Obituaries for Wednesday January 14th

Rodney (Rod) Eugene Hope, 66, of West Burlington, formerly of New London and Mt. Pleasant, died at 9:28 pm on January 9, 2026 at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.

He was born on November 19, 1959 in Winterset, Iowa to Larry Eugene and Myrna Marie Little Hope.  On April 24, 1982 he married Sherry Blow at the Open Bible Church in Mt. Pleasant.  Together, they raised two sons.

He was a 1978 graduate of Winterset High School and a 1980 graduate of Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny.  He began working at the Fareway Grocery in Winterset during high school.  In 1981 he moved to New London to work for Continental Telephone Company as an install and repairman.  He then worked for Alliant Energy (Iowa Southern Utilities), retiring in 2016 after thirty-two years.

Rod made two meaningful trips to Juarez, Mexico and helped Broken Heart Ministries working on construction projects.  He was a member of the 20th Century Car Club in Mt. Pleasant.

Survivors include his wife Sherry; sons Clint (Megan) Hope of West Burlington and Spencer (Katty) Hope of Des Moines; grandchildren Carson, Callie, Corbin, Hayden, Myra, Lainey and Baby Hope on the way; sister Rhonda Shoafstall (Tom Switzer) of Liscomb, Iowa; step-sister Sheryl Moore of Mt. Pleasant; niece Brandi Morris and nephew Brandon Richards; step-nephew Justin McDonald; step-nieces Akrista McAllister and Jamie Krogmeier; great-niece Bailee Richards, Mariah Richards and Denim Morris; great-nephew Dayton Morris; many cousins and beloved nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father Jim Moore; paternal grandparents Ralph and Gwendolyn Hope; maternal grandparents Charles and Geneva Little; great-nephew Dallon Morris; and his close friend Tom Brown.

According to his wishes, cremation has been entrusted to Elliott Chapel, New London and there will be no services.  A memorial has been established to be determined later.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

The family would like to thank Amy, Amber and the staff at Southeast Iowa regional Hospice House for their compassionate and meaningful care to Rod during this time.

 

 

Roger W. Andre, 74, of Burlington, died Friday, January 9, 2026, at his home, surrounded by family and friends.

Born July 28, 1951, in Burlington, he was the son of Elmer Andre and Genevieve M. (Kelly) Breuer.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army at 17 years of age and served two combat tours in Vietnam.

Roger was a welder and machinist for JI Case Co. for over 25 years until his retirement. He was a member of AMA, UAW, United Automobile Aerospace, Ag. Implement Workers of America and was always pro-union. Roger loved fishing, motorcycles, going to 34 Raceway with his friends, and building and working on sprint cars.

Survivors include two sisters, Georgia Andre of Bullhead, SD and Annette Breuer of Usk, WA; brother, Craig (Denise) Breuer of Coralville, IA; sister-in-law, Dana Andre of Iowa City, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father, Kenneth Breuer, one brother, Colin Andre, and twin nephews, Norman and Narcisse Finley.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.

A celebration of life will be announced in the spring for family and friends.

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.

 

 

William Albert Stott, 70, of Mount Union, died Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at his home.

Born April 13, 1955, at the family home in Mount Union, IA, he was the son of Roy William Stott and Dora Maud Hess Stott.

Bill worked a variety of jobs over the years and most recently had worked for Walmart Warehouse before retiring.

He was a member of the Methodist Church. Bill loved his cats and enjoyed working on cars, gardening, and mowing lawns. He especially enjoyed the mowing he did for Mount Union Auto.

Survivors include his wife, Rhonda Stott, brother, Robert (Johna) Stott of Danville; his daughter, April (Chris) Bayers of Moscow, IA; granddaughters, Michelle and Madison Ray; great grandchildren, Kyler, Grayson, and Bella, all of Muscatine. He is also survived by his son, Marshel Stott; granddaughter, Paityn and grandson, Noah, all of Dallas City, IL; as well as many nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and three sisters.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.

There will be no visitation or services at this time. Burial will be held at a later date in Trinity Cemetery in Mount Union.

Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.

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

 

 

 

Robin Scott Bates, 69, of Burlington, died Monday, January 5, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City.

Born October 6, 1956, in Dayton, OH, he was the son of David M and Betty J. Gebhart Bates.

He graduated from high school in 1974 in Greenville, OH. Immediately following high school, he joined the U.S. Navy.

Rob worked with his brother and together they brought Dominos Pizza to Burlington in 1985 and over the years, they expanded to more locations across Iowa.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching movies and going to the theater.

Survivors include his brother, David M Bates, Jr. of Burlington; two sisters, Cheryl Bates of Dayton, OH, and Irma (James) Heiser of Greenville, OH; a niece and nephew; and seven great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.

There will be no formal services at this time.

Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.

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

 

 

 

Duane R. Beckman, 66, of West Burlington, died Friday, January 2, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.

Born September 17, 1959, in Burlington, he was the son of Robert Wesley and Marlene Louis Orr Beckman. On September 21, 1985, he married Cheryl Lynn Karrmann.

He was a 1978 graduate of Mediapolis Community High School where he played varsity football and basketball, played in the band, and was a member of the Sperry Sodbusters 4-H club and the FFA. He received his Paramedic Certificate from Southeastern Community College and his Iowa Farmer degree in 1979. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1988.

Duane was a dairy, livestock and grain farmer while working in sales for grain, feed, farm chemicals and insurance. He served multiple years on the Dairy Lab board of directors. He also worked as a Technician II in surgery at Burlington Medical Center.

He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church. He enjoyed working on the farm, hunting, and watching various sports including college football and college basketball and professional wrestling.

Survivors include his parents of Mediapolis; wife, Cheryl Lynn Beckman of West Burlington; two sons, Derek Robert (Elisabeth Gerst) Beckman of Mediapolis and Blake Alexander Beckman of West Burlington; four grandchildren, Gabriella, Michael, Lucas, and Matthew; one brother, Randy (Sherlyn) Beckman of Sperry; and three sisters, Charlene (Jeff) Waterhouse of Pleasant Grove, Susan Campbell of Mediapolis, and Gloria (Lance) Christian of Lincoln, NE.

He was preceded by his nephew, Daniel Campbell.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Friday, January 16, 2026 at Peace Lutheran Church, 13646 Beaverdale Road, West Burlington.

The memorial service for Mr. Beckman will be 11:00 AM Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Peace Lutheran Church with Pastor James Zuehls officiating. A time of food and fellowship will be held at the church following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, 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 Duane’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.

 

 

Philip Michael Rowan, 75, of Burlington, died Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.

Born September 24, 1950, in Burlington, IA, he was the son of Phillip B. and Alice Hartman Rowan. On September 27, 1975, he married Marsha Cowger in Mediapolis, IA.

He was a 1968 graduate of Burlington Notre Dame high school. He received his bachelor of science degree from St. Ambrose University.

He was a member of Divine Mercy Parish.

Phil was the owner of D&R Amusement. A hard worker at heart, Phil had a remarkable knack for fixing just about anything, never shying away from a challenge or a late night call to “change the music”.

He was the kind of man people were naturally drawn to. Fun-loving and full of warmth, he had an easy way of making friends wherever he went. Each winter, he made his way to Florida, where he could often be found at his favorite tiki bar, laughing, swapping stories, and welcoming new faces as if they were old friends. Some of his happiest moments were spent along the Mississippi River, where he felt most at peace. He was an avid admirer and collector and he took special pride in the things he loved, especially old cars and guns.

Survivors include his wife, Marsha Rowan of Burlington; two brothers, Steven P. (Morfoula) Rowan of Ankeny, IA and Tom (Debbie) Rowan of Ft. Walton Beach, FL; sister, Sharon Rowan of Franklin, TN; sister-in-law, Kim Lyles of Gallatin, TN; nephew, Alex (Erin) Rowan of Johnston, IA; and two nieces, Julie Rowan of Boulder, CO and Emmy Grey of Murfreesboro, TN.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Sam Lyles.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.

The celebration of life for Phil will be from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 150, 2727 Mt. Pleasant St., Burlington.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for the Des Moines County Humane Society, Burlington Notre Dame Foundation and Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House.

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 Phil’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.

 

 

 

Jerry Lee Sims, 77, of New London, Iowa, formerly of Burlington, died Monday, December 29, 2025, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington. He was born October 22, 1948, in Galesburg, Illinois to Forrest Laverne Sr. and Dorothy Jane Lane Sims. He married Connie Baughman on July 20, 1968, in Galesburg and she died February 27, 2023.

Jerry graduated from Galesburg High School and started his career with Hi-Lo Grocers in Galesburg. In 1973 he went to work for the Burlington Northern Railroad, where he retired in 2008. He was of the Christian faith and enjoyed traveling with his wife in their RV, camping, woodworking, genealogy, spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren; he especially loved making calendars for his family at Christmas.

Jerry is survived by daughters Julie (Ed) Earhart and Brenda (Bruce) Hunter, both of Burlington; six grandchildren; Breanna Purvis, Brittany Earhart, Lorraine Emde, Matthew Earhart, Zach Hunter, and Abby Hunter; seven great grandchildren; Charli Connor, Alexis Emde, Finley Emde, Emma Purvis, Bowden Schier, C.J. Purvis and one on the way, Ivy Lee Schramm. He was preceded in death by his wife, brother Forrest Jr. and sister Joyce Lufkin.

Visitation will be from 9am-2pm, January 17 at Elliott Chapel, New London with the family receiving friends from 1pm-2pm and a graveside service immediately following at Burge Cemetery, rural New London. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for family expenses.

Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com