Obituaries for Wednesday November 27th

Roger Allen Dowell, 77, of Lomax, died Friday, November 22, 2024, at the Mercer Manor Rehabilitation in Aledo.

Born March 1, 1947, in La Harpe, IL, he was the son of Cleo Benjamin and Edith Marcella Miller Dowell.

Roger worked as an inspector for Ross Manufacturing. He also worked as a handyman around the area.

He enjoyed spending time outdoors or finding great deals at auctions or sales. He had a great singing voice. Roger was a very giving, witty and personable man. He was very devoted to his family, especially his mother.

Survivors include four sisters, Theresa Kaye Snowden of Burlington, and her children; Bradley, Bruce and Gina, sister, Tanya Chewning of Kirkwood, IL, and her children Antonia and Frankie, sister, Marsha A. Trout of Stronghurst, IL, and her son Chris, sister Dawn (Darran) Dowell Reverend of Burlington, and her children, Laura, Tara and Dustin; additional nieces and nephews, Marcella, Schlena, Harley, Nicole, Axel, Levi, Christina, Kevin and Brett. Roger is survived by his long time life companion Jan Todd and her daughter, Trina (Randy) Scull, three grandchildren, Kaleb (Krisden) Todd, Hanna Nail and Jenna Nail, four great grandchildren. He is also survived by a honorary son, Roger Dowell and many other people who looked up to him as a father figure.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers Richard Duane, Randall Lewis, Benny Leon, and Tommy Warren Dowell and one sister, Joan Elaine Gerling

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.

A memorial has been established for his family.

Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.

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

 

 

Gilberta Rose Griffith, age 84, of Burlington, Iowa, passed away Sunday, November 24, 2024 at  Addington Place of Burlington, Iowa.  She was born February 6, 1940 in Dodgeville, Iowa, the daughter of Gilbert and Dorothy Perdue Walker.  She married David L. Morris on October 18, 1958.  They later divorced.  On April 6, 2002, she married Richard Griffith at The Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.  He preceded her in death on December 10, 2022.
Gilberta was the housekeeping manager for Meling’s motel in Monmouth, Illinois for many years.  She also helped on the family farm near Gladstone and with the family construction business. She then lived in Wellman, Iowa for several years, moving back to the Burlington area in the spring of 2023, following the death of her husband, Richard.
Survivors include one son: David C. (Diana Garst) Morris of Gladstone, IL, two daughters: Leann (Darren) Blakley of Laurie, MO, Roberta Morris of Gladstone, IL, five grandchildren: Donald “Beau” Morris, Brooke Floyd, Alexander Potter, Amanda Bielser, and Boone Peterson, twelve great grandchildren, one brother: Max (Margaret) Walker of Kingston, IA, and three sisters: Joyce Schrader of Burlington, IA, Donna Rice of Biggsville, IL, and Marjorie Ross of Kewanee, IL.  She was preceded in death by her parents,  husband: Richard, and one son: Russell Lee Morris.
Visitation for Gilberta will be from 10:00 until 11:30 a.m. Saturday, November 30 , 2024, followed by a funeral service at 11:30 a.m. at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst.  Burial will follow in the Olena Cemetery, Olena, IL.  Memorials may be made to St Jude Child

Robert M. Fleming, Jr., 93, of Burlington, IA passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Lone Tree, CO while visiting family.

Born on March 28, 1931 in Burlington, he was the son of Robert and Mary (Finnegan) Fleming. He married Patricia J. Trautner on April 24, 1954 and together had five children. After her passing, he found love again, marrying Anita (McKaughan) Jochims on July 12, 2002, because Bob always knew how to choose a winning partner.

Bob graduated from St. Paul’s Catholic School and then the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. His education took a brief pause when he decided to serve his country as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force at Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. After his military service he returned home to the University of Iowa, graduating with a Business Administration degree in 1956. He has remained a loyal Hawkeye fan ever since and will continue to cheer them on from heaven “forevermore”.

Bob began his professional career with The Winegard Company in 1956 and served in numerous leadership roles, including Vice President of Marketing and Vice President of Sales. His hard work and dedication earned him a return in retirement as a mentor/consultant, where he earned the nickname “The Deuce” from colleagues. He proudly dedicated his entire career, 40 years, to the Winegard Company until 1995.

His love for Burlington extended far beyond his job. Bob was very dedicated to his community serving two terms as a member of the Burlington City Council. Bob spearheaded the form of government from council-mayor to council-city manager.  He contributed his time and talents to numerous boards including BADCO, Burlington Bank & Trust, Notre Dame School Board, Winegard Company, and the Burlington Golf Club. His 43 years on the Great River Health System Board of Directors-several of those as Chairman-left such an impression that the boardroom was dedicated to his service and now bears his name. His many accomplishments and awards he received include the Emmy Award (Citizen of the Year), Boy Scouts Distinguished Citizen Award, and most recently, the Eight Over 80 Award from the University of Iowa in 2024. In retirement, Bob didn’t slow down; he just changed gears. He became a substitute teacher at Notre Dame Schools, where students and staff quickly learned that his sense of humor and no-nonsense approach were as sharp as his business acumen. He treasured his role at Notre Dame where the students loved and respected him greatly.

He is survived by his wife, Anita, one sister, Sheila Fleming of Evanston, IL; five children, Kevin (Cindy) of Plano, TX; Kathy (Craig) Perkins of Parker, CO; Sheila Fleming of Pittsboro, NC; Brian Fleming (his favorite) and K.C. (Beth) Fleming of Burlington; four stepsons, Jeff (Margo) Jochims, Chris Jochims, Greg (Shelley) Jochims, and Mike Jochims; 17 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia (Trautner) on December 30, 1999; his parents and three brothers John (Tampa, FL), Terry (Denver, CO) and Joseph (Burlington, IA).

The Rosary Service is scheduled for 4:00 PM Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at Divine Mercy Parish-St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Following the rosary, the family will receive friends until 7:00 PM.

The Memorial Mass of the Resurrection for Mr. Fleming will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at Divine Mercy Parish-St. Paul’s Catholic Church with Rev. Father Jake Greiner as the Celebrant.  A gathering of fellowship and luncheon will follow at the Burlington Golf Club, 2124 Sunnyside Avenue. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Great River Health Foundation and Burlington Notre Dame Foundation.

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 Bob’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.

Lorie Lynn VanAmerongen, 61, of Winfield, died Saturday, November 23, 2024 at her home surrounded by family.  She was born July 11, 1963 in Charleston, Illinois to Robert Ray and Patsy Joan Cutright Blunk.  She was a 1981 graduate of New London High School and earned a degree in horticulture at Southeastern Community College.  She was of the Methodist faith.

On April 15, 1983, she married Bill VanAmerongen in New London.  She worked at Metromail, Motorola/Celestica, and as a SMT operator at Winegard.

Lorie enjoyed working with her plants and gardening; antiquing and going to flea markets; motorcycle riding; camping with her husband; anything to do with the outdoors; and all animals, especially her cats.  She loved being with her family and everyone else was always her first priority.

Survivors include her husband; her children Robert “Beau” of Winfield, Wilson “Will” of New London, and Lillian “Lily” of Winfield; three grandchildren, Hadley, Carson and Stella; sister Tena (Roy) Dixon of Burlington; brother Mike Blunk of Milton, Iowa; nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents Robert Blunk and Patsy Isle; her brother Tony, and sister Anna.

According to her wishes, her body has been cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family and online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.