Obituaries
Howard Franklin Garton
Howard Franklin Garton, son of Keiffer G. Garton and Madge (Dunn) Garton, was born December 22, 1933 at home in Wayne County, Iowa and passed away December 5, 2021 at the age of 87 years.Howard attended primary school at Clay Center, a one-room schoolhouse near the family farm. With encouragement and tuition support from Coy (Fry) Garton, his father's second wife, he commuted with his Aunt Mardelle (Boyd) Southard to Corydon for junior high. Donald A. “Don” DeKlotz
Donald A. “Don” DeKlotz, 91, passed away on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at Unity Point St. Luke’s Hospice in Cedar Rapids.Private family services will be held with interment at Raetz Cemetery, Atkins, with graveside military rites. A Celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family a 2583 71st Street, Newhall, IA 52315. Vernon “Bud” Kopecky
Vernon “Bud” Kopecky was born July 16, 1937 in Belle Plaine, IA: the son of Fred and Gladys (Pavelka) Kopecky. He graduated from Clutier High School in 1955. Bud was employed with Funks Seed Company from 1964 to 1982. He then worked at Ciba Seeds operating the fork lift and was a foreman of the bagging crew, from 1982 to 1994, then working for Alliant Production from 1995 until his retirement in 2001. Richard "Rich" Laurence Lorenzen
Richard "Rich" Laurence Lorenzen was born on Nov. 5, 1945, in Waterloo, the son of Walter and Lillian (Arp) Lorenzen. He grew up on a farm northwest of Dysart and graduated from Dysart High School. On Sept. 5, 1964, Rich was united in marriageto Carol Lassen. The couple made their home in Waterloo until 1968, when they moved to a farm near Dysart. In 1996, they moved to Dysart. Carl Dean Summers
Carl Dean Summers, age 73, of Vinton, IA passed away on Monday, December 13, 2021 at his home. He was born on April 1, 1948 in Jacksonville, IL to George and Dorothy Baker Summers. He married Sandra J. Heard and to this union two sons were born.He graduated from East Pike High School in 1966 and joined the United States Marine Corp and served his country in Vietnam. Mary Ellen (Jabens) Simnacher
Mary Ellen (Jabens) Simnacher, age 78, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at her home in Vinton. Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Sunday, at the Phillips Funeral Home Chapel (212 E. 6th Street) in Vinton. At Mary’s request, the casket will be closed to the public. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, December 20, 2021 at Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton. Billie Josephine Bland Tubaugh
Billie Josephine Bland TubaughYou soared for 97 years.Born September 6, 1924,This world you’ve filled with cheers. From the Mouth of Seneca, West VirginiaWas your early start.World War II sent you to WashingtonTo do your patriotic part. There at a New Year’s Eve DanceYou met your one true love.Roy L. Tubaugh, a Navy man,Was sent to you from God above. Bernice Anita Becker
Bernice Anita Becker, age 91, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at the Vinton Lutheran Home, surrounded by LOVE. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, December 17, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Vinton, with Father Jim Brokman as Celebrant. Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 7:00 PM, Thursday, at the Phillips Funeral Home Chapel (212 E. Gary Thomas Quinlan
Gary Thomas Quinlan, 83, formerly of Belle Plaine, IA passed away December 13, 2021 at home in Ely, IA.Gary was born October 3, 1938 in East Dubuque, IL, to Dorrance and Jean (Bishop) Quinlan. He graduated Xavier High School, Dyersville in 1956. He worked in the grocery business until being drafted to the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Following his service, Gary married Barbara Ann Berkley on April 24, 1965 at the Basilica of St. Alma Ann Pech
Alma Ann Pech, 97, of Belle Plaine, Iowa, passed away Dec. 9, 2021, at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.Alma Ann Pech was born Sept. 23, 1924, to Stephen J. and Theresa (Tracy Posekany) Kozik in the family home in rural Benton County, Iowa. She attended Kane No. 9 rural school, graduating from the Belle Plaine Iowa High School. She was then employed in the office of Funk Bros.