Mr. Lawrence “Larry” Harry Taeger, 83, of rural West Burlington died at 3:05 a.m. Monday, January 16, 2017, at his home. Born September 29, 1933 in Burlington, he was the son of Clarence and Ruth (Saarman) Taeger.
On June 28, 1953 he married Nadine Odle in Amarillo, Texas and they later divorced. She died June 11, 1986. On July 7, 1978 he married Dorothy A. Hoenig Culbertson in West Burlington.
Mr. Taeger was a Korean Air Force veteran serving at the rank of Staff Sergeant. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the certificate for Sharp Shooter Marksmanship.
Mr. Taeger attended Flint River Wildcat Country School, Oak Street Junior High School, Burlington High School, University of Iowa, and University of Wisconsin.
Mr. Taeger retired from Churchill Truck Lines and ABF Truck Lines where he was a driver for 31 years. He also farmed his family farm for over 50 years. He was an apprentice electrician at the CB&Q Railroad, worked in sales and was an engineer for Surge Milking Supply and worked in the Engineering Dept. and Quality Control at Silas Mason Co.
He was a member of KAABA Shrine where he had served as Past Potentate and Membership Chairman, Masonic Lodge #48 AF&AM Danville, Elite Clown Division, Scottish Rite and Eastern Star, York Rite, Southeast Iowa Shrine Club President and President Central States Counterparts. He was also a member of Moose Lodge and past member of Iowa Cattlemen, Des Moines County Farm Bureau Board, Danville School Booster Club President and President and Owner of Oak Grove Farms in West Burlington.
Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Taeger of rural West Burlington; two daughters, Vickie (Steve) Levins of West Burlington and Lori (Marlin) Dubetz of Palmer, Alaska; two sons, Mitchell (Lori) Taeger and Michael (Holly) Taeger both of West Burlington; step children, Candie (Steve) Brickner of Walnut Grove, Missouri, Linda (Bill) Garner of Cape Girardeau, Missouri and Lisa (Ted) Gauthier of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; 16 grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren; one sister, Virginia (Don) Beck of Danville; and several nieces and nephews
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Masonic Rites will be at 9 a.m. Friday, January 20th, at Lunning Chapel followed by family visitation until 11 a.m.
The memorial funeral service for Larry will be at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Father Marty Goetz officiating. Military Rites will be conducted by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. Inurnment will be at a later date in Prairie Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Shriner’s Hospital and the Special Needs Foundation of Des Moines County.
Mr. Jerry Dale Bliesener Sr., 68, of Burlington died at 7:08 p.m. Monday, January 16, 2017, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.
Born September 17, 1948 in Burlington, he was the son of Ronald G. and Roberta J. (Gabeline) Bliesener. On July 6, 1968 he married Deborah F. Gingerich at First United Church of Christ.
Mr. Bliesener was a graduate of Burlington High School and received his associate’s degree at SCC in auto mechanics. He was the owner/operator of Plank Road Auto Salvage and Sales for over 40 years and worked at J.I. Case Co. for 15 years.
Mr. Bliesener was a member of First United Church of Christ. He enjoyed fishing with his grandkids, attending and watching auctions, and loved talking to people. He had a great sense of humor, He loved shopping on QVC and doing anything with cars. When his boys were young, he sponsored several little league teams and always supported his church. He was nominated for the Governor’s Lifesaving Award in the mid-80s.
Mr. Bliesener was a longtime supporter of area fire, police and sheriff departments and would supply used vehicles for their training purposes.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Debbie Bliesener of Burlington; two sons, Jerry (Melissa DeLlanos) Bliesener Jr. and Rodney (Chandra) Bliesener both of Burlington; granddaughter, Caitlin Bliesener of Burlington; grandson, Blaine Bliesener of Burlington; two brothers, Rich (Kay) Bliesener and Robert Bliesener both of Burlington; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and one brother, Ronald “Tom” Bliesener.
The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, January 19th, at Lunning Chapel.
The funeral service for Mr. Bliesener will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 20th, at First United Church of Christ with the Rev. JudyAnn Morse officiating. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for First United Church of Christ.
Mac Ellis Harris, age 64, of Wapello, died suddenly Monday, January 16, 2017, at his home. The son of Ellis ‘Jiggs’ and Dorothea Yakle Harris, he was born on February 18, 1952 in Iowa City. Mac married Ramona Michaelis on November 12, 1977 in Wapello.
He graduated from Wapello High School in 1970. Mac worked in maintenance at GPC in Muscatine retiring in 2003 with 30 years. He enjoyed riding his Harley most every weekend with his son looking for new places for a good tenderloin, visiting with his friends, tinkering in his garage, and as a welder could build or repair anything made of metal. Mac’s favorite enjoyment was his granddaughter and family.
He is survived by his wife, Ramona; a daughter, Heather Harris of Cedar Rapids; a son, Bryan Harris of Wapello; and his granddaughter, Alexis Harris of Wapello. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Cremation will be accorded as per his wishes. The family will meet friends on Thursday, January 19, 2017, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Dudgeon-McCulley Funeral Home in Wapello.
A Memorial Ceremony will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 20, 2017 at the Dudgeon-McCulley Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the Wapello Cemetery, followed by a fellowship luncheon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts will benefit the Wapello Fire & Rescue.
Condolences may be given and viewed at www.dudgeonmcculley.com.
