October 26, 1948, in Sioux City, Iowa, the daughter of Cecil and Bonnie (Woodall) Irwin. She started school at Grand Meadow, rural Washta, Iowa and later graduated from Marcus High School. She always spoke fondly of growing up with all her Woodall cousins and going to see her grandparents at the Fielding Store. Following high school, Julia attended Nettleton Business School in Sioux City, Iowa. She took her first position with Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. She had fond memories of these early years and often reminisced about these fun times.

On June 21, 1969, Julia and Charles Simons were united in marriage in Marcus, Iowa. They made their home on a farm south of Marcus. Together they worked on the farm raising show cattle and formed a strong partnership working together as a team. Here they welcomed their four children. As her children grew older Julia began working for Moorman’s, Tom Door and served as the Grace Methodist Secretary prior to a 24-year career at Marcus Lumber Company. Her Marcus Lumber Company coworkers became like family, especially after Chuck passed away suddenly on May 19, 2002.

Julia married Charles Sand on July 9, 2006, in Marcus. They enjoyed traveling and attending their grandchildren’s events. Julia was all about relationships and always found a way to bring people together. She was known for her hospitality and made it look effortless. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church and deeply valued her faith. Julia was also a longtime member of the Marcus Fair Board, the Marcus Historical Society, and a shareholder and avid Green Bay Packers fan.

Grateful to have shared in her life are her husband, Charles Sand of Marcus, IA; her children, Stephanie (Denny) Spieler, Matthew Simons, Tony (Leah Dunn) Simons and Nicole (Andy) Busch all of Marcus, IA; grandchildren, Dylan Spieler, Jacob (Jacey) Spieler, Troy (Emily) Simons, Charlie Simons, Cody Simons, Kaylee Simons, Hayden Comstock, McKenna Comstock, Brody Comstock, Peyton Busch and Preston Busch; four great-grandchildren, Fallon, Veda and Landree Spieler and Stetson Simons; brothers, Wyman (Angie) Irwin of Tampa, FL and Martin (Kris) Irwin of Marcus, IA; Chuck’s daughters, Diane (Charley) Gipe of Clarkston, MI, Brenda (Randy Hurst) Sand of Tulsa, OK, Susan (Dan) Zenk of Greeley, CO and Rebecca (Scott) Strader of Windsor, CO and 14 grandchildren; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Donna Leavitt of Marcus, IA, Bev (David) Drefke of Cherokee, IA, Ric Collins of Marcus, IA, Willie Goth of Marcus, Meg (Dick) Hays of Tulsa, OK., John (Patty) Sand of Marcus, IA, Rita Sand of Surprise, AZ, Ken Ogren of Marcus, IA, Steve (Dian) Sand of Chandler, AZ, Ed Sand of Marcus, IA Barb (Doug) Dreckman of Marcus, IA and Bill (Stephanie) Sand of Adel, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews in both families.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles Simons; mothers-in-law and fathers-in-law, Martha and Donald Simons, and Edith and Merle Sand; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Wayne Simons, John Leavitt, Marvin and JoAnn Simons, Bonnie Collins, Patty Goth, Jim Sand, and Kathy Ogren.

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Helen Dorothy Brady - January 23, 1927 - June 06, 2023

Departed: 06/06/2023 (Marcus)

Obituary Preview: Helen Brady, 96, of Marcus, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at the Heartland Care Center in Marcus, Iowa. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Marcus. Father Timothy Pick will celebrate Mass. Burial will follow at Holy Name Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 12, 2023, at Holy Name Catholic Church. The family will be present from 5-7 p.m. with a Catholic Daughters Rosary at 5:00 p.m. and a Scriptural Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to Mass on Tuesday.

Helen Dorothy Brady was born on January 23, 1927, in Granville, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Henrich) List. She attended a one room country school and was taught by her sisters before graduating from Marcus High School in 1943 at the age of 16. She worked as a bookkeeper for the Dorr Feed Mill for three years.

On April 23, 1947 Helen married her soulmate, Lawrence Brady, a handsome Irish gentleman. The couple made their home northwest of Marcus where they farmed together for 40 years while raising their eight children. On the farm Helen enjoyed her large gardens and did a great deal of canning, cooking and baking, which she loved doing for her family and for gatherings.

Lawrence and Helen retired to Marcus in 1987. During their nearly 60 year marriage they enjoyed dancing, playing cards with friends, and traveling. Ireland, Germany, and Alaska were some of their favorite trips, and they often made lifelong friends during their travels.

Helen remained very active in her later years by continuing her gardening, volunteering at Heartland Care Center, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, and keeping up with her reading.

She will be greatly missed by her children and their spouses, Lois and Dan Buck of Cherokee, IA, Joan and Dean Wright of Valrico, FL, Sandy and Guy Pick of Pflugerville, TX, Tom and Karen Brady of Iowa City, IA, Jerry and Jan Brady of Marcus, IA, Mike and Rose Brady of Marcus, IA and Janet and Rick McDaniel of Muscatine, IA; 21 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gene and Sherry Brady of Waukee, IA and sister Mildred Ruden of Le Mars, IA; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lawrence on March 22, 2007, daughter, Rita Brady; grandson, Travis Wright; sister, Edith and Gerald Delperdang; brothers, Melvin and Florence List and Raymond and Charmaine List; sister, Esther and Tim Reuter; and brothers-in-law, Eldon Ruden and Phil and Pat Brady.

Memorials may be directed to the Heartland Care Center in Marcus.

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Theresa Ann Brady - October 24, 1952 - June 06, 2023

Departed: 06/06/2023 (Marcus)

Obituary Preview: Theresa Ann Brady, 70, of Marcus, Iowa, formerly of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at Unity Point Health Care in Sioux City, Iowa. Private family services will be held at the Earnest – Johnson Funeral Home in Marcus with burial to follow at Holy Name Cemetery in Marcus.

Theresa Brady was born on October 24, 1952, in Le Mars, Iowa, the daughter of John “Jack” and Eleanor “Bobby” Brady. She attended elementary school at Holy Name Catholic School in Marcus and later graduated from Marcus High School in 1970. She furthered her education at Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in education with a minor in art. She worked at Hauff Sporting Goods in Sioux City for 45 years. Theresa handled all the engraving and lettering of trophies and medals for many of the surrounding schools.

She took great pride in her nieces and nephews. Theresa was an avid sports fan who loved the Iowa Hawkeyes and Cincinnati Reds. She was very creative and specialized in thoughtful homemade gifts. Every Thanksgiving, Theresa arranged a craft project for everyone to make and take home. She had a love of old time movies and reading timeless classics. Beside the classics, she had a fondness for Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Stephen King.

Grateful to have shared her life are her siblings, Bob Brady of Dakota Dunes, SD, Julie (Pete) Bindner of Marcus, IA, Bill (Diana) Brady of Iowa Falls, IA, Jeff (Mary) Brady of Wayne, NE, Mark (Ruth) Brady of Omaha, NE; a sister-in-law, Lynn Brady of South Sioux City, NE; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Margaret “Peg” Brady; a brother, Pat Brady; and a sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Brady.

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Kevin Gerard Alesch - April 20, 1961 - April 30, 2023

Departed: 04/30/2023 (Marcus)

Obituary Preview: Kevin G. Alesch, 62, of Cherokee, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at the Cherokee Specialty Care following a brief illness. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Marcus, Iowa. Father Timothy Pick will celebrate Mass. Burial will follow at Holy Name Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, May 8, 2023, at the Earnest – Johnson Funeral Home in Marcus. The family will be present from 5-7 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to Mass on Tuesday.

Kevin Gerard Alesch was born on April 20, 1961, in Le Mars, Iowa, the son of James and Margaret (Kellen) Alesch. He attended school in Marcus, Iowa, prior to enlisting in the United States Air Force. Kevin began his service on October 21, 1983. He served overseas in England until March 6, 1986 and earned his discharge in 1988.

Kevin returned to the family farm in Marcus. He farmed with his father until 1991 when they had their farm sale. Kevin then took a position at Marcus Lumber where he worked for several years. He also worked for Schmillen Construction and then with Tentinger Feed Lots.

Kevin was an avid Chicago Bears football fan. He enjoyed NASCAR, demolition derby and worked on the Schmillen Racing pit crew. His passion was farming and driving tractors and trucks. He enjoyed cooking and Mexican food, the hotter the better! His neighbors in Cherokee will remember how helpful he was and assisted them with many projects.

He is survived by 4 sisters, Kim (Randy) Daum of Alton, IA, Kelli (John) Plumb of Carlisle, IA, Kay Schat of Marcus, IA, Karla Solko (Bruce) of Aurelia, IA; 5 brothers, Kirk Alesch of Marcus, IA, Kris (Lisa) Alesch of Early, IA, Ken (Melanie) Alesch of Le Mars, IA, Keith Alesch of Sioux City, IA, Kory (Jamie) Alesch of Remsen, IA; along with aunts, uncles and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and five infant siblings.

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Carolyn Dettmann - April 24, 1936 - April 05, 2023

Departed: 04/05/2023 (Marcus)

Obituary Preview: Kay Dettmann, 86, of Marcus, Iowa, passed on from this life on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at her home at Bavarian Meadows in Remsen, Iowa. A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 5, 2023, at Grace United Methodist Church in Marcus. Rev. Dr. Travis Stevick will officiate. Burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Cedar Township Cemetery in Fonda, Iowa. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday at the church.

If she were writing this herself, she would point out that her home was Marcus where she had lived for 40 years before moving to Remsen this past November. Mom had mentioned, more than once or twice, that she would write her own obituary, thank you very much, to avoid the prattling on of senseless, unnecessary information about one’s life. That didn’t happen, and we think about how Mom would say, “Well for cryin’ out loud! Just write something and be done with it. Or do whatcha want—I don’t care.” But we know, Mom, that you cared greatly about your life, how you lived it and the people who filtered in and out of your presence for almost 87 years. So, we choose to use many words to explain who you were to us.

Mom was born on April 24, 1936, on the family farm in Williams Township, Calhoun County north of Lytton. And yes, she was delivered by Dr. “Doc” Blair just as was the majority of her generation in the area. She was the middle daughter of Charles and Grace (Swink) Heflin; Peggy born two years prior and Glenda a few years later. The story is told that sister Peggy could not pronounce “Carolyn” so from then on, Mom carried the name of Kay for the rest of her life. Growing up on the farm without brothers meant that Mom and Peggy became quite adept with driving a tractor and milking cows along with other chores, inside and out. They were members of the Lytton Presbyterian Church and Mom and Peggy attended country school close by the farm until the area township schools consolidated with Lytton in time for Mom to start her fourth-grade year at what became the Lytton Community School where she graduated high school with the Class of ’53. Mom loved to tell stories of her school activities and classmates, staying in contact with many, not to mention some who also stayed in the Lytton area raising their children along with us.

Soon after graduation, Mom attended the American Institute of Business (AIB) to train as a court reporter. About the same time, Mom became engaged to marry our Dad, Ronald Dettmann, and Mom later shared that she then realized that the possibility of raising a family would not mix well with the scheduling and traveling of circuit court judges, so she left AIB and returned to Lytton to marry Dad on February 14, 1954, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sac City. Their first home was in Lytton while Mom worked as a secretary at the school. By that fall, Charlie and Grace left the life of farming and handed it off to Mom and Dad who took over and extended that heritage into the fifth generation by raising their own family of six children: Pamela, Curtis, Scott, Kari, Crista and Amanda. We grew up in the same house in which our Gramma Grace was born and at the time, we couldn’t appreciate the great sense of security that came with that.

Six children means six very different perspectives, each with our own set of special memories and stories that we hold close in our hearts. There wasn’t much that Mom couldn’t do and it showed in her everyday life at home on the farm where she was busy recreating her family home and refereeing a noisy household. She still found time to do her own things and had such talent for making beautiful things: Christmas ornaments, learning new crochet patterns for afghans, sewing matching Easter or Christmas dresses for the sisters, cooking fabulous foods, the huge gardens for all the freezing and canning to feed us through the winter. picking and selling her own strawberries, butchering and selling chickens. Family birthday celebrations and holidays were special occasions with favorite foods, music and rituals of decorating the house. This included the annual race of unwrapping of the nativity figures to see who could reach baby Jesus first. We also took turns picking up Baby Jesus to kiss goodnight before going to bed. As a result, Jesus was glued together a few times over the years.

As we grew older, she taught us how to do every imaginable housekeeping skill, chauffeured us from one school or church activity to another, and attended our concerts and home ballgames. This was not an easy task during a few years of basketball season when there was one of each playing high school varsity, JV and both girls and boys Jr. High basketball during many weeks of the season. If asked whether our mom was at the ballgame, we could just point to the woman in the bleachers with a crocheting project in her lap, likely to help keep her nerves in check. The weeks were rounded out with church nights of choir rehearsals, women’s circle groups and finding time during the week to prepare as a church organist at Emanuel St. John Lutheran Church in Lytton. We also remember the school music contests when Mom accompanied a majority of the instrumental soloists with many of them coming to our house to rehearse and it was a thrill for her to see them succeed.

Mom’s first full time job was, of course, taking care of us at home. Soon after Amy, the youngest, was in kindergarten, she started working at Lytton Farmers Co-op. In 1982, she and Amy moved to Marcus where she took an office position with the Bindner family fertilizer business. She was later hired by Tom and John Dorr at Pine Grove Farms where she worked until 1990 when John Wibe hired her to be his legal secretary in the Marcus office of Wibe & Cozine. While working there, she went back to school through distance learning to become certified as a paralegal and continued to work with John until her retirement.

Mom also passed on her gift of music as a teacher of organ and piano. She taught and fostered many students starting in Lytton and continued for almost 30 years in Marcus. The heavy schedule of ball games, concerts and music lessons continued through Amy’s high school years and into Amy’s athletic activities at BV University. Mom also left her fingerprints on the many organizations where she volunteered and really enjoyed spending her time supporting the Marcus community with her many friends.

In later years, Mom continued a very busy life doing what she loved: reading, cooking, collecting cookbooks and recipes, writing Bible devotions and leading Bible studies, playing for many church worships, weddings, accompanying choirs, attending live theater and concert series, garden designing, entertaining, playing cards, and staying in touch with family and friends. All of it reminds us how much she tried to squeeze into each day. Though she would often sigh and comment that she just couldn’t seem to get everything done, she lived life on her own terms, doing what brought her joy.

Above all those things, Mom’s greatest joy was music, especially playing her piano. It was the one constant piece of “furniture” that she brought into every home she had; the same one that she played while growing up and it became a big part of our daily life, while listening to her play. One of her saddest days was when she released her piano to her granddaughters, knowing that she couldn’t take it with her one more time to her last home in Remsen. Moving on while letting go takes courage and Mom demonstrated such courage then and as she took the steps to first move to Bavarian Meadows, sell her condo and then gradually let go of so many things that had become a part of her over the years.

So, dear Mom, perhaps you would read this and think, “Well, for cryin’ out loud… you didn’t have to go on and on …” but there are no boundaries for our memories and reflections on lessons learned from you. Hopefully, you knew that everything you were and all that you have passed on to us made a difference … for that, we will always be grateful.

Mom is survived by her six children: Pam Dettmann (John Dotson) of Olivia, MN; Curt (Barb) of Rockwell City; Scott (Sonya) of Johnston, Kari (Brian) Lantz of Lytton, Crista (Jeff) Ashcraft of Eldridge; and Amanda Dettmann (Julia Johansen) of Ovieda, FL; fourteen grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren; brothers-in-law Paul (Jennifer) Dettmann of Chillicothe, MO; and Don Dettmann, Lake Ozark, MO.

She was preceded in death by her children’s father, Ronald Dettmann, her parents, Charlie and Grace Heflin; her sisters and their husbands, Peggy and Eugene Wright; Glenda and Frank Noble and many dearly missed cousins and friends. Memorials may be directed to MMC Foundation, PO Box 412, Marcus, Iowa 51035

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Rose Marie Lauters - August 02, 1936 - March 27, 2023

Departed: 03/27/2023 (Marcus)

Obituary Preview: Rose M. Lauters, 86, of Carroll, Iowa, formerly of Marcus, Iowa, passed away on Monday, March 27, 2023, at the Swan Place Assisted Living in Carroll. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at Holy Name Catholic Church in Marcus. Father Timothy Pick will celebrate Mass. Burial will follow at Holy Name Cemetery in Marcus. Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. on Monday, April 3, 2023, at the Earnest-Johnson Funeral Home in Marcus. The family will be present from 5:30-7 p.m. with a Rosary at 5:30 p.m. and a Scriptural Prayer Service at 7 p.m. Visitation will resume one hour before the Mass at the church on Tuesday.

Rose Marie Lauters was born on August 2, 1936, at her grandparent’s house in Tekamah, Nebraska to Frank and Iva (Patterson) Feese. She graduated as salutatorian from Jefferson High School in Jefferson, South Dakota in 1954. Following high school, she graduated nurse’s training at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Sioux City, Iowa, graduating with her RN degree in 1957.

On October 26, 1957, Rose was united in marriage to Peter Lauters at Holy Name Catholic Church in Marcus. She was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church. Rose enjoyed doing cross stitch, crafts, quilting, sewing, reading, playing cards, watching Professional Bull Riding (PBR) and singing in the church choir where she was a song leader. She also belonged to a food club, was a 4-H leader and a CCD teacher. Rose worked at the State Mental Hospital in Cherokee as an RN.

Rose will be lovingly remembered by her children, Debra (Alex) Paul of Sweet Home, OR, Ronald (fiancé Cindy) Lauters of Dexter, MO, Rick (Tina) Lauters of Lennox, SD, and Diane (Norm) Wernimont of Auburn, IA; a daughter-in-law, Michele Lauters and Tim Van Wyhe of Le Mars, IA; grandchildren, Angela (Matt) Spratt, Amy (Michael) Maynard, T.J. (Amber) Paul, Kaitlin (BobbyDale) Billingsley, Tyler (Jamie) Lauters, Erin (Brooks) Probst, Preston Lauters, Madison Lauters, Jonathan Lauters, Lindsey (Eric) Tonsfeldt, Jaclyn (Courtney) Gordon, Jamie (Danielle Polk) Wernimont and Joel Wernimont; 14 great-grandchildren; her brother, Wesley (Dede) Feese of McCook Lake, SD and her sister, Mary Kleber of McCook Lake, SD.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her son David; her brother Frankie Feese; and her brother-in-law, David Kleber.

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Linda Sue Patterson - November 12, 1946 - March 01, 2023

Departed: 03/01/2023 (Marcus)

Obituary Preview: Linda Sue (Dunn) Patterson, 76, of Marcus, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at the Happy Siesta Care Center in Remsen, Iowa. Funeral services will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 6, 2023, at the Earnest – Johnson Funeral Home in Marcus, Iowa. Rev. Kevin Roop of Peace Lutheran Church in Marcus will officiate. Burial will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, rural Marcus, Iowa. Visitation with the family present will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Monday.

Linda Sue Dunn was born on November 12, 1946, in Marcus, Iowa, the daughter of Cecil and Elvera (Smith) Dunn. She weighed three pounds and started her life struggling to survive. She was raised in Marcus and was Baptized and Confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church. Linda graduated from Marcus High School in 1964.

After being married for a brief time, Linda was involved in a serious car accident. She spent three months in a coma and later months of rehabilitation learning to walk, talk and write. After eleven months, she was released from rehab and resided with her parents in Marcus. Once her parents passed, she was able to live alone at home until 2016 with the help of relatives and neighbors. Health issues then required her to move to the Happy Siesta Care Center in Remsen, Iowa.

Linda enjoyed playing Scrabble, crossword puzzles and other word games. Knitting was another hobby. She made several afghans she gifted to others. Each was a different pattern and she continued to challenge herself with more complex patterns.

She will be lovingly remembered by her sister and her husband, Vicki and Bob Webber of Port Charlotte, FL; an uncle, Ab Smith of Marcus, IA; and several cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents Cecil and Elvera Dunn.

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Bonnie Jean Collins - October 04, 1951 - February 21, 2023

Departed: 02/21/2023 (Marcus)

Obituary Preview: Bonnie Collins, 71, of Marcus, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at the Heartland Care Center in Marcus following a brief illness. A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 26, 2023, at Grace United Methodist Church in Marcus. Rev. Dr. Travis Stevick will officiate. Visitation with the family present will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday at the church.

A Graveside Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at the Marcus – Amherst Cemetery. Rev Dr. Travis Stevick of Grace United Methodist Church in Marcus will officiate.

Bonnie Jean Collins was born in Marcus, Iowa, to Donald William and Martha G. (Lepper) Simons on October 4, 1951. She was raised on a farm south of Marcus and at a young age began riding horses, which turned into lifelong passion. Bonnie also showed many championship cattle all over the country with her brother, Chuck Simons and her nephew, Bob Leavitt. She attended Marcus Community Schools, graduating in 1969. Following graduation, Bonnie attended business college in Sioux City, Iowa. Her first position was with Farmers State Bank in Marcus where she would remain until her recent retirement.

On August 19, 1973, Bonnie and Richard “Ric” Collins were united in marriage in Marcus. Bonnie’s greatest love in life was doing anything with her family, especially watching her grandchildren play basketball. She loved shopping and showing her giving nature, especially at Christmas. She and Ric enjoyed traveling with friends, attending many basketball games, and raising and riding horses. In her retirement years, she had more time to spend with her sisters, Donna Leavitt and Bev Drefke, and her friends’ coffee group. Two of Bonnies favorite furry companies were her dogs, Maggie and Gracie.

Bonnie will be remembered for her quick wit, wonderful humor, and extreme generosity. She was a loving mother and wife, passionate and present grandmother, and the life of any party.

Grateful to have shared life with her is her husband of 49 years, Ric Collins of Marcus, IA; a daughter and her husband, Stacey and Steve Evans of Kansas City, MO; grandchildren, Steph and Tanner Adamek of Plymouth, MN, Kelsey and Michael Pauly of Bloomington, MN and Kaden and Kyan Evans of Kansas City, MO; great-grandchildren, Carter, Treyvn and Lincoln Adamek of Plymouth, MN; two sisters, Donna Leavitt of Marcus, IA and Bev and Dave Drefke of Cherokee, IA; sister-in-law, Julie Sand of Marcus, IA; along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers, Chuck, Wayne and Marv Simons.

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Jacqueline Sue Kline - January 25, 1949 - February 13, 2023

Departed: 02/13/2023 (Marcus)

Obituary Preview: Jacqueline Sue "Jackie" Kline, 74, of Lodgepole, Nebraska, formerly of Marcus, Iowa, passed away on Monday, February 13, 2023, at her home. A private family graveside service will take place at the Marcus Amherst Cemetery.

Jacqueline is survived by her husband, Jack Kline of Lodgepole, NE; brothers and their wives, Gary and Bev Harms of Marcus, IA and Brad and Rita Harms of Paullina, IA; a sister, Becky Droll of Loveland, CO; and a sister-in-law, Ruth Harms of Sioux City, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, William Harms.

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Ellen Frances Klaschen - July 29, 1928 - December 22, 2022

Departed: 12/22/2022 (Marcus)

Obituary Preview: Ellen Frances Klaschen, 94, of Yankton, South Dakota, formerly of Marcus, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2022, at Avera Sister James Nursing Home in Yankton. A family graveside service will take place at a later date at Holy Name Cemetery in Marcus, Iowa.

Ellen Frances Klaschen was born on July 29, 1928, in Le Mars, Iowa, the daughter of Frank and Catherine (Rodesch) Roling. She attended school in Remsen, Iowa, graduating from Remsen St. Mary’s Catholic High School.

On October 29, 1947, Ellen and Walter Klaschen were united in marriage at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Remsen. They made their home in Wolsey, South Dakota and later moved to Marcus, Iowa.

Ellen was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church in Marcus, Iowa and St. Ann’s Guild. She was an avid reader, raised numerous houseplants and enjoyed the outdoors.

Ellen will be lovingly remembered by a daughter and her husband, Nancy and Bob Nitzschke of Yankton, SD, and a son, Rick of Sheldon, IA: 3 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 1 step-grandchild. a sister and her husband, Mary Ann and Tom Boever of Dubuque, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Walter on January 1, 1998.

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Personalized Funeral Services

At Earnest-Johnson Funeral Home, every family is unique, and every life is precious. That's why the funeral home offers personalized funeral services that cater to the specific needs and wishes of each family. From traditional funerals to cremation services, memorial services, and celebrations of life, the funeral home's experienced staff will work closely with you to create a customized tribute that honors your loved one's memory.

Funeral Pre-Planning: A Gift to Your Loved Ones

Planning a funeral can be overwhelming, especially during a time of grief. At Earnest-Johnson Funeral Home, they understand the importance of pre-planning and offer guidance and support to help you make informed decisions about your final arrangements. By pre-planning your funeral, you can spare your loved ones from having to make difficult decisions while grieving, ensuring that your wishes are respected and your legacy lives on.

Cremation Services: A Dignified Alternative

Cremation is becoming an increasingly popular choice for many families, offering a more affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial. At Earnest-Johnson Funeral Home, their cremation services are designed to provide a dignified and respectful farewell, with options ranging from direct cremation to full-service cremation with a memorial service.

Supporting You Through Grief

Losing a loved one is never easy, but with the support of Earnest-Johnson Funeral Home, you don't have to face it alone. The funeral home offers a range of bereavement resources, including counseling services, support groups, and online grief resources. Their dedicated staff is committed to helping you navigate the grieving process, providing comfort and guidance every step of the way.

A Commitment to Community

Earnest-Johnson Funeral Home is deeply rooted in the Marcus community and is committed to giving back through various outreach programs and initiatives. From sponsoring local events to supporting charitable organizations, the funeral home believes in making a positive impact on the lives of those they serve.

Contact Us

If you're seeking a trusted partner to guide you through the funeral planning process or simply need someone to talk to, Earnest-Johnson Funeral Home is here for you. Contact them today at (phone number) or visit their website at (website URL) to learn more about their services and how they can support you during this difficult time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including biographical information, achievements, and details about their life. It serves as a way to share news of the passing with friends, family, and community, and often includes information about funeral or memorial services.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries are important because they provide a way to honor and celebrate the life of the deceased, while also informing others of their passing. They can be a meaningful way to pay tribute to a loved one and share memories with others.

What information is typically included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's name, age, date of birth and death, cause of death (optional), surviving family members, occupation, achievements, hobbies, and information about funeral or memorial services. Some obituaries may also include photos, quotes, or other personal touches.

Who writes an obituary?

Obituaries are usually written by family members or close friends of the deceased, although funeral homes or newspapers may also assist in writing them. In some cases, a professional obituary writer may be hired to craft the obituary.

How long does it take to write an obituary?

The time it takes to write an obituary can vary depending on the complexity and length of the piece. On average, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to write a well-crafted obituary.

Can I write my own obituary?

Yes, it is becoming more common for people to write their own obituaries before they pass away. This can be a therapeutic exercise and allow individuals to have control over how they are remembered.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of someone's passing, usually including only basic information such as name, age, and date of death. An obituary, on the other hand, provides more detailed information about the person's life and accomplishments.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?

To submit an obituary to a newspaper, you will typically need to contact the paper's obituary department directly. They will provide guidance on formatting, word count, and any specific requirements they may have.

Can I publish an obituary online?

Yes, many online platforms and websites allow you to publish an obituary. This can be a convenient way to share news of a loved one's passing with a wider audience.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies depending on the platform or newspaper. Some online platforms offer free or low-cost options, while newspapers may charge by the word or line.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many obituaries include photos of the deceased. These can be recent photos or ones from throughout their life.

What is the purpose of an obituary headline?

An obituary headline is usually a brief phrase that summarizes the person's life or achievements. It should be attention-grabbing and encourage readers to read on.

How do I choose the right words for an obituary?

When choosing words for an obituary, consider using language that is sincere, respectful, and honest. Avoid clichés and focus on capturing the personality and spirit of the deceased.

Can I include humor in an obituary?

Yes, humor can be an appropriate way to celebrate someone's life in an obituary. However, use discretion and ensure that the tone remains respectful.

What if I'm struggling to write an obituary?

If you're having trouble writing an obituary, consider seeking help from a friend or family member. You can also consult online resources or hire a professional writer for assistance.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the platform or newspaper. Typically, they range from 100-500 words.

Can I include quotes or lyrics in an obituary?

Yes, quotes or lyrics that were meaningful to the deceased can be a touching addition to an obituary.

What if I want to keep the funeral private?

If you want to keep the funeral private, you can still publish an obituary without including details about the service. Instead, you might mention that a private ceremony will be held.

Can I update an existing obituary?

In some cases, it may be possible to update an existing obituary with new information or corrections. Contact the original publisher or platform for guidance.

How long do online obituaries stay posted?

The length of time online obituaries remain posted varies depending on the platform. Some may stay up indefinitely, while others may be archived after a certain period.

Can I create a memorial website instead of publishing an obituary?

Yes, creating a memorial website can be a meaningful way to honor a loved one's memory. These sites often allow visitors to leave condolences and share memories.

What if I'm unsure about what to include in an obituary?

If you're unsure about what to include in an obituary, consider consulting with family members or friends who knew the deceased well. You can also seek guidance from a funeral home or online resources.

Can I include charitable donations in lieu of flowers in an obituary?

Yes, it's common to include information about charitable donations in lieu of flowers in an obituary. This allows friends and family to make a meaningful contribution in memory of the deceased.

How do I proofread an obituary for errors?

Carefully review your draft multiple times for spelling, grammar, and factual errors. It's also helpful to have someone else review it before publication.

What if I need help with grief support after writing an obituary?

If you're struggling with grief after writing an obituary, consider reaching out to a mental health professional or support group for guidance and comfort.