James Michael Livengood, age 84, a man of great integrity and kindness, passed peacefully while holding his wife’s hand on Aug. 12, 2025. Jim was lucky to live a full and wonderful life with his best friend, Mary June (McDonough) Livengood, whom he married in 1963.
Jim grew up in Burlington, Iowa, where his gift for conversation meant he never met a stranger. His word was his bond, and to those who knew him, a handshake from Jim was as solid as a signed contract. He was a master storyteller – whether in print, on the airwaves, or in telling long, laughter-filled jokes.
Jim was a proud graduate of Burlington High School (1959) and Iowa State University (1963), where he earned a degree in technical journalism and enjoyed camaraderie as a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
His career in communications began in 1958 at KBUR radio in Burlington. He recalled in a 1987 Hawk Eye interview, “I was hired Nov. 29, 1958, and was paid $1 per hour… It was the best thing that could’ve ever happened to me.”
Jim worked for The Hawk Eye newspaper in the summer of 1961. Following college graduation he worked for the Columbia Basin Herald in Moses Lake, Washington. In 1964, he returned to KBUR as an advertising representative, later becoming advertising manager in 1978 and, in 1987, general manager of KBUR and its sister station KGRS-FM.
In 1988, Jim and his wife Mary, along with a partner, purchased the radio stations, returning them to local ownership for the first time since 1961. Jim and Mary retired after selling the stations in 1996 and were lucky to share nearly 30 additional years together with family, friends and exploring the world.
Among Jim’s many civic and volunteer endeavors were: Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce, Burlington Area Development Corporation, Burlington Medical Center Institutional Review Committee, Burlington Noon Lions Club, Des Moines County March of Dimes, GRADE A+, Great River Health Systems, Iowa Area #16 Adult Education Committee, Iowa Broadcasters Association (past president), Knights of Columbus, National Association of Broadcasters, Southeast Iowa Council Boy Scout Advisory Board, St. Francis Hospital Board of Directors and the Burlington Area United Way. He was also a 40-year member of Carthage Lake Hunting and Fishing Lodge.
Jim enjoyed camping, fishing, and duck hunting, and later developed a passion for snorkeling and scuba diving. He also earned his pilot’s license as a young adult and enjoyed flying his family. Jim also sailed competitively and leisurely, with the Virgin Islands and the islands of the Lesser Antilles among his favorite destinations.
Jim loved to explore and connect with the world through travel as well as amateur radio. He secured his first amateur radio license at age 14 and remained active for another 70 years. He proudly participated in a plethora of radio contests and some DX-peditions in remote parts of the world. He even carried a portable HAM radio in his travels to be able to transmit from other countries. His primary call sign was W0NB, which now becomes a silent key.
Always up for an adventure, Jim immersed himself in learning a new language in his 70s and hiked the entirety of the Camino de Santiago with Mary.
He utilized his time at home during the early days of the COVID pandemic to write a collection of stories. A family favorite passage in the book reflects upon the moment he first met Mary while he was crafting milkshakes at the Dairy Sweet when he was only 16. He said, “I think my heart did a flip-flop right then.” They became fast friends and, well, the rest is a spectacular love story that spanned well over six decades.
Jim is survived by the love of his life, Mary Livengood; daughters, Susan (Robb) Junker, Shivaun (Chris) McCann, and Jennifer (Seth) Baruch; grandchildren, Alex and Nick (Grace) Junker, Keely and James Michael McCann, and Benjamin, Maya, and Olivia Baruch. He is also survived by his brother, Tom Livengood and sister, Kathy Livengood.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Mary Rita (Kelly) Livengood.
Jim will be remembered for his boundless curiosity, devotion to family and the way he made friends everywhere he went.
Respecting Jim’s wishes, his body has been cremated, and a private celebration of life will be held at a later date with “his girls” and their families.
Jim’s family kindly invites those who wish to honor him to share a memory or message on St. John Funeral Home in Bainbridge, Ohio online message board at www.stjohnfh.com.
Doris Helen Johnson, 78, of Burlington, died Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
Born March 20, 1947, in Fort Madison, IA, she was the daughter of Austin Calvin Myers and Mildred Elizabeth Strunk. She was raised in Wapello by her mother and step-father, Jerry L. Pogemiller. On September 22, 2003 she married Dale “Ed” Johnson in Las Vegas.
She was a 1965 graduate of Wapello High School. She later attended University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.
Dori worked for the Iowa Department of Human Services in various locations across the state until her retirement.
She enjoyed traveling, antiquing/treasure hunting and baking her favorite deserts. Dori had a green thumb, and took great joy in gardening, growing and arranging flowers and worked seasonally for Ace Florist during the holidays. A devoted friend and family member, Dori cherished time spent with loved ones and always made an effort to stay in contact, whether in person or over the phone.
Survivors include her husband, Ed Johnson of Burlington; two children, Samantha (Cliff) Freeman of Dallas, TX, and Jon (Tara) Perrin of Muscatine; four grandchildren, Alex Freeman, Jace Bierman, Riley Perrin, and Wyatt Perrin; one sister, Lori (John) Yotter of Decatur, IL; several nieces and nephews; three aunts, Jeanette Brasfield, Bernice Budke, and Ruthie Haley; additional family members, Shane (Megan) Johnson of Pekin, and Kendra (Jamie) McCabe of Biggsville, IL and several extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her father, mother, step father and sister, Mary Jean Stokes.
Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM Friday, August 29, 2025 at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.
The memorial service for Dori will be 11:00 AM Friday, August 29, 2025, at Prugh Funeral Service. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh Funeral Service following the service. Burial will be held in Wapello Cemetery.
A memorial has been established.
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 Dori’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
Nick Brown, 46, of Burlington, died Friday, August 22, 2025, at his home.
Born September 1, 1978, in Burlington, he was the son of Tim Edward and Gayle Allene Oldham Brown.
Following his graduation from high school, Nick earned his Associates Degree from SCC. Nick worked as a machinist for a variety of different companies during his career. He thoroughly enjoyed his profession and was very passionate about it.
Nick enjoyed target shooting, riding 4-wheelers and tinkering on his vehicles. He always seemed to be working on something. Nick’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment in life were his three children, who were the center of his world. He cherished every moment with them-whether it was sharing laughter, offering guidance, or simply hanging out. He loved them with a depth that could be felt in everything he did.
Survivors include two daughters, Morgan Brown of Taylor Ridge, IL and Gracy Brown of Marion, IA; son, Michael Brown of Burlington, siblings, Lisa (Rob) Perrenoud of Mount Pleasant, twin brother, Mike (Carrie) Brown of Danville, Tim (Shawna) Brown of Burlington, Terry (Lisa) Saldeen, Bill (Sally) Saldeen, Bob Saldeen and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents and brother, Trent Brown.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Nicholas’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
Carl Leslie Turner, 70, of Danville, died Saturday, August 23, 2025, at his home.
Born July 11, 1955, in Mount Pleasant, IA, he was the son of Leonard Frank and Kathryn Adele Hemmings Turner.
Carl graduated from Danville High School in 1974. He later attended trade school, Colorado Community College for gunsmithing in 1976.
He was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving during Operation Desert Storm.
Prior to his service he worked as a mechanist at Heatilator. Once Carl returned to Southeast Iowa, he worked for Innovaire until his retirement.
He was a former member of Long Creek Methodist Church. Carl enjoyed fishing and growing hot peppers. He had a soft spot for cats, and took in many strays over the years.
Survivors include his siblings, Nancy (Dale) Knezevich of Duluth, MN, Dale Turner of Danville, Patrick Turner of Mt Pleasant, and Paul Turner of Las Vegas, NV; eight nieces and nephews; and numerous great nieces, great nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one niece.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
Burial will be held at Long Creek Cemetery outside of Danville at a later date.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
Deborah Alter, 73, of Burlington, died Sunday, August 24, 2025, at the Arbor Court in Mount Pleasant.
Born February 23, 1952, in Cedar Rapids, she was the daughter of Lawrence and Margaret O’Hara Dodge. On May 17, 2003, she married William “Bill” Alter in Burlington.
She graduated from Cedar Rapids Kennedy in 1971, where she channeled her love of swimming by competing in the school’s swim team.
Deborah held various jobs throughout her career, including positions at Springhouse in Cedar Rapids, La Mont, Antennacraft, and most recently as a CNA at Prairie Ridge in Mediapolis.
She had recently started attending First Baptist Church in Mediapolis. Deborah enjoyed camping, fishing, and crocheting doilies and washcloths. Deborah liked to cheer on the Iowa Hawkeyes and her favorite holiday was Christmas. Above all, her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband, Bill Alter of Burlington; two daughters, Wendy Sims and Kelly (Gilbert) Noble both of Burlington; four grandchildren, Justin, Jeremy, Makinze, and Joseph; eight great grandchildren; sister, Pam (David) Mehring of Cedar Rapids; and brother, Steven Dodge of Wyoming, IA.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, brother Lawrence Dodge and great-grandson, Payten.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
A celebration of life will be held from 1:00 PM till 3:00 PM, Sunday, September 7, 2025 at Perkin’s Park Shelter House.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Deborah’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
