Henderson Barker Funeral Home West Branch Obituaries

Obituary Preview: West Branch, IowaMarcia L. McDonald, 81, passed away Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City.No services are planned.

Obituary Preview: Leif Jay McGowan, 65, passed away, December 23, 2023 at the VA Medical Center in Iowa City.He will be inurned with honors at Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, Illinois. The Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch is caring for Leif and his family.Leif was born August 9, 1958 the son of John McGowan and Maureen (Kenney) McGowan. He was a graduate of West Branch High School in 1976.He proudly served in the United States Army spending most of his tour in Germany. Leif was united in marriage to Diane Holdiman and together they had on son Logan, Leif and Diane later divorced.Leif had been employed as a truck driver in the area for many years. He was an active member of the West Branch American Legion Post #514 and enjoyed riding his 1962 Harley Davidson panhead motorcycle, gardening; growing cucumbers to make lime pickles and pumpkins.He is survived by his son Logan of Cedar Rapids, father, John (Beverly) McGowan of Marion, mother, Maureen Kenney McGowan of West Branch; and brother, Bradley. Special friends: Charley Crago and John Phillips and three step children: Michael Dittmer of Tipton, Erin Gerhard of Virginia and David Dittmer of Missouri. He was preceded in death by a brother Cal.Leif was the best interstate and highway gear shift selection technician.

Obituary Preview: Dorothy's funeral service will be livestreamed via the Bethany Lutheran Church Facebook page. The live feed will begin shortly before the start time at 10:30 A.M. You can begin the event by clicking the following link: www.https://fb.me/e/1ISrLgdiNDorothy M. Holmes, 91, passed away Monday, December 18, 2023 at Cedar Manor Nursing Home in Tipton.Funeral services will be held 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at the Bethany Lutheran Church in West Branch. Visitation will be held 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch. Burial will be in West Branch Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church, Cedar Manor Nursing Home or St. Croix Hospice.Dorothy Mae Bolhuis was born February 27, 1932 the daughter of Lawrence and Rena (Muller) Bolhuis in Wellsburg, Iowa. Following her graduation from High School she attended Iowa State Teacher College in Cedar Falls.On May 23, 1952 she was united in marriage to James Holmes in Cedar Falls. Her younger years were spent as a stay at home mother, she later was employed with ACT for 20 years. She was a very active member of Bethany Lutheran Church in West Branch. As a family they enjoyed camping, canoeing and the outdoors. Dorothy enjoyed crafts, counted cross stitch, quilting, gardening and her flowers. She served as a cub scout leader, spent many hours volunteering in the community; Crestview Care Center, Meals on Wheels, and the Hoover Library Association.Survivors include her six children: Lindy Rubio and her husband John of Shepherd, Michigan; Becky Pinckert and her husband Gary of Palmer, Alaska, Mark Holmes and his wife Jody of Clive, Iowa; Brian Holmes and his wife Terri of Ankeny, Iowa; Sandi Caskey and her husband Chris of West Chicago, Illinois, Bill Holmes and his wife Kathy of West Branch. 18 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband James, grandson Shaun and brother Chris.

Obituary Preview: West Branch, IowaShirley Ann (Griewe) Simmons, 77, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 18, 2023, at the home of her daughter in West Branch.No services are planned. Private family interment will be in the Greenmount Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois at a later date. The Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch is caring for Shirley and her family.Shirley was born June 25, 1946, in Quincy, Illinois the daughter of Don Parrish and Isabelle Dearwester. Shirley lived in Quincy before moving to Iowa where she lived for the last 20 years in the West Branch area. She had worked various jobs throughout her life, Riverside Casino was where she enjoyed working the most.She was a devoted mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother and enjoyed quilting and gambling.She is survived by two children: Teri (Anthony) Silva and Christine (Tracy) Countryman all of West Branch, three grandchildren: Amanda (Michelle) Silva, Kristine (Pat) Silva, and Dylan Countryman as well as three great-grandchildren: Jenie, Chloe and Ellie. Three brothers: Jim (Rita) Gilkerson of Quincy, Ed (Sheila) Gilkerson of St. Louis, Missouri, and Bob (Nancy) Gilkerson living in Colorado, niece Shellee (Monte) Stephens of Mexico, Missouri.Thank you to Iowa City Hospice, especially Wendy Larkins and Chelsey Hipple for the exceptional care and support they provided. Your kindness and compassion have been a great comfort during this difficult time. We are so grateful for all that you have done.

Obituary Preview: Wayne Carney, 85, passed away peacefully in his sleep Sunday evening, November 26, 2023, at Windmill Manor Nursing Home in Coralville.At his request no services will be held, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.He was born March 1, 1938, in Iowa City the son of Willard Sr. and Nona (Wildman) Carney. On June 1, 1956, he was united in marriage to Doris Dohrer in Iowa City.Wayne was employed with Nall Motors in Iowa City where he drove a wrecker, later Meyers Motors, Hartwig Motors, C&C Body Shop in West Liberty, and Winebrenner Ford in Iowa City. Following his retirement he worked at Herbert Hoover Presidential Library for many years. He loved driving his red convertible in parades, loved pets especially Katy, his dog who went everywhere with him. He was an avid gardener too.He is survived by his wife Doris Carney of Iowa City, one daughter Lori Clark of Hazelwood, Missouri, a brother Bill (Benita) Carney of Iowa City, two sisters: Dinah Cassabaum of West Branch and Delores Wellman of West Liberty and his cat Patches. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers: Willard Jr. “Sonny”, Walter, and Leonard, and two sisters: Bonnie and Susan, brother-in-law: Larry Cassabaum, sister in laws: Dorothy Carney and Carol Carney.

Obituary Preview: Ruby's graveside service will be livestreamed via the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home Facebook page. The live feed will begin shortly before the start time at 1 P.M. You can begin the event by clicking the following link: https://www.facebook.com/events/356093976893828/ West Branch, IowaRuby L. Franke, 90, passed away, Saturday, November 11, 2023 at the Crestview Specialty Care Center in West Branch.Funeral services will be held 1 P.M. Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home, West Branch. .Memorials may be made to: American Cancer Society.Ruby was born November 4, 1933 in Farmington, Iowa the daughter of Glenn and Nellie (Wilson) Lowery. She was a graduate of City High School in Iowa City. For 17 years Ruby had worked for the Darling Company in Tucson, Arizona and later at West Branch Daycare Center. She enjoyed playing BINGO at Crestview.She is survived by two children: Fritzi (Doug) Dillon and Rick (Dianna) Franke all of Tucson, Arizona. Two grandsons: Chad (Jocelyn) Franke and Travis (Ally) Franke, two great grandchildren: Lucy and Lincoln. Siblings: Sarah (Raymond) Downing of Des Moines and Leroy (Patricia) Lowery living in Oregon. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters: Mina and Betty and a brother: Lonnie.

Obituary Preview: Charles Fredrick Andrews D.O., 90, a resident of Grand Living at Bridgewater, passed away Saturday, November 11, 2023 at the Crestview Specialty Care Center in West Branch, following a brief illness.A service remembering Charles will be held at a later date.Charles Fredrick Andrews was born December 30, 1932 in Villa Grove, Illinois the son of Charles Cletus and Clara Marguerite (Bocock) Andrews. He was a graduate of Villa Grove High School, Illinois Wesleyan University and Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri. Upon completion of his residency in Davenport, he moved to Tucson, Arizona before moving back to Davenport where he spent most of his medical career before retiring in 1994.On March 3, 1959 he was united in marriage to Mary Ditmars, she passed away in 1983. He later married Chantal Laurent June 14, 1985, she passed away in 2016. Following his retirement in 1994 he moved to Ridgecrest, California where he enjoyed cooking, traveling, doing pottery and learning Spanish. He was an active member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Ridgecrest and became a member of New Song Episcopal Church in Coralville.He is survived by two children: Kathryn (James) Allen of Rock Island, Illinois and Michael (Jana) Andrews, seven grandchildren: Amber Allen, David Allen, Ian Andrews, Dale Cloutier, Sara Cloutier, Cianna Cloutier and Hailey Simonek and one great grandson Bodhi Allen. Two sisters: Donna Mitsdarffer of Warrensburg, Missouri and Linda (Steve) Morrison of Tucson, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents, wives: Mary and Chantal, son Mark and two sisters: Brenda and Phyllis.

Obituary Preview: The funeral service for Mary Beth will be livestreamed on Bethany Lutheran Church Facebook page, this can be access at: https://www.facebook.com/events/322593990404677/ West Branch, IowaMary Beth Rundell, 75, passed away Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, IA.Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 15, 2023 from 11 AM to 2 PM at Bethany Lutheran Church in West Branch, IA, with funeral services to follow at 2 PM. Burial will be in the West Branch Cemetery. Flowers are welcome. Memorial donations may also be made to the Friends of the Animals Shelter in Tipton, IA. The Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch is caring for Mary and her family.Mary Beth was born August 18, 1948 in Columbus, OH, the daughter of Charles and Imogene (Fuller) Johnson. She was a graduate of Seneca High School in Louisville, KY in 1966, and graduated from the University of Iowa with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English Literature and Education.She was united in marriage to Ron Rundell on November 22, 2003 in West Branch, IA.Mary was a congregant of Bethany Lutheran Church in West Branch, IA. For any who would like to know Mary Beth better, were you to visit, this is what it might have been like:You step through her carefully tended garden, greeted just outside the door by the sound of her singing softly to herself, and the smell of freshly baked cookies, or simmering fudge, beckoning you in. Opening the door, you find any combination of husband, children, grandchildren, family, and friends inside, talking and laughing. Home, or home away from home. You close the door quickly behind you, else a cat, dog, or bird will be through in a blink, which would surely earn you a sharply raised eyebrow as a result. Stepping around a pair of cowgirl boots, loved, worn, and ready for dancing, you discover a living room carefully and comfortably decorated with a mix of treasured antiques and heirlooms, including a side table with a favorite book perched on top alongside precious photos. As you pass into the kitchen, she looks up from her work, sees you, and her smile lights up your world.This was the life she gave to us, and how we will always remember her.She is survived by her husband Ron Rundell of West Branch, IA, children Patrick Throgmorton of Iowa City, IA, Paul (Min) Throgmorton of Marion, IA, Mindy (Aaron) Vetter of Winterset, IA, Shannon (Eric) Halicki of West Liberty, WV, grandchildren Madeline Throgmorton and Isabel Throgmorton of Marion, IA, Jaden Vetter of Waukee, IA, sister Carol (Tony) Childers of Louisville, KY. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Michael Lee Johnson Sr. of Louisville, KY, and granddaughter Autumn Vetter of Winterset, IA.

Obituary Preview: Donna Jean Tucker, 86, passed away Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family.

Obituary Preview: West Branch, IowaLarry W. Cassabaum, 81, passed away suddenly Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City.Visitation will be held 4 to 7 P.M. Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch. Funeral service will be held 11 A.M. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the West Branch Cemetery, West Branch. Memorials may be made to: West Branch Fire Department.Larry Wayne Cassabaum was born February 18, 1942, rural Columbus Jct, Iowa the son of George Everett and Martha Verlee (Reid) Cassabaum. He attended Columbus Community School. On June 11, 1960 he was united in marriage to Dinah Carney in Iowa City. In his early years Larry was employed with Nall Motors and Hartwig Motors in Iowa City, owned and operated C&C Body Shop in West Liberty and West Branch retiring from the University of Iowa Power Plant in 2001, spending 20 years there and had only missed 2 days of work. Following his retirement he worked for Barnhart’s Custom Services in West Branch.He enjoyed fishing, hunting mushrooms, playing cards, coon hunting and taking cruises. He was a member of the West Branch Fire Department for many years, Morse Community Club where he had served as president and a member of CAVE (Citizens Against Virtually Everything) the local coffee group. He will be remembered for having fun teasing his kids and grandchildren.He is lovingly survived by his wife Dinah of West Branch, three children: Shelley (Bruce) Barnhart of West Branch, Cathy (Bill) Hahn of Iowa City and Larry Jr. of West Branch. 7 grandchildren: Jacob Barnhart, Jessica Grace, Emily Hamer, Bonnie Hahn, Molly Haub, Lydia Hahn Kelly and Jamie Kober and 11 great grandchildren also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents and 5 siblings: Reid, Margaret, Gwendolyn, Twyla and Eugene.

Obituary Preview: Megan M. Day, 35, passed away Friday, October 6, 2023 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Megan’s 7-year fight with cancer was inspiring to all. Her ability to enjoy life, love her kids and husband, and provide for her family all while dealing with her medical challenges demonstrated her will and courage in this hard fought battle.

Obituary Preview: West Branch, IowaRussell Eugene “Russ” Grout, 77, passed away Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at his home in West Branch.A memorial visitation will be held 5 to 7 P.M. Monday, October 9, 2023 at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch with a celebration of life to be held immediately following at 7 P.M. Memorials may be made to West Branch Fire Department.Russell Eugene Grout was born February 11, 1946 in Audubon, Iowa the son of Russell E. and Luella (Winther) Grout. He was a graduate of Winterset High School and attended Des Moines Community College where he studied accounting. Russ has been a lifelong trucker, driving for: Craig Jones Trucking, Umthun Trucking, CRST and most recently until his retirement Ryan Vanderheiden Trucking. In 1977 Russ was united in marriage to Linda Pedersen at the Danforth Chapel in Iowa City.Russ was a very social person, enjoyed spending time with friends, visiting with others and the coffee club at McDonalds. He was a former member of the West Liberty Jaycees, enjoyed all of his grandchildren’s activities and was often seen on his deck waving to all passing by.He is survived by his wife Linda of West Branch, six children: Gene (Trina Levy) Grout of Raleigh, North Carolina, Janie (Dan) Harney of Cedar Rapids, Lindsey (Ryan) Lynch of West Branch, Gary (Stacey) Gates of West Liberty, Nanci (Scott) Wieneke of West Branch and Wendi (Chuck) Hayden of Iowa City. Eleven grandchildren: Mae and Gwen Harney, Tate and Cam Lynch, Kyle, Sean and Madison Gates, Dirk Wieneke and Miranda Dlhy, Reese and Quinn Hayden as well as 6 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Obituary Preview: Long Obituary: You can’t put yellow sticky notes on this electronic write-up, so we are using bullet points. If you know you know. So get out your cheaters, fill up your glass, and settle in. Because this is a Ted Pence story:Edwin Tully Pence (aka Ted, Teddy, E.T., Gump, Dad, Daddy, Papa, Grampa Ted, Papa Doc) was born in Muscatine Iowa on July 19, 1942. He had two older siblings, John Richard, and Barbara Jo. His mother, Kathryn W Crew, and father, Richard Tully Pence, moved some years later after opening a drug store in Mt. Vernon, IA.Ted was always a hard worker. His first job was working in a bohemian bakery on the southwest side of Cedar Rapids. He would get up at 2am and finish his shift before heading off to class for the day. He graduated from Mt Vernon High School in 1960. During his childhood years, he formed life-long friendships, and went on more adventures than can be recounted. So please be sure to add your stories below.He attended the University of Iowa from 1961-1966. He was in the fraternity Pi Kappa Alpha, when he owned “Rocky” the infamous squirrel he and his frat brothers could always get tipsy, but only once per type of liquor. He worked for Dick Brown at Hilltop DX as an attendant. And the only certificate he achieved at the University was one of marriage. He married Conni Tudor in 1966. To make ends meet, he took care of the fleet of vehicles at Jaydon Industries. And at the same time, became a partner in a printing company, Diversified Enterprises. That same year, Kathryn Patricia Pence (“Kraz”) was born. She was his favorite.Another daughter, Kandi M. Pence (“Sis”) was born in 1968. She was his favorite. He joined the U.S. Army Reserves to support the Vietnam War. He also started Coralville’s first newspaper “The Coralville Courier.” He moonlighted as a photographer for the county coroner. He later became the President of the Coralville Chamber of Commerce and Vice President of the Iowa City Jaycees. During the Army and newspaper years, he formed life-long friendships, and went on more adventures than can be recounted (so please be sure to add your stories below).Kelli Jo (“K.J.”) was born in 1973 (who was his favorite). Shortly thereafter he, Conni, and the girls moved to an acreage just north of West Branch. About the same time, in partnership with his father-in-law, Keith Tudor, he purchased the historic Hoover House. His office was on the top floor. On the main floor, Ted opened a french-style restaurant for which he was the chef. He utilized the bottom floor as a cocktail lounge called ‘The Stone Cellar’ where food specials were a town favorite on Hawkeye Football game days. He became the Vice President of the Iowa Restaurant Association. He joined the West Branch Country Club through questionable circumstances involving a tractor. He kept that membership active for over 20 years. He was very involved, such as when he helped coordinate and attend the “Champagne Open,” always doing so while wearing his red and white checked suit jacket. During the country club years, he formed life-long friendships, sported a 70’s ‘stache, and went on more adventures than can be recounted (so please be sure to add your stories below)In 1975 he had to return to the county dump to retrieve his daughter’s imaginary friend, Baby Dinosaur, whom he’d kindly tried to cure her of approximately 45 minutes earlier. This led to 48 years of retelling the tale which grew in embellishments each time told. He was redeemed when he found Midnight, Sis’s cat, 6 months after he’d disappeared, which is a different Ted Pence story.He and Conni divorced in 1977 shortly after he lost Kat temporarily at a Beach Boys concert, though there is no direct correlation.Ted married Judy Jenks (Sematon) in 1979 at a small ceremony in Sunset Beach, MO, near the Lake of the Ozarks. At that moment, Matt David Jenks became his forever step son.Between 1977 and 2013 he created many interesting avenues of income. In 1975, he became a part-time pig farmer, which became full time work, including crop farming, between 1977 and 1985. During the farm crisis, he realized he needed a new profession and sometime during those years he became a sports bookie. Kat was trained as a receptionist to correctly answer the secret phone line in the upstairs bedroom. Kelli, however, wasn’t allowed to answer it. It all came to a halt after an unsettling conversation occurred with law enforcement. During the bookie years, he formed life-long friendships, and went on more adventures than can be recounted (but please do not add your stories below).Luckily while all of that was going on, he also obtained his real estate license. He started Harmony Real Estate in 1982. Several years later, he opened a consignment shop in the back where he trained Kat as a receptionist to correctly answer the phone. Somewhere in these years he became the President of the West Branch Chamber of Commerce. He was a realtor until becoming a licensed real estate appraiser in 1991. He delighted many with his appraisals provided within the somewhat malleable bounds of valuation rules.By this time, he’d had several pets of notoriety: Cats: Punker, Midnight, Mother, Count (the 3-legged cat he rescued), Spider, Eenie the Meanie and Moe. Dogs: Pepper, Snoopy, Tassy, Rafferty, Cody, Porsche, Jack, and Dog.After he’d accumulated some funds, Ted upsized his boat, and he and Judy enjoyed many years together on the Mississippi with Jack always in attendance with his tennis ball.. During the boating years, he served up many bacon-wrapped olives, and cocktails. He formed life-long friendships, and went on more adventures than can be recounted, so please share your stories below.He and Judy divorced in (1993), much to the delight of his daughters. After the divorce, he got a dog named, Newfie who became his best friend, and back seat traveling companion wherever he drove. During his post-Judy bachelor years, he liked visiting Biloxi, MS with a regular group; going to see Roger Hanson in Cour d’Alene, ID; being the annual trip organizer for the Jimmy Buffet concert in Alpine Valley, WI; becoming a high-standing member of the Krewe of Brewe (a group involved in the Pensacola Beach Mardi Gras annual celebration). And for a time, he was a member of the Benevolent and Protective order of the Elks Lodge 497, also in Pensacola Beach.He owned a cabin on the Cedar River which held large gatherings and was the source of many embellished (and accurate) stories of mayhem, mischief, and martinis. Boating up and down the Cedar River took place often. You could tell if he was up river, or down river, by the way the cement pelican on the deck was pointing its bill. He and his friends often anchored at Carp Island where the tiki hut stood witness.He met Ella Mae Hess during his Pensacola years. She became a permanent fixture for a time. She, along with many community members helped Ted save his beloved Cedar River cabin after the Flood of 2008. He and Ella kept their time split between Iowa and Pensacola. During all of the Cedar River cabin and Pensacola years, he formed life-long friendships, and went on more adventures than can be recounted. So please add your stories below.He always made sure Christmas Day was at the farm. He used his amazing culinary skills to create the annual Christmas Omelet, champagne punch, and clam chowder. When he was feeling flush, he served a perfectly cooked prime rib with au jus and twice baked potatoes. One year, after a blizzard, the roads to town were closed on Christmas Day. He took his tractor, and one by one transported each girl back to the farm for Christmas. We don’t need to cover the sledding incidents. Later, as a grandpa, he hosted Firefly parties, made sure the kids had warm towels fresh out of the dryer for those using the hot tub at the same family Christmas Day parties held for decades. He supported sports, music, and anything else a grandkid could be interested in. During his Grandpa Ted years, he formed life-long friendships, and went on more adventures than can be recounted. So please add your stories below.He sold the farm and moved to Cedar Bluff around 2010. Some years later, he and Ella parted as ongoing friends. This was about the same time he had a couple smaller strokes, necessitating speech and physical therapy to overcome the small drag he’d acquired in his step.After retiring, Kat encouraged him to join the Doggy Underground Railroad becoming an animal rescue transporter taking the leg from Peoria to Waterloo, and anywhere in between. Through this adventure he met hiss dog Stormy (another Newfoundland) and Ruby Sue, a sweet bull terrier mix that didn’t end up eating his liver as K.J. often predicted.Ted was a lover of music and animals, something he shared with all of his girls. He always had a camera around his neck, a chainsaw in the back of the truck, a joke that took too long to tell, a harmonica velcro’d to the dash of his vehicle, Jimmy Buffet on repeat, a half-empty scotch bottle on his counter, and a dollar in his pocket if you needed it.About 6 years ago, he lost his golf swing. After that, he lost his hearing, a few more dogs, a cat or two, and then he lost his ability to walk without a cane. (He still did, of course). His long-time friends began leaving the world. For a time he was okay, but recently his dog, Doc, died, and that was very hard. Soon after he decided he could no longer transport the rescue dogs, or care for another pet. Getting older just wasn’t for him. So Edwin Tully “E.T.” Pence of West Branch decided to leave on September 15, 2023.He is survived by his sister, Barbara Jo Conn (husband David), and daughters Kathryn Patricia (Curt Jett) Pence, Kandi M. (Sean) Baylor, and Kelli Jo (Tyler) Rozinek. He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, John and Janene Pence (Fairfax, VA), and many beloved four-legged friends. He is also survived by his sister’s children, Christine Thomas (Doug), Andy Conn (Lauren), and Elisa Jenkins (Tim), 7 grandchildren: Kate Jett, Jazmin Goulding (Evan), Megan Jett, Alexis Knox, Aubrey Baylor, Jonah Baylor, and Samantha Jo Rozinek. He has one great-grandchild, Aurora Goulding.There won’t be a funeral or memorial service at Ted’s request. Instead, a large party will be held in his honor. Place and date to be announced in the coming weeks.Please send any intended memorial donations in his honor to Last Hope Rescue 1823 16th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.Teddy's Last Waltz", will be held October 27th at the Morse Community Club at 6:30.

Obituary Preview: West Branch, IowaJames A. Racey, 75, passed away Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.Visitation will be held 11:00 to 2:00 PM. Friday, September 15th at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch with a celebration of life to be held immediately following at 2:00 P.M. Private family burial will be held at a later date. A memorial fund has been established.James Albert Racey was born September 29, 1947 in Iowa City the son of Clyde James and Marion (Laurent) Racey. He attended West Branch schools and proudly served in the US Navy on the USS Enterprise. On June 12, 1971 he was united in marriage to Gloria Williams, she passed away in 1985, he later married Nancy King on July 19, 1997 in West Branch.Jim had been employed with Cargill in West Branch as a feed delivery driver and drove semi for Wausau in West Branch until his retirement. He enjoyed playing pool, riding his motorcycle, telling stories and was an amazing woodworking craftsman sharing many of his projects with family and friends.He is survived by his wife Nancy of West Branch, four children: Destiny Sparrow of Channahon, Illinois, Derek (Lindsay) Racey of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, Eric (Ana) Bumgardner of Urbandale, Iowa and Adam (Laura Reed) Bumgardner of Sierra Vista, Arizona. Six grandchildren: Avery, Addison, Savannah, James, Maia and Sophie. He is also survived by special friends Phil and Amanda Rushton and their daughter Gabriella. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Gloria and a sister Connie.

Obituary Preview: Olin, Iowa Charles “Chuck” Heinsius, 75, passed away Wednesday September 6, 2023 at Jackson Ridge Healthcare Center in Maquoketa, IowaA memorial service will be held 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch with inurnment to follow in Shawver Cemetery, Cedar Bluff.Charles was born January 17, 1948 in Cedar Bluff, Iowa the son of Russell and Ada (Achenbach) Heinsius. He was a graduate of Olin High School in 1965. Chuck had been employed with Invisible Fence Co and Dog Watch for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors; hunting and fishing as well as watching and playing many sports and coaching his children’s teams.He is survived by two children: Dillon (Amy) Heinsius of Palo and Aubree (Donnie) Hodge of Malakoff, Texas. Grandchildren: Ryker and Harper Heinsius, Taylor Debth, Grayson Debth, Chance Hodge and Shilyn Hodge, great grandchildren: Ellilizibeth Payne, Constance Payne, Hazel Debth and Jay’Lynn Goodrich. Brother: James (Evelyn) Heinsius of Cedar Bluff. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Tom.

Obituary Preview: Mildred E. Mather, 101, passed away Thursday, August 31, 2023 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.Funeral services will be held 11 A.M. Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at the Springdale United Methodist Church, Springdale. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to services. Burial will be in the Springdale Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Springdale United Methodist Church, West Branch Fire Department or West Liberty Ambulance.Mildred was born July 25, 1922 in Washington, Iowa the daughter of Hollis and Delpha (Cummings) Whiting. She was a graduate of Crawfordsville High School in 1940 and later attended Business School in Burlington. She served in the US WAC (Women’s Army Corp) during WWII. She met her future husband Stewart at the roller skating rink in Iowa City and they were married on August 6, 1955 in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa sharing 50 years together until his death in 2005.Mildred had worked as an archivist for the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library for 29 years retiring in 1992.Mildred was a member of Springdale United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women, Eastern Star, Chauncey Butler American Legion Post in West Branch, Springdale Self Culture Club and has been listed in Who’s Who in American for many years. Mildred was the first to have a microwave in Cedar County and made many crochet scrubbers.She is survived by her daughter Julie Marie Mather of West Branch, one brother Andrew Whiting of Fort Worth, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Stewart, son Tom Stewart Mather, eight siblings: Robert Whiting, John Whiting, Martha Darby, Ernest Whiting, Charles Whiting, Arthur Whiting and Leona Rath.

Obituary Preview: Iowa City, IowaDebra Kay Fuhrmeister, 69, passed away Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Crestview Specialty Care Center in West Branch.A memorial visitation will be held 9 to 11:30 A.M. Saturday, August 19, 2023 at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch where a celebration of life will be held immediately following at 11:30. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date in Oakland Cemetery, Iowa City. Memorial donations may be made to Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center.Debra was born June 24, 1954 in Iowa City, Iowa the daughter of Joseph and Esther (Fowler) Ruzek. She was a 1972 graduate of West Branch High School.On November 15, 1974 she was united in marriage to Danny Ray Fuhrmeister in Iowa City. For many years Deb was employed as a secretary with Cross Medical Labs. She enjoyed spending time with her family.Survivors include her husband Danny of Iowa City, two daughters: Angela (Steve) Olson of Dubuque and Amanda (John) Jones of West Des Moines, Iowa and son: Adam Fuhrmeister of West Branch. Four grandchildren: Madelyn Olson, Mitchel Olson, Mya Olson and Hazel Jones. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters: Beverly Nutt and Tammy Ruzek, two brothers: Mark and an infant Danny Joe. The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff of Crestview Specialty Care Center in West Branch and Care Initiatives Hospice for the care they have given Deb during her stay.

Obituary Preview: West Branch, IowaLarry “Butch” Slocum, 73, passed away suddenly Thursday, August 10, 2023 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.A memorial visitation will be held 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home, West Branch. A celebration of life will be held later on September 29, 2023 beginning at 7 P.M. at the Morse Community Club. Private family inurnment will be in the Greensburg Slocum Family Cemetery, Greensburg, Missouri.Larry Glen "Butch" Slocum was born November 2, 1949 in Quincy, Illinois the son of Francis Burton and Elizabeth “Betty” (Blakely) Slocum. He attended Canton, Missouri High School. Butch proudly served in the US Army 1st Infantry.He was the owner/operator of Slocum Excavating working with his son. For many years Butch was a member of the Morse Community Club and All Night Shooters (his fireworks club). He is survived by three sons: Joey (Dianna) Slocum of Monroe, Wisconsin, Mitchell (Lyssa) Slocum of West Branch and Jake (Kate) Slocum of West Branch. He was an amazing grandfather to Elizabeth and Gemma who called him papa. He was preceded in death by his parents and seven brothers and sisters.

Obituary Preview: Carolyn Eva (Eves) Hinty, 95, passed away Monday, July 10th at 8:04am at Westridge Specialty Care in Knoxville, Iowa.Visitation will be held Friday 10:00 to 11 A.M. July 14, 2023 at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch with the funeral service to be held immediately following at 11 A.M.

Obituary Preview: Jeffrey D. “Whitey” Lathrop, 72, passed away Thursday, July 6, 2023 surrounded by his loving family at the Bird House, Hospice Home of Johnson County.A memorial visitation will be held 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. Monday, July 10, 2023 at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch. A celebration of life will be held 10 A.M. Tuesday at the West Branch United Methodist Church. Inurnment will be in the West Branch Cemetery.

Obituary Preview: Mary Louise Russell, 70, passed away Sunday, July 2, 2023 peacefully at her home surrounded by her family.Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch, with a service to follow from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.Mary was born April 15, 1953, in Omaha, Nebraska the daughter of Dominic and Emma (Webb) Maniccia. On November 7, 1970 she was united in marriage to Steve Russell at the Riverside Presbyterian Church in Clinton, Iowa.Mary graduated from Clinton Community College in 1988 and the University of Iowa in 1993. She was a middle school math teacher.Mary loved spending time with her grandchildren, children, nieces and nephews, siblings, and other family members. She had a great love of music and song and created many special songs for her children and grandchildren. She loved to hear and share stories about her family that made her laugh. She had a wonderfully contagious sense of humor. Her unconditional love and compassion for her loved ones will forever be missed.Mary is survived by her children: Bill (Melissa) Russell, Jay (Jo Bear) Russell, Jennifer (Tom) Kubly, eleven granddaughters: Kristin Russell, Hannah (Dakota) Even, Madison (Matt) McIlrath, Morgan (Bryce) Brown, Mackenzie Russell (Andrew Kerkove), Allison Russell, Mykayla Russell, Mariah Russell, Mia Russell, Madison Bear and Parker Bear, three great-grandchildren Brylee, Kade, Kobi Kerkove, many beloved nieces and nephews, four sisters: Nora Woodin, Marcia Klinkner, Paula (Larry) Bird, Angie (Dave) Duvall, four brothers: Randy Maniccia, Jerry (Mary) Maniccia, Jon (Bebe) Maniccia, Steve (Abby) Maniccia, and sister-in-law Mary (Don) Maniccia.Mary was preceded in death by her parents,her brother Don Maniccia, and a grandson Spirit.The family would like to thank Iowa City Hospice for their caring support.

Obituary Preview: Des Moines, IowaDonald Dean Waters, 72 of Des Moines, Iowa passed away suddenly Saturday, June 24, 2023 at MercyOne Medical Center, Des Moines.Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Friday, June 30, 2023 at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch with visitation 1 hour prior to service time.

Obituary Preview: West Branch, IowaCarol Sue Klinkkammer,75, passed away Sunday, June 18, 2023 at Mechanicsville Specialty Care Center.Visitation will be held 11 to 1:00 P.M. Friday, June 23, 2023 at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch where a time of sharing will be held Friday from 12:30 to 1:00 P.M.Burial will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Iowa City.Memorials may be made to Iowa City Hospice.Carol was born August 24, 1947 in Ottumwa, Iowa the daughter of James and Irene (Cavin) Flanegan. On August 18, 1969 she was united in marriage to Ronnie Klinkkammer at the United Methodist Church in Cambridge, Illinois.Carol had been employed with Oral B in Iowa City for 27 years, and 10 years at the University of Iowa before her retirement. Carol enjoyed going to the casino, listening to Willie Nelson and Tina Turner, cooking, baking and anything that her great grandchildren were doing.She is survived by her daughter Tammy Klinkkammer (fiancé Bob Moravek) of Mechanicsville, two granddaughters Felicia (Nick) Calzada and Samantha Simmons, three grandchildren: Theo, Oscar and Cali. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ronnie, two sisters: Barbara Jean and Mary Valdez, two brothers: Jimmy Flanegan and Virgil “Butch” Flaengan.The family would like to thank Iowa City Hospice, Care Initiatives Hospice and all the staff at Mechanicsville Specialty Care Center for all their wonderful care.

Obituary Preview: West Branch, IowaKristopher P. Heilmann, 55, passed away Sunday, June 18, 2023 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.A private family celebration of life will be held.A memorial fund has been established.Kristopher was born January 3, 1968 in Moline, Illinois the son of Darrell and Jan (Booth) Heilmann. He was a graduate of Davenport West High School (1986) and later Iowa State University (1996) with honors. Kris was united in marriage to Susan Bell on January 10, 1992 in Buffalo, Iowa.He had been employed with the University of Iowa for 25 years as a microbiologist as well as working in the microbiology teaching lab.Kris was an active community volunteer primarily when it involved his three boys activities. He served as a Boy Scout Leader for many years and was very active in scouting as well as many outdoor activities; fishing, hiking, hunting and camping and enjoyed all types of music. He was a member of the West Branch United Methodist Church.Survivors include his wife Susan of West Branch, three sons: Brad (Alexi) of West Branch, Nick of West Liberty and Josh of West Branch. His parents Darrell and Jan Heilmann of New Braunfels, Texas, four siblings: Angie (Mark) Reitz of Blue Grass, Iowa, Jen (Tom) Erwin of San Antonio, Texas, Jared Heilmann and his life partner Penny Woods of San Antonio, Texas and Leonor (Ernesto) Negron of Blue Grass. Also surviving is two sisters in law: Sally Schmidt and Cindy Ploog and a brother in law Dennis Telsrow.

Obituary Preview: G. Wilburn "Arkie" Bass, 92, passed away Monday, June 5, 2023 at his home in West Branch.Private family services will be held with burial in the West Branch Cemetery. A celebration of life mass will be held at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in West Branch at a later date.