Jeffrey Lea, 68, of West Burlington, died at 12:09 pm Thursday, June 11, 2020, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City.
Born January 14, 1952, in Fairbury, NE, he was the son of Stanley G and Eleanor Henrichs Lea. On September 27, 2015, he married Angela Barnes in Bellevue, IA at Potters Mill.
After high school, he obtained his BA in electrical engineering from University of Nebraska.
Jeff worked as a Radio Frequency Engineer, owning and operating two companies in his life, Lea Enterprises and Advanced Business Concepts.
He was very smart and persistent throughout all walks of his life. He was very active in politics and exceptionally proud and passionate of his stance as a Republican. He was always fixing things around the house and tinkering with his large radio collection. He was a perfectionist with his projects, always working on something. He loved his Nebraska Cornhuskers. Jeff would always have your back, and loved to help people. He had a heart of gold.
Survivors his wife, Angela Joy Lea of West Burlington; 5 daughters, Jennifer, Amanda, Allison, Christy and Katy; one step-son Jack Matese; many grandhildren, one sister, Celesta Peters of Goddard, KS; one brother, Chad (Mary) Lea; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Dianna, and one niece, Heidi
Cremation has been entrusted to the Prugh Crematory.
There will be a Memorial Visitation for Mr. Lea from 12:00 PM until 7:00 PM with the family to receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Jeffrey’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
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Della Margarette Jackson, age 97, of New London, died Monday, June 15, 2020 at Sunrise Terrace in Winfield. She was born February 23, 1923 in Cass, West Virginia to Jacob Cameron and Lorena M. Friel Shinabery. On June 28, 1947, she married James L. Jackson in Carthage, Illinois. He died June 17, 2012.
She was a high school graduate of Uhrichsville, Ohio and was a member of New London Christian Church. She attended Moody Bible School for two years, worked as a beautician when they lived in Illinois, worked at the IAAP and was a baker at Buff’s Truck Stop.
She enjoyed quilting, gardening, canning, cake decorating, was an excellent baker and loved feeding and watching birds.
Survivors include her children Willard Jackson of West Burlington, Tim (Judy) Jackson of Danville, Darla Stein of Storm Lake, Marla (Roger) Woodsmall of Morning Sun and Mark (Stacy) Jackson of San Marcos, California; many grandchildren; and sisters, Ardith Taylor, Joyce Prall, Edith Leggett and Phyllis Bower.
Besides her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by one son Marvin L. Jackson; grandson Troy Jackson; step-grandson Nathan Woodsmall; brother Robert; and sisters Faye, Madeline, Carol, Janet, and Ora Jean.
According to her wishes, her body has been cremated. There will be a graveside service at 3:00 PM Monday, June 22, 2020 at Burge Cemetery with Pastor Rod Cooper officiating. There will be no family visitation and a memorial has been established. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.
Elsie H. Miller, 97, of New London, died Sunday, June 14, 2020 at Great River Hospice House, West Burlington. She was born March 17, 1923 in Yarmouth to Bert Antone and Minnie Melvina Broecker Fischer. On June 7, 1942, she married Howard T. Miller in New London. He died June 3, 1994.
She was a 1940 graduate of New London High School and was a member of the New London Presbyterian Church. She was a member of Eastern Star, was Worthy Grand Matron in 1979, held other state and local offices and was a member of Arema Club. Elsie was a homemaker; a member of Birthday Club; enjoyed playing cards and games with her family and friends, especially pinochle, and was a member of two card groups; loved cooking and baking; attending anything that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were involved in; and she grew beautiful roses which she loved to give away.
Mrs. Miller is survived by her children; Ron (Nancy) Miller, Susan (Jerry) Prottsman, Cynde (Bob) Lemley all of New London and Evan Miller of Valdosta, Georgia; ten grandchildren; and twenty three great-grandchildren.
Besides her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law Shirley Miller; siblings, Glenn Fischer, Eva Carman, Ruby Fischer, Alice LaVine, Jennie Mickelson, Nellie Jackson and Charles “Pete” Fischer, and an infant sister at birth.
The funeral service for Mrs. Miller will be held at 1:00 PM, Wednesday at Elliott Chapel, New London with Pastor Maurie Campbell officiating with Eastern Star services. Burial will follow the service at Trinity Cemetery, Mt. Union. Due to guidelines put in place during the Covid-19 health crisis, there will be no visitation. A memorial has been established for the Black and Gold Backers and New London Presbyterian Church. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.
Patricia Rukgaber, 85, of Bickford Cottage, formerly of West Burlington died at 6:20 a.m. Saturday, June 13, 2020, at Bickford Cottage.
Born on January 14, 1935 in Burlington, she was the daughter of Rolland C. and Helen (Walz) Swarts. On June 11, 1955 she married Charles E. Rukgaber at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. He died on May 29, 1997.
Pat was a graduate of Burlington High School and had worked at Benson Lumber Company, was a homemaker and retired as a bus driver for the West Burlington School District after 32 years of service in 2007.
She was of the Catholic faith. Pat was a member of the Moose Lodge and Eagles and was very active in the Jaycees when she and Charles were first married. Pat enjoyed camping at Lake Wilderness and Seven Ponds and watching the Cardinals play baseball.
Survivors include her son Terry (Dora) Rukgaber, daughter Susan L. (Rob) Klein both of West Burlington, daughter-in-law Pam Rukgaber of Morning Sun; four grandchildren; and five great- grandchildren.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and son Timothy E. Rukgaber.
The funeral service for Pat will be 2 p.m. Thursday, June 18, 2020 at Lunning Chapel with Pastor Sam Fratt officiating. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. Friends may call after 8 a.m. on Thursday at Lunning Chapel where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers memorials have been established for the West Burlington School District and Alzheimer’s Association.
Michael Philip Wagner, 52, of Burlington, died at 6:22 PM Sunday, June 7, 2020, in Burlington.
Born January 23, 1968, in Burlington, he was the son of James “Jim” Edward and Mary Margaret Mineart Wagner. On February 11, 2006, he married Carolyn Liggett at their home in Burlington.
He was a 1986 graduate of Burlington High School. He graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a Master’s degree in Sociology.
He had many talents, which lead him to work in human services, insurance and carpentry.
Michael liked to spend his free time on the river, boating and camping. He had an interest in carpentry and liked to build and create things. He was a passionate advocate for social justice. He always enjoyed an opportunity to interact with kids and teach them new things, especially his nieces and nephews.
Survivors include his mother, Mary Margaret Wagner of Burlington; wife, Carolyn Wagner of Burlington; step-daughter, Alaine Newman of Burlington; daughter, Anna Dorothy of Mt. Pleasant; four grandchildren; three brothers, Eric (Bonnie) Wagner of Independence, MO, Ben (Jennifer) Wagner of Burlington, and Aaron (Shanna) Wagner of Burlington; nieces and nephews; Nick, Michael, Skylor, Evelynn, Isabel, Alec, Brighton, Lydia, Georgia, Bill and Jason; two sisters-in-law, Susan (Wayne) Mueller of Eldora, IA, and Kim (Dan) Grahm of Ursa, IL; special aunt, Jean; cousins, Carl, Heather and Jim; and godmother, Marilyn.
He was preceded in death by his father Jim, mother-in-law Elsie Liggett and brother-in-law Terry Liggett.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
Visitation will be from noon until 7:00 PM with the family to receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Thursday, June 18, 2020 at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home.
The memorial service for Mr. Wagner will be 11:00 AM Friday, June 19, 2020, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home with Very Rev. Father Marty Goetz and Reverend Brice Hughes officiating. Burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Michael’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
Steven A. Rankin, 73 of Lomax, IL died Saturday, June 13, 2020. He was born March 10, 1947 in LaHarpe, IL, the son of John Dale and Aletha Bradford Rankin. On August 17, 1969, he married Margaret Six in Dallas City, IL.
Steve served in the US Army from 1966 – 1968. As a young man, he began farming with his grandfather, William Bradford and his father. At the age of 16 he joined his dad in his trucking business. He always loved farming and especially enjoyed time spent with his daughter and grandchildren when they would visit his farm.
Surviving are his wife, one daughter, Lisa (Jimmy) Messer of Moore South Carolina, two grandchildren, Emma and Corbin Messer and one brother, Brian (Michelle) Jones of Lomax. Steve was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his memory for the Henderson County Hospice. Contributions may be sent to; Steven Rankin memorial Fund, c/o Banks & Beals Funeral Home, PO Box 503, LaHarpe, IL 61450. To sign the guestbook and leave a condolence, please visit his obituary at banksbeals.com.
Darrell E. Tarrence, 76, of New London, died Sunday, September 29, 2019 at his home. Friends and family are invited to a graveside inurnment at 11:00 AM, June 20, 2020 at Burge Cemetery with military rites by Henry County Honor Guard. Elliott Chapel, New London is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.
Earl Davis, Jr., 89, of New London, died Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at Henry County Health Center, Mt. Pleasant.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM, June 19, 2020 at Elliott Chapel, New London with Pastor Kathleen Moore officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM with the family greeting friends beginning at 10:30 until the time of the service. Inurnment will follow at Burge Cemetery with military rites by the Henry County Honor Guard. Memorials have been established to the New London United Methodist Church and New London Fire and Rescue.
Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com
