Lea Anne Kirby, born November 1, 1952, passed away June 24, 2024.
Born Lea Anne Bonar, she was the only daughter to James Bonar and Bertha Wilson Bonar. She had five brothers. (One of six children)
She graduated from Burlington High School in 1970. On December 1, 1973, she married Gary Kirby.
Lea Anne was a caregiver by nature. She looked after her two younger brothers, nieces and nephews and was a caregiver to her parents, when their health declined. She also raised her two children, Kyle and Kasie, and claimed all of their friends as her own.
During this time, she was also a bookkeeper and secretary at her two older brother’s businesses, Delta Auto Sales and Car Depot. Family and friends were everything to Lea Anne. Her home was your home and everyone called her mom.
She loved bowling, and began bowling at the age of 18, until she couldn’t anymore. She loved to travel and always looked forward to bowling nationals. She loved to read, sometimes reading three books simultaneously and she enjoyed going to the casino.
She was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes and St. Louis Cardinals fan, loved playing cards, especially Pitch, watching Tiktok (Ticky-Tok) and collecting recipes. She was an animal lover, owning many cats and dogs and most importantly, her favorite thing to do was dote on her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband Gary Kirby; her two children, Kyle Kirby and Kasie Kirby; two grandchildren, Brinks Kirby and Bristol Kirby; five brothers, Tommy Bonar, Randy Bonar, Perry Bonar, David Bonar and James (Kelli) Bonar Jr. and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
According to her wishes, there will be no services. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel. A celebration of life is planned at a later date.
A memorial has been established.
Lorraine E. Wirt, 91 rural Burlington, passed away Monday, June 24, 2024 at her home.
Born October 2, 1932, in Burlington, she was the daughter of George Carl Niebuhr and Viola Louise (Schwartz) Niebuhr. She married James Wirt Jr. on April 8, 1956 at Zion United Church of Christ in Burlington.
Lorraine lived on her husband Jim’s family farm after they married. They retired at the end of 1992.
She graduated in 1951 from Burlington High School. After graduation she worked at the Northwestern Telephone Company and Yetter Oil Company until she married and moved to the farm near Kingston. She baked wedding cakes for thirty years, enjoyed going to Hawaii, her flowers and birds, playing Mexican train dominoes and her family. She was an active member of Kingston United Methodist Church.
Survivors include two sons Rick Allan (Sandy) Wirt of rural Burlington and Steven Wayne (Cindy) Wirt of Mediapolis; two daughters Debra Sue Wirt and Tamara Kae Wirt both of Burlington; three granddaughters, Michele (Colin) Gerst of Burlington, Jaci Wirt of St. Louis, Missouri, and Krista (Tony) Kempker of New London; four great grandchildren, Madison Paige Gerst, Kaylie Breanne Gerst, Ava Jane Kempker and Levi James Kempker; sister-in-law Donna Schrader and several nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Jim, brother Wayne Niebuhr, son-in-law Larry Burr, brothers-in-law Bill Schrader, Bill Foley, and Allan Wirt and sisters-in-law Betty Foley and Mary Tasker.
The funeral for Lorraine will be 10 AM Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Lunning Chapel with Pastor Earlene Lekwa and Pastor Brian Berges officiating. Friends may call 9 AM to 8 PM Friday, June 28, 2024 at Lunning Chapel. The family will not be present. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.
A memorial for Kingston United Methodist Church has been established.
Laurine “Rene” A. Skerik, 82, of Burlington, died Friday, June 21, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Born September 20, 1941, in Burlington she was the daughter of Clarence J. and Margaret L. (Dunn) Belger.
Rene was a graduate of the Burlington Catholic Schools and on August 9, 1960 at St. Patrick Catholic Church she was united in marriage to William “Bill” D. Skerik in Burlington. Bill preceded Rene in death on April 8, 2006.
Rene was a Homemaker and a member of Divine Mercy Parish.
Rene’s passion in life was her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren! She loved attending all their sporting activities, cooking for Holiday dinners, and was a pizza expert.
Survivors include her children; Brian Skerik of Lombard, IL., Debbie (Bob) Caffrey, Darren (Melissa Baker) Skerik, and Lisa (Dave) Weyls all of Burlington; grandchildren, Katie, Joe, Jenna, Josh, Jeremy, Nicholas, Logan, Tia, Brittny, Ali, Abby, Sarah, and Emily; great grandchildren; Daeson, Koa, Rya, Andi, Mason, Noah, Addison, Isla, Silas, Sebastian, Auynx, Jordy, Hudson, Emma, Nicholas, and one more on the way. Siblings; James William “Bill” (Linda) Belger of Burlington, Phyllis Spilman of Mundelein, IL and Kathryn (John) Hertel of Colorado Springs, CO; and several nieces and nephews.
Rene was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bill, three great grandchildren; Cadyn, Adalyn, MiKayla Cloke; and her sister MaryLou Murk.
The Rosary will be recited at 5 pm Thursday, June 27th with visitation following until 7 PM at Lunning Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 am Friday, June 28th, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Divine Mercy Parish. The Rev. Father Jacob Griener will be the celebrant. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com
Chester Eugene “Gene” Bowman, 80, of Carman, Illinois, passed away at 11:58 p.m. Saturday, June 22, 2024 at the Roseville Nursing & Rehab Center in Roseville, Illinois.
Gene was born August 14, 1943 in Carman the son of Chester A. and Stella Marie (Stimpson) Bowman. On June 21, 1966 he married Cathy Staub at the Stronghurst Christian Church, Stronghurst, Illinois.
Gene spent all of his life in the Carman area. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army. Following his military service he work at JI Case in Burlington, Iowa. He stayed active in his retirement by working part-time at Doran &Ward Packaging in Burlington. He enjoyed fishing and bowling. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and a member of the NRA and Ducks Unlimited.
Survivors include his wife, Cathy, two sons: Shawn Eugene Bowman of Dallas City, Illinois and Douglas Dewayne (Christy) Bowman of Nekoma, Illinois; three grandchildren: Emily, Bradley and Brandi; one great-grandchild: Kennedy; two brothers: Steven (Terri) Bowman of Carman and Phillip Bowman of Dallas City; one sister Diane Bowman of Kirkwood, Illinois and special friends: Roger and Donna Schaley.
He was preceded in death by his parents: one brother: Edwin Bowman and two sister: Linda Weaver and Kate Cartwright.
Cremation has been entrusted to Banks & Beals Funeral Home. No services are planned.
Cards may be sent to Cathy Bowman, P.O. Box 93, Dallas City, Illinois 62330. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Gene’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.
Glenn Edward Mason, 83, of Burlington, died Friday, June 21, 2024, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.
Born August 15, 1940, in Mount Pleasant, he was the son of Glenn Eldwin and Eleanor Florine Mason. On July 28, 1962, he married Janice Mosena. She died on June 19, 1992. On January 29, 2001, he married Debra Sue Jay Westlake. She died on November 27, 2021.
He was a 1958 graduate of Burlington High School.
Immediately after High School at age 17, he joined the U.S. Marines. He was a welder and machines working on two ships. On his down time he was a boxer for the Marines, and claimed to win all his matches. He was a U.S. Marines Veteran, serving during June 10, 1958 until June 9, 1961.
Ed worked as the Quality Division Chief of the Department of Defense for the Army Ammunition Plant. He retired after 28 years.
He was a member of many area organizations, including; The Hamilton-Walters Marine Corps, American Legion, Trikers of the 3rd Wheel, Moose, Eagles, and Boy Scouts as a troop leader for many years. He was a pool shark and never missed a day. Ed loved to drive and would be the first one to volunteer to drive. He traveled with his wife Debra, all over the U.S to watch Rodeos. Ed was the original gadget man and was a collector of all things. He loved spending time with his three grandkids, Kaden, Kenna, and Kenli, and was even affectionately know as grandpa Ed to the daycare children. Ed never knew a stranger and will be missed for his jokes.
Survivors include step-daughter, Heidi Sue (Damon) Westlake of Burlington; three grandchildren, Kaden, Kenna, and Kenli Westlake all of Burlington; two sisters-in-law, Kathy Jay of Wever and Julie Luttenegger of Burlington; brother-in-law, John (Diana) Jay of Burlington; and cousins, nieces and nephews.
Besides his two wives, he was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Scott Mason.
Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM with the family to receive friends Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.
The funeral service for Mr. Mason will be 11:00 AM Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street. Full military honors will be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh Funeral Service following the burial.
Memorials have been established for Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House and Hamilton-Walters Marine Corps.
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 Ed’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
Larry Dwayne Rose Jr., 57, of Burlington, died Thursday, June 13, 2024 in Ohio.
Born October 27, 1966 in Burlington, he was the son of Larry Dwayne Rose Sr. and Marilyn Kay (Black) Rose. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church.
Larry graduated from Burlington High School in 1985. He was a journeyman electrician for Woodsmall Electric for 25 years. Prior to that he had worked for Menninga Electric and JoAnn Plastics.
Larry was a member of the Marine Corp League Auxiliary. He enjoyed participating in civil war reenactments, playing video games, hunting and fishing when his dad was around.
Survivors include his mother, Marilyn of Burlington; one daughter Brieanna (Nick Dillon) Rose of West Burlington; one son Scott (Ronnie Long) Rose of Burlington; two granddaughters Abrieauna Rose and Kayleigh Hale; two sisters Jean (Harvey Blint) Johnson and Tammy Lipper both of Burlington; nieces and nephews Michael Johnson, Sarah Blint, Brandon Lipper and Kayla Lipper; best friend since middle school, Ricci Rios and several great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, and his maternal and paternal grandparents.
The celebration of life for Larry will be 1pm, Sunday, July 7, 2024 at the machinist hall in Middletown. A potluck reception will be held. Please bring a side dish to share. Dessert will be provided. Inurnment will be at a later date in Oquawka Illinois Cemetery.
A memorial for funeral expenses has been established.
Douglas Alan Fenton, 65, of Burlington, Iowa, died June 21, 2024, at his home in hospice care surrounded by his wife, daughters and family.
Born June 7, 1959, he was the son of Donald William and Doris Eileen (Jones) Fenton. On September 26, 1981, he married the love of his life, Dawn Lynn Reverend at First Christian Church in Burlington, Iowa.
Doug attended Mediapolis High School. He owned and operated The Roofing Company and Fenton Sales and Pawn since 2009. Doug enjoyed fishing and hunting. Most of all he enjoyed teaching these skills to his daughters and grandchildren. He enjoyed being race car driver and loved watching racing, hunting and fishing shows.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Dawn; three daughters: Dustina Fenton, Danielle Fenton and Dakoah Fenton; three grandchildren: Dawnyel Fenton, Danica Goble and Douglas Wasson; two brothers: Donald D. Fenton and Dwayne P. (Kerri) Fenton. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, cousins, brother Dean W. Fenton and Christopher Fenton.
Per his wishes, Doug gave the gift of sight through tissue donation. Cremation has been accorded and entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery in Burlington, Iowa.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com.
