Phyllis Louise Leffler, 93, of West Burlington, died Sunday, January 15, 2023, at her home.
Born October 10, 1929, in Wall Lake, Iowa, she was the daughter of Myron E. and Anna Belle Lee (Sailor) Gray. She married Donald Leffler on June 23, 1951, in Burlington, he died July 13, 2003.
Phyllis was a homemaker and worked as a teacher’s aide for West Burlington School District for many years. She was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ and the Elizabeth Circle of Kings Daughters.
She enjoyed sewing, reading, playing Scrabble and crossword puzzles. She loved taking car rides, bird watching, visiting with her neighbors and most importantly her time spent with her family and grandchildren. She was known to make the best chocolate milk shakes.
She is survived by her son, Kenneth (Cindy) Leffler of Fort Madison; two daughters, Donna Koett and Cindy Leffler both of West Burlington; grandchildren, Molly (Tobin) Krell, Nicholas Koett, Jean (Matt) Walker, Lindsay (Toby) Logan, Aaron Lafferty and Michelle Leffler (Dexter Chism); great grandchildren, Paige, Aidan, Jasmine, Dayton, Dayonna, Payton, Grayson, Harrison, Riggs, Saylor, Bodhi. Jaevian, Zach, Kaylee, Brice, Ryann and Kenzie.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one daughter Diane Lafferty, one sister Merideth Davis and brother Kenneth Gray.
The funeral service for Mrs. Leffler will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 19th at Lunning Chapel. Mr. Ned Fry will officiate. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the funeral service.
Memorials have been established for St. Paul’s United Church of Christ and Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com
Thomas Joseph Conrad, 70, of Burlington, died Tuesday, January 10, 2023, in Ft. Lauderdale.
Born May 16, 1952, in Fort Madison, IA, he was the son of Leonard and Marietta A. Mehmert Conrad. He met the love of his life, Trinh Than, and they later married in 1996 and had two children.
Thomas was the owner of Conrad Construction where he built grain bins and Conrad Family Farms.
Thomas was a very hard worker. He loved Ragbrai and traveled all over the world including Egypt and Costa Rica, where he built a house. In his younger years, he liked to have fun with his friends, loved music, enjoyed playing the electric guitar, and racket ball. He adored his wife and loved spending time with her and his family.
Survivors include wife, Trinh Than of Burlington; children, Christopher Conrad and Tiffany Conrad of Burlington; three sisters, Pat Holt of Davenport, Judi (Sam) Collora of Mount Pleasant, and Brenda (Jeff) Menke of Peoria, IL; four brothers, Frank (Susan) Conrad of Donnellson, Jeff Conrad of Keosauqua, Ron (Janet) Conrad of Orlando, FL, and Kevin (Barb) Conrad of Hillsboro, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be from noon until 7:00 PM with the family to receive friends 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division St.
The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection for Mr. Conrad will be 11:00 AM Thursday, January 19, 2023, at Divine Mercy Parish-SS. Mary and Patrick Catholic Church, West Burlington. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh Funeral Service following the service. Entombment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery at a later date.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
Elnora K. Reynolds, 97, of Burlington, died Sunday, January 15, 2023 at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House.
Born August 28, 1925 in Burlington, she was the daughter of Harvey Walker and Veda Elnora Headley Jones. She was of the Methodist faith.
Elnora graduated from Biggsville Illinois High School.
In May 1945 she married Donald Lord. They later divorced. On July 24, 1976 she married Doyle Reynolds in West Burlington. He died April 19, 2004.
Elnora was department manager at Montgomery Ward for 15 years, retiring in 1983. Prior to that she was the assistant store manager for Boston Store in Arizona.
Elnora loved sewing, needlework, putting puzzles together and reading, especially Danielle Steele. She was a former member of Methodist Women’s club and a co-leader of 4-H Club.
Survivors include her daughters Mary Mellinger of Burlington and Nancy Smith of Bardolph, IL; 13 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 18 great-great grandchildren; two sisters Barbara Ruth of West Burlington and Carol McCulley of Mt. Pleasant.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Doyle; four sons Gary Lord, Jeff Lord, Richard Lord and Robert Lord; two sisters Martha Hancock and Edna at birth; four brothers George Jones, Gene Jones, Tom Jones and Bruce Jones; two grandchildren Heath Lord and Chad Crow.
The service for Elnora will be 1:30 pm Friday, January 20th at Lunning Chapel. Interment will be at Aspen Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
A memorial has been established for the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com
Enid E. Mortland, 97, of Mt. Pleasant, peacefully passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Sunrise Terrace Nursing Home in Winfield, Iowa. The middle child of Howard and Christena Marion Boughton, she was born on November 18, 1925. Enid grew up in the depression, always ambitious, she learned the valuable trait of being resourceful with little means at a young age…..planting a garden, raising and dressing chickens and sewing her own clothes, on the family farm in New Sharon, Iowa. Fresh food was always plentiful. In 1943 she graduated high school and married her high school sweetheart, Bill Mortland on September 12, 1943. They farmed until Bill was called to serve in WWII in 1945 – He came home in 1947 to meet their two year old son, William Lee. Two more children followed; Carma Sue and Shirley Lou. Life was happy for them. She and Bill enjoyed square dancing and ballroom dancing. In 1961 Bill took a job and the family moved to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Missing her farming roots Enid embarked on a hobby of baking and decorating cakes … that hobby turned into a successful in home business…..and she became, affectionately, known in the area as the “Cake Lady”. From Baby, Birthday, Graduation, Wedding and some she always told “don’t tell them where you got this” ……she would tackle every imaginable theme the customer wanted. She also babysat in her home for precious children; Jerry Kerr, Angie Ross, Brenda & Duane Brown.
In 1982 she took a job at the New London Schools managing their Hot Lunch Program and the team soon became known for tasty nutritious meals under her direction for the student body and teachers too. At age 70 she tried to retire but soon found she still wanted to “stir her spoon” and began cooking at the Van Vorhies Haus. She again became known for her delicious meals and the pretty presentation she made for each plate. At the age of 91 she finally “really” retired.
She was a 39 year Breast Cancer survivor. A fierce advocate for mammography, she would frequently say “get your boobies checked, girls”!!!
Enid was widowed in 1984 and after maneuvering her way through grief she found another “dance partner” in Ole Olson. They spent most Friday and Saturday nights dancing at The Moose in Burlington. Life got more challenging as they aged and Ole passed away in 2022 … Enid’s heart hurt losing her faithful dance partner. The past few months she spent a lot of time reflecting and “looking out the window” of her life.
Enid is predeceased by her husband, Bill; her parents; a brother Merle; a son William Lee (Billy); grandchildren, Elizabeth, Brandt, & Brian Reiss; son-in-law, George Reiss, and dance partner Ole Olson.
She is survived by daughters, Carma Reiss of Van Horne and Shirley (Ben) Flam of New London; grandchildren, Robin (Jill) Daniel, Sarah (Corey) Finn, Heather (Shane) Mell; great-grandchildren, Allison, Quinn, Braden and Parker; great-great grandchildren, Natalie, Declan, Landry & Peyton; one sister, Lois (Leroy) Hurst, Oskaloosa, Iowa; nieces, Chris, Cindy and Becky; and her best friend from high school, Loretta Caves.
A memorial has been established for the Culinary Arts Department at Mt. Pleasant High School. Donations may be made (for tax deduction) to The Mt. Pleasant Community High School Foundation – Culinary Arts.
Per her wishes she will be cremated with a celebration of life at a later date.
Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.
Steven J. Miller, 60, of Mediapolis, entered Heaven’s gates on Friday, January 13, 2023 after a hard fought ten year battle with cancer. Steve was born August 24, 1962 in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa to John and Mary (Toft) Miller.
He was a graduate of Burlington High School and attended Cornerstone Community Bible Church in Mediapolis.
Steve absolutely loved nothing more than his children and grandchildren. His passion was to follow them to all of their sporting events and they could always find him in his same spot at every event. He was forever making others laugh and smile with his dry sense of humor and puns. Steve was a lifelong faithful Chicago Bears fan – no matter how difficult they made it at times.
He always told others that cancer was the best thing that ever happened to him, because it was then that he became a Christian. He held very closely and strongly to the hope of eternity with his Savior. When others asked him about his cancer battle, he simply said, “I just put it in God’s hands and trust Him”. What a legacy to leave behind.
Steve will be deeply missed by his children, Sara (Logan) Ealey of Wapello and Seth (Emma) Miller of Colorado; grandsons Lelan and Ridge Ealey; parents John and Mary Miller of Marion; and brothers Brad Miller of Davenport and Craig Miller of Ohio. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lewis and Fern E. Collins Miller and Byron and Ruth Toft.
According to his wishes his body has been cremated and private family inurnment will be held at Burge Cemetery, rural New London. A memorial has been established for his two beloved grandson’s education. Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be left at www.ellliottfuneralchapel.com.
Joann C. Meyer, 81, of Dallas City, Illinois, passed away at 6:38 a.m. Thursday, January 12, 2023 at the Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab in Stronghurst, Illinois.
Joann was born January 4, 1942 in Burrville, Tennessee, the daughter of Charles and Lucy (Potter) Brown. She was second youngest of eleven children. Joann spent much of her young life in Tennessee growing up along side her siblings, nieces and nephews. She spent the later half of her child hood in Joliet, IL. There she met the love of her life Herbert “Bud” Meyer. They were wed on March 24, 1962 and had 3 children, Connie, Bobby, and Randy. Joann and her family moved to Pontoosuc, IL in the summer of 1975 and remained in the Dallas City and surrounding areas. Bud preceded Joann in death on February 20, 2002.
Joann was an amazing cook and it was her favorite hobby. She worked as a cook at many local businesses including Pat’s Tap, the River view Supper Club, and the LaHarpe-Davier Health Center where she retired from. When she wasn’t cooking at the local restaurants, she was cooking for her family. The family’s favorite dishes were her famous chicken n’ dumplings, biscuits and gravy, and crab rangoon. The time spent surrounded by her children, 8 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren was especially important to Joann. Her family was her entire world and she showered them all with nothing but love and acceptance of who they were as individuals.
Survivors include three children: Connie Meyer of Mediapolis, Iowa, Bob (Melody) Meyer of Colusa, Illinois and Randy Meyer of Pontoosuc, Illinois; six grandchildren: Justin (Melissa) Tate, Chad Meyer, Randi Jo (Mark) Calvin, Ryan Meyer, Kenny (Anne) Meyer and Jessica (Collin) Gehringer; 21 great-grandchildren; one brother: Roger Dale (Betty) Brown of Joliet and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bud; her parents, Charlie and Lucy Brown; two grandsons Calvin and Daniel Meyer; four brothers and five sisters.
No services are planned per Joann’s request. Cremation has been entrusted to Banks & Beals Funeral Home.
A memorial fund has been established. Memorials and cards may be sent to Joann Meyer Memorial Fund, c/o Banks & Beals Funeral Home, P.O. Box 70, Dallas City, Illinois 62330.
To sign the guestbook and leave a condolence, please visit Joann’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.
Harold Rex Dovenspike, 69, of New London, died Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at his home. He was born July 13, 1953 in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa to Harold Orville and Marjorie Elaine Kirk Dovenspike. He was a 1971 graduate of New London High School. He served in the Air Force during the Vietnam war and in recent years enjoyed being on the military honor guard at Post 7641 in New London. He served as Post Junior Vice Commander and handled the poppy sales for the last several years. He worked at the Mental Health Institute in Mt. Pleasant and retired from dispatch at the WalMart Warehouse.
Rex was a homebody who enjoyed taking care of his property, but most important to him were his beloved pets, friends and neighbors.
According to his wishes, his body has been cremated and inurnment will be held at a later date. Elliott Chapel, New London is assisting with the arrangements and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.
Permelia “Bambi” Ellis, 47, of Burlington, was born into eternity Monday, January 9, 2023.
Through God’s infinite touch, Permelia was born December 21, 1975 to Elizabeth Ellis-Daniels. Bambi was the fourth eldest of her five siblings, Teresa, Lawrence, Curtis, Gail and John.
Bambi was a BIG spirit and she made a huge impact in her community and a big impression on the lives of everyone she came to know. She had a BIG HEART and is one of the strongest spirits we knew, and was always the life of the party.
She will long be remembered by many but most of all her family and friends.
Bambi leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved children, Earl, Kermontae, Keon, Keshawn, Kemar, Lacynthia, Daisia and Kialyah; her grandchildren, Kay-Den, Kermya, Kemojae, Kemarion and Rosella; her step-father, Lawrence Reed; nieces and nephews; and an innumerable amount of cousins and a host of friends she absolutely considered as family.
The family wishes to give a sincere thanks to Permelia’s long-time friends and deep gratitude for the many expressions of sympathy, love and acts of kindness shown to us in our time of bereavement.
A homegoing celebration will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, January 21st at Lunning Chapel.
Cremation has been accorded and entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel.
Gaylon “Nap” Naifeh, 75, of Burlington, died Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.
Born January 27, 1947, in Hampton, IA, he was the son of Rudolph Gaylon and Frances Amy Moore Naifeh.
He graduated from Burlington High School.
He served in the U.S. Air Force for 4 years. While serving in the AirForce, he met his future wife, Becky, in Austria. They were married in 1970.
Nap worked at his family’s grocery store, Naifeh’s, until he took over for his parents. He later opened a carwash and a video store, right across the street.
Nap was known to be a very hard worker. In his free time, he enjoyed shooting pool and loved going on the river, boating and fishing. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. Nap enjoyed watching westerns, his favorites starred John Wayne. Nap loved animals, socializing with his friends and talking to his grandkids on the phone.
Survivors include his wife, Becky Naifeh of Burlington; son, Eric Naifeh; daughter, Natalie Naifeh; four grandkids, Samantha, Nicholas, Tristan, and Riley; and brother, Tom (Karen) Naifeh of New Jersey.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
A memorial has been established for Southeast Regional Hospice.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
Gary Dean Dalton, 66, of Pleasant Grove, died Monday, January 9, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.
Born October 23, 1956, in Davenport, Iowa, he was the son of Donald and Grace Dalton. He married Caroline Gilbertson on September 9, 1978.
Gary served in the Army, towards the end of the Vietnam War. He worked as a hoistman for the mines for US Gypsum plant Sperry for 28 years until his recent retirement.
Gary used to love riding his Harley. He enjoyed watching the birds and squirrels and loved fishing. He loved visiting with everyone. He helped raise many children over the years, including many nieces and nephews. Gary loved his family most of all.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Caroline Dalton, of Pleasant Grove; daughters, Jammie (Rene) Castillo, Tina Dalton and Mandi (Jesus) Solomon; Angel Dalton, Ahna (Dylan) Dalton; sons Nicholas Dalton, Jeremiah Dalton, Evan Dalton, Noah Dalton; step-son, Matt (Monique) Lafollette; 11 grandchildren; two great grandchildren Caroline and Kylan and one on the way; one sister, Roxanne (Kerry) Bahr and two brothers, Mark Dalton and Keith (Kathy) Dalton.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Rick Dalton.
The funeral service for Gary will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 21st at Lunning Chapel with Bob Dowell will officiate. The Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard will conduct military rites. Interment will be in Shinar Cumberland Cemetery, Pleasant Grove. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 20th at Lunning Chapel where the family will receive friends.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com
