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Obituaries Monday January 28th

By on January 28, 2013

Jennifer Murray DeWitt, 45, of Mediapolis, died at 7:57 am Friday, January 25, 2013, at the Great River Hospice House in West Burlington.

 

Born July 27, 1967, in Burlington, she was the daughter of Dale and Lynda Willson Murray.

 

Jennifer was a bookkeeper and accounting clerk for Rheinschmidts marble and granite, Precision Resistive Product, and ASCS. 

 

She graduated from West Burlington High School in 1985, and then from Southeastern Community College one year secretary Program.

 

She was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She enjoyed tending her flowers, flowerbeds, and redecorating her house.She also enjoyed her boys sporting events and was a fan of Michael Waltrip.

 

Survivors include her parents, Dale and Lynda Murray of West Burlington; two sons, Brad DeWitt and Nick DeWitt both of Mediapolis; one brother, Mark Murray of Coralville, special friend, Steve Willis, and special daughter, Rachel Willis both of Mediapolis.

 

She was preceded in death by both her grandparents, one uncle, and two aunts. 

 

Visitation will be from noon until 7:00 PM with the family to receive friends from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Monday, January 28, 2013 at Thielen Funeral Home.

 

The funeral service for Jennifer DeWitt will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, January 29, 2013, at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) with Pastors D. Dean Benton and David Yonker officiating.  Burial will be at a later date in Aspen Grove Cemetery.  A time of food and fellowship will be at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) fellowship hall following the service.

 

Cremation has been entrusted to Thielen Crematory after church service.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for the Great River Hospice House, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, and to her sons education.

 

Thielen Funeral Home & Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

 

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Jennifer’s obituary at www.thielenfuneralhome.com.

 

 

James William Nickell, 73, of Middletown, died at 6:39 am Friday, January 25, 2013, at his home in Middletown.

 

Born August 16, 1939, in Paris, MO, he was the son of Otho and Edna Stevens Nickell. On May 26, 1962, he married Carolyn Ruth Krummel in Monroe City. She died December 3, 2012.

 

Jim started working for Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in 1969, until his retirement and then began Nickell Produce.

 

He graduated from Paris High School in Paris, Mo.

 

He was of the Protestant faith. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, metal detecting, and gardening for the produce stand.

 

Survivors include one son, Kevin Brent Nickell of Mount Pleasant; one daughter, DeeAnn Carol (John) Howard of New London; three grandchildren, Matthew (Stephanie) Hicks, Karrie Hicks, and Benjamin James Nickell; one step-grandson, Skyler Howard; two brothers, Otho Nickell Jr. of Richmond, MO, and Wesley (Virginia) Nickell of Paris, MO; two sisters, Thelma Calder of Kansas City, MO, and Louise Taylor of Richmond, MO, and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

Besides his wife he was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Josephine and Mildred.

 

Visitation will be from 8:00 AM until 7:00 PM with the family to receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at Thielen Funeral Home.

 

The funeral service for Mr. Nickell will be 1:00 PM Wednesday, January 30, 2013, at Thielen Funeral Home with Reverend Kenneth R. Petersen officiating.  Burial will be in Long Creek Cemetery.

 

A memorial has been established for the donors choice.

 

Thielen Funeral Home & Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

 

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Jim’s obituary at www.thielenfuneralhome.com.

 

 

Mrs. Eileen Kathryn Purdy, 92, of Burlington, IA, formerly of LaHarpe, IL passed away Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 3:20 AM at the Blair House in Burlington.

She was born February 21, 1920 in Memphis, Mo, the daughter of Alpha and Clara Lou Krieg Bice. On February 27, 1937 she married Earnest E. Purdy in Moline, IL. He preceded her in death on December 1, 1989.

Eileen was a member of the LaHarpe Christian Church, the Senior Citizens and the Friendship Club.

She is survived by 2 daughters, Karen (Tom) Dehner of Omaha, NE and Janice (Gary) Bryant of Burlington, 9 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, 1 sister, Eleanor (Clinton) Sears of LaHarpe, her sister-in-law, Rella Bice of Macomb, IL and several nieces and nephews. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by 1 son, Tony Purdy, 1 great grandchild, 3 brothers, and 3 sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30AMWednesday, January 30, 2013 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe with Nate McCarter officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be at the LaHarpeCemetery. Friends may call Tuesday, January 29, 2013 from 3:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe. A memorial has been established for the LaHarpe Ambulance Service or the LaHarpe Fire Department. Condolences may be left at www.banksandbeals.com

 

 

Donald F. Denny, 57, of Burlington, died at 2:22 PM Sunday, January 27, 2013, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City.  Arrangements are pending at the Thielen Funeral Home & Crematory.

 

 

Frances Doreen Houtz, 77, of Burlington, died at 10:26 pm Friday, January 25, 2013, at her home.

 

Born February 23, 1935, in Morning Sun, IA, she was the daughter of Gaylord Darius and Mary Marie Schultz Kerr. On December 5, 1953, she married Thomas William Houtz at Sunnyside Baptist Church in Burlington. He died May 28, 2011

 

Frances retired from Excide.

 

She was a 1952 graduate of Morning Sun High School

 

She enjoyed sewing, playing cards, and Yahtzee. She also enjoyed going to the casinos and fishing.

 

Survivors include one son, Jeffrey Thomas (Kim) Houtz of Burlington, two daughters, Christina Marie (Harold) Crear of Burlington, and Pamela Marie Verstraete of East Moline, IL; five grandchildren, Amy, Dustin, Leah, Chase, and Gabryel; six great-grandchildren, Karissa, Avery, Jackson, Zakiyah, Sameah and Olivia, and two sisters, Betty Schoene of Burlington, and Beverly Collins of New London, IA.

 

Besides her husband she was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Gaylord Kerr, one sister Shirley Robbins, and one son-in-law, Richard Verstraete.

 

Cremation has been entrusted to Thielen Crematory.

 

The memorial service for Mrs. Houtz will be 10:00 am Wednesday, January 30, 2013, at Thielen Funeral Home with Reverend Dean Graber officiating.  Burial will be in Burlington Memorial Park Cemetery.

 

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Great River Hospice House.

 

Thielen Funeral Home & Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

 

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Frances’s obituary at www.thielenfuneralhome.com.

 

Wanda B. McDowell, 86 years, of Wever, Iowa died at 1:15 amFriday January 25, 2013 at the Great River Hospice House, West Burlington, Iowa.  She was born November 12, 1926, a daughter of Bryan and Bertha (Woodruff) Coleman.  On October 14, 1944, she married Donald Emmett McDowell. 

 

Wanda was a graduate of HillsboroHigh School.  She lived in the area most all her life.  She was a librarian at JeffersonElementary School, FortMadison for many years.  She was a member of the FirstBaptistChurch, FortMadison.  She loved quilting and was a member of the Hawkeye Heritage Quilters.  She enjoyed traveling and they took trips to watch the eagles and the leaves turn.

 

She is survived by one son, Grant (wife Ruth) McDowell, of Burlington, Iowa; one brother, Chester (wife Ila) Coleman, of New London, Iowa; one sister, Ruth (husband Leland) Johnson, of Hillsboro, Iowa; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Marge and Bill Tolander, of Olds, Iowa; Alice Coleman, of New London, Iowa; and Daryl Northrup, of Indianapolis, Indiana; special granddaughter, Lisa Nafziger; special great granddaughters, Kenzie and Maddi Nafziger; nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, John and Dale Coleman; two sisters, Reba Judd and Iris Northrup; and an infant son.

 

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 pmMonday, January 28, 2013 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, FortMadison.  A funeral service will be held 10:30 am Tuesday January 29, 2013 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, FortMadison, with Pastor Dean Graber officiating.  A memorial has been established for the Wever Fire and Rescue, and contributions may be made at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison, Iowa.  Online condolences to the McDowell family may be made at the Barr Memorial Chapel website, www.barrmemorialchapel.com.

 

David W. Mehaffy, Jr., 80, of Burlington, died at 2:55 PM Wednesday, January 23, 2013, at his home.

 

Born June 10, 1932, in Iowa City, IA, he was the son of David Winslow and Gertrude Elizabeth Bethel Mehaffy.  On September 30, 1951, he married Jenny Lee Gabel in Burlington.

 

David was a member of the Local #410 as a self employed carpenter for 45 years, retiring in 1994.

 

He attended Burlington Schools. 

 

He enjoyed all outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, gardening and spending time at his cabin. He was known for his great sense of humor.  He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

 

Survivors include his wife, Jenny; two sons, Steven David (Linda) Mehaffy and Chris Michael (Cindy) Mehaffy of Burlington; one daughter, Martha (Chris) Inghram of Burlington, IA; 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Doris Brown of Burlington, one sister-in-law, Glenna Mehaffy of Burlington, and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Lewis and Albert, and four sisters, Martha Hellberg, Juanita Freeman, Gertrude Augustine and Alice Walsh.

 

Cremation has been entrusted to Thielen Crematory.

 

A Celebration of Life for Mr. Mehaffy will be Saturday, February 2, 2013 at Steven Mehaffy’s Home, 202 Shields Street, Burlington.

 

Thielen Funeral Home & Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

 

A memorial has been established.