Obituaries for Wednesday April 7th

Steve Elrod, 73, of Mediapolis, formerly of West Burlington passed away on Sunday, April 4, 2021 at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 9, 2021 at Kossuth Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Mediapolis. The family will not be present. Sympathy notes may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.
Leonard Steve Elrod was born on November 23, 1947 in North Carolina, the son of Leonard and Olga Elrod. Steve attended schools in the south where he also graduated. Upon moving to Iowa, he attended college at Southeastern Community College. On April 6, 1974, Steve was united in marriage to Beverly Dean in Burlington. Steve had worked for different places including General Electric and the Ethanol plant. Steve enjoyed attending church services where at times he would lead music and play his guitar. He also enjoyed country life of walking in the woods, arrow head hunting and his puppies.
Steve will be dearly missed by his wife, Beverly and other family members including nieces and nephews.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Pat; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harold and Ruth Dean and sister-in-law, Marlee Polson.

Amy Louise Miller Beeding, 48, of Mediapolis, went home to be with the Lord on April 3, 2021. A celebration of life for Amy will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at the Mediapolis Legion Hall. A memorial fund has been established at the funeral home in Amy’s name. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com. The Snyder and Hollenbaugh Funeral and Cremation Services of Mediapolis is caring for Amy’s arrangements and her family.
Amy Louise Miller was born on June 9, 1972 in Muscatine, Iowa the daughter of Jack Miller and Karen Bergren. Amy attended schools in Mediapolis and graduated in 1991. Amy will always be remembered by her infectious smile and her kind heart. She was always trying to help someone in need of a hug, a talk or help in anyway.
Amy will be dearly missed by the love of her life and soulmate of 17 years, Larry Beeding; her sons that she loved unconditionally Tyler (Emily), Jake (Sam), Aren (Alexis) and Dylan (Mikahla); grandchildren, Aliyah, Sophie, Johanna, Jacoby, Joella, Lily, Karter and Bellamy; mother and step-father, Mike and Karen Bergren of Mediapolis; father and step-mother, Jack and Linda Miller of Mediapolis; brothers, Danny Miller of Mediapolis, Jeff Sherwood of Littleton, Colorado, and Jim Sherwood of West Burlington; sisters, Jodie Figert of Burlington, Jennifer Veach of Durant, Nate and Misty Robinson of Morning Sun and Mike and Terri Jo Haynie of Mediapolis and several nieces and nephews.
Amy has been reunited with her dog, Jayden Kyle.

Rachel Susan Siemens, 89, of Niota, Illinois, passed away at 3:10 p.m. Monday, April 5, 2021 at the River Hills Village, Keokuk, Iowa.

Rachel was born on June 3, 1931 in Fort Madison, Iowa, the daughter of Whidney T. and Gladys (Little) Zern. On September 30, 1955 she married Owen Dale Siemens in Niota. He preceded her in death on January 2, 1985.

Rachel graduated from Nauvoo High School in 1949. She worked for Flora Thumbs and retired from Sheaffer Pen in Fort Madison. She was a member of the Ft. Madison YMCA and the former Nauvoo Presbyterian Church, where she served as an Elder.

Rachel enjoyed being outside, picking mushrooms, mowing and crocheting. Rachel was known for making hats for school kids that didn’t have a hat. She made many afghans for the Niota Fire Department fund raisers. She loved shopping and vacationing with her sister. Most of all she loved and enjoyed her grandchildren.

Survivors include four children, Tina (Howard) Menke of West Point, Iowa, Joni (Mike) Watson of Dallas City, Illinois, Wesley “Sam” Siemens of Niota and Daren (Marilyn) Siemens of Niota; one daughter-in-law, Lisa Siemens of Niota; eight grandchildren, five step-grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Rachel was preceded in death by her husband and two sons, Kevin Siemens and Dana Joe Siemens, in infancy, and eight siblings.

Friends may call after 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 8, 2021 at Schmitz-Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Nauvoo where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Mask are recommended.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 9, 2021 at Schmitz-Banks & Beals with Pastor Mark Anderson officiating. Burial will follow in the Appanoose Cemetery, near Niota.

A memorial fund has been established for the Niota Fire Department or donor’s choice. To leave a tribute for the family, please visit Rachel’s obituary at sbbfuneralhome.com.

Betty Jean Ellis Feldman, 92, of Burlington, died at 1:24 PM Wednesday, December 16, 2020, at the Great River Klein Center in West Burlington.

Born August 6, 1928, in Burlington, she was the daughter of Elmer George and Hazel May Virgin Baker. On December 31, 1950, she married Dale Ellis. They later divorced. She later married Fred Feldman.

Betty’s first job was egg candling for a farmer. She didn’t enjoy so she ended up waitressing at the VFW and DAB (Disabled American Veterans) Club. Then she worked at J.S. Schram’s, and Burlington Instruments (soon to be Texas Instruments) and finally to a homemaker.

Betty attended church at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and was a member of numerous bible study groups. She enjoyed attending events at the Eagle’s, Moose and Elk’s Clubs when she was a member. Betty also liked to golf and was on a bowling league for many years. Betty loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She loved traveling and wintering in Arizona in her later years. Betty always loved cooking and baking for her family and she always welcomed her children’s friends into her home.

Survivors include her son, David Ellis of Burlington; daughters, Michelle Ellis of Burlington, and Melissa (Jim) Kammerer of Burlington; daughter-in-law, Martha Martin; five grandchildren, Tammy, Eric, Paige, Allie, and Cole; and three great-grandchildren, Blaise, Brennon and Taylor.

She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, two sons, Doug and Dale Michael and infant daughter, Sandra.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.

The Graveside Committal Service for Mrs. Feldman will be 10:00 AM Monday, April 12, 2021, at Burlington Memorial Park Cemetery with Reverend David J. Yonker and Reverend Brooke Anthony officiating.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.

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

Marguerite “Penni” Denavich, 76, of Burlington, died Sunday, April 4, 2021 at her home.
Born December 12, 1945 in Levittown, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Gary Barker and Virginia Fox.
Penni worked for General Electric for 20 years. She was of the Catholic faith.
She loved to paint portraits, play cards and bingo at the Steamboat Senior Center, volunteering for the Salvation Army and watching her favorite shows “The Golden Girls” and “Friends”. Penni had a big heart and was very generous with her time and talents. She treated everyone the same and would give the shirt off of her back if it was needed by someone else. She was always smiling and her smile lit up a room.
She is survived by her two sons; Gerri (Lan) Denavich of Houston, Texas and Andy (Brandi Yasak) of Burlington; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and one sister Mary Kennedy of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and one sister.
The funeral service for Penni will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 8th at Lunning Chapel. The Rev. Father James Flattery will officiate. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Cremation will be accorded following the funeral service.
Inurnment will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 9th at Aspen Grove Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com

Michael James Ashby, 55 of West Burlington, died at 5:56 p.m. Saturday, April 3, 2021 at his residence.
Born November 30, 1966 in Marquette, MI, he was the son of James Edward and June Marie (Touisgnant) Ashby.
Michael graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1985 and Southeastern Community College in 1996. He served in the United States Army. He loved to cook and worked as a chef for Pzazz.
Michael was active in martial arts, loved playing Chess, and Dungeons and Dragons.
Survivors include his son, Dakota Washington; sister, Linda S. Scott of Burlington; and brother, Jeff A. Ashby of Brooksville, FL.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The memorial visitation for Michael will be 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 9th at Lunning Chapel. According to his wishes, cremation has been entrusted to Lunning Chapel.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.lunningfunerlachapel.com
A memorial has been established in memory of Michael James Ashby to help with funeral expenses.

David R. Babcook, 69 of West Burlington, died at 1:50 p.m. Saturday, April 3. 2021 at his residence.
Born April 18, 1951 in Burlington, he was the son of Paul C. and Ellen (Deitch) Babcook. He married Irene Suntken in Burlington on March 11, 1972.
David graduated from Burlington High School. He served in the United State Army. He retired after working 36 years for Burlington Northern as a railroad machinist.
He was a member of First Assembly of God Church.
He loved playing guitar and singing, woodworking, fishing, hunting, arrowhead hunting, gardening and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a loyal Chicago Cubs fan.
Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Irene of West Burlington; children, Paul (Lisa) Babcook of Burlington, Jessica (Jason) Rashid of Bettendorf, IA, and Hannah (Shane) Mayahi of Burlington; and eight grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and three sisters, Paula Marsh, Goldie Knight, and Delora Robertson.
The memorial funeral service for Mr. Babcook will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 9th at Lunning Chapel. Pastor Don Crawford will officiate. Military rites will be accorded by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. Inurnment will be at a later date in Aspen Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until the time of service where family will receive friends. Cremation has been entrusted to Lunning Chapel.
A memorial has been established.

Rosella Joan “Jo” Shoemaker, 86, of LaHarpe, Illinois, passed away at 6:10 p.m. Sunday, April 4, 2021 at the Countryview Care Center, Macomb, Illinois.

Jo was born on March 6, 1935 in LaHarpe the daughter of Archie and Ruby (Gilmore) Collins. On February 12, 1970 she married Frank E. Shoemaker in Kahoka, Missouri. He preceded her in death on January 12, 1999.

Jo worked most of her life at Sylvania in Burlington, Iowa. She also worked for Wendy’s in Moline, Illinois, where she earned employee of the year. She enjoyed volunteering at the LaHarpe-Davier Health Care Center, playing cards, gambling and especially enjoyed her dog, Tiny.

Jo was a member of the LaHarpe Senior Citizens, LaHarpe American Legion Auxiliary and LaHarpe Historical Society.

Survivors include several step-children, step-grandchildren; one brother, Clyde (Edna) Collins of LaHarpe; one sister, Adeline Weast of Galesburg; several nieces and nephews and her dog, Tiny.

Jo was preceded in death by her husband; parents; four brothers and seven sisters.

Cremation has been entrusted to Banks & Beals Funeral Home.

A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 10, 2021 at the LaHarpe Cemetery with Rev. Lee Unger officiating. No visitation is planned.

A memorial fund has been established for the LaHarpe Senior Citizens or LaHarpe American Legion Auxiliary. To leave a condolence for the family, please visit Jo’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.

Mr. William Sid Morin, 82 of West Burlington, died at 8:57 a.m. Saturday, April 3, 2021 at his residence.
Born January 7, 1939 in Munising, MI, he was the son of Alcid “Sid” Telesphore and Vera Marie (Atherton) Morin. He married Janice K. Welch December 27, 1964 in Durham, IL.
William served in the United States Army. He worked at Simpson Paper Co. for 14 years as an operator in production.
He was of the Seventh Day Adventist faith.
Fly fishing was one of his favorite hobbies. He was a Green Bay Packers and Iowa Hawkeye Football fan.
Survivors include his wife Janice Morin of Burlington; children, Dawn Marie Walstrom of Slater, IA and Michael Derek Morin of Waukee, IA; grandchildren, Zane and Delaney Walstrom, Anna Morin, Troy Reich-Morin and Cassaundra Reich; sister, Myrna McFarlin of Munising, MI; brother, Fred Morin of Portage, MI; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
According to his wishes, cremation has been entrusted to Lunning Chapel. There will be no services.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.lunningfuneralchapel.com.

Keith Everett “Brock” Brockway, 74, of Burlington died Friday, November 13, 2020 at home surrounded by his family.
Born April 9, 1946 in Burlington, Iowa he was the son of Everett Burr Brockway and Dorothy Caroline (Kneedy) Brockway. He attended Mediapolis Schools.
He married Barb Richardson on August 27, 1967 they later divorced.
Keith worked for 46 years for the Winegard Company as head outdoor grounds keeper. He was of Methodist faith.
Keith was a life sponsor of Ducks Unlimited, a member of The Sportsman Club of Sumner, Missouri; Moose Lodge and Eagles Lodge of Burlington. He loved waterfowl hunting, shooting trap, dirt track racing, singing karaoke, and above all he enjoyed watching his grandson’s activities.
Survivors include his companion Jeanette Brockert of Muscatine; two daughters, Traci (Bryan) McCleary, Kerri (Michael Horton Jr.) Kronfeldt of Wapello; grandsons Drake (Kaitlyn) McCleary, Nicholas McCleary, Taten Kronfeldt all of Wapello; one great grandchild in the hopper; two sisters Lila Bakerink of Mediapolis and Karen Elkin of Wapello; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters Evelyn M. Fuhrer, Darlene Brown; three brothers Roy, Lloyd and Melvin.
According to his wishes, cremation has been entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel.
A memorial has been established for Every Step Hospice of Mt. Pleasant.
Brock’s 75th Birthday/Celebration of life! He didn’t want a sad gathering by golly he wanted a party! So that’s what we will honor for the man that didn’t know a stranger and had the biggest heart! Please come help us celebrate him and his 75th Birthday on Friday April 9th, 2021 at the Oakville Community Building, Oakville Iowa starting at 5:00 pm. Food and beverages provided! Bring your memories and stories to share with his three Grandsons that his two girls gave him! (Anyone that really knew dad can probably hear him saying that)! We look forward to seeing you all.

Betty Marie Wisener, 84 of West Burlington, went to be with the Lord at 6:52 p.m. Thursday, April 1, 2021 at her residence.
Born August 28, 1936 in Burlington, she was the daughter of Russell and Esther (Dravis) Overhake. She married Edward “Ed” Wisener Sr. October 1, 1993 in Kahoka, MO.
Betty graduated from Burlington High School. She worked in the office of Iowa Southern Utilities; Rockwell Collins and Manpower in Cedar Rapids, and was a homemaker.
She was a member of Crossroads Community Church.
Her hobbies included macrame, sewing, making jewelry, crocheting, and making afghans. She enjoyed going to Goodwill and Salvation Army shops.
Survivors include her husband Ed Wisener Sr. of West Burlington; sons, Allen Hendrickson and Elwin Hendrickson both of Burlington; step-children, Ed (Sheri) Wisener Jr. of West Point, Jennifer Wisener of Santa Ana, CA, and Sara (Nick) Chenoweth of Burlington; eight grandchildren, Brittany and Ethan Hendrickson, Brandon Wisener and Hannah Jones, Dylan, Bradie, Carter, and Savanna Chenoweth; and three great-grandchildren, Hadley, Mathias, and Easton.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Ed Overhake.
The funeral service for Mrs. Wisener will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 7th at Lunning Chapel. Pastor Jason Unzicker will officiate. Cremation will be accorded following services. Inurnment will be in Burlington Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service, where family will receive friends.
A memorial has been established for Crossroads Community Church.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.lunningfuneralchapel.com.

Mr. Richard Wayne Schmitz, 83, of Stronghurst, IL, died Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at Sunnybrook Assisted Living in Mt. Pleasant.
Born July 3, 1937 in Burlington, Iowa he was the son of Paul and Ella (Duff) Schmitz. He married Bonnie Glasgow on November 23, 1963. She passed away September 21, 2003.
Richard was a graduate of Burlington High School in 1955. He was in the Army Reserve during the Bay of Pigs from 1961-1963.
Richard worked for 30 years for Federal Mogul & Champion Spark Plug retiring in 1991. He was of Methodist Faith.
He was a member of the UAW Local 1237, a lifelong Cardinal Fan, an outstanding fast pitch softball pitcher, avid woodworker and gardener.
He is survived by his children Scott (Jan) Schmitz of New Port Richey, FL., Mike (Amy) Schmitz of Monmouth, IL., Lori (Dave) Dameron of Burlington, Brenda (Jim Clark) Schmitz of Clarendon Hills, IL. and Mary (Brad) Notestein of Mt. Pleasant; 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Shirley Mundt of Burlington and Carol Sprock of Stronghurst, IL.; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and three brothers.
Private graveside service will be held Saturday, April 10th. Rev. David Bracht-Wagner will officiate. Friends may call on Friday, April 9 from 9:00-5:00. Family will not be present.
A memorial of your choice may be made in memory of Richard W. Schmitz.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com.

Alice Marie Hart, 87, of Burlington, died peacefully on March 25, 2021. Funeral services will be Friday, April 9th at 2:00 p.m. at West Hill United Methodist Church with the family receiving friends from 12:30-2:00 p.m. Pastor Tamara Wirt will officiate. Masks will be required and social distancing guidelines will be followed.

Alice Myatt was born October 5, 1933 in Omaha, Nebraska to Leon and Louise Myatt. She lived most of her life in Burlington, graduating from Burlington High School and Burlington Community College. She was married to John “Bud” Hart for 20 years and later to Ron Rettig. Alice worked as an executive secretary for many years at Benner Tea, Lehigh Leopold Furniture and as a tax preparer for H&R Block. As a lifelong member of West Hill United Methodist Church, Alice cherished her church family and joyfully served as music director and choir member for more than 50 years along with other roles in the church. Her love of music and sharing it with others led her to perform in the Follies in her younger years and with the Silver Singers in recent years. She also loved playing the piano and was an active member and past president of PEO Chapter P.

Alice is survived by her three children, Lorna (Jeff) Naifeh of Charlotte, NC, Brad (Jade) Hart of Cedar Rapids, Jon (Peggy) Hart of Burlington; seven grandchildren (Zach, Ian and Noah Naifeh; Alison Wetmore and William Hart; Courtney Gustafson and Cole Hart), and 13 great grandkids; her younger brother Don (Venita) Myatt, five nephews and a niece, her dear friend, Ron Rettig, and her beloved puppy Sissy. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother and sister-in-law Russell and Viola Myatt, and niece Gena Myatt, all with whom she looked forward to being reunited.

Alice’s kind heart made her many friends, several of whom she helped care for in their time of need. Her strong faith helped her and her family through the difficult times and was a great comfort to all of us as she walked toward Heaven. Her gentle ways and loving smile will be greatly missed.

Alice’s family would like to thank the Great River Oncology team, the staff at Sunnybrook Assisted Living, and the Great River Hospice caregivers for their devoted and compassionate care of Alice in her final journey.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to West Hill United Methodist Church in Alice’s honor.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.lunningfuneralchapel.com