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Obituaries Monday January 14th

By on January 14, 2013

Pierce Walter Giffin, 91, of Burlington, died peacefully at Bickford Cottage, on Wednesday morning, January 9, 2013.

Born on February 22, 1921 in Burlington, Iowa, he was the son of Walter A. and Grace A. Pierce Giffin. He married Marilyn Nadine Limbocker Pugliese on February 11, 1985 in San Antonio, Texas. She died on January 17, 2011.

Pierce was a proud military supporter and served in the US Army 1st Calvary Division.  Upon returning from WW II he became owner and operator of Giffin Saw Mills which he later sold and turned to farming. Pierce loved the outdoors, big game hunting, duck hunting and fishing. He was a very loyal friend and staunch advisor. He was a strong advocate and active in the Republican Party.

Pierce is survived by two sisters, Patricia Erickson of White Bear Lake, Minnesota and Joyce Kelly of Reno, Nevada; one step-son, Mario Pugliese of Burlington, Iowa; three step-daughters, Teresa Shaffer of Burlington, Iowa, Kathy Pugliese of Burlington, Iowa and Kristine Sink of Burlington, Iowa; nephews, Thomas Erickson, Michael Giffin, Robert Kelly; nieces, Judith Smithson, Carol Hollenbeck, Kimilee Davis, Debra Kelly.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn, one step-son, Anthony Pugliese and a brother, Robert Giffin.

A private graveside ash committal will be held in Aspen Grove Cemetery. No formal visitation is planned according to his wishes. Cremation has been accorded.

A memorial has been established for Great River Hospice. Cards may be mailed to Prugh Funeral Service, 317 N. 4th St, Burlington, Iowa. Condolences may be left on the website at www.prughfuneralservice.com

 

Lillian Sellers went to her heavenly home on Saturday January 12, 2013 after living a full and satisfying life.

 

She is survived by her children Ann, Aletha and Alfred, 11 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Charles, a son Adolph, her sister Rose Kerr and a brother Hal Peters.

 

Lillian was born to James Frank Peters and Virgie Ellen Foor on September 25, 1915 in UpperNew YorkState on an apple orchard near Seneca and the Finger Lakes.  She was the youngest of 7 children, 3 of which survived into adulthood.  She moved to Wapello at a young age.  Lillian attended WapelloHigh School where she met her friend Mary Pauline.  They remained friends for more than 70 years.  She also worked part-time at the local grocery store and had an exciting adventure of a bi-plane ride the day after graduation.  From high school she went to work at the Louisa County Court House, working with the auditor Fred Ketchum.

 

Lillian married the love of her life Charles “Chuck” Howard Sellers in 1934 and they enjoyed 66 years together.  Their union was blessed with 4 children carefully planned 5 years apart- 2 boys, 2 girls; 2 blonds, 2 red heads; all with names beginning with the letter “A”.

 

Charles and Lillian shared a lifelong passion for horse breeding and racing.  Many happy hours were spent following the race circuit in the Winnebago.

Her life in Morning Sun was filled with children’s activities at church, scouts, 4H and sports.  The family hosted a foreign exchange student from Germany, Wolfram Muerer, and ongoing relationship that included visiting him and his family in Germany.

 

In addition to her family responsibilities, Lillian was the last manual telephone switchboard operator in Morning Sun, worked in the Morning Sun Post Office for 25 years, owned a local gas station and the Sunny Side Café.

 

Lillian was an avid reader and a member of many organizations and clubs: Louisa County Historical Society, United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Sorosis Professional Women’s Club, Lionesses, Oakland Social Club, Home Club, Couples Bridge, Women’s Bridge, Cub Scout Leader, 4H Leader, Neighborhood Club and served in leadership roles for these groups.

Lillian also loved to travel and was able to do so all over the continental US as well as Alaska and Hawaii, as well as the Caribbean, Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy and South Korea.

 

In 2005, she received the honor of the Morning Sun Citizen of the Year.  For her 95th birthday party, over 200 members of the community she loved and family members from all over the country came together to celebrate at the then new Morning Sun Community Building.

Throughout her life, Lillian served her family and community with her time, her energy and her talents in many and all ways she possibly could.  She was never too busy to help a friend.  Her favorite saying was “If it is to be, it is up to me!”  She will always be loved and missed.  Because of her life, love and lessons, she leaves us a better world but also a large gap in many lives.

 

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday   The Memorial service for Lillian will be Monday January 14, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. from the MorningSunCentenaryUnitedMethodistChurch with Rev. Sue-Ellen Sherman officiating.  In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for the MorningSunCentenaryUnitedMethodistChurch.  Hagele and Honts Funeral Home in Morning Sun is in charge of the arrangements.

 

Robert Leroy Stanton, age 86 of Morning Sun died Saturday evening January 12, 2013 at the Morning Sun Care Center.  The son of William and Ilena (Pierce) Stanton, he was born December 5, 1926 at Spirit Lake, Iowa.  He was married to Gloria “Peggy” Dorr, who preceded him in death.  He was a graduate of the SpiritLakeHigh School.  He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict.  He worked for the railroad for many years as a telegrapher.  He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the American Legion.  He attended the MorningSunUnitedMethodistChurch.

 

Survivors include:  one daughter, Sherry Stewart of Morning Sun; three sons, Robert Stanton of Joplin, Mo.; Steve Stanton of Washington, Iowa; Glen Stanton of Muscatine, Iowa; one stepdaughter, Jeanie Culver of Spencer, Iowa; one stepson, Roger Small of Kellogg, Iowa; 12 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren; two sisters, Elaine Dalton and Ruth Stanton both of Rogersville, Mo.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and nine brothers and sisters.

 

The funeral service will be Thursday January 17, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Morning Sun United Methodist church, with Rev. Sue-Ellen Sherman officiating.There will be no visitation.  Interment will be in the NorthLawnCemetery in Spencer on Friday at 1:00 p.m.

 

A memorial has been established for the Disabled Veterans Fund.