Dennis L. Evans

August 12, 1941 - February 10, 2012

Dennis L. Evans, 70, of Walcott, Iowa passed away at his home on Friday, February 10, 2012. Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at 2:30 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 in the Runge Mortuary Chapel. Visitation will follow until 7 pm. Memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences may be made at www.rungemortuary.com.

He was born August 12, 1941 in West Liberty, Iowa, the eldest son of Charles and Ruth (Seaman) Evans. Dennis was a jack-of-all-trades. He attended the Iowa School for the Deaf in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He loved fishing, volleyball, horseshoes, bowling and all other sports. He was a very giving person, willing to help anyone fix anything. He was a very loving husband, father, and grandfather who remained in good spirits until the end.

Rodney James Visser

April 9, 1959 -January 24, 2012 

Rodney J. Visser (RJ), 52, of Waukee, Iowa, formerly of Rock Valley, died Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. Memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 27, 2012 at Trinity Christian Reformed Church in Rock Valley, with Pastor Al Kuiper officiating. The family will greet friends at the church following the service during a luncheon.

Rodney James (RJ) Visser was born April 9, 1959 in Manhattan, Montana, the son of Cornie and Nellie (Alphenaar) Visser. In 1967, the Visser family moved to Rock Valley and stayed with Margaret Van Otterloo Teunissen. RJ went to Hope Haven School for the Deaf and attended the Iowa School for the Deaf in Council Bluffs, Iowa before going on to graduate from Gallaudet College in 1983. RJ was united in marriage with Jean O'brien on August 13, 1994. In 2007, RJ moved to Waukee, Iowa. He graduated from the Iowa Department of Blind orientation in 2008. RJ worked at Panera Bread in the Jordan Creek Mall in West Des Moines, Iowa. He was the best dishwasher they ever had. RJ was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. He was very good with statistics and could name every stat from every Super Bowl game, dating back to the first Super Bowl on January 15, 1967. Friends were important to RJ and he would always make the best of every situation. He enjoyed his life in Iowa to the fullest.

RJ is Survived by his son Christopher Visser and daughter Colleen Visser of West Chester Pennsylvania; parents, Cornie and Nellie Visser of Rock Valley; brothers, Mike (Debbie) of Redfield, SD; Ivan (Sharon) of Brandon SD; Bruce of Seattle WA; and one sister, Debra (Paul) Kahn of Yakima WA; Best Friends, Kay Munneke, Brandon (Shannon) and Aaron DeWeerd, Bobby Karau all of Waukee Iowa and Travis (Larscina) DeWeerd of Doon Iowa; numerous uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews. RJ was preceded in death by his grandparents.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, January 27, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at the Trinity Christian Reformed Church, 2020 - 8th St. SE, Rock Valley, IA.  Porter Funeral Homes, Rock Valley, IA directs the service.

Thanks to Porter Funeral Homes for the information.

Larry K. Manley

August 4, 1939 - January 1, 2012

Larry K. Manley, 72, passed away Sunday, January 1, 2012, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. Larry’s wishes were to be cremated. A memorial visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, January 5, 2012, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue. A private family burial was held at Highland Memory Gardens on Saturday, January 7, 2012.

He was born August 4, 1939, in Des Moines, to parents Paul and Mae Manley. Larry and his wife, Carol Ann, graduated from the Iowa School for the Deaf in 1959. They were later married, and in October 2011, Larry and Carol Ann celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Larry retired as a machinist for Delavan and was a member of the Calvary Lutheran Church for the Deaf. He enjoyed woodworking, carpentry, and classic cars, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Larry is survived by his wife, Carol Ann; daughter, Molly (Scott) Myers; son, Mark (Lisa) Manley; two brothers, Terry (Carol) and Jerry; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Larry was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Frank Miller; and sister, Diane.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Mercy Hospice in Johnston.

Online condolences may be made at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

Thanks to Hamilton Funeral Home and Des Moines Register for the information.

Steven Gaines

January 19, 1949 - December 27, 2011

Steven Robert Gaines, 62, of St. Charles, Missouri, formerly of Mount Vernon, died December 27, 2011, at St. Joseph Health Center, St. Charles from a sudden illness.  A service will be held on a later date.

Surviving Steve are his wife, Irene of New York; a daughter Rebecca (Tim) Melan of O’Fallon, Missouri; his parents Robert and Dorothy Krumm Gaines of Mount Vernon; a brother Gary of Lisbon, two sisters: Pam (Jonathan) Sabin of Iowa City, and Cindy (Mike) Hall of Carpenterville, Illinois; and 4 nieces and nephews.

Preceding Steve in death were a daughter Sharon and his grandparents.

Steve was born January 19, 1949, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Bob and Dorothy Gaines.  He graduated from the School for the Deaf in Council Bluffs and attended Gallaudet College in Washington D.C.  and National Technical Institute in Rochester, NY.  Steve lived in Rochester New York for many years before moving to Missouri to be near his daughter.

A memorial fund in Steve’s honor has been established.  Cards and condolences may be sent to: Bob and Dorothy Gaines, 420 Third Ave S.W., Mount Vernon, IA 52314.

On-line condolences: www.morganfuneralchoices

Thanks to Morgan Funeral Choices, Mount Vernon for the information.

Louis George Ryg

1925-December 24, 2011

Louis George Ryg age 86, of Mpls. Beloved, remarkable, gentleman and husband, father, uncle, grandfather and great- grandfather, answer the call of Jesus on Dec. 24, 2011. Preceded in death by parents, John and Randine Ryg; son, Michael Anthony Ryg; sisters, Marvis Ryg, Maxine Ethart; and brother, John Ryg. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Josephine; his sons, Louis of Mpls., Timothy (Hannah) of Wahpeton, ND, Jeff of N. Mpls.; 6 grandchildren, Marshall, Jennifer, Nicholas, Samantha, Jaden and Jayce; 4 great-grandchildren, Aidan, Nathan, Aira and Elise; other family and friends. Louis was the founder of the Metro Deaf Bowling League, a board member of the Metro Deaf Council, and President for 5 years of the Metro Area Deaf Lions International. Louis was an avid bowler, softball player (fast pitch and slow pitch). Louis worked for many years at Juster Brothers Men's Clothing.  Memorial service was held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, Jan. 4, with visitation one hour prior to the service at: www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 West 50th St. & Hwy 100, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Editor's Note:  He attended Iowa School for the Deaf and left there for Minnesota in 1944.

Thanks to Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels, Minneapolis for the information.

Grant Eric Janssen

July 18, 1956 - November 16, 2011

Grant Eric Janssen of Aurora, Colorado passed away November 16, 2011 at his home in Aurora at the age of 55.  Grant was born on July 18, 1956 in Sac City, Iowato parents, Reinard B. and Sylvia A. (McKinney) Janssen.

Grant grew up in Odebolt, Iowawhere he was baptized and confirmed in the First Presbyterian Church in Odebolt.  He attended the Iowa School for the Deaf in Council Bluffs, Iowa graduating in 1974.  After graduating, Grant worked with his dad in the implement business until he moved to Aurora, Colorado in 1980 where he resided until his death. 

Grant enjoyed fishing and camping in the mountains of Colorado.  He was an avid sports fan, with his favorite college team being the Nebraska Huskers and pro team the Pittsburg Steelers. 

Those left to cherish his memory are parents: Reinard and Sylvia Janssen, Yuma, Colorado; sisters: Gail (Greg) Cranston, Yuma, Colorado; Marsha (Bill) Belt, Aurora, Coloradoand Dick (Kay) Bloyer of Odebolt, Iowa.  Nieces and nephews: Tracy (Mark) Bohm and family of Windsor, Colorado; Leslie (Rick) Whitehead and family of Yuma, Colorado; Kadie Cranston and friend,  Randy Stippick, Evans, Colorado; Jody (Kurt) Fritch and family, Windsor, Colorado; Troy (Cindy) Belt and family, Aurora, Colorado; Jamie (Mary) Belt and family, Greeley, Colorado; LeAnn (Mike) Guntren and family, Sergeant Bluffs, Iowa; Jeanette (Brad) Skinner and family, Yale, Oklahoma; Paul (Tasha) Bloyer and family, Onalaska, Wisconsin; Julie Bloyer and fiance Nate Voss, Algona, Iowa; Kevin (Tiffany) Bloyer and family, Ankeny, Iowa; Elizabeth Bloyer, St. Louis, Missouri; and Christine Bloyer, Iowa City, Iowa along with extended family and friends. 

Grant was preceded in death by his sister, Cathy Bloyer; grand niece, Anna Marie Skinner; and grandparents, Reinard and Francis Janssen, Helen Beck and Addison McKinney.

The funeral service was held on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Yuma, Colorado with Pastor Marcia Muir officiating.  Interment followed at the Yuma Cemetery.  Baucke Funeral Home directed the service. 

Thanks to the Yuma Pioneer, Yuma, Colorado for the information.

Allen Ray Love, Sr.

April 10, 1943 - November 21, 2011
 

Eva Herbold

February 11, 1927 - October 15, 2011

 Eva Herbold was born on February 11, 1927.  She attended Iowa School for the Deaf and graduated there in 1943.  She married Max Herbold.  They produced three children:  Ronald, Ricky and Pam.  She moved to Gresham, Oregon, to be near her daughter, Pam.  She passed away on Friday, October 14, 2011.

We understand that her body was cremated. 

Her family plans to have a memorial service for her at Des Moines, Iowa, in the spring of 2012.

We wish to extend our sympathies to her immediate family.

Patricia Ann Knox

July 14, 1930 - October 12, 2011

Patricia Ann Knox passed away on Wednesday, October 12, 2011, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Pat moved to Wesley Acres in 2006 after living in the house that she and Don built on King Ave. for over 45 years.

Pat was born on July 14, 1930, in Des Moines to Ralph and Amanda Clayton. She attended Jefferson Elementary School. Pat attended Lincoln High School from grades 7 – 12th and graduated in 1948. She was united in marriage to Don Knox, Jr. in 1950. Don and Pat were happily married for 49 years.

Pat began work at Banker’s Life in stenographic pool and as a secretary for the Vice President. Pat became a stay at home mom until returning to work to help with college expenses for Cindy and Donnie.

Pat most rewarding work experience was serving as sign language interpreter for young children in Des Moines Public Schools. Pat was a Certified Sign Language Interpreter who did freelance work for doctors’ visits, court cases and Des Moines Police.

Pat enjoyed teaching sign language, Wesley Church activities including the concession booth each year at Iowa State Fair, spending time at Lake Ponderosa, traveling to Virginia spending time with Cindy’s family, and attending numerous police organization events with Don around the country.

Pat is survived by, a daughter, Cindy (Steven) Burton of Herndon, VA; and a son, Don (Shelley) Knox III of Des Moines, IA ; four grandchildren, Amanda Connelly (Dave), Kris Burton, Rachel Burton and Sarah Knox; one great-grandchild, Owen Connelly; and her sister, Darlene Morgan.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Donald Knox, Jr.

Visitation was held from 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, October 16, 2011, at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Funeral services was held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 17, 2011, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 800 E. 12th Street, with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wesley Acres or to Wesley United Methodist Church in loving memory of Patricia.

www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

Thanks to Hamiltons Funeral Home for the information.

Eleanor "Elly" (Cuscaden) Propp

March 20, 1927 - October 2, 2011

Eleanor E. "Elly" (Cuscaden) Propp went to join her husband George and son Conrad early Sunday morning, October 2, 2011, after a long illness. Elly was born March 20, 1927, in Omaha, Nebraska, to a family of Deaf parents, a Deaf brother and sister, one hearing sister, and was Deaf herself from infancy.

Elly is survived by daughter Margie Propp, daughter and son-in-law Lorelei and Gary Waldron, son and daughter-in-law Greg Propp and Kathryn Jarvis, two grandsons, three granddaughters, several nieces and nephews and great grandchildren, and by her beloved schnauzer dog, Simba. She was preceded in death by husband George Propp, son George Conrad Propp, two sisters and one brother.

A wonderful wife, mother, advocate for the Deaf, and sign language educator, Elly raised four children, tended several beautiful homes, and worked for many years representing and advocating for the Deaf in Nebraska as a Nebraska School for the Deaf and Gallaudet College (now University) alumnus and Community Liaison with the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Through her work at NCDHH and teaching sign language classes at Southeast Community College for many years, she is responsible for educating hundreds of people as to the beauty and complexity of American Sign Language and for the sign language skills and integrity of a generation of professional sign language interpreters in and outside of Nebraska. The unparalleled beauty and expressiveness of her language that shone through in her storytelling and keen sense of humor was a testament to her strong Deaf family and culture and a legacy cherished and passed on through her children, colleagues, and friends who knew her well.

A memorial service with family and close friends of Elly will be held Friday morning, October 7, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at Lincoln Heritage Presbyterian Church, 880 So. 35th St., to be followed by a graveside service and reception at Lincoln Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 6800 So. 14th St. Visitation with family greeting friends, 6 pm to 8 pm Thursday at the funeral home; One hour before services at the church. Memorials may be given in Eleanor's to Eleanor Cuscaden Propp Memorial Fund. Condolences may be left at lincolnfh.com.

Thanks to the Lincoln Memorial Park and Funeral Home for the information.

Eloise Locke

March 20, 1924 - September 20, 2011 

Eloise M. Locke, 87, of Webster City, died Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at the Van Diest Medical Center in Webster City. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Foster Funeral and Cremation Center with Rev. Dennis Konkel officiating. Burial will follow in the Graceland Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Friday from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service at Fosters.

Eloise Marie Martinson daughter of Albert and Mabel Castner Martinson was born on March 20, 1924 in Harcourt, Iowa. She received her education from the Council Bluffs School For The Deaf. On March 27, 1948 she married Harold Richard Locke in Harcourt. The couple resided in Harcourt for 2 years before moving to Webster City. She had worked at the Hamilton County Public Hospital for several years in housekeeping until her retirement. Mr. Locke died on June 16, 1993.

Survivors include her son, Rodney (Mary) Locke of Glenwood, IA; grandsons, Jason and Jay Locke; great granddaughters, Cassie and Savanah JoJo Locke; brothers, Philip (Evon) Martinson of Fort Dodge, IA; and Gordon (Eunice) Martinson of Perry, IA.

In addition to her husband Harold, she was preceded in death by her son Robert O. Locke; brother, James Martinson and her parents.

Eloise was a member of the Missionary Alliance Church in Blairsburg, IA; and the Fort Dodge Deaf Club. Memorials may be given to the discretion of the Locke family.

Write a personal tribute or light a virtual candle for the Locke family at www.fosterfuneralandcremation.com

Thanks to The Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, Iowa (September 21, 2011 for the information.

We wish to express our sympathies to Rodney and Mary Locke of Council Bluffs and their family and extended families.

Sharon Ruth (nee Specht) Moon

November 7, 1943 - September 16, 2011

Born 11-7-43 in Blair, NE & died unexpectedly in her sleep. She married Colin Moon on July 10, 1965 & had their first son Jason in 1969. They moved to Phoenix in 1970 & had 2 more children Cole in 1973 & Lisa in 1978. Her second love was all the lifelong friendships she made at the Nebraska School for the Deaf & being a member of the Phoenix Association for the Deaf. She was a dedicated wife, mother & friend who loved to watch her kids & grandkids play sports. Her family was her world. She also loved bowling, playing cards, watching Manchester United soccer with Colin & having a good time. Her laugh was infectious & her smile endearing. She will be dearly missed by all.

Jerry Lee Wolcott

April 4, 1955 - August 27, 2011

Jerry Lee Wolcott, 56 formerly of Gilmore City was the son of Robert and Doris (Jensen) Wolcott and was born April 4, 1955 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He was raised in the Gilmore City and Bradgate area and graudated from the Iowa School for the Deaf, Council Bluffs, IA in 1973. Jerry worked at IIH in Pocahontas and later moved to Colorado where he worked for Sulzer Pumps for 23 years. He recently relocated to New Jersey to be closer to his daughters. When Jerry was not working he would spend his free time with his three daughters and doing odd jobs whenever he could; that was his true passion. He would take the time to help anybody in need; no matter how much they needed they would be helped. Survivors inlcude his daughters Martha, Belva and Greta all living in Washington DC, his beloved companion of 5 years Nancy Brockney, his mother Doris Wolcott of Gilmore City, sisters Deb (Marv) Almond of Gilmore City, IA, and Barb Carlin in New Jersey, nieces and nephews: Mindy(Dave) Bohumolski, Jeff (Melissa) Almond, Dan Almond, Sabra Carlin and Selima Carlin, 3 great nieces and one great nephew. Jerry was preceded in death by his father Robert Wolcott, sister Diane, and Grandparents Ray and Belva Wolcott and Harry and Cornelia Jensen. Everyone relied on Jerry's generosity, his heart was always there to help others, now it may finally rest the eternal rest; you've done your part here for us.

Services for Jerry Lee Wolcott was held Friday, September 2, 2011, 10:00 AM at First Lutheran Church, Gilmore City. Harris Funeral Home, Gilmore City, Iowa arranged his funeral services.

Thanks to John Matthews and Harris Funeral Home for the information.

Phyllis Tuininga

March 15, 1921 - August 26, 2011

Phyllis Bloemendaal Tuininga was born to Annetta and Joe Bloemendaal on March 15, 1921, in Orange City, Iowa.

Phyllis attended Northwestern Junior College in Orange City and graduated from Valparaiso University in 1943, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She received further degrees in the Teaching of the Deaf from San Francisco State and Northwestern Universities. She also received her Master of Arts Degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Nebraska in 1973.

Phyllis was a life long educator, teaching in the United States and Germany. She also taught at the Nebraska School for the Deaf. She loved working with children, and her occupation as a teacher brought her great joy.

Phyllis married the love of her life, Adolf Tuininga, on August 4, 1965. While they were married, they did extensive traveling and loved living in Omaha, Nebraska, until “Dolf’s” death on January 13, 1984.

Phyllis eventually moved back to Orange City, where she resided at the Landsmeer Ridge Retirement Community and most recently at the Heritage House Nursing Home.

She passed away on Friday, August 26, 2011, at the Heritage House, reaching the age of 90 years.

Phyllis loved teaching children, traveling, which she did extensively, listening to music, and helping others.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and two sisters, Marge Bloemendaal Freriks and Gladys Bloemendaal Mulder. Her remaining sister, Myrtle Bloemendaal Vandenberg, of Orange City, three nieces, and a nephew survive her.

There was a memorial service on Monday, August 29, at 10:00am, at the Oolman Funeral Home in Orange City. The Rev. Paul Bakker officiatee. Interment followed at the West Lawn Cemetery in Orange City.

Memorials may be directed to the Salvation Army or the Heritage House Nursing Home.

Memorial Service

Monday August 29, 2011, 10:00 a.m. at Oolman Funeral Home - Orange City

Thanks to the Oolman Funeral Home, Orange City, Iowa for the information.

Margaret Mougey Daggett

April 7, 1911 - January 2, 2011

KEARNEY - Margaret H. Daggett, 99, died Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011 at Mother Hull Home.
Funeral services was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at Faith United Methodist Church with Rev. Michelle Reed officiating. Interment happened in Rose Hill Cemetery in Callaway at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15. Rev. Roger Gillming officiated at graveside.

Memorials are suggested to First Christian Church in Scottsbluff or Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney.

Margaret was born April 7, 1911, in Lodi (Custer County) to Illa Raymond and May Elizabeth (Nichols) Mougey. On March 28, 1959, she married Elmer O. Daggett of Scottsbluff in Kearney.

Margaret was the oldest of six children and was raised on the Mougey homestead located at Lodi (between Callaway and Oconto). During her high school years she lived with her grandparents in Kearney and graduated from Kearney High School in 1930. Margaret attended the Normal School in Kearney. After school she taught at the Iowa School for the Deaf for 15 years (1931-1946?). She then returned to Kearney and worked as a dental assistant at the Nebraska State Tuberculosis Hospital. When the hospital closed Margaret worked at J.C. Penny's and George's Market. During these years she was a member of Faith United Methodist Church where she served as Sunday school secretary, a member of the choir and education secretary of the Women's Society.

She moved to Scottsbluff with her husband in 1959 and resided there until 2001 when she returned to Kearney. While in Scottsbluff she was a volunteer with Hunts Acres and the Regional West Medical Center. Margaret was active in Eastern Star (Bethel no.10) and was an honorary member of Job's Daughters. Gardening was one of her passions and each year she grew beautiful beds of roses and other flowers. Margaret was a member of the Scottsbluff First Christian Church and enjoyed volunteering in many church activities. After moving to Kearney she again joined the Faith United Methodist Church. She was a life member of the Buffalo County Historical Society.
Survivors include her sisters Marian Wisch of Kearney and Jean Russell of San Diego; nieces, Sharon Mason of Kearney, Cynthia Marrow of Lincoln, Phyllis Day of Mackay Idaho, Carole Annas of Castro Valley, Calif., Janine Stone and Liane Aigner of Montesano, Wash., Margaret Treinen of Santa Rosa, Calif.; and nephews, Roger Wisch of Kearney, David Wisch of Lincoln, Vinton Mougey of Portland, Ore., Charles Mougey of North Platte, Philip Mougey of Montesano, Wash., Dennis Russell of San Diego and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Her husband, parents and three brothers preceded her in death.

Published in Kearney, NE's The Star-Herald from January 11 to January 13, 2011