Obituaries
Tarina Maria Sparks
Tarina Maria Sparks, 49, of Belle Plaine, IA passed away of medical complications February 9, 2025 in Belle Plaine, IA. Tarina was born September 8, 1975 to Wayne A. and Susan K. Sparks and attended Belle Plaine High School. Tarina enjoyed fairies, kittens, and loved to color. She was a loving mother who was kind, gentle, and cared deeply for people. Gerald Selken
Gerald Selken, 82, passed away peacefully Friday, February 14, 2025, at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 21, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Garrison, with Tim Bickel officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 20, at Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home, Vinton, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Norma Jean VanErsvelde
Norma Jean VanErsvelde, age 85 of Brooklyn, passed away Friday, February 7, 2025 at her home under Essence of Life Hospice. Funeral Mass: 11:30 A.M. Wednesday, February 12, 2025, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Brooklyn, with Father Scott Foley officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at Kloster Funeral Home in Brooklyn. Darlene Ica Wright
Darlene Ica Wright, 97, of Coggon, Iowa, passed away on Monday, February 3, 2025, at her daughter's home in rural Vinton. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on her birthday, Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Anchor Bible Church in Center Point, Iowa. The family will greet friends from 10:00 am until the service. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date at Blodgett Cemetery, rural Central City. LeeAnn Sauer
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of LeeAnn Sauer on February 13, 2025, at the age of 64.A Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 7:00 PM, Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the Phillips Funeral Home Chapel (212 E. 6th Street) in Vinton.Born on December 20, 1960, LeeAnn lived a life full of compassion, creativity, and care. She spent 42 years as a nurse at Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab, where she became a trusted friend and caregiver to so many. John Patrick "Pat" Lynch
John Patrick "Pat" Lynch of Mount Auburn, died at home on February 13, 2025. He was the son of Herb and Kathryn (Richart) Lynch. He was born on September 1, 1956, Pat graduated from Washington High School in Vinton with the Class of 1975.He is survived by his sister Becky (Ron Thompson) Lynch of Mount Auburn, brother-in-law Tom Perkins; niece, Rachelle (Dave) Timmerman and nephews, Jeff Spencer, Steven Spencer, and Ryan Perkins. MacKenzie Jane Deahl
MacKenzie Jane Deahl, 25, passed away Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the UI Health Care Medical Center, Iowa City, following a sudden illness. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Oak Grove Church, Shellsburg, with Pastor Matt Magee officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Barbra Louise Formanek
Barbra Louise Formanek, 73, of Rotonda West, Florida, beloved wife and mother, went to heaven on Thursday, January 30, 2025. Funeral services will be held at a later date. A small Celebration of Life was held with immediate family and friends in Rotonda West Florida.Barbra was born on May 27, 1951 to Parents Claude and Marybelle Reed, she was the 4th child of 5 children. Geraldine Jean “Geri” Davis
Geraldine Jean “Geri” Davis, passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025, 6 hours short of her 90th birthday, at the Mary Greeley Medical Center, Ames. A memorial service to celebrate Geri’s life will be held at 11:00a.m., Tuesday, February 11, at the Vinton Presbyterian Church,with Pastor Johannes “Hans” Poetschner officiating. Celebration of Life for Roger Midthun
A Celebration of Life for Roger Midthun is planned for Sunday, February 9th from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm at Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center in Marion (4500 10th St. Marion). Join the family to share memories and celebrate the big life Roger so enjoyed.