Obituaries for Thursday October 18th

Craig “Squeak” Strawhacker, 66, of West Burlington, formerly of Oakville, IA, died at 1:26 p.m. on Monday, October 15, 2018 at the Great River Hospice house in West Burlington, IA.

Born April 29, 1952 in Burlington, IA, he was the son of Donald David and Doris Ann (Hartman) Strawhacker. He married Carol Ann Johnson on December 26, 1970 at Oakville Methodist Church.

Craig graduated from Wapello High School in 1970. He worked as a welder at J.I. Case Co. for many years until his retirement in 2010.

He was of the Methodist faith. He was a member of the UAW Local # 807. He enjoyed golfing, traveling, baseball, football, Nascar, drag racing, funny cars and playing in the Men’s softball league for Brown’s Oil. He also enjoyed watching T.V. among his favorites were James Bond movies, Bonanza, and Matlock. He enjoyed watching Jonah and Cameron in sports, even soccer.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years Carol; son Chris (Jill) Strawhacker of Ames, IA, their children Jonah and Cameron; son Curt Strawhacker of West Burlington; and sister, Brenda Strawhacker of Dothan, AL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, half-sister Linda Reiman Wiley, half-brother Wendell Reiman and many four legged furry companions.

The memorial funeral service for Mr. Strawhacker will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 22, 2018 at Lunning Chapel. Rev. David Yonker will officiate. A luncheon will follow at the Eagles Club in Burlington. Inurnment will be in Edwards Cemetery in rural Oakville, IA. Visitation will be 3-5:00 p.m., Sunday, October 21st at

Lillian Iona Sorenson, 101, of Burlington, died at 3:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at Wapello Specialty Care.

Born March 2, 1917 in Missouri Valley, IA, she was the daughter of Arthur and Gertrude Ochampaugh. She married Lloyd Sorenson on July 13, 1947 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He preceded her in death on February 3, 1985.

After high school Lillian attained her degree from Teacher’s College in Gunnison, CO. She worked as a teacher until her marriage to Lloyd. She was then a homemaker until her husband’s passing, when she worked in retail at Schramm’s in the seamstress area.

Lillian enjoyed her rose garden. At Christmas time she was always excited to see her family’s excitement at the lighted and musical Christmas cards she gave them.

Survivors include a son, Larry Sorenson and a daughter, Linda Sorenson, both of Burlington, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one brother Floyd, and four sisters Helen, Dorothy, Grace, and Beatrice.

The graveside funeral service for Mrs. Sorenson will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 19th at Aspen Grove Cemetery with Rev. Dean Graber officiating. Lunning Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.

E. Eugene Smith, 88, formerly of Middletown died 11:18 p.m. October 12, 2018 at Great River Medical Center.

Born July 14, 1930 in Burlington, Iowa, he was the son of Elmont Sylvester and Gladys Marie (Marlette) Smith. On September 16, 1951 he married Wanda Strahn in Keokuk, Iowa.

Eugene was a 1949 graduate of Burlington High School. He was a veteran of the Iowa Army National Guard serving in the Red Horse Division from 1947 until 1968.

He started working at the West Burlington Railroad shops for C.B. & Q Railroad in 1949 at the age of 19. After his retirement from the railroad he began working for Broeg Heating and Air for 14 additional years. After retiring from Broeg Heating and Air conditioning business he went into his own business remodeling homes.

He managed little league baseball in Middletown and worked with the Cub Scouts for several years. He was a member of First Christian Church ~ Disciples of Christ and was very active with the church serving as deacon, working with the world outreach, membership committee and served as Chairman of the Trustees.

He was a member of the Moose Lodge, Sq-N-Aders and Circle B Prominaders Square Dance Clubs. He enjoyed bowling, square dancing, camping, reminiscing with his sisters about life on the farm, woodworking and spending time with his family whom he loved very much.

Survivors include his wife, Wanda Smith of Burlington; five sons, David (Laura) Smith of Bedford, TX, Gary (Kay) Smith of New London, IA, Steven (Shari) Smith of West Burlington, Mark Smith and Bradley Smith both of Burlington; one daughter, Lyn Phillips of EauClair, WI; one sister, Elaine (Ronnie) Cooper of Kahoka, MO; 17 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Wanda Hollenbeck and Gloria Polen.

The graveside memorial funeral service and inurnment for Mr. Smith will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 19th at Aspen Grove Cemetery. Rev. David Yonker will officiate. The Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard will conduct military rites.

A memorial has been established for the Battered Women and Homeless Shelters of Des Moines County.

According to his wishes, cremation has been entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel.

Sherry Lynn Wade, 70, of Burlington, died at 1:00 PM Sunday, October 14, 2018, at the her home.

Born August 12, 1948, in Moline, IL, she was the daughter of Francis M. and Bernie Tilton Strahn. On November 21, 1984, she married Donald Eugene in Burlington. He died on November 1, 2011.

Sherry enjoyed crocheting, crafts, sewing, operating her own t-shirt press and designing images for shirts, aprons, bags and other creative ideas she had. She also enjoyed reading and was a huge Stephen King fan.

Survivors include her son, Eddie L. Wade of Burlington; two sisters, Stephanie Dingman of Burlington and Lois Hedges of Port St. Lucie, FL; three nieces, Mindy (Arron) Doane, Becky Douglas, and Michelle Dingman all of Burlington; one nephew, Brian (April) Wade of Burlington; two great-nieces, Amber Douglas of Des Moines and Autumn (Taylor) Grafton of Carman, IL; three great-nephews, Michael Douglas of Burlington, Kristofer (Megan) Walters of Burlington and Zach (Gabby) Harris of Kansas City, KS; and many other extended family members.

Besides her husband she was preceded in death by her parents.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh~Thielen Crematory.

The Graveside Committal Service for Mrs. Wade will be 10:00 AM Monday, October 22, 2018, at Aspen Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Special Needs Foundation.

Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Sherry’s obituary at www.prughthielencares.com.