Wayne Edward Johnson, 76, of Danville, died Sunday, February 1, 2026, at his daughter’s home in Saint James, Missouri. He was born in Burlington on May 23, 1949 to Cecil R. and Patricia M. Schaefer Johnson. He married Diana “Dee” Ruth McCabe on July 26, 1968 in Middletown, Iowa. She died February 20, 2025.
His family moved from Burlington to Kahoka, Missouri, then back to Danville when he was a child. Wayne attended school in Revere, Missouri and Danville. He was a member of West Burlington Christian Church and New London Christian Church.
He worked at Lehigh Leopold in West Burlington until they closed in 1990. He then got his CDL, and worked for Single Source, CRST-Cedar Rapids, and Ruan-Hon, and was very proud that he achieved a Million-mile safety award. He also worked at Phelps Field Tile Company in New London. Wayne was an excellent woodworker and proudly built their family dining room table. He was a member of the Moose and Lions Clubs; in the 1970’s was a TroupMaster for Boy Scouts; volunteered at Old Threshers Main Ground and Campground since he was sixteen years old; enjoyed camping with his wife; being with his family; and Cardinals baseball. He loved fishing, enjoyed watching the cardinals, grew beautiful roses and since moving to his daughter’s in Missouri, he loved sitting on her front porch watching the cars go by, listening to the windchimes and watching the birds in the birdhouses. He enjoyed watching Grit TV, reading Louis L’Amour books; very much enjoyed his Danville coffee group and never knew a stranger.
Survivors include his sons Michael Johnson of Austin, Texas and Joshua (Brandi) Johnson of Burlington; daughters Michelle (Troy) Warth of St. James, Missouri and Johanna Hand of Clarksville, Tennessee; nineteen grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; brothers Terry Johnson of Bible Grove, Missouri and Harry Johnson of Downing, Missouri; sister Sharon (Neil) Cornwell of Winfield, Iowa; nieces, nephews and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; and brother Van Johnson.
Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, Sunday, February 8, 2026 at Elliott Chapel, New London, with the family receiving friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. The Funeral Service will be at 10:00 AM Monday, at New London Christian Church with Pastors Rod and Nathan Cooper officiating. The family requests that friends wear western or Cardinals baseball attire for the service. Burial will follow at Prairie Grove Cemetery, rural West Burlington. Memorials have been established for Be There Ministries in Ethiopia and New London Christian Church. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.
James “Jamie” W. Schultz, 68, of Burlington, died Monday, February 2, 2026 at his home. He was born January 24, 1958 in Galesburg, Illinois to Rodney E. Sr. and Jacqueline E. Kuhl Schultz. He was of the Methodist faith.
He took auto body classes at Carl Sandberg College in Galesburg and worked as a truckdriver for Cessford and did concrete work for Carl A. Nelson Company and Raymond Smith Construction. Jamie enjoyed music and art; mowing; walking the dogs; and when it snowed, he plowed the entire neighborhood. He was the type of man who would pull over to check on someone, even in the rain. Despite everything against him, he was fiercely independent. If you knew Jamie, you were a lucky person. He was a devoted father and Dog Grandpa to Kali and Capri.
Jamie is survived by his son Hunter (Mikayla) James Schultz; sister Patty (Will) Miner of Oquawka, Illinois; brother Rodney Schultz of Burlington; step-father Albert Keever of Oquawka; step-sisters Becky Kelly and Brenda Lox; step-brother Bruce Keever; and his two ex-wives Karen and Susan, whom he remained close with. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Megan Danielle Schultz; sister Kathy C. Schultz-Hillier; and half-brother John Reeder.
According to his wishes, his body has been cremated and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be sent to Hunter Schultz at 606 N. Gunnison Street, Burlington, Iowa 52601. Elliott Chapel, New London, is assisting the family and online condolences may be left at www.elliottchapel.com.
Marilyn E. Graber Davison, 95, of Mt. Pleasant, formerly of New London, died Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Briarwood Healthcare Center in Iowa City. She was born November 7, 1930, in Trenton, Iowa, the daughter of Joseph L. and Alice B. Brannon Graber. She married Dean D. Davison on July 21, 1952, and was widowed on November 29, 2010.
She was a student at Eagle Country School until eighth grade and a 1948 graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School. She then received her teaching certificate and began her teaching career in a one room schoolhouse where she taught children through eighth grade at Maple Grove (Prospect) Country School. She went on to teach at Crawfordsville Elementary School and finished her many years of teaching at New London Elementary School, retiring in 1992. She received her B.A. Degree in Education from Iowa Wesleyan College in 1973.
Marilyn was a lifelong member of the Trenton Missionary Church and served as Children’s Sunday School Superintendent as well as Sunday School teacher and Children’s Church director for over fifty years. She also assisted her husband as church treasurer for many years and continued that position for several years after his death.
Marilyn is survived by her daughter Deana (Tim) Gholson of Iowa City and their sons Greg (Kelly) of Urbandale, Iowa and Grant (Kylie) of Windsor Heights, Iowa; her son Brian (Amy) Davison of Dublin, Ohio and their sons Joe (Gabby) of Monroe, North Carolina and Jeff (Kate) of Hilliard, Ohio; five great-grandchildren, Adelynn, Henry, Rosalina, Theodore and Kaleb; sister-in-law Sherry Graber of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband and parents; siblings, Kenneth (Cecile) Graber, Ruth (Max) Wyse, Esther (Elwyn) Hirschy, Josephine (Charles) Conner, and John Graber; in-laws, Dale (Margie) Davison, Arthur (Grace) Davison, Kenneth (Virginia) Davison, Allie (Glen) Guengerich, Dorothy (John) Hinkle, Leo Wagner, Phyllis (Max) Graber, Erma (Duane) Alliman, and Jim (Pat) Davison.
Visitation will begin at noon on Friday at Elliott Chapel, New London, with the family greeting friends from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Trenton Missionary Church with Rev. David Forrester officiating. Burial will follow at Burge Cemetery, New London with a luncheon immediately following at the Pizza Ranch in Mt. Pleasant. Please check in with the hostess for Davison Funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for the Trenton Missionary Church or Burge Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.
James Schultz, 68, of Burlington, Iowa, died Monday, February 2, at home.
Services are pending at Elliott Chapel, New London
Charles Albert Brinkman, 92, of Mt. Pleasant, formerly of Danville, was called
home to be with his Lord and savior on January 26, 2026. He was born on Oct 4,
1933 in Kinderhook, Illinois to Everett A. ’Bud’ and Caroline Helen Brinkman. He
was preceded in death by his siblings John Brinkman of Glen Ellen, IL & Dorothy
Norris of Princeston, WV. Charles graduated from Kinderhook High School &
Gem City Business College in Quincy, IL. There he met the love of his life
Carolyn Lois Murphy who has been waiting for him to join her in eternal life since
May, 20,2022. They married on Nov. 27, 1952 exactly one year from their first
date. They resided in New London for four years before moving to the Iowa Army
Ammunition Plant area, located in Middletown, IA, where he worked in the
accounting department for over 38 years. He served as treasurer for the
Middletown School Board until moving to Danville, IA. He operated his own Tax
and Accounting Business for 50 plus years. Always one to keep busy, after retiring in 1991 from the ammunition plant, he continued to occupy his time with various
other jobs such as Burlington School District, Westland Mall, Danville Bank, and
Dodds Insurance for a short time, he finished out his working days as a janitor
with the Danville School District for 8 years as well as delivering for Tri Oaks.
He dedicated many years of his life to sharing his faith as a Deacon, church
treasurer, and taking part in starting Faith Baptist Church. He was also a
long time board member and treasurer of the Home Bible Study Conference.
He enjoyed serving the community by being a member of the Danville City
Council, Danville’s area representative for the Salvation Army for 15 years
along with volunteering for the American Cancer Society. He also held
various positions with the Lion’s Club, one of those being a trained volunteer
in the Lion’s “Kid’s Sight” program helping save kids eye sight. Along with his
strong desire to help others he was a 5+ gallon blood donor and eye organ
donor. He and his wife Lois opened their home and hearts to a German
Foreign exchange student, Marcus, for a year, while he was attending
college in the states. In his spare time he liked to go fishing,
mushrooming, gardening, camping, traveling; playing board games and
cards. He especially enjoyed his children & grandchildren. He loved to get
down on the floor to play with them and teach them to fish. You would often
find him leisurely riding his bike around town when weather permitted, or
riding on his stationary bike until the age of 91. He found comfort in spending
time with the Lord, reading his Bible, and indulging in good food like catfish,
KFC, warm apple pie and a bowl of ice cream before bed.
He is survived by his four sons: Douglas Lee of Ames; Matthew Duane
(Patti) of Hoffman Estates; Darcy Lynn (Tina) of Mt Pleasant; and Ivan
Charles (Debra) of Cedar Rapids. Also survived by eleven grandchildren:
Jacqueline (Dustin) Tomas; Alaina Brinkman; Karissa (Don) Foster; January
(Luke) Benjamin; Brandon (Brynn) Brinkman; Brittney (Travis) Mensen;
Rachel (Andrew) Quam; Bailey and Jessi Andrew; Chaley and Tumebo
Brinkman. Ten great grandchildren; Drew (Jamie) and Klay Foster; Kade and
Carter Benjamin; Kasin, Harper and Ian Mensen; Brexton Brinkman; Noah
and Eleanor Quam; one great-great granddaughter Colbie Foster and
several special nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Charles’s life will be held at Elliott Chapel in New London, IA,
on February 21, 2026 at 11 AM, with Mr. John Tolander Officiating.
The family will greet friends from 9:30 until the time of the service. There will be
a light luncheon to follow, located at Danville Community Building in Danville,
- According to his wishes his body has been cremated and inurnment will be
in Bonaparte Cemetery, Bonaparte, IA at a later date. Memorials have been
established for the Danville Lions Club, and Danville Community Schools. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.
Sheila Marie Wasson, 79, of West Burlington, died Friday, January 30, 2026, at Wapello Specialty Care in Wapello, IA.
She was born September 30, 1946, in Grinnell, IA. She was the daughter of Max Smith and Norma (Norman) and Neale Stevens.
She was a 1965 graduate of Mason City High School.
Sheila worked as a teacher for Des Moines County Head Start for 30 years. She helped hundreds of children begin their educational path. The Burlington area would frequently read articles in the Hawk Eye by reporter Bobby Wilson, about Sheila and her class. Upon retirement, she worked part time in the Burlington School System.
She was a member of Harmony Bible Church. In her younger years, Sheila enjoyed spending time with her friends, laying in the sun at Lake Geode, hanging at North Hill Tap, and being on the river. As her family grew, Sheila enjoyed every moment with her children and grandchildren. She loved attending their activities and never missed a dance recital.
Survivors include her son, Thomas V. (Karen) Heath, Jr. of Oxford, IA; daughter, Shannon (Jeff) Reynolds of Burlington; seven grandchildren, Brendon (Brittany) Reynolds, Alycia Eakins, Madisyn (Caden) Reynolds, Reagan (Quinten) Heath, Liam Heath, Tyron (Paige) Mack, and Josh Eakins; 10 great-grandchildren, Blane Eakins, Owen Eakins, Brooklyn Reynolds, Lucas Reynolds, Myles Mack, Edwin Weyls, Roran Weyls, Kylo Mack, Piper Reynolds, and Nova Mack; and one niece and two nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father; mother and step-father; husband; sister, Hedy Moore, and a sister in infancy.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her name. Funds will be used to purchase items for children in the Head Start program.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Sheila’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
David Lee Leibli, 74, of Winfield, IA died Thursday, January 29, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family.
Born October 17, 1951, in Burlington, he was the son of Albert and Lillian R Powell Leibli. On July 24, 1972, he married his beloved, June Hillman, in Palmyra, MO.
David worked as an over the road semi driver for much of his career. He later worked for Ideal Ready Mix before retiring and moving on to farm work and hauling grain.
David was an outdoorsman. He loved fishing, hunting morel mushrooms, and hunting. He was proud to say he helped his grandchildren complete their hunter safety course. He was a talented mechanic. When he wasn’t in the outdoors, you could usually find him working on a car. David loved helping people. He would give you the shirt off his back if you asked. He was devoted to his family and friends and had a special place in his heart for his pet Chihauhaus.
Survivors include his wife, June Leibli of Winfield; son, David A (Cheryl Sturgis) Leibli of Morning Sun; daughter, Sue A. (Dave Hillman Jr.) Lite of Mt. Pleasant; 11 grandchildren, Ferrin Heidt, Sylvia DeLong, Austin Leibli, Noah Leibli, Levi Leibli, Barbara Johns, Kenny Johns Jr., Chris Johns, Blake Johns, Brad Johns, and Lilly Johns; 7 great-grandchildren, Elaina Hoyt, Ethan, Tyler DeLong, Dominic, Asher, Rowan, and Evelyn; four brothers, Jimmy Leibli, Larry Leibli, Albert Leibli, and Bill (Tina) Leibli all of Burlington; four sisters, Donna (Ray) Wisener, Shirley Johnson, Sharon (Bob) Young all of Burlington, and Kathy Wasson of Weaver; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Richard and Charles; and sisters, Bonnie and Patricia.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting David’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
Vivian Doris Staats, 92, of Burlington, died Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the Klein Center in West Burlington.
Born May 19, 1933, in West Burlington, she was the daughter of William R. and Flossie E. Walker Massey.
Vivian was a home care professional.
She was a member of Heritage Baptist Church. She enjoyed gardening, dancing, and caring for older people.
Survivors include two sons, William Henry Eilers of Marshalltown, IA and Karl Edward Eilers of Monmouth, IL.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Mary Elizabeth Manning, three brothers, George Reliegh Massey, Delmar Eugene Massey, and William R. Massey, Sr.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
There will be no visitation or services. Burial will be at Burlington Memorial Park at a later date.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Vivian’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.
