George “Bud” Keil of Flower Mound, TX was called home on Thursday, January 20, 2022. He was born August 9, 1942 in Quincy, IL to George and Margaret Keil. He spent his early years in the Bluff Hall Area where his German ancestors settled in the late 1800s.
Bud graduated from Quincy High School, where he played basketball and ran track. After graduation Bud attended Kirksville College in Kirksville, MO where he met his first wife, Beverly Logal. They were married in 1964 in Canton, MO and moved to California shortly after. They raised two sons, David and Keith Keil. They divorced in 1991 and remain good friends.
He moved to Texas and met Jane Skarlis Phillips from Burlington, IA short after. They were married in 1993.
Bud worked for JCPenney in California before being transferred to their corporate headquarters in Plano, TX. He retired at 55 after 30 years with the company.
Bud loved visiting with family and friends; and playing with his children and grandchildren. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who asked.
Bud is survived by Jane, his wife of 29 years; and former wife Beverly Ruflin, son David Keil and his partner Joanne, son Keith Keil, stepson Gus Phillips and his wife Joy, stepdaughter Sophie Phillips and her partner Andy Hamilton, grandchildren, Tyler Keil, Ellen Keil, Zoe Phillips, Brock Lyman & Abbie Lyman, his sisters Judy Reinold and her husband Bill, sister Mary Harre, several nieces and nephews; and his closest friends, Fred Brown.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Raymond and Mildred Logal: mother-in-law Frances Skarlis; brother-in-law Farrell Harre; and his beloved dog, Bitsy.
Bud was of the Christian faith. He was a former member of Salem Evangelical United Church of Christ in Quincy, Il. He was a current member of Creekwood Christian Church in Flower Mound, TX.
Bud was loved by many and everyone that knew him has a story or two to share.
The Graveside Committal Service for Mr. Keil will be 3:00 PM Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at Aspen Grove Cemetery with Pastor Harold Werley officiating.
In lieu of flowers Bud would prefer you take your family and/or friends out to breakfast and enjoy each other’s company.
Kathryn Margaret “Kay” Perry, 85, of Dallas City, Illinois, passed away at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at the Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois.
Kay was born September 16, 1936 in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Frederick and Katherine (Kensett) Morrow. On November 17, 1956 she married Jack E. Perry in Keokuk.
She was a member of the Durham United Methodist Church.
Kay was born and raised in Keokuk IA. and a graduate of the Keokuk High School. She had many jobs in her life including raising her 5 children. In the early 70’s Kay managed the Italian Village Restaurant and was also actively involved in many community events in Dallas City including; Planned Progress, the annual Dallas City Tomato Festival, instrumental in establishing the new elementary grade school and was a former Cub Scout Den Mother to name just a few. Kay was also known as a great baker in the local area making her homemade sweet rolls. Later in life she found her true passion in antiques and collectibles and from this passion, she formed her business, Kays Antiques and Things. She set up in Antique malls throughout SE Iowa and was well known at the Mt. Pleasant Old Threshers and What Cheer Flea Market in What Cheer, IA. Among other things that Kay enjoyed were reading books, playing cards, solitaire, and all the preparations and activities associated with the Christmas holidays with her family. Kay and her husband Jack were frequent swimmers at the YMCA in Ft. Madison, IA and enjoyed spending time with all their friends having coffee afterwards. She will be greatly missed.
Survivors include five children: Jim (Natalie) Perry of Effingham, Illinois, John (Teresa) Perry of Fort Madison, Iowa, Jenny Patten of St. Charles, Missouri, Jeff (Heidi) Perry of Spring Hill, Tennessee and Jason (Cheryl) Perry of Fort Madison; ten grandchildren: Renee (Jason) Kihne, Ashley (Mike) Janis, Jamie (Matt) Jones, Johnna (Danny) Boggess, Joshua Perry, Jarod (Karree) Patten, Julia (Luca) Patten, Rebekah Perry, Jake Perry and Jillian Perry and fourteen great-grandchildren: Kaleb, Gabe, Cory, Max, Owen, Maelynn, Maverick, Jenna Kay, Alyssa, Isabella, Madison, Samantha, Amelia and Lincoln. Also surviving is one brother: Vernon (Nancy) Morrow of Burlington, Iowa; one brother-in-law: Donald Arnold and three sister-in-laws: Janice Morrow, Judy Jahnke and Linda (Jerry) Skiles along with many nieces and nephews and her many care providers at the Heritage House and Hancock County Home Health Department in Carthage.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Jack; one sister: Carolee Arnold; one brother: James Morrow and one niece and nephew.
The funeral service for Mrs. Perry will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 30, 2022 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City with Rev. Jim Clayton officiating. Burial will follow in Harris Cemetery, near Dallas City.
The visitation with the family will be from noon until time of service Sunday at Banks & Beals in Dallas City.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established to help local charities. Contributions may be made to the Kathryn Perry Memorial Fund. To leave a condolence for the family, please visit Kay’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.
Peggy Ruth Van Amerongen, 71, of West Burlington, died at 10:10 PM Monday, January 24, 2022, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
Born November 17, 1950, in Mount Pleasant, she was the daughter of Harold D. and Helen Maxine Hudson Mendenhall. On October 9, 1971, she married Robert Van Amerongen at Harmony Bible Church.
She graduated from Mount Pleasant High School then attended Marian College in Indiana.
Peggy helped her husband with his business. She was a manager at Kingsley Inn in Fort Madison before managing Sunnybrook in Mt. Pleasant. Peggy later worked for EBS, now known as World Insurance, assisting and advocating for her clients. Peggy was a very hard worker and loved to help others.
She enjoyed going on walks and hiking. She loved to cook, especially for her church and youth groups at church. Peggy enjoyed music and helped run the sound system at church and organized children’s musicals. Most of all, Peggy enjoyed supporting her grandchildren in their many musical and sporting activities.
Survivors include her mother, Helen Mendenhall of Mount Pleasant; husband, Bob Van Amerongen of West Burlington; one son, Daniel (Genny) Van Amerongen of Ft. Wayne, IN; one daughter, Jennie (Christopher) Johnson of Mount Pleasant; six grandchildren, Laurel Van Amerongen, Cole Van Amerongen, Lily Van Amerongen, Tyler Johnson, Zachary Johnson and Cody Johnson; and two brothers, Larry Mendenhall of Corona, CA and Jerry (Melinda) Mendenhall of Murfreesboro, TN.
She is preceded in death by her father.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM with the family to receive friends Friday, January 28, 2022 at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home.
The memorial service for Mrs. Van Amerongen will be 1:00 PM Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home with Reverend Jason Unzicker officiating. Burial will be in Salem East Cemetery at a later date.
A memorial has been established.
A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Peggy’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
Centenarian Kenneth McChesney died on Monday, January 24 at the Great River Medical
Center in Burlington, Iowa. The youngest of Lee and Florence Mallory McChesney’s 11 children,
Kenny was born at home on October 21,1921. After graduating from Wapello High School in
1940, Kenny married his beloved bride, Betty Cutkomp, on December 25,1941, at the Wapello
Presbyterian Manse. Kenny and Betty were blessed with a son, Thomas Michael, a daughter,
Sandra Kay (son-in-law, Steve Ehrhardt), five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. In
his later years, Kenny loved recounting to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren how he’d
had his eye on Betty since the 4th grade. Married for 80 years, Kenny’s and Betty’s love for
each other was apparent to all who knew them.
Though Kenny was far too humble to accept the label, he embodied what Tom Brokaw
described as “The Greatest Generation.” A WWII Veteran, Kenny served as a staff sergeant in
the U.S. Army from 1942-1945, and was stationed in the Southwest Pacific with the G-2 section
of the 6th Army Headquarters, where he received a Bronze Star Medal for going above and
beyond the call of duty. Known for his work ethic and integrity, Kenny was the owner of
McChesney Produce for 24 years, a clerk and assistant manager of the Farmers Elevator &
Exchange for 24 years, and sold Pioneer Seed Corn for 24 years.
A man of deep Christian faith, Kenny was one of the Wapello Presbyterian Church’s longest
members, joining in 1939. In his 82-year membership there, he served as a Sunday School
teacher and superintendent, Elder, Clerk of the Session, and Usher.
Proud of being a lifelong Wapello resident, Kenny was always active in the community. He
served on the Wapello School Board, as Treasurer of the Wapello Kiwanis, on the Louisa
County Historical Society’s board, and was a VFW member.
For those who knew him, Kenny didn’t seem to age until he was well into his 90s. He could be
spotted shoveling snow from his rooftop or cleaning out his gutter, with Betty holding the ladder
down below for him, as recently as a few years ago. Kenny and Betty were blessed to live in
their own home for their entire life together, and once they’d stopped traveling, you could find
them at home in the evenings, eating popcorn, playing dominoes or Rummikub, and cheering
on the Iowa Hawkeyes basketball team.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers (Harold, Raymond [Jack], Rex [Big
Speck], George [Boni], Carl [Sucker], Robert [died in infancy], and Ralph [Little Speck], three
sisters (Helen Ryner, Mildred [Sis] Milligan, and one who died in infancy), his son Tom and
grandson Chris.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to either
the First Presbyterian Church of Wapello or the Louisa County Historical Society Museum.
James Arthur Marland Jr, 83, of Burlington died Saturday, January 22, 2022 at Arbor Court in Mt Pleasant, IA.
Born November 11, 1938 in East Providence, RI he was the son of James Arthur Marland Sr and Sarah Elizabeth (Hayes) Marland.
James enlisted in the U.S. Army and after that enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He married Patricia Motta on March 24, 2000. She died February 9, 2013.
James was a truck driver for Bartholomew Trucking where he retired from after 20 years of service.
He enjoyed talking on the CB radio.
Survivors include his sons James “Jimmy” Lavoie and David Marland of Massachussetts, Mark Marland of Burlington, Daniel Marland and George William Marland of California, and John Marland of Las Vegas, Nevada; daughters Debbie Marland of Massachussetts and Mary Marland of Burlington, Iowa; several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, three sisters and two brother.
Per his wishes, cremation has been accorded and entrusted to Lunning Chapel. There will be no services.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com
Audrey M. Tapke, 96, of West Burlington, died Saturday, January 22, 2022 at Klein Center.
Born, June 24, 1925 in Burlington, she was the daughter of George P. and Gertrude E. (Schmidt) Kulp.
Audrey graduated from Burlington High School.
She married Kenneth Wayne Tapke in Burlington on April 19, 1973. He died April 6, 2001.
Audrey was the purchasing clerk for Exide Battery Co in Burlington. Her work included accounting and she paid bills.
She was a member of Oak Street Baptist Church where she was involved in the seamsters sewing group and she worked on the white cross and church gowns. Audrey enjoyed painting and making ceramics.
Survivors include stepsons Ron W. (Linda) Tapke of Council Avoca, IA, Roger K. (Ruth) Tapke of Ellington, CT; stepdaughter Dorothy (Joe) Eaton of Aurora, IL; five grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, two sisters, two nieces and one nephew.
The memorial funeral service will be Friday, January 28, 2022 at Oak Street Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. with Tony Nye officiating. Inurnment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery following services. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
A memorial has been established for Oak Street Baptist Church.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com
Fred J. Ewing, 63, of Dallas City, Illinois, passed away at 7:22 a.m. Sunday, January 23, 2022 at his home.
Fred was born September 13, 1958 in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Robert Lyle and Lenna Marle (Bennett) Ewing.
Fred grew up the Carthage, Illinois area and graduate from the Carthage High School in 1976. Following high school he attended Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, Illinois. Fred worked several years as a welder for Fruehauf in Fort Madison, Iowa. He was employed for the past 15 years as a truck driver for Scanlan & Sparrow Trucking, Inc.
Fred never met a stranger and made friends wherever he went. His many friends and family referred to him as Uncle Ogre. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, traveling, reading and was a huge history buff.
Survivors include one sister: Mary Lynn of Germany; one local cousin: Jim (Shelley) Bennett and numerous other family members; his second family: Donald and Dyna Scanlan, Martin and Traci Sparrow and family, Jay and Tiffany Kosse and family, and Marc and Skye Sparrow and his Goddaughter: Carlie.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Cremation has been entrusted to Banks & Beals Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life and burial in the Elvaston, Illinois, Cemetery will be held this Spring. A memorial fund has been established for HUGS in Hancock County or the Dallas City Food Pantry. Memorials may be sent to the Fred Ewing Memorial Fund, c/o Scanlan & Sparrow Trucking, 1826 East State Highway 9, Dallas City, Illinois 62330.
To leave a condolence for his family, please visit Fred’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.
Ronald Dale Bjorklund, 75, of New London, died Sunday, January 23, 2022 at his home. He was born July 25, 1946 in Alexandria, Minnesota to Lloyd Andrew and Helen Marie (Aslagson) Bjorklund. On January 21, 2015, Ronnie suffered a stroke that altered his life and ability to communicate.
For many years, Ronnie worked as a car detailer. As a youth, he mowed yards and plowed gardens for folks in town. He was an excellent pool player and played on several leagues, enjoyed car races, flea markets, the pigeon show, fishing at East Lake Park, watching westerns on Grit Channel, and he was quite a practical joker.
Ronnie is survived by six siblings: Bonita (Gene) Kerr of Lake Saint Louis, Missouri; Gloria Detrick of Mt. Pleasant; David (Debby) Bjorklund of Ankeny, Iowa; Deborah (Rusty) Antel of Columbia, Missouri; Sharon Bjorklund of New London; and Tamara (Michael Harris) Bjorklund of New London; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Thomas and Phelan; and brothers-in-law John Williams and Jim Detrick.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at Elliott Chapel, New London with Pastor David Mixon officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM with the family present to greet friends beginning at noon until the time of the service. The family requests that masks be worn. Burial will follow at Burge Cemetery, rural New London. A memorial has been established for New London Fire and Rescue. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.
Ella Mae Osborne, 86, of Burlington, died at 7:30 PM Sunday, January 23, 2022, at the Azria Health Care Center in Mediapolis.
Born November 11, 1935, in Springtown, AR, she was the daughter of LeRoy and Carrie (Young) Adams. On October 17, 1952, she married Richard Lee Osborne in Kahoka, MO. He died November 24, 2014.
She worked at IRC, Automatic Vending, and as a postal worker delivering mail.
She enjoyed fishing, reading, and doing word searches. She had a great green thumb and loved gardening. She also loved playing games with her family, and occasionally snapping towels at them.
Survivors include her three daughters, Becky (Chris) Barr of Mount Pleasant, Janey (Bob) Timmerman of Wapello, Robbie (Randy) Ford of Niota, IL; seven grandchildren, Rob (Tina) Pforts, Ed (April) Pforts, Traci (Jason) Bender, Tammy Barr, Brandon (Cory) Ford, Sara (J.P.) Ware, and Haley Henn; 20 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Leana Powell of West Burlington and Cora Thie of Mediapolis; and several nieces and nephews.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Norma; and niece, Pam.
In liue of flowers, memorials have been established for her family and Azira Health Care Center.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
Inurnment will be held at a later date at Pleasant Grove Cemetery.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Ella’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
