Melvin DeLang, 87, of Burlington, died peacefully April 25, 2019.
Mel was born May 17, 1931 in Burlington, Iowa to Ira and Helen. He graduated from Burlington high school, attended Burlington Community College, and served in the US Army during the Korean conflict. He married Joyce Funkhouser in 1952. They had four children together and later divorced. He worked at the Iowa Army
Ammunition Plant, DeLang Florists, and Prudential Insurance Co.
Mel married Cathleen (Cay) Meyer in 1980. Together they purchased the Iowa Tavern which became their life’s work until they retired in 2004.
Mel is survived by his wife of 38 years, Cay; four children Jade DeLang Hart (Brad), Gwen DeLang Jennison (Jeff), Drake DeLang (Kathy), and Drew DeLang (Becky); six grandchildren Alison Wetmore (Tom), William Hart, Jay Jennison, Dana, Guy, and Brayton DeLang; and two great grandchildren Jimmy and Grace Wetmore; a sister Patsy Martinson; nephews Terry, Gene, and Greg Martinson and a niece Renee Cudworth along with his many hunting buddies and their good friends from the Iowa Tavern. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law Lee Martinson.
Those who knew Mel will remember him as an avid hunter (the 1963 World’s Champion Duck Caller) and a lover of the great outdoors, especially along the Mississippi. He shared that love with his kids, and many friends, young and old, who he took along on hunts and into the woods. We smile knowing he’s now in the Happy Hunting Grounds with his beloved labs—Stock, Deke, Zeb, Ben, and Kramer—at his side, the wind out of the northwest, working a flock of mallards.
The family would like to especially thank the compassionate staff at Ridge View Assisted Living who cared for Mel in his final months. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Ducks Unlimited – Burlington chapter and the Burlington Special Needs Foundation.
A memorial visitation will be held for Melvin on Sunday, April 28th, 2019 at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home from 4:00PM until 6:00PM with the family receiving friends. The visitation will conclude with Military Honors.
Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.
Howard W. Degen, 66, of Burlington, died Friday, April 19, 2019 at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, IL.
Born February 7, 1953 in Burlington, IA, he was the son of Raymond William and Mellie L. (Lott) Degen.
Howard graduated from Wapello High School. He served in the United States Army stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War, driving a tank for border patrol between Germany and Czechoslovakia. He worked as a supervisor at I.A.A.P., Midwest Biscuit, J.I. Case Co., and metal working at Champion.
He was of the Methodist faith.
Howard enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and he loved his dogs.
Survivors include five children, Jacob (Jamie) Degen, Katie (Nate) Willeford, Jason Yacko, Tony Vanorder, and Haley Zart, all of Burlington; three sisters, Lois Hull of Hannibal, MO, Evelyn Beard of Winfield, IA, and Dorothy Bowers of Burlington; and eight grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; three brothers-in-law; niece, Julie; nephew, Kevin; and great-nephew, Justin.
The memorial funeral service for Mr. Degen will be at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 27th at Lunning Chapel. The Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard will conduct military rites.
Cremation has been accorded.
A memorial has been established for the Des Moines County Humane Society.
Marie Louise Carter, 84, of West Burlington, passed away at 12:55 PM Monday, April 22, 2019, at the Great River Klein Center in West Burlington.
Born August 18, 1934, in Oakville, IA, she was the daughter of Arthur and Blanche Peterson. On July 12, 1953, she married Warren Carter in Burlington.
Marie held many jobs throughout her life. She worked as an accountant for a while, as programmer for NCR, and at Murray Iron Works for fifteen years. She also worked at Keystone for twelve years.
She was a 1952 graduate from Burlington High School.
Marie loved and enjoyed her family (and dogs) very much. She also enjoyed bird watching, fishing, crocheting and gardening.
Survivors include her husband, Warren Carter of West Burlington, four sons, Ed (Dawn) Carter of Fort Madison, Robert (Kathy) Carter of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Philip Carter of West Burlington and Dennis (Susie) Carter of New London; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Marshal Peterson of Burlington, one sister, Arlene McCannon of Burlington and her beloved dog, Izzy.
Besides her parents, Marie was preceded in death by her two brothers, Richard and Leroy, and sister, Vi.
There will be a private family graveside service for Marie on Friday, April 26th at 3pm at Aspen Grove Cemetery.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh~Thielen Crematory.
A memorial has been established in her name.
Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Marie’s obituary at www.prughthielencares.com.
