Joan “Joni” C. Smith passed away on August 31, 2018 at Dobson Ranch Hospice of the Valley, Chandler, Arizona. She was born on August 31, 1943 to Elmer and Carol Melcher Giese. She grew up in Burlington attending Notre Dame and Burlington High Schools.
On September 27, 1986 she married Gary Smith. They renewed their vows on June 28, 2010, which was their 25th wedding anniversary.
Joan was a life- time member of St John’s Catholic Church and after moving to Mesa, AZ she joined Christ The King Church. Joan was a 4H leader when her daughters were young. Joan was an excellent seamstress not only making all of her daughters clothes. She entered a beautiful coat in the county fair winning a blue ribbon. She also helped with music boosters.
Joan retired from Wagner Elevator where she was a business manager. After retirement Joan and her husband moved to Mesa, Arizona where she enjoyed golf, reading, taking long walks and spending time with friends. They returned to Burlington every summer to see their beloved daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren who were the greatest joy of her life.
Joan is survived by Gary, her husband and daughters Beth Anne (Terry) Partridge of St. Charles, IL, Christina Sue (Dave) Warren of Ankeny, IA and Amy Pilger of Burlington. She is also survived by her brothers James (Carmel) Giese of Houston, TX and Jerry (Sandy) Giese of Burlington, IA, 7 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and two great grandchildren expected in February, and 3 step grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her in laws and a great granddaughter.
There will be a visitation for Joni will be Saturday, September 8, 2018 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM with a Memorial Celebration at 10:00 AM at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home.
By her request, Joan will be cremated in care of Angel Crematorium. Please send memorials to American Cancer Society and American Heart Society in her name.
Dorothy Mae Cratton, 82, of Burlington, died Sunday, September 2, 2018, at her home.
Born July 26, 1936, in Charleston, MO, she was the daughter of Allen and Corrine Phillips Swayzer.
She retired from J.I. Case after 20 years of service.
She was of Baptist faith and was a member of Greater Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Her favorite color was lavender. She loved to socialize with her beloved church family and friends and to attend card parties with her dear friends, M.L. (Skeeter), Sister Vern, Aunt Maggie, Aunt Carol, and Rev. Lewis. She also enjoyed gardening and cooking for her church. She loved to watch “Golden Girls”, Steve Harvey shows and loved Lifetime channel. She enjoyed the blues and gospel music, especially Ranch Allen and Lou Rawls. Dorothy’s love for her family was rivaled only by her love and belief in God. It was seen in her interactions with others and her time spent in the Word, knowing Him and seeking first, His glory.
Survivors include three daughters, Brenda (John) Jenkins of Burlington, Joyce Aron of Iowa City, and Cheryl McMillan of Iowa City; four sons, Sidney (Chris) Swayzer of Burlington, Allen (Andrea) Swayzer of Burlington, Bobby (Karen Schaffer) Cratton of Dubuque, IA, and Ricky (Leslie) Cratton of Burlington; 26 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; one sister, Betty Paige of Battle Creek, MI; one brother, Eugene Ferrell Jr. of Michigan City, ID; and special daughter, Juanita Brown of Burlington.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her step-mom, Big Momma Willie Mae Swayzer; one daughter, Kay Swayzer; one granddaughter, Brittney Redd; two sisters, Liz and MaryAnn; two brothers Odell and LeRoy; and best friend, Linda Harris.
Family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM, Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home.
The funeral service for Mrs. Cratton will be 1:00 PM Saturday, September 15, 2018, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home with Rev. Donald Robinson Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the Prugh~Thielen Community Room following the burial.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.
Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.
A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Dorothy’s obituary at www.prughthielencares.com.
Mr. John Arnold Gasser, 76, of Burlington, died at 12:36 a.m. Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.
Born on October 25, 1941 in Dexter, MO, he was the son of Oscar and Opal Gasser. He married Mary Ann Kneedy on December 10, 1963 in Bettendorf, IA. She preceded him in death on August 22, 2010.
John graduated from Louisville High School in Louisville, KY. He worked at Alcoa for 38 years, retiring in 2001. He was a member of Divine Mercy Parish. He also belonged to Knights of Columbus and was a Union member. He enjoyed watching television, riding his golf cart, grilling, family cruises and dearly loved his wife of 46 years, Mary Ann.
Survivors include two daughters, Amy (Douglas) Beavers of Burlington, IA and Christine Bichler of Kaukauna, WI; two sons, Michael (Ellen) Gasser of La Harpe, IL and Ed (Amy) Gasser of Fishers, IN; eight grandchildren, Warren Snook, Hannah Snook, Emily Beavers, Courtney Janotta, Justin Bichler, Jarrod Bichler, James Gasser and Kathryn Gasser; his mother, Opal Gasser of Memphis, TN; sister Anita (James) Richardson of Memphis, TN and brother David Gasser of TX.
He was preceded in death by his father, wife, son Stephen and a brother.
The funeral service for Mr. Gasser will be at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, September 9th at Lunning Chapel. Rev. Dan Dorau will officiate. Family will receive friends, 1:
