Cathy E. Merritt, 74 of Burlington, died at 3:05 a.m. Monday, April 13, 2020 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, IA.
Born November 11, 1945 in Muscatine, IA, she was the daughter of Clarence Christopher and Betty Jean (O’Brien) Venghous. She married Carl L. “Whitey” Merritt July 1, 1983 in Burlington. He died September 11, 2010.
Cathy graduated with the class of 1963 from Muscatine High School. She worked as a receptionist and bookkeeper at Sterzings for many years.
She was of the Methodist faith.
Her hobbies included crocheting, woodworking, and she loved to cook.
Survivors include three step-children, James D. Merritt of Jacksonville, FL , Velvajean (David) Trapp of Great Falls, MT , and Jon (Georgia) Merritt of IA; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one brother, David (Linda) Venghous of Muscatine, IA.
She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.
The memorial funeral service for Mrs. Merritt will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 12th at Lunning Chapel. Rev. David Mixon will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to service.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the American Diabetes Association.
Richard “Dick” Harken age 74, of West Des Moines, Ia, passed away peacefully at his home early Saturday, August 1, 2020. Richard was born on April 6, 1946 to Urban and Louise (Wubbena) Harken in Burlington, IA.
Dick married Janelle (Nesius) Harken on June 7, 1970 at Zion United Church of Christ in Burlington, IA They had two sons, James (Mary) Harken of Cedar Rapids, and Andrew (Leigh Anna) Harken of Ossining, NY. Richard was the proud Grandpa to Lucas, 9, Michael 8, and Dominick, 7, and his family was always the center of his life. He loved watching the boys play baseball.
He is survived by his wife, one brother, Dennis (Delores) Harken of Lansdale, PA and one sister, Linda Brooks of Cedar Falls, IA, a brother-in-law, Charles Landstrom of Burlington, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, and a nephew, Scott Matthew Harken.
Dick graduated from Burlington High School, class of 1964, the University of Dubuque, and the Dubuque Theological Seminary. He received his Doctor of Ministries Degree from Dubuque in 1986. He served as a Presbyterian minister for 40 years. He was the beloved pastor of congregations in Alexis, IL, Jesup, IA, and Boone, IA. He worked with many helping organizations in central Iowa and held many positions at the Presbytery level. Dick was a voracious reader, a chocoholic, he enjoyed walks and nature, playing cards with our friends, he enjoyed cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals, but his very favorite activity was spending time with his grandsons.
A private graveside service will be at Aspen Grove Cemetery in Burlington, Iowa, with P. Alex Thornburg officiating. A celebration of life will be held at a later date due to the coronavirus.
Memorials may be directed to Heartland Presbyterian Church of Clive, Iowa, or Cross Outreach of Des Moines.
Mavis Lee Way died Sunday August 2, 2020 at Bickford Assisted Living, Burlington, IA with her daughters by her side. Mavis was previously a resident of Lakeview, AR and Eldridge, IA. She was born December 24, 1941 in Uvalde, TX.
On December 23, 1959 Mavis married Earnest Dale Way, the love of her life and her best friend. He preceded her in death in 2011. They were married 51 years.
Mavis moved to Bickford Assisted Living in 2017. Her family is grateful to the staff at Bickford for the kindness and love shown to her during her time there.
Mavis was a follower of Christ. She trusted Him as her Lord and Savior and is with Him now and forever. John 3:16. She was a member of First Christian Church, Mt. Home, AR and Harmony Bible Church, Danville, IA.
Mavis is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon (Joe) Wasson of Middletown, IA and Alice (Keith) George of Sapupla, OK, and her beloved cats Charlie and Margaret.
There is no memorial service planned at this time. Memorials may be made to Muscatine Humane Society and Harmony Bible Church-community missions.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lunningfuneralchapel.com
Brian K. Houseal, 53, of Burlington died Friday, July 31, 2020 at the Great River Hospice House in West Burlington.
Born June 22, 1967 in Burlington, Iowa he was the son of Rolla “Bud” Jr. and Dorothy (Burhop) Houseal.
Brian worked for Winegard, Doran & Ward Printing, the Burlington Hawkeye and Shottenkirk.
He was a member of the former Open Bible Church.
Brian was well liked and had many friends. He would do anything for anyone and was very generous. He loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals and the Green Bay Packers play.
He is survived by his parents, Bud and Dorothy Houseal of Burlington; one brother Brent Houseal of Burlington and one step brother Brad Johnson of West Burlington.
He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.
According to his wishes, his body has been deeded to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program for medical research.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com
Mrs. Rosemary Edwards, 98, a resident of Danville, IA since 1956, died at 6:30 a.m. Thursday, July 30, 2020, at her home.
Born March 9, 1922 in Anamosa, IA, she was the daughter of Lloyd and Margaret (McGovern) Hayden. She married Neil Patterson Edwards December 26, 1942 in St. Louis, MO. He died October 6, 2008.
Rosemary worked as the Danville High School secretary for 41 years until her retirement in 1983.
She loved to cook and bake. Enjoyed her time spent with family and friends. All the children that she got to know in school were all her “children” and she kept up with all of them through the years. Even at the age of 98, she still wanted to work and be a part of Danville Schools. She was recently the Grand Marshall of the Danville parade.
Survivors include four children, Gary P. Edwards of New Virginia, IA, Rosanne Skiver of New London, IA, Kathy Smith of Wever, IA, and Stanley M. Edwards of Phoenix, AZ; four grandchildren; six great grandchildren; one sister, Margaret Quintinella of Mission, TX; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers, one sister and one grandson.
There will be no formal funeral service or visitation. According to Rosemary’s wishes cremation has been entrusted to Lunning Chapel.
A memorial has been established for Great River Hospice House.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com
Helen Maxine Huberty, 95, of Terre Haute, Illinois, passed away Saturday, August 1, 2020 at the LaHarpe-Davier Health Care Center.
She was born February 27, 1925 in Carthage, Illinois, the daughter of James Lewis and Helen(David) Swisher. In 1942 she married Harold R. Swisher. Later, she married Marvin Huberty on Sept. 9, 1973. He died on Sept. 16, 1994.
She worked for many years in various factories, including Sylvania, Leopold and IAAP. Following her retirement she cleaned home and cared for others. She enjoyed quilting. She was a member of the Terre Haute United Methodist Church.
Surviving are two sons, Wayne (Karen) Swisher of Lomax, Illinois and Chuck Swisher also of Lomax, two daughters, Donna (Frank) Martin of Canton, Illinois and Joyce Horn of Lomax, 13 grandchildren, several great and great-great-grandchildren and two brothers, Dillworth Jackson of Burlington, Iowa and Marion Jackson of Diana, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, two sons, Bobby and Danny Swisher, two grandsons, Jason and Randy Swisher, one great-granddaughter, Jessica Martin, five brothers, Harold, Delbert, Jim, Doc and Ora Jackson and two sisters, Edna Newman and Barb Jackson.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00am Friday. August 7, 2020 at the Terre Haute Cemetery with Nate McCarter officiating. No visitation is planned. A Memorial fund has been established in her memory. To leave a condolence and sign the guestbook, please visit her obituary at banksandbeals.com
Mr. Harry “Boone” Bradley, 91, of rural Dallas City, Illinois, formerly of LaHarpe, Illinois passed away at 10:22 PM, Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at his home.
He was born August 11, 1928 in Murphysboro, Illinois, the son of Harry William and Anna Toleda Rains Bradley. On December 27, 1952 he married Kathleen M. Peterson in Warsaw, Illinois. She preceded him in death on February 15, 2017.
Mr. Bradley served in the Army Air Corps from 1946 – 1949. Following his graduation from Carthage College he taught science for 34 years. He began his career at the Colusa School and later at LaHarpe School District. He also served as a coach and P.E. Instructor. He drove a school bus for 55 years.
In his younger years he played many sports, including boxing, baseball, softball, football and refereed sports as well. He was an avid outdoors man and craftsman He was a member of the NRA, the Dallas City Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where he served as Lector for many years, and the Knights of Columbus.
Surviving are three daughters, Mary (Doug) Norvell of Nauvoo, Illinois, Patricia (Joe) Plackett of Springfield, Illinois and Judy (Jeff) Stevenson of Nauvoo; one son, Mike (Brenda) Bradley of LaHarpe; seven grandchildren; Molly Sartorius, Nathan (Day) Sartorius, Brandon (Joy) Plackett, Brianne (Bob) Stuchel, Trent (Leisha) Stevenson, Taylor (Rahul) Stevenson Jakhmola and Cicely Stevenson, eleven great-grandchildren; three sisters, Janet Bilderback of Ava, Illinois, Annie Tucker of Murphysboro, Illinois and Joanie (Jim) Burk of New Athens, Illinois and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, three sisters, Phyllis Bradley, Doris Schneider and May Lou Trammel Staffey, and four brothers, Milford “Barney” Bradley, Clarence “Buzz” Bradley, Joseph “Bucky” Bradley and Bill Bradley.
A private family rosary will be recited at 5:30pm Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe followed by an open visitation with the family from 6:00 until 8:00pm A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am Wednesday, August 5th at the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Nauvoo, Illinois. Those attending the rosary, visitation and Mass are asked to wear a mask and practice social distancing. Burial, with military rites, will follow in the Calvary Cemetery, Carthage, Illinois. A memorial fund has been established for Blessing Hospice or the Dallas City Sacred Heart Catholic Church. To sign the guestbook and leave a condolence, please visit Harry’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.
Eleanor A. Link, 87, of LaHarpe, Illinos, passed away Thursday, July 30, 2020 at the LaHarpe-Davier Health Care Center.
Eleanor was born on April 4, 1933 in Dallas City, Illinois, the daughter of Floyd E. and Alma M. (Kaminski) Klossing. She married Wendell L. Link on July 27, 1951. He survives.
Eleanor was raised in Dallas City and graduated Valedictorian of her class in 1951. She was employed by the State Bank of LaHarpe for over 20 years. Later she worked as school librarian for the Dallas City School District. She attended the LaHarpe Christian Church and the LaHarpe Union Church. She was active in the Come Join Us and Happy Helper Clubs and assisted with 4-H. She was a dedicated partner on the farm.
Eleanor was an excellent seamstress, avid gardener and a great cook. She never met a stranger and generously prepared food for families in need. She cherished her family, music boxes and fine chocolates. Eleanor and Wendell shared many wonderful vacations, but her favorite place to visit was their condominium in Osage Beach, Missouri. She loved being at the lake.
Survivors include her husband, Wendell; three children, Bradley (Sheila) Link of LaHarpe, Barbara (Alan) Mehaffy of Burlington and Susan (Wayne) Bray of LaHarpe; ten grandchildren, Amy (Mike) Pratt of Chatham, Illinois, Amanda (Michael) Donaldson, Teri Finch and Christopher Link all of LaHarpe, Brian (Amanda) Mehaffy of Blandinsville, Mitchell (Jenna) Mehaffy of Cambridge, Illinois, Hayley (Joe) Lindquist of Burlington, Randy (Kelsi) Bray of Colchester, Kevin Bray and Paige Bray both of LaHarpe; one brother, Ed (Rita) Klossing; one sister, Betty Olson all of Dallas City; fourteen great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister and brother-in-law, Charlotte (Homer) Kipling; brother and sister-in-law, George (Sandra) Klossing and brother-in-law, Gary Olson.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at the LaHarpe Christian Church with Pastor Nate McCarter officiating. Burial will be held at a later date in the LaHarpe Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until time of services at the church. Mask are encouraged. A memorial fund has been established for the LaHarpe Christian Church or the LaHarpe Union Church.
Banks & Beals Funeral Homes is assisting the family. To sign the guest book or leave a condolence please visit Eleanor’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.
