Merrill A. Miller, 99, of Burlington, died Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at Oakview Care and Rehabilitation Center in Burlington.
Born May 2, 1922 in Burlington, Iowa he was the son of Clarence C. and Alberta (Fisher) Miller. He married Florence Douglas in Caerphilly South Wales Great Britain on June 19, 1944. She died November 3, 1985.
He served in the Army during WWII as a Sgt. Tech 5.
Merrill worked as a Brakeman for Burlington Northern and a Switchman for CB&Q railroads for 46 years until his retirement in 1983.
He was of the Roman Catholic faith. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainman, VFW, UTU where he served as the grievance chairman for many years and the Eagles Aerie #150.
He was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan and was an avid coin collector. He loved traveling on cruises and enjoyed tending to his flower and vegetable gardens. His family lovingly gifted him in recent years by naming the Bracewell Stadium field in his honor.
Survivors include his long-time friend Mary Flieg of Sigourney, Iowa; his four children, Barbara (Fred) Schoell of Overland Park, Kansas, Lillian Krehbiel of Omaha, Nebraska, Margette (Jerry) Wiemann of Burlington and Merrill “Pete” (Peggy) Miller of Houston, Texas; 10 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren and three step great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Florence, son LaVerne Miller, siblings Laverne W. Miller, Agatha Cobb, Lucille Wickerham and Mary Angeline Graham, daughter-in-law Diana Miller and son-in-law Mike Krehbiel.
The funeral service for Mr. Miller will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 19th at Lunning Chapel. Mr. Jerry Wiemann and Mr. Wil Wiemann will officiate. The Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard will conduct military rites. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 18th at Lunning Chapel where the family will receive friends. A Catholic prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. by the Very Rev. Father Marty Goetz.
A memorial has been established for Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice.
Jay Hamann, 85, of Burlington, died Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at his home. Services are pending at Elliott Chapel, New London.
Pearly D. Watson, 85, of New London, died Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at his home. Arrangements are pending at Elliott Chapel, New London.
Terry “Chief” Neff, 67, of Burlington, died at 8:34 PM Monday, November 15, 2021, at the Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.
Born December 21, 1953, in LaHarpe, IL, he was the son of Eldon H. and Frances A. Bundy Neff. On July 9, 2005, he married Sheila Simmons in Burlington.
Terry grew up in Raritan, IL and graduated from Southern High School, Stronghurst, IL in 1972. Terry was employed by JI Case immediately following graduation and retired from the company after 38 years. He held a number of positions while employed there. He was an active member of UAW. Terry was passionate about and district coordinator for ABATE over the course of many years having served. He also enjoyed his fellowship with his motorcycle family, riding his Harley, golf, photography, being on a pool league, and spending time with his grandkids.
Survivors include his wife, Sheila Neff of Burlington; children, Ivan (Noemi Gonzalez) Simmons of Cedar Rapids, Josh Simmons, Micheal Simmons both of Burlington, Jerrid Simmons of Cedar Rapids, Heather Guinard and Phillip (Taylor Messer) Simmons both of Burlington; 12 grandchildren, Helena Guinard, Bela Guinard, Ivan Guinard, Noah Simmons, Trinity Simmons, Kayleena Caldwell, Ronald Caldwell, Jaxson Readshaw, Ashton Neff, Nova Evans, Tyson Simmons, Zoey Smith; his father, Eldon Neff of Burlington; one brother, Gary Neff of Burlington; and 3 sisters, Jan (Ron) Kimble of Charlotte, NC, Tina (Dan) Baker of Roscoe, IL and Barbara (Mike) Boyle of Montezuma, IA.
He was preceded in death by his mother Frances Neff and his niece Jamie Kimble.
Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 6:00 PM, where the family will receive friends Saturday, November 20, 2021 at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home.
The funeral service for Chief will be 6:00 PM Saturday, November 20, 2021, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home with Father Carl Mann officiating. Cremation will be entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory following the service.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice.
We wish to express our gratitude to the ICU staff at Blessing Hospital for the care and compassion given to Terry. We would also like to thank Prugh Funeral Service for assisting our family with making arrangements.
A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Terry’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
Vivienne Starling, 94, of Burlington, died at 8:29 AM Friday, November 12, 2021, at the Klein Center in West Burlington.
Born August 28, 1927, in Keokuk, IA, she was the daughter of George Leonard and Mary Agnes Robinson. On September 8, 1968 she married Elder Fred Starling in Ft. Madison, IA.
She worked for a few years at Mercy Hospital, and then J.I. Case Company until her retirement.
She was a lover, helper and giver. She always put everyone before herself, and made sure everyone was taken care of. She was an A1 cook, and was very stylish and loved to dress up in one of her favorite purple dresses. She was a mother to many, and impacted several young lives over the years. To her nieces and nephews she was known as “Momma V”. She also stepped in and helped raised eight kids, including Robert Clark since he was three years old. She was a dedicated member of the NAACP. She was known as the mother of the church, and was an extraordinarily faithful woman. She was a bible scholar and was very educated in scripture. The church was her heart, and for 50 years she labored for the churches both Faith Temple Church of God in Christ and Mt. Calvary Church of God in Christ, Macomb, IL and never got weary.
Survivors include her husband, Elder Fred Starling of Burlington; one sister, MarScine Brown of Burlington; three granddaughters, Rea Robinson of Schaumburg, IL, Elisha Robinson of Burlington, IA and Tracie Currie of Des Moines, IA; three grandsons, David Lee (Alice) Robinson, Jr. of Des Moines, IA, David Earl Robinson of Milwaukee, WI, and Brandon Robinson of Huston, TX; 14 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She is preceded in death by one son, three brothers, and six sisters.
Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM Saturday, November 20, 2021 at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home.
The funeral service for Mrs. Starling will be 11:00 AM Saturday, November 20, 2021, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home following the service. Burial will be in Keokuk National Cemetery on Monday, November 22, 2021.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Faith Temple Church of God in Christ.
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 Vivienne’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
Ronald Duane Ellerhoff, 74 years old, of Middletown, IA, passed away at 4:20 pm on Sunday, November 14, 2021, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, in Peoria, IL, due to catastrophic injuries sustained from a motor vehicle accident.
Born on March 7, 1947, Ron was the son of Milton C. Ellerhoff and Doris M. Sater Ellerhoff in Burlington. He was a 1965 graduate of Burlington High School and earned a degree in Business and Economics from Iowa Wesleyan College of Mt. Pleasant in 1969, as well as a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Des Moine’s Drake University in 1985.
On August 19, 1967, he married his college sweetheart, Lorene Rose Jacobsmeier, in Ft. Madison. The two had three children together (Jena (Mahmoud Ahmed) Ellerhoff of Middletown, Lea (Colin) McCormick of Mt. Pleasant, and Jared Ellerhoff of Marion).
Ron was very patriotic. He served in the Army as a clerk during his deployment to Vietnam in the early 70s. Later, he served and retired with the rank of Captain from the Army Reserves JAG Corps. He strongly believed in the civil liberties promised to all Americans. In addition to the military, he worked as a home loan representative, real estate broker, and, for the past 36 years, as an independent attorney. Although his work ethic and moral compass were strong and a source of pride, family meant the world to him.
Whether it be riding roller coasters, enjoying breathtaking scenery, white water rafting, or exploring via convertible with the wind blowing his hair, Ron loved action and adventure. He enjoyed everything about Florida, fishing trips, hunting, watching movies (especially Westerns and James Bond), camping (especially Scouting trips with his grandson), boating, long drives, heated debates, traveling, anything related to automobiles, scuba diving, playing cards, time with family and friends, and working on his tan while mowing or relaxing at a Florida beach.
Over the years, he held numerous positions or memberships: ILLOWA Scuba Club, Des Moines County Bar Association, Middletown City Council, Middletown Presbyterian Church, National Rifle Association, TriState Gun Club, Community Action of Southeast Iowa board, Burlington Optimist Club, and Boys Scouts of America (during youth and as father, grandpa, adult leader). He most recently attended First Congregational Church of Burlington.
Ron is survived by his wife of 54 years, their children, their seven grandchildren (Braden Glasgow; Nicholas, Katie, Natalie, and Olivia McCormick; and Odyn and Chloe Ellerhoff), one great-grandchild (Nova Glasgow), two sisters (Elyce Riney of Middletown and Becky Davis of Burlington), and several in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews in addition to many friends.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents.
The Memorial Service for Ron will take place Saturday, November 20 at 11:00 am in (formerly Middletown Presbyterian Church). Visitation will take place from 6 – 8 pm, Friday at Lunning Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, Ron’s family requests memorial gifts be given toward establishing a scholarship in his name for an Automotive Technology (mechanic) student studying at Southeastern Community College of West Burlington, IA.
Alice Irene Fye, 90, of West Burlington, died at 10:42 PM Sunday, November 14, 2021, at the Klein Center in West Burlington.
Born April 7, 1931, in Burlington, Iowa, she was the daughter of Russell C.and Edith A. (Johnson) Pilling. Alice graduated Mediapolis High School in 1948. On January 17, 1951, she married Richard W. Fye in Kirksville, MO. They later divorced.
Alice was a mother first, did work as a contract mail carrier, farming and worked at the Christian Book Store in West Burlington.
She was a member of the Faith Outreach Christian Church in Mount Pleasant. Alice received a lifetime achievement award in 2016, she led several Bible studies at home and was a Sunday school teacher. She had a very close relationship with God and spent most of her time caring for her family and studying the Bible.
Survivors include her children, Mike (Cheryl) Fye of West Burlington, Randy Fye of Springdale, AR, Myra (Craig) Coberley of Nixa, MO and Jon (Cindy) Fye of Sperry; nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and four sisters, Dorothy, Shorty, Thelma, and Frannie.
The family will receive friends from noon until 1:00 PM Friday, November 19, 2021, at Prugh-Thielen Funeral Home.
The funeral service for Alice Fye will be 1:00 PM Friday, November 19, 2021, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home with Monte Knudsen officiating. Burial will be in Kossuth Cemetery.
A memorial has been established for the Klein Center.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff of the Klein Center (especially the Heritage Hall unit) for the wonderful care they provided to Alice for the past ten 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 Alice’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
Donald Bernard Mueller, 78, of West Burlington, died at 3:41 PM Monday, November 15, 2021, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.
Born April 28, 1943, in Fort Madison, IA, he was the son of Alfred “Butch” and Mary Ellen Ford Mueller. On November 18, 1983, he married Mitzi Mitchell in Ft. Madison, IA.
He began his employment working for his father at Mueller Welding & Fabrication in St. Paul, IA. He then worked for Anchor Metals and finally as a parts coordinator for General Electric until retiring after 34 years.
He was of the Catholic faith. At the age of 14, he graduated 8th grade at St. James School in St. Paul, IA and moved out on his own. He was a member of a van club and street rod clubs. He received over 105 trophies for his vehicles. The proudest moments in his life were the birth of his two sons, marrying his wife Mitzi, and in doing so, gaining a third son.
Survivors include his wife, Mitzi Mueller of West Burlington; three sons, Tim (Denise) Mueller, Bob Mueller, both of Pensacola, FL, and Shawn (Erica) Mathew of New London; four grandchildren, Brandon Mueller, Garrett Mueller both of Urbandale, Landen Mathew of Burlington, and Amber Mueller of Pensacola, FL; 2 great grandchildren, Zayden and Ireland; one sister, Betty (John) Boughton of Burlington, three brothers, Darrell (Dana) Mueller of Fort Madison, Frank Mueller of West Point, and Mike Mueller of Burlington.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Dave Mueller in 2011; two sisters, Barb Mueller Brockett in 2011, and Kathy Mueller Medland in 2017.
Cremation will be entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory following the visitation.
Visitation will be from 12:00 PM until 6:30 PM with the family to receive friends from 5:00 PM until 6:30 PM Thursday, November 18, 2021 at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home.
The memorial service for Mr. Mueller will be 9:00 AM Friday, November 19, 2021, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home with Sister Elyn Holton-Dean officiating. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery.
A memorial has been established for PAWS Animal Shelter, Ft. Madison.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
A photo tribute can be viewed, condolences can be sent to the family, and the service can be live streamed by visiting Donald’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
On Mon, Nov 15, 2021 at 7:30 PM Sam Newkirk
Donald Mueller
Donald Bernard Mueller, 78, of West Burlington, died at 3:41 PM Monday, November 15, 2021, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.
Born April 28, 1943, in Fort Madison, IA, he was the son of Alfred “Butch” and Mary Ellen Ford Mueller. On November 18, 1983, he married Mitzi Mitchell in Ft. Madison, IA.
He began his employment working for his father at Mueller Welding & Fabrication in St. Paul, IA. He then worked for Anchor Metals and finally as a parts coordinator for General Electric until retiring after 34 years.
He was of the Catholic faith. At the age of 14, he graduated 8th grade at St. James School in St. Paul, IA and moved out on his own. He was a member of a van club and street rod clubs. He received over 105 trophies for his vehicles. The proudest moments in his life were the birth of his two sons, marrying his wife Mitzi, and in doing so, gaining a third son.
Survivors include his wife, Mitzi Mueller of West Burlington; three sons, Tim (Denise) Mueller, Bob Mueller, both of Pensacola, FL, and Shawn (Erica) Mathew of New London; four grandchildren, Brandon Mueller, Garrett Mueller both of Urbandale, Landen Mathew of Burlington, and Amber Mueller of Pensacola, FL; 2 great grandchildren, Zayden and Ireland; one sister, Bette (John) Boughton of Burlington, three brothers, Darrell (Dana) Mueller of Fort Madison, Frank Mueller of West Point, and Mike Mueller of Burlington.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Dave Mueller in 2011; two sisters, Barb Mueller Brockett in 2011, and Cathy Mueller Medland in 2017.
Cremation will be entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory following the visitation.
Visitation will be from 12:00 PM until 6:30 PM with the family to receive friends from 5:00 PM until 6:30 PM Thursday, November 18, 2021 at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home.
The memorial service for Mr. Mueller will be 9:00 AM Friday, November 19, 2021, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home with Sister Elyn Holton-Dean officiating. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery.
A memorial has been established for PAWS Animal Shelter, Ft. Madison.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
A photo tribute can be viewed, condolences can be sent to the family, and the service can be live streamed by visiting Donald’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
Wanda J Kurrle, 75, of Burlington died November 13, 2021 at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center.
Born April 25, 1946 in Kansas City, MO, she was the daughter of Earl B and Pearl (Walker) Rice. She married John Allen Kurrle Sr. September 1991. He died August 1992.
Wanda was a beautician and worked in food service for over 35 years. She was of the Methodist faith. Wanda enjoyed spending time with friends, going out to eat, her computer and her dog Rosalee. She collected Coca-Cola products.
Wanda is survived by her stepchildren Allena (John) Newkirk of Ft Madison and John “Charlie” Allen (Marina) Kurrle Jr of Virginia; two step-grandchildren; sister Betty June (Danny) Mapes of LaHarpe, IL; one niece; three nephews; various cousins and special friend, Jill Fink of Wever, IA.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son James Earl Rice in infancy, and daughter Dianna Dee Kurrle.
The graveside service for Wanda will be 11am Thursday, November 18, 2021 at Durham Cemetery, Durham (Dallas City) IL.
According to her wishes cremation has been entrusted and accorded to Lunning Chapel.
Ira Frederick Stewart, 93, of Burlington, died at 11:06 AM, November 13, 2021, at his home.
Born March 15, 1928, in Detroit, MI, he was the son of Jack A. and Georgia J. Mitchell Stewart. On June 11, 1993, he married Deborah A. Duttweiler in Burlington, IA.
Ira retired from IAAP after 42 years, including 2 years at the testing site in Las Vegas. After retiring, he worked as a security officer, at Lowe’s for over 8 years, at Hy-Vee for 4 years, and as Mr. Avon.
He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving during World War II for six years earning the rank of Radioman 1st Class. He was stationed on the USS Lexington and served in Guam. He especially enjoyed his time as Shore Patrol.
Ira was a member of SS. John & Paul Catholic Church. He was a member of the VFW, where he served on the color guard, and the American Legion. He helped organize and start the Saunderson Heights Neighborhood Patrol. He loved playing golf and bowling, putting together Thomas Kinkade puzzles, watching John Wayne movies, Snow White (the first princess he ever saw), and everything about the Christmas season. He was a ham radio operator and went by the handle, “Red Eagle”. Ira was a dedicated family man who was happiest when the house was full of loved ones. He adored spending time with his children and grandchildren, even when that meant letting them put bows in his hair or painting his nails. He insisted on always having his picture taken with his girls before they went to a school dance, even if they had to come to his place of work.
Survivors include his wife, Deborah A. Stewart of Burlington; one son, Fred (Mary Lou) Stewart of Silverlake, KS; four daughters, Julie (Sonny) Andrew, Sarah (Matthew) McKee, Carrie (Justin) Wixom all of Burlington, Amy (Drew) Pelletier of Orlando, FL; 20 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren, and his friend and care-giver Tammy McElroy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Dennis Stewart; and one infant brother.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home.
The memorial service for Mr. Stewart will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home with Pastor Dean Graber officiating. Burial will be in Forest Home Cemetery at a later date. Full military honors will be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard.
Memorials have been established for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Association.
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 Ira’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
