MATLACHA, FL - Louis F. Mealhow, age 77, formerly of Vinton, died Saturday, October 23, 2004 at his Matlacha, Florida residence following a sudden illness. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, October 30, 2004 at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Vinton with Rev. Mark C. Urlaub of Bethlehem Lutheran Church officiating. Interment will be held at Evergreen Cemeterywith Flag Presentation Ceremonies conducted by Geo. G. Luckey American Legion Post #57 of Vinton. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4 to 7 P.M. on Friday. The casket will remained closed at all times. A memorial fund has been established. Louis was born October 28, 1926 on the family farm near LaPorte City. In 1944 he graduated from Lincoln High School in Vinton. Louis served his nation in the U.S. Army from September 19, 1946 to January 27, 1948 and was stationed in Japan. On August 1, 1970 he married Hilda (Likens) Mullane at Vinton. The couple enjoyed spending the winter months in Florida where they built their retirement home. Hilda preceded Louis in death on August 24, 1993, and Louis has been a permanent resident of Florida since 1994. Louis farmed in Buchanan and Benton Counties and he retired in the late 1980's. Louis loved fishing, music and dancing. He was a member of the Moose Lodge in Florida. He is survived by his sister, Josephine Erickson of Vinton; his brother, Paul W. Mealhow of Waterloo; his step-daughter, Nancy Long and husband, Gene of Vinton; his step-grandchildren, John Long and wife, Stephanie of Belle Plaine and Penny Wilson and husband, Jim of Vinton; his step-great grandchildren, Jamie Wilson and husband, Jose Sierra of Pella, Kim Newton and husband, Chad of Vinton, and John Patrick, Julie, and Josh Long of Belle Plaint; one step-great-great granddaughter, Annabelle Newton; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Hilda, and his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister, and his sister, Pauline Kessens.

NEWHALL - Jessie Primrose Meland, age 96, died Wednesday, July 14, 2004 at Virginia Gay Annex where she had been a resident the past six years. To honor her wishes, private family services and committal will be held on Saturday. Phillips Funeral Home in Vinton is in charge of arrangements. Jessie was born October 17, 1907 at Atkins to John and Clio (Montague) Primrose. On April 26, 1923 she married John M. Meland at Marion, Iowa. She is survived by her daughter, Marcella Miller of Newhall; her daughter-in-law, Annette Meland of New Sharon; grandchildren, Kathy and Gene Williams of Newhall, Don and Sharon Erland of Katy, TX, Jon Willer of Columbus, NE, Sandy and Bill Livezy of New Sharon and Tom and Terri Meland of Oskaloosa; thirteen great-grandchildren; fourteen great-great-grandchildren and two great-great-great- grandchildren; and special friends, Otto and Pam Claassen. In addition to her parents and husband, John, her son, John R. Meland, her brother, Ferg Primrose; and her grandson, Gary Erland, preceded her in death. The family wants to express thanks to the employees of Virginia Gay Annex for the heart felt care Jessie received. Special thanks to Arleen Schrieber for the weekly letters written to Jessie at the Annex, and also to Mary and Wayne Simnacher for all they have done. Jessie loved you all very much.

NEWHALL - Irene A. Miller, age 88, died Monday, October 11, 2004 at Rock Ridge Residential Care in Shellsburg where she had been a resident the past 2 ½ years. Funeral Services will be held at 10 A.M. on Thursday, October 14, 2004 at St. John Lutheran Church with Rev. Steven Rempfer officiating. Interment will be held at the Keystone Cemetery, Keystone, IA. Friends may call at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Keystone from 5 to 7 P.M. on Wednesday. A memorial fund has been established. Irene was born November 8, 1915 near Keystone to Herman and Amanda (Stein) Selk and rural Keystone schools. On August 15, 1936, she married Waldo L. Miller at St. John Lutheran Church in Keystone. He preceded her in death on December 17, 1972. She retired from Cryovac in Cedar Rapids in 1981. She was a long time member of St. John Lutheran Church. In her leisure she enjoyed gardening and canning and her greatest pleasure came from being a grandmother. She is survived by her son, Gary Miller of Marengo; her daughter, Dianne Patterson of Marengo; her son-in-law, Marty Tompkins of Cedar Rapids; her daughter-in-law, Joan Miller of Newhall; her sister, Hilda Harder of Dysart; nine grandchildren, Tammy (Jim) Rinderknect of Van Horne, Sherri (Scott) Miller of Perry, Rick (Lisa) Miller of Newhall, Tim (Karen) Patterson of Franklin, OH, Doug (Karen) Tompkins of St. Joseph, MI, Jon Miller of Vinton, Susan Miller of Westminster, CO, Teresa Miller of Davenport, and Debbie Tompkins of Cedar Rapids; and seventeen great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Warren Miller; her daughter, Judy Tompkins; her grandson, Mike Tompkins; and two brothers, Wilbert and Lester Selk. The family truly appreciates the loving attention given to Irene by the staff of Rock Ridge Residential Care.

VINTON - Jack N. Milroy, age 80, died Sunday, January 4, 1004 at his residence following a sudden illness. Memorial Services will be held at 2 P.M., Thursday, January 8, 2004 at Wesley United Methodist Church with Rev. Rose Blank officiating. Private Committal Services will be held at Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church following the Memorial Service. Jack was born May 31, 1923 at Manchester to James H. and Margaret (Nichols) Milroy. His family later moved to Vinton and he graduated from Lincoln High School in 1941. In 1948 he graduated from Grinnell College and began his practice as an attorney with his father’s law firm after receiving his law degree from the University of Iowa in 1951. During World War II, Jack served his nation in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946 and was stationed in Europe As an active member of his community and his profession, Jack was a member of and served on several boards of the Vinton Lions Club; served on Vinton’s first Airport Commission, and the first Benton County Board Of Health. He was a member of the Chamber Of Commerce, the Vinton Development Board, the Geo G. Luckey American Legion Post #57 and served as Judge Advocate Of the Iowa Dept of the American Legion from 1959 to 1961. For 18 years he served on the Virginia Gay Hospital Board and the Health Care Foundation at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. He served on the Alumni Board of Grinnell College for six years and was honored as Alumni Of The Year in 1968 for the class of ’48. For two years, Jack was President of the Hawkeye Area Boy Scout Council; was a National Council Representative and received the Silver Beaver Award, the highest Council award given to volunteers. He was also a Charter Member of The Society of Hospital Attorneys, and served on the Board of the Keystone Savings Bank for seven years. For three consecutive terms, 1955-1957-1959, Jack served as Representative to the Iowa State Legislature. On September 5, 1970, he married Virginia Hurless at the Methodist Church in Peru, IN. and she preceded him in death on March 3, 2001. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Jean and George Herger of Vinton; his brother-in-law, Hal Longer of Ft. Myers, FL; his nephews, Mike Herger of Redding CA, Paul Herger and wife, Becky of Vinton, and William Longer and wife, Deb of Hobart, IN; his nieces, Cathy Herger Beatty and husband, Chad of Vinton, and Diane Longer Hardy and husband, Robert of Richmond, VA; and several great nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, his parents, his sister, Patricia Milroy Longer and his nephew, Brian Longer preceded him in death.

HARLINGEN, TX - Elmer M. Moeller, age 93, formerly of Newhall/Atkins area, died Saturday, August 28, 2004 in Valley Baptist Hospital in Harlingen, TX following a short illness. Memorial Services will be held in Harlingen with arrangements by Bock-Ashcroft Funeral Home of Harlingen. Committal Services will be held at a later date at St. Stephen’s Cemeteryin Atkins. Phillips Funeral Home in in charge of local arrangements. Survivors include his wife, Leone, his children, Mary (Bill) Gernaat of Great Falls, MT, Larry (Joanne) Moeller of Newhall, Lt. Col Ret., Pete (Jan) Moeller, Lompoc, CA, Tom (Ksenia) Moeller, Coralville; nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren; two sisters, Hilda (Bill) Plotz of Sacremento, CA and Marie (Ken) Skersick of Paridise, CA. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Anna Moeller; his wife, Alice (Mumma) Moeller; one daughter-in-law; one granddaughter; three sisters, Emma (Mrs. Louis) Fix, Rose (Mrs. Elmer) Werning, and Edna (Mrs. Carl) Hauskins; and one brother, Carl Moeller.

SHELLSBURG - Dorothy Montgomery, age 94, died Tuesday morning, June 10, 2003 at the Vinton Lutheran Home where she has been a resident since March of this year. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Friday, June 13, 2003 at Grace Trinity Church in Shellsburg with Rev. Glen High officiating. Interment will be held at Oakwood Cemeteryin Shellsburg. Friends may call at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Vinton from 5 to 7 P.M., on Thursday. A memorial fund has been established for the Shellsburg Public library and the Shellsburg First Responders. Dorothy was born April 17, 1909 at Staunton, IL to Thomas and Effie (Bond) Jarmon. On September 28, 1926 she married Frank Claire Montgomery at Waterloo and the couple lived in Shellsburg most of their married lives. Frank preceded her in death on August 8, 1982. Dorothy was a member of Grace Trinity Church in Shellsburg, and the Rebekah Lodge. In her leisure she enjoyed crocheting and knitting. For twenty five years she was the Chief Operator at the Farmers Mutual Telephone Co. in Shellsburg. She also worked at several restaurants and part-time at the Shellsburg Library. She is survived by two sons, William Montgomery and wife, Bonnie and Don Montgomery, all of Shellsburg; three grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by five brothers; and four sisters.

VINTON - Stephen “Steve” R. Montgomery, age 49, died late Sunday evening, January 12, 2003 at Viriginia Gay Hospital following a sudden illness. He was born January 28, 1953 at Cedar Rapids to Don R. and M. Elaine (Byse) Montgomery. He and his parents moved to Vinton in 1955 and he graduated from Washington High School in Vinton in 1972. He was united in marriage to Jeanne Welbes on March 1, 1975 at the First Baptist Church in Vinton. Since December 1, 1980, Steve has been employed as a Lineman for East Central Iowa-REC. He enjoyed golf, hunting with his daughters and sons-in-law, fishing and Nascar Racing. But his greatest joy came from being a “Grandpa” and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; his daughters and their families, Angela and Kyle Horak and daughter Emilie of Newhall, and Beth and Justin Hendryx and their daughter, Allissa, and daughter, Abbye who will be born March 11, 2003; his two step-grandchildren, Kaleb and Makenzie Horak; his parents, Don and Elaine Montgomery of Vinton; his maternal grandparents, Lowell S. and Reta Byse of Cedar Rapids; his in-law-parents, Dick and Joann Welbes; his brother-in-law, Kent Welbes and wife, DeAnn of Atkins; his nieces, Holly Welbes of Cedar Rapids, and Joy Welbes of Atkins; several aunts, uncles and cousins; and special friend (like a brother) Dann Albert and wife, Nancy of Vinton. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Guy and Olive Montgomery. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, January 16, 2003 at Wesley United Methodist Church with Rev. Rose Blank officiating. Interment will be held at Bear Creek Cemeterynorth of Vinton. Friends may call at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Vinton from 4 to 7 P.M., today. A memorial fund has been established.

VINTON - Doyle Moore, age 81 died late Friday evening, June 4, 2004 at his residence following a sudden illness. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, June 8, 2004 at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Vinton with Rev. Rick Gail of the First Assembly of God Church in Cedar Rapids officiating. Graveside Military Rites will be held at Evergreen Cemeteryconducted by Geo. G. Luckey American Legion Post #57. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5 to 7 P.M., on Monday. A Memorial Fund has been established. Doyle was born December 4, 1922 at Lineville, IA to Morgan R. and Annie G. (McIntosh) Moore. He lived in the Garrison and Vinton area most of his life. During World War II he served his nation in the Pacific in the US Navy and was awarded thirteen Battle Stars. On May 24, 1950 he married Norma Wood at Vinton. She preceded him in death on September 29, 1992. For thirty-five years he was employed in the Maintenance Dept. of John Deere in Waterloo and he retired in 1982. Doyle was a member of the Assembly Of God Church in Cedar Rapids, Geo. G. Luckey American Legion Post #57 of Vinton, V.F.W. Post #8884, D.A.V. Chapter No.10 of Cedar Rapids, and Local No.838 of the U.A.W. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Gregory Dean and Lee Moore of Colorado Springs, CO, Mark Allen and Robin Moore of Vinton, and Faith Jeannene and Austin Rogers of Osage; grandchildren, Shannon Nielsen and husband, Jim of Britt, Jennifer Barber and husband, Rick of Waterloo, Amy Moore of Colorado Springs, CO., Victoria Moore and Rebecca Moore, both of Vinton; and his great grandsons, Mark and Jonah Nielsen. In addtion to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Stanley, Stacey, Lawrence and Leo Moore and his sister, Gladys Ward.

VINTON - Ruth Bolenbaugh Mullane, age 79, died suddenly at her residence on Wednesday, May 21, 2003. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, May 24, 2003 at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Vinton with Rev. Mark C. Urlaub of Bethlehem Lutheran Church officiating. Private Committal Services will be held at the Garrison Cemeteryprior to the funeral service, therefore the casket will not be present during the service. The family will receive visitors and friends on Friday, May 23rd from 5 to 7 P.M. Ruth was born at Norway, IA to Arthur and Clara Steffenson on November 25, 1923 and graduated from Lincoln High School in Vinton in 1940. She married O.R. (Buzz) Bolenbaugh on April 19, 1942 after he answered the call to serve his country. They moved to Long Island, NY where he was stationed with the U.S. Coast Guard during the war from 1942 to 1945. Ruth was an employee of the Bulova Watch Factory during this time. They returned to Vinton after the war and went into business by establishing the Bolenbaugh Food Marker with Buzz’s uncle, Jack Bolenbaugh. They later purchased the business and operated it as a neighborhood convenience store and meat market until 1976. After the death of her husband on July 5,1985, she married J.P. (Irish) Mullane on September 17, 1986. They took great pleasure in their many years together in their home on the Cedar River in Vinton. They enjoyed winters in Florida, fishing in the Cedar River, Iowa football games, and their children and grandchildren. “Irish” preceded her in death on November 15, 2002. She was also preceded in death by her son, Thomas Bolenbaugh in 1997 and three sisters, and two brothers. Ruth is survived by one son, Scott Bolenbaugh and his wife, Mary of Devon, PA; two grandsons, Kyle Bolenbaugh and his wife, Darci of New York City, and Sam of Devon, PA; a step-daughter, Nancy Long and her husband, Gene, of Vinton; a step-granddaughter, Penny Wilson and her husband, Jim of Vinton; a step-grandson, John Long and his wife, Stephanie of Belle Plaine; and five step-great grandchildren, Jamie Wilson and husband, Jose Sierra of Iowa City, Kim Newton and her husband, Chad of Vinton, and John Patrick, Julie, and Josh Long of Belle Plaine. Ruth will be remembered by all who knew and loved her as a woman of strength, courage and stoicism. During her lifetime, she suffered the untimely loss of her father at an early age, a brother in the prime of his life, two husbands, and a son, yet she never lost her optimism and hope. She dealt with every adversity with dignity and grace.

CLARION - R. Betty J. Mussman age 82, of Clarion, and formerly of Vinton, died Friday July 16, 2004 at Wright Medical Center. Visitation will be held Sunday, July 18th from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M., at Phillips Funeral Home in Vinton and an hour before the services on Monday. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Monday July 19th, at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church Highways 69 and 3 Rowan, Iowa, with Pastor Ray Salemink officiating. Committal Services are scheduled at 3:30 P.M., on Monday at Evergreen Cemeteryin Vinton. R. Betty J. Fuehrer was born August 29, 1921 on the family farm in Canton Township near Shellsburg, the daughter of Edward and Mary Vogt Fuehrer. She married Willard H. Mussman on August 29, 1941 at St. John’s Lutheran Church Parsonage in Newhall. Betty was a farmwife, homemaker and a seamstress. After leaving the farm they operated a Dog ‘n Suds in Washington, Iowa for three years, moving to Clarion in 1969. She enjoyed, sewing, quilting, flowers, gardening and politics. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Immanuel’s Ladies Circle and Wright County Democrats. She is survived by her sons, Ronald D. Mussman of Cedar Rapids and Richard W. Mussman (Barbara) of Clarion; daughter-in-law Kay Mussman of Cedar Rapids; four grandchildren, Lisa Mussman of Studio City, California; Jeff Mussman of Clarion; Michael Mussman of Cedar Rapids, Mark Mussman (Amber) and great grandson Presley Thomas of Cedar Rapids; step grandchildren, David Dorsey of St. Louis Park, Minnesota and Sarah Dorsey of Cedar Falls; brothers, Mick Fuehrer of Vinton and Jim Fuehrer of Shellsburg and many special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Willard on January 4, 1987; her infant daughter Karla on September 7, 1943; son Thomas Mussman on December 23, 1983; sisters Ethel (Til) Dake, Bonnie Bolton, Peg Oyler; brothers Mike and Lyle and grand-daughter-in-law Naomi Mussman on November 16, 2001. Memorials may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church and IPTV.

VINTON - Harold W. Neve, age 93, died Wednesday evening, October 15, 2003 at Virginia Gay Hospital following an extended illness. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, October 18, 2003 at the Presbyterian Church in Vinton with Rev. Jim Blair and Associate Noelle Andrew officiating. Interment will be held at Maplewood Cemeteryin Vinton. Friends may call at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel from 4 to 8 P.M., on Friday. A memorial fund has been established. Harold was born on April 6, 1910 in Taylor Township of Benton County to Albert and Hattie (Wean) Neve and graduated from Vinton’s Lincoln High School in 1928. On June 3, 1931 he married Marguerite Johnson at the Presbyterian Manse in Hudson, Iowa. This past year the couple celebrated their 72nd Wedding Anniversary. The couple farmed in Taylor Township where Harold was born and moved to town in 1958 when Harold and his brother Charlie purchased the Vinton Pool Hall. After selling the Pool Hall, Harold was employed as sales representative for the Federal Crop Insurance Agency and later at Hawk-Bilt. He retired in his early 70’s. In his leisure he enjoyed fishing at his cabin in Wisconsin and for several years he and Marguerite spent winter months in Florida. He also loved playing cards. He will be fondly remembered for his love of life and his wonderful sense of humor. In addition to his wife, Marguerite of Vinton, he is survived by his children, Wayne Neve and wife, Rosie of Vinton, Glenna Wilt of Vinton, John Neve and wife, Jane of Tucson, AZ, and Cheryl Duncklee and husband, David of Waukon; twelve grandchildren; thirty-one great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. His parents; his brothers, Leland and Charlie Neve; his daughter, Virginia Erickson; his grandsons, Denny Neve and Mike Duncklee; and his son-in-law, Warren Wilt, preceded him in death.

VAN HORNE - Thelma M. Nolan, age 94, died early Thursday morning, May 15, 2003 at the Keystone Nursing Care Center following an extended illness. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, May 17, 2003 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Van Horne, with Rev. John Walsh as Celebrant. Interment will be held at Calvary Cemeterynear Van Horne. Friends may call at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Keystone from 4 to 8 P.M., on Friday, where a Scripture Service will begin at 7 P.M.. Thelma was born November 20, 1908 at Platte, SD to Thomas and Lillian (Barron) Harty. Her family moved to Iowa and she graduated from the Keystone High School in 1927. She received her teaching certificate from Coe College and taught in rural schools in the Marengo and Keystone area. On January 15, 1929 she married Leo Nolan at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Van Horne. He preceded her in death in 1969. A loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Thelma enjoyed playing cards with her friends. She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Winifred Nolan and William and Faye Nolan, all of Van Horne; seven grandchildren, Brad Nolan of Van Horne, Jeff Nolan of Winterset, Scott Nolan of Scottsdale, AZ, Tina Butz of Newhall, Michelle Schoening of Vinton, Kevin Nolan of Van Horne, and Greg Nolan of Dysart; twenty one great grandchildren; four step-great grandchildren; and one step great-great grandchild; and her brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Darlene Harty of Keystone. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Verlyn Harty; and her great granddaughter, Madelyn Nolan. A memorial fund has been established.

CENTER POINT: Joy V. Norman, age 93, died Saturday, June 21, 2003 at Higley Mansion Care Center in Cedar Rapids following an extended illness. Services: 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, Urbana Christian Church, Urbana with Rev. Tom Felts officiating. Burial: Urbana Cemetery. Friends may call at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel, Vinton from 4 to 7 P.M., Monday. Joy was born January 7, 1910 at Urbana to Homer and Mary (Albert) Edgeton and graduated from the Urbana High School in 1927. On October 26, 1930 she married Charles W. Norman in Ohio. A successful beautician, Joy and her husband owned and operated a beauty salon in Michigan for many years. Her husband preceded her in death in 1985. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Horace Edgeton; and three sisters, Delia Culver, Pearl Gagney, and Hattie McCarthy. She is survived by her nephew, Ray Culver and wife, Donna of Hiawatha and her grand niece, Cheryl Ferguson and husband, Charlie of Center Point. A memorial fund has been established for the Urbana Christian Church where Joy was a member.

VINTON - Maxene Norris, age 64, died Sunday, June 20, 2004 at Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton following a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, June 23, 2004, at the Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Vinton with Rev. William Kelly officiating. Interment will be held at the Brandon Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5 to 8 P.M. on Tuesday. Maxene was born on March 5, 1940 in Waterloo, the daughter of Glenn and Beatrice Tarbert Stoner. She loved horses and all animals. An accomplished horsewoman, Maxene was a member of the Trailblazers saddle club in Brandon and the Quarter Horse Association. She also loved to fish. She is survived by two sons; Brian Norris and wife Jo, of Rowley, Rick Norris and wife Kelly, of Independence; three daughters, Rhonda Hartman and husband Ron, of Cedar, IA, Shawn Norris of Prairie DuChein, WI, Robin Moore and husband Mark of Vinton; 14 grandchildren; one sister, Janet Von Lehmden and husband John, of Independence; and her long time companion, Dean Mabb of Vinton. She was preceded in death by her parents and her nephew, Tommy Von Lehmden. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.