Obituaries Wednesday October 26th

Dr. George Winfield Heine Jr., 90, of West Burlington died at 5:37 p.m. Saturday, October 22, 2016, at Great River Medical Center – Klein Center.

Born February 10, 1926 in Spring Valley, Minnesota, he was the son of George Winfield Sr. and Margaret (Mills) Heine.  On September 18, 1948 he married Mary Ellen Anderson in Mankato, Minnesota.  She preceded him in death on February 8, 2015.

A gregarious man of boundless energy and a thirst for lifelong learning, George was recruited by the Navy while still in high school in order to enter medical school.  He received his M.D. in 1948 from the University of Minnesota, and served in the Navy in San Diego, California until his discharge in 1954.  He was an anesthesiologist in Waterloo, Iowa where he and his wife raised their five children.  He had many hobbies – woodworking, outdoor activities, extensive travel, and golf, but treasured time with family most of all.  He was devoted to his wife Mary for 66 years and throughout her decline with Alzheimer’s.

Survivors include three sons, George W. (Janet) Heine III of Pueblo, Colorado, Richard (Debra) Heine of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and David (Ann) Heine of  Albuquerque, New Mexico; two daughters, Nancy Pearlman of Denver, Colorado and Susan (Wyman) Weinbeck of Burlington; 11 grandchildren; two brothers, Douglas (Belva) Heine of Austin, Minnesota and Larry (Randi) Heine of Tucson, Arizona; one sister, Norma Nelson of Tucson, Arizona and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary; and brother, Dale Heine.

The family is very grateful for the exceptional care and compassion provided by the staff at Klein.  A memorial service for Dr. Heine will be held at a later date.  According to his wishes, cremation has been entrusted to Lunning Chapel.  Inurnment will be held at a later date in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

 

Burnadean Ranberger, age 88, of Muscatine and formerly of Wapello, died Monday, October 24, 2016, at Premier Estates in Muscatine.  The daughter of John and Nellie Farr, she was born on March 26, 1928 in Bryant, Illinois.  She married John Ranberger in 1957 in St. David, Illinois.  They later divorced and he died on March 24, 1986.

 

She operated her bakery, Bernie’s Dugout, in Wapello and later provided care for elderly and had worked at Pamida in Muscatine.  She enjoyed baking.

 

Her family includes two daughters, Patricia Kjolhede of Loveland, Colorado and Margo Petsche of Waterloo; and a son, John Ranberger, Jr. of Waterloo; 13 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; a brother; and two sisters.  She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Jerry Thurston; a stepson, Ronnie Ranberger; two brothers; and two sisters.

 

Following cremation, a private graveside gathering of the family will be held at the Wapello Cemetery.

 

Condolences may be given and viewed at www.dudgeonmcculley.com.

 

John Elmer Ball, age 84, died at his home in rural Mediapolis, Iowa on Monday afternoon, October

24, 2016.  The son of Ralph Deppy and Jean Audrey (Thompson) Ball, he was born at home on January 19, 1932 in rural Morning Sun.  John attended Otter Creek Country School through 8th grade and graduated from Wapello High School in 1949.

 

He married Betty Lucille Cowles on August 14, 1952.  They were married 64 years and raised 4 children on their family farm.  He was a lifelong farmer and resident of Louisa County and continued to farm right alongside his sons in his later years.

 

He was known for his strong work ethic but always made sure to make time for his family and had a great sense of humor.  John liked most anything outdoors and hunting and fishing stories were abundant at family gatherings.  He was always bringing home bucketsful of raspberries or gooseberries for Betty to make into pies or jelly and many times a squirrel or rabbit would make its way onto the family table to feed the family.  John especially enjoyed the time spent restoring his International Farmall tractors with his sons and grandsons and then getting to ride them in the local tractorcades and parades.

 

John was a member of the Oakville United Methodist Church.  It was evident that he lived his life by his faith, as he was always known for his willingness to help a neighbor and never knew a stranger.  His kids would say that he set the bar high for being the best role model they could ever ask for.  His legacy for the concern of others will be passed on to future generations.

 

His family includes his wife, Betty; a daughter, Barbara and (Kent) Anderson of Roseburg, Oregon; three sons, Keith and (Diane) Ball of Mediapolis, Chris and (Judy) Ball of Mediapolis, and Mike and (Janice) Ball of Wapello; 13 grandchildren, Jody Parenti, Jamie Anderson, Eric Anderson, Justin McCulloch, Jonny Ball, Tyler McCulloch, Bryan Ball, Chad Ball, Jenny Jackson, Tiffany Ball, Shannon Matthews, Casey Ball, and Stephanie Nicholson; 19 great grandchildren; a brother, Jerry and (Marie) Ball of Morning Sun; many nieces and nephews; and a brother-in-law, Lee Harris and a friend, Don Boyer that were also like brothers to him.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Laurence Ball of Centerville, Iowa.

 

Following cremation the visitation for John’s family to meet friends will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at the Dudgeon-McCulley Funeral Home in Wapello.  The funeral service will be at the Dudgeon-McCulley Funeral Home on Friday, October 28, 2016 at 10:30 AM

, with Pastor Carl Benge officiating.  Burial will follow at the Bethel Cemetery in rural Wapello, with a meal following at the Oakville Community Center.

 

A memorial fund has been established for the benefit of Great River Hospice, Oakville Fire and Rescue, and Wapello Fire and Rescue.