Obituaries for Thursday September 17th

Kevin Fletcher, 58, of Wapello passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics following a 3 ½ year long courageous battle with kidney cancer. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2020 at Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Wapello, formerly The Dudgeon-McCulley Funeral Home. Private graveside services will be held at a later date in Harrison Cemetery, rural Wapello. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Kevin’s memory. Sympathy notes may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.
Kevin Fletcher was born on May 7, 1962, the son of Perry and Shirley (Kerr) Fletcher. Kevin was a 1980 graduate of Wapello High School. On June 12, 1998, Kevin was united in marriage to Eva Bowman in Wapello. Kevin had worked for over 37 years for Monsanto as a chemical technician, retiring in 2017. Kevin was a member of Ducks Unlimited. He loved anything with the outdoors, especially enjoying anything in the outdoors, including hunting, fishing, trapping, traveling and animals. His greatest love was his grandbabies, taking Bliven hunting and riding around with Kiarra listening to her music.
Kevin will be deeply missed by his wife, Eva; children, Josh Fletcher of Muscatine, Amber (Kevin Murphy) Buffington of Wapello and Justin (Miranda) Fletcher of Riverside; three grandchildren, Kiara, Bliven and Finnigan; father, Perry Fletcher; maternal grandmother, Ruth Kerr; siblings, Brian Fletcher and Renee Arnold; several nieces and nephews and good friends, Ron Orris, Greg Kerr, Tim Connolly, Dwayne Connolly and Bill Newswander.
Kevin was preceded in death by his mother; grandparents and good friend, Mike Lloyd.

Herbert Russell “Dick” Gerst, 75, of Burlington, died at 6:41 PM Monday, September 14, 2020, at the Great River Hospice House in West Burlington.

Born December 4, 1944, in Tennessee, he was the son of Herbert and Cleo Mehaffy Gerst. He married Lea Bolin in Nauvoo, IL. They later divorced.

He graduated from Mediapolis High School.

Dick worked for Des Moines County doing road maintenance for over 25 years.

He was a U.S. Army Veteran.

Dick took pride not only in his personal cars but also his show cars. He liked all Westerns, especially John Wayne movies. He collected coins, knives and firearms. He always looked forward to attending the Mehaffy luncheons on Wednesdays.

Survivors include his son, Brian K. Gerst of Burlington; grandsons, Shawn Gerst and Dalton (Amanda Westermeyer) Gerst; sisters, Sally (Ed) Schrock of Mediapolis, Connie (Mike) Bender of North Carolina, and Annette (Walt) Brown of Brentwood, TN; brothers, Randy (Juanita) Gerst of Mediapolis, and Jim (Laurie) Gerst of Peoria, IL; special cousin and friend, Cathy Eaton; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Billy Gerst.

The family would like to thank their caregivers, Carrie Moser and Cathy Eaton.

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

The Graveside Committal Service for Mr. Gerst will be 2:00 PM Friday, September 18, 2020, at Keokuk National Cemetery. Full military honors will be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard.

Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.

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

Scott Anthony Woodsmall, 47, of Burlington, died at 3:24 p.m. Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at Great River Medical Center Emergency Department.
Born February 9, 1973 in Burlington, he was the son of Clair John and Sandra (Harlow) Woodsmall.
Scott graduated from Burlington High School in 1991. He was a master plumber and service manager at Culligan Water for 21 years.
He was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes, Dallas Cowboys, and Los Angeles Dodgers fan. He loved being with his family and friends, and would do anything for them. He loved going to the cabin and eating pizza.
Survivors include daughter Kyleigh (Jake Gerstel) Myers of West Burlington; very special friends, Sam and Harlow Ripple of Burlington; his mother Sandra Woodsmall of Burlington; three brothers, Richard (Linda) Woodsmall of Sturtevant, WI, Christopher Woodsmall and Andrew Woodsmall, both of Burlington; two sisters, Mackenzie (Steve) Greene of Burlington and Jacqueline Paul of Waterloo.
He was preceded in death by his father.
The funeral service for Mr. Woodsmall will be 4:00 p.m. Sunday September 20th at Lunning Chapel. Mr. Jake Gerstel will officiate. Visitation will be 2:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday, September 20th at Lunning Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Scott Woodsmall’s memory.

Dorothy Clara Parrott, 87, of Burlington died at 7:03 p.m. Monday, September, 14, 2020 at Sunnybrook Assisted Living, where she resided.
Born July 31, 1933 in Ft. Madison, IA, she was the daughter of George H. and Anna (Honeig) Hellige. She married Carl Alan Parrott November 4, 1950 in Ft. Madison, IA. He died September 25, 2008.
Dorothy graduated from Ft. Madison High School. She was a homemaker, co-owned and operated C&D Beverage, Quad City Recyclers, and Bluff Harbor Marina 1985-1989, along with her husband.
She was a member of Divine Mercy Parish.
She enjoyed gardening, baking and spending time with her family. She was known as an excellent cook, especially for her homemade breads and donuts.
Survivors include six children, Kenneth (Pat) Parrott of Branson, MO, Cathi Britt of Kennesaw, GA, Linda Springsteen and Carla (Glen) Hancock both of Burlington, Barbara Clary of Belton, MO, and Jeffery Parrott of Burlington; nine grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and brother Carl Hellige of Ft. Madison, IA.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one sister, and five brothers.
The funeral service for Mrs. Parrott will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, September 19th at Lunning Chapel. The Very Rev. Father Marty Goetz will officiate. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be one hour prior to service.

Claude R. Collins, 79, of LaHarpe, Illinois passed away Monday, September 14, 2020 at the McDonough District Hospital in Macomb, Illinois.
He was born February 28, 1941, the son of Archie and Ruby Gilmore Collins. On July 21, 1968, he married Rose Shaver in Abingdon, Illinois. She preceded him in death on June 3, 2008.
Claude was a 1959 graduate of LaHarpe High School. He worked in Building Services at Western Illinois University for 27 years.
Claude enjoyed hunting, fishing, doing puzzles, gambling and he especially enjoyed going to his grandchildren’s and all community sporting events. He was a member of the LaHarpe American Legion and a lifetime member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Survivors include four children, Betty Collins of LaHarpe, William Collins of LaHarpe, Juliana Thompson of Donnellson, Iowa and Patty McConnell of Burlington; twelve grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; his twin brother, Clyde Collins and two sisters, Joan Shoemaker and Adeline Weast and numerous nieces and nephews.
Claude was preceded in death by his wife, Rose; one grandson, Caleb Peterson; son-in-law, Karl Thompson and nine brothers and sisters.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 21, 2020 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe with Rev. Rick Goettsche officiating. Burial with Military Rites conducted by the LaHarpe American Legion will follow in the LaHarpe Cemetery. The family will receive friends from noon until time of services, Monday, at Banks & Beals. Masks are recommended.
A memorial fund has been established in his memory. To sign the guestbook and leave a condolence, please visit Claude’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.

Michael Eugene Beriault, 65, of Burlington, died Friday, September 4, 2020, in Burlington.

Born May 6, 1955, he was the son of James Joseph and Mary J. “Muffie” Nelson Beriault.

He graduated from Burlington Notre Dame in 1973. He graduated from the University of Iowa with BA degree in business.

He married Dr. Carolyn Elise Dinkins in 1992, she preceded him in death

He was a self-employed car dealer in Dallas, TX for 30 years.

Michael loved to socialize with friends. He enjoyed collecting coins, keeping up with stock market day trading, and flying his private, IFR rated, Mooney aircraft. He was a great athlete and liked to participate in sports such as water skiing, golfing and swimming. Most of all, Michael loved his pet dogs.

Survivors include his brother, James J. (Susan) Beriault, Jr. of Burlington; one sister, Michelle (Marvin) Goldstein of Scottsdale, AZ; five nieces and nephews Melissa (Zach) Kloewer, Natalie (Eric) Brackin, Julia, Michael and Sarah Goldstein; one great-niece; and two great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one sister, Juliet Beriault and one great-nephew, Carter Joseph Brackin.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 6:30 PM Monday, September 21, 2020 at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home.

Private burial will be held on the family plot in Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.

A memorial has been established for the Des Moines County Humane Society.

Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Michael’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.

Raymond Keith Shafer, 96, of Biggsville, died at 9:40 PM Friday, September 11, 2020, at the Roseville Rehab & Health Care in Roseville, IL.

Born October 13, 1923, in Stronghurst, IL, he was the son of Clifton Eugene and Ethel Lucille Tucker Shafer. On March 1, 1946, he married Mary Frances Boyer in Macomb, IL. She died on November 2, 2002.

Ray was owner of Ray Shafer & Sons Construction.

He was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving during the World War II from February 11, 1943 until December 18, 1945. Ray served with Company C 112th Infantry 28th Division, landing on Omaha Beach at Normandy on D-day. He served in all five major battles and received four Over Seas Service Bars, American Campaign Medal, European – African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with one Silver Battle Star, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal and a Purple Heart. After he was injured, he volunteered to drive in the Red Ball Express, transporting ammo and supplies to the front lines.

He was a life member of the Biggsville United Presbyterian Church where he served on all the boards. Ray was a Scoutmaster for over 50 years. He received the Silver Beaver Award. He was the master builder that rebuilt the covered bridge in Gladstone, IL after it fell apart in the flood of 1982.

Survivors include one daughter, Kathy (Scott) Gibb of Biggsville, IL, two sons, Brad (Charlotte) Shafer and Mark Shafer both of Biggsville, IL; seven grandchildren, Mary (Brian) Zielke, Stephanie (Jamie) Jarrett, Polly (Joe) Ripple, Nick (Ammie) Shafer, Travis (Morgan) Shafer, Brennen (Martha Garcia) Shafer, Jenna (Anthony Dewitt) Shafer; twelve great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and two on the way; four sisters-in-law; Margaret Shafer, Opal Taylor, Deb Shafer, and Louise Slater and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces & great nephews.

Besides his wife he was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, four sisters, two nephews and one niece.

Due to concerns regarding COVID-19, attendees will be required to wear face masks and social distance.

Visitation will be from noon until 7:00 PM with the family to receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, September 18, 2020 at the Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home.

The funeral service for Ray will be 1:00 PM Saturday, September 19, 2020, at First Presbyterian Church of Biggsville with Rev. Travis J. Shafer officiating. Burial will be in Biggsville Cemetery. Full military honors will be rendered by the Biggsville American Legion Post 1176.

A memorial has been established for the Biggsville United Presbyterian Church and Henderson County Health Department and Hospice.

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 Raymond’s obituary at www.prughthielencares.com.

Phyllis Marian Rothlauf, 91, of Des Moines, formerly of Burlington, died Monday, September 14, 2020, at the Ramsey Nursing Home in Des Moines.

Born May 6, 1929, in Burlington, she was the daughter of Clarence P and Augusta V Liedermann Hagemeier. On May 10, 1952, she married Robert in Burlington and they had two sons Patrick and Michael. He died on June 27, 1992.

She graduated from St. Paul’s High School in Burlington. Phyllis was a bookkeeper at Gnahn’s Book Store and Camera Land.

Mrs. Rothlauf was a lifelong member of Divine Mercy Parish in Burlington. Earlier in her life, Mrs. Rothlauf was active in the Boy Scout Program serving over 11 years as Den Mother, Den Leader Coach and Troop Committee person. She was also interested in genealogy, being a life member of Des Moines County Genealogical Society. She was an original member of Des Moines County Pioneer Cemetery Committee and Commission, as well as a member of the State Association for the Preservation of Iowa Cemeteries. She always had a garden and was a member of Good Earth Organics Gardening Club.

Survivors include one grandson, Brandon (Rachelle) Rothlauf; four step-grandsons, Shane Loper (Kristin), Adam Suter, Nathaniel Taylor (Lisa), Stephen Taylor (Caroline) and step-granddaughter Jennifer Buchanan; 11 great-grandchildren with another due in December; three daughters-in-law, Christine Rothlauf, Pamela Rothlauf and Kathy Loper; also, many nieces and nephews that have been a blessing to her over the years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, two sons, one step-son, and parents.

Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM Thursday, September 17, 2020 where the family will receive friends at Prugh’s Chapel, downtown. The family asks that all attendees please wear face masks and adhere to social distancing guidelines.

The Graveside Committal Service for Mrs. Rothlauf will be 12:00 PM Thursday, September 17, 2020, at Aspen Grove Cemetery.

Memorials have been established for the St. Joseph’s Indian School Chamberlain, SD or and Des Moines County Genealogical Society.

The family wishes to Thank Ramsey Village and UnityPoint Hospice of Des Moines for their wonderful care of Phyllis over the years.

Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Phyllis’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.

Evaleen Naydeen DeJaynes, 94, of Burlington, died Saturday, September 12, 2020. She was born October 12, 1925 in Keswick, Iowa to John and Elva Botts Cochran. She married Arnold DeJaynes on the USS Dionysus, the ship he was serving on during WWII; they later divorced.
She received her GED, of which she was very proud, and later attended Southeastern Community College. She attended Heritage Baptist Church in Burlington.
Evaleen was a welder during WWII at the shipyards in South San Fransisco; worked for Bank of America; owned and operated DeJaynes Jewelers with her husband; worked at Metromail and Schramm’s. She worked at Dollar General in Burlington and at her daughter’s Bistro in New London. While in California, she worked as a waitress at the Hyatt Regency and drove a school bus for the handicapped.
She enjoyed gardening, motorcycle riding in her younger years, traveling, sightseeing, jigsaw puzzles, catching up with friends, loved to decorate and liked making things pretty. When she was young she played the piano and accordion. Evaleen became an adventurous foodie and enjoyed trying new things. Having Chinese food for Christmas was a special tradition.
Survivors include her daughter Denise DeJaynes and granddaughter Rachael DeJaynes Jacobs of New London, nieces and nephews, and many of Arnold’s family members.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters Eileen and Darleen.
According to her wishes, her body has been cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. A memorial has been established for the Autism Self Advocacy Network. Elliott Chapel, New London is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Cynthia Mae Smith, 60, of New London, died Sunday, September 13, 2020 at the University of Iowa Hospitals. She was born September 23, 1959 in Michigan to Floyd Donald and Marcia Ann George Granby. She married William “Bill” Smith; they later divorced.
She was a graduate of Central High School in Pontiac, Michigan. For twenty four years Cynthia worked as a truck driver for Swift Transportation retiring twelve years ago for health reasons.
Playing computer games was a favorite pastime, especially World of Warcraft; she enjoyed crocheting and sewing and loved taking her little dogs in the truck. Her dog, Miss Molly, will now live with her sister Terrie.
She is survived by her sons Brian Granby of Ogden, Utah and Edward Smith of New London; daughter K.C. Loer of Albuquerque, New Mexico; five grandchildren; and sisters Terrie (Rusty) Chapman of West Point and Catherine Granby of Texas. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters Margaret Granby and Janice Granby.
According to her wishes, her body has been cremated and a private family Celebration of Life will be at a later date. Elliott Chapel, New London is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Jean Schnedler, 47. Of Burlington died unexpectedly Saturday, September 12, 2020 in her home.
Born November 16, 1972 she was the daughter of Paul Schnedler and Nora Hill. She married Mike Carlson, they later divorced.
She loved her children with every piece of her heart. She loved the Iowa Hawkeyes and her four cats. She had a smile that would light up the room.
Survivors include her three children, Austin Carlson, Peyten Carlson and Colton Carlson all of Burlington; her mother Nora (Steve) Hill of Danville; her father Paul (Rhonda) Schnedler of Burlington; two sisters, Abby (Fred) West of Mediapolis and Pauline (Tim) Stinchcomb of Colorado Springs, CO; one niece Kathryn (Jonathan) Salvador and one great niece Thea Salvador.
She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents and one nephew, Jordan West.
A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. According to her wishes, cremation has been accorded.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com